So, here I am – holding myself accountable to my word. I said I’d keep up with this, so I’m doing it. Love to see it.

Anyway, in the past week I’ve been brainstorming about what direction I want to take this blog. A lot has changed since I used to actively post on here – mostly because it was pretty much more than 10 years ago. With that said, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m just going to wing it. That’s also how I’ve been going through life recently, so it goes hand in hand.

Let’s talk about inner strength. Just like the sparkle that I talked about last week, this too can be hiding inside waiting for you to let it free. What was the start of letting mine out? A fitness and wellness journey that after about 8 weeks has become one of the most important things in my life, and through that has brought out an inner strength that I never knew I had. A few months ago, if you told me that in this place and time I could do push-ups with no modification I would laugh in your face. Not to mention the pure thought of it would give me anxiety that would make me want to hide in a hole. With that said, last week – while in my work-out class, my inner strength took over and told me to try…and it was that easy. Were they perfect push-ups? Hell no. But that’s not the point. A few months ago I was full of excuses, and I didn’t know how to get out of my own way. No matter how hard anyone tried to push me to better myself, I just couldn’t get there. I put up an inner wall, and I was the only one who could knock it down.

Am I rambling? Probably.

The point is that it’s okay to get lost sometimes, as long as you work like hell to find your way back. For me? Pushing myself out of my comfort zone to be consistent with moving and strengthening my mind, body, and soul slowly but surely helped me find confidence and strength in my own skin. After I found that, everything else started falling into place. One of those pieces being tapping back into my hobbies and passions – writing being on the top of the list. Has it been a struggle to come up with topics? Sure. That’s why we are winging it today. But, more than anything it was important for me to hold myself accountable and take action on the goals I set for myself. One thing I do know, is just like the consistency and ease of my fitness journey – with time it will happen with my writing too.

In general, if we keep up with the things that make us better and bring us joy – then there is nothing but positive results that will come from it…even if sometimes it doesn’t seem that way. Keep listening and trusting in your inner strength and you will find that anything is possible. The sky is the limit, my friends – you just have to believe in yourself.

Whelp, those are the thoughts that randomly poured out of my brain today. But hey, at least I followed through.

If you aren’t already, please go follow That Wino Blog on Instagram. I’m making my self-proclaimed world famous meatloaf tonight, and I filmed the recipe. Reel to follow in the next few days. I know meatloaf is very exciting to most people, so I figured I’d mention it. *Insert sarcasm here*

Anyway! Keep on sparkling. 🙂

Wino, out

Remember those quizzes on My Space that you would spend hours strategically filling out in hopes to get attention of a crush, or your ex? Well, I found a website with a bunch of them, and I find it extremely entertaining. From time to time, I am going to fill out one of these surverys for your entertainment. I can’t promise that I will be serious for any of it, but that’s part of my charm.

Enjoy…

  1. EVER BEEN GIVEN AN ENGAGEMENT RING? I’ve been given a promise ring in the shape of a heart, and a very fancy 2 for 20 meal at TGI Friday’s. That’s basically the same thing.

