Oh August, what a rush.
It seems we returned from the golden state and things quickly, yet naturally, began to take shape. With moving boxes stacked up against the wall, Joanna and I spent our final days giggling and reminiscing our journey throughout the year. The apartment grew bare as Jo set off to Colorado to return to her Rocky Mountains and I began to prepare myself for domestic living. Boxes and bedsprings were loaded into the UHaul as Kev and I made one, small perrywrinkle room into a home. Saying goodbye to my apartment wasn't as hard as imagined but rather a big leap forward. Of course, when we got to Kevin's and there were boxes upon boxes, I had a small panic but it's a relief to know we are nearly all unpacked and as Kev works on being cleaner and making the bed, I am working on relaxing and not being such a neat freak. (Oh so these are those moments where you realize you're actually in a big girl relationship)...
The domestic living is simply nothing short of magic. Everything seems easier, less stressful. I live with my best friend who also happens to be my boyfriend, we live in a hip side of town filled with delicious foods and activities and my commute to work is a much shorter T ride and yet a relaxing 20 minute walk in the morning. We have easily adapted to each other's space and need for personal time (we are both currently blogging next to each other yet I doubt he knows I'm writing about him) and when we no longer want to be independent, I reach out my hand and he's there. For the bad days and the good, he's there- to talk it out, listen and side with me even when I'm wrong. For the first time, in maybe shall I say ever, I really, truly do not feel alone.
Besides this sappy love story... things have been pretty smooth sailing. My Boston copilot and favorite older brother moved back west but I've decided it's okay to be the only Valentino this side of the Mississippi. Oh yes, and speaking of sailing, we actually got to go back on the MV Explorer (the ship I sailed around the world on for SAS) and spend an evening on board the ship of dreams! It docked in the Boston harbor and so we dressed in our finest and headed back to the place I once was so fortunate to call home. As we entered gangway deck 5, the same smells rushed throughout and every memory came flooding back. I could barely handle myself as we stormed the decks and I told Kev endless stories as we sipped on wine and dined on deck 6 by the pool. Sadly, just like the voyage, our night ended but I will forever be blessed to have step foot on that magical vessel again.
Work is... attempting to progress. I can't even find the words because there are few words that describe the situation but I am somewhere between real interviews and coffee dates and cold interviews and performance reviews. Confused? Me too but I've been told to be patient and so that's what I tell myself everyday. Just be patient and the universe will unfold.
So as August wraps up and the weather calms down (I mean come on a hurricane??), I am nesting in my new pad and awaiting life. Still stomping the financial district, Starbucks in hand and chasing the unknown dream but enjoying the ride. When the words filter out, my safe haven, this blog, will, of course, be the first to know. But until then, Godspeed in whatever journey you rest in and at the end of the day, just breathe and smile. And, of course, rinse and repeat as necessary.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
California Dreaming
You can take the girl out of California but you can't take the California out of the girl. (And that's Northern California for this girl). My trip home was perfect in every way. Never a dull moment, accomplished everything on our to do list and more, soaked in sunny rays, devoured delicious food and celebrated the joining of love at the most beautiful wedding I've ever been to.
Our first two days were simple and sweet. Pool side and tanning, afternoon walks, fro-yo, late night movies and home cooked meals, welcomed us east coasters to the laid back west coast style. Before we knew it, it was the day before the big day and the rehearsal dinner set up called for our creative skills. Transformed into blends of red and off white, the BBQ dinner was filled with giddy hosts, gleaming guests and multiple pairs of southern cowboy boots. Toasts of laughter, good cheer, faith and love, warmed the evening as sun set on the Marin hillside.
The ever so magical day finally arrived! Unfortunately, I spent the morning rushing between my sister's houses because my dress for the wedding had not arrived. Shall I quickly backtrack? Me- the beyond organized, always makes a list and never forgets anything girl was so excited and anxious to get home that I left my beautiful peach summer dress in my far, far away Boston closet. Overnight shipping promised a 3pm delivery but as luck would have it, they lost my dress and all I could do was breathe. (That and raid everyone's closet). As the afternoon heated up and the house began to rise for the occasion, a post office miracle delivered my precious cargo and the show went on. First stop, of course, family pitchers of the perfect margaritas before taking our ever so classic perfectly imperfect family pictures. (Word jumble huh?) In our best attire and relaxed stages, we gathered in the most picturesque park under the most divine and powerful eucalyptus trees as my sister, the most beautiful, calm, radiant bride joined her groom in holy matrimony. With only one tear drop escaping, vows were exchanged and our family and friends witnessed the purest example of love. And then it was time to celebrate. Farther down the road and deeper into the sun, we dined on fine wine, took many trips to the photobooth and danced until the very last song rang throughout the courtyard. High on life and good fortune, those tears of extreme happiness and thankfulness filled my eyes as the magical event began to simmer.
