Trust that an End is Followed by a Beginning

Free People Blog

I love new beginnings, fresh starts, new seasons, resets, a new chapter, turning a new page...whatever you like to call them, these times in our lives are filled with excitement and anticipation of the unknown. Personally, I am love with the beginning of a new season, more specifically Fall and Spring. They are great seasons that aren't unbearably hot or bitterly cold. They produce new color in the world and are monumental changes for those who change their closets over like I do. Who doesn't like walking through the leaves in new boots and a great sweater while sipping a great pumpkin spice latte, or running outside in fresh air with a sweatshirt and shorts first time in months? Oh, these are my favorite times of the year. I detest the cold, bitter Winter (excluding Christmas of course) and the hot, humid unbearable heat of Summer (unless I am on a beach with my toes in the sand). If only it could be Fall and Spring year-round.



Boston Common - September 2014

But then these seasons wouldn't be season. I honestly do not know if I would look forward to them like I do now if there wasn't a change in season. So let's think about beginnings carefully... Why do we really like them so much? They're a change, a shift of energy. It's typically something ngeative to something positive. Sorry to get all scientific on you, but this is an example of the world's equilibrium, balancing negative energy with positive experiences.

I mean, really. Think about it. Has there ever been a time when a beginning isn't preceded by something life-changing? This happened to me this past month. A co-worker and dear friend of mine decided that she needed a fresh start. After much consideration, she decided to move to a new city thousands of miles away; life-changing decision for her, professionally and personally. And a life-changing for me, her friend. I will now have to get used to not seeing her every day and possibly not even talking to her every day. A bittersweet ending...


Boston Calling - September 2014

Literally, the day she left was the beginning of Fall, which we have already established is my favorite season. Mix of emotions, but a new beginning. This past Monday may have been her last day in Boston, but it was the first day of Fall... My equilibrium was not affected. Yes, my life is still adjusting to life without my friend in the same city that I reside, but my favorite season is here and so are the pumpkin spice lattes.

So though life brings changes, and yes some can be life-altering, know and trust that an end is always followed by a beginning.

xoxo~ Sarah

Gone to Carolina in My Mind

I may still mentally be there amoungst the colorful buildings, breathing the thick humid air, soaking up the southern hospitality. Over Labor Day weekend, my two best friends from college decided to head to the low country of Charleston, SC. What an amazing long weekend full of exploration, amazing architecture and a mix of history and modern fixings. Needless to say, the highlight of our trip was the food, oh the food! I cannot remember eating so much and feeling so good about it. So this post is all about the places we went to and some of the meals I ate... Watch out, you may gain 5 pounds just reading this...

The Francis Marion Hotel

We arrived on a "cool" Thursday morning, all of 85 degrees with minor humidity. We checked into our fabulous hotel, The Francis Marion Hotel right on King Street, one of the two main drags of Charleston. We were greeted by beautiful chandeliers dripping from the lobby ceilings and comfortable Victorian-inspired furniture populating the lobby. We hopped into the golden antique elevator that barely crawled its way up and down the 12 floors inhabited by tourists each day. Our room was adorned with two plush beds and was just big enough for three girls. The view was worth it. Churches, parks, bridges and oceans. What more could we want in a place an afternoon siesta in air conditioning?

View from our room

Once we unpacked a bit, our buffet began. For lunch we started at Mellow Mushroom, just a stone's throw from our hotel. What a pizza! The Magical Mystery Tour was so surprising. The pesto based pizza started out like a typical mushroom pizza with soft, oozing mozzarella and crispy spinach. But what made this pizza memorable were the jalapenos. That's right, jalapenos kicked this pizza up a notch in more ways than one! A must try!

For dinner we wandered over to Fleet Landing, a local sea food joint that far surpassed our expectations. We were able to sit right on the water, and I mean literally on the water.


