What is your favorite season?

For me it is a tie between spring and summer. I love spring because it is always a time for change in my life. I come out of winter hibernation ready to really start living again. This year is no different. Over the next couple of months, I'll have a new job, new friends, and new home. I also love spring because I can get out in nature for hours, something I appreciate so much more after the winter months. It is so nice to hear the birds chirping, see the budding flowers and trees, and feel the sunshine on my skin.

I'm in love with summer too. Summer is a time for adventure. There are numerous outdoor festivals, camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, and road trips. Every year is my annual trip to visit family in Cali and this year I'm even going to do a little outdoor top-rope (that's rock climbing). And I love the heat. Mo' hotta' mo' betta'! (Just not the humidity - blech)

What is your favorite season? Why?

Well, if you read Heads Turn at all, you know last week was a rough one for me. I needed to do a few hours of mindless activity last night, so I customized a new template. In light of the busy months to come, I will be shutting down this blog. I think one blog is more than enough. Besides, this blog hasn't been what I intended it to be b/c I just don't have the motivation. This blog will be up until all past posts are re-posted at my other blogger site. This will, however, be my last post here. Thank you to my few loyal readers here (especially since I post so sporadically). I'd love to see you over at Heads Turn! :)

Thursday and Friday just blend together sometimes

So my Thursday Thirteen is late - again. Ask me if I care. Anyway, this has been a difficult week. Difficult is an understatement. I thought I'd end the week on a lighter note:

Thirteen Things that make Brea Happy 1. Dark chocolate 2. Spending time in nature 3. Road trips 4. Doing something thoughtful and unexpected for someone 5. A walk on the beach 6. Good sex 7. Reminiscing 8. Good food 9. My dog 10. Obtaining a goal 11. Planning and the pay off 12. Making and spending money 13. A sincere compliment Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I'll add you here!) Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It's easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

What makes you happy?

Belated Thursday

Okay, so this week's thirteen is a day late. Better late than never, right? I've been advised to make a list of the non-negotiable qualities for my next partner. That way, even when I'm not looking, I'll know what my standards are if someone should come along. When this was first suggested to me, I thought it silly. But now that I look back over my dating history, a list like this could have really been useful. Especially when people seem to come into my life unexpectedly, I am always caught off guard. I'm also really bad at listening to my inner voice and instead my drive to "make things work" or "give them a chance" or "just see what happens" takes over. So, since I always seem to ignore my SCREAMING inner voice, I think having my non-negotiables in writing is quite necessary. Perhaps if we all had this in writing, we'd stop kissing so many frogs... What would your list look like? Post it in the comments or on your blog. Does your current partner have all of your non-negotiable qualities? Can you recall a past relationship where your partner was missing a non-negotiable? Do you think having a list like this is useful? Do you think sticking to it would have saved you from past grief? How about you, any plans to use such a list as you make these decisions in your future? I seriously plan on sticking to this. From experience, I know these are qualities I need in a partner. I don't want to waste any more time with the wrong person.

Thirteen Things about Brea's Next Partner 1. MUST be self-confident. Jealousy and insecurity will not be tolerated. 2. MUST be affectionate. Hugs, kisses, soft touches...I need all of it. 3. MUST be a great communicator which includes the ability to express feelings. 4. MUST value my feelings and opinions, even if they do not agree. Respect is the key word here. 5. MUST be a good listener. The more I talk, the more comfortable I am with the person. If I am opening up to someone, I want to feel like I am heard. 6. MUST be physically fit. Physical attraction plays a big role between two people. A fit body is a requirement to get my chemistry flowing. 7. MUST be adventurous. Food, music, art, travel, activities, ect. I want someone who is willing to try anything at least once. 8. MUST have a good relationship with their family (unless they are crazy). 9. MUST love the outdoors. Duh! 10. MUST make me smile. Laughter is important too. But mostly, I want someone who makes me light up whether I am talking to them or about them. 11. MUST have a healthy sex-drive. 12. MUST master the art of "just because". 13. MUST know how to let things "go with the flow" without rushing or running from commitment, labels, ect. If they or I want a commitment, make it known. I'm not into playing games. If I come to a point where I want them to be my boyfriend, I will say so. I'd expect the same from them. Until then, let's just enjoy getting to know one another. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Josie 2. Torrance Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It's easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things.

Bitchy Thursday

This week's thirteen quickly progresses into my own personal bitch fest. Enjoy.

