Hey friends! Is it really Wednesday already? These weeks have been flying by! Today, I wanted to do a little catch up session to unload some of what’s been swirling around my brain recently. Last time I did this over a month ago, I felt really happy and was pleasantly surprised by your sweet feedback and the fact that many of you connected to my random thoughts, so I hope you’ll join me for some one-on-one time today. It’s just you and me, pal. 🙂
- Sometimes I look at Monja walking around my apartment, chewing on my shoes, or generally wreaking havoc and can’t help but think that my roommate is essentially a wild animal.
- Everything I own is covered in dog hair. EVERYTHING. Sometimes when I’m out with friends, away from Monja for many hours or even days, we’ll find his hairs in odd places, like a bite of food one of us is about to eat or attached to a piece of jewelry.
- Ever since Coachella, my friends and I have been really keen to see live music shows. I went to one last week and have one planned for next week, too. I love it! I used to go to a lot of shows in high school, but kind of fell out of the live music loop for awhile. I’m excited to continue with this. 🙂
- Every time I read anything about dogs dying or being attacked, I start crying. It’s like I have some weird chemical imbalance. A dog died? MELYSSA MUST CRY. All I can think about is Monja and how I’d feel if anything happened to him.
- Monja just farted. A part of me wants to throw up. Another part secretly likes it. I’ve said too much.
- I really love my friends. They’re an eclectic bunch, but they’re all great, positive, and funny. It’s so nice to be around them again, now that I’m not living in Japan anymore.
- You’d think that since I work as a graphic designer and blogger, I’d be spewing with creative juices. But most of the time I really don’t feel that way at all. I guess I’m learning that it’s one thing to be creative and it’s another feeling completely to be creative for someone else. I really love and enjoy what I get to do and often find myself “in the zone” while working, but there’s still something about it all that doesn’t feel quite as free as my creative hobbies used to. Perhaps because most of what I do isn’t really for me anymore — it’s for clients, readers, sponsors, anyone but myself. That doesn’t mean I’m unhappy with what I do, but more so that I need to actively carve out more time to let myself create for me. Wow, I feel like I just had a big revelation. I’m excited to put this thought into practice. 🙂
- I also think I want to get back into photography. It was a huge hobby of mine a couple years ago and made me feel so good whenever I did it, but it fell by the wayside when I took up graphic design and blogging. I think it’s time to bring it back. 🙂
- When I have long to-do lists, I can get pretty down on myself. I especially hate the feeling of being behind or letting people down. Usually when either of those things happen, I end up doing even less because I feel unmotivated and perhaps a little scared to begin my mountain of tasks. But I’ve found that when that happens, I have to focus on being kind to myself and allowing mistakes. I did that yesterday, after looking at my endless inbox and to-do list, and ya know what? I got a ton done and felt really great the whole day. Our attitude plays such a big role in what we’re capable of.
- What’s your favorite candy? I recently realized that I have three criteria for mine: gummy, sour, and fruity. Prime examples include Sour Patch Kids, anything made by Trolli, and Rips.
- I sold some random thing I own on eBay for almost $200 and now I have a sincere desire to sell everything in my house on eBay.
- I like weird people and weird things. I like weird. 🙂
- People often ask me what I miss about Japan. Mostly, it’s just the feeling I had there. I can’t really explain it. But I also really miss the language. When I see or hear Japanese, it means so much to me.
- Lately I’ve been feeling a rut with my blog for perhaps the first time since its inception. It’s not that I dislike it — not that at all. But it’s that I feel less confident in my voice and what I have to offer. My thinking is that, since I’ve read SO many blog posts and articles at this point, nothing I think of feels original or useful anymore. I scrap more ideas than I keep, whereas before I was a machine — churning out new ideas constantly. I think I need to both believe in the usefulness of what I have to say and try to think outside the box a little more. I’m working on that and happy with some of the ideas I’ve conjured up so far.
- I’m reading a book by Chuck Palahniuk and I love how his novels always make me think and question the world. He definitely brings out the cynic in me though, so I usually find it best to read something more idealistic in between Chuck books, otherwise I slowly begin to hate the world. *grin*
- When I went to Coachella for the weekend, I took Monja to a new daycare/boarding center. There, he played with other dogs in one room all day, everyday. I was really nervous about that. The last boarding center we went to said he wasn’t allowed to have contact with other animals because of how he is toward other dogs on-leash (i.e. insane). That kind of broke my spirit and I was worried about what might happen at this new place with other dogs in such close proximity. But when I picked him up they told me “he was perfect” and played the whole weekend. It really meant so much to me that they gave him a chance.
- I read this quote recently and loved it: “Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.” It’s be Leon J. Suenes.
I think that’s enough for today! I’d love to hear some of your recent thoughts in the comments.
Live music really is the best. I went to a concert for the first time in a while early last year, and just the energy of the crowd and the band made me feel unbelievable. Since then I’ve some amaaazing shows and I think it’s played a part in helping my creativity, I think it’ll do the same for you. Also random question: did you go to school for web design? I’ve been trying to get into web design and such, and was wondering you could offer resources for learning it on your own.