The dock at Fleet Landing

Their dock seating was a great way to welcome us to our meal, pulled fresh from the water. I ordered the Low-Bearing Seafood Pasta paired with a Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade (I love a good half and half so a spiked one was just what the doctor ordered on our first sweaty night in the city). I have to admit, this may be a biased opinion as I hadn't had seafood this summer until this trip. But my friends assured me that it was some of the best seafood they ever had. My fettuccini was topped with a mix of succulent shrimp, scallops, crawfish, mussels, and andouille sausage. Crisp asparagus and roasted cherry tomatoes were also a great addition to the dish. And the sauce. I swear, if they were to bottle and sell this stuff, they would make millions. The Creole butter sauce was out of this world. It was the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and spicy. I couldn't help but dunk the biscuits into this concoction with the goal of sapping up every last bit. But my stomach overwhelmed me. If I could eat this meal every day for the rest of my life, I swear, it still would not be enough.

Fleet Landing

Friday was full of sand and the sun, but also AMAZING burgers. Poe's Tavern, on Sullivan Island is a small burger joint right on Middle Street. This restaurant was created to preserve the spirit of Edgar Allan himself. You can immediately see his influence in the caricature portraits adorning the walls and when you glance at the menu; some of the burgers are named after his poetic masterpieces. These burgers are artistic works all on their own. How they seasoned their burgers are beyond me, but I'm telling you, after a day at the beach, these burgers will hit the spot. I ordered the Pit and the Pendulum (a bacon cheeseburger), with a side of the bacon-bleu cheese coleslaw with a local Palmetto Pale Ale. Juicy, flavorful, and the perfect portion. Make this a destination while in town!

Poe's Tavern on Sullivan's Island

Saturday was a whirlwind of a day. We drove out to Boone Hall Plantation (where they filmed Nicholas Sparks’ classic movie adaptation of The Notebook), and spent some time walking around the beautiful grounds while learning some of the history of the Civil War. After a day in the heat, we were in need of some snacks and some cold beers. The Bay Street Beirgarten was featured in one of our Charleston travel books so we decided to check it out!

Bay Street Beirgarten

What a great atmosphere. A formal seating area stretched along the perimeter of the building with a bar seating area in the middle. Long high tops were fixed with individual taps for personal pouring while the bar seats were comfy and casual. We sat down and ordered some of their freaky taters (tater tots with a smoked southern cheese sauce and a red wine demi glaze). They were so delicious, my mouth is watering just thinking about them! I washed them back with a Lagunitas and water.

Jerk Chicken Sandwich

Fuel's Patio

By Sunday, we wanted to experience some outdoor dining. We decided to hit up a local favorite called Fuel. A converted old gas station, the garage doors welcome you in to the hostess station. She then seats you on their patio which was complete with string lights, bocce and a fire pit. I ordered the Grilled Jerk Chicken Sandwich with fries and a Holy City Seasonal Pilsner. Great flavor for a hot and steamy night. We spent hours here playing Bocce and Trivia and didn’t do that bad for a team from New England!

Monday I decided to relish in some good ol’ fashion southern delicacies. Grits, creamed corn, baked mac and cheese and collard greens. Virginia’s on King hit southern home-cooking dead on the head. I topped it off with a bubbly Prosecco and headed off to a nighttime tour called “The Dark Side of Charleston.” This R-Rated tour was one of the most interesting, informative and hilarious tours I have ever taken as a tourist. Such a fun experience.

Southern Heaven - Virginia's on King

Tuesday I had a later flight than my friends and decided to check out a little café outside of downtown called The Park Café. What an amazing menu with some of the freshest foods around, it’s literally growing on their walls! If you are up for a walk outside of the city, this was one of my favorites! Their cheese platter with their homemade pita chips, I mean really?

