Dinner Options for the Motivationally Impaired

Hello again world!

Ever have one of those nights where you're too lazy to boil the water for Top Ramen? Yeah, that just happened. It's just been one of those weeks (and yes, I realize it's only Tuesday.) So here's a brief list inspired by my laziness!

Dinner Options for a Lazy Chick Who Doesn't Want to Cook and Hasn't Grocery Shopped in Weeks:

1.) Too lazy to boil water? Top Ramen is just as delicious straight from the bag! Hell if it's good enough for third graders, it's good enough for you!

2.)Speaking of third grade delicacies, PB&J sounds delicious. Look in the pantry: peanut butter? Check. Look in the fridge: squeezable jelly that gives you the perfect spread every time, without a knife? Check! Look on the counter...EFF! No bread. Not to worry, friends. Ritz crackers are your best friend in your carb-starved, peanut buttery time of need!

3.) Cereal! That's semi-healthy, right? It says right on the box that Fruit Loops are a good source of fiber now. But alas, no milk. Straight from the bag it is! The plus side to this, is that you don't even have to waste a bowl. 

4.) Salad has wilted and is no longer a viable source of greens. No problem! You still have the Costco-sized satchel (not bag. satchel.) of croutons! That's the best part of the salad anyway, might as well cut to the chase. Dip in ranch dressing, to taste.

Want something more conventional, but without the hassle of cooking, you say?

5.) Grab that pop-top can of Progresso soup and microwave that sh*t! (You're too lazy to use the stove, remember?) Don't forget to put a paper towel over the bowl so you don't have to clean the microwave!  If  desired, add a few of those croutons to garnish...instantly classy!

There you have it, folks. A list of some of my favorite go-to options! You may choose to modify recipes to taste, or even create a few of your own! Or you might get distracted by the bag of Oreo's you forgot were in your cupboard. Half a bag later, you won't even need dinner! Not that that's ever happened to me. 

<3 SVL

General Observations from an Undercaffeinated Gym Rat

What happens when I'm low on energy (a.k.a. coffee, Mother Nature's Nectar)? You end up getting random lists about topics that tend to be on my mind. Tonight it's the gym, because I'm feeling guilty about the fact that I was too tired to go. So, without further ado:

A Profile of Typical Gym Habitants (to be extended or amended at any point in the future):

The Faker: This is never a good title to have, in any context that comes to mind. But you know them well. They come to the gym, walk around with their towel that never gets dirty and sip on their nalgene bottles...but never seem to DO anything. Oh, they might occasionally lift a weight or two. But most of their time is spent on the phone or chatting up the greeter at the front desk. For men, they can be recognized by their muscle tanks or Under Armor. Women prefer tight spandex and a sports bra only. The Faker's mindset is, "I get credit just for being here and looking good. Nobody will notice how much I'm repping."

Cardio Guy/Gal: As the name implies, this gym-goer is all about the cardio. The treadmill and elliptical are their weapons of choice, and they won't stop 'til they get enough! Cardio Guy or Gal seems oblivious to the sidelong, jealous glances they invoke after jogging 6 miles in 30 minutes. Their strength comes (seemingly) from within, and from the Techno Mix they have blasting through their iPod. See also: The Excessive Sweater.

The Overly-Loud-While-Lifting-Weights-To-Seem-Impressive Guy: Yup, there's always one. And the poor guy doesn't realize he is the source of both annoyance and amusement for the rest of the weight room. He grunts and whines while lifting weight that really isn't all that impressive. Guys smirk, and women shun him. Maybe one day he'll realize that grunting is not directly proportional to strength?

The Situationally Unaware Senior Citizen: He comes in donning short-shorts and knee-high socks. Sweat bands are common but not necessary. He invades your workout area and personal space, either without realizing or without caring. He stares down younger women with a slightly creepy air. And most of all, he doesn't realize that burping in the middle of the gym is not the sign of machismo that brings the ladies running or the men nodding with respect. Be careful to avoid direct eye contact when in the same vicinity, as it will most likely lead to "I wish I was your age again! I was repping twice that!"

The Behemoth: Man or woman, every gym needs a body builder of intense proportions. They overshadow all competition, literally. Their protein shake and weight belt are never far from their side, and they seem to feed off the obvious envy and awe they provoke. More than likely, the gym is comping their membership just for the good PR it's providing them. You've either said it or thought it in their presence: "Dayumm!"

Old Naked Guy/Lady in the Locker Room: You can't run, and you can't hide. They're right there, when you are least expecting it, in some unflattering angle in the mirror. You shudder. But there they are for all the world, shamelessly donning their birthday suit and rubbing on lotion post-sauna soak.

