02|01|2010
“we’re not scaremongering; this is really happening.”
Radiohead t-shirt – goodrock.com; cuffed shorts – Jonathan’s old skinnies; mood ring & necklace are “vintage.”
currently, I am…
Relieved. Closing down Ask Apricot has lifted my spirits in a way that is almost too shameful to admit. To not have to worry about that blog anymore, to not have to continue asking myself what I am doing with it, has given me a kind of inner peace that is next to impossible to describe. This isn’t to say that I wasn’t just a little bit sad to see it go. Ask Apricot was my baby; my “niche”; my personal happiness project that gave back to others. So I will miss it, most definitely. It was good while it lasted.
Astonished. Apparently, I am one of “12 Blogger Chicks You’d Like to See in Maxim Magazine.” My first thought was, Why? My second was, Weird. Don’t get me wrong; it’s quite flattering. But still weird, nonetheless.
Loving: LizFranco.com, All Things Bright & Beautiful, Cake Wrecks, It’s Okay to Sweat, Kites in Summer, Rabbit Write, & 00888.
Hating: Anthropomorphism, people who talk in third person, & everyday objects ridiculously renamed to protect a man’s precious masculinity. For example: “meggings” = leggings, “mandles” = candles, “murse” = purse, & the worst: “bro jangles” = stacked necklaces on a man.
Disappointed. I am disappointed that some of the purest, selfless hearts I know are getting broken to bits. I am disappointed that to speak eloquently means — to some — that you are “white washed.” I am disappointed that fur & leather are some of the must-have items of this season. I am disappointed that my mother didn’t like District 9 as much as I did.
Listening to: Little Dragon – Machine Dreams; Blonde Redhead – 23; Washed Out – Life of Leisure; Sigur Rós – Med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust; Muse – The Resistance; Air – Love 2; Beirut – The Flying Cup Club.
Reading: Kafka on the Shore, by Haruki Murakami.
Appreciative. The loyalty I have gained from my readers has left me feeling slightly overwhelmed. All of your support has helped Apricot Tea reach well over 2,000,000 hits (& over 200,000 hits this past month!) & she’s not even two years old yet. From the bottom of my heart… thank you. It’s people like YOU who keep me blogging.
(Note: the title of this post is a lyric from Radiohead’s Idioteque; which is also a sentence on the shirt I’m wearing.)
— — — —
Q: how are you doing? what are you loving, hating, reading, anticipating at the moment?
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 12:47 pm:
Whats really happening?
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 12:48 pm:
You? Are one of the most fascinating reads out there. Keep on keepin’ on.
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 12:52 pm:
@ Charlie: LOL! Pardon me for laughing — because your comment really was funny! — but to answer your question: the title of the post is a lyric from Radiohead’s Idioteque. It’s also a sentence on the Radiohead shirt I’m wearing. So, nothing is really “happening” per se. :]
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 12:53 pm:
Right now, I’m loving you beyond words. Truly.
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 1:08 pm:
I’m doing great! I am loving the redesign/relaunch of my blog happening tomorrow (or tonight if I just can’t hold it in any longer). I’m reading lots of things & doing lots of things & trying to keep my head on straight & trying to move to California to do it all there.
I love your posts, I love you, & I’m really excited about the prospect of seeing you at Bloggers in Sin City this year!
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 1:17 pm:
I always thought mandals were ‘Man Sandals…crazy! Lovely post, hey. :)
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 1:32 pm:
Love: I’m loving the books I’m reading, the busyness at work, the new heels I bought with black flowers along the sides, and the way my dog’s nose wiggles when he sniffs me.
Loathe: I think that the phrase “whitewashed” is really offensive, and I’m sorry it was applied to you. One of the most important people in the history of race relations in this country was Dr. MLK, and he was one of the most articulate people ever. He spoke beautifully, as does our current president, also black. Being able to powerfully wield the English language to your advantage isn’t a “white” thing; it’s a thing that everyone should aspire to. You keep being yourself, because who you are is wonderful. Haters to the left.
