It's the most wonderful time of the year. It's insanely freezing out, like that painful-why-do-I-live-on-the-east-coast bitterness but it's still magical. Maybe I'm getting used to it. Or maybe I am learning to dress properly for the winter. Regardless of the icy chaos, greens and reds have begun to dust the streets. I see sparkling lights and glittery snowflakes and I am reminded how wholesome the holiday season feels. It's the final wrap up of the year and always a time to reflect. The cold weather brings us inside and gives excuses for endless chats by the fire or long dinners over steaming drinks.
The holidays always means family for me. It's traditions and pranks, roasts and toasts and devouring delicious goods. I am always reminded how thankful I am that this is what my holiday means. I know it could be different. I feel so beyond fortunate to have a family that is together through thick and thin. We've been through it all, we've fought and refused to talk to each other, we've thrown fits and mocked each other till it hurts but no matter what has happened, we've stayed together. No one gives up. No one jumps ship. I don't know how my parents did it. How they instilled this union in us all. So natural and no one is forced but we all come together. I sadly have to admit that I am the black sheep sibling this year when it comes to Thanksgiving as I will be on the east coast with my future-in-laws. Of course, this is a wonderful treat and my east coast family is truly dear to my heart. They even let me incorporate some of my west coast family traditions because in the end, well in 286 days, we will all be family.
So let's face the bitter cold, go on a long morning run, eat an extra slice of pie and switch on Home Alone because it's truly the most wonderful, magical time of the year. No matter what coast you spend it on.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Sunday, July 7, 2013
And Then He Kissed Me
I suppose this is the one time I get to be mushy, lovey dovey, excessive and perhaps a little too much. This is the time I get to tell you a story, in even more detail, about the man I am going to marry and the journey that got us to the most romantic engagement.
A little over 3 years ago, I met Kevin Eugene Anglin. In a well-fitted Celtics jersey, the show off was working the crowd at a pick up volleyball game on the first night at Mountain Camp. I remember thinking, "that boy is so annoying and just wants attention!!" and even though I was right, I really had no idea that the stud cracking jokes was destined to be my best friend and the man who put this gorgeous, breathtaking diamond on my left hand.
The story continues as girl asks boy the score of the basketball game (Celtics were in the championship, girl always wanted to live in Boston and therefore felt she could engage in conversation (or show that she cared) about the team). Boy sees girl teaching sailing lessons in a neon green hat and tells himself, "I'm gonna make that girl smile". Boy and girl get put on the daunting task of 'Work Crew' and girl desperately tries to get out of it. (No dice) and so girl and boy spend a night in South Lake Tahoe and there the spark is lit. A first kiss, a real connection. The following weeks were a little more dramatic because the girl was 22 and in what the boy calls her "insane phase" but on June 29, 2010, the boy and girl, at picnic tables before the girl headed down to the lake, decided that they would start this for real. The following weeks were filled with love letters, secret notes and songs, stolen kisses and late night walks. Talks of the future and meeting families and actions to make those talks real. And on a midnight passed morning, the boy and girl finally declared their true love.
Camp ends and yet the boy and girl continue. Girl moves to Boston, boy and girl discover the romance of the east, they spend their first Christmas together, New Years and on their one year anniversary they share a dance among a Boston fountain and dine with the endless sea. Girl moves in with boy, they devise a plan to move to NYC so the boy can follow his well-deserved dream to be a comedy writer. They pack up and move into a lovely shoe box- the site where this boy and girl would spend lazy Sundays curled up together, early mornings with chocolate pancakes and one day on a living room picnic where the boy would ask the girl for her hand in marriage.
