Baxter Bark Twice

Do as I say, never as I do

In a perfect world…

Posted by AllieB on July 31, 2014

In a perfect world…

– pizza = kale

– Instagram automatically blocks all uploads with the caption “not bad for a Monday” and people who – in my opinion – post too much are limited to one photo per week. May I suggest Snapchat? Snapchat is a nice, disposable way to overshare. Also, you don’t have to use hashtags… #mostofyoushouldnot

– my Seamless order always comes in 15 minutes, even when the estimated time of arrival says 45-60 minutes

– the cute guy on the subway would not be married/5’4″/have halitosis.

– I would pay $475/month for rent, which is what the students at the University of Georgia (and surrounding community colleges, let’s be honest) moving into this ‘Jersey Shore Goes to Athens’ development are paying. Is this for real?? A LAZY RIVER?!

athens ridge apartments pool

in addition to the lazy river, there is also a 20 ft outdoor tv and 25 person hot-tub. they should prob go ahead and add an on-site physician to treat all those “rashes” and have people sign release forms for the inevitable reality show

– Crimes Against Humanity would be punishable by law. No longer would we have to wait for karma to be the bitch – we could instantly dictate some sort of penalty befitting the nature of the crime. For example, when that jerk stole my cab on 18th and 8th the other night I could sentence him to a month-long inability to flag down any cabs and blackball him from Uber. That’d teach him. In a perfect world you can’t treat people like sh*t and get away with it, and your Crime Against Humanity would be promptly and properly handled. Perhaps one of those rashes going around that cesspool in Athens would make you think twice…

– dishwashers unload themselves

– much like the Red Sea parted for Moses so do the tourists on 42nd Street for me

– the girl in the Wendy’s commercial doesn’t exist. Neither do the Kardashians, Real Housewives, or LeAnn Rimes. Blake Lively isn’t allowed to speak and Channing Tatum is my boyfriend. I really don’t know what is up with my Channing Tatum crush, but it’s proving to stand the test of time/judgement of my peers.

guys, c'mon - how cute is this

guys, c’mon – how cute is this

– four-day work weeks – this could happen, y’all

– I can teleport anywhere I care to go. I could just suddenly appear in your living room or at the bday party or next to you on the beach. I would never miss anyone or anything again. SURPRISE IT’S ME ALLIE!

- happy hour on a boat has the same benefits as a Flywheel class – they are equidistant from my apartment, surely their physical impact should be equal as well?

– I WOULD HAVE SO MANY PUPPIES

PUPPIES

 Summering in Montauk with all of my puppies

Dang…reality bites.

For those of you who read books, I have the following titles teed up on my Kindle – I am too lazy to add summaries, but I did add genre you are welcome:

Big Little Lies by Lianne Moriarty (chick lit)

One Plus One by Jojo Moyes (chick lit)

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed (memoir – Reese Witherspoon stars in movie coming out in Oct)

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline (fiction)

Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands by Chris Bohjalian (fiction)

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (historical fiction – WWII)

Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt by Michael Lewis (nonfiction)

I Like You Just the Way I Am by Jenny Mollen (memoir – chick lit)

The Heist by Daniel Silva (mystery)

Lastly, I implore you to take a minute and watch this vid – it’s overwhelming to think about all that’s wrong with the world, but it’s also pretty neat to see what a difference you can make on a very small, local level. In a perfect world we would all be so considerate. I really love this - thanks, A.

The End. This weather is redonk – you should all have drinks outside on patios/rooftops this evening, as I intend to. TGIT!

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GET A GRIP

Posted by AllieB on July 24, 2014

Hi and hello.

BBT is not a place for agenda pushing or controversial talk – I’m not here to stir the pot. I’m also not here to air all my dirty laundry (ew) or document every trivial moment: “Dear Diary, I just made my bed and watered the ficus”…but why not mix things up a little? Today I am heading into some uncharted territory: this post is as much for me as it is for anyone with internet access – which means to say: I’m getting personal. Yep, we’re diving headfirst into the deep end, so…hold onto your swimmies.

It’s real pretty to think that by the age of 31 I could be immune to how others perceive me, but I’ve realized that before I can wholly disregard the opinion of others there’s a more basic and fundamental idea that must first be considered: being comfortable in my own skin. Tantamount to achieving complete contentedness – which, to me, is the ultimate goal – being comfortable in your own skin is the holy grail of life accomplishments, one that I’m not entirely sure can be done in your 30’s, or your 60’s, or maybe ever.

