Random Thoughts

Time for a happy Friday brain dump! Straight from the brain of Cara... random thoughts!

 I finished reading this book today!

It's so heartbreakingly cute when I feed the cats downstairs, come upstairs, and when they're done eating, they start to yowl and cry as if to say, "mamaaa, where did you go?!" Once I yell back, "Kitty! Butters!" they stop and run upstairs. Silly cats!

I'm really enjoying using Bloglovin' as my replacement for Google Reader. The iOS app on my iPod Touch -and- the web interface are really nice. My only complaint is that some of my RSS feeds didn't transfer, and some others don't seem to be on Bloglovin'. I'm sure I'll find a solution before Google Reader eats it, but Bloglovin' is winning me over so far!

I'm at the point in my life where I only want to be surrounded by things that are functional or beautiful. If they're both, even better! In addition, I only want to purchase foods to eat that are tasty, good quality, or the combo of the two. I can understand, after a recent jaunt to Whole Foods, why people call it Whole Paycheck. But their whoopie pies are absolutely scrumptious and only $1.50 each. A small price to pay for a dessert so rich even -I- couldn't finish it in one sitting.

An invention I want: something that fixes the problem of it taking hours to dry a pillow completely in the dryer so I don't have to fear it getting ucky somehow from potentially being only half dry. Quick-dry pillow stuffing? *shrug* I have no idea. But that's my little irk of the day... the fact that it takes all day and holds up the washer and dryer to wash a few pillows.

Bye Google Reader, Hellooo Bloglovin'!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin!

If you're stuck over what to do now that Google Reader is pooping out as a valid RSS aggrivator... err, aggregator!, check out Bloglovin'. They let you easily merge your Google Reader subscriptions to their service with a couple clicks - good stuff! I've found that some of my subs don't work on there, but I'd say it's about 90% effective. They also have an iOS app, which is right up my alley!

I've tried Flipboard on my iPod and that's a pretty good app as well, especially for feeds that basically post one picture per blog entry. My other option is to use IFTTT and Pocket to automatically send blog posts to my Pocket list, which I use already for my more favorite blogs.

So, what are YOU using once Google Reader bites the dust? :)

#thisisathing Tuesday!

HULLO EVERYONE! I'm back with another edition of #thisisathing Tuesday!

So, I normally keep my fingernails pretty short because a) they break way too easily and b) typing with long nails ends up with lots of typos. But, here's another situation I hadn't thought of: using a touch screen with long nails. Oy, that must be annoying! (cue the #firstworldproblems hashtag).

The solution? Nano Nails!

...Fake nails with a built-in stylus.

Huh. I can't decide if this is awesome or ridiculous. Or maybe a bit of both. ;) What do you think?

Have you seen any products or inventions that are shockingly "WTF?!" interesting lately that you'd like to share? Tell me in the comments below! :D

Friday Favorites: Inspiration Edition

And finally for this week's Friday Favorites: tweets that might provide you with a bit of inspiration, 'cos I know they did for me. :)

Do not be embarrassed about any facet of yourself, you are a child of God, you have nothing to be ashamed of.
— Spiritual Truths (@TheGodLight) February 15, 2013

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.“ James Neil Hollingworth
— Spiritual Seeker(@sparklekaz) February 16, 2013

Here's a new spiritual practice for you: when you're out having fun, sit back and take a moment to realize just how good life actually is.
— Jordan Bach (@JordanBach) February 16, 2013

Tonight I decided to believe in god. No more definition than that. No more rules than that. Just... Belief in a divinity of love.
— Fire Lyte (@IncitingARiot) February 17, 2013

If you never listen to yourself, do not be surprised if life becomes confusing, for your deepest needs will go unheard.
— Spiritual Truths (@TheGodLight) February 17, 2013

Remember life is to be enjoyed, it is a spiritual journey, it is not a competition or a journey towards materialism.
— Spiritual Truths (@TheGodLight) February 17, 2013

Folks, the Year of the Snake is here. It will strike. The fangs are truth. The venom is love.
— Shae Cottar (@theshaeman) February 18, 2013

"A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved." Kurt Vonnegut
— the daily zen (@dailyzen) February 19, 2013

Psychoanalyst Carl Jung said, "The gold is in the dark." Your greatest gifts may be hidden in the quality which you most are ashamed of.
— Jordan Bach (@JordanBach) February 19, 2013