Year two starts off with a Ferris wheel ride in Astoria Park and a blazing hot summer. The year continues with boy and girl falling deeper and deeper in love. A love so strong it hurts, so precious and vulnerable and yet it's the most powerful connection the boy and girl have ever felt. And so boy and girl spend the year planning their future, girl tells boy what kind of ring she would one day want, in January, on a romantical Philadelphia trip, the boy asks the girl her ring size and the girl never finds out because she thinks the ring is rather far away. But the boy is smarter than that. On a typical May Sunday, the girl goes out with a friend and the boy heads out to a local jeweler and finds the girl her dream ring. Knowing the girl frantically and religiously cleans the apartment, the boy hides the ring at a friend's house so the girl will be utterly surprised. The boy then spends the following weeks, what he says "messing with her psyche" so that she will be even more thrown off. With their 3 year anniversary approaching, the couple plan a picnic and a nice dinner to celebrate the magic. The girl does wonder if the boy would ever propose but the boy has been so adamant about not popping the question she spends her time telling herself to not get her hopes up and just continue living in this love-filled moment.
The 3 year anniversary arrives. The week proceeding was truly fabulous- the boy had one of his best comedy shows to date and the girl ceased work at one job to follow her big promotion at another. Boy and girl wake up on the 29th and head to a couple's massage- the girl's gift. Calmed and relaxed, they head to the grocer for some perfect picnic snacks. NYC weather had been a little iffy- randomly opening up pouring skies of dark, terrible rain and so the boy and girl decide to move their Central Park picnic into their living room. The boy was calmly making chocolate chip pancakes, the girl set up the picnic and around 1:00pm it began. The boy said he had a little present for the girl- nothing big but still something and he wanted to do a card trick (which was normal because the boy has done this for the girl before). Pick a card, any card and the girl picks the Ace of Hearts. The card is put back in the deck, generously shuffled and the boy pulls the Jack of Clubs and asks, "Is this your card?" Of course, it is not and the boy looks baffled- he suggest the girl looks in 'The Book' for her card. The Book- a picture and memory keeper the boy and girl had been creating over the past 3 years, was sitting on the picnic blanket. The girl had wanted to look at it again on this special day and remember the last 3 years- the boy had other plans for it. He opens the book and tells the girl to turn to a specific page. The girl, still having no idea what is going on, opens the book and sees on the left page it says "Happy Anniversary! 3 years! That's crazy!" and her Ace of Hearts taped inside. "I made a 'to do' list for next year -->" The girl scans her eyes to the next page and sees a lovely kissy photo of the two and a list: To Do: GET ENGAGED (with a big check mark). Now the girl is rather confused. Is this the boy saying he will propose in the next year? The girl puts down the book and there the boy is- with a ring box opened holding the most beautiful, unreal, exquisite diamond ring she has ever seen. Even better than the pictures she had once swooned over, the ring was there with the boy's hands nearly shaking over it.
The girl is now crying and asking what?! She even asked the boy if he was sure, he said yes and so she said yes, yes, I do. And the boy so kindly reminded her that he had not asked her anything (yet). And so the boy, asks the 4 little words ever girl dreams of- Will You Marry Me?
So there on a perfect Saturday, 3 years since the picnic table, 3 years since they started over, the boy and girl officially decided to spend forever together.
A little over 3 years ago, I met Kevin Eugene Anglin. In a well-fitted Celtics jersey, the show off was working the crowd at a pick up volleyball game on the first night at Mountain Camp. I remember thinking, "that boy is so annoying and just wants attention!!" and even though I was right, I really had no idea that the stud cracking jokes was destined to be my best friend and the man who put this gorgeous, breathtaking diamond on my left hand.
The story continues as girl asks boy the score of the basketball game (Celtics were in the championship, girl always wanted to live in Boston and therefore felt she could engage in conversation (or show that she cared) about the team). Boy sees girl teaching sailing lessons in a neon green hat and tells himself, "I'm gonna make that girl smile". Boy and girl get put on the daunting task of 'Work Crew' and girl desperately tries to get out of it. (No dice) and so girl and boy spend a night in South Lake Tahoe and there the spark is lit. A first kiss, a real connection. The following weeks were a little more dramatic because the girl was 22 and in what the boy calls her "insane phase" but on June 29, 2010, the boy and girl, at picnic tables before the girl headed down to the lake, decided that they would start this for real. The following weeks were filled with love letters, secret notes and songs, stolen kisses and late night walks. Talks of the future and meeting families and actions to make those talks real. And on a midnight passed morning, the boy and girl finally declared their true love.
