taking inventory, part 3: the questions
Is acupuncture helpful?
How can I get involved in freelance writing?
What’s the best low cost health insurance for a single person in her twenties?
How can I train myself to like beans?
What three beauty products could you not live without?
What are some cures for insomnia?
What’s the most poignant book you’ve ever read?
How many people in your life would you say truly know you?
What are the best resources for inexpensive travel?
What color walls make for a calming room?
Would learning Italian for no practical purpose, other than that I want to, be worth the effort?
What one place have you been would you most like to return to?
Up until what age is it okay to make selfish decisions?
What’s the best recipe for homemade bread?
Are fate and destiny real things?
How can I find the spiritual path that’s right for me?
If anyone has answers to give or guidance to offer on any of these questions, well, um, you know what to do.
Hi! I’ve been following your blog for a little while now, and figured I would delurk myself by answering one of your questions. My mom is an acupuncturist and it is AMAZING. I highly recommend it. My mom started going for back problems about 30+ years ago… it worked so well she decided to make it her profession! I can try my best to answer any questions you have, so feel free to email me (everythingelsekat at gmail dot com).
We painted the different rooms in our house, and my favorite one by far is our sage green living room. It’s super calming and inviting.
What’s the best low cost health insurance for a single person in her twenties?
Low-cost health insurance is NOT easy to come by. I used to work for an insurance company, and usually young people that are healthy and don’t smoke can get by with a decent policy for around $130-150 a month, depending. You can get free quotes at anthem’s website.
What are some cures for insomnia?
I used to have a terrible problem with this when I was younger. The only thing that helped me? Removing my clock from my room. Since you’re an adult and can’t count on other people to wake you up, try turning it around so you can’t see the time. Also, no caffeine late at night and no exercising before bed. Other than that, you got me. I eventually had to take Xanax for a while.
What color walls make for a calming room?
I’ve heard blues and greens are perfect for this. I changed my room to a khaki colored duvet with blue and green accents, and well, I sleep like a baby now!
That’s all I got. Hope it helps, just a little bit at least.
Okay, so many questions! I am tempted to answer all of them but I will stick to the ones that I have strong opinions about.
I trained myself to like salad by mixing small amounts of it with something that I did like, like tuna, and gradually increasing the amounts. Perhaps the same tactic would work with beans?
I have read that blue is the most calming color for a room.
I think learning a new language is always, always a good idea and totally worth the effort. I say go for the Italian.
I don’t think that fate and destiny exist except insofar as we direct ourselves to certain places. The concepts of fate and destiny imply that what happens to you is out of your hands, and I don’t agree with that at all. You make with your life what you will. You are in charge of your own outcomes.
loser, i told you that I could help you get health insurance.
Email me.
Re: beans — if it’s the texture that bothers you, try putting them in a burrito with cheese, guac, rice, etc. It’s a good way to wean yourself onto ‘em.
Re: freelance writing — um…. would be too long a comment, so just email me.
I have some thoughts on a few of these:
How can I get involved in freelance writing?
Here’s what I did: I joined elance.com and started bidding on projects & I sent out an email to everyone I know with writing samples, asking them to pass on my name to everyone they knew who might need some freelance work. The response I got to the second approach was amazing and surprising.
What are some cures for insomnia?
I don’t know if this is a cure, but I’ve always heard that your bedroom should only be for sleeping (and sexy time, of course). No TV, no work, maybe not even reading. I’ve always used my room that way and never had insomnia… now I’m in a situation where I have to use my bedroom as my office and I can never sleep.
What’s the most poignant book you’ve ever read?
I have a few– Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer, The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hahn, and Off the Map which is a zine-turned-book that you can buy for like $3 from buyolympia.com
What one place have you been would you most like to return to?
Budapest
Up until what age is it okay to make selfish decisions?
I’d say never, but I wonder if we have different definitions of the word ’selfish’. You might just mean decisions that benefit only you, but don’t hurt anyone else (although they might disapprove). I say that decisions like that should be made at any age!
Are fate and destiny real things?
No. Ok, that’s just my opinion, but it’s something that I’ve given a lot of thought to and I feel strongly about. The only logical way that fate and destiny can exist is if you believe that we don’t have free will. I have never heard a sound argument that allowed for both free will and destiny– it just doesn’t make sense. So, I’d say that it’s possible that fate is a real thing, but it means that we don’t have free will and I don’t want to believe that.