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 1:43 pm:
I’ve wanted a Radiohead tee for some time, but none have really caught my eye the way this shirt does! Perhaps it’s the way you’re wearing it that makes it so cute, haha.
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 1:57 pm:
I’m so proud of you for having such a crazy following, you’re totally wild miss, there’s a reason you have it.
And I just noticed that you have my little sister on your blogroll! What a wild coincidence! lol Too funny =)
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 2:00 pm:
I apologize for being so formal but it’s Monday and I just had Business Organizations (*blank stare*) and am preparing for Sales by not preparing at all…
How am I doing: You know, to be perfectly honest, I have no idea as to “how I am doing.” I tried to figure out this strange feeling that I’ve been having for the last few weeks — almost like a film on my skin — but I’m coming up empty.
What am I loving: I am actually loving the miserable weather that we’ve been having. Unlike Missy Elliot, I CAN stand the rain. : )
What am I hating: Myself (that was the very first thought that came to mind).
What am I reading: Honestly — Business Organizations (*blank stare*), international and domestic contracts, and the morons who enter them , how not to be a lying, backstabbing, ruthless son-of-a-bitch (no seriously, there’s a class that all law students have to take to unlearn all of the nasty habits we’ve picked up along the way; it’s called Professional Responsibility), how to put the bad guys in jail (or, if profitable, keep them out under the guise of the Constitution) and a series of fact patterns which require me to draft complaints on behalf of fictitious clients. Maybe one day, I will read something for PLEASURE.
What am I anticipating: Fashion Week, seeing my friends, my crazy family and my boyfriend that I honestly don’t deserve.
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 2:07 pm:
nice post! :D love this styyyle!!!
i’m so sorry about your blog askapricot :( i liked it very much…
——————————————-
I am…
LISTENING(songs that make me smile and feel good): Irma Thomas – breakaway; Ace of Base – all that she wants; Aretha Frenklin – respect; Beyoncé – suga mama; Abba – dancing queen; Corinne Bailey Rae – put your records on; Michael Jackson – i wanna be where you are; Noisettes – never forget you; Cesare Cremonini – momento silenzioso – Louise; Paolo Nutini – 10/10; Tricarico – il bosco delle fragole; Tina Turner – proud mary.
APPRECIATIVE: loughing with my friends – when somebody remembers my name – when a choir’s girl of my favourite singer greet me (i follow my fav singer in 5 shows in 2009..so she recognized me)
READING: Fabio Volo – un posto nel mondo
WAITING: for a boy who really loves me.
LOVING: “i call you my girls ‘cus you really inspire me” apricot-tea.com – http://wishwishwish.net – http://metrobloggen.se/niotillfem – http://polyvore.com – http://trendandthecity.net/
ASTONISHED: today has been a great day…and i’m really surprised about what is happened, thanks God!
HATING: people who knows everything, but at last they don’t know NOTHING – racism – stupid people- girlygirl – miley cyrus’s voice ahhah! – falsity – non cultura!
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 3:02 pm:
loving; my saint of a boyfriend for putting up with my grumpy pants self today, haha.
hating; bloodsucking politicians keeping me in this dungeon cubicle & THIS COLD FROM HELL.
reading; Half-broke Horse for the Slow Readers Book Club!
anticipating; the launch of my redesign, I think you’re going to love it.
Thanks for the link, it totally put a bright spot in my awful day!. xoxo
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 3:09 pm:
I like your title as it is true.
A lot of weird things are happening.
Like today I saw chemtrails for the first time.
I couldn’t beleive my eyes, and then I started to feel dizzy.
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 4:40 pm:
You know how I’m doing, but I’m currently grateful that most of the people I love are giving me the space to take things one day at a time. I’m currently ecstatic about our impending move–that gives me so much to celebrate in a time I really need it!