Camp ends and yet the boy and girl continue. Girl moves to Boston, boy and girl discover the romance of the east, they spend their first Christmas together, New Years and on their one year anniversary they share a dance among a Boston fountain and dine with the endless sea. Girl moves in with boy, they devise a plan to move to NYC so the boy can follow his well-deserved dream to be a comedy writer. They pack up and move into a lovely shoe box- the site where this boy and girl would spend lazy Sundays curled up together, early mornings with chocolate pancakes and one day on a living room picnic where the boy would ask the girl for her hand in marriage.
Year two starts off with a Ferris wheel ride in Astoria Park and a blazing hot summer. The year continues with boy and girl falling deeper and deeper in love. A love so strong it hurts, so precious and vulnerable and yet it's the most powerful connection the boy and girl have ever felt. And so boy and girl spend the year planning their future, girl tells boy what kind of ring she would one day want, in January, on a romantical Philadelphia trip, the boy asks the girl her ring size and the girl never finds out because she thinks the ring is rather far away. But the boy is smarter than that. On a typical May Sunday, the girl goes out with a friend and the boy heads out to a local jeweler and finds the girl her dream ring. Knowing the girl frantically and religiously cleans the apartment, the boy hides the ring at a friend's house so the girl will be utterly surprised. The boy then spends the following weeks, what he says "messing with her psyche" so that she will be even more thrown off. With their 3 year anniversary approaching, the couple plan a picnic and a nice dinner to celebrate the magic. The girl does wonder if the boy would ever propose but the boy has been so adamant about not popping the question she spends her time telling herself to not get her hopes up and just continue living in this love-filled moment.
The 3 year anniversary arrives. The week proceeding was truly fabulous- the boy had one of his best comedy shows to date and the girl ceased work at one job to follow her big promotion at another. Boy and girl wake up on the 29th and head to a couple's massage- the girl's gift. Calmed and relaxed, they head to the grocer for some perfect picnic snacks. NYC weather had been a little iffy- randomly opening up pouring skies of dark, terrible rain and so the boy and girl decide to move their Central Park picnic into their living room. The boy was calmly making chocolate chip pancakes, the girl set up the picnic and around 1:00pm it began. The boy said he had a little present for the girl- nothing big but still something and he wanted to do a card trick (which was normal because the boy has done this for the girl before). Pick a card, any card and the girl picks the Ace of Hearts. The card is put back in the deck, generously shuffled and the boy pulls the Jack of Clubs and asks, "Is this your card?" Of course, it is not and the boy looks baffled- he suggest the girl looks in 'The Book' for her card. The Book- a picture and memory keeper the boy and girl had been creating over the past 3 years, was sitting on the picnic blanket. The girl had wanted to look at it again on this special day and remember the last 3 years- the boy had other plans for it. He opens the book and tells the girl to turn to a specific page. The girl, still having no idea what is going on, opens the book and sees on the left page it says "Happy Anniversary! 3 years! That's crazy!" and her Ace of Hearts taped inside. "I made a 'to do' list for next year -->" The girl scans her eyes to the next page and sees a lovely kissy photo of the two and a list: To Do: GET ENGAGED (with a big check mark). Now the girl is rather confused. Is this the boy saying he will propose in the next year? The girl puts down the book and there the boy is- with a ring box opened holding the most beautiful, unreal, exquisite diamond ring she has ever seen. Even better than the pictures she had once swooned over, the ring was there with the boy's hands nearly shaking over it.
The girl is now crying and asking what?! She even asked the boy if he was sure, he said yes and so she said yes, yes, I do. And the boy so kindly reminded her that he had not asked her anything (yet). And so the boy, asks the 4 little words ever girl dreams of- Will You Marry Me?
So there on a perfect Saturday, 3 years since the picnic table, 3 years since they started over, the boy and girl officially decided to spend forever together.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
One Year & a Quarter of Life
Happy One Year New York City! Is there any other city where people actually celebrate their anniversary of moving to it? Maybe it's because NYC residents are in this long race to officially become real New Yorkers (and it's what 7 years so I'm not even close??) Maybe I am not a real New Yorker but I've passed the first year and I even have a NY State driver license so really that should bump me up another year or two.
