Reflection

2013 is coming to a close and I've been thinking a lot about the ups and downs of this year. There have been the highest highs and the lowest lows, but what I feel more than anything at the end of it all is changed. Profoundly changed. At 32 I am just beginning to feel like a grown-up. I think it can be hard at my age without a husband or children to feel as if your life is really your own. It is easier to remain the child to your parents and the dutiful sister, cousin, niece to your respective relatives. But your life is absolutely what you make of it and when you decide your ready to make change, change will happen. It's actually pretty extraordinary. So working towards the life that I want to live is where I find myself at the close of 2013. I am hopeful that 2014 will be filled with so much that I can't even imagine. I hope you have a wonderful and safe New Years.

Wardrobe: Christmas Day

In my house Christmas morning is all about the comfy sweats - my cousins sometimes even break out the holiday pajamas. But come the afternoon, when everyone arrives, and we sit in the living room around the Christmas tree waiting to open presents, dressing up is a necessity. I tried one year to get away with jeans and thought I might be shunned by my family so quickly ran back upstairs and changed. They key is practical - for chasing children, playing with toys, trying on the latest gift for everyone to see - but presentable. I'm thinking something like this:

dress, sweater, flats, necklace

Happy Weekend

Officially on holiday break (HOORAY!) and so excited to spend some time relaxing and hanging out with the extended family. I hope you have plans to relax, unwind and enjoy the holiday season.


Stuff to make you go "wow!": With only one more day left to see this amazing exhibit, I am heading to stand on line first thing.

Stuff to help you detox: No, not your diet, you're digital dependency. Here are some great ideas to help you unplug for the holidays.

Stuff that will make you say yum: Really wanting to test out this recipe (the whole blog is pretty awesome and worth exploring).

Stuff that will make you pause: I am a huge fan of photojournalism. I think it's an incredible skill to be able to capture a culture, an event, a moment, in a truly authentic way. The New York Times has a Pictures of the Day section that always captures my attention.

image from here

Explore: Patagonia

I have a pretty long list of places that I'd like to explore around the world, but near the top of that list is Patagonia. While there are many ways to do it... and some backpacking should definitely be involved - Hotel Salto Chico would be my accommodation of choice. Situated right in the middle of Torres del Paine National Park, the views really don't get any more spectacular than this. Any vacation that can have you horseback riding, climbing glaciers, kayaking in crystal clear waters, and wine tasting.... I'm in. 

Waiting game

So I've decided that waiting is just not my thing; Patience is not on my list of virtues and "in due time" is not a phrase you will ever hear me utter. I'm more a fan of "keep it moving." For the past couple of months I have been in the interview process for a new job at a nonprofit that I absolutely love. It has taken two months and four rounds of interviews and I am still waiting. I feel like I am about to climb walls. Everywhere I go I feel claustrophobic and every time an email pops up in my inbox my heart flies out of my chest. This is no way to live! And with the holidays coming, all I want to do is sort my life out. Start the new year with a new plan - whether it's planning to start a new job or a planning to find one. Either way.

I wish I could be more zen. More go with the flow. I've tried, but I like to make things happen. I see so many of my friends in jobs that are sucking the life out of them. It's absolutely hard and scary to admit that to yourself and put yourself out on the line to find something else, but I really think it's worth it. We spend so much of our lives working that being unhappy seems like such a waste of precious time. My goal is for this to be the case:

state of mind

Listen Up

Youth by Daughter is a song you've probably heard, but it just found its way into heavy rotation on my iPod again so I thought I'd share

Believe

I found this today on pinterest and it struck a chord with me. It made me immediately think of two people in my life who I would have never met had I not taken a chance and who have both changed the course of my life in significant ways. They are people who have made me feel supported and who have pushed me beyond what I thought were my limits. I absolutely believe because of them (you know who you are).

Last minute gift ideas

This year I was surprisingly ahead of the curve and did all my Christmas shopping early, but that hasn't stopped me from scouting the internet for other great gift ideas. Here are a few from some some of my favorite stores:

Backpack, earrings, scarf, key ring, blanket