The Park Cafe 

The "Special" Cobb Salad
and Cheese Plate

When it was finally time for me to leave, I wish I had just one more day to try a few more restaurants. All that really means is that I will be going back to eat to my heart’s delight!
Below is a list of all of the establishments we ate at while we were in the Holy City. All of them were amazing get my approval:

Kudu - Breakfast
Mellow Mushroom - Lunch
Poe's Tavern - Lunch
The Park Café - Lunch
Bay Street Beirgarten - Bar Bites
Fleet Landing - Dinner
Santi's - Dinner
Fuel - Dinner
Virginia's on King - Dinner
High Cotton - Dinner
Closed for Business - Dinner
Warehouse - Dinner
Boone Hall Plantation
The Dark Side of Charelston Tour

Reconnecting at "The Home of the World's Worst Weather"

This past weekend I went to NoCo. For those of you who don't know, NoCo is short for North Conway, a small town in northern New Hampshire of about 2,500 people. This area is known for it's ski resorts in the winter (Cranmore is a favorite of my family), but also offers great outdoor activities in the warm summer months. The great Mount Washington, "the home of the world's worst weather", boarders this town on one side. Mourt Washington is the largest mountain east of the Mississippi. Some of the fastest winds in the Northern Hemisphere were recorded on this peak. From far away in the winter seasons, this peak is snow capped and daunting. In the summer, the peak is green and lush.

On the other side of town, the Saco River twists and turns under covered bridges and through succulent plant life. Leaves covering some of the tallest pines to be seen in New England, ferns blanketing the ground and the mountains rising majestically toward the blue skies creates the most peaceful landscape for a float down its cool, calm waters.

What this weekend was really about was memorable times with great friends. Friday night was filled with Cards Against Humanity and pumpkin beer while floaties, moose statues, and crazy dance moves entertained all attendees from early Saturday afternoon until the wee hours of Sunday morning. Yes, this area is beautiful and relaxing, but what NoCo is really about it connecting with people. Sitting down around a table without the glow of phones while laughing, talking and really looking and listening to each other is a refreshing experience. Connecting in person rather than communicating through screens is invigorating and something that I truly cherish nowadays. Human connection...and some great hangover food from Boston Brother's Pizzeria.

Until next year NoCo, until next year!

The Best Things Come to Those Who Wait

It has been almost a full year since I last posted to this blog… How sad! I guess I was just too busy adapting to the new life I was building behind my new red door. Needless to say, my life has been chaotic. Yes, there are the normal excuses like work and social activities, but I love writing! Why did I give it up?! The world may never know…But the only thing that matters now is that I’m back. I have experienced many things and even checked off a few things from my bucket list (rode a horse on the beach in Cabo san Lucas, watched the fourth of July fireworks over the Charles River in Boston, attended a Red Sox World Series Parade, visited the good old ATL, saw my girl Beyoncé and Jay-Z at Gillette Stadium and attended a music festival, even if it was in my own backyard.). But my life is still growing, still changing. In fact, I just had a realization that this little lady will be turning 25 this fall… That’s right; a quarter of my life will be gone. On top of that, I will be attending my first wedding of a dear friend… Am I that old, to be attending weddings of friends, colleagues, people other than family? I have no idea where the time went, but I am beyond excited to see what the future holds. I’m back and at it, so join me… as I continue on this twisting and turning, weaving and winding, road called life… 

Cabo san Luca

Charles River fireworks

Red Sox Championship Parade

HOT-lanta

BEY

Two of my favs at Boston Calling, May 2014

From One Red Door to Another

If you’re a renter, a college student or live in a college town, more than likely you noticed an influx of people this weekend. Yup, it was that time of year again, moving time. And this year more than any other year, I felt like part of the majority. Luckily I have a great new landlord. He let me and my roommate move in early. For those of you who have not had to move on the busiest move-in day of the year, this was a HUGE help. I was settled in before the Tufts students even packed their cars. Needless to say, I was able to enjoy the end of my Labor Day weekend while others were still laboriously lugging furniture and boxes.

It was during this arduous process that I noticed a fun, but interesting coincidence about my new and old apartments. Our first apartment was the bottom floor of a house. It was spacious for three people. We loved the character that it has, great hard wood floors and original doors. The only downside was the plaster walls. They made it very difficult to hang anything of substance on the walls. The new apartment is about a mile away from our cute little three bedroom. It is a two bedroom (got to LOVE downsizing!) in an apartment complex. It has a small balcony, not nearly as much character, but has good walls that can hold anything. The one thing that these two “homes” have in common is a red door…

Old diggs...

New diggs...