To say it was a year of ups and downs would be an understatement. Fortunately those downs have passed and if you need a refresher just go back to May/June 2012. It's hard to think that twelve months ago I was still at the bank, Kevin was jobless, there were bugs, there were tears and there were endless questions of sanity. Today I sit, far from those days, on our comfy couch, hard cider in hand with sore limbs resting from a 7 mile run- it's finally warm out (like actually warm and not 40* where we are desperately trying to say it's not so bad in our winter coats that we've been wearing for 4 months straight). It seems that we have actually turned the corner into spring and from where I sit everything seems to be in its place.
Coming right on schedule, my quarter life crisis has begun. Bold sentence but let me decipher. And I suppose it's not a crisis- crisis implies fire and insanity and danger. In reality, it's just an odd phase where my life seems to be turned upside down. I should have written a couple of days ago when I was actually started this phase but I've had some time to really think about it and dare I say I'm on the other side of it. Not the other side of the "crisis" but of the 'omg-what is happening' shock of it all. Since publicly announcing it on Facebook, I've had some pretty special people reach out to me and not only agree that this is all natural but they've offered guidance. That's something I just love about life- that no matter where you are and what you're feeling, someone else has been down that road and they'll show you the way out. Perhaps they'll even show you a shortcut.
So here I am- a year into New York and days into my quarter life thing (it's actually early by a month and a half but I've always seen myself as more mature for my age so go figure). I'm spending nearly all my time running (which has factored into the crisis because really what is the point of half marathons!!!) but on the bright side I'm developing that runner's high I've heard and dreamed about. I'm sure there's a point in it all and maybe I'll find it somewhere in those long, dreadful 13.1 miles.
To say it was a year of ups and downs would be an understatement. Fortunately those downs have passed and if you need a refresher just go back to May/June 2012. It's hard to think that twelve months ago I was still at the bank, Kevin was jobless, there were bugs, there were tears and there were endless questions of sanity. Today I sit, far from those days, on our comfy couch, hard cider in hand with sore limbs resting from a 7 mile run- it's finally warm out (like actually warm and not 40* where we are desperately trying to say it's not so bad in our winter coats that we've been wearing for 4 months straight). It seems that we have actually turned the corner into spring and from where I sit everything seems to be in its place.
Coming right on schedule, my quarter life crisis has begun. Bold sentence but let me decipher. And I suppose it's not a crisis- crisis implies fire and insanity and danger. In reality, it's just an odd phase where my life seems to be turned upside down. I should have written a couple of days ago when I was actually started this phase but I've had some time to really think about it and dare I say I'm on the other side of it. Not the other side of the "crisis" but of the 'omg-what is happening' shock of it all. Since publicly announcing it on Facebook, I've had some pretty special people reach out to me and not only agree that this is all natural but they've offered guidance. That's something I just love about life- that no matter where you are and what you're feeling, someone else has been down that road and they'll show you the way out. Perhaps they'll even show you a shortcut.
So here I am- a year into New York and days into my quarter life thing (it's actually early by a month and a half but I've always seen myself as more mature for my age so go figure). I'm spending nearly all my time running (which has factored into the crisis because really what is the point of half marathons!!!) but on the bright side I'm developing that runner's high I've heard and dreamed about. I'm sure there's a point in it all and maybe I'll find it somewhere in those long, dreadful 13.1 miles.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Turning Thirteen
Two thousand and thirteen. Still sounds futuristic and odd to say but maybe I feel this every year and then some how just get used to the phrase and suddenly this odd feeling becomes what I will miss the following year.
