I know I’ve been quiet lately, but I promise it’s been for good reason. Boring reason, but good reason nevertheless. (Taxes are boring, yes?)

If it’s any consolation to you, I haven’t been anywhere near a beach. I haven’t even been anywhere near any photos of any beach. I’ve been home, doing the aforementioned boring but necessary things. And in my downtime, I make friends with the withering flowers in my kitchen.

Yes, this is what life is like after a Caribbean cruise and before a transatlantic 20+ hour flight. Welcome to my reality.

Would you like to meet my friends? Yes, they have names. The endless paperwork hasn’t yet completely paralyzed my imagination. (But it’s getting there.)

I call this one Curly. Curly likes horror movies, all kinds of pasta, and has a special affinity for pencil sharpeners. Don’t ask.

This one’s Stripes. Contrary to popular belief, Stripes is actually quite the sensitive dude. He enjoys foggy mornings, classical music (preferably Rachmaninoff), and the fresh scent of Palmolive dishwashing liquid with Oxy power. (The vase sits on my kitchen window ledge above the sink. Just … just humor me.)

Here’s Cascade. Don’t ask her how she’s related to the dishwasher product. She really doesn’t think it’s funny. She’s quite moody, and made me promise not to talk too much about her.

As diverse their personalities are, they really do get along quite well. After all, they share some common roots. (Just … keep humoring me just a little bit longer.)

But try as they might, they can’t hide the fact that deep down inside, they’re a bit jealous of this gal.

She is quite the looker, isn’t she?

I really should get out at some point this week. Really.