Nomad Saturdays Life’s Little Detours

Embracing the Weekend: Reflections on the Weekly Grind, Quirky Life Musings, and Simple Joys

The relentless rhythm of the work week often feels like an uphill battle. Mondays arrive with a jolt, initiating a slow-motion trudge through the weekdays. That midweek hump day, a notorious obstacle, somehow gets conquered, only for Friday to tease with its excruciatingly slow crawl towards freedom. It’s a universal struggle, this weekly anticipation, this longing for a respite from the daily demands.

But here we are, at the cusp of another precious weekend, having successfully navigated the challenges. For me, a glass of wine often marks the symbolic transition from the week’s pressures to the weekend’s calm, a simple yet profound ritual of letting go. And now, the reward. Happy Saturday, dear readers! Go ahead, allow yourself the luxury of relaxation. Savor that well-deserved cup of coffee, letting its warmth and aroma unfold in slow motion. Enjoy every last drop, and don’t hesitate to go back for seconds, because this time is truly yours.

Does anyone else feel like the week moves at a glacial pace, only for the weekend to vanish in an instant, a fleeting blur of activity and relaxation? It’s an injustice, I tell you, this imbalance of time. We yearn for the weekend, count down the hours, and then, in what feels like mere minutes, it’s over, leaving us once again staring down the barrel of Monday.

This perpetual cycle has led me to a grand, perhaps slightly ambitious, proposition: a re-evaluation of our work-life structure. Why not even out the playing field a bit? Imagine a four-day work week coupled with a glorious three-day weekend. It strikes me as only fair, offering a more balanced approach to productivity and personal well-being. Who do we approach with such a revolutionary idea? The President? Our local legislators? Surely, someone must recognize the profound benefits of such a shift, not just for individual happiness but for overall societal health and creativity. A longer weekend could lead to more rested, happier, and ultimately more productive individuals. The dream of better work-life balance feels within reach, even if just in my musings.

Alas, the practicalities of such a change probably mean it remains a pleasant fantasy for now. But a person can dream, can’t they?

Lately, my thoughts have frequently drifted towards the allure of a nomadic lifestyle. The romantic notion of roaming around the earth, unburdened by fixed routines and responsibilities, sounds incredibly appealing. Perhaps I’d even acquire a horse, embracing a simpler, more primal existence reminiscent of days long past. The freedom of the open road, the ever-changing landscape, and the chance to truly disconnect from modern complexities beckon to me. It’s a fantasy of ultimate independence and exploration, a true escape from the mundane.

Unexpected Romantic Gestures and Personal Quirks

My husband, whom I affectionately (and sometimes exasperatedly) refer to as Squirrel, has developed a penchant for calling me rather unsettling pet names, purely for his amusement. While I know he’s only teasing, some of them are frankly disturbing. “Sugar bear,” “Luscious lips,” and the absolute worst offender, “Pookie.” Just hearing them makes me gag! I’ve been trying my utmost to ignore these affectionate, yet cringe-worthy, monikers. However, I’m not sure how much longer I can maintain my composure before my hand develops an uncontrollable twitch and delivers a well-deserved, albeit gentle, love tap to his cheek.

Just the other day, he emailed me with an urgent-sounding request to call him. Naturally, I assumed he had something profoundly important or urgent to share. Instead, when I called back, his response was a simple, “I just wanted to hear your voice.” I nearly choked on my salad. “What? Where is my real husband, and what have you done with him?” I demanded, half-joking, half-serious. It was such an uncharacteristically romantic gesture from the man who often communicates in grunts and sarcastic remarks. This unexpected display of affection almost caused a casualty – my lunch. Here’s the very salad I was precariously consuming when Squirrel decided to unleash his newfound romantic side:

I am far from what one might describe as a “girlie-girl.” My preferred pastimes involve getting my hands dirty, whether it’s playing in the mud, catching fish with my bare hands, or going on a good old-fashioned frog hunt. Squirrel, ever the observant one, recognizes this distinct lack of delicate femininity and occasionally uses it against me, knowing full well it gets under my skin. He’s a clever one, that man, always finding new ways to playfully poke fun at my rugged inclinations. It’s all part of our dynamic, a constant interplay of teasing and affection that keeps our relationship interesting.

My wonderful friend Nancy, who pens the hilariously honest posts over at Gotta Get Baked, recently inspired me to share some of my own “random crap.” After devouring a few of her refreshingly candid Random Crap entries, I realized how much I admire her brutal honesty and comedic timing – two qualities I absolutely adore about her. Like me, she’s a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is kind of gal, and I often find myself waiting in the digital shadows, like a slightly creepy stalker, for her latest posts to go live. Her genuine voice encourages me to embrace my own eccentricities and share them with the world.