I love new years (not to be confused with the New Year extravaganza eve) but rather the start of something new, the chance to make goals, revisit the past to enhance your future and make a list, written or spoken, to hold oneself accountable of current promises. I personally love making lists and crossing items off and so my new year goals are thoughtfully planned out and marked with much anticipation. They are not necessarily resolutions or things I need to do better. They are just simply paths I'd like to take and roads I'd like to continue traveling on. I am eager to cross them off, eager to see where I stand in another year and reflect back to now and this moment. But, of course, I'll patiently wait and explore all the wonder this year provides.
1. Fully attempt yoga
2. Love your body every.day. Nourish it with exercise and health
3. Continue to always be reading a good book
4. Save money and don't spend earnings on silly, frivolous things
5. But when you do spend money, enjoy it. Every penny. You only live once
6. Further develop my career and ask for compensation to match my growth
7. Do at least one NYC activity a month (ice skate in Central Park, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, ect)
8. Go to the doctor
9. Stretch out all 24 hours in the day. Make 24 hours enough
10. Continue my 366 photo project with Jenna
11. Be the best partner for Kevin and explore, adventure, grow and give our love everything I have because it's the best part of my life
Cheers to thirteen. Cheers to possibility. Cheers to you and yours.
I love new years (not to be confused with the New Year extravaganza eve) but rather the start of something new, the chance to make goals, revisit the past to enhance your future and make a list, written or spoken, to hold oneself accountable of current promises. I personally love making lists and crossing items off and so my new year goals are thoughtfully planned out and marked with much anticipation. They are not necessarily resolutions or things I need to do better. They are just simply paths I'd like to take and roads I'd like to continue traveling on. I am eager to cross them off, eager to see where I stand in another year and reflect back to now and this moment. But, of course, I'll patiently wait and explore all the wonder this year provides.
1. Fully attempt yoga
2. Love your body every.day. Nourish it with exercise and health
3. Continue to always be reading a good book
4. Save money and don't spend earnings on silly, frivolous things
5. But when you do spend money, enjoy it. Every penny. You only live once
6. Further develop my career and ask for compensation to match my growth
7. Do at least one NYC activity a month (ice skate in Central Park, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, ect)
8. Go to the doctor
9. Stretch out all 24 hours in the day. Make 24 hours enough
10. Continue my 366 photo project with Jenna
11. Be the best partner for Kevin and explore, adventure, grow and give our love everything I have because it's the best part of my life
Cheers to thirteen. Cheers to possibility. Cheers to you and yours.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Rocking Around The Christmas Tree
There is nothing better than sitting in a cozy room, wearing a fluffy robe and writing just by the light of the Christmas tree. Our apartment became ten times homier when peppermint and cinnamon graciously took over our senses. Candles and pine, stockings and a manger, our tiny space is filled with joy. This year, maybe more than normal, I am gleaming with holiday spirit. Maybe it's New York or maybe it's because I am finally going home after spending 3 years of distance from my family. Don't get me wrong- those Christmases in Boston were beyond amazing and I actually will miss it but there is no place like home.
I find myself in the ultimate winter break countdown mode which was very typical when I was a student. Until this year, I didn't know it applied to all educational positions and therefore I am yearning and longing for that final day and a 2 week escape. I need some sleep and R&R and to be held tight in California's arms and rest quietly in my parent's home. I need reunions with friends, copious amounts of good wine and a thick book to read by the fire. I want to run and work out not because I am so stressed but simply because it's something I love. In the chaos of these last few months, it seems those simple things have yet again faded away.
It seems that December is always a reflecting month- a time to start looking forward by first looking back. I've said it before but really I can't believe how fast time has gone. It seriously seems just yesterday that we moved to NYC and that we were adjusting to this new lifestyle. Chaos, distress, defeat- it all became the norm. And yet somehow, over time, we climbed out of the slump and into a normal way of life. I now hear of new people moving to the big apple and I have to catch my breath. I am overwhelmed with emotion and have so much to say but yet somehow remain quiet. It's a calling you have to answer, an itch you have to scratch- the move here will try to take you down but when you get to the other side you know it's all worth it. I suppose that's how I feel about this year. 2012- the year of getting pushed down and somehow finding a way to get back up. A year of following dreams, getting a job I love, meeting friends I know I'll have forever, independently exploring this jungle but together building a home with the man I continue to love each and every day more and more than I did before.