I know what you’re thinking. Who cares about the color of a door? It doesn’t matter; it’s something that you walk through, that keeps unwanted “guests” out. That is true. But let me explain... I love color. I feel like it's one of the best forms of self-expression. For those of you who follow color theory, red is a warm color associated with positivity, strength, and a will to survive. According to the website empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com, the color red is “energizing…excites the emotions and motivates us to take action.” In other words, it is a strong color emitting confidence and a passion for life.

To me this means something. As a person who has officially been a college graduate for over a year and living on my own for almost a year, it makes me feel like I am on the right path. Let me back up. I don’t think it’s a coincidence, but a sign from God that I am doing the right things for me at this moment. I may be young and living a hectic life, but for right now, I think this is the path that I am supposed to be on. I am making the right choices passionately, whole-heartedly. I am trying to figure out who I am, why I am here, my purpose in life, all the while motivated to live every second of life, good and bad. And as stupid as it sounds (at least I have the confidence to admit it) the color of my door gives me hope, strength. I am still chugging, still pushing through, thriving. I am still here, living, wanting, needing, learning, growing. And for now, that’s all I need. Be young, but mature. Love with your whole heart. Take risks, open up with the energy and determination that others around me have shown their entire life. Laugh with every ounce of your being. Live with the warmth that you would want from others. And above all embody the color red.

Still Here... Adapting....

If you live near the East Coast, you’ve either been seeing huge rain drops pelting your street or feeling what may be the last official heat wave of the summer. Needless to say, with my complete disdain for heat AND humidity in the same place at the same time, I was lucky enough to experience 90 degree temperatures with dew points reaching into the high 60s. Lovely.  Walking from the Park Street T stop in Boston to office on Boylston Street is usually light and fun. This week it left me feeling like I needed a shower, a trenta iced coffee, and a nap. But for me, that isn’t what I hated most about the heat. It’s trying to sleep in it without AC.

This may be one of the last times I have to do so as the new apartment that I am moving into has a wall unit (SCORE!), but it did not change the fact that I was utterly uncomfortable laying in my bed wearing as little clothing as possible. All I wanted was that cool spot on the pillow, that one section of mattress that was still untouched by my heat-radiating body. Alas, I always ended-up throwing my blanket off in the middle of the night, just so that my fan could blow a breeze DIRECTLY onto my body. So comfortable…

tumblr.com

Yes, this sleeping pattern seemed all too familiar to me. Why do you ask? Because not only am I trying so hard to sleep comfortably by moving my foot around the bed, searching for the one thing that will give me releif, but I feel that I am doing the same in life. I want to live comfortably. I am trying so very hard to become comfortable with myself. Yet, no matter how hard I try, how hard I try a different approach, I feel like I’m still searching for that "cold spot in my bed." I’m coming up short, searching for that one thing that will finally yield a more content and comfortable person.

I know we’re not supposed to have it all figured out by the age of 24... I’m not delusional. But why is it so hard to get there? I am not so sure that I like the person I am or who I am becoming, which right now seems to be a workaholic, exercise/healthy eating fiend who has big dreams, but limited time to pursue them all…

Don’t get me wrong! It’s fun living on your own, making your own decisions, truly being independent. But it’s scary too. Part of me still felt like I was going back to my beloved alma mater this fall. That this last year was just a year-long internship and that I would move back into a dorm room with my best friends and have the world at my fingertips. But recently, I feel like these ideas are slipping away, just like the cool spots from my bed…

So alas, I turn BACK TO THIS BLOG. To share my feelings of adapting with you, whoever you may be. Maybe your having the same feelings, maybe you have "been there, done that." But bare with me as I figure it out myself. 

I will leave you on a happy note, with my new favorite song that gets me amped for another day! Enjoy!

#PrayForBoston

Today has been a crazy day for me. And yet, God’s Word, especially today has made me feel at peace. This morning as I trudged into work, crossing Arlington Street and continuing down Boylston, I was amazed at how festive the streets of Boston looked for the Boston Marathon. I was jealous of those being able to enjoy the festivities, while I had to work in my stuffy office just a stone’s throw from the finish line. What a tease! How I longed to be down there, experiencing all of the greatness that is the finish line of the Boston Marathon… Then tragedy stuck. My office shook with terror… A building of 27 floors shook with a terrible boom that made us all think it was a cannon or even an earthquake… I was wrong… How wrong I was.