Yeah!! Isn’t it crazy? My friends and I were thinking it was because of the adrenaline.
No, I didn’t go to school for web design. I’ve just been messing around in design programs for several years and learning new skills along the way. I’ve never really taken any classes, but I’ve heard Skillshare and Nicole’s Classes are good places to start. 🙂 I also just think that messing around with all the features is a great place to start, too!
this is a lovely post. It’s always nice to read other people’s random thoughts as sometimes we can get caught up with them all swimming inside our mind!
Glad you liked it, Mel! And I totally agree. 🙂
One thing to keep in mind is you may have read 100’s of blog posts and articles but not one of your readers will have read exactly the same things as you so you will be bringing at least one person something new with your posts and that each person is unique and if we both wrote about say quesadillas or even better Chronic Tacos quesadillas we would each bring our own unique voice to how awesome they are and therefore both posts would need to be out in the internet waiting for someone to come along and want to go find a Chronic Tacos or make themselves a quesadilla for dinner.
I seriously adore you. 🙂 And I totally agree. Thank you for that inspiration. And for including Chronic Tacos. You da best, Bailie. 🙂
I can relate to number 9 SO much – just spent a good hour wallowing in how long my to-do list is and how much I need to get done. I will definitely try to put your approach of being kind to yourself into action – thanks, Melyssa 🙂
Do it!! 🙂 I’m glad I’m not alone on to-do list wallowing, but we totally got this. 🙂
I’m sorry… #5 had me rotflmao! Idk if I could’ve admitted that. 🙂 isn’t it awesome when you reconnect with hobbies or things you used to be into? It’s comforting in a way. Almost like visiting your old self and recognizing a friend. After college I had the same problem with being creative! I was so used to be told what to create I had no idea what I wanted to do or make on my own! It’s very important to do so though that way you stay inspired.
HAH I’m glad it made you laugh. I was thinking of back-spacing that one, but then I was like hmm maybe someone will appreciate this.
And I all kinds of love your other comments. I think you’re so right, both about reconnecting with your former self and staying inspired by creating for yourself. Thank you for those reminders!
I recently sold some things on Craigslist and now I swear I feel like EVERYTHING must go! And I love love love number 17. I’ve never seen that quote before but now I feel like I need it hanging somewhere in my house ASAP. Thank you!
haha I know right?! It’s so exciting to sell things you don’t use anymore. haha. And I’m glad you like that quote! It was written on the wall of a pizza place here and I had to take a picture. 🙂
When ever I go to a concert I get hooked and want to attend as many concerts as possible. Outdoor music festivals are such a blast!
I know right?! Currently have three more in my planner. SO HAPPY.
I’m a foreign room reader and also one of her guest bloggers while she’s away…so with that said…stopped by to say hello and show support!
Danica
Aw thanks for stopping by and saying hi, Danica! Excited to read your post. 🙂
#9 is how I feel too. I’m also a major doggie-sap. Last week, a local police K-9 was killed on the job, and I was really sad about it. He saved his owner’s life, and then wandered off to die alone in a bush. Dogs are amazing, and for that, I am always sad to hear stories of dogs that die. I was bawling when I listened to a Moth story about an NYPD officer and his wife’s little dog. Such a good story, but so sad (other things I can’t handle: grown, tough men crying- that’s when you know its really sad).
Oh man, what a sad story. I love learning about how dogs work and the ways they differ from humans. They’re such neat animals. 🙂 I also cry whenever grown men cry. I saw my dad cry once and will probably never forget it.
I avoid stories about dogs purposely just in case something happens to the dog, because I can’t handle that sort of thing either. My dog is my BFF and they’re just the sweetest, most loyal creatures that it’s hard to hear about stuff like that. I love Sour Patch Kids. They are my favorite candy!
I also have long to-do lists. I make unreasonable to-do lists and finally came to the realization that since I always do that, I should give myself some flexibility. So when I don’t finish all of the items on my to do list for a day, I push them off to the next. And the next and the next, usually, because my to do lists are that long. 🙂
Yeah maybe I should start avoiding them too, haha! I just stumble upon them on Instagram or something and then fall apart. I love that your dog is your BFF, too. 🙂 They’re pretty much the best.
Your to-do lists sound an awful lot like mine. I’m coming to terms with that still haha.
Yes, yes, YES! I feel like I just got this generous helping of Melyssa and I love it. I laughed out loud several times and wouldn’t you know it, my dachshund just farted right next to me in the theater as I was reading. Perfection. In a really smelly way.
hahaha he was clearly sending a message to Monja. Maybe they want to be friends. It only makes sense.
Thoughts on your thoughts…
#2: I feel ya. And you can imagine that I have twice as much dog as you. I find it on my mascara a lot, and in bites of food or everything pretty much.
#10: Sour Patch Kids hands down.