1) Beans- Mix them in with things you do like (so ditto Jess) or spice them with things you love. Low fat cheddar with fat free refried beans either on their own or on a wrap? YUM. Black beans with lite sour cream, red pepper, roasted garlic and a little cilantro? YUM. Navy bean soup? I could go on. And SOOO healthy.
2)Beauty products- Kevyn Aucoin concealer (covers any of my sleepless nights) “sensual skin enhancer”, Laguna/ Orgasm combo by Nars, Sephora rusted rose gloss. And a thick dramatic mascara but I bounce around on that one between BadGal Lash, DiorShow and good ole GreatLash.
4) Know? 8-10. I don’t hold a lot in. But I’ve only broken down in front of 4 which probably makes that the right answer.
5)Travel Resources- Try to meet people who live in the places you want to visit. Staying with friends is the best budget/experiential travel tip of all time.
6)Benjamin Moore Glass Slipper Blue http://tokissthecook.blogspot.com/2007/10/wicker-park-phase-2.html
7) Italian- who are you kidding? when have you ever done something like that without WANTING it more than any practical reason. It’s how we get things done, by wanting them.
Good Questions!! Sorry for the novella!
Comment to Comment- Ill Fitting Overcoat is onto something with that insomnia cure. My bedroom is 6×9 so I don’t even keep my clothes in there. I decided as soon as I moved into my own place there would be a no laptop policy and I’ve been sleeping MUCH better. I also don’t set alarms unless I have to go to the airport. I tend to get up with the sun or at least be roused by it and it’s a lot less stressful to wake up that way. Plus sexytime (props for the term, I only know one other person who uses that
be it solo or in good company, always helps for sleep!
What three beauty products could you not live without?
oil of olay cleanser/moisturizer; sally hanson hard as nails clear polish, mascara
What are some cures for insomnia?
reading any text book, and a yoga meditation that involves counting backwards from twelve and tensing and relaxing your entire body, part by part. I can give you better instructions if you want…just drop me a line.
What’s the most poignant book you’ve ever read?
probably either Pillars of the Earth or The Solace of Leaving Early
How many people in your life would you say truly know you?
Three.
What are the best resources for inexpensive travel? Depends what you like. I enjoy hassle-free vacations so I tend to go on cheap cruises.
What color walls make for a calming room? Light greens and blues.
Would learning Italian for no practical purpose, other than that I want to, be worth the effort? Learning anything is worth the effort.
What one place have you been would you most like to return to? The Bahamas and Ireland.
Up until what age is it okay to make selfish decisions? In my mind it’s ok to make selfish decisions until you have a dependent, be it spouse or child.
What three beauty products could you not live without?
I would be nothing (nothing!) without Aquaphor (seriously, so many uses!), Citre Shine, and Neutrogena Healthy Skin something-or-other (essentially a tinted moisturizer, but with great SPF and other skin-improving ingredients).
How many people in your life would you say truly know you?
Honestly, probably about three. Trust is hard to earn, and easy to lose.
What are the best resources for inexpensive travel?
Oh, if you are not already there, get thee to kayak.com! It’s a great aggregator for all the cheap-flight/hotel sites, and I have found some great deals. Also, for all-inclusive stuff, bookit.com is pretty great.
Would learning Italian for no practical purpose, other than that I want to, be worth the effort?
Yes! It will not feel like so much effort if you love it, right?
I wish you would number these! See if you can match the question to the answer!
- I think I only truly know myself, and even then it’s questionable.
- blush from the Body Shop
- selfish decisions are okay at any age, lets face it. in moderation.
- paris
Ooh, Q&A is fun!
How many people in your life would you say truly know you?
Not many. I’m not one to really open to up to people unless I feel really comfortable around them, but I’m not even that close with my mom, so…anyway, with that being said, it’s really only my boyfriend and a few friends REALLY know me. But it depends on your definition, I guess.
What are the best resources for inexpensive travel?
For cruises (since I know you’re dying to go on one!), they have amazing discounts on all the cruise lines (or at least most) at http://www.vacationstogo.com. The closer to the date, the lower the price gets.
Would learning Italian for no practical purpose, other than that I want to, be worth the effort?
Oh, hell yes! (Inspired by Eat Pray Love?)
What one place have you been would you most like to return to?
I studied abroad during college in Salzburg, Austria and SO want to go back. It’s absolutely gorgeous (and kind of an underrated European city, in my opinion) and I really want to bring someone who’s never been so I can show them all the places I used to frequent.
Up until what age is it okay to make selfish decisions?
I say until you have kids, it’s okay. You just have to maintain a balance.
Are fate and destiny real things?
