I’m a Renaissance soul, with big ideas and ambitions to match. The world endlessly fascinates and inspires me. I love sharing all of that with you.
Vitals:
Entrance: 22 December
Schooled in: Science Studies, Philosophy, Physics, Theatre, Religion, Mathematics
Home State and Current Residence (temporarily): New Jersey
Where I’ve Been: I grew up in the suburbs of New Jersey, in a town known as the place where the laser was invented. My mother attempted to cure me of my shyness by enrolling me in acting and singing classes. I had always been a good student, but I loved what I found on stage: I liked commanding attention even if only for a short time. I wanted to be a ballerina and a marine biologist and a fashion designer and much more. Eventually, I decided to be an actress, because it was one of the few professions that would allow me to be so many things: doctor, lawyer, scientist – the list of roles to play was endless. I went to school in Manhattan at New York University, where I ate in incredible restaurants and saw amazing shows. However, I soon realized that I wanted more than just the illusion of many professions. I wanted to change the world somehow. I took a trip to Ireland and fell in love with Galway. Then, the fall after I graduated, I started taking classes at Rutgers University, first religion then philosophy, and eventually I enrolled for a second Bachelors degree in Philosophy and Physics and Religion (a triple major – proof of my insanity). I then moved to the West Coast, to get a PhD in Philosophy and Science Studies at University of California San Diego, but after two years there, I decided the program (and what it meant for my future) wasn’t quite for me. So I left with a Masters and took a road trip around the country for 25 days by myself.
Where I Am Now: That brings us to the present moment. I’m working on fun projects and looking for a job. I’m wildly interested in the way science is communicated to the public and the way we conceive of science. I’m also passionate about food justice and changing our food systems so they work better — for us, for the animals, for the environment. I’m just looking for ways to make my passions what I do on a daily basis.
What I Like to Do: sing in the car, take pictures, write, watch cheesy romantic movies, bake and eat delicious desserts, drink milk, cuddle with and wake up next to my three cats, wander around the streets of New York (and other cities), get lost in nature, laugh with friends, stare at the ocean, sit in front of a warm fire outdoors on an autumn night, organize things and make lists, dream up home designs, find inspiration, collect books (lots and lots of books), read, ice skate, dream, inspire people…
Things I Just Like: lilacs, rooibos tea, milk, the smell of a new book, the discovery of an old book, paths through the woods, starlight, ruins, baseball, music, puzzles, mysteries, things that are blue, blogs, childhood trinkets, handwritten letters
Hi Brandi!
I came across your blog on Kirtsy and I instantly fell in love with the WordPress theme you use. So I downloaded the Notepad Chaos theme to use on my blog as well.
But I was hoping you could help me with a few things if you had a few free minutes. How in the world were you able to change the “What is this Place” section in your sidebar? Also, how did you get your Archives page customized and looking awesome?
Thanks so much!
Alyssa
I’ve been wanting to know – where in “Joysey” are you from?
Time is a precious commodity and for me so much of it can be taken up by just surfing the internet and “stumbling” on to sites like yours. Tonight I said I wouldn’t be a time waster and would be discriminatory in selecting those sites that I really felt a connection with. As I’ve been reading your blog and your posts, I definitely am putting your blog on my list of blogs that truly inspire me. I can really identify with your love of so many things! I am very much like that myself. I like a lot of things and if I could live several lifetimes would have been so many more things and done so many more. I hadn’t thought of being an actress as a profession where you could actually do that. (I too have a love for acting and was in skits practially every weekend during my college years) I could go on and on but in the interest of “time” (there it is again!) I have bookmarked your blog and intend to come back and visit.
Warmly,
Annie
That is too funny that we both posted the same kitty video! It’s been one of those weeks though and I think I’ve already watched it 7 times since I saw it yesterday afternoon.
Jess
P.S. I LOVE the layout of your blog. It’s amazing!
Hi! I just came across your blog via Delightfully Sweet and I am head over heels in love with the layout and you also have some really great things to read here!
Glad I found you!
spotted you while doing the SITS Saturday Sharefest thing and have been enjoying poking around your world — will definitely be back. cheers!
Crikey! I’m so glad you stumbled upon my blog, giving me a chance to discover yours. It’s lovely, and I look forward very much to following along.
(And I’m in embarrassingly good company in your blogroll!)
Happy early birthday, by the way. Hope it’s a fabulous one.
xx
Thanks for visiting my blog, J’adore!