I do think that with age comes thicker skin, as well as a zero tolerance policy for bullshit, the ability to see things how they really are, and I’ve finally accepted that I am the only person whose actions I can control and to worry about or obsess over other people’s choices/behavior is a spectacular waste of time and energy. But to be 100% a-ok with me, inside and out…that’d be neat.

Here’s how things work in my domepiece:

Scenario 1: Sometimes I feel like that others might judge – or on a bad day, pity – me because I am not married or even close, I’ve bounced around jobs and have only recently hit my stride in the corporate world, my apartment is not magazine-ready, and I often go 8 months between hair cuts…I’m not and may not ever be a person you’d describe as “put together”…I’ve been known to commit the not-so-occasional social blunder and when people come to stay with me my idea of cleaning is jamming things in drawers and hurling clothes in closets and hoping they don’t notice… (I DO provide clean sheets and towels and plenty of wine – I’m not disgusting.)

Scenario 2: I am killing it! I moved to New York and it was the best decision I’ve ever made; I make awesome steak tacos and a Garden & Gun worthy Tomato Pie; I’m very handy around the house and live just as easily with others as I do by myself…I’ve been lucky to travel all over the world, and I can wake up at 7:15 and be out the door at 7:25…I have an amazing family and friendships that I’m so sure of, I count them as family, too…I drove a minivan for 8 years and people still hung out with me – like I said: killing it!

When I review the two mindsets in tandem like that, it is easy for me to tell Whiny Allie (#1) to chill out because Cool Allie (#2) is doing juuuuust fine. Sorry I’m not sorry that I don’t have two bedside tables and Oscar Blandi dry shampoo is my most prized possession. This is me – take it or leave it. I hope that marriage and a family and a gazillion dogs are in my future, but these things – they cannot be forced.

One important thing to remember is that people really don’t care about what other people are doing. We are a universally selfish population, and for that I am thankful. We have too much going on in our lives to really think about what so-and-so is doing on a judgmental level – right?? I’m worried people are pitying me – but when have I spent even a second pitying someone for their life choices. I am laughing right now thinking about it. Isn’t it the darndest thing – that I can be such a champion of others yet so hard on myself. We should all just do ourselves a favor and GET A GRIP.

I’ve noticed that you can pretty much blame social media for anything these days, and I’d like to jump on that bandwagon. It seems to me that Pinterest is not so much about “collecting ideas for projects and interests” (per Wiki) as it is an aesthetically pleasing exhibit of all the things other people are doing better than you. I don’t think of it that way on a day to day basis – I’m in there pinning all kinds of stuff without wailing WOE IS ME – but when you take a step back and really mull it over…it’s actually quite rude.

Ok, I think that’s as deep as this well goes. The Man Repeller, an aptly named blog I wrote about in 2k11 that has since blown up into a full-fledged business, posted this week about confidence, and I’d like to share her flow-chart with you. I love a good flow-chart. Bottom line: we’re all a work in progress.

confidence-flow-chart-1

I’m trying not to overthink the oversharing that just went down…vulnerability is not my strong-suit.

Luckily I have a story that will get us back on track – speaking of social blunders….

Last night I did some yogging and some yeights in my office gym (I quit Equinox – F that noise) and was heading out around 8pm. I got in the elevator and saw a woman I used to work with. Sidebar: since I’ve been working out in the office gym more than one person has commented that I am “unrecognizable” during and post-workout because of my “ponytail” – and by ponytail they all mean the freakish red-face affliction from which I suffer after 20 minutes of physical activity. In this particular elevator situation, I figured my ponytail + red face saved me from interaction so I kept my head down and put my headphones in….and as I stepped out the woman I knew yelled, “Allie! Allie! I know that’s you!” Dammit.

“Yes, hi” I turned around to say hey

“Allie,” she said, grabbing my sweaty arm, “I’d like to introduce you to Sarah (aka Fergie), the Duchess of York.”

Of course you would. “Oh hi!” I managed, shaking her hand (of all times to NOT curtsy…)

“Oh my  – look at you! Please, please, go on ahead and – look at you! But yes, lovely meeting you….” Clearly the Duchess paid attention in her etiquette courses – Lesson 5: How to Handle Awkward Social Encounters with Awkwardly Sweaty People.

I just hope she doesn’t tell the OTHER Duchess, Duchess Kate, about our interaction…

so sweaty

yep

The End.

