the year of the thirty

In an effort to stop being so lamesauce about updating my blog, I decided to search for some inspiration via the Internets. The below is what I would thought would solve some serious writer's block. So knowing myself, I will likely only be blogging on the weekdays, so bear with me friends. Here goes the complete list.....

30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE

Day 1: Recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts.
Day 2: Nicknames.
Day 3: Your first love.
Day 4: Your parents.
Day 5: What song inspires you.
Day 6: Pet peeves.
Day 7: What makes you happy.
Day 8: A place you’ve traveled to and where else you want to travel.
Day 9: A favorite picture of your best friend.
Day 10: Something you’re afraid of.
Day 11: A quote you love.
Day 12: Something you don’t leave the house without.
Day 13: Goals.
Day 14: Look up your horoscope for today and tell us how accurate you think it is.
Day 15: Death row meal.
Day 16: What’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you?
Day 17: Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs.
Day 18: Something you miss.
Day 19: Things you want to say to an ex.
Day 20: Something you wonder “What if…?” about.
Day 21: Something you’re proud of.
Day 22: What do you want your future to be like?
Day 23: Favorite Movies and TV Show.
Day 24: Something you’ve learned.
Day 25: Something you are looking forward to.
Day 26: Your Dream Wedding.
Day 27: Photo of your city.
Day 28: What stresses you out?
Day 29: Who is you hero?
Day 30: A picture of yourself this day and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge.

****

Day 1: Recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts.

This picture was taken in the beginning of July pre-the gaggers gross heatwave. What a lovely evening spent with some girlfriends in Dupont Circle.

15 Interesting Facts (I've done a 25 version of this, so apologies if I've had to dig a bit to find something new)

1. I love wearing the right shade of the color yellow, it really makes my day brighter as corny as that sounds.

2. I am mad jealous of early risers- Im talking about pre 6am'ers. Try as I might I can never be consistent with this. My deepest REM occurs between 5-7am.

3. Recently I won a bake-off at work with my Oreo Truffles care of a recipe from one Sibster. Never having made desserts before, upon hearing my name being called as the winner, I had a little Ms. America "ohmygawd" crown moment. World peace for all.

4. I hope to write the next great Bridget Jones one day, or at least a warm little story that will make you smile.

5. Going to the movies is one of those activities that still makes me feel like a little kid, even with the $18 ticket price. I like the smell of the popcorn, picking the right seat, watching all the previews, and settling back as the opening credits come on-screen, waiting to be transported for an hour or two. It reminds me that imagination still moves me.

6. As a good karma move, I try to always let someone into my lane during rush-hour even though they may or may not deserve it.

7. I sometimes worry about certain professions or industries that might cease to exist when all the old people retire. Woodmaking? Botany? Ancient Greek studies?

8. Currently foodie obsession: Trader Joes' Cinnamon Almonds

9. My next big purchase will most definitely be a DSLR camera in the fall. I'm certain my life will never be the same after I peer behind that lens.

10. I miss my Ammachi fiercely and often wonder about what she is thinking as the night settles in, and she sips her evening tea on the front stoop where she raised her children and grandchildren who are all thousands of miles away. Just writing this can make me tear up.

11. As God blesses me with another year on this Earth, I try to take time to be appreciative of it all. Especially on the days where I start on a path of self-pity. Lately after sharing a laugh with my parents, or driving home after a long day. I'll stop what I'm doing, look into the sky, close my eyes and give my thanks. It helps.

12. My feet are itching to travel and soon, domestically and abroad. I also just want to take a week of work and just do nothing.

13. I love home design blogs, especially before and after rooms.

14. I want to try to get more involved in the community this year, both professionally and through service.

15. I am so so sad Borders is closing, how could they do this to me and WHY!?

(after) thoughts by the bay

Last week I was California dreamin. What a sight to see the bridge against the background of God's Earth, and I realize I did not truly capture its true beauty above, so my apologies. Those moments where time seems to stand still are the best ones, arent they? Makes you feel nostalgic but also reminds you are in living in the present. I'm learning that I focus too much on memories of the way I saw things, and not what they really were. But sometimes they randomly come resurfacing much to the universe's chagrin when they no longer have a place. Althought it's nice to be able to remember, to hold still a place in time and what you felt, treasure it, smile, and then move on.

