Re-evaluating New Years Resolutions

I know what you're thinking. "Uhm... it's already June, Lynette. Way too late, or way too early, to start thinking about making a list of those again."

The thing is, I get really inspired to tackle new interests and hobbies when I know I get a brand new year to make it happen and do it right. Although, after the first couple of months all those new year resolutions fade away and I find myself saying. "Nah, I'll start saving next year" or "I'll sign up for the gym some other time".

I think June is a good month to re-evaluate those resolutions that you felt oh so excited about. Here's my chance to get inspired again.

1. Cook more often

I'm proud to say that I've stuck with this one; still not a whiz in the kitchen, but i'm learning, and enjoying cooking delicious food. I'm actually cooking lunch for my boyfriend tomorrow. What's on the menu? Chicken pot pie, made from scratch, with a green salad; something simple, yet delicious. For dessert, I'm making decadent chocolate brownies.

2. Shop less ... or shop smart

Uhm... let's just move to the next one?… Okay, so I haven't gotten around to this one, since I still have a MAJOR shopping addiction. From clothes to shoes, to home decor to food. Everything pretty, I have to have. And yes, I blame my shopping addiction on everything and everyone else. Denial?

3. Learn how to play tennis

My brother and his fiancé joined the airline industry last year, and we are fortunate to live in the same building. My brother is a pro at playing tennis, and as soon as the weather cools down a bit he is taking me and his fiancé for a tennis lesson. I am super excited and a tad bit nervous at the same time. The last time I held a tennis racket, it somehow ended up hitting me in the face, leaving a print of little blocks on my forehead. True story.

4. Read more often

Yes, I have been reading a lot more this year and I'm still going strong. I'm currently on the last book in The Hunger Games trilogy. It's definitely a fantastic series and I'm looking forward to finish it, and then find a new inspirational book. Any suggestions?

5. Work out and eat healthier

Nope, still not working out, and still not cutting out McDonalds. Ask me this question again in a few months, and maybe I'll have a different answer. Maybe not...

6. Save money

This is a tricky one. It's no secret that I love spending money. However, I never find myself without money. I give freely and help people out who need that extra penny. I probably should save more and invest, like the "grown ups" say. So this is definitely my biggest challenge for the next couple of months. I strongly believe in giving a 10th of my salary to whoever needs it. Whether it is a charity organization, or a family member in need. It's important to give, and in return you will receive an incredible sense of well being. For the leaner months, a bright smile will do.

How are you all doing with your New Year's Resolutions?

My Biggest Pet Peeves!

In general, I see myself as a very happy and accepting person, who loves people and try to understand situations for what it is, and why people act the way they do. Getting irritated from time to time is normal; however I came to realize that ever since stepping into the real world, it's usually the same things that really tick me off.

1. Toddler beauty pageants

In my day, it was heaps of fun; putting on a dress, yet still barefoot, and parading down a catwalk, which mostly consisted of wooden planks, decorated with flowers. We answered questions like, "What is your name and your favorite game to play?" It was appropriate because we were only 7 or 8 years old after all. These days, I don't know which is worse; the tiny little human beings painted with more makeup than a clown, or the scary pageant moms. They compete for trophies and money, with so much pressure from the scary pageant moms. Aren't they supposed to be outside playing on a swing set like any normal child their age?

2. Noisy chewers, especially gum

I don't care who you are or where you are from, it IS considered rude to chew out loud in someone's ear... and with your mouth open at that. Gross!

3. Attention-seeking status updates

There seems to be so many social portals these days, where you let your friends/family/strangers know what you've been up to. Where it's intended to be fun and interesting, you still get people who see a status update as a chance to seek attention or complain ALL the time. A recent Facebook status read: "why does this always happen to me *sigh*…". Then someone will comment: "what happened" only to get a reply like: "i cant say" or "ill inbox you". STOP putting your life dramas on status updates just to get attention. And what is the *sigh* about?

4. Animal-like yawners 

Yawning is normal. And, bonus, you were blessed with two hands to cover your mouth when a yawn happens. Maximum one hand required for this action, actually! No one wants to see whether you still have your tonsils or wisdom teeth. 

5. Combining of celebrity couples' names:

Tomkat (Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes), Brangelina (Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie), Bennifer (Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez) Apparently, according to gossip mags' writers, the shortening of celebrity names intrigue the readers more to read the article. I just think it's stupid.

So, these are my biggest pet peeves. What are yours?

Hotel Secrets

Being an air-hostess, I travel a lot. And by "a lot" I mean sleeping in a different hotel every other day, meeting hundreds of new people every week and trying to remember my current hotel room number. Staying in hotels so often, I've learned many helpful things, and I'd like to share my tips and tricks with fellow flight attendants and travelers.  


1. Knock, or else - Now this may sound crazy, but when you reach your assigned hotel room, knock! Don't just swipe your key card and enter. Here's why; hotels often do double bookings and the last thing you want to find after an exhausting trip is a hairy old fella doing naked yoga in your room.  Yep, that's happened.  


2. Laptop light - When you've located the light switches and figured out how they work, please let me know.  From turning nobs to flicking a switch, from touch screens to inserting a key card... I have officially given up and rely on my laptop light to find my way.  


3. Don't forget your stuff - The in-room safe is very helpful, especially if you have valuable items to keep safe when you head out. But it has happened numorous times where people check out and forget about those items. Here's what I do; store something of absolute need, like your work shoe, with your valuable items. You can't leave your hotel room and go to work with only one shoe on; that way you'll remember the rest of your items.  


4. Be lazy, and save money - No one wants to go out and buy groceries when you just arrived from a long trip. So feel free to indulge in the most expensive beverage and snack items in that minibar. And then, before you check out, find the nearest 7/Eleven and replace those items. Score! 


So there you have it. Happy "hotelling". Yep, that's a word I just made up.