TGIT!!! BTW – BBT turned 4 on Monday…happy birthday and whoa. BBT is a kindergartner.

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I read too much

Posted by AllieB on June 17, 2014

Sometimes, when I haven’t written in awhile and am trying to get in the swing of things, I like to make a random questionnaire and then I answer the questions. It’s like Me: As Asked & Told By Me. That said – here’s what we have today: random, fascinating facts about BBT; the World Cup is happening; I’m pretty sure O.J. is innocent; and we’re getting 250 NEW EMOJI. Welcome back.

Q: What is your favorite smell?

Mrs. Meyer’s Lavender scented anything and this candle by Prospector Co. Also, rubber cement.

Q: What are your vices?

I read too much. And that’s it – that is my only vice

Q: What do you consider to be the epitome of happiness?

This

viceroy maldives

BBT at the Viceroy Maldives in a diaper ‘kini sipping spicy margs. Not pictured: hot guy companion

Q: What’s your favorite childhood memory?

The time when my neighbors’ black lab had puppies and they let me come over every day after school and sit in the dog house for hours while little black lab puppies crawled all over me. See also: “What is Heaven like?”

Q: What is going to be the highlight of your summer?

My summer calendar does not suck. First and foremost, I am turning 31 and I’m not the least bit bummed; I’ve heard great things. Between now and Labor Day I have trips to Alys Beach, Newport (RI), Montauk, Lake Tahoe, and the pièce de résistance – FRANCE. I am not sorry.

Q: Describe yourself in five words or less? 

Contentedly restless; usually smart; wine

Q: What possession will you never throw away?

Whatever it was, I’ve probably already thrown it away.

Q: If you were to live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I took a nifty quiz via Amy on Facebook that assigns a country based on your personality (even though technically we do not approve of these sorts of things being shared on Facebook, A does whatever she wants…and I was bored, so it was fine) and learned I belong in Brazil:

You are an adventure enthusiast who likes to party, and enjoy a wild night out. You appreciate a culture with a vivacious lifestyle. You are drawn to warm climates, and love being near the water. Sitting at home is not your style. You’d rather be doing something active or walk around the city with friends. You are fed by good conversation and have a strong personality. Your motto in life is, “Life is for living” and in Brazil you are surrounded by others who share your passion.

If only I’d known this before the World Cup…I might’ve made different arrangements.

Q: What is your Game of Thrones warrior name?

Ahh, another nifty quiz…

oh. great

oh. great

Q: If you could give advice to a large group of people, what would it be?

This question is good prep for if I ever run into Brandon from Humans of New York. My advice would be to show up. That’s half the battle – if you can get where you’re supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there, I think you’re usually good to go. I realize that sounds fairly basic, but all of the most important life lessons are fundamentally basic – are they not? I would also remind people that if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck…well, newsflash – it’s probably a duck.

You know what they say: with age comes wisdom.

The end.

In other news…

– Watch this: John Oliver’s segment on FIFA from his show, Last Week Tonight – it aired on 6/8 but it’s still relevant. I haven’t yet watched the new HBO program in its entirety, but I fully intend to moving forward. This made me laugh outloud, and I learned some stuff, too. (It’s not short and you obviously need sound.)

– Speaking of the World Cup…USA! I BELIEVE! In addition to “watching” the live blog of each game on the WSJ, someone nicely changed the tv above my desk to ESPN so I am able to actually watch, also. You should check out the Google homepage from time to time – they update the header graphic a couple times per day and it’s weird but oddly cute. I think my workday life is somewhat different than those in, say, commercial real estate or external sales…but should you find yourself at a computer during game time there are ways to stay tuned in.

here is an angelic octopus (?) deciding who to root for, Belgium or Algeria

here’s an angelic (?) octopus trying to decide who will win today’s noon game: Belgium or Algeria

– Ok, I know this sounds a little silly, but…I’m like 90% sure OJ is innocent (of the double murder, not the subsequent robbery etc). OJ Is Innocent And I Can Prove It is an “exhaustive book” written by a P.I. who’s been investigating the murders for 18 years – he’s managed to poke some gaping holes in the prosecution’s case and lays out a very compelling argument that Jason Simpson, OJ’s son, is the guilty party. If you’re into this kind of thing, it’s worth a look – plus there are lots of pictures. Join me in a nice cup of kool-aid Business Insider: Here’s Why His Son Should Be a Suspect

– 250 NEW EMOJIS!! 