I’ve been thinking about this lately, too. I used to think they were total bullshit, and hated when people say “Everything happens for a reason!” But within the last year or two I’ve changed my mind. Maybe.
Acupuncture - My morning-sickness (pregnant)/heart-problem-having coworker swears by acupuncture.
Writing - Find a graphic design friend and do some freelance ad design for local businesses. Also, craigslist.
Beans - Chili! And salsa!
Beauty - Tinted moisturizer. Self-sharpening eyeliner. A good pair of tweezers.
Place to Return To - Madrid. Far and away, Madrid.
Travel - I think it’s called Contiki? I could be very wrong about this, but my sister is looking at European stuff through there and it’s SUPER affordable. For Europe anyway.
Selfish Decisions - Um. Until forever. Sometimes, you’ve gotta do stuff that makes you happy.
How can I get involved in freelance writing?
I don’t know, but if you find out, you let me know!
What’s the best low cost health insurance for a single person in her twenties?
Depends. Have you looked at a HSA eligible plan?
How can I train myself to like beans?
I recommend copious amounts of cheese. Think refried beans. ~drool~
What three beauty products could you not live without?
Clinque Thirsty Skin Moisture Relief
Clinque Dramatically Different Moisturizing GEL
Clinque Thermal Pore Refiner
Clinque Seven Day Exfoilating Scrub
What are some cures for insomnia?
Valerian Root. Flexaril. Herbal Tea
What’s the most poignant book you’ve ever read?
Beach Music, by Pat Conroy
How many people in your life would you say truly know you?
Two. My BFF Britney, because I tell her all my deepest darkest secrets. My father. He doesn’t know the particulars, but I’m a lot like him. He knows me without knowing the particulars, if that makes any sense.
What color walls make for a calming room?
Blues, purples, greens
Would learning Italian for no practical purpose, other than that I want to, be worth the effort?
Hell yes.
What one place have you been would you most like to return to?
Florida Keys.
Up until what age is it okay to make selfish decisions?
While you are single: forever. Once you are married or mommied or both: Forever but sparingly.
What’s the best recipe for homemade bread?
Get a breadmaker. They’re awesome. Unless you’re all neurotic about the paddle hole in the bottom of the loaf. ~cough~
Are fate and destiny real things?
Yes, but you generally only realize their effects in hindsight. No one has a crystal ball. Something might feel super right in your gut, but it isn’t that thing that’s destined- it just gets you to the thing that is destined. Yes, they’re real, no, you can’t really actively harness them.
How can I find the spiritual path that’s right for me?
By listening to that quiet part of yourself that knows best. By seeking solitude and peace until you can hear that voice. By understanding that you’re already on a spiritual path, just by asking the question. By not letting yourself get sucked into a path presented by someone else. I find spirituality in nature- there are a lot of important spiritual lessons there.
Hey, what happened to my comment?!
I think that the best resource for inexpensive travel would be to stay with someone you know that’s in the area. I’m going to Maryland this summer to visit the boyfriend. I’m so excited about the free room and board..and well of course, seeing him.
But I think that we can all make selfish decisions no matter what age as long as we do it in moderation. We all need to do something for ourselves every now and then.
two of the best books i have ever read are the kite runner and the color of water. i highly recommend them both. and as for inexpensive travel i say check every travel site numerous times and book flights late at night, like midnight, apparently that’s when things are cheaper, weird i know. and i would love to go back to germany, it was one of the best trips of my life and i can’t wait to go back someday.
ps. i am loving your inventory posts, very cool stuff.
Acupuncture is helpful. I had terrible asthma and allergies when I was younger. I was taken to an acupuncturist and now I don’t have either. I’m thinking of trying it again for my skin and insomnia . . .
There are only 2 cures for insomnia:
1. Confession (not the religious kind) or
2. The worrisome event comes to pass
I’ve been reading your blog for a while and we have a lot in common. I think the cure for most of our ills would be to stop thinking so much. If only I could figure out how.
My answers to some:
What’s the best low cost health insurance for a single person in her twenties?
I have Blue Cross Blue Shield, and for seriously good coverage (even with a chronic injury that I have), it’s under $200 a month. I’m shocked to say that even I, only working a part-time job, can find that affordable.
What three beauty products could you not live without?
Chapstick, Bare Minerals Medium/Beige foundation, Neutrogena Healthy Skin face lotion with SPF 15
What’s the most poignant book you’ve ever read?
I’m going to have to go with The Poisonwood Bibles by Barbara Kingsolver. Gets me every time I read it, and really makes me reevaluate my life and my beliefs.