Boylston, Street, Boston, MA: 8:30am

This morning on my way into town I was a little late leaving the house. I thought, “I really need to watch my stress level. I should just get up a little bit earlier to get just a little bit more work done while everyone else is out of the office.” How ironic that thought is now.

The events at the Boston Marathon completely filled my mind as I sit here tonight. Even still, I am able to find some peace. Psalm 107: 19...This verse hold great meaning to me. So many are ailing tonight. So many, including me, are frightened to be in their homes. Yet, I know one thing to be true above all. God with me and those that are in distress. He can hear our pain, Boston's pain. He knows that evil is out there, but when we ask for help, he hears us and comforts us.

 

Boylston Street, Boston, MA:  2:45pm, minutes before explosions.

I know one thing tonight… I am thankful for my family and friends, those that I love. And my heart and prayers go out the victims.… “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress…” Thank you to all of the police and firefighters for keeping us as safe as possible today. You are making me feel just that much better. I am proud to be a Bostonian, an American. #prayforBoston

Boston Common, Boston, MA:  4:45pm

Dare to Dream

Here I am. It's Thursday. And I'm by myself. I do have two roommates (Emma and Michelle, see below. Oh how I love them so) and they are not here. So it with my best intentions that I turn to writing...and maybe some wine... and my two favorite guilty pleasures (cue horny vampires and lustful doctors).

On my way home today, I had the bittersweet pleasure of walking home in snow flurries. Yes, it is the second day of spring, and I am sick of the thought of snow. But the way the flakes were softly falling, coating the cold pavement that is still trying to thaw from the last 10 inches we got just days ago makes the world seem perfectly at peace. And my mind couldn't help but wander. Dreaming. What young adult girls do best.

I love New England. I love the seasons (or lack there of in the recent years) and the foliage. I love the sense of community in Boston. But this is not where my dreams were taking place. They were in an unknown city. A place I have never seen before. I saw myself living there. In my own apartment, a cute studio with a small fire escape that I could climb onto and watch the people in the streets below. Maybe this will happen in Boston. Maybe it will be in San Diego or Atlanta. Or possibly even Chicago. But, it was somewhere. And I strive and long to be on my own.

As exciting as this dream is, this is a scary thought. I have lived with people, friends and family, my entire life. But if my day dreams involve me, on my own, for at least a couple of years, months, days it means that it is ultimately something I want... Something I need to grow and become the best person, friend, sister, daughter, girlfriend, niece, future wife, Christian, that I can be.


It is at this moment that a quote from one of the greatest modern musicians (not just because he was a fellow clarinetist) popped into my head:

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."

~Lester Raymond "Les" Brown, Sr.

In honor of Mr. Brown's words, here are some of my inspirations... I'm drooling just looking at them... dreaming of the day they will be mine (cue Crosby Stills Nash and Young...)

 

Couldn't help but include this awesome picture from Kate Spade NY's tumblr page. Oh to be that care free woman on that fire escape, just dreaming

It's Been a While...

Here it is. Almost spring. How ironic is it that the last time I wrote was when Nemo dumped three feet of snow on New England... No matter. I am here ready to share my thoughts once more. 

Do you ever feel like the majority of your time is spent waiting? Waiting for the bus. Waiting in line at the grocery store. Waiting for a special package or letter in the mail. Waiting for a cherished moment with a special someone. Waiting for Earth's signs that spring really is going to perk up once more... Just waiting. 

I have been feeling like this recently. Not so much in my career path or even my social life. More so in my personal life, as in my relationship with me. I feel like I am waiting for a better me. A smarter, more caring, more relaxed person. Within twenty-four hours this past weekend, I was told that I am too organized. I like planning outings, but that I can be too thorough and too up tight if something goes awry. I like to do fun things, but I can't appreciate the little things in life. And this made me think.