And we’re done! I can still say TGIT! because it happens to be my Thursday…sorry for the rest of you who are still on Tuesday – Tuesdays are the worst :(

L8er sk8ers

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Dear 22-Year-Old Self…

Posted by AllieB on May 29, 2014

Today’s post is not by me, but my great friend Amy whom you all know as “A.” She posted the following ruminations on Facebook this week, and, based on the obscene number of likes, it really resonated with people – I know it did with me, and I’d be remiss to not share here on BBT. Without further ado…

Sure, it’s been done – and whelp I did it too. For those who know me – you know – I write. I write for work, I write to write and hell, I write to get out of my own head. A few months ago, I overheard a girl’s convo on the plane… she had just turned 22; I had recently turned 31 (omg). Gah to be 22 again or 25 or 28 (or not!). It triggered this stream of consciousness… I found it yesterday, re-read it and re-read it again. Maybe you’ll find a nugget or two that speaks…

[edit free. don’t judge typos.]

What I would tell my 22-year-old self…and sometimes have to remind my 31 year-old self.

Don’t stress the small stuff.

Be nicer

Get over yourself. You’re actually not too cool for a lot of things.

Words hurt  – and linger

You can’t actually just get away w anything.

Forgive.

Boys will hurt you, get over it. They’re not worth it.

There will be one that’s worth it; he’ll make you laugh when you want to cry. He won’t disappear when things suck. He won’t be perfect, he’ll just do everything to make you think he is. Be kind to him. Be very kind to him, but don’t smother him. Don’t let him smother you. And be patient.

Trust

Have faith

Dance when no one else is

Respect yourself, respect others no matter their ‘status’ in life.

Take advantage of every single moment w your girlfriends. Your lives will inevitably take different paths- embrace every second.

Be in the moment. Take it all in.

Don’t drink Bella Pinot or Cavit….magnums…in one sitting.

Life is too short to drink bad wine! Enjoy it.

Be smart.

Talk smart.

Walk smart.

Be witty, be clever, be funny. It’s okay if people don’t get it.

Embrace your eccentricity – there will be haters, but there will be lovers. You’re weird. Own it. The right people will join in your weirdness. The right person will fall in love w you for it – and you’ll love him.

TRAVEL – culture makes the world better – embrace it, incorporate it.

Don’t obsess over your weight or your clothes.  If you like it, makes you feel good. Do it. Just own it.

Failing is okay. It’s a must – makes for some of the best growing and excelling. So take risks – at work, at life, at love.

There is no such thing as perfection.

Attention from boys does not define how pretty or lovable you are.

Respect your parents. Listen to their advice, they actually do have a clue.

Spend more nights at home.  JOMO is better than FOMO.

Take every opportunity to go…travel…experience it. Don’t drink it into oblivion. Remember the moments.

4 inch heels in every color do actually go out of style. And hurt your back! So do tube tops.

No make up, long hair and all natural do not. Comfort is king…But do your best to look good sporting it!

Moderation is key.

Don’t skip your workout – but don’t beat yourself up if you do.

Put your phone down.

Always take pictures.

Keep some of your secrets!

Health is the ticket to a mentally and physically happy life.

There is life beyond breakups and heartache. True story.

Broken hearts make bigger stronger hearts. More enduring hearts. More compassionate hearts. More appreciative hearts.

You will be self-sufficient.

It is your job to make you happy, and never at the expense of others.

You’re gonna have to work your ass off. Period. Do things you love.

You have to try and you have to try again.

You must be open-minded and tolerant.

Never take a cheap laugh at the expense of someone else.

Relax. Hit the reset button And move on.

Vacations never get old.

Neither does red lipstick.

Or simple pleasures like fresh air Or floating in the ocean. Or driving with your windows down, or catching the sunset at the exact right moment or your favorite song when u need it most. Or the moment someone makes you smile…when your day seems bleak. Take in the little things. Don’t be too distracted and miss them.

Make out sessions get even better; Don’t trade them in for anything. But choose wisely. Save your kisses, but don’t hoard them!

Don’t use your sexuality to manipulate someone.

Be empowered to take control of it- as much as you want to give in. Hold it close.

Keep your heart open. Even after it’s been tampered with. It heals. It gets stronger. Use it, like any other muscle, or it will get weak.

Go to church.