How many people in your life would you say truly know you?
I have to say one: me. I can be extremely sheltered, and I know I hold a lot back, even with my closest friends.
What are the best resources for inexpensive travel?
Traveling between different places in Europe: Volagratis & RyanAir.
What color walls make for a calming room?
Warm yellows or cool blues.
Would learning Italian for no practical purpose, other than that I want to, be worth the effort?
Yes!!!!!!! And I’ll help! I studied Italian in college (minored in it, and got to study in Italy for a semester), but I’m getting wicked rusty and would LOVE to speak/write/read it more!
What one place have you been would you most like to return to?
London. I only got to be there for about 2.5 days, and it simply wasn’t enough.
Up until what age is it okay to make selfish decisions?
I think it’s always okay to make selfish decisions, if you can call taking care of yourself being selfish. To a certain point, we have to think of ourselves first. If we don’t, we won’t be around to think of others.
Oh man, you’ve gotten so much help/advice…now I’m reading all the comments just to get in on it too - ha! I’ll save my words.
I have a GREAT bread recipe. Let me know if you want it!
And I knwo one beauty product no woman should be without is under eye cream. Before you know it, the wrinkles just show up. Its so annoying.
Nic, these are some great questions and I am so thrilled by the advise and support that you’ve been getting. For inexpensive travel, I would try the website (or magazine) budgettravel.com. I would just also ask around to friends and family about cheap/inexpensive places. Boyfriend and I scored a fantastic week at a mountain cabin just by asking my Mom is she knew of anyone with a cheap/inexpensive place to stay. A friend of a friend later and we had a beautiful mountain vacation.
As for selfish decisions, I always think you need to make the best decisions for you. Not everyone may agree and not everyone may be happy about it but in the end, you are the one living your life and living with the decisions you’ve made. I didn’t always live like this but once I began to value my happiness as important as the happiness of others, my life greatly improved and my happiness quotient shot up. By being selfish, I don’t mean taking the last piece of cake (although I probably would take the last piece of cake) but I mean making life decisions that have an effect on your present and future.
How can I get involved in freelance writing? just do it, write t, submit it, send it in, fear not the possible rejection.
What’s the best low cost health insurance for a single person in her twenties? one with a high deductible, if you are healthy, just be insured against serious illness or some long term hospital stay, maybe a deductable of $1000.00 +
What three beauty products could you not live without? no help here, all the products in the universe ain’t gonna help me.
What are some cures for insomnia? lower stress, positive attitude, optimism.
How many people in your life would you say truly know you? none
What color walls make for a calming room? pastels
Would learning Italian for no practical purpose, other than that I want to, be worth the effort? maybe not but if you want to then do it.
What one place have you been would you most like to return to? Colorado hunting
Up until what age is it okay to make selfish decisions? until you have dependents, weather that be kids, elderly dependent parents, SO, etc
Are fate and destiny real things? no
How can I find the spiritual path that’s right for me? study many, try them out, attend their meetings.
Ok there is my take, I am an expert in exactly none of these area’s.
I have an answer. Not from my own experience, but from a good friend’s.
Yes, learn Italian even if it’s for no practical purpose. Because you never know. My friend learned it for fun. He is able to speak it fluently. And just last week he got an opportunity to move to Italy for a month.
And now he’s prepared. Ta-da!
ooh! hmm… i like the idea of sage for a calming wall color. also a light yellow-ish, perhaps? two of my favorite books that … “moved” me were tuesdays with morrie, and i know this much is true (by wally lamb). i would say that about 6 or so people in my life truly know me. i like that question… it got me thinking. what’s it really mean to “truly know” someone? hmm.
i think yellow is a calming color. Eat Pray Love changed my life. Learn Italian just for the helluv it
why not? I can’t live without mascara, black eyeliner, and intuition razor blades. If you find out how to freelance…share your secrets. Two maybe three people once really knew me. Now i’d say 2. Best recipe for homemade bread is my mothers zucchini bread recipe…sooooo good. If i find it, i’ll send it to you 
i love these posts of yours
What’s the best low cost health insurance for a single person in her twenties?
This is different for everyone and every policy. It’s always cheapest to go with a group policy but I think I’ve read that that’s not an option for you. Get lots of quotes from insurance companies. You may even consider talking to a financial rep but be careful because some of them charge you sitting fees…
How can I train myself to like beans?
eek, I hate beans… I eat the blandest kind and throw my fav seasoning.