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 5:53 pm:
I’m in love with (and very jealous of) that gorgeous necklace you are wearing. So cool!
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 6:36 pm:
Loving: your blog, as always (congrats on all the kudos!); writing; the bracelets I just (re)discovered in a drawer…
Hating: job hunting in a down economy; a yawning bank account; that kcrw is on its subscription drive (though I know it’s necessary and I’m a grateful member)
Reading: The Happiness Project, Casanova’s autobiography, Dark Night of the Soul, and Sharp Teeth (yes, that’s 4 books at once). Will definitely check out the Murakami book – adore his art so I’m guessing I’d like it.
Anticipating: Launching my Etsy shop at the end of February. Super excited and nervous.
Love the t-shirt!
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 7:50 pm:
You know, maybe it’s the angry feminist riot grrl within, but the tone of that Maxim article REALLY annoyed me. To me, it just read like “Hey! These girls are intelligent and write about lots of different things, but we’re going to reduce them to pretty bodies, because we want to see them in BIKINIS! NOW!”.
Ehh, anyways. You are definitely gorgeous, and I’m jealous of your skin (it’s so clear and it practically glows!). I totally feel you on the “meggings” & etc. issue. I mean – REALLY? Candles are so threatening to your penis that they must be termed “mandles”? Reeeeee-diculous.
I’m doing pretty well; I just wish that Matt and I could get the employment/money situation worked out. Siiiiigggggh. Congratulations on the hits – 200,000 in a month is a pretty big deal!
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 10:49 pm:
Been following you for at least a couple weeks and enjoying your posts to date. :)
That Maxim thing though? I agree, it’s weird. I checked it out and most of them were like “hot woman this way” but you? Edgy, smart, and feminine. Now that’s better.
Mandles is such a ridiculous word. It’s so ridiculous that I can’t even think of a sentence where that can be used without making a face. Can you?
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 10:49 pm:
I.. have that exact same shirt. I didn’t even notice when I was reading this entry until I read the comments! THAT’S EERIE! No wonder the title of your post sounded familiar. :P I picked that shirt up randomly at a market last year.
Now, if I wear it, people will probably think first of you XD
I looooved District 9. Way better than Avatar (they have some common themes and parallels..)
23 by Blonde Redhead is awesome.
Murse makes me think man nurse.
Congratulations on the hits :)
on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 11:24 pm:
Oh and you know what I’m loving now? Cake Wrecks. Seriously, I could not stop cracking or awwing over some of these crazy or amazing cakes. Thank you for posting the link, this has made my night!
on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 7:37 am:
Currently I am:
Excited: To have started a fitness boot camp on yesterday. I needed something to jumpstart my fitness routine and just joining the gym just wasn’t cutting it. As I approach 30 in 13 more days I want to be proactive and fight against the slowing down of my metabolism. And hopefully establish a better attitude towards fitness and healthy living. So far so good. Hoping for a jolt in energy, clarity of mind and getting to work on time.
Loving: The fact that I’ll be 30 soon. I hope that this is just the beginning of something great rather than the beginning of a spiraling hole of lousyness. I thought I would be frantic but I am really amped about getting older. No longer to I wish for various milestones like when I was 13 I couldn’t wait to be 16 so I could drive and try to date. Then when I was 16 I couldn’t wait to be 21 so I could party and drink. At 21 I couldn’t wait to be 25. I figured I’d be officially grown, married, working, everything in place. LOL! Then I turned 26 and NOTHING! LOL! So now I have no more milestones just living the best I can. And in a way thats comforting and more peaceful.
Hating: That I am still single. Wish the boy I like would wisk me away in a whirlwind romance. One day…
Disappointed. That I am still shucking and jiving with working towards my life goals for milling over my singleness. Want to do more towards my calligraphy, graphic design and grad school pursuits. I feel I should be doing more with my life at 30 but such is life.
Listening to: Outkast, Goodie Mob, Gnarls Barkley…I’m from ATL,GA and listening to them reminds me of the good ole days growing up in ATL before the Olympics.