Pray – not for what you want- for what you have in your life. Talk to God everyday, start your day w Him, and end it w Him- not just when you’re sad or feeling weak – when your strong and things are just right.

Give thanks.

Always say thank you.

Don’t tail old people on the road. Be patient. You’ll be old and slow one day too!

Never judge. Never. You have no idea what other people are dealing with. Life is water.

Smiling resting face is better than bitchy resting face.

Overcome your ego. It only holds you back and forces unwise decisions.

Learn something new everyday. Never stop learning and absorbing. Read. Write.

Keep day dreaming. studies now say you’re more creative if you let yourself!

Towel time gets better with age!

Take care of your body. Eat well. Sleep well.

Yoga is the best for the mind and body.

Find balance, set your intention.

Be in control, but be willing to let go.

Listen. Shut your mouth and just listen.

Be at peace with life. Love yourself. Love others. Wholly.

You’ll love music forever. You’re mixing the soundtrack of your life- so be free, make it good, but choose wisely…

True dat, A. Wisdom: imparted. You don’t have to agree with everything – it’d be weird if you did – but a little self-reflection never hurt anyone, ya know? Even if it’s just for a moment or two. The bad news is that we’ll never be 22 again, but the good news is…we’ll never be 22 again. With age comes wisdom…and vacations :)

I think I’ve out-EMO’ed myself. To you and yours: a very happy Thursday and weekend!

re: girlfriends and travel...check!

guest author A – AllieB – K at The Breakers last weekend. I do know that my 22-year-old self could not have planned a last minute trip to the beach with two favorites… #30yroldperks

 

 

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What are you drinking?

Posted by AllieB on May 22, 2014

I can think of nothing except the upcoming long weekend, so today’s post is all about travel and vacation and activities for when you travel on vacation.

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and, to me, summer means baseball games and hanging out by water – be it a pool, the beach, or the murky, toxic Hudson River – and, of course, having drinks outside. Much like the ladies of Sex and the City and their Cosmopolitan, I, too, would like a Signature Cocktail. People will be at a bar ordering drinks and ask, “What does Allie always get that looks so good? Oh! A spicy margarita – I’ll have one of those” and it’s almost like I’m doing a good deed or something. If you’re looking to upgrade from your Bud Light Lime, please refer to this fun interactive drink calculator on New York Times: What Are You Drinking? (Credit: JVB)

what are you drinking

I got margarita. Duh

This week in Really?!?

Malaysia Airlines’ new ad campaign is apparently celebrating their knack for ferrying their passengers off to places where no one can find them….Really, Malaysia Airlines? Really?!?

Malaysian Airlines

 What I want to know is who looked at this and said, “That is not at all inappropriate. Approved!”

That’s what’s up:

– 38 People Who Will Make You Feel Better About Your Life Choices – wow.

– I’m calling it now – this is the book of the summer: You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz. PLEASE read so we can discuss. It’s a literary mystery featuring a psychiatrist who is publishing book entitled “You Should Have Known” basically telling women who are in bad relationships that their partners had been exhibiting signs of clear and present danger all along, and they should have seen it coming. I think you can see where this is going….

– I do not understand Reddit if someone could please explain

– I traded out my office desk chair for a Body Ball this week…BOLO for my 6-pack.

– In my last post, You’re Doing It Wrong, I provided some very simple do’s and don’ts for social media behavior. It’s clear to me that some of you did not read it closely, if at all, so I will say it again: you cannot punctuate hashtags. If you really want to have a break  between words within same tag, then you may use the underscore (_) aka the “low dash.” Anything else will mess it up and then you look dumb. I had an email address once, back in 9th grade: compuchick_alb@hotmail.com. Looking back I’m a little upset – that’s pretty racy?? I clearly had no concern of internet pervs. My kid’s email is going to be oldandugly@gmail.com.

– I realized last week that I had no plans for Memorial Day, and it turns out that my nearest and dearest A and K didn’t have plans for Memorial Day, so we decided to go to…PALM BEACH! Sun, pools and beaches, frozen bevs, cute and arrogant preppy boys – it’s going to be awesome. I’ll warn you in advance, I will likely break many of the rules I mandated in the aforementioned post, and A doesn’t adhere to any rules of social media – mine or otherwise – so just prepare yourselves for the inevitable onslaught.

the breakers palm beach

 A & K – ARE YOU READY

 In summary: summery cocktails = good; airlines that lose people = bad; Reddit = ???? Happy Memorial Day!

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