I know we still have 21 more days to go until we ring in 2013 but it's safe to say this was another magical, fabulous year in my life. Perhaps my favorite because even in the darkest of times we survived.
I find myself in the ultimate winter break countdown mode which was very typical when I was a student. Until this year, I didn't know it applied to all educational positions and therefore I am yearning and longing for that final day and a 2 week escape. I need some sleep and R&R and to be held tight in California's arms and rest quietly in my parent's home. I need reunions with friends, copious amounts of good wine and a thick book to read by the fire. I want to run and work out not because I am so stressed but simply because it's something I love. In the chaos of these last few months, it seems those simple things have yet again faded away.
It seems that December is always a reflecting month- a time to start looking forward by first looking back. I've said it before but really I can't believe how fast time has gone. It seriously seems just yesterday that we moved to NYC and that we were adjusting to this new lifestyle. Chaos, distress, defeat- it all became the norm. And yet somehow, over time, we climbed out of the slump and into a normal way of life. I now hear of new people moving to the big apple and I have to catch my breath. I am overwhelmed with emotion and have so much to say but yet somehow remain quiet. It's a calling you have to answer, an itch you have to scratch- the move here will try to take you down but when you get to the other side you know it's all worth it. I suppose that's how I feel about this year. 2012- the year of getting pushed down and somehow finding a way to get back up. A year of following dreams, getting a job I love, meeting friends I know I'll have forever, independently exploring this jungle but together building a home with the man I continue to love each and every day more and more than I did before.
I know we still have 21 more days to go until we ring in 2013 but it's safe to say this was another magical, fabulous year in my life. Perhaps my favorite because even in the darkest of times we survived.
Monday, October 29, 2012
The Space Between
I've been meaning to write and meaning to sit down and relax, pour a cup of coffee and log back into my little blog. It seems life keeps getting in the way and I find myself clinging to the age old expression, "there are not enough hours in the day!" I am trying to utilize all 24 of the given hours in the best way possible, truly focusing on finding 'me' time and making sure I am living life to the fullest. I will say this has recently been hard.
I find myself living in quite the dichotomy. Let me say that in a 2 week period 4 people, including extended family, college friends and acquaintances, all lost their lives in tragic, unforeseen ways. The bad news just kept coming. It continued when I got a phone call about my grandpa and now I am rushing home to somehow say goodbye. I am pulled in both directions of life. There is a part of me that wants to go home, drop everything now, live in a cardboard box with my family and friends all close to me and just breathe knowing we are all safe and together. The more realistic side of me wants to savor every day, take trips, make mistakes, exhaust a lazy Sunday to the fullest, stay out till the sun wakes and spend every moment thankful to be here. How can I have two such drastic emotions?
I have definitely been acting more on the realistic example above. Even though mini-vacation weekends leave me restless all week at work, I had back to back adventures in Boston and DC. Boston, as always, was amazing. The cape was cool and kind, delicious and cozy. DC was the relaxing weekend I needed and endlessly craved. Not only is DC now one of my favorite places but I got to uncover the city with my oldest, dearest friend Lexi. We crammed everything into less than 48 hours- walking tours, bookshops, robes and wine, happy hour and sushi, late night monument sightings and bottomless brunch. I took my 3 hr train ride back up the coast and arrived in NYC feeling recharged, feeling positive and full. Of course, it was later that week I got the call about my grandpa and so I struggle to find the place between optimism and having reality hit you blindly.