Reading: Read Cornell West’s memoir and trying to figure out my next read which I should soon to give my mind something to be busy.
Appreciative. For my life and the person that I am and the person I hope to be. And this blog of course…its great! Makes me feel like I am not the only one in this world like myself…
on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 8:17 am:
What happened to the selfless hearts? :< Why are they broken?
I am all right. :]
LOVING: My boyfriend, eating healthfully (really delicious sandwiches and apples!), relaxing.
HATING: health issues, bad moods, the snow, bad attitudes, schoolwork.
READING: Nothing, as of yet. Haven't had the time! :C
ANTICIPATING: Valentine's Day, and spring
You have really good taste in music.
on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 9:42 am:
love the pictures from the previous post. someone once told me that beautiful photos taken are a mirror of an equally beautiful soul.
on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 10:03 am:
i am…
doing: putting off reviewing for my archeology midterm exam this evening
loving: your blog, your capacity to transmit your thoughts and feelings so beautifully
hating: the -30C weather that last week brought, i need sunshine and heat!
(re)reading: Night Train to Lisbon – Pascal Mercier, amazing novel. Simply enchanting.
listening to: lots of Erik Satie, Tegan and Sara and Cat Stevens at the moment
anticipating: summer! (im also kind of scared for it to arrive) and a possible trip to spain for work
i love your blog :)
on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 11:27 am:
Bro Jangles!?! HAH. Whoever made that up is a very special person.
on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 1:40 pm:
Oh my holy, you had me at Idioteque. I’m LOVING: exploring my new city here in Boulder, CO, meeting amazingly inspiring new people, and enjoying 50 degree weather in February. Missing: maintaining some bloggy love connections. I would love to catch up soon, lady – I miss our chats a lot :)
on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 3:35 pm:
I’ve heard of a couple of words being changed with men in mind, it’s weird but then in a way when things are so tied to one group of people you can understand the idea of renaming them. Those names you’ve provided however are silly.
I’m thinking of reading some Haruki Murakami, so seeing a blogger mention him makes me want to put the book I’ve earmarked higher on my to be read list.
on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 4:57 pm:
I adore your necklace! You look so cute and comfy, yet fashionable. As always. Haha.
Hmmm. I am:
Loving: 7-11 coffee, its cheap and delicious. La Roux’s debut album. My new flats from Sears. My gaudy jade ring that my nana bought me for my bday. My french/art class, and my blog I just created.
Reading: Chuck Paliuniuk’s Diary and Pop Salvation.
Hating: My inabilty to make up my mind. This boy that I’ve been seeing. Living at home. Having trouble awakening my creative side.
Anticipating: My art project to be finished. My blog to have a fan base. Getting my hair done. Moving out at the end of the year.
Ev’yan, you inspire me and I love, love, love your music taste.
-Sophie. =)
on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 5:58 pm:
love your tee!
im loving my boyfriend, the bands phosphorescent and also the band virgin forest, floral prints, and haagen dasz strawberry cheesecake icecream.
im hating all the work that needs to be done, and this weather.
reading my obs & gynae book.
anticipating finishing college soon hopefully.
xx-LJ from SOS!
on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 6:30 pm:
loving your necklace!! Currently, I am a bundle of emotions because my mom was recently let go from her job and I’m taking it much harder than she is for some reason. I’m hoping that she is able to find a new job (me too) and that things get better for her soon.
on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 8:20 pm:
Right now, I am making the most gaudy necklace I have ever imagined and excited about LOST!!!!!
on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 9:05 pm:
Love the shirt! I have two of the same, only different pictures, but still with “Idioteque” lyrics on the side. I fully plan on wearing both until they disintegrate. Radiohead is what started me and my husbands relationship.
on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 11:33 pm:
I am also listening to Washed Out – Get Up is the best “hey wake up it’s morning, so shake it shake it” song.