I do appreciate the little things...at least in nature. I love the sounds of birds chirping or the wind blowing through my hair. I love riding horses through the natural beauty that surrounds us on a normal basis. I love the  warmth of precious rays of sun during the cold, frigid days of winter. But what about the sound of a friend's laugh, the hug of a family member, or even the quickest look from a loved one that says everything you need to hear without without him having to actually open his mouth. 

When it comes to other people, live human beings, I fall short. We all do. Instead of meeting up with someone over lunch, we Facebook message them or send them a #ShoutOut on Twitter. When we want to catch up with a long lost friend, we will send an email instead of picking up the phone and letting them hear our voice. We're impersonal. 

Now I may not be able to change the world and the culture that we live in. I am just one person. But I can control my actions. And that is what I vow to do, appreciate human contact while also valuing the beautiful world we live in. Maybe this will make all this waiting, anticipating, disappear. 

(www.wonderfullymadebelliesandbabies.blogspot.com)

New England Found Nemo...

View from my window

...or better yet, Nemo found us. This weekend's past storm was one for the history books. Nemo was the fifth largest snow fall in Boston history. Friday afternoon through Saturday night, the threat of Nemo cancelled flights, caused parking and driving bans throughout the state of Massachusetts, and even shut down the public transportation services in and around Boston.


I have lived through many snowfalls, blizzards and record-breaking snowstorms. Yet, amazement ensued when I looked out my window onto my street that Saturday morning. I could not believe the snow piles on top of cars and roofs, the snow-covered streets and sidewalks. It was the most peaceful I had ever seen a city... Everything looked new and white. Crisp and clean, and very cold.


As soon as we were able to work up enough courage to bundle up and muster outside, my roommate Michelle and I slowly realized that the city was not snowed in; it was very much alive. People were not driving down the streets in their cars. Oh no. They were skiing and walking down them. Families and friends were sledding down snowbanks and piles, while throwing snowballs at each other. I felt like everyone was just happy to have each other. I saw so many happy faces, young and old. And it made this new found city-girl realize something...

Union Square- Somerville, MA

No matter where you are, family and friends are the most important thing in life. Like the little fish with the gimpy fin in the Disney classic Finding Nemo (I couldn't help this reference...), there may be things that make us different or traumatic events in our lives. But we must all keep our heads up and focus on the positive. We must appreciate the people we have in our lives even though they may be annoying or pests. We are all loved by someone. Focus on those people and the little things that happen in that relationship. And I'm sure at the end of it all, you will be happy too!




So thanks Nemo, for refreshing these thoughts in my mind. Thank you for renewing my hope in humanity. And most of all, thank you for the awesome images of a little clown fish swimming above New England. Hopefully, I can keep these positive feelings for a very long, long time.

Bon A Petiet

Many people love Fridays. Who wouldn't? It's finally the weekend. We look forward to two full days of freedom. No nose-to-the-grind mentality. No reporting to the clock. No worries. And I am one of these people. But do not mistaken my love for adoration. I adore Sundays. Cherish them. This one day is what you may call the "holy grail" of my week.

I don't really know why I like this day so much. It could be because this was the day that my family set aside to be together. Or maybe it was because I always woke up early on this day to go to church. Or it could be because my favorite sport is played on this day during the year (football of course!). No matter the reason my earliest memories of Sundays all involve food. Yup, that delicious home-cooked meal that my Mom or Nana would make. Oh the stews, roasted turkey, meatballs, and casseroles. The burgers, potatoes,  pork roasts, and chicken cacciatore. How I love that food...

Since moving out of my house, I have missed those meals and thus came to a conclusion. I have decided to dedicate this day to cooking. Food-prep for the week. Baking. Roasting. Sauteing. I just want to make that Sunday dinner I so looked forward to while living at home. Recently, I have shared the few meals I have made on Sunday with my roommates and loving boyfriend. I love cooking for others and my love of "food Sundays."

I find these meals delectable. Recently, I have made rosemary chicken with asparagus and sauteed potatoes and some veggie pasta dish. But today I'm trying something new. Starting today, I want to make some of those home-cooked meals like the ones my Mom makes (yes, she still cooks Sunday dinner for everyone who is home). This week it will be Beef Stroganoff with Mustard Brussels Sprouts. I am looking forward to this new Sunday activity. It's a great end to my favorite day...