What three beauty products could you not live without?
eyeliner, mascara, and oil free moisturizer
What are some cures for insomnia?
Xanax. just kidding, sort of. I took that for a while but before that I tried things like hot caffeine free tea before bed, taking a warm bath. my major problem is staying asleep because I can usually get to sleep fine.
What’s the most poignant book you’ve ever read?
oh so many. a lot of people have been recommending The Power of Now but have said to get the audio because it’s more entertaining. Lots of people said it has changed their life
How many people in your life would you say truly know you?
What are the best resources for inexpensive travel? I always get the cheapest rates through the actual airline. be carefule, lots of airlines are going bankrupt though, so pick a well established one otherwise you paid for a ticket and get nothing in return! also I’ve seen a lot of good deals on all inclusive trips. Try times during their slow times like winter. you get the best deals then
What color walls make for a calming room?
soft colors like blues
Would learning Italian for no practical purpose, other than that I want to, be worth the effort?
I’ve always wanted to learn German so I think so
What one place have you been would you most like to return to? Florida. Also Cabo St Lucas
Up until what age is it okay to make selfish decisions?
selfish is an iffy word. if you’re doing what’s best for you then I don’t consider it selfish. Everyone is selfish to some degree and we certainly have a right to be. I’d say go ahead and be selfish. When you have kids you won’t have time to be, trust me
Are fate and destiny real things? bah, I half believe in those things. I like to think I chose my own destiny but sometimes I feel that if it’s not meant to be, it just isn’t (or the opposite)
How can I find the spiritual path that’s right for me? This is a tough one and can also be long. You could try attending different churches if your looking for religion and I know there are lots of books about spirituality. I think the book I was talking about discusses this too.
really great questions! helps me reflect on my own answers, lol.
A cup each of flour and water with one packet yeast and a tablespoon of salt. Leave overnight. In the morning add another cup of water and another packet of yeast and a tablespoon or two each of salt and olive oil. Add a few cups of flour but not enough to make a traditional knead-by-hand dough, leave it sticky, and use the dough-hook on a kitchenaid at high speed for the kneading. Pour it out into a casserole dish or cake pan, something big but with sides only a few inches high, not a loaf tin. After it’s ballooned up for a few hours, back at high temperature, 425 or so. Pretty much like ciabatta.
I can only answer a couple of these for you.
Most poignant book ever read: Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters by Courtney Martin, all about the struggles of women in their 20s who feel like we’re forced to do and be everything and how we lose a connection with our authentic selves/starve ourselves physically and mentally
Inexpensive travel: Once you’re in Europe, check out http://www.hostelworld.com
Learning Italian: Do it. I have a minor in Italian for no reason other than it’s a beautiful language. Plus it gives me an excuse to be pretentious when I order stuff at Olive Garden and Carrabba’s.
on acupuncture: absolutely helpful. and could probably help you with your insomnia actually… and btw - often covered w/ health insurance now.
on freelance writing - you know my thoughts on this.
on beauty products: aquaphor, Nars blush in Desire, and YSL volume effect faux cils. oh and Laura Mercier Tinted moisturizer w/ SPF 20. Sorry. all 4 are necessary.
on insomnia: don’t workout in the evening unless it’s yoga. drink a glass of red wine before bed - but not more than a glass. if you can’t fall asleep, don’t stay in bed. Get up and do something until you start to feel tired. And honestly, I’m a huge proponent of the occasional ambien. i love the idea of not thinking so much as someone suggested - but let’s be honest…truly a possibility?
on poignant books: recently - Eat, Pray, Love and Julie and Julia. Both of them spoke to me in different ways. Also The Fountainhead and The Awakening.
on people that truly know me: probably about 6. maybe 7
on inexpensive travel: research. I find the best stuff from researching extensively…but then, I love doing that. Could literally do it all day every day. Arthur Frommer’s budget travel is great. Wegolo.com is awesome for flying from place to place outside the US. Flycheapo.com isn’t bad either. also sign up for orbitz alerts. you get to set the price you want to pay for a trip and it lets you know when the flights are at that price. if you can fly by the seat of your pants, most places around the world have clean, cheap places you can find when you get there.