Oh, and, you’re my hero.
on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 11:39 pm:
I love that you wore your husband’s cutoffs. That’s so cute! I’m not too surprised you made that list though! You are gorgeous! Although you are flattered, it also means that there are a lot of men out there checkin’ you out ;) & want to see you scantily clad! hahaha.
I hate that people change words to preserve a man’s masculinity as well. A murse..really? Meggings is the first I’ve heard of that word though. Haha, I guess you learn something new everyday!
You know, I have some friends that call me “white washed” (I’m Asian) because I hardly ever speak slang (in fact, I just learned what toke meant yesterday..I’m just really sheltered) & sometimes I don’t understand some of my friends’ terms.. I’m sorry..who in the world uses the word “dank” instead of, “that cake was delicious”?!? It makes me wonder how they’ll get a decent job if that’s how they talk. The English language, I fear, is slowly deteriorating but only by speech. I think that people can still form proper sentences if need be..but when it comes to speaking,..it’s just down hill. I loved District 9! I’m trying to get my boyfriend to watch it. He might not like it as much as me though.. oh well!
I love Little Dragon! “Twice” is my favorite from them.
Congrats on the hits!! Does it scare you that so many people read up on your life or is it just really cool to know that you have a fan base?
Q: how are you doing? what are you loving, hating, reading, anticipating at the moment?
I’m tireddd..I’m loving your look! Hating..that I have to wake up early in the morning to go to school..anticipating for more books to be in store for me to buy so that I won’t be so darn behind in my classes!
on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 3:29 pm:
Ooooh I’ve read Kafka on the Shore! I think it’s my favourite of all the Murakami I’ve read (have you read any others by him?), but I always feel the same way about his books: I think the writing’s beautiful, the characters complex and engaging, but the ending just always leaves me thinking, ‘…is that it?!’ I don’t know, none of them seem to end with enough closure to satisfy me or something. He’s still a fantastic writer though! I’d be really interested to hear what you think when you finish it :)
(I’ve been following your blog for a while now, but this is my first comment- so I’ll also throw in the fact that I think you’re a brilliant writer, and that you and Jonathan are a wonderful couple.)
on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 3:31 pm:
p.s. I’m from Oxford, as Radiohead are, so I feel a certain amount of local pride towards them as well as general love, ha.
on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 5:49 pm:
WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR SHIRT!!!!???? Must. Have. HUGE Radiohead fan here.
Lusty x0×0
PS Isn’t it great when you quit something and then feel nothing but relief and no guilt? Then you know you’ve done the right thing.
PPS congrats about the Maxim thing – considering I’ve only heard of you and Meagan, I think that’s super cool.
on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 10:39 pm:
Ah! Your blog is wicked. Keep up the good work!
on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at 12:06 pm:
Hiii Ev’Yan! How are you???
I’m waiting for another post…I think yours are educational so when I read it ev’ry word teachs me something :D
Kiss Honeyyy!!! :D
see you
xxx
on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at 2:30 pm:
Hey i just fond this blog!
loving: Being independent and being financially responsible. How my hair has grown in the past year since I cut it all off. Exercising in fun classes because I want to and not because its required.
hating: My skin has gone from good to okay to really bad. The weather is pretty sucky in the Northeast right now and the dryness is affecting my skin.(Any tips on what you use would be gladly appreciated.) How I stop myself from being open with people because I feel like I’m less interesting when people get to know me. Realizing that the people I’ve been around havent really been good friends for the past few months and finding new ones are hard because everyone seems to have already found their niche(i’m in college). This list is longer than the loving one.
reading(or trying to read): The Satanic verses by Salman Rushdie and The Invisible Man
anticipating: Changing my wardrobe to wear what I actually want and not care what anyone thinks of my style. Wearing a funky afro when the weather gets warmer!
on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at 3:02 pm:
My parents didn’t like District 9 either. Damn shame I say. :(
on Sunday, February 7th, 2010 at 10:19 pm:
I have a quick question for you; do you perm your hair or is it all natural?
on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 5:57 am:
Congrats on your feature on Clutch Magazine Monday’s Muse!
