After a particularly deep and heavy post on Wednesday, I thought I would lighten things up around here.

These topics don’t warrant individual posts, so I’m lumping them all together in one and calling it…

…Books, Nail Polish, and a Scary [to me] Story.

Books

I came across this article about Amy Poehler quotes the other day and am now pumped to read her new book Yes Please. I love her no nonsense attitude and sense of humor. If you don’t watch Parks and Recreation, I highly recommend you binge watch the show. SO funny!

I took a mini break from my SLR camera this summer. And trust me, it’s not because I don’t love it or don’t want to use it. I absolutely love it and can’t wait to use it more. As a way of getting back into photography and more importantly learning about my camera, Vishnu suggested I read a few books. I took his advice and bought The Digital Photography Book: Part 1. I did quite a bit of research and this one was on every single list of photography books I came across.

If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide for how to use your camera and take pictures, this is not for you! What I recommend you do is take a class or two and then buy this book. It will make much more sense as it’s more of a ‘tips and tricks’ kind of read for how to capture specific shots.

Nail Polish

When I met my co-worker Thea, one of the first things I noticed were her impeccably painted nails. During my first week with the company, we got to talking about nail polish, and when she mentioned that she paints her own nails, I asked all kinds of questions. Before this, I’d never attempted to do my own nails for many reasons, one of which was pure laziness. Thea assured me that I could do it and do it well.

Ever since, I’ve been doing my nails at home (with a few exceptions for weddings and longer work trips). Thea advised that I buy the Seche Vite Top Coat to help my paint jobs last longer. We never got around to talking about base coats though. About a month ago, I took it upon myself to research which ones are the best because I wanted to get even more longevity out of my polish. I mean, if I’m going to put effort into doing my nails, they better last more than three days!

I decided to buy the OPI Natural Nail Base Coat purely because of the rave reviews on a number of different sites. And I’m very happy I did. My last two nail jobs lasted a week (a week!!!) with very minimal chipping. In fact, any chipping that did occur was my own fault because I didn’t wear gloves when washing the dishes. Would it be obnoxious to bring my own base coat to the salon the next time I go in for a pedicure?!

A Scary [to me] Story

I’m just going to preface this story with a simple statement. I’m a huge scaredy cat!

Ok, so you know how I mentioned a few times that Vishnu’s rotation this month involves shift work? Well, on Wednesday afternoon when I came home for lunch, I asked him if his attending would let him off early. He said that it was unlikely and that he would be home around 1:30 am.

Fast forward to 11:00 pm when I’m getting ready for bed. I go through my routine – brush my teeth, wash my face, etc. – and jump into bed. About five minutes later, I hear the bathroom door close. My heart starts beating really fast as I pull the covers tightly over my face and start praying. I think about locking the bedroom door but convince myself it was nothing and stay put instead.

THEN about three minutes later, I hear someone open our bedroom door. I quickly sit up and scream (not knowing if it was him), “VISHNU!!!” And here’s what happened after that…

Vishnu: Par, it’s me!
Me: OMG!
Vishnu: What? Who did you think it was?
Me: Not you! You said you wouldn’t be home until 1:30, and I didn’t hear the front door open.
Vishnu: Who else would it be?
Me: Well, I heard the bathroom door close on its own and thought…there was a ghost in our apartment.
Vishnu: A ghost that wanted to use the bathroom?
Me: Whatever! You scared the crap out of me. I’m going to sleep now.
Vishnu: Just call me next time!
Me: How about you text me to let me know you’re coming home early!!!
Vishnu: Ok, fine.

I know it sounds ludicrous to think there was a ghost in our apartment. But when you’re not expecting your husband until 1:30 am and you hear a door tightly close, it totally makes sense!

And with that, Happy Halloween and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

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