Now I am in my hermit crab phase during this highly anxious storm currently blaring out my window. Dear old Sandy has been the talk of the town. I first heard of the hurricane Friday and we had to send out a letter to all the parents at school just telling them there was a hurricane on the forecast. Little did I know what we were getting ourselves into. By Sunday, there was a dim fragrance of panic in the air. Grocery stores swamped, bare shelves, packed lines and yet the calmest dark clouds resting peacefully above. Schools are closed, the subway is shut down (which basically means NYC is shut down), evacuations continue and we are left waiting. This morning was the first sight of rain while the wind has been rustling for hours. Currently we have power although we have been told we most likely will lose it. Kevin and I are stalked up on food (maybe went a little overboard but whatever) and at least I will be stranded with my best friend should worse come to worse. I am trying to find the positive side- trying to see that this is that down time I have been searching for. There is no work to be done, no timeline, no deadline, no commute, no hussle- there just is life. I am, however, a little nervous about being in a hurricane and the selfish fact that I have a flight home Wednesday and all flights are currently grounded. But rather than stress I just need to sit in the moment, sip my coffee, listen to the roar outside and be thankful I am indoors, warm and not alone. The rest will simply just be.
I find myself living in quite the dichotomy. Let me say that in a 2 week period 4 people, including extended family, college friends and acquaintances, all lost their lives in tragic, unforeseen ways. The bad news just kept coming. It continued when I got a phone call about my grandpa and now I am rushing home to somehow say goodbye. I am pulled in both directions of life. There is a part of me that wants to go home, drop everything now, live in a cardboard box with my family and friends all close to me and just breathe knowing we are all safe and together. The more realistic side of me wants to savor every day, take trips, make mistakes, exhaust a lazy Sunday to the fullest, stay out till the sun wakes and spend every moment thankful to be here. How can I have two such drastic emotions?
I have definitely been acting more on the realistic example above. Even though mini-vacation weekends leave me restless all week at work, I had back to back adventures in Boston and DC. Boston, as always, was amazing. The cape was cool and kind, delicious and cozy. DC was the relaxing weekend I needed and endlessly craved. Not only is DC now one of my favorite places but I got to uncover the city with my oldest, dearest friend Lexi. We crammed everything into less than 48 hours- walking tours, bookshops, robes and wine, happy hour and sushi, late night monument sightings and bottomless brunch. I took my 3 hr train ride back up the coast and arrived in NYC feeling recharged, feeling positive and full. Of course, it was later that week I got the call about my grandpa and so I struggle to find the place between optimism and having reality hit you blindly.
Now I am in my hermit crab phase during this highly anxious storm currently blaring out my window. Dear old Sandy has been the talk of the town. I first heard of the hurricane Friday and we had to send out a letter to all the parents at school just telling them there was a hurricane on the forecast. Little did I know what we were getting ourselves into. By Sunday, there was a dim fragrance of panic in the air. Grocery stores swamped, bare shelves, packed lines and yet the calmest dark clouds resting peacefully above. Schools are closed, the subway is shut down (which basically means NYC is shut down), evacuations continue and we are left waiting. This morning was the first sight of rain while the wind has been rustling for hours. Currently we have power although we have been told we most likely will lose it. Kevin and I are stalked up on food (maybe went a little overboard but whatever) and at least I will be stranded with my best friend should worse come to worse. I am trying to find the positive side- trying to see that this is that down time I have been searching for. There is no work to be done, no timeline, no deadline, no commute, no hussle- there just is life. I am, however, a little nervous about being in a hurricane and the selfish fact that I have a flight home Wednesday and all flights are currently grounded. But rather than stress I just need to sit in the moment, sip my coffee, listen to the roar outside and be thankful I am indoors, warm and not alone. The rest will simply just be.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Seasons Of Love
I had the most magical feeling of fall this morning. Somewhere along my walk to the train, the 5:31am Brooklyn bound N train that is, I felt a change in the air. Starbucks grande americano in hand, I waited on the still, moonlit platform and took it all in. Three weeks into my new job and I still obsessed. Obsessed with the absolute chaos, the monstrous amount of post its that define my day, the hours beyond hours that add up to nearly 80 in a week (didn't think that was possible huh?) and the joyous feeling I get every day when I come to school.
Back track- I am seriously working harder than ever. Rather than counting down until the day is over I look at the clock and gasp knowing I only have X amount of time left before the sun goes down and X amount of work to do. The balance is finding itself- the 6:30am - 11:30pm shifts are tucked away for the season and my typical 6:30-6:00pm is refreshing. I am finding ways to max out the entire 24 hours of one day and somehow still manage. But no matter how many hours I work, I am still so unbelievably happy and so thankful for finally getting my time, my opportunity to shine.