The biggest risk you can ever take is not taking one at all.
— Kendrick Lamar (@MrKendrickLamar) February 19, 2013

Grief and pain can bring endless heartache, yet they are also messengers of wisdom, for they make you listen to yourself.
— Spiritual Truths (@TheGodLight) February 19, 2013

You may have lost your way temporarily, but do no lose sight of what matters most, on your journey back to happiness.
— Spiritual Truths (@TheGodLight) February 19, 2013

Why make things complicated, after all simplicity is the answer to most problems.
— Spiritual Truths (@TheGodLight) February 19, 2013

When you truly want life.. you MUST go where the living is at.. Isolation is sickness.. Be happy > #GoForward!!!
— Rev Run (@RevRunWisdom) February 19, 2013

If Lindsay Lohan made it through her cracked-out bleached-blonde lesbian jailbird phase, you can make it through this week.
— Grumpy Cat (@ExtraGrumpyCat) February 20, 2013

Gender is overrated. Why does it matter? What matters is who you are. Strip the labels and shine, my friends! ♥ {◕ ◡ ◕}
— Sha of Happiness (@ShaofHappiness) February 20, 2013

In the end you get what you deserve, the amount of effort you put in determines the amount of joy that you receive.
— Spiritual Truths (@TheGodLight) February 20, 2013

The wise person doesn't ask, "What have I achieved?" but rather, "What have I contributed?"
— Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) February 20, 2013

Your community is a direct reflection of who you are. Surround yourself with people that inspire you to be your most authentic self.
— Dougall Fraser (@DougallFraser) February 20, 2013

One day you will realise that for your life to change for the better, you must first change for the better.
— Spiritual Truths (@TheGodLight) February 22, 2013

The simplest gift you can offer someone is to just be kind to them without any incentive or underlying reason behind your kindness.
— ヾ(*´ω`*)ﾉ (@reiley) February 22, 2013

Friday Favorites: Humor Edition

And now, for the humor edition of Friday Favorites! Funny tweets, inc!

A nymphomaniac worm controls Riker’s mind and body to seduce the Enterprise's female crew. Nobody notices, it eventually dies of old age.
— TNG Season 8 (@TNG_S8) February 15, 2013

Diablo goes to the doctor for with some congestion. Doctor tells him he's got a buildup of nephalem in his lungs.
— Scott Johnson (@scottjohnson) February 15, 2013

<facebook friend> is listening to Nickelback on Spotify. <facebook friend> has been unfriended.
— Rush#1976 (@Seraph1337) February 16, 2013

"Serving Size: 2 cookies" Hahah haha HAHAAHahaahaah ahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH hahahhaahahaa ahahhahaa hahahaaaaa
— Jasmine Hruschak (@irljasmine) February 16, 2013

Uh. Oh. Stuck improvising the sleep wear for tonight. Help me Laundry-Wan Kenobi, you're my only spring-fresh hope. #LaundryDay
— Marc (@shamanrongar) February 16, 2013

Dear JJ Abrams,If you screw up the new Star Wars movie, I will start calling you Jar Jar Abrams.Sincerely,Darth.
— Darth Vader (@DepressedDarth) February 16, 2013

And now listening to Snap! "I've Got The Power" - that song is essentially the soundtrack of a pounding headache.
— Marc (@shamanrongar) February 18, 2013

When the Hulu guy says, "The following program is brought to you by The Following.", i.e. the drama on FOX, I laugh.
— Scott Johnson (@scottjohnson) February 18, 2013

I want to wake up tomorrow and have this same meal again for the rest of all time like Groundhog Day
— Ryon_D (@Ryon_D) February 19, 2013

Giving this kid a bath is like washing a car as it drives down the street.
— Jason (@fenjayminor) February 20, 2013

When the cat lies down next to you and you think he wants to snuggle but instead he starts loudly cleaning his genitals.
— Jennifer de Guzman (@Jennifer_deG) February 20, 2013

Just had a quadruple shot latte. Coffee has no HOLY JESUS I’M FLYING! I’M FLYING! WEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
— FoosieMoosie (@dreamwatch) February 20, 2013

In my day Harlem Shake cost fifteen dollars and was mainly stems and seeds.
— alan tudyk (@alan_tudyk) February 20, 2013

I think I just figured out what the difference between my 10 year old self and my now self is: I no longer want to get dizzy on purpose.
— Scott Johnson (@scottjohnson) February 20, 2013

