I don’t want to be “that guy”: My personal guidelines for smartphone use
Smartphone addiction is definitely a thing, and as a person who already struggles with turning off the internet, surely having a whole computer in my pocket would be like an alcoholic living above a bar. To make a long story short, I have a smartphone now. I went fearfully into the transition, kicking and screaming. A month in, I’ve found that by setting some ground rules for myself I’ve been able to moderate my behavior. Below are Alissa’s Personal Guidelines for Responsible Smartphone Use.
From retro to goth to geeky: swimsuits in any style (and almost any size!)
Megan and I are both big fans of ModCloth’s swimwear. In fact, we each have the suit pictured above, cause it’s available in standard and plus sizes. There’s really something for any style, but I’ve rounded up three groups to get you started: retro glam, dark and edgy, and fun and geeky. While not every style is available in every size, ModCloth carries styles up to size 30. Each two-piece is available separately, meaning you can mix and match looks to your heart’s content. Click on the image to go to the product page, and dive in!
How do I host non-drinkers without making them feel excluded?
My in-laws recently decided to stop drinking, and they’re healthy and happy with the choice. However, I’m in a spot when it comes to an upcoming family party: I’ve never hosted non-drinkers. How do I gracefully support their choice without making them feel excluded or singled out?
Bird nerds, swan hugs, and poop: Why I love volunteering at a wild bird rehab
My passion and knowledge for all things avian increased over time, but the “bird nerd” tipping point came during a cross-country road trip. On a windy Florida beach I held a brown pelican while a fisherman removed a hook from its wing. Despite numerous incredible animal experiences that include bathing elephants and swimming with wild dolphins, manatees, and whale sharks, my interaction with this pelican deeply moved me. I became determined to get involved in bird rescue and rehabilitation.
Staying spooky in the corporate world
When you work in a corporate environment, it can be easy to fall into the pattern of dressing the way your co-workers do, especially if you haven’t quite wrapped your head around the concept of “business casual.” For a long time, I felt the need to basically be undercover as a “normal person” at work to avoid raising eyebrows, and because I felt I needed to dress a certain way to be respected. I’m going to let you in on a little secret I’ve learned after 7ish years working in offices: this just isn’t true. There are plenty of ways to express your creepy side in a work-appropriate manner.
Offbeat suburbanite: “Selling out my generation” and moving to The Burbs
My friends were shocked to hear that we had purchased a home in the suburbs. We didn’t seem like the type, the couple to want the white picket fence and the perfectly manicured lawn. Only that’s not the type of suburb dwellers that we are. Do I sometimes feel like a sellout to my generation for leaving the city for the suburbs? Hell yes. Do I feel like it was a bad decision? Sometimes…
How my pink-loving son made me confront my weird gender biases
In our household, the lines of the past that steadfastly identified what was considered “man” and “woman” responsibilities were more opaque. It’s not the easiest job in the world, but to be honest I felt pretty good about being what most people would label a “modern dad” and I wore that title like a badge of honor. My title was put to the test however the day my wife brought a particular hula monkey toy home for my son…
How do you stay happy being single in a world of families?
I’m 32 years old and broke up with a longtime boyfriend about two years ago. At the time, half of my friends were single and only a couple of them were getting married. Two years later… all of my good friends are married or in long-term relationships and I’m still single. How do you stay happy being single in a world of families, wondering if it will ever happen for you, and feeling like a sudden outsider?