Hey, everyone!

So, I did something yesterday that everyone in Portland should experience. Quite honestly, I’m shocked that it took me as long as it did. And, no, I’m not talking about Powells Bookstore.

Although Powells really is amazing. A total kingdom of books that you could get lost in for days. You could even stumble upon a signed copy of a certain autobiography . . .

What I’m talking about is both dangerous and delicious. It’s quintessential Portland in your mouth.

So. Freaking. Good.

You might be thinking though, Marni, why all the fuss over a few donuts? They are just donuts!

But, trust me, these are not just any ol’ donuts. Can you buy donuts that look like these near you?

I’m guessing you cannot.

You are getting hungry. Verrry hungry.

Where else could you find a donut with bacon strips on top? And yes, I realize that sounds pretty gross. But it’s an option. And life is all about having options, right?

Still, I decided to order a Dirty Old Bastard (I did not come up with the name) which is pictured above in the edge of the left hand corner. It’s the one with oreos and peanut butter drizzled on top. And it is the very definition of heaven. Which is exactly what makes Voodoo so dangerous. It’s not the bizarre wall with newspaper clipping about people who have recently died. Oh no, it’s the fact that I’ll never be able to eat a donut from anywhere else ever again.

I discovered this when I practically started moaning over my donut. Much to my roommate’s amusement. However, even she had to admit that it was obscenely good when I let her have a bite. So if you live in Portland, or near there, I highly recommend it. And if you don’t, well, be grateful for that too. It means you won’t be  perpetually tempted to buy them.

Where the magic happens.

More later.

Obsessively yours,

Marni

Hey, everyone!

So, I have a skill for getting lost in buildings. That’s right. IN buildings. Not outside of them (although that happens a lot too). Nope, I MAKE UP ROOM NUMBERS AND THEN SPEND A GOOD HALF AN HOUR SEARCHING FOR THEM!

The worst part is that I ask around to see if anyone else knows where this made up room is and can direct me there. Which means that half the school knows I am an idiot and the other half just speculates that I am. Oh well. No real harm minus the frustration of searching for Howard 105 (which should totally exist but doesn’t! Seriously. I wonder if it’s some sort of secret training facility for super sleuths at Lewis & Clark College. If so, I clearly don’t have enough sleuthiness to make it.)

It's not real! I swear!

Maybe this is why I’m in college. Because my family understands that if I have a habit of making up rooms and getting lost INSIDE buildings, I’m not ready for the real world. Or it’s not quite ready for me. Possibly both.

As for classes, so far so good. I had Math 55 yesterday which was a painful reminder as to why I passionately loathe the subject. Fortunately, I also had Intro to Communication which looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun. And now I am off to buy books, do homework, and act all responsible. And I really need to finish my Australia application so that next year I’ll be writing from here:

So think good thoughts!

Sincerely,

Marni

Hey, everyone!

It’s almost time for me to return to school. And while I do love Lewis & Clark there are some things I am really going to miss.

#1 Babysitting.

Now I know that many teenagers only view babysitting as a means to make money, but I really love these kids. They are fun and spunky and imaginative. Because of them, I now fear the Bathroom Bandit. And will never forget the important life lesson Shoshana taught me. “The important thing is that we all know that I am right and you are wrong.”

The two of them really are adorable.

#2. My mom.

I’m really going to miss my mom when I am back at school. Because will anyone there yell that I have to come to the kitchen to check out her latest artistic endeavor which includes applying lemon detergent stuff to a National Geographic magazine? No. They will not. And while it did sort of stink up the house (not in such a bad way) the pictures did turn out really well.

#3. Relaxing.

I love the pace of my life when I am at home. Everything is so peaceful. If I want to listen to a cheesy book on my iPod, I can. If I want to go for a hike in the mountains, my mom and my dog are always up for it. Nothing has to be decided right this second. It’s going to be hard trading this in for homework and essays.

#4 The food.

Everyone complains about college food. It’s kind of a right of passage thing. You go, you eat, you complain. But it’s really not so bad. In fact, I personally believe that angels add a dose of magic to the sugar cookies which makes them irresistible. But the food at home is really tasty. Much to my surprise, I’ve discovered I actually enjoy grapefruit. And that’s one thing I’m not looking forward to sampling in the Lewis & Clark cafeteria.