Thirteen Things about Brea 1. Not sure if I'm hungover or dying. Either way, I hope it is over soon. 2. The cut on my finger from last week still makes people shutter. I have shock value - very cool. 3. I'm on a roll - made another awesome dinner last week. This time without hurting myself. I may catch on to this domestic stuff yet! 4. I have a bit of a housing dilemma. I was supposed to move into a county apartment with a friend. However, another friend of mine just landed a job downtown and wants to move into the city. I've always wanted to live in the city. Plus, we can get a townhome instead of an apartment. What to do?! 5. I have the entire weekend off = hiking, mountain biking, and live music. I can't wait! 6. Thank G-d for unlimited text messaging. 7. I have misplaced the face plate to my car stereo. Car rides are so boring now. I mean really, when I'm screaming at all the jerk drivers out there, there is no theme music. That's no fun. Plus, I can no longer share my awesome singing talent with anyone stuck next to me at a traffic light. 8. I finally saw Crash. What an awesome movie! And the music! I think I may have to buy the soundtrack. If you ask me, the score really helped make the movie so powerful. 9. Is it me or is everyone on a diet? Don't get me wrong, I'm not exactly happy with this winter belly. But the thought of not eating anything I want is just plain scary. No carbs? No sugar? I'd starve! Scaaaaaaaaaaary! 10. I've been presented with an awesome job opportunity. All I have to do is apply and train. It's a hook up from my Dad - which has always worked out great in the past. I'd make more than my teacher salary after graduation (which thanks to our societal values, isn't impressive to begin with - but that's another blog...). So what is the problem? My passion has always been to teach. I'm afraid if I take this job, I won't be able to give up the money. But it would make the right now fantastic. Dilemma number two. 11. Why is it the guys I attract are either arrogant assholes (who think every girl is trying to wrap them up), a friend (who cannot keep boundaries), obsessive (who can't just chill without trying to force a commitment and/or have to know where I am at all times), or just plain BLECH?! Where is the happy medium?! I give up. If Mr. Right comes along, I'm going to tell him to go f--k himself too. 12. Why do some people still think 10% is a good tip? And why are these same people so proud of their shitty tip that they have to deliver it personally? Your verbal tip of, "You did such a great job" isn't going to pay my bills. That being said, none of these people were out last night. I was on fire! Every single table OVER-tipped me and I ended up making three times anyone else in the restaurant. So to the guy who made me cry last week, I'd just like to say....nevermind, I'll spare you the profanities. 13. I think I may blog before next Thursday. Yes, I will. I will blog before next Thursday. There, I said it, now I have to do it. Stay tuned... Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Audrey Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It's easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things.

Thursday Meme

Got this idea from Audrey's blog. At least now you can count on hearing my randomness at least once a week. Aren't you excited?! ;)

Thirteen Things about Brea: 1. Developed a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes (the ones behind my ears) today. Gee, wonder if I'm getting sick? 2. Dropped $500 on car repairs. Oh happy day! 3. Reconnected with old friends from H.S. and college. What ever happened to solid platonic relationships with men? Why do they always have to see how far they can go? 4. Anxiously awaiting news of our next backpacking trip. Can we go now? How about now? Now?! 5. A customer made me cry Tuesday night. What kind of piece of shit offers $25 and an apology as constellation for being an asshole. Get the f*%# out! I hope they burn in hell. 6. I'm not bitter, really. 7. I love red wine, it made me forget my work shirt at the bar. Don't ask. 8. Sliced my finger on an empty can of green beans. Right on the tip and it took a good twenty minutes to stop the bleeding. Who does that? Oh, I do. Fortunately, this minor setback was forgotten quickly. I made an awesome dinner. 9. Still searching, finding nothing. It may be easier if I figure out what the hell it is I am looking for in the first place! Which brings me to... 10. I miss blogging and my blogging buddies. I know for a fact that I am most successful when I work things out in writing. You'd think in my current state of BLAH, I'd be writing up a storm. I'm not. 11. Bought a $45 bra at Victoria's Secret this weekend. It makes my boobs look good and has clear straps for use with halters and spaghetti straps. I'm still trying to convince myself it was worth it. When is the last time a man spent more than $10 on underwear? It just doesn't seem fair! Moving on... By the time I left the mall, my pocket was $200 lighter. Good thing I don't do that often. 12. Trying to decide who I should invite to the annual fishing trip this year. Part of me would like you-know-who to come. How sad is that? I have all these wonderful people in my life and HE is the one I want there. That says something about me, doesn't it? 13. Debating whether to take classes this summer or to work my ass off and save money (or spend it all decorating my new apartment, on car repairs, or buying bras from VS). Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Audrey Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It's easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things.

Let me know if you decide to start doing this on your own blog. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into the randomness that is my life. Just be glad all you get is a glimpse; I'm stuck in this head for life! Now that's a scary thought!

Listen to my heart?

Why don't I ever trust my intuition when it comes to relationships? Why do I have this need to "keep from hurting someone's feelings" or try to "make things work" despite the fact my inner voice is screaming? Anyone else have this problem?