I've been waiting 2 days for the dirty dishes fairy to come in and clean up the mess but she still hasn't arrived. Bitch.
— Anne Wheaton (@AnneWheaton) February 21, 2013

Cat has apparently decided he's needy tonight after knocking over the trash can three fucking times today. Naturally I'm petting him.
— Folami (@CasualFolami) February 21, 2013

I just realized most of my day revolves around liquids. Tea, pee. Water, pee. Kombucha, pee. Tea, pee. Wine, pee. Water, pee.
— Skylar Grey (@SkylarGrey) February 21, 2013

Took a three hour nap. Woke up at 9pm. Had soda. Estimated bed time: never.
— Jasmine Hruschak (@irljasmine) February 22, 2013

.@jimmyfallon Game on, Jimmy. See you soon! -mo twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/…
— FLOTUS (@FLOTUS) February 22, 2013

Friday Favorites: Warcraft Edition

It's Friiidaaay! Time for some Friday Favorites, where I will share some of my favorite Twitter posts from the week. First up: Warcraft-related tweets!

IM AT A BAR WHERE ALL THEY ARE PLAYING IS WHAT SOUNDS LIKE A MIXTURE OF KLAXXI SINGING TO A FEL REAVER #WARCRAFT
— AngryOrc (@AngryOrc1) February 16, 2013

can IRL be like an MMO and i can just go grind low level mobs so i can buy groceries
— anarcho-haderach (@umuad) February 19, 2013

Blizzcon Pro-Tip: Book room. End up not getting tickets? Go to Disneyland instead. Meet with WoW friends at a local hangout :)
— Anna (@NotAnna) February 19, 2013

The next time anyone sees me trying to do LFR on a Monday night, please yell at me.
— Z (@zerena_hoofs) February 19, 2013

@warcraft "The Bears Up There" - quest IRL twitter.com/Fascinatingpic…
— Danny Miller (@dannyandy2) February 20, 2013

You will never have to poop as badly as you do 30 seconds after joining a dungeon queue. #truestory #warcraft
— Eva Conti (@tardbunny) February 21, 2013

It's awesome how therapeutic #Warcraft can be :) Herbing in Jade Forest & I'm calm and relaxed ♥
— Anna (@NotAnna) February 22, 2013

Williamsburg Wednesday

Hi friends! :D

I'd like to write about my current town for you: Williamsburg, Virginia.

Before I moved here, I had visited once as a child. I've been living here about 7-8 years now and realize the tourist idea of Williamsburg is a lot different than the reality of living here! But I had noooo idea before moving here what the differences could have even been.

So, I'm opening up the forum for you to ask me questions about the area. What do you want to know about Williamsburg?

I'll start off by telling you the biggest secret I've learned about living here: Williamsburg is a small town, spread over a big area. Once you've lived here awhile, it's hard to get away with going somewhere and not seeing someone you know. Forget getting away with going to Walmart in your PJs because there's a 90% chance you'll run into someone, even if you're just going in for one thing! However, even though it's a small town and everyone knows someone that knows someone else that turns into the six degrees of Kevin Bacon, it still takes a half hour (or more!) to get from one side of Williamsburg to the other. The area stretches from York County, to the City of Williamsburg, through James City County, and I'd even say some of the other outlying counties can be thrown in there too just because a lot of people commute for jobs so the community overlaps. We're smooshed between the Newport News area and the Richmond area, which makes it so pretty much anything fun to do requires a bit of travel one way or the other. But, one benefit to the area is that it's really hard to get lost: there are so many roads and side roads and backroads that all lead to the same place, or lead to some main road that will have plenty of signs to someplace familiar. While there's an area of town called Confusion Corner due to the "ahhhhhh where am I going?!" reactions once you get there, it's not like you're stuck going 20 miles down a road without any turn-offs if you get turned around. This pleases me, since I can get lost pretty easily if I'm not careful! But, when you're visiting, it can make things really confusing because you can ask how to get somewhere and get directions on 10 different ways to get to one place.

Here's a video about Confusion Corner that I found pretty amusing. This is just one little intersection in the Colonial Williamsburg area of town, but it's the intersection of a bunch of main roads and in between buildings for William & Mary college and the Merchant's Square shopping area, so it can get pretty busy!

Alrighty folks, ask away! I'd love to try to answer your questions and share my experiences with you about living in this beautiful little spot of the world. :)  More on this topic next week! :D

Peace and love,
~ Cara