2. LONGEST RELATIONSHIP? 5 years

3. LAST GIFT YOU RECEIVED? A gift card to Dunkin Donuts. The gift to my soul.

4. EVER DROPPED A CELL PHONE? No. I have Stretch Armstrong arms.

5. WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU WORKED OUT? April 24, 2001.

6. THING(S) YOU SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON? No makeup makeup looks.

7. LAST FOOD YOU ATE? Kettle Flavored Poppins

8. FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX? Eyes and arms.

9. ONE FAVORITE SONG? Can’t Stop the Feelinnnnng

10. WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Where the wild things are.

11. HIGH SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED: We are the Lancers the mighty mighty Lancers

12. CELL PHONE SERVICE PROVIDER: AT&T 4 Life.

13. FAVORITE MALL STORE: The food court.

14. LONGEST JOB YOU HAD: http://www.frungillo.com (Shameless plug)

15. DO YOU OWN A PAIR OF DICE? I do.

16. DO YOU PRANK CALL PEOPLE?: Only when their refrigerator is running.

17. LAST WEDDING YOU ATTENDED: Every weekend

18. FIRST FRIEND YOU’D CALL IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY: United Airlines

19. LAST TIME YOU SAW YOUR BEST FRIEND: He’s sitting right next to me.

20. FAVORITE FAST FOOD RESTAURANT: Taco Bell

21. BIGGEST LIE YOU HAVE EVER HEARD: That a tomato is a vegetable.

23. WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT WITH FRIENDS? Anywhere pizza is.

24. CAN YOU COOK? Like a boss.

25. WHAT CAR DO YOU DRIVE? My own.

26. BEST KISSER: It’s not a contest.

27. LAST TIME YOU CRIED?: Friday morning when my stomach was eating me alive.

28. MOST DISLIKED FOODS: Get all of the mushrooms and celery away from me!

29. THING YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF: My impulse decisions

30. THING YOU DISLIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF: My impulse decisions

32. LONGEST SHIFT YOU HAVE WORKED AT A JOB?: like 16 hours

33. FAVORITE MOVIE? The Sandlot

34. CAN YOU SING? All day

35. LAST CONCERT ATTENDED? Justin? I can’t remember

36. LAST KISS? I’m a lady

37. LAST MOVIE RENTED: Sisters

38.ONE THING YOU NEVER LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT: My feet

39. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: The Jersey Shawwww

43. LAPTOP OR DESKTOP COMPUTER?: Laptop

44. FAVORITE COMEDIAN? Tina Fey

45. DO YOU SMOKE? Shutup

46. SLEEP WITH OR WITHOUT CLOTHES? With

47. WHO SLEEPS WITH YOU EVERY NIGHT?: My cat. SO WHAT?!?

48. DO LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS WORK?: If they’re meant to.

49. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE? 3?

50. PANCAKES OR FRENCH TOAST? Waffles

51. DO YOU LIKE COFFEE?: Is the grass green? Do caterpillars turn into butterflies????

52 HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS? Scrambled

53. DO YOU BELIEVE IN ASTROLOGY?: Yep.

54. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?: Laurelllll

55. LAST PERSON ON YOUR MISSED CALL LIST?: My sister

56. WHAT WAS THE LAST TEXT MESSAGE YOU RECIEVED?: A bitmoji from Danielle that says, “I can’t even.”

58 NUMBER OF PILLOWS?: 2

59. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW?: PJ’s.

60. PICK A LYRIC, ANY LYRIC: Can’t stop the feelinggggg

61. WHAT KIND OF JELLY DO YOU LIKE ON YOUR PB & J?:Raspberry

62. CAN YOU PLAY POOL?: Not well

63. CAN YOU SWIM? I can

64. FAVORITE ICE CREAM?: Strawberry

65. DO YOU LIKE MAPS? Sure

66. TELL ME A RANDOM FACT ABOUT YOURSELF: I like turtles

68. EVER ATTEND A THEME PARTY?:College

69. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON: Fall, like a good basic bitch.

70. LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED AT SOMETHING STUPID? All the time

71. WHAT TIME DID YOU WAKE UP THIS MORNING?: 8:30?

72. BEST THING ABOUT WINTER?: Knitted Hats, and Gingerbread Lattes

73. LAST TIME A COP GAVE YOU A TICKET?: New Years…when I was 23.

75. NAME OF YOUR FIRST PET?: Kitty Boy

76. DO YOU THINK PIRATES ARE COOL OR OVERRATED? Way cool.

77. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND?? Major rager, bro.

