Valentine's eve

In my language, we call tomorrow "All hearts day".

I'm going to paint my lips cherry red for no reason at all, and buy myself white chocolate with strawberries. I might also go get some roses and watch a movie, or simply go about my day as I always do. Whatever I do, I know I will enjoy my singledom tomorrow. My friends seem to be breaking up left and right at the moment, and while I'm happy to be their shoulder to cry on, I'm not at all jealous of their heartache.

On this Valentine's eve, I want to share three brief boy-related memories with you:

There once was this boy who unexpectedly picked me up and threw me into a huge pile of snow as we were out walking in the city. I could have been furious with him, but I wasn't - I loved it. Then there was this other boy who put his leather jacket over my shoulders after noticing that I was shivering as we were walking home from the cinema. Yet another one wanted to take me on a surprise date, which turned out to be an art vernissage.

I didn't even properly date anyone of these guys, but they all gave me some nice memories and taught me a lot about what I actually like and how I want to be treated. (Respect + playfulness + chivalry = Win!) I think it's a good thing to remember things like these on a day like Valentine's day. Or on any day, really. Remember that you deserve to be treated like the princess you are. Remember that there have indeed been boys in the past who have known how to treat you. And above all, remember that there most likely will be other boys, or men, in the future who will treat you even better.

Whishing you all a happy Valentine's day!

On a wing and a prayer

My first week of February has consisted of thesis work, working out, Pan Am, gospel singing, marshmallow fluff and long lunches with friends. Not much else, but that's fine. It is now midnight, and I'm taking a study break to share with you a couple of pictures inspiring me this month:

Remember to stand tall, no matter what. 

(Even if the surroundings are intimidating...)

The conditions might not be perfect, but that's okay. It will not limit you.

You're still free to strive for perfection.

Do what Mary did - put your trust where it belongs.

Take a smile

While I was grocery shopping today, I bumped into Hot-guy-from-Italian-class. We don't exactly know each other, but we said a quick hi. Afterwards, as I was wondering why that had cheered me up so much, it occurred to me that he is one of those people who actually bother to turn on their smiles when saying hi.

 

Cheesy post needs cheesy illustration to match... 

Actually, I'm planning on putting something like this up in my grocery store.

Do you know what I'm talking about? Surprisingly many just nod and mutter a "hey", mainly signalling "Oh, it's you, yeah, I recognize you." That's it. Next time, why not try a smile as well? Not only does it make people around you happy, it's clinically proven to make you happy too.

I know this post is cheesy, but this is what was in my head today: Like most other human beings, I love it when people smile. Especially if they're as good-looking as Hot-guy-from-Italian-class.

And especially considering the fact that last time I saw him, we were both crying.

I quite like how dramatic that sounded... But it wasn't. We were actually in class, watching La vita e bella. Need I say more? I shouldn't think so. Oddly enough, the rest of our class were completely unfazed, as if we weren't watching the most moving film in history.... Not me, though. And not him.

So here's to letting your feelings show, be it joy or sorrow.

Brand new things

She's a butterfly in mid-july 

who just can't wait to try her brand new wings

on brand new things...

I've had somewhat of a mellow monday, but Johnny Cash never fails to brighten my day. I had a dream about the scent of fresh Jasmine last night - I can't remember ever having scented dreams before, and it was wonderful. Outside my apartment building there are several large jasmine bushes, and the scent they give off in the summer is unbelievable. But summer is far away, and life is moving slowly these days.

Snow globe

Sometimes I feel like I'm a little too detached, a little too cut off from the "real world". I hardly ever even read the papers anymore - I'm too busy being a nerd within my field of research, doing arts and crafts and just existing in this little bubble I've created for myself. It hits me whenever I travel to the capital doing thesis research, seeing all the grit and gloom of a big city. I realize it when I encounter people living outside my bubble.

But the thing is, I like it that way.

 
I really do feel like I'm living in a snow globe. A safe and secure, fairly idyllic little snow globe containing sweet friends, caring family, beautiful surroundings, whimsical dreams and academical analyses, art and writing and all things inspiring. A place where worries and problems are temporary and managable.

They say the only way to evolve as a person is to get out of your comfort zone. There's some truth in that, but I'm saving it for later - for now, I'm perfectly content within my comfort zone. At some point I'll be thrown out of it anyway, so until that happens I'm staying in it. Staying safe and sound in my snow globe.