As if that wasn't enough to satisfy our vacation... we woke up minimal hours later and headed back to the place that started it all- Mountain Camp. With my little brother working as a counselor, we used any excuse to return to the mountain, visit friends and absorb as much of Lake Tahoe's beauty as possible. A warm welcome threw me right back into the routine and as we lay out at the lake with the sailboats fleeting, I remembered all the reasons I love it there and yet all the reasons we didn't return this summer. Sunburned and smiling, we headed down the mountain and into South Lake Tahoe for a luxurious night at MontBleu and a quick night of gambling. Luck was quite the lady for Kevin, as he walked away a high roller, and I walked away in the hole and angry with the dealer. Before we knew it, the sun was up and it was time to head back to Marin in time for a very special 30th birthday party. Another wonderful, yummy BBQ with gluten free cake and our new favorite drink 'Dirty Gingers' (okay really they are 'Big Gingers' but we changed the name). Yet another family outing where I am forever thankful and blessed to call these people my friends let alone family.
As my final California sun set, I was yet again filled with that pull. East coast or west and how do I have both? When to move back to California and will it work for both of us? Why am I so far away when everything feels right here? What is it about the east coast that continues to call my soul? These are not new questions and these are not questions that actually have answers. Before stressing out and putting a damper on this fabulous week, a wise man reminded me just to roll with it. For this moment, I am an east coast resident. I forever have my west coast roots and they shall never be severed. The west coast isn't going anywhere and she'll be waiting, arms wide open when we do return. For now, I have so much potential in Boston and so many exciting things to come my way. I know I have to go back and better yet I know I want to go back. And until my next visit, (duh Thanksgiving tickets already purchased) I have hundreds of photos to keep me laughing and in high spirits after this crazy, fun filled, love fest of a vacation.
Our first two days were simple and sweet. Pool side and tanning, afternoon walks, fro-yo, late night movies and home cooked meals, welcomed us east coasters to the laid back west coast style. Before we knew it, it was the day before the big day and the rehearsal dinner set up called for our creative skills. Transformed into blends of red and off white, the BBQ dinner was filled with giddy hosts, gleaming guests and multiple pairs of southern cowboy boots. Toasts of laughter, good cheer, faith and love, warmed the evening as sun set on the Marin hillside.
The ever so magical day finally arrived! Unfortunately, I spent the morning rushing between my sister's houses because my dress for the wedding had not arrived. Shall I quickly backtrack? Me- the beyond organized, always makes a list and never forgets anything girl was so excited and anxious to get home that I left my beautiful peach summer dress in my far, far away Boston closet. Overnight shipping promised a 3pm delivery but as luck would have it, they lost my dress and all I could do was breathe. (That and raid everyone's closet). As the afternoon heated up and the house began to rise for the occasion, a post office miracle delivered my precious cargo and the show went on. First stop, of course, family pitchers of the perfect margaritas before taking our ever so classic perfectly imperfect family pictures. (Word jumble huh?) In our best attire and relaxed stages, we gathered in the most picturesque park under the most divine and powerful eucalyptus trees as my sister, the most beautiful, calm, radiant bride joined her groom in holy matrimony. With only one tear drop escaping, vows were exchanged and our family and friends witnessed the purest example of love. And then it was time to celebrate. Farther down the road and deeper into the sun, we dined on fine wine, took many trips to the photobooth and danced until the very last song rang throughout the courtyard. High on life and good fortune, those tears of extreme happiness and thankfulness filled my eyes as the magical event began to simmer.
As if that wasn't enough to satisfy our vacation... we woke up minimal hours later and headed back to the place that started it all- Mountain Camp. With my little brother working as a counselor, we used any excuse to return to the mountain, visit friends and absorb as much of Lake Tahoe's beauty as possible. A warm welcome threw me right back into the routine and as we lay out at the lake with the sailboats fleeting, I remembered all the reasons I love it there and yet all the reasons we didn't return this summer. Sunburned and smiling, we headed down the mountain and into South Lake Tahoe for a luxurious night at MontBleu and a quick night of gambling. Luck was quite the lady for Kevin, as he walked away a high roller, and I walked away in the hole and angry with the dealer. Before we knew it, the sun was up and it was time to head back to Marin in time for a very special 30th birthday party. Another wonderful, yummy BBQ with gluten free cake and our new favorite drink 'Dirty Gingers' (okay really they are 'Big Gingers' but we changed the name). Yet another family outing where I am forever thankful and blessed to call these people my friends let alone family.
As my final California sun set, I was yet again filled with that pull. East coast or west and how do I have both? When to move back to California and will it work for both of us? Why am I so far away when everything feels right here? What is it about the east coast that continues to call my soul? These are not new questions and these are not questions that actually have answers. Before stressing out and putting a damper on this fabulous week, a wise man reminded me just to roll with it. For this moment, I am an east coast resident. I forever have my west coast roots and they shall never be severed. The west coast isn't going anywhere and she'll be waiting, arms wide open when we do return. For now, I have so much potential in Boston and so many exciting things to come my way. I know I have to go back and better yet I know I want to go back. And until my next visit, (duh Thanksgiving tickets already purchased) I have hundreds of photos to keep me laughing and in high spirits after this crazy, fun filled, love fest of a vacation.
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