78. BIRTHDATE: I don’t have a birthday anymore …I’m staying 29 forever.

79. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE?: A space cowboy

85. ARE YOU ON A LAPTOP?: Yes

87. ARE YOU SMILING?: I am now

89. DO YOU MISS SOMEONE RIGHT NOW?: I’m good

90. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD YOU GO?: To a Cowboys game for free

92. ARE YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL?: I never left

93. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?: Totally

94. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NAME? Stewart

95. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BATHING SUIT?: A black one

96. DOES YOUR SCHOOL START IN AUGUST?: This means such a different thing than it use to, because now I’m the teacher.

97. DID YOU GO ON VACATION LAST MONTH?: Ha

98. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON A CRUISE?: I have

99. DO YOU HAVE A SISTER?: I do

100. ARE YOU UPSTAIRS?: I am

101. ARE YOU IN LOVE?: With pizza

102. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL?: From too much pizza

103. DO YOU WISH YOU COULD SEE ANYONE PARTICULAR RIGHT NOW?: Anyone who will bring me pizza

104. WHAT JEWELRY ARE YOU WEARING? None

105. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO AFTER THIS SURVEY?:Dance

And for my next trick, I am going to make your late night boredom go away in 10 steps of Buzzfeed bliss. I’m completely and totally obsessed with this website, and its writers alike. The posts are simple, yet hilarious – mostly due to the approach that is used to get their point across…which is young, fresh, and utterly genius. No matter how ridiculous, it is obvious – for those with a witty sense of humor, that Buzzfeed has nailed it when it comes to combining honesty and sarcasm to form the perfect comedic love affair for those of our generation.

With that said, I have provided a list with click-able links to the respective Buzzfeed post for your entertainment.

You’re welcome.

 

1. 13 Things Scott Disick Could Teach Us About Self-Confidence

adriannaxoxomeow.tumblr.com / Via Giphy

2. These Brilliant Snapchat Stories About Disney Princesses’ Secret Lives Will Make You Laugh Out Loud

the-official-princess-club.tumblr.com

3. 10 Problems Only Short Girls Understand – Extremely accurate.

4, 27 Reasons Why Parents Shouldn’t Be Allowed To Text

Via brobible.com

5. 29 Problems Only Procrastinators Understand

Via imgur.com

6. The 40 Most Divine Things Zac Efron Did In 2013

Seriously? Has he not turned into the sexiest piece of yumminess you have ever seen? My GOD.

7. This Is Why Miley Cyrus’ VMA Performance Was A Failure

This, is how it’s done:

Via Getty Images/ Frank Micelotta

This, is not:

Via Kevin Mazur / WireImage for MTV / Getty Images

Moving on….

8. This Beyoncé Fan Dancing To “Crazy In Love” Will Give You Life

zombiez1c.tumblr.com

9. 22 Of The Best Extreme Selfies

Twitter: @CrazySelfieGame

10. 33 Untold Truths That Writers Know Too Well

CBS / Via wheninlawschool.tumblr.com

As a writer, I could not agree more with this one. Friggin’ spot on.

Whelp, there you have it. After reading this, I hope you have fallen in love with Buzzfeed as much as I have. That is, however, if you haven’t done so already.

Until next time,

Get your friends together on a Friday night, and do your best to rock an extreme selfie.

About two months ago, I turned 27 – an age of both internal panic, and glorious clarity.

The internal panic stems from many things, the root of it all – however, comes from the slow process of figuring out not only who you are…but who you want to be. And, when you begin to figure it out, that glorious clarity comes full circle. With all that said, getting there is a whole other story. In fact, it’s a journey – and I believe your 20′s are a lifetime all in itself.

Early 20′s (20 – 23):

Let’s be honest, if you screw this stage up by being an irresponsible party machine – you best be certain that you will be paying for it throughout the entire decade. Don’t fret, however, because I believe experiencing this is not only normal – it’s somewhat encouraged. To know what it is to be that drunk S.O.B ungracefully showing off their finest #WhiteGirlWasted booty pop on the dance floor, one must know it first hand. So, go ahead with your bad self – just don’t make it a habit. Waking up with that instant feeling of embarrassment in the pit of stomach is simply a foreshadow of the girl in their upper 20′s who should most definitely know better, because they are no longer young enough to pull it off.

