At what point are we supposed to figure out what we want to do with our lives? I admire the people who doggedly pursue one path because they are 100% sure of what they’re meant to be doing. As for me, my plans fall into three categories: What I know I definitely never want to do (i.e. never again do I want to be an “Andy” in “Devil Wears Prada”), what I know I definitely want to do, but don’t have the courage or resources to pursue (most things creative fall under this category), and what I’m doing now because I can’t quite put my finger on how to get to the next step.

I’ve had a lot of internal debates this week as I get ready to finish up my master’s degree and I approach the next level in my career. A co-worker and I recently had this discussion, each of us has friends who has chosen a career that is not fulfilling, but lucrative. Even though these friends are making double what we make, they aren’t happy. They work late, they complain constantly, and their mind is always at the office. It seems that money can’t buy you love…for your job either. 

When I was in London, I stumbled upon a new invention. For those who feel that normal every-day interactions in addition to social media are all inadequate for expressing one’s emotions, the inventors of Tailly, a wearable wagging tail have got you covered! 

Tailly is a faux fur tail that attaches to a belt and is designed to move in accordance with your emotions, much like a real tail would. The belt contains heart rate sensors that cause the tail to wag faster or slower depending on your mood. The developer, Shota Ishwatari explains that “When you get excited, the tail waggles wildy, and when you calm down, it will swing slowly.” Ishwatari is also the creator of Necomimi, a pair of wiggling cat ears, and says fans clamored for a matching tail.

The developers suggest that people might like to wear the tail on a date. Would you wear this on a date? 

In Russia, this week is called “Maslinitsa” translated roughly as “Butter Week”, a week where cities around the country prepare delicious blini or crepes in preparation for Lent (starting early next week according to the Orthodox Church calendar). The blini are buttery and filled with a variety of toppings from honey to ham.  While in past years some proceeds from all the blini sold went to the Church, this year Russia’s orphans will be the beneficiaries. In honor of Maslinitsa, I will be making some crepes this week, but maybe after the biggest exam of my graduate school career on Thursday. In the meantime, here are some pictures of other people’s blini to enjoy until I make my own!