Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Times are always changing. For me, right now, this holds especially true.

When you're a freelancer -- no matter what type of field you're in (for me, that field is television) -- change is generally the number one consistency in life.

So it goes.

The show I'm currently working on ends in about a month. And then? Well, ideally, I move onto the next one. But right now, things are very up in the air.

Also up in the air is my living situation. The fact that I adore my first place is both a blessing (it's everything I was looking for, a year ago and today; my own place, a safe haven that I feel 100% comfortable in) and a curse (it's looking like I need to move and realistically, I doubt I'll find a better place that's in my budget). I've come to realize just how much I adore living alone, and would prefer to keep it that way. But I'm putting my big girl helmet on and trying to keep an open mind.

I'm a major planner. I like to know what's coming next. And currently, I have neither a plan nor any idea of what's on the horizon.

I do not like this.

But I'm learning to roll with the punches.

So. What's currently changing in your life? Or, if nothing is (lucky duck!), what do you wish would change in your life?

Loving Lately, v1

Hey, hey, hey!

It's such a gorgeous day here (72 degrees) that I can't help but be in a good mood.

Sure, I may have to find a new place and a new job in the span of just a month and a half (!?). But a) I'm gonna do it, because I have to and b) I'm just not in the mood to worry about that right now.

What I am in the mood to do is tell you about some stuff I'm into right now. Just because. So here goes.

Currently loving...

My new TOMS

Nicole had this great event going on with TOMS and unfortunately, I missed the coupon deal. But that didn't quell my fascination with the company and their shoes. I had to buy a pair. So I did. And I wore them for the first time today. And they are comfortable. So comfortable. And cute. And I love them. And I think they're kind of like tattoos: once you get one, you immediately want another. (Side note: I don't have any tattoos, but oh well.) Kiiinda coveting these at the moment...

Kristen Wiig

Kristen. Freaking. Wiig, man. Did you all see Bridesmaids? If not, get your pretty little ass out to a theater and be prepared to laugh said pretty little ass off. Liza and I saw it last weekend and died. Just died. One of the funniest films I've seen in a while.

But anyway, back to Kristen. Freaking. Wiig, man. She shines. Definitely Cheri Oteri 2.0. My new comedy crush.

Barefoot Wine

This isn't really a new thing for me. I just felt the need to reiterate how much I love their wines. Not only do they make every kind of wine (well, maybe not every one, but all the generic ones anyway), but their label is cute. Yes, I'm totally that girl that judges nail polish colors by their names (hi OPI, hire me to name your shit), and I guess I'm the same way with wine. Plus, it's easy on your wallet (about $6 a bottle). Plus plus, they make mini bottles (which I always think they should've labeled Tiny Feet...or something...). I always have a bottle in the apartment (...or 3).

Suck It, Wonder Woman!

Maybe I'm just surface-deep, because I pulled a nail polish move and bought this book because I loved the cover. Turns out, I also love Olivia Munn and her writing style. She's basically the hottest geek around (and half Asian, have I ever told you about my thing for half Asians?) and hilarious to boot. And, and! She loves pie. Therefore, I love her. And this book.

Bare Minerals

For a very long while, I was hooked on Cargo foundation. I'm not a makeup girl by any means; never have been, probably never will be. But this product was so easy and I just loved it. Then Sephora stopped carrying it. Then I finally found it again at Ulta. Then Ulta ran out and I would come back and come back again and they still hadn't gotten it in yet and I was just done. I needed something. So I allowed my friend to convert me to Bare Minerals.

I am such a believer.

Blah blah blah, you feel like you're wearing no makeup, blah blah, it's so light and natural, blah.

All of this is true.

I got the intro kit and am obsessed.

Suck it, Cargo. This girl waits for no...foundation.

What are you loving lately?

[photos from www.stockholmobjects.com, barnesandnoble.com, www.chickswelike.com, www.barefootwine.com and www.bareescentuals.com]

A Milestone Birthday In Sin City, Contiki Style

Well, it's official: I'm 25.