But there are some things I’m looking forward to back at school.

Mainly, my friends. I do have some high school buddies but the truth is . . . you can’t really go back. With a handful of people, I’ve gone forward. They enjoy spending time with Marni 2.0 just like I appreciate their updates. But with a lot of them, you discover there is nothing in common anymore. That as much as you loved splitting a muffin and chatting with them in high school, you’re in two very different places. To be honest, it kind of sucks.

Which is why I can’t wait to see my college friends.

Plus, at school I never have to clean up after a dog who has decided to go to the bathroom exclusively on the kitchen floor.

And my classes should be really cool. Updates on those will be forthcoming.

So I’m just going to spend the last few days of my break seeing a chick flick with my mom and a family friend, eating frozen yogurt at Yogurt Hut (so good!) and relaxing.

Sounds like a plan to me.

Comfortably yours,

Marni

Hi, everyone!

Happy New Year!

My mom and I had a private party that involved a screening of Pretty Woman, ice cream, and a quick dip in the hot tub. I brought a romance novel in with me until it started drizzling. A very calm and relaxing way to bring 2009 to a close.

It’s crazy for me to think about how much has happened in my life over the past year. Now I’m a published author with a blog and the worlds greatest fans/friends. And for the first time in a very long time I really feel like I have my life the way I want it. In fact, I don’t know if I’ve EVER felt this good about my life. So welcome 2010! I’m confident that things are only going to get better from here.

And, in that spirit I’m going to discuss New Years Resolutions. I’ve always hated them. Well, that’s not entirely true . . . for the first couple days I like them. I feel all virtuous for making these wonderful plans. But about a week and a half later I feel crappy because I’m not doing anything on my list and realize that I have no intention of making myself do them either. So then I wallow in cookies and watch Bridget Jones’s Diary for the millionth time.

I love Bridget's lists! Perhaps because I share her issue with putting dirty laundry in the hamper . . . as well as a few other things.

So, after years of useless resolutions I finally had a sort of revelation. If you aren’t able to change your life any of the other 364 days in the year, why should New Years be any different? Which is why this year I’m not going to make a list demanding that I never pull out any of my hair. I’m not going to say that I’m going to write for 2 hours every day on my book in progress. And I am NOT going to include anything sappy or trite about finding a relationship in the new year. Because the person I really want to form a good relationship with right now is me. And with all that said . . .  I am going to ignore myself just for you. If I were to have a New Years Resolution List (and I’m not saying I do) here is what would be on it.

If Marni Were to Make New Year Resolutions:

1. I will write to make myself giggle. If I am not having fun then something needs to change.

2. I will update this blog regularly. And I will make comments about actors I happen to find dreamy. This will not stop even if I find out that said actor used to date my brother’s fiancee.

Some things have to stay the same.

3. I will start juggling again. At my peak, I could juggle and eat an apple at the same time. I intend to do it again.

4. I want to be able to do a handstand against a wall without having the kids I babysit hoist my legs part of the way. Also without shrieking pathetically.

Like this. Minus the bike. Show off . . .

5.  I will be doing more art at Lewis & Clark. I am bringing my needlepoint back with me and by the end of the semester it should be finished.

Pretty, right? It reminds me of England. Gwyn says that right now it reminds her of ice cream.

6. I will take advantage of going to school in Portland by seeing more concerts. And possibly Beauty & the Beast. Anyone want to see it with me? Singing utensils are always better with company.

7. I will do my best to respond to Facebook messages and e-mails in a prompt manner. This means that when I get a note from a fan I will reply immediately after my happy dance instead of dwelling on all the possible answers I could send.

8. I will workout once every day.

This may seem  like one of those crazy New Year’s Resolutions that I will break in a week but it’s actually going to work. Why do I think that? Because I have been going for hikes or using the gym (almost) every day for well over a month. Impressed? I certainly am (although I’m easily impressed when it comes to exercising).

And last but not least . . .

9. I will love myself. I will figure out a way to kick my inner demons to the curb and silence the nasty petulant voice in my head that mocks me at the end of a very long day.

So there you go, the first Potential New Year’s Resolutions list that I actually believe I’ve got a shot in hell at completing.

More later.

Resolvedly yours,

Marni