I am thinking I will post pictures of my creations for you all to see and feel free to leave suggestions. Until then, I will use the French phrase made popular by the queen of television cooking herself, Julia Child. "Bon A Petiet" and enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Quick and Easy Beef Stroganoff from Cooking Light
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/quick-beef-stroganoff-50400000125714

"What We Call the Beginning...

...is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from."

-T.S. Eliot

Here is a fun fact about me. I don't like saying goodbyes. In any way, shape, or form. I try my best to avoid them... And today is my last full day at my first job. And I am dreading saying goodbye. I will miss the friendships I created here, the working environment. The great experiences I have cultivated first hand, the mistakes I have made. But I felt the need to move on, which resulted in my taking of a new job at a much bigger business. While only about a mile from my current office, I am still moving. Different roles and responsibilities, different location in my beloved Boston, different industry... I am leaving the non-profit industry, at least for now (I do still dream of coming back to this industry. Helping people is one of my passions!). But I have to learn and grow. I need to learn more about marketing and PR. I feel the need to grow, but I hate saying goodbye...

So I turn to my man, T.S.Eliot. There are such words of wisdom in his pieces...Above he states that in order to have a new beginning, many times it leads to an end, or a goodbye. But goodbyes do not have to be goodbyes; they can be welcomes, or hellos, or even a see you later. So embrace the endings in your life. See the light through the clouds (see the picture below...sometimes I amaze myself with my past experiences and how essential they are). Know that many things are only possible from taking chances and leaving your comfort zone.

So thank you to my Komen MA family. I have loved working with you and look forward to our paths crossing again in the future. And hello to my next adventure. It will be different, but oh-so exciting. I am counting on that!

Sitka, Alaska

New Year, New You

As we all have probably figured out, the world did not end. We have seen the winter equinox, made it to Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, and Christmas brunch with the family. So the only natural progression of the year is the celebratory night for the end of one 12 month period. It's a time to get dressed up, drink some champagne, and kiss that special someone at midnight. Or, if you were like me for most of my life, it is a time to order Chinese food, plant yourself in front of the television with your family, and watch Dick Clark count down the last seconds of the year [side note- this year will be SO different...Let's all hope and pray Ryan Seacrest doesn't mess up Dick's legacy...]. 

But it is also time for those stereotypical resolutions. I have tried to do them in the past. But by March or early April I have succumb to my older ways. Lose those five pounds, how about gain an extra seven... I will NOT eat after 7pm, how about 10pm... Or even, I will read more critically acclaimed novels, nope pack on the three 50 Shades of Grey books...

Have there been glimpses of success? Absolutely! But as unfortunate as this sounds, it usually involves monetary objects. Save up some money for that new iPod or those pair of designer jeans, or even for that mini vacation I am planning for mid-June. Very rarely do I make it to next December saying, "Yes! I cared about others more than myself," or "I changed that one part of me that seems to belittle others," or even "I did volunteer my time for the betterment of mankind..." 

Ok, yes, I am a new grad with less than a year's professional work experience under my belt... But that shouldn't be an excuse...Should it? This year is going to be a year for new beginnings... New job, my first year away from home in my new apartment, and a new outlook on life. (I swear being independent does that to you...). So yes, I will try to weaken my sweet and salty tooth. I will try to continue to work out 3-4 times a week. And I will try to save money by cooking more. But I will also take time for self-improvement. One hour a day (I can wake up an hour earlier right?) dedicated to myself, self-reflection and personal growth. I will try and use tools like self-help books (some of these are really informative... Not just a huge cliche) and the bible. I will take time for me to really figure out who I am and how I can better attain my personal goals. 

So that was my resolution word dump... I hope yours are a little more organized... ;-) Here's to 2013!!

(From the coolest tumblr I've seen... Aesthetic Approach...)
I love the metaphor of snow, a clean slate!

Looking Up

Looking up in New Hampshire after Hurricane Sandy, 2012

 