Here's the thing I've come to realize about 25: it only feels old.

At first, I was all, well shit. I'm about to turn 25, and here I am -- I'm jumping from freelance gig to freelance gig (and therefore have no permanent source of income), I'm single (and therefore have no permanent relationship) and I'm still not quite sure what I want to do with my life or where the hell it's even headed (and therefore no permanent...sense of permanence).

I also associated turning 25 with not having any more valid excuses for stupidity/screw-ups/mistakes/all around moronic moves in life. Because, you know...you're 25.

I shouldn't have had that second slice of pizza. But whatever, I'm 20. Fast metabolism, FTW!

I was stupid to order that fifth shot of vodka. Wait, no I wasn't. I'm 21, damn it!

Oh God, why the hell did I make out with that douche bag? Eff it, I'm 22. Who cares?

Aaand $500 later, I finally have that dress I've been coveting. Whoops! Eh, I'm 23. People do that at this age.

Why did I think it was a good idea to get that tattoo? Because I'm 24, wee!

Oh. Shit. I'm 25. What can I do now that's still justified by being...25?

Know what I mean?

Well, as it turns out, the answer is: a lot.

Because 25 isn't what it used to be. 25 no longer means a serious relationship that's headed toward marriage, a career and a stable life. If it did, where would the Quarterlife Crisis fit in? 25 -- at least to me -- means whatever the hell you want it to mean. And to me, right now? 25 means a quarter of a century that I know I've lived damn well, and a new year to do the same thing...but even better.

Which is why I spent it with some of my favorite people. In Vegas.

I was so amazed that we came from all over the map (I'm talking as close as Sacramento to as remote as London!) and pulled this off. Not surprised. But amazed. Amazed and so, so grateful.

No captions here, just a few photos.

Happy Birthday to me, indeed!

Blogging Really Is My Happy Place

I'd like to say that my motivation to return to blogging came solely from me, but...well, then I'd be lying.

I know I sound like a walking cliche when I say that, "like, OMG! I had no idea I'd meet so many great people -- let alone any people at all -- through blogging. This little corner of the internet was originally just a writing outlet, for me and me alone." But it's the damn truth! All of this to say that we're human; of course it makes us feel valued/special/important. But most of all, it makes us feel happy when someone appreciates your blog. And when that person is a fellow blogger? Even better.

That was just a big elongated thank you to Jenn for giving me that little kick in the ass that I needed to come back to the blogosphere. I know I'm happier when I'm blogging, so why shouldn't I be doing it on a more regular basis? It's a no-brainer and yet, I've been quite MIA the past few months. Oh well, I'm here now.

And as of last Friday (yep, Friday the 13th, yikes), I'm 25! And I celebrated in Vegas! With my friends from my Europe trip!

(Can you guess what my next post will be?)

Hey Ma

I find this photo very appropriate, considering we celebrated my birthday (what I deemed "Ali's Fake Birthday") last night and today, it's all about my mama.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you.

Hey, Is This Thing On?

Slowly but surely, I'm easing back in to this whole blogging...thang.

I've decided that taking a break from blogging (or, in this case, a long freaking sabbatical) is like taking a break from driving a car or riding a bike; you're shaky when you start up again, but once you put your hands to the keyboard? It feels completely natural, just like you remember it.

6 minutes ago began the first of May -- my birthday month. Normally, I wouldn't mention this, since I don't like to make a big deal out of my birthday (only other people's). But since I like to have a reason and/or justification for almost everything, I'm gonna go ahead and mention that this is somewhat (and I use that term very loosely here) symbolic, since I'm finally attempting to get back in the blogging saddle again.

I've missed this little corner of my life very much. But I also know that I want a fresh start here, in many senses of the word. So we'll see how this goes.

In the meantime, I'm gonna go read this book, listen to my neighbor blasting some movie way too loud and embrace the current unknown.

(Trust me, that's not as deep as it sounds...)

Thank you for sticking with me.