So funny… I just started to follow your blog and Twitter over the weekend. I think I saw you comment on someone else’s blog so I clicked on you and started to follow you. Then… this morning I go to Clutch magazine’s site and BOOM there you are!
The Internet is so amazing!
~ Jeanee
on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 9:08 am:
Sad to see Ask Apricot go! But congrats on all of your success–including today’s “Monday’s Muse” feature over at Clutch. I’m sure more great things are to come.
on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 2:30 pm:
Gorgeous neacklace. Love it. *
on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 4:01 am:
love the t-shirt! i proudly own a david bowie thirt and an iggy pop one.
and now… for your question :)
currently, I am…
Satisfied. A few moments ago I erased from my browser all fashion and lifestyle blogs. I was getting so stressed out by the stupid comments and takes on various subjects like body hair, weight, cellulite and all things like that. I am completely relieved I gave them up and hope I will spend my on-line time from now on with less superficial subjects.
Hating: Women who spend their time criticizing other women for not fitting a trend; women who believe individuality mean shaving all your pubic hair and wearing the latest trends. Truly hate’em!
Disappointed. I am disappointed that some of my friends are becoming extremists and very negative. They just refuse to see things in a positive note and make everything seem like shit.
Listening to: Gilmore Girls soundtrack and Missing the times I used to watch the show with my mum.
Reading: The autobiography of Elsa Schiaparelli and I really like her stories.
Happy. I recently recounted the big decisions of my life so far and realized I am very happy and satisfied with them. My life is great and I got almost everything I ever wanted. However, i still have a lot of goals to achieve in the future. :)
Loving. My boyfriend and the relationship we have together and the two cats we have.
Anticipating. Spring time
on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 5:07 am:
How can anyone not love radiohead?
How am I doing? Good, thanks for asking
Loving this blog, duh!
Hating mtv at the moment
Reading a book about masochism. It’s weird
And anticipating another amazing post
on Saturday, February 13th, 2010 at 8:44 am:
Hey!
I’ve just discovered your blog and… “wOw!”. The things you say echo back (do you say that in English?). Your post about self-esteem (among many others) was so right. I was flabbergasted. Anyway, to answer your questions, I feel:
Relieved: Because I overcame hard times, doubt and questioning about myself and my life.
Astonished: Because I recently discovered that I’m stronger than I lately thought I was.
Loving: Your blog. Really, I’ve been browsing it for at least one hour and a half now. Awesome.
Hating: The winter we’re having here in France.
Disappointed: By people my age (my friends and relatives) who are giving up their dreams and being so conventional. It seems that once you’re 25+, you’re done with fun. Whatever.
Listening to: Charlie Winston’s Hobo, Rihanna’s Rated R (which I used to hate but love since I regained my joie de vivre… weird)
Reading: Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic takes Manhattan (my biography…), Nabokov’s Lolita (trying to…) and my pupils’ aweful tests! Hehe.
I was stunned by people’e reaction to the fact that you are a mixed couple. Well, you know what? I thought you were mixed race (maybe because you look like Halle Berry…). Actually, the word “race” doesn’t make sense: there’s only one race: the human race. Dogs have races, as well as horses, but not human beings. What’s beautiful is when people can’t label you and when you can belong anywhere. I am the product of French colons who settled down in Senegal (Africa) and people often assume that I’m half Asian. How cool is that?! Thanks to couples like yours, racial boudaries will vanish one day. So, keep being a mixed couple, or whatever they call it, you are beautiful.
on Monday, February 15th, 2010 at 10:11 pm:
To your “hating” section I say AMEN. Although “Bro Jangles” did make me laugh.
on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 at 3:10 pm:
Love the chunky necklace with the funky T in the pics!
-Nikki
http://blog.smashion.com/