Thursday, November 17, 2011

True Rules

True Rules are "an idiosyncratic collection of principles for making decisions and setting priorities." (According to Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project)

In other words: rules that you've picked up, somewhere along the way, that you turn to (consciously or unconsciously) when making decisions. They are not necessarily widely recognized, and are--more often than not--learned from your parents.

After reading the book, I began to pay more attention to some of the True Rules that I have come to live by:
  • Write thank you notes within 1 week of receiving a gift
  • Respond to a dinner invitation with "What can I bring?"
  • Never show up empty-handed
  • There's no such thing as a budget when you're on vacation
  • Two is always the right portion-size when it comes to cookies
  • When forced to choose between two things, ask yourself: "Which is a once-in-a-lifetime event?" and choose that one
  • If you're bored, read a book
  • The best way to cure a headache is to eat some protein
  • Don't sit down until your house is clean
  • Clean your toilet before people come over
  • Soda is not a breakfast beverage, unless you're eating French Toast
  • Sponges are filled with bacteria and should never be used to wipe a counter
What are some True Rules that you adhere to?

Monday, November 14, 2011

In My Mind's Eye

As I was reading my new book this morning, (The Visible Man by Chuck Klosterman) I realized that I was picturing this woman writing her letter from an office building that overlooked the McDonald's on Rockfield (by the 5 freeway in Lake Forest).

I drove past the McDonald's today, after having lunch with my mom. I thought, "I was here this morning..." and then realized: nope, only in my imagination.

I began to think through the other books that are set in Lake Forest (in my head) and through the magic of Google, I can show you precisely where they take place.

The McDonald's from The Visible Man. (Rockfield and Lake Forest Drive)

This is the neighborhood in which young Gatsby says goodbye to Daisy before he goes off to war. (Muirlands and El Toro Road)

About ten people were murdered at this gas station in Intensity by Dean Koontz. (Easily, the scariest book I've ever read--also the book that made me love reading.) I would rather run out of gas--alone. at night. than stop at this gas station after what I picture happening here. (El Toro Road and Moulton)

The Cullens live back here. In the homes across from El Toro High School and behind La Madera Elementary. (Toledo and Ridge Route)

Oh, and the moors--where Catherine and Heathcliff find love and wage war--are in between the 200 and 300 building at El Toro High School. Every. Time.

My childhood city is so often the backdrop for novels, though I'm not entirely sure why...maybe I should investigate the psychology behind it.

What about you?
Any strange locations in your nightly reading?

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Another Online Round-Up

Here are some recent pages I have bookmarked...
Thought you might like to have a look.

Rad wedding invitations. (You know how I flip for good typography.)

On the subject of lettering, check out these cool little cups.

I'm not one for houseplants, but would consider owning one simply for this display.

This year, my Christmas gifts will be packaged with love.

My heart is rooting for rain next week...if only for one more reason to make mac and cheese.

Having witnessed the excitement of Kenyans receiving a photo of themselves, I'm pretty in to Help-Portrait's project. Especially after reading the stories on this blog post.

I giggled through this entire video.

Your turn: have you seen anything on the world.wide.web that I might have missed?