pretty patterned and painted things

I took notice recently of how many awesomely patterned things I own! And how much I am instantly attracted to things that are patterned and painted otherwise... Here's a small sample:

Three pack of patterned journals? Duh.

Pretty box the journals came in? Awesome.

Ridiculous patterned chairs found at Salvation Army? Great, except used furniture freaks me out.

Pretty mug :) only $0.69!

The cutest patterned gift bag (compliments of Elliot's mom) and a red patterned scarf? Yes please!
(I never pass up a pretty scarf, pretty much ever)

Placemat holding my TV... and I'm pretty sure I found this at Meijer.

Painted tin from my friend Winter :) Love it!

Two fake flowers, one holds a candle and the other is made from tissue paper.
Now that I think about it, I probably shouldn't put these next to each other!
(Ok, so these aren't patterned, but they're textured! Close enough).

My make-up bag has to look cute, too!

A painting!

The inside of my coat! That's right, the patterns continue even on the inside.

My favorite seat in the house, which just so happens to sport a patterned pillow.

Three favorite cups! Tea cup, recycled green glass, and a deep blue coffee mug :)

Well I mean, I need a place to store my tea bags!

Because bills aren't fun unless they're in an adorable mail sorter.
Oh wait, even then they aren't fun.

Peaceful and serene :)

I buy books based on how they look.
They just also happen to be good books.

Night stand! Gotta love jade trinket holders!

Hope you enjoyed my ridiculousness!

Love,
SSB

a few things that keep me going

• GLEE

• Font Jokes

• Songs About Grammar
• Birds Chirping Outside My Window

Healing.

A lot has been going on – A LOT, people. Here’s a recap of ONE of the last few weeks, bulleted for efficiency and ease of read.

• Rock Against Rape: This event was truly transformational. Easily my favorite part of the night was seeing Steve Connell perform, hearing his honest and strong words bursting with rhythm and filled with soul. And this soul was ever present when myself and every member of Eyes Wide Open had the chance to meet him, hug him, share a few words with him, and have our RAR t-shirts signed by him. I found it so backwards when he told us all that this event was really touching for him, but I suppose that’s how inspiration works.
• I would like to think his words could change the world. I would like to hope I can have the impact he has some day. (Hopefully I can post a video of his performance later!)
• SIDE NOTE: I was chosen as the graphic design chair for RAR next year! Woohoo!

• Post-surgery: As if work and RAR weren’t enough to handle in a single Saturday, Megan moved. So, the following days were like recovering from an appendectomy – I was moving slowly, feeling lazy, and had an empty pain in my gut. I wanted nothing more than to remain in my jammies, snuggle up in bed and cry to some depressing music and soak in the sadness and gravity of the situation. But alas, I had to work.

• Pre-surgery: What’s more, my family was all downstate for a really big, important reason: my mom was donating her kidney to my Uncle Dan. So the day before the surgery (immediately following work) I went to visit my Uncle Dan and mom at the hospital, both of which were in pre-surgery states. Both seemed apprehensive yet brave, nervous yet strong. I can’t find a better representation of family and love than my mom donating her healthy kidney to her brother.

• Post-surgery, again: The surgery went swimmingly the next morning, and both patients were groggy and grumpy afterwards. I mean, who wouldn’t be? Sometimes I wonder why showing love can be so painful? I like to imagine a world where actions of affection like donating a kidney are rewarded with candy and rainbows and instead of pain one feels warmth and good-feeling over the incision site. I guess that’s what the gift shop is for, eh?

• Recovery: Day two of recovery was important for a few reasons: 1. My mom got to eat solid food again! 2. The donated kidney seemed to be working well, and 3. It was my 21^st birthday! I had a perfect dinner at San Chez among family (minus my mom), Elliot, and Brittany and was served the most delicious food and my first mojito! Really, I had never had a mojito before! They are wonderful!

• More recovering: The rest of the week was devoted to being at the hospital, visiting with family, going to class, and waiting for friends to come celebrate my birthday with me on Friday (hey, Tuesday is an awkward day to have a 21^st birthday!). Friday night we spent some time downtown, and had some good drinks and some fantastic conversation. The night wasn’t perfect, but it was excellent despite imperfection… I felt really special to have my friend Mark visiting from the D, too. (SEE: The D)
• SIDE NOTE: everyone (who can legally do so – gotta keep this blog rated PG in case my parents are reading) should try an oatmeal cookie shot. They are effing delicious!

• The remainder: So, all of the above happened in less than a week. And so much has happened since then! I really need to update more regularly! I promise I will once I have a break from school! (Sorry for the lack of creativity and multi-media-ness. I will try harder next time to be more eloquent and coherent!)
  
  
  SSB

empty room

There was this huge chunk inside of me
that I gave to you and
you gave part of you to me, too.

And when I think about those days where
all I could do is crawl under your desk
and cry,

It makes me question what must have happened
where all I can do now is to ask that your desk be empty
and we say goodbye.

The thing I did not anticipate, for I made no list for this
is that the more you spend on friendship
the more you risk.

And now my fist slams hard on my steering wheel
as I cry secretly in my car because
I don't know how our conflict could have come this far.

But I do know this:

When I gave you that huge chunk and you gave me yours,
we did not intend for them to be tossed aside
with ease and stride.

That is abandonment.

And though your desk is empty and I no longer hear
your rapping in the air or confide my fears
I am still here.

Now that chunk may have shrunk,
it might not fit as nicely as ever but I don't easily forget
how our friendship has evolved since when we first met.

Trust me I have empty space in me too
and it's excruciating to sing the blues knowing
well I can't be comforted by you.

But give it time, my friend and when
I fill those empty spaces and you have too
we'll fit better together again.

As I said, I did not intend to abandon you
but I do need space so that
when forgiveness comes your chunk can have its place.

SSB