Want me to lend you my well-worn rose-colored glasses for a day? All of us that think in the clouds or have a little Artist in them have a pair, along with beautiful blue peacock feathers, and season tickets to Redskins games. The other more earth-dwelling part of me realizes I do weirdo things, based on an emotion at a certain moment or memory.

It's a good thing I realize who I am again.

Silly girl- as our favorite rabbit would say!

Life is here to embrace it and live it. Jigga what? Stop waiting for your turn my friends, and just make it happen. Let's say your intentions were just for you alone, and then someone or something does something cruel and makes you feel insignificant. Why dwell on it?

If someone's intention is to hurt, turn your ear my friends.

"If one settling a pillow or throwing off a shawl,

And turning toward the window, shall say,

'That is not it at all,

That is not what I meant at all"- T.S. Eliot.

You are allowed to have things/ideas/feelings are personal to you alone and dont need explanation to anyone. So, back to the whole embracing of life -it makes me think of the color yellow- sun, laughter, joy, skipping, wearing skirts and woohooing, all at once.

Summer 2011 is around the corner and that makes me happy. Here's to creating memories featuring Mr. Sun (please be easy on my hair my old friend) and laughing till I can't stop!

This post is a bunch of random thoughts all over the place, strung together with a peaceful picture, and therefore I love it. Ps- Thanks for being such loving and kind people, for this little space and encouraging me to write and more often, albeit nonsensically.

Can I get a big WOOHOOOOOOO??!

and i leave you with the ever eloquent Mat Kearney, an musician who captures inspiration, life and emotion so well through his poetic songs. This one, always makes me thing of the most Undeniable presence in my life, my God.

Undeniable- Mat Kearney http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvp8yIsgcpo

for a mellow sunday

how the days sounds- greg laswell
everything- stereofuse
fire and rain- mat kearney
belle of the boulevard-dashboard confessional
....and from another time, a song i will always love-
all i want is you- U2

don't worry, live happy

last year my resolution for the year was pretty simple: be happy.

bobby mcferrin just had it right when he sang that little diddy about anxiety-free living. speaking of which, i dare anyone not to be able to feel just a little bit happier when listening to a man with long dreads, joyful eyes and a bright, beaming smile singing over a tune that you can actually whistle too! genius in its simplicity and delivery, I can see a Sesame Street segment just waiting to happen featuring the 'don't worry, be happy' song-- except for the fact that when hearing this same song I also picture myself with a pina colada in hand, strolling along an empty beach, swaying my head back and forth to the tune while closing my eyes and smiling into the sky, which I'm sure in itself would scare many a child viewer out there. but i digress...

last year had many moments which lended themselves to being happy, and many moments that were just as trying. this year im hoping for more of the former. ive made a real effort this year to declutter things around me. whether that be my office space, or living quarters; it feels good to have a place for everything. and im not getting freaked out if something doesnt have a place, because ill find a new spot for it, or better yet: create one. heres the point in my ramble, where i realize how metaphorical i am really speaking...im not referring to just an errant sock i misplaced, but rather in terms of all aspects of my life. armed with my faith, my family and my steadfast inner circle, anything can come my way, and i know i will be alright, and if theres no place for it, ill deal with it as it comes.

and if its one thing ive learned from last year, its to enjoy every moment with every special person in my life, and also to look at everyday things in a new light. and that activeness is what makes my resolution different this year. its more than maintaining a happy countenance, but its actively seeking my happy. to stop and remember, to hold, to experience, to appreciate, to give back, to laugh and to love.

what's different too, is that im beginning to see that my dreams arent so far away, they're actually within my reach requiring just a little more action, and i will do everything to see them come into fruition. sidelines, no longer my friends! ill stay with my resolution for last year, but really just change one word, with a more verb-like mentality.

and so this year, i hope to:

live happy.

sir, im citing you for rudeness!

tact. i feel like this has become a lost art in our generation. lately i have witnessed conversations where people speak in crazytalk before they realize who is around them or have read emails which are so poorly worded that we have no idea if the person is angry or just confused. now im not calling myself Emily Post, but i sometimes feel like being the rude police!