HAPPY

VALENTINE'S

DAY!!

Match made in cyberspace?

NOTE: If you read Heads Turn, this is the exact same post.

Okay, I need a little help here. I finally joined myspace after my friend was driving me nuts over it. I've been on for almost a month now. To date, I have received 12 messages from local guys wanting to get to know me. I have yet to respond to anyone. The whole idea of online dating creeps me out. I mean, you have absolutely no control over who is reading your profile. How do I know they are not some psycho? On the otherhand, some of these guys seem really cool and are quite cute. I have two friends who have met guys from myspace and things are going well. So here is my dilemma: to respond or not respond. I could be missing out on something good and I could be missing out on something bad.

Even if I decide to respond - how does one possibly handle all these inquiries? What do you think? Anyone with experience and/or advice to offer?

**UPDATE**

As a lark, I posted on CL this afternoon. By midnight, I received 31 responses. Some were funny, intriguing, repulsing, and others just blah. It's an eerie feeling to have people respond like it is a job interview or sales pitch for a girl they don't even know. What does internet dating say about our culture as a whole?

Down in the Dumps

It hasn't been a good week in the life of me. I'm feeling pretty listless - an unusual state for me.

We all have times in our lives when we feel down. What do you do to get yourself out of such a state?

Relocate?

Thanks for the responses to my New Year post. Yes, I make resolutions. You can check 'em out on Heads Turn. On to today's post...

I've been thinking a lot lately about moving after I finish my degree. Two of my best friends have moved to Florida since H.S. They both tell me how much they love it there. They both are in southern Florida where there is a lot to do and many young professionals in the area. I love the beach and the weather from my visits there over the years. I never really gave moving any consideration b/c I was in a long-term relationship here. Now that I am free as a bird - having my own place near the beach among young professionals sounds good. Really good. My friend says she KNOWS I will love it there. I think she may be right...

Did you move after high school or college? Was it to start a new life or strictly for a job opportunity? Are you glad you made the decision you did? If you are still living in your hometown - have you ever thought about leaving? What keeps you there? Anyone else out there considering a big move?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

After a much needed break from blogland - I'm back. I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season. With the start of a new year, many people choose to take this time to reflect over the past year. Then, inevitably, comes the list of resolutions for the new year. I have mixed feelings about "New Years Resolutions". I'm of the opinion that it is never a bad thing to strive to make changes that will improve your life. On the other hand, I think people often go overboard and set themselves up for failure. For me, therein lies the problem. What do you think?

Do you make New Years resolutions? Are they specific goals or broad lifestyle/attitude changes? What significance does the start of the New Year carry for you?

Blogs I Read

• 2 Hot Chicks


• A Bit of Everything


• A l'impossible, nul n'est tenu


• Asian Smiles


• Bad As I Wanna Be


• Ballad of Lareaux


• Bitterest Pill


• Blog Crack


• Brotha Buck


• ComingOutHardAndBoutIt


• Crallspace


• Creativity+


• Defiant Goddess


• Deport Maria


• Education by Sistrunk


• Friar Tuck


• Gray?


• Hell to the Naw


• I make the world go round


• Josie's Rants


• 'Ka


• Light Within


• Lessons Learned


• MUSTASHRIK (I don't actually read this one
  
  - I just look at the pictures )


• My Life As I Live It


• Princess Dominique


• SkyKat


• Soulful Brown Queen


• Stunner's Afflictions


• Takin My Soul To Da LaundryMat


• Tired of Dating Games


• Total Insanity

FINALS WEEK

Posting to resume Monday, December 19th.

First Car

Unfortunately, this is the only picture I have of my first car - the windshield anyway. Some kids thought it would be fun to smash the windshield of every car parked on the street. Jerks! Anyway, my first car was handed down by my father - a Buick Riviera. It was great in college b/c we could pack 6-7 people in it. I ran that car into the ground. It had over 267,000 miles on it the last day I drove it. It never gave me any problems until one day it just had enough. That car served me well.

What was your first car? Does the thought of it elicit any memories?

Get Away

Sometimes, you just need to get away. It may be physical or it may be a mental retreat. Some people take a bubble bath while others meditate. Some people go for a drive while others retreat to a room in their home. At some point, everyone needs to get away.

For me, when I need to get away, I take my dog hiking. I love the sound of his paws and my feet as we walk down the trail. I love the sound of the wildlife around us. I love hiking a new trail and the discoveries we make along it. There is something about the fresh air and solitude that renews my spirit.

Where do you go or what do you do when you need to get away?

Here is an easy one...