It helps that I've made great friends at school (should I be calling it work...)? After spending every waking hour together, we all bonded quickly and formed the types of friendships that typically take months to form. Day in and day out I am surrounded by amazing, inspiring individuals who come from all over with ambitious goals and life views just like my own. It reminds me of camp- an entire group of people who want to be there for the same reasons as you. People don't dread coming to work, people don't hate what we stand for. It is a complete 180 from the bank and finally I feel like I'm where I belong.
These wonderful endless hours have left little to no personal time but it's okay- it's just a phase. I am, however, getting all my personal reading done on the trains (woohoo for book club!) and with a wonderful school calendar I am looking at future plans for February break, spring break, May break... the list goes on. What a wonderful pay off for all the hard work.
We are indulging in our first vacation since getting new jobs and I suppose last vacation of the summer. My dearest freshmen year roommate Erika is tying the knot on Saturday in Boulder! Kevin and I fly out Friday and I cannot wait. Not only do we get to witness Erika and Brad celebrate their vow of love but I get to show off the land of Boulder to Mr. Anglin! I can't wait to see all the besties and reveal the treasured land that holds such a firm spot in my heart. Brunch at The Buff, sunset at Flagstaff, tours of Theta, exploring campus, strolling Pearl and devouring a cup at Boulder Chill are just a few of the stopping points. What more could I ask for than four days to soak up all its glory and share it with my better half?
I believe that wonderful feeling this morning, that slight twinkle that began the turn of fall, is just the beginning. The beginning of a season, the beginning of magical color schemes and the beginning of living in a New York postcard. I think I'll be spending my weekends in the park, curled up on a blanket while the rustic leaves blend yellows and oranges into a simple, heartwarming masterpiece.
Back track- I am seriously working harder than ever. Rather than counting down until the day is over I look at the clock and gasp knowing I only have X amount of time left before the sun goes down and X amount of work to do. The balance is finding itself- the 6:30am - 11:30pm shifts are tucked away for the season and my typical 6:30-6:00pm is refreshing. I am finding ways to max out the entire 24 hours of one day and somehow still manage. But no matter how many hours I work, I am still so unbelievably happy and so thankful for finally getting my time, my opportunity to shine.
It helps that I've made great friends at school (should I be calling it work...)? After spending every waking hour together, we all bonded quickly and formed the types of friendships that typically take months to form. Day in and day out I am surrounded by amazing, inspiring individuals who come from all over with ambitious goals and life views just like my own. It reminds me of camp- an entire group of people who want to be there for the same reasons as you. People don't dread coming to work, people don't hate what we stand for. It is a complete 180 from the bank and finally I feel like I'm where I belong.
These wonderful endless hours have left little to no personal time but it's okay- it's just a phase. I am, however, getting all my personal reading done on the trains (woohoo for book club!) and with a wonderful school calendar I am looking at future plans for February break, spring break, May break... the list goes on. What a wonderful pay off for all the hard work.
We are indulging in our first vacation since getting new jobs and I suppose last vacation of the summer. My dearest freshmen year roommate Erika is tying the knot on Saturday in Boulder! Kevin and I fly out Friday and I cannot wait. Not only do we get to witness Erika and Brad celebrate their vow of love but I get to show off the land of Boulder to Mr. Anglin! I can't wait to see all the besties and reveal the treasured land that holds such a firm spot in my heart. Brunch at The Buff, sunset at Flagstaff, tours of Theta, exploring campus, strolling Pearl and devouring a cup at Boulder Chill are just a few of the stopping points. What more could I ask for than four days to soak up all its glory and share it with my better half?
I believe that wonderful feeling this morning, that slight twinkle that began the turn of fall, is just the beginning. The beginning of a season, the beginning of magical color schemes and the beginning of living in a New York postcard. I think I'll be spending my weekends in the park, curled up on a blanket while the rustic leaves blend yellows and oranges into a simple, heartwarming masterpiece.
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