What color walls make for a calming room? cool colors in lighter shades - blues, greens, lavender - in pale shades. and they make the room look bigger too.
on learning Italian just because: yes, yes, and yes. using your mind for things you want to, not just things you HAVE to, is always worthwhile.
on the one place I’ve been that I’d most like to return to: Italy
on making selfish decisions: doesn’t have anything to do with age. It has to do with circumstance. Once you have kids, you mostly need to put them first. But I think even when you have kids it’s still important to be selfish every now and then. I think you end up being better parents if you take care of yourself sometimes too.
on fate and destiny and them being real: I think there’s something greater than all of us out there. Whether it has plans for us that we don’t know about — I don’t know.
on finding the spiritual path that’s right for you: explore. which you are already doing. read. meditate. take time for yourself. just keep exploring. i don’t know if we’re ever settled into a spiritual path…i think it’s about constantly searching…
Ok, I’ll do the travel ones. Best resource is a Lonely Planet guide, I loved my ‘Europe on a shoestring’ guide, it was the bible. I booked everything when I was away, using hostelworld.com and various flight sites to get cheap deals. Best thing is to ask though, in Italy, you can get cheaper train fares by catching the slow trains. It may take an extra hour or two to get where you’re going, but it’s lots cheaper!
I loved Turkey, Munich, Amsterdam and Prague.
What three beauty products could you not live without?
Mascara, lip balm, moisturizer
How many people in your life would you say truly know you?
Maybe one - my husband.
What color walls make for a calming room?
Light blue I think. That’s always been a color I associate with calmness and serenity.
Would learning Italian for no practical purpose, other than that I want to, be worth the effort?
Yes it would. I want to do the same thing. If you haven’t read Eat, Pray, Love. She learns Italian just because.
What one place have you been would you most like to return to?
The ruins at Tulum in Mexico. It was seriously one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life.
Up until what age is it okay to make selfish decisions?
It depends. If you’re 19 and have a baby, then 19 is probably too old to make selfish decisions. On the same note, if you’re 35, single and free of babies, then making selfish decisions and living for yourself is A-Okay.
What’s the best recipe for homemade bread?
Depends on what sort of bread. Do you want bread that you make sandwiches out of, or bread you smother in butter and snack on. Or, rolls. I have a really good roll recipe. They are delicious and, since the recipe makes about 40, easily freezable.
Are fate and destiny real things?
Absolutely yes.
holy fuck you have a lot of blog friends nic!! how do i make some?
i’ve really enjoyed reading all parts of the inventory, and admire you for doing it because intentional introspection is not easy.
anyway, as for the questions, here are my answers:
3 beauty products: checks and balances face wash by origins, purpose moisturizer and mascara (especially clinique).
inexpensive travel: my favorite book when i was in spain was “let’s go! on a budget” — i found AMAZING hotels and restaurants for cheap, 100% reliable.
calming colors for walls: i’m wondering about this also because hus and i want to paint the new apartment. the cool color family (greens, blues, purples) are apparently calming.
italian: yes it’s worth the effort because if you learn you will obviously visit italy or at least an italian restaurant at some point and feel like a straight up baller. learning a language can only open more doors. you should marry an italian man and raise your kids bilingual.
place i want to return: málaga
fate and destiny: i don’t believe in these things in the “everything happens for a reason” way, or the “our paths are pre-destined way.” my belief is just that things happen, and we can only know the path that we have and the one life that we are living, so why not feel satisfied with it? and if a belief in “fate” or “destiny” helps make that satisfaction possible, then awesome. some people need that whole concept of fate, some don’t. and some probably wish they could buy into it (i feel this way sometimes).
much love
I don’t know about accupuncture, I’m afraid of needles.
I can do the beans things - start adding them to your soup and puree them into the broth. Its great added protein and you don’t have the texture issue. Its how I started my husband on them.
Beauty Products: Mascarra, My Secret de Vie Lancome Moisturizer. Holy Crap its good & the soft tip liquid liner from Lancome in Smoke.
Place I want to return to: New Zealand.
Here’s two answers in one. Read Brian Weiss’ Many Lives Many Masters. It gave me goose bumps I never knew I had and it gives you an interest look at Fate & Destiny. Its the most awesome, overwhelming & eye opening book I’ve ever red. Its freaky and about reincarnation, but its worth a read. I swear.
I also have the best receipe for bread. I have to pull it off the other computer. I’ll e-mail it to you.
Is acupuncture helpful? I don’t know, but I wish I did.
How can I get involved in freelance writing? See above.
What’s the best low cost health insurance for a single person in her twenties? See above.
How can I train myself to like beans? When you find out, tell me how I can too. My doctor is always ragging on me to eat more chickpeas.
What three beauty products could you not live without? Voluminous mascara, any lip gloss and bubble bath.
What are some cures for insomnia? Reading old university textbooks.
