A quick request before we jump into the actual topic:
This website is brand new and hasn’t gained much traction yet, so I rely heavily on word of mouth. If you enjoyed what you read so far, it would make my day if you shared articles with friends and family or followed me on social media. Thank you! ❤︎
This site is dedicated to introducing myself to you (at least a little bit). If you’re only a tiny bit like me, you’re naturally curious about anything and everything you come across in life and will likely be wondering: Who is this person that is running this blog I accidentally stumbled over, and why should I listen to anything she has to say? Is she a weirdo? Do we have anything in common? And are these two questions mutually exclusive? So here you go: This is me in all my unexciting glory.
WHO I AM
: Me In A Nutshell :
My name is Alexandra, but friends, acquaintances, and colleagues call me Alex as I much prefer the short form (I ascribe that to childhood wrongdoings that usually resulted in me hearing, “Alexandra, will you come here for a second?”).
I’m 45 years old and live in a tiny but cozy rooftop apartment in a capital with 4 million inhabitants (yes, I was incredibly lucky amidst the height of skyrocketing rents and lack of available housing).
I had pet mice when I was a child (Speedy and Gonzales – don’t ask), later moved on to my orange cat Mowgli (he shared his color with an infamous pair of pants in The Jungle Book), and am now a proud mom to my bunny Mr. Wooly whom I love dearly.
I love the scent of lilacs, being the first to leave footprints on a snow-covered meadow, and listening to the rain tinkling across the roof shingles by my bedroom window.
Things that reliably soothe me are watching my lava lamp, listening to instrumental soundtracks, and doing the dishes by hand (not the crusty ones, of course).
I, too, have quirks and have learned to proudly stand by them. I cannot walk past bubble wrap without popping it, am unable to sleep with arms or legs dangling off the bed, and involuntarily think of The Tripods whenever I see a water tower hovering in the distance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
: Random Things You Wonder About :
Several questions reliably pop up whenever conversations turn to what I do for leisure and I mention this website. Here’s my top 5.
:1. Why A Blog?:
This is usually one of the first questions people ask me when they hear about my writing endeavors. Why on earth a blog in times of visual media and short attention spans? Let me take a minute to share the thoughts that fueled my decision.
The short and easy answer is: This is simply the medium I feel the most at home with. I wish I was entirely comfortable talking freely in on-site settings or in front of a camera, but since I’m not, putting out videos personally has never been an option for me.
Thankfully, my shyness never stopped me from putting down pen to paper (or fingertips to keys), and as long as I feel I have something to say, I’m going to be right here muddling it into articles to the best of my abilities. Time will tell whether this website proves to be as helpful to you as I hope it will be.
:2. What’s With This Living Happily Stuff?:
Years ago, I thought about creating a newsletter focusing exclusively on positive news. Until I realized I would first need to sift through hundreds of negative headlines – only to find a handful of small slivers of hope worth sharing. And I wasn’t ready to give up my piece of mind in return.
While I discarded the original idea, the excitement at the thought of making people happy never quite left me. Of course, expecting all of us to be happy at all times is unrealistic. But that’s not the goal anyway, is it?
Life sucks deeply at times – and just when you think it can’t possibly get any worse, it throws yet another curveball at you. I developed tinnitus when I was 19, lost my dad when I was 27, and had an unhealthy attendance ratio of 3 weddings and 9 funerals by the time I was 35.
Looking back at it now, I believe I had to go through this shitload of horribleness (excuse my language) to come out clean on the other side. Had I not faced these challenges, I simply wouldn’t be where I am today. I was forced to question situations and beliefs, and that ultimately led me to be happier than I ever thought I could be. And I’m looking forward to sharing a little bit of what I learned along the way with you.
:3. Do You Have A “Real” Job?:
You mean apart from squeezing my brain dry to bring you the most well-researched and phrased posts (just kidding)? I do, and I have for more than 25 years now.
Besides running this blog in my spare time, I am currently in my 8th year of working as a product manager for software development teams. In the past, I have worked as a quality assurance manager for a media corporation, freelanced as a translator and subtitler for tech and streaming companies, and been employed in the editorial offices of publishing houses.
So yes, I am thoroughly grounded in the regular working labor reality and know what the daily grind feels like. At the same time, I have succeeded in creating the best work-life balance I could imagine for myself, and I would love to help you achieve the same.
:4. What Are Your Goals?:
Regarding others, I cannot imagine anything more fulfilling (and humbling) than being able to help in some small way by sharing what I’ve tried and experienced in life. If only one person finds value in this blog and walks away from it thinking, “That’s pretty interesting, I think I’m going to try that.”, I will die a happy woman.
For myself, I dream of living in a tiny house complete with a cozy little garden. Additionally, I’d be excited to convert a skoolie or remodel a houseboat to travel with. I want to give a home to donkeys, pigs, and owls (be specific when envisioning your dreams, right?). Last but not least, I hope to live to see a cure for tinnitus and be able to one day experience silence again.
:5. Who Do You Follow On YouTube?:
This one made me laugh because it felt so random, and I wonder why anyone would be interested in this. I had a great time going over my subscription list, though – so thank you for making me ponder over it.
Here are my all-time favorites that I’ve been subscribed to for years and visit regularly. Hopefully, you’ll find something you enjoy exploring further.
The Skin Deep
If only connecting to people on this level was a daily occurrence. Can you imagine?
Thoraya
Asking strangers beautiful questions many of us wouldn’t even know the answers to.
Diary of a CEO
Looking for an extraordinary interviewer who actually listens? Meet Steven.
BI Phakati
This angel in disguise is a true blessing to everyone he meets. Feeling inspired?
Never Too Small
These cozy little places some are lucky to call their home are just so mesmerizing.
Exploring Alternatives
Just when you thought you’d seen it all, these amazing housing gems materialize.
Living Big In A Tiny House
Ever wish your belongings fit into a smaller dwelling? Get ready to be tinily inspired.
Wheezy Waiter
Whenever we are too lazy or chicken to try things ourselves, along comes Craig.
IMPRESSIONS
: My Everyday Life :
What I love and surround myself with daily…
Dear special someone who is reading my blog,
I’m so excited you took time out of your day to read this page and even made it all the way down to the comments section. I’d love to hear from you and exchange thoughts and ideas – so please get in touch!
Did you enjoy the articles on this website? Could you relate to anything in particular? Were you hoping for something I missed? I’m posting weekly and am open to topics to write about. Is there anything you would love to see a post on? If so, comment here or send me an email. I’ll happily look into it.
This website is brand new and hasn’t gained much traction yet, so I rely heavily on word of mouth. It would make my day if you shared articles you enjoyed with friends and family and followed me on social media.
I’m happy to have you here and get to know you better over time.
All the best,
Alex
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