Category: Random

An Ode to In-Flight Magazines

If there’s one thing I like to do on the plane, it’s read a magazine. Usually it’s too bumpy or my neighbors are too irritating to dive into a lengthy classic novel, but the bite-size length of most magazine articles are just what I need to make the trip fly (yeah, I went there).

Yesterday, I had planned on playing iPhone games for the majority of my travel time, however, bubble mania one addictive game in particular apparently required that I be online to play? Wha? So I turned to the airline-provided magazine and was pleasantly surprised. Actually, whenever I fly American, I read most of their mag but I was pleased to find that United’s publication, Hemispheres, was just as good, if not better.

I read a light piece on road tripping, learned the must-dos if I ever find myself in Seattle, and more.

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The layout was especially fresh and pleasing. So, I came to a conclusion and decided to write a post about it: Airline magazines are super underrated! I mean, travel is an interest of mine, so naturally I’m drawn to most of the topics at hand. But unlike Condé Nast Traveler, for example, I can actually see myself seeing and doing the things included in these articles, not just fantasizing about it. Next time you’re flying, burn through one of these before reaching for the one you bought at the travel shop before boarding.

My all-time favorite regular mags are Sunset and Southern Living. What are yours?

Productive Monday

So, there are lots of things I always told myself I’d do much better at, “if I wasn’t tied up at work 8 hours every day.” Well, time for a reality check–Friday was my last day at work, and this week is my opportunity to prove to myself that without constraints of work I really AM the superwoman I kept telling myself I could be. So, I made a massive list of stuff to take care of this week, including lots of “preparing-to-move” stuff and other “ultra-housewife” stuff (like well-thought out dinners, dishes caught up with daily, etc).

I let Mosey try some watermelon–he liked it!

So far so good! I’ve picked up records of Mosey’s shots from the vet to show the apartment complex he’s up to date, and to get him set up with a new vet. I also made it to the grocery store to get ingredients for fresh, healthy meals tonight and tomorrow night. Not to mention, I caught up on a TON of dishes (we had several people over for tacos last night so there were more dishes than usual). And it’s only 2:00! Maybe I can be superhousewife after all.

I also got a little behind-the-scenes blog housekeeping taken care of, and I’m scratching my head trying to come up with posts for this week. The house is a wreck since we’re getting rid of some furniture and packing, so I am definitely not starting up any new projects at the moment.

Well, I’m bound to come up with something to write about, so see you here tomorrow!

Crazy Days

Sorry my posts have been so sparse here lately. I know, I know, one really doesn’t need to apologize for not blogging–I’m not doing it for money, so any and all deadlines are set by me, but I really had/have resolved to put a priority on My Friend Staci in 2012. I’ve been doing a good job of it so far, and I’d like to keep the ball rolling.

However, this week is my last week of work so Monday and Tuesday were spent juggling my normal job responsibilities with cleaning out and organizing my files so everything will be good to go for my replacement. I started training my replacement, Beth, yesterday, and we’ll continue through today and tomorrow. Monday she’s on her own (but I’ll just be working on moving-related tasks at home so I can pop over if she gets in over her head). She’s doing a great job so far and knowing that takes a big load of stress off.

Other things I’ve been doing is beginning to pack, selling some of our larger items online, and balancing social engagements… funny how when people find out you’re leaving, they want to spend time with you ;) Oh yeah, and the past two days, battling an inconvenient summer cold.

The GREAT news is that a little over a week ago, my in-laws accepted an offer on the Little Hacienda on the Prairie! Thanks in LARGE part to my interior photos… I talked the real estate agent into using the photos I snapped a number of months ago for my Home Tour on the on-line listing, and they really did their job. The buyer fell in love with the house even before setting foot inside. My in-laws are pleased.

I’d like to do a little interior photography on the side once we move. So many photos I see on Craig’s List are just abysmal. I think for a small fee some people would be willing to let me take a few snaps… especially if it speeds up the leasing process for them and potential renters. Something I think I’ll work on next week (between cancelling electricity service, packing, and apartment hunting) will probably be coming up with some kind of online portfolio for that. Can anyone recommend a free online service for something like that? I’d love to hear from you.

So, that’s what’s going on around here lately. It’s why posts have been so sparse… we’ve just got a lot going on. What’s new with you?