What’s the most poignant book you’ve ever read? I need to think on this one…
How many people in your life would you say truly know you? 5.
What are the best resources for inexpensive travel? I like expedia. And friends who live in exotic locales. Also, friends with parents who own timeshares. And no, I’m not kidding.
What color walls make for a calming room? Not yellow. I had a convo with a principal about this the other day- schools in the 80’s were always painted buttercream yellow or pale yellow because people thought it calmed kids down. Studies show it doesn’t. They also show babies cry more in a yellow room than any other.
Would learning Italian for no practical purpose, other than that I want to, be worth the effort? Yes. My mom is learning (her boyfriend is Italian) and making yourself learn something new like that is a good challenge.
What one place have you been would you most like to return to? Cinque Terra Italy. Or, a state of peace in my brain.
Up until what age is it okay to make selfish decisions? Any age when it makes you happier.
What’s the best recipe for homemade bread? If you really want one, let me know and I can email it to you.
Are fate and destiny real things? This is why you are suffering from insomnia.
How can I find the spiritual path that’s right for me? You know my struggle with this!
What are the best resources for inexpensive travel?
I like Priceline.com for hotels.
blue and green are very calming colours.
also, i’m going back to france no doubt. i know england will win me over too.
italian is a beautiful language. i say go for it.
Ohhh boy!
People Who Truly Know Me- None
2) Freelance Writing- Seriously, Craigslist worked for me. I do it full-time now. I know, right? It took A LOT of time to really get going, but it’s working.
3) Health Insurance- Don’t ask me. I pay $268/month. It’s the law in MA. One reason why it suckss to be a freelancer!
7) Poignant Book- “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera or “Love, Etc.” by Julian Barnes. Or “Birds of America” by Lorrie Moore.
9) Inexpensive Travel- Kayak.com will find you the best flights
11) Learning Italian- YES. I’m learning Japanese for absolutely no reason except that I’ve always wanted to. Italian is probably more practical than Japanese.
12) Place to go Back to- Norway. The most beautiful place I’ve been!
13) Stop Making Selfish Decisions- When you have kids.
All fabulous questions. I wish I had more answers!
my comment didn’t post yesterday
anyway, to sum it up, try this book called THe Power of Now but you may want the audio part as it’s more entertaining. Lots of people have told me it helps them with finding their spirituality.
errr, I had a long comment, too
I adore learning languages and would TOTALLY advise you to learn Italian for no good reason. I firmly believe that learning another language is really good for the old noodle. Do it!
Re: Beans. Eat more burritos with lots of guac. Unless you don’t like guac.
But if you don’t like guac I don’t think we can be friends anymore.
I would go back to Brussels. But at this point I’ve concluded that there really is no such thing as “going back” because people and place are forever intertwined. A man never steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.
And I agree with Apollocreed. Guac is a basis for all my personal relationships. (:
What’s the most poignant book you’ve ever read?
- When I was younger, I LOVED “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (Stephen Chbosky). Still do. Also, “The God of Small Things” (Arundhati Roy) is incredibly moving. “A Density of Souls” (Christopher Rice) is my favorite book ever, even though it will mess with your mind in some pretty unbelievable ways..
Would learning Italian for no practical purpose, other than that I want to, be worth the effort?
- YES! I’m taking my first photography class right now, something I’ve wanted to do for years but never had a “reason” to and it’s changing my life. Literally. Plus, language is a good resume builder.
What one place have you been would you most like to return to?
- Key West. Most beautiful beaches in the U.S. and a totally relaxed and happy local populace.
Up until what age is it okay to make selfish decisions?
- Age? I’d say it’s more about when you start having commitments to other people. Being single and without kids gives you a lot of freedom to do things for *you*. Of course, that’s contingent upon your relationships with other people.. and who you might end up hurting in the process.
How can I find the spiritual path that’s right for me?
- If you figure this one out, please let me know.
I’m late on this, but better late than never! I love you!
Is acupuncture helpful? It depends on how often you get it and whether or not you believe in it. I did it twice when I was younger to help me sleep. They also gave me some homeopathic herbal concoction. It worked.
What’s the best low cost health insurance for a single person in her twenties?
This is the program I am getting into for the next few months:
https://www.tonikhealth.com/
And guess what? They have it in Cali too!!!
How can I train myself to like beans? Why do you need to like beans? You can get protein from other things like nuts right?