Moving on, another thing one should experience to it’s fullest potential, while in their early 20′s, is playing the field. Now, let’s be straight – by no means am I saying that giving out the goods every time you have one too many Cosmos is appropriate…not at all. However, I am talking in reference of dating – and doing a lot of it. Unless you are part of the lucky few who marry their high school sweetheart (jerks…), it is going to take you a few tries to figure out who that “right” person is…trial and error is the perfect way to do so. Take it from me, I was in a way too committed relationship for my maturity level that crept into my early 20’s. Of course, I was blessed to have had experienced love at such a young age – however, it took me years to let go…resulting in a dating pattern that has been nothing less than a nightmare. I don’t mean to be harsh, but part of my job as a writer is to inform all of you the reality of many situations – and this is one of them. So to you, in your early 20′s, I say again…date a lot – and date often. You can play house when you’re old enough to know the difference between real and make-believe.

Mid 20’s (24 – 26):

Ladies, it’s time to get wifed up. Not really….but if it happens in this stage of your life – more power to ya. In all sincerity, I believe this time should be dedicated to your career, and becoming a grownup in general. Sometimes, myself included, we focus too much on finding love – and forget that establishing ourselves is far more important. For the most part, if you are struggling with finding a boyfriend or girlfriend – it is probably due to the fact that you don’t have it all together. It’s normal, don’t worry – but take these few years to figure it out.

Let’s start with the basics. If you have been taking your time getting your bachelor’s degree, put on your big kids pants and finish already. If you have been contemplating furthering your education..get to steppin’. If you have decided that you want to travel a bit before settling down, do it. Life is about pushing yourself to the level of your own self acceptance…make yourself proud.

During your mid 20’s, feel free to occasionally get drunk as if you’re still in college….at a frat house – slowly but surely forgetting what occurred five minutes prior. However, this is to be done only in the comfort of your family, core friends group, or an established boyfriend/girlfriend. Although finding your future spouse is not crucial during this time, we certainly do not want to scare away a potential life partner by getting all sloppy on the 2nd or 3rd meeting….not cute.

Once you have a feel of establishment, whether it be from education or a career, it may be time to start thinking about settling down…

Right?

Late 20’s (27-29):

It happened…You’ve reached the point of no return, and have come in full collision with your late 20’s. We all know what that means, the dreaded 30 is coming – and before you know it, a life insurance policy will be in your near future. Don’t panic, my dears – because I am here to reassure you that it is, in fact, going to be okay….I promise. Why? Because you have handled this decade with care, and whether you realize it or not – you are probably more of an adult than you ever thought possible. Cheers to that.

Now, I am new to this upper 20’s thing – but I must say that I’m very much a fan. I don’t know why, but 27 has, so far, been an eye-opening age. Don’t get me wrong, I may still have moments of irrational anger during drunken card games with my friends…let’s just add it to the long list of what makes me completely charming. The difference? Those occasions are limited, and far less embarrassing than one’s I may have experienced when I was a rookie to the game. As a matter of fact, I will openly admit that I am still a slight mess when it comes to certain romantic relationships in my life, but at least I can say that I completely know better – and for that..am willing to take full responsibility for my actions, and feelings alike.

As for enlightening you on what should be done and/or accomplished in your late 20’s, I have no friggin’ clue – because I am still figuring it out myself. The beauty in it all, however, is that I have my karate kid face on – and am ready to take on whatever comes at me.

*A minor note to pending and/or future love interests: I will not karate chop you…unless you’re into that kind of thing.* #JustSaying

For those in the same boat as me, I hope you are as excited for the ride as I am.

To wrap things up, I want to leave you with something:

It is horribly clique to say that “life is short,” but it comes with experience, and some wisdom to realize that is actually is. With that I say…take risks, do things that scare you, don’t be afraid to tell someone how you feel, have your heart broken, grow from it, be ridiculous, dance in the rain, drink wine in your pajamas, laugh until you nearly burst, learn how to Dougie, eat too much chocolate – but most importantly, believe in yourself…

Every. Single. Day.

Until next time,

Bring it on, 30.