Wardrobe: Trying something new

jeans, tshirt, shoes

I have had kind of a wardrobe epiphany recently. I kinda like a little bit funky! I have always been super basic - grey, black, navy - absolutely the staples in my closet and probably always will by, but it's kind of fun to mix it up a little bit too. Printed jeans may have been so last season, but with my new revelation I'm not quite letting go of it yet. Funky denim paired with neutrals is such a fun way to spice up jeans and a tshirt.

Hard day

I'm sitting in the hospital for special surgery waiting for my mom's surgeon to come let me know that he has successfully replaced her knee. One thing to know about my mom is she's tough.  Her knee has been causing her so much pain for so long and she has just learned to live with it. I'm grateful she decided to get the surgery so she can have many more years on two good knees that will allow her to, among other things, play with her not yet conceived grandchildren (she tells me this is the ONLY reason she's getting the surgery lest I think the pain has actually gotten to her).

I know this surgery is routine, but that doesn't stop an only daughter from worrying. Seeing your mother on a gurney, hooked up to machines and IVs is never fun, but sitting in the waiting room alone is the worst. It is the single loneliest feeling I've ever had. There is a long road of recovery ahead, but for now I just want to know she's ok.

obsessions

I have a new obsession... stand-up paddleboarding! It is definitely a fad and I would be lying if I didn't admit that seeing people like Jennifer Aniston paddling around with her perfect body did not inspire me just a tiny bit. BUT it lives up to the hype (how often can you say that?!). It's an incredible workout while also being such an awesome and relaxing activity - that said, only relaxing if the waters are calm. If it's choppy and/or you're against the current get ready to work hard. My favorite time to go is at sunset. On a clear day it's the most magnificent time to be on a board, alone in the water. Have you ever tried it? I hear you can rent boards in the Hudson but I'm not so sure about about that...

Scenes from the weekend

In between a handful of family obligations I managed to escape the City for a night and get out to the beach. I watched the sun set on Friday and got up early Saturday to take a run on the beach (I'm really getting into this running thing!), took the paddleboard out for a quick trip around the bay and then got in my car and came home. In my 20s I always thought of myself as relatively extroverted, but what I'm finding in my 30s is that peace and solitude is what I really crave. I've learned to take advantage of those moments that I can go somewhere, be by myself and clear my head. This weekend was one of those...

Music: New Finds

It's rare that I stumble across an album that I'm willing to listen all the way through (or these days that I am actually willing to purchase instead of listening to on spotify), but Deep Below Heaven is just one of those albums. Melaena Cadiz's voice is a perfect blend of soulful and folk and leaves you mesmerized. Check it out.

Gotta start somewhere

Today is the day. I finally got over my fear and intimidation and went running! It's something I've wanted to do for a long time (i.e. four months ago when I bought those snazzy running shoes), but could never quite muster up the courage. I have always cared too much what other people think and it seemed to me that everyone jogging around Manhattan was in perfect shape (total fallacy I know, but we see what we want to see right?) and I had no business huffing and puffing among them. Not to mention the idea of wearing teeny tiny shorts and a tight, moisture-wicking shirt pretty much freaks me out. But the desire to feel strong and fit won out although not without some struggle. I laid out my mid-length shorts and my normal person tshirt next to my running shoes last night, got up this morning and chickened out. I decided instead to walk my dog along the path that I wanted to run. It's the 2.5 mile bridle path around the reservoir in Central Park. Seemed like a reasonable start and it turned out walking around it and actually taking the time to notice that there were people of all shapes, sizes and abilities out there trying to get in or stay in shape put my mind at ease. So this afternoon during lunch (I am office-less for a few days and working from home) I put back on my running shoes and did it! Granted it was sort of a run/walk combo (did I mention I am in terrible shape?), but I probably ran as much as I walked which is something! I read somewhere what it takes three weeks to form a habit. I don't know if this is the start of one, but I sure hope so. I feel strong, healthy and like I deserve a really good lunch.

apartment inspiration

If you've been reading along about the trials and tribulations of co-op renovations in NYC, well there is some update (albeit not much of one). The landmark commission has approved the plans and now it's onto the building department. I have prepared myself for homelessness as it doesn't look like work will begin before August. UGH! (doesn't really adequately describe my frustration). But as the approvals have moved forward I have tried to refocus and really put together in my head what this place is going to look like.... it's really a personal journey to create your home from scratch. Pretty crazy actually. 

Here is the latest inspiration board:

state of mind

image from here and here

Happy (July 4th) Weekend

It's a rainy day here in the Berkshires, but so happy and grateful to be with my family on July 4th. We tend to celebrate our independence with food and at the moment (aka way too early) my mom and uncle are out buying as many baby back ribs as they can get their hands on. Ahh family traditions. I hope you are somewhere celebrating with better weather!