The Unassuming Gym Rat: He or she is there on schedule every week. They come in and execute their workout routines with precision, endurance and focus. They garner respect not because of their appearance, or the persona they give off, but because they are the real deal. There to exercise, push their limits and look at themselves as their own worst critic. Here's to you, Unassuming Gym Rat! I like to think that I aspire to your greatness :)

<3 SVL

It's Thirsty Thursday, Gimme an Extra Shot in my Macchiato ;)

Hello World!


Sorry it's been a few days since my last post, but things have been busy, busy, busy...the crappy thing about long weekends, is that the rest of the week you are spending trying to play catch-up. I'm not trying to be a pessimist, but we all know it's true.


Anyway, I did manage to get the Weekend of Sequals in, even though it spilled over into the work week a bit. Kung Fu Panda II was cute as predicted, and if nothing else, the graphics and artwork for the movie were awesome. When you have someone like Jack Black voicing the main character, you know it has humor that adults could enjoy as much as the kids. AND (spoiler alert!) they left things open to make a third movie ;)


The Hangover II was better than I expected, because to be honest the hype surrounding the movie made me a bit nervous. How could someone successfully write basically the same movie plot TWO times and have them both be a hit? In this case it worked out, though. If you liked the first movie's brand of crude and predictable humor (not for the weak of stomach), you should like this one, too. And what can I say, the monkey was damn cute. He pretty much made the movie. The fact that he could rock a denim biker jacket and puff noncholantly on a cigarette made him my hero! Not going on my list of favorites but it was definately good for some laughs...Was it an enjoyable movie? Yes. Do I hope they know when to call it quits and refrain from making a third in this case? Yes.


Also a big shout out to Bobby B. for being my first official follower! You're the best!


I will be writing again shortly. In the meantime, food for thought: As I write this on my lunch break, I wonder how strange it would be to return to a time and place without social networking. Do you think you would be more productive in your everyday tasks, or would you just find something else to kill time? Hmmmm....

<3 SVL

Fresh Jolts and Great Java!

Day one of the four-day weekend down! Excited for future prospects and a fresh perspective on my life path. Went to look at the UCR (University of California, Riverside) campus with my boyfriend today, as he is transferring there for the fall semester. I decided that since we were there, and I was already sunburned and ridiculous looking from trekking all over the dang place, I might as well ask about the graduate programs they offered on campus. Turns out they have a prestigious Journalism and Creative Writing program, and are in fact the only UC to offer a BFA in Creative Writing.

I'm excited just thinking about it. Even if it doesn't happen for a couple more years, depending on the financial situation, I feel like I have momentum again. It's amazing how just making a commitment to progress and change can be the catalyst needed for a fresh lease on life. And in the meantime, world, I will keep on writing. And staying caffeinated to get the job done!

My favorite part of the day: The Coffee Bean on campus makes a mean Iced Blended Vanilla!

I should be checking in again shortly -- I'm hoping to check out a movie or two this weekend and will inevitably project my opinions onto you! Not to spoil anything, but... I'm thinking the Weekend of Sequals! AKA The Hangover II and/or Kung Fu Panda 2. And yes, the dichotomy of the target audience for those movies is not lost on me. But I am, at heart, a cinephile and an eclectic one at that! YOU WILL READ IT AND ENJOY! *evil laugh*

<3 SVL

The First Cup

My first blog post! And what a lot of work. Here's a look at the creative magic that took place:


8PM--Realize I have been neglecting my passion for writing on the regular...in short, I need a blog!
8:15PM--I'm too hungry to think. Off to Subway for some much-needed deliciousness.
9PM--Sit down to make a blog! But check Facebook first.
9:15PM--Step one: create a username/blog title. Ughhhh.....the pressure! Grab a rum and coke to relax.
9:40PM--Still no luck. I'm stuck with this name forever, I don't want it to be lame or misrepresentational of my blogging intentions, which as yet remain undisclosed. (Ooooh, the intrigue!)
10PM--Check Facebook.
10:30PM--Stroke of genius! I have the perfect name. 
11PM--Now that I have a blog name, I definitely need a Twitter account that matches! 
11:30PM--Check Facebook.
12AM--Finish making my blog layout spectacular and completely non-amateur in appearance.
12:30 AM--Eff. I need to go to bed. Better write at least one blog post so I feel all this was worth it!


Good night world. I have the feeling I'm going to like this blogging bit, so I hope you will join me in the journey. More to come very soon...

<3 SVL