And so, I’ve decided to launch my own series, aptly titled: “Crap I Should Probably Keep To Myself.” Consider this your first official installment.

Confessions of a Frog Hunter and Other Social Faux Pas

You might still be pondering, perhaps even slightly perplexed, by the “frog-hunting” comment. Allow me to elaborate and alleviate any concerns. Yes, I do indeed hunt frogs. I even possess my own specialized frog net and all the necessary gear. However, and this is crucial, I do not injure or harm the frogs in any way whatsoever. My method is strictly catch-and-release. I capture them gently, hold them for a brief moment to admire their unique slimy charm, and then set them free back into their natural habitat. The joy for me lies entirely in the challenge of the catch itself. Those little buggers are incredibly slimy, astonishingly quick, and surprisingly elusive, making the pursuit a genuine test of skill and patience. It’s a primal thrill, a harmless engagement with nature that I find deeply satisfying.

Are you still there, or did the mention of frog hunting send you scurrying away? I hope you’ve stayed, as there’s plenty more “crap” to unveil. Moving on, then…

A graphic saying 'Say What?' with stylized text, hinting at surprising or unconventional thoughts.

One of my pet peeves, a truly infuriating sight, is witnessing someone out in public wearing slippers. It absolutely drives. Me. Nuts! It’s as if the simple act of putting on proper shoes required an insurmountable effort. And don’t even get me started on pajamas. Just this week, I spotted a woman wearing Cookie Monster pajama bottoms in public. While I appreciate the nostalgia, it was decidedly not attractive. People, there are socially acceptable alternatives for comfort: Uggs and sweatpants. They offer comfort without sacrificing basic public decorum. It’s a small distinction, but one that makes a big difference in maintaining a semblance of presentability in public spaces.

In a testament to my current state of domestic elegance, my nightstand is, at this very moment, a light box I acquired from Home Depot. Classy, right? It serves its purpose, illuminating my nightly reads and holding my phone, but I admit, it’s a far cry from a traditional piece of furniture. It’s a temporary solution, a quirky addition to my bedroom that speaks volumes about my pragmatic, albeit unconventional, approach to home decor.

I confess, I don’t watch television. Consequently, I live in a fascinating state of blissful ignorance regarding many world events. Take, for instance, the news of a missing plane – a truly perplexing and massive event that, it turns out, actually happened. While most people would catch a segment on their local news channel or read about it in the newspaper, I, however, discover such important, often life-changing, developments through the informal “grapevine” – typically from Squirrel, my colleagues, or a friendly patient. I then proceed to sit there, jaw dropped, eyes bulging, utterly speechless, uttering nonsensical words of profound shock. My disconnection from mainstream media often means I’m the last to know, making these revelations all the more startling when they finally reach me. It’s a curious way to stay “informed,” relying on word-of-mouth in an age of instant news, but it’s my reality.

I have an almost complete lack of filter. Ideas and thoughts seem to enter my brain and then, without any censorship, spew directly out of my mouth. It’s a condition, I swear, a conversational disease that often leads to amusing, and sometimes awkward, situations. There’s rarely a barrier between thought and speech, leading to an unfiltered authenticity that can be both endearing and, at times, a little too much.

Furthermore, I can curse with the colorful vocabulary of a seasoned sailor. You might not deduce this from the polished appearance of my blog (I do my best to keep it buried deep within these pages), but it’s the truth. I am, by many standards, profoundly not lady-like when I let loose. It’s a hidden facet of my personality, a raw edge that contrasts with the more composed persona I might present online.

Occasionally, completely out of the blue, I’ll spontaneously execute a full-blown catwalk move, pretending I’m a high-end shoe model, strutting my stuff in imaginary Louboutins. It’s a fleeting moment of glamorous fantasy, a secret escape into a world of fashion and elegance, far removed from my daily reality. These impromptu fashion shows are purely for my own amusement, a tiny rebellion against the mundane.

And speaking of fashion, I harbor an intense desire to metaphorically smack the person – and yes, I am absolutely convinced it was a man – who invented the bra. Only a male mind, utterly unacquainted with the female form, could conceive of something so consistently uncomfortable, restrictive, and often agonizing. It feels like a historical prank played on half the population, a constant reminder of daily physical discomfort.

Was that TMI? Perhaps. But remember, this is “Crap I Should Probably Keep To Myself.”

Spring allergies have officially made their unwelcome grand entrance, initiating their seasonal river dancing session right inside my brain. The incessant itching, the watery eyes, the relentless sneezing – it’s a torturous symphony of discomfort. Make it stop, please! The arrival of beautiful spring blossoms also signals a period of intense nasal misery, a cruel irony of nature.