it's rude to read emails and then not answer them. its rude that when you do answer them and then go on to leave four word answers to entire questions. tone means everything in communication, and when you arent aware of what you writing or saying, people can misconstrue your words and then form judgments on who they think you are. yes, people judge you on your actions by far, but in this century, your words leave behind a lasting impression of your character.

that ends my public service announcement of the day for my generation. now im going to go back to crocheting lace handkerchiefs, shining my cookie jar shaped like a cat, bestowing smiles upon all that pass by me and mailing rude citations through the american postal service. anyone know how much stamps are and if they still exist? till next time my dear children.

dry season

its time for a fluffy post! yayyyy!


the advent of cold weather has brought along gross germs and of course my ever present favorite condition: the dry factor! dry skin has been a plague of mine forever and none more so than when winter hits. i drink oceans worth of water which always helps, but i rely on some lovely products to keep me de-ashified.


here are three of my current faves, to keep me and my being hydrated:


1. Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Hair Repair: I've been a fan of Aveda products for many years and always love going in to the store to see what new goodies they have. I like their Smooth Infusion and Dry Remedy lines, which is good for processed and dry hair. They discontinued making the lovely Elixir leave-in conditioner, but this Daily Hair Repair is a better replacement I think! Lately I have been trying to avoid using my straightening iron and hair dryer during the work week, and I've found that this small change, in addition to this product, make a difference on my hair. Its more moisturized and looks healthier when I do use heat on my hair on the weekends. I just put a small palm sized bit on after the shower in the morning and let it air dry. Its a detangler too and smells good!

2. Vasline Deep Moisture Creamy Formula: I'm really not fun times when Im sick, so I try to do my best to avoid it at all costs. This is kind of a hard feat, because I am surrounded by coughy, sneezy people on the crowded Metro and at work. This means I make it a point to wash my hands 10,000 times a day. In addition to drinking all my tea, the amount of times I go to the bathroom has probably officially scared my coworkers. As a result of this constant handwashing is that my hands can look scary if I dont moisturize! My Origins Brand Percipitation Extra has been my go-to for many winters now, but it's expensive and I only like to use sparingly. Plus it comes in a big jar which I cant lug around. I need a hand cream that is work-purse friendly and does the job. I found this lil number when perusing the Target aisles (and walking away with 50 other things- Target gets you every time!). I love this stuff - I dont have to constantly reapply and it does works so well without leaving behind a greasy feeling as I type away. My hands are happy and clap together in the Happy Happy Joy Joy song! Best part yet- its less than 4 bucks!

3. Blistex Complete Moisture Lip Balm: After walking the mean streets of DC, my lips feel the cold air out there. I feel like you can never get enough lip balm. At home I use my trusty vaseline for the best possible hydration, but when I am out and about, I can get into a panic if I dont see a lipbalm in my purse. I buy a few different kinds to keep handy. I really like the balms with Menthol to get that nice kick, but I find that using Menthol-based balms means I become obssessed with reapplying constantly to get the Menthol high (recovering Menthol addict talk). Burts Bees is a good natural Menthol-free alternative so I have a few of those with me, that is, until I found Aveda's Lip Saver which was pretty much magical. This has been replaced by horror and lip sadness, because I lost my Lip Saver two weeks ago! A moment of silence. I didn't feel right paying close to 10 bux again for a brand new one (that puppy was supposed to last for awhile!) so I went into a CVS and found this Blistex. Presto, change-o, yay. Its true to its name, moisturizes really well and smells so good. Best part is, it glides on so smoothly- so its just fun to put on, and theres nothing better than having fun while hydrating!

Till next time, stay moisturized out there!

so long, so long

hello; until we meet again. the start of something new; the end to a new beginning. carefully constructed walls held in place; secret smiles as the bricks come tumbling down. staying vulnerable; becoming exposed. laughter and greetings, reluctant farewells. opening up; guarded expressions. hands that hold; fists that close. connections, severing ties. giving it your all, sweeping it under the rug; believing, turning away; letting someone in, letting someone go; learning the truth, accepting the truth; clasping on to the last strings of a story, closing the chapter; never say never.

life is too short to hold on to things; instead hold on to those that care about you.

hello....goodbye.