Top Lessons Learned

Ten Ways To Save Money During The Holidays

Top Ten - Things I'll Never Understand Edition

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

Top Ten - You Might Be In Love Edition

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

Top Ten - Things People Don't Tell You About Pets Edition

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

Top Ten - Person You Love Edition

See the questions above? They can save you a lot of time and heartache if you know how to use them. These are, in my opinion, the most important things to know about someone that you're in a relationship with, and I'll explain why:

1. Didn't you see the episode of Friends where Monica gets stung by a jellyfish? Who pees on her? And who does she end up marrying!? You need to know that the person you love is going to be able to step up to the plate in an emergency/awkward situation. Would this person step out of their comfort zone for you? Knowledge is power, friends!

2. Babies. Ah yes, nature's miracle and a sense of smell's worst nightmare. This is a big one. Making the babies is the easy part, but what to do with them afterwards is where the trouble can kick in. How to raise them; who does what; and if you'd be able to come to an agreement; these are the things you need to know for the long run. If you get to this point and you have different opinions, you're toast!

3. Money. You can do so many things with it, but some of them aren't so great. What a person will do with money is a great way to understand how their mind works and where their priorities lie.

4. Travel the world or stay at home? People who differ on this may find that it's hard to keep a relationship going when your other half is nowhere near you. It's good to know if this situation could arise in your future.

5. The shower debate. Dry off in the shower and step out dry, or step out wet and drip little droplets of water on the floor. This is a very small, non important thing, of course, but how you deal with eachother's annoying habits is a matter of concern. Are you going to flip out over every little thing? Will they?

6. When someone can't sleep because the other person snores like a lumberjack, things can get a little bizarre. Sleep is important, and when you don't get enough you can go a little crazy. I once grabbed Boyfriend's face and plugged his nose (in my semi sleep state). He told me about it the next morning, I had no recollection. I think if you manage to not kill someone who's ruining your sleep, you're obviously in love.

7. This one could start a fight, but that's half the point. If you can't be honest enough with eachother to talk not just about your lovey dovey feelings, but what makes you want to shake them into oblivion, it's not going to work. Full disclosure is the best policy.

8. Ti'll death do ye part, or until the milk runs out. Difference in opinion here is a make or break.

9. Age does not a grown up make. What are this person's goals for the future, and do they have any special aspirations for themself? If you're a pet loving vegan and this person wants to grow up to own a slaughterhouse (just an extreme example), maybe your paths should part. You need to know that your dreams can work together.

10. Absolutely no budge, what they won't change or give up. If it's something you really have a problem with, you may be at a stalemate.

Of course, you need to ask yourself all of these questions as well. Love is a fickle mistress and it's A LOT of hard work to maintain. I think if you're good with these ten things, you could be well on your way to a very shiny future together.

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

Top Ten - Bad Mood Edition

Ways To Boost Your Mood

Both sides of the spectrum. My sister thought hanging out with me was worthy of dressing

nicely and doing her makeup. I dragged her hiking. In the woods. In the deep snow.

I don't know about anyone else, but sometimes I have a really hard time getting out of bed and mustering up the energy I need for the day. This leads to me reluctantly wiggling into my slippers and getting crankier with every sip of my morning hot chocolate. On days like these, I need help boosting my mood because I don't want to turn velociraptor on anyone. Here are some things that I find help keep me from screaming "GET OFF MY LAWN, YOU KIDS!"

1. Shake what your mama gave'ya! Admitedly, my mom didn't give me much to work with (my behind is flatter than week old soda with the top off), but I shake it anyway! If you can get yourself up and moving around, you're on your way to Upside Down Frownville.

2. Wear something that you love. Got something that makes you smile and/or always gets you compliments? March on over to your closet and get that thing on your body, STAT!

3. Eat something that will make you feel full, but not give you a weighed down feeling. Bananas and apples are my go to snack for this. It's hard to feel energized when you feel so stuffed that you're unsure which end will blow first.

4. Set small goals for yourself. I have days when I decide that I am going to do everything. EVERY. THING. Putting too much pressure on yourself is a bad idea; if I don't just give up out of exhaustion midway through the day, I end up feeling like a failure in the end because there's so much left undone. Set little goals that you know can get done. Small goals = Large victories. Don't worry, you can still rule the world, but  give yourself at least a few days.

5. Try to think of at least three different times in your life when you've gotten through a crummy situation. If you start to feel overwhelmed during the day, tell yourself that this will be a moment you can add to that list. Hopefully this will help reassure you that you're going to get though it, and make you feel less like doo doo butter.

6. Smile. Listen to, or watch something that makes you laugh. It goes without saying, but laughing ups your mood big time! Flight of the Conchords always does it for me. I laugh even thinking about it (and I snort when I laugh, so it generally makes someone else laugh too).

7. Treat yourself somehow. Do something you love that you don't normally do for yourself to brighten your day. Buy or eat a little piece of happiness.

8. Give someone else a compliment. Guaranteed you aren't the only one out there who is ready to Hulk out, so brighten someone else's day by saying something nice. It will make you feel good too.

9. Spend time with someone who brings out the best in you. Being around positive is contageous. Go ahead, catch the fun flu!

10. Don't be hard on yourself. Everyone has crummy days, and everyone gets twitchy eye because of that crying baby in the waiting area (even if they don't want to admit it). Cut yourself some slack, curse under your breath, and keep going. You're good! :)

Hopefully this makes someone laugh or inspires happy thoughts. Sometimes you've gotta have a tv day on the couch, but most days you really need to get out into the world and get your stuff done. I really hope everyone out there is having a great day, but if not, maybe some of these suggestions will be worth a try.

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

Top Five - The Sweatpants Edition

That's right, give in to my embrace

Reasons To Wear Sweatpants

1. Life can be tiring! It's always great to dress up and look shiny, but we all need a break sometimes. Bumming around the house in your ol'faithfuls while watching The Little Mermaid might be just what you need to get your mojo back. So go ahead, instead of going downtown this Friday night and having a bunch of popped collars grabbing your butt, stay home and work on that nice ass groove in the couch. Your butt will thank you for it.

2. The only thing funnier than parusing People of Wal-Mart is getting in on the action. Throw on the comfiest stuff you own and don't even look in the mirror before you leave the house, cause your doin' your chores hillbilly style! Bring laughs to boring tasks by getting your friends to join in. We all put way too much pressure on ourselves, just have fun! Ever felt at peace with your inner dirtbag? Heaven.

3. Sweatpants are the only type of bottoms that can perform magic. Using the powers of illusion, you will suddenly find space for that last bite of Chinese food. Your stretchy friend won't judge you; there's always room for more in Sweatpants Land.

4. Sweatpants are a nice indulgence from uniforms, suits and girdles; they're like soul food for your ass. Dig in.

5. Death to the muffin top.


     Hugs and poops,
                                                    
      Nichole