Vapid shopping post.

I like to think that I'm relatively un-consumeristic (I feel like I made that word up..).  I know that the less I consume, the better it is for the environment, but I also strongly believe that the best kind of life is not one of rampant consumerism.  It's just not good for the soul. 

Now...all that said, I want to share some recent purchases that I am very pleased with.. The first is my new MacBook, which arrived Wednesday (I had to special order extra hard drive space..)!!

I'm in love with this thing...if only because on the first day I had it, I was able to video chat with a dear friend in China...sweet sweetness.  Also, the battery life is incredible.  And it just looks cool.  

The second item is this necklace:

Amy posted quite a while ago about this woman (Tracy) on Etsy who makes all kinds of silver jewelry, but who was making a special group of necklaces, the proceeds of which are going to her daughter's Ethiopian adoption.  I love all the necklaces, but this one in particular is the one that I thought really describes my frame of mind.  Hope for Africa.  And a contribution to bring a sweet orphan home.  Tracy also makes some Guatemala and China necklaces too...they're all fantastic.

My last shopping comment is to pass on Blair's information about Tom's shoes.  If you don't know what they are, they give away a pair of shoes for every pair they sell, so you can at least feel a little bit better about the shoe shopping (and they're cute, and comfortable)...but if you order online and use the promotional code HANSON you get $7 off your purchase, just so you know!  Apparently the band Hanson does some Tom's promotions or something, but all I know is you get a discount!

I think that is all. Oh, except that midterms aren't going so well, so I made a batch of cupcakes tonight. Yum.

Saturday Night Live.

This weekend turned out a little bit differently than I had anticipated. After a lovely lunch at Pei Wei with Amy, Bekah, Mandy, and Tara, I had an allergic reaction to my delicious pad thai. For some reason, that allergic reaction has now manifested itself in a pretty nasty head cold. So I've been rather lazy this weekend, and have been trying to make myself study for the two tests I have this week. Oh, and like every time I get sick, I made a huge pot of soup. And it is soo good.


But, the highlight of the weekend is that after many months of waiting...Saturday Night Live is back!! So much has transpired in the political races since the strike that I can't wait to see how they weigh in. When they last appeared, Obama was still quite a ways behind Clinton, Huckabee wasn't really on the map, and Romney and Guiliani were favored over McCain...so it should be fun to watch. Oh, and Tina Fey is hosting, yay!

And...the big question is who is going to play Obama? They didn't really need one before, but obviously they do now. So we will see! I know you're all jealous of my amazingly cool life now.

Public Service Announcement

The Hills starts back March 24. It's about time. And here is a sneak peek of what's in store!

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

Looks like things may not be so great for my fav couple, Lauren and Brody. P.S. Lauren recently turned 22 also. I feel like she is waaaay older than me.

Double-deuce.

So I turn 22 today, and apparently in blog-land that means I have to tell 22 things about myself...So, I shall try!

1. This is my first birthday without my parents (that's just a little guilt trip for you mom, love you!).
2. I don't eat white condiments.
3. I don't like hanging out with large groups of people. 4ish is perfect.
4. I have a fish. His name is Fish. I'm pretty sure he loves me.
5. I love the Darkness. Sometimes I turn them up really loud and act like I'm a lot cooler than I actually am.
6. I watch TV on DVD all the time and have lots of seasons of lots of shows.
7. I love reading
8. and baking
9. The best book I was assigned to read in college was The Wretched of the Earth by Franz Fanon. It's still one of my favorites.
10. I don't like the peanut butter/chocolate combination. I don't know why.
11. The only tickets I've ever gotten are parking tickets. I've never even been pulled over.
12. I'm a little bit obsessed with political commentary.
13. Okay, maybe a lot.
14. I love antiques.
15. Last year on my big 21st birthday the bathroom flooded in my townhouse, so after my roommate and I cleaned it up we each had a beer and went to bed. Fun times.
16. Every now and again I think about going vegan. But I love cheese too much.
17. I still listen to Lisa Loeb. I'm probably one of the few.
18. I keep up with all the celebrity gossip. Just ask me what's going on..
19. I never really learned how to cook meat, so I'm hoping that's not a skill I'll ever need.
20. I used to play the flute.
21. Sometimes I miss having roommates!
22. I am thrilled to no longer hear bartenders say "oh, just barely!"

Early birthday surprise.

As I was heading out of my apartment today, guess what was being delivered? This beautiful arrangement that my parents sent a little early for my birthday. I had forgotten how much I love fresh flowers, I am enjoying them very much!


Also, I must admit that I have fallen a little behind in my reading...so yesterday, I read a cheesy FBI thriller from the library. I've been feeling a little guilty about lowering my usually high standards, but you know what? I'm now back on track with my book a week resolution, so feel free to judge. I'm judging myself! Come Hell or High Water is re-introducing me to reading something written by someone with some intellect. That may sound snarky, but it's true.