I am one emotionally-drained little blogger. Yesterday my spirit took a beatdown from every which direction. I need to just cry long and hard for a few days and then, once again, pick up the pieces and move on. Dear God, can I please just go one year without a train wreck, just one? Anyway, I am going to move on to the topic of today's post. If you want to read more under the surface, go to Heads Turn. I don't see the need to drag that mess over here. Okay, moving on.

Today's topic is my favorite color. Green, green, green! When I was younger it was blue - now it is definitely green. Green dishes, accessories, and a few clothing pieces (like my fav. shirt in the picture on my sidebar).

What is your favorite color? Has it always been the same? If it changed, when did it change? What areas of your life has your favorite color invaded?

Body Modification

If you think about it, nearly everyone has modified their body in some way. Perhaps it is something permanent like a tattoo or something temporary like makeup or hair color. It can be something simple like an ear piercing or something major requiring surgery. I believe each modification, whether major or subtle, says something about the person.

For me it is piercing. I have three piercings in each ear, with an additional cartilage piercing in one. I also have my belly button pierced. To the relief of my family, I have no plans to get anything else pierced. I am content expressing myself through the piercings I have.

In what ways have you modified your body? Does it serve as a form of expression? What does it say about you? If you haven't made any body modifications, are you considering any? What does it say about you?

Next Year...

I loved some of the responses to my mental health post. The techniques are varied: music, games, reading, yoga, working toward goals, and all-out pampering. This has inspired me to make a Sunday CD filled with all the music that I love. Also, I've never tried yoga, maybe I should. And the idea of all-out pampering has my wheels turning too - like maybe a once a month treat. Thanks for all the responses. Today's topic: next year....

Many people have something they have always wanted to do, but never seem to get around to it. They have always wanted to go to Hawaii, go sky diving, go camping, see a Broadway show, learn the tango, and the list goes on. Maybe next year... I am guilty as charged. I have always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. But I have never made time for classes. My uncle even bought me my first guitar and sent me books and videos I could use at home until I had time for professional lessons. Year-to-date, everything and everyone is always more important. There are other things I've always wanted to do in life, but I always put school, work, family, or friends first. With the year coming to a close, I wonder, am I going to continue putting myself last or will I find time for some of the things I've always wanted to do? Life is short, no?

Is there something you have always wanted to do but never seem to find the time/money? What really keeps you from doing it? Can you take the steps necessary to do it next year?

Mental Health

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Thanks to everyone who participated in my touch post. Looks like there is a tie between back and neck for the favorite place to be touched. There are many places I like to be touched, but it has to be done in the right way and by the right person. But that's another post entirely! Ahem. Moving on... Today's topic: mental health.

Everyone has something they must do in order to keep sane. For me, I dedicate Sunday as my mental health day. I will not work and chances are, I won't leave the house much either. I may go for a hike with my dog, do a little shopping, go out to eat, or do homework if I absolutely must. But mostly, I like to stay in my PJs all day, take naps, eat constantly, and do basically nothing.

What do you do for your mental health?

Do you have something you do daily? Or do you dedicate a day?

Blogging on hold . . .

. . . until after Thanksgiving weekend. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!!!!

Touch

Everyone has a place where they like to be touched. For my ex, it was the back of his neck. If he started rambling some nonsense or I just wanted to make him purr, I would rub the back of his neck and he'd immediately stop talking and close his eyes. It was great. For me, it is my back. I absolutely love it. It doesn't need to be a massage, I actually prefer a gentle back rub...purrrrr

Where do you like to be touched?

Unnecessary Objects

Thanks to everyone who participated in my inaugural post - lots of new faces I haven't seen around before and many old friends. I feel the love :) Looks like food and drink won hands down for addictions. Just stay away from my chocolate and everything will be okay. On to post number two....

If you have ever had the misfortune to read one of my TMI posts on Heads Turn, you already know my opinion on underwear - wear when necessary. Before I give you my rules, let's see how well you do with these snapshots. Post your answers in the comments section. Deem each photo either necessary (N) or unnecessary (U). Answers will be posted tomorrow.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.


8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Addiction

Hi, my name is Brea and I am a chocoholic. No, seriously, I am. A lot of women will speak of their love of chocolate, but I think I have gone above and beyond that. I have left my house (on more than one occasion) at 3am in search of chocolate. There has not been a day in recent memory where I haven't had at least a Hershey's kiss. Even as I type this, I am chowing down on a bowl of Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Therapy. Sad. I often wonder how many dress sizes I could go down if I could stay away from chocolate. I've thought about trying to see how long I could go without it, but I don't think I could handle the shakes. **sigh**

What is your addiction?

Let the insanity begin.

Why? Click here for an explanation.

Posting starts tomorrow. Watch out world, Brea has a new blog and she's not afraid to use it!!

Work in Progress

Don't hold your breath...