I often tease my aging parents about their inevitable future, painting a humorous, if slightly macabre, picture of them in a padded room with a food slot, where showers involve the use of a hose. I know, I’m such an upstanding, compassionate daughter. The truly remarkable thing is, they genuinely believe I’m just joking. Bah! Little do they know, it’s a playful anticipation of future filial duties, wrapped in layers of loving sarcasm. It’s our way of dealing with the inevitable, with humor and a touch of dark jest.

A graphic saying 'Crushing On' with a stylized heart, indicating items the author is currently desiring or admiring.

Currently Crushing On: Desires and Inspirations

My current obsession list is growing, filled with items that spark joy and inspiration:

This exquisite brown leather crossbody purse. I was utterly smitten with it, crushing on its unique design and craftsmanship for what felt like an eternity. The desire was so strong that I finally took the plunge, investing in what I knew would be a cherished accessory. I am now the proud and delighted owner of this beautiful handmade leather bag, a testament to quality and style that perfectly complements my adventurous spirit.

This incredible One Bowl Yellow Birthday Cake with Lemon Buttercream from Movita Beaucoup. Movita, though she doesn’t know it yet, has unwittingly agreed to craft my “30th birthday denial cake.” It’s a cake that will help me pretend I’m not actually turning another year older, a delicious, lemony confection to sweeten the illusion of perpetual youth. The thought of its fluffy texture and tangy frosting is enough to make my mouth water.

These decadent Double Chocolate Cadbury Eggs from Domestic Rebel. The very idea of them fills me with an insatiable craving. I want to devour every single one, indulging in their rich, chocolatey goodness without a hint of guilt. They represent a pure, unadulterated pleasure, a treat I wholeheartedly deserve.

I yearn to prance around in this utterly girly linen lace cami dress from the Loft. It’s the kind of dress that makes you feel light, elegant, and effortlessly beautiful. As I envision myself wearing it, the song “I feel pretty, oh so pretty…” spontaneously erupts in my mind. It’s a vision of feminine grace, a delightful contrast to my usual rugged tendencies, and a perfect embodiment of carefree summer days.

A beautiful new dress, of course, necessitates a perfectly matching new pair of shoes. These absolutely darling little flats from Anthropologie captured my heart at first glance. Their charm and comfort seem designed for leisurely strolls and elegant evenings, making them the ideal companions for my new lace dress. They are a statement of understated style, a subtle touch of sophistication.

Finally, I envision a perfect evening: you, me, and a generous pitcher of this vibrant Blood Orange Margarita from Honestly Yum, looking absolutely exquisite fireside. The warmth of the fire, the tart sweetness of the margarita, and good company – what could be better? Oh, and I have marshmallows! Ready for roasting, of course. It’s the quintessential recipe for a cozy, delightful gathering, a moment of shared joy and warmth under the stars.

A graphic saying 'Say Cheese!' with a vintage camera icon, hinting at captured moments and memories.

Moments Captured: Glimpses of My Life

Life is made up of countless small moments, and here are a few that capture the essence of my recent days:

The weather has finally turned, bringing with it a delightful warmth that makes outdoor activities a pleasure once more. It’s finally warm enough outside to go for a refreshing run, stretching my legs and clearing my mind in the crisp, gentle air. The joy of physical activity outdoors after a long winter is truly unparalleled.

This is my mom’s earnest attempt at frosting cupcakes. My immediate, unfiltered thought upon seeing it sitting on the counter was: “dog turd.” However, as the clever Anna of Crunchy Creamy Sweet astutely pointed out, my mom, perhaps unknowingly, crafted a rather impressive replica of the Sorting Hat from the Harry Potter universe out of frosting. It seems she possesses a secret, accidental talent for confectionery sculpture! It’s a testament to her creative spirit, even if unintended.

These are the quintessential lazy Saturday mornings at my house. Nothing beats curling up with two of my new favorite cookbooks, filled with inspiring recipes and beautiful photography, while slowly sipping a glass of perfectly cold-brewed iced coffee. It’s a ritual of quiet contentment, a perfect start to a relaxed weekend, blending culinary exploration with serene indulgence. These are the moments that recharge the soul.

This adorable, fluffy hairball, my beloved pet, has officially begun its delightful takeover of my house. Its playful presence and charming antics fill every corner with warmth and joy, despite the occasional fur tumbleweeds. It’s a furry companion that truly makes a house a home, bringing laughter and comfort into my daily life. The small inconveniences are always outweighed by the immense affection.

In my humble abode, it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere! There’s a perpetual sense of celebration and relaxation. Viva sangria! Whether it’s a weekday evening or a lazy weekend afternoon, a refreshing glass of sangria often finds its way into my hand, embodying the spirit of unwinding and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. It’s a little slice of continuous happy hour, a reminder to always make time for joy and good cheer, no matter the time of day.