A few summers ago, my friend visited me in Richmond. While we lay on the banks of Belle Isle, we discussed our lives and soon discovered there were multiple things we partook in where we could be pigeonholed as being or doing one thing when we really don’t see ourselves that way at all. For example…well, I actually can’t give you an example because they’re all below.

We began to call these our farces. I’m not sure they’re actual farces in the Webster-Miriam sense of the word, but these are the lies we live. Below is a list of superlatives that could be applied to myself, but that I don’t personally associate with (yet I sorta have to):

You could call me a blogger, but I don’t call myself that.

Yes, I run this blog with Sara. And for what it’s worth, I’ve been writing for ATOB for almost two years. So I know why people call me a blogger – I do manage a blog that I co-own – but I’m not…well, maybe I am…but I’m not a blogger.

In late high school, I discovered the value of independence and began to expound its virtue in every facet of my life. Even when I dallied in an extended romance mid-college, I never considered bounding it by such terms as “relationship” or “love” (“low self-esteem” and “self-destructive” would’ve been more apt terms honestly).

Since college, I hadn’t even looked to date. A few years ago, I went on a handful dates to prove probably to myself and friends I could date if I wanted to. I found minimal enjoyment in sharing drinks with strangers I really didn’t care to see again, so I gave that business up fast. I aggressively defended my monk life to family members over the holidays.

Not surprisingly, Sara and I are asked all the time what is our favorite brunch spot. This is not such a simple question and requires understanding of multiple factors like what is your favorite dish, how early are you willing to get up, and what vibe do you want in general?

Similarly, we get asked a lot about where our favorite happy hours are. I guess alcohol and brunch go hand-in-hand together? Today we’ve decided to answer that question that outlines our favorite places to grab a quick beer or rail and maybe a bite to eat.

Here’s our list of favorite happy hours spots!

Hi, everyone. In the last few weeks, I’ve started writing haikus on my phone. It’s become increasingly easy to think of a passing feeling or moment and conceptualize 5-7-5 syllables. I also feel like I’m using my general ed requirements from undergrad. I’ve decided to publish a selection below.

I’ve never fallen
in love, but I tasted it
And choked it up fast.

I unfollowed you
to let you know it’s okay
we are not okay.

The curse of an iPhone is its limited battery life. I usually bring my charger with me, but today I forgot it. Sob. I started the day at 8:11 AM at 100%. It's 1:55 PM, and I'm at 33%. What am I going to do?

These are my thoughts (imagine the Law & Order: SVU dun dun dun):

1:56 PM. This isn't so bad. I have my laptop. I can make it until 5 without using my phone.

1:57 PM. How do I Snapchat anyone? And my phone keeps telling me people are Snapchatting me; I want to see!

1:58 PM. 32%. Okay, I won't check Snapchat.

I woke up thinking the day would be okay. I had no urgent emails, and from bed, I posted a photo to Instagram - part of my morning ritual. I then made it to the bathroom where I spent too much time peeing because my friend posted an interesting article on Facebook.

The night before I had PB&J, which seemed fitting for Hump Day Eve. Basically, a concessionary meal that we're almost halfway through the week; no need to exert energy that I'll need to get through tomorrow. I dipped my sandwich in milk that I poured into a glass tumbler. I hung the tumbler on the drying rack afterward, because the dishwasher was running.

I once read in a book that said — among many other things — if you don't like cleaning your house, you should just pay someone to do it. And if you want the Audi instead of Honda, buy the flashier option if it'll make you happy.

At the time, I thought it was a horrible life lesson. 

The benefits of having a nicer car should carefully be weighed before making a huge spending decision. And same for cleaning your house: is it truly something you can't do yourself?