Your blog is, of course, much lovelier. I’ve linked it to my blog.
And i love Renaissance and Ireland, too! =)
Very new to blogging and reading others’ blogs and am so glad I found yours. It is ascetically appealing and wonderfully great reading. Thank you!
Namaste,
Heather
You make me smile. Really big. I’m so glad we’re friends – even if only through the Internet.
Hopefully we’ll change that one day!
Brandi-
Happy Valentine’s Day! Your lovely card arrived on Friday. Thanks! I love it. I’m putting a picture of it up on my blog right now.
Looking forward to reading more of your beautiful blog…
i think the new blog look is fantastic! minimal but still really interesting. it showcases all the things that are most important to you. it looks great. i am so glad i stumbled upon your blog when i did. continuing to really enjoy it! definitely one of my top daily reads. : )
love your blog’s look! really cool. ps. can you change it on bloglovin as well? not sure how it works to do that.
What a beautiful place you have here. Nice to meet you. I hear ya on the lots and lots of books too.
A great blog you have here!!
I completely agree about the smell of new books though I really like old book smell as well. Its the first thing I do when I start to read a book.
you comment message made me smile:)
kisses
karman
Glad to have found your blog! I am right in your backyard, a fellow San Diegan/nerdasaurus in the UCSD community. You have a super cute blog, looking forward to reading more.
Hi Brandi,
Thanks for visiting my blog I love yours, so inspiring. After reading this I just wanted to comment because we have so many of the same interests. If you are ever in Los Angeles, e me so we can get some tea : )
tgif and tid bits from the week « // 18 Feb 2011 at 5:31 am
[...] new blog friend from Alt , Brandi from Not Your Average Ordinary, mailed out this sweet note with an encouraging message. Brandi, [...]
just found your blog via “fill your well!” great to see another jersey girl on the west coast…
I also found your blog via “fill your well” and I must say that I LOVE wandering the streets of NYC. It’s my favorite thing to do…
Great blog! I admire you for all that you strive for…you are an inspiration.
again, glad to know you and finding your blog is an awesome blessing! =) i felt connected to u somehow.. *wink* stay sweet and as inspiring! =)
oh hi! highfive from San Diego,too! I live at la jolla!!! it’s a small world!
What a lovely blog you have! I’m glad that I found your little place in this world : ). All the best to you!
adding to my recipe rolodex « // 28 Mar 2011 at 6:37 am
[...] Pizzelle’s homemade croissants (this multi-talented blogger also authors the beautifully written blog, Not Your Average [...]
I just found you and your lovely blog via gorgeous Kimbirdy at Fill your well. Soo pleased I did. Nice to meet you, and I will be back for more great inspiration.
A xx
Hi Brandi!
I’ve found your blog as a result of your guest post on In Honor of Design today! I really liked your post on celebrating life and it got me curious about your blog!
Looking forward to reading your future posts
Elisse
furelisse.com
Stumbled across your blog. Love the layout. You little kid picture is adorable! Looking forward to reading your blog
Brandi, I just found your blog through “Baking for Good” and I have completely fallen in love! Your posts are authentic, meaningful, and full of light. Thanks for sharing. So excited to find other students, in San Diego no less, on this big ‘ole web. Looking forward to reading more and exploring your site. Be well!
Kelsey
I absolutely LOVE your “Philosophy” Page. Do you mind if I share the link on my blog? It is inspiring and makes me breathe deep. I found this blog through other blogs I peruse and it will become one I click on! I am all about Treating Yourself Well… its my passion. Take care, and beautiful site, Caroline.
I’m delighted to read that you love ice skating! There are so few people who enjoy that! I find I’m always trying to drag a friend to the lake each winter. When our future meeting happens (I say when because it will happen!), we’re going ice skating for suuuuure!
Hey! Are you going to ALT 2012?
Xoxo
Hi! I’m heading to Seattle next week with my husband and 2 kids, i know you recently went there and like me, love food – can you email me any tips you have on where to go, what to do, where to eat (kid friendly, not too expensive)? – i know you’re prob. heaps busy but if you get a chance…. thanx!!!
Hey, I just found you via Keishua’s page and from one Joisey girl to another–I’m so glad I landed here
Love your blog and hope you will please save a comment I submitted on your most recent post which may have ended in your spam folder (this happens sometimes when I visit WP blogs. D’OH!)
Have a great week!!!