#11: I sold some LuLu Lemon clothes on there and now want to sell all that I own (I live in the stuff because of work)… but I also find myself looking around my house, asking myself “what else can I sell”
#14: I feel the same, but what is funny and wonderful to read that you feel that way is that I look to you as someone who’s got it together in the blog world. Someone once told me that everything has pretty much been written about (especially in the blog world) but there is only one me (or in this case YOU) and something through your eyes and your thoughts could come across in a much different way… plus with your big heart and positive outlook you could probably write a blog post about picking up dog poop and make it sound entertaining and funny. Keep on rocking your stuff girl… you’re inspiring.
🙂
haha in your mascara? That is a new level of fur invasion. And I find myself looking around my house doing the same thing. I’ve found a few worthy candidates, so hopefully I can sell those too. 😀
Thank you for your motivating blogland words. I appreciate that so much and I’m really glad it seems like I’ve “got things together.” 🙂 I definitely love blogging, so I think I just need to revitalize how I approach it. Dog poop posts and all. 😉
Re: #14 – TOTALLY. I feel that way too, but it’s mostly after I read soo much about blogging online that I feel like I don’t even want to do it anymore because I’m apparently doing it all wrong. I feel like nothing is what it could be, and it makes me not want to keep at it. Sometimes you just have to shove the stuff people tell you aside and do your own thing. It’s better with less knowledge sometimes, that’s when all the creative stuff happens!
I couldn’t agree more! There’s just so much out there telling you what to do that it’s hard to sift through and find out what feels right to you. We got this! 🙂
It sucks that you feel in a rut with your blog. I have only just recently discovered you, and I adore your voice, and what you offer. Seriously.
But I do understand what you mean about reading so much that’s out there, and feeling like there can’t be anything left to say. Thanks for sticking with it so I could find you. I am loving it here.
That really means so much to me. Thank you Kristen. 🙂
Ok I can relate with 75% of these! I know exactly how you feel about your dog! And the dog hair! Haha and I tend to tear up with a lot of things too… Dogs, horses, animals in general, people in love…… Maybe it’s just a girl thing haha I mean we can’t be the only ones right?! I also know how it feel to be in a rut with your blog or like you don’t have a voice. Most the time blogging feels like your talking to a brick wall! But I always find it worth it when I get a sweet comment or a mention. Not to mention reading others blogs who feel the same things you do!
haha that’s so true! I tear up when anything bad happens to someone — animal or human. Especially animal haha.
Reading too many blogs gets me down sometimes too. I usually try and take a break and I feel creative again! Also Penny is a crazy dog when she meets new people or dogs too. You are not alone.
I’m glad Monja isn’t the only crazy one. 😉
One of my new found candies (which falls in to the sour, gummy, and fruity category) is “sour patch peach”. Think peach ring in a perfect bite sized candy. I have never seen these in stores (gas stations) but found them in a candy store (duh) so basically I devoured them and have none left and no place to buy them ):
Sour.Patch.Peach. Dear god I need those.
lol I can totally relate to number 11! I am totally the kind of person who would sell one thing on Ebay and then think.. hey do I really need a TV?!? lol I think my husband would wrestle me to the ground over the TV since Game of Thrones is currently on HBO!
hahah If I had a TV it would already be listed. 😉 I’ve heard Game of Thrones is crazy good though!
#5 My dog Chloe did that last night and it was like an ongoing thing, she even looked at me like I did it. #7 I recently started a blog and I also feel like I am not creative enough, as an aspiring photographer I also feel the same, because you’d think I had all these amazing pictures = (. I have Pitbulls so it is difficult to go out of town because I am afraid to leave them in a day care.
(www.vashandlolo.com)
hahah sometimes my dog looks at me too. i feel like he’s saying, “did you hear that?” haha. And aahhh I can totally relate to each of your other comments. Thanks so much for sharing, Vashti!
Reading blogs all day makes mine feel less important but ultimately were supposed to be doing it for ourselves anyway right?
This just made me smile! I can feel your radiance and positivity shining through! I also love how quickly you’re able to turn things around. Something that may be discouraging or a negative dwelling point for me turns into optimism and a new, fun endeavor for you. I really love that! 🙂
Love this, and the way you uncover joy in the little things! And totally with you on Ebay. All it takes is selling one thing on Ebay or at a yard sale and suddenly I want to sell the whole house.
I love this post! I am with you about not feeling creative sometimes when it comes to your blog. After reading other people’s blogs I can’t help but sometimes compare them to mine and I feel inadequate but then I remember that I need to keep being me and people will love it or move on.
I went to a Lana Del Rey concert this week and it’s been almost two years since my last concert and I wanna keep going to concerts now. Never been to a music festival, but it’s a must do for me!
Seriously thinking about selling some of my stuff online. As I mentioned in your financial tips post, I got 3 credit cards and I’m not liking how that interest is racking up, WTF. I have a trip to book too that’s coming up in July so hopefully selling this stuff will pay for my airline ticket.
Have a good weekend Melyssa!
Which book by Chuck Palahniuk are you reading?! I really enjoyed ‘Invisible Monsters’ (I think that was the title…)
In regards to #10 – add sour skittles to the list and those are pretty much all of my favorites. And in regards to #11 – I started selling stuff on Craigs List in order to buy a new camera (which I’m pretty stoked about) and now that I have $550 towards my new camera I’m really excited to see what else I can sell. I totally get it.