What three beauty products could you not live without? Neutrogena Sensitive Skin moisturizer, Cetaphil face wash, shimmery lotion to make my body look shiny and sexy
What are some cures for insomnia? Melatonin. Your body naturally produces it, so taking a supplement of it is somewhat ‘organic.’ At least that’s what I like to think. It also doesn’t make me drowsy the next day, it’s like 3 dollars for a bottle of 200 pills, and supposedly makes you have more vivid dreams (which is fun, but has only happened once for me).
What’s the most poignant book you’ve ever read? One that I can think of right now is The Magnificent Adventure of Edward Tulane. It’s a kid’s book, but it’s so so so good and all I want to do is read it.
How many people in your life would you say truly know you? Two. You and my mom.
What are the best resources for inexpensive travel? NOT STA TRAVEL. Don’t ever use them. I would say a boy is a great resource, because if you’re with him you’ll be safer doing things like hitch hiking and staying in people’s houses for free.
What color walls make for a calming room? Lavendar.
Would learning Italian for no practical purpose, other than that I want to, be worth the effort? Yes. You may go to Italy some day, or you may meet an Italian that you end up being best friends with. Or you might even marry an Italian so then you could use it to connect with him and his family.
What one place have you been would you most like to return to? St. Petersburg, Russia.
Up until what age is it okay to make selfish decisions? Coming from someone who is queen of selfish decision? You’re never too old to make them, as long as you’re not making them for EVERY decision. Selfish decisions are good and allow you to be happy and do things for only you.
What’s the best recipe for homemade bread?
Are fate and destiny real things? YES. And you need to embrace them. I don’t think that fate and destiny are everything. You do have a say in things to a certain extent. But if you feel something in your gut you should go with it until something else tells you to stop. That’s what I think.
How can I find the spiritual path that’s right for me? Try everything once. When I was little I experimented with every religion that interested me. I read about them and if there was something I really hated about them then I tried something else. I don’t follow any religion, but I found out that I do believe there is a higher power that guides us and picks us up when we need it and supports us when we’re at the top. All you need is something to believe in and have faith in whole-heartedly and all the practices or whatever else you’re looking for will follow.
>> What’s the most poignant book you’ve ever read?
A Separate Peace by John Knowles
>> How many people in your life would you say truly know you?
There’s not really that many. I’d say three or four. And those three or four change over the years.
>> What color walls make for a calming room?
Blues, by nature, are calming colors. Earthy but not terribly dark greens are also quite soothing.
>> Would learning Italian for no practical purpose, other than that I want to, be worth the effort?
Absolutely! If for no other reason, then you’re at least learning because you want to learn, and you’re changing and expanding the ways your brain learns. And then you’d naturally be super cool because you can speak Italian.
>> What one place have you been would you most like to return to?
Amsterdam, Holland. One of the greatest cities in the world. It’s a mecca for worldwide diversity, people are open, and the city itself is just gorgeous. The European culture over there is just addicting.
>> Up until what age is it okay to make selfish decisions?
Depends on why they are selfish. If you are being selfish because you need to maintain who you are, what you believe or don’t believe, or making selfish decisions to be a healthier person, I’m all for that and would promote that in others. Sometimes selfish decisions are made to give yourself a break. Other times are because you have to make decisions for yourself and consider no one else.
Selfish decions just for the sake of being selfish… I’d say just ask yourself how you benefit and if the benefit is going to be lasting enough to justify the action.
>> How can I find the spiritual path that’s right for me?
This is a super sticky question. Personally, I follow Jesus’ example for my life. I’m not terribly good at it, but I found that He is the only source of true love, hope, and community. A lot of “Christians” and churches today are huge turn offs and are disgustingly divided and hypocritical and are irrelevant. I started to become very dissatisfied with the church I grew up in and started to peel away from the whole Christian thing. It was annoying and embarassingly hypocritical. But that’s when I decided if I was going to stay with this whole God thing, I needed to find people who modelled that and be around them as much as possible. That’s when I found my pastor. His faith and salvation burned within him and was so much less a thing he did on Sunday and so much more a hope and love just gushing out of him. That’s when I decided to be a follow of the Jesus of the gospels in the Bible and less of a church follower.
If you’ve ever leaned towards Christianity, try to find a college group or a younger church (younger in demographics). You can usually find them meeting on college campuses, or in some of the larger churches.
Now I’m not about shoving God down peoples’ throats. I’m just sharing how I found my way. I’d just say find people who have light and hope and love within them. People where it’s not just a hobby or a trophy, but a lifestyle and a passion deep within them. At the least find someone who models what you want spirituality to look like in your own life. And if there is no one to model after, ask yourself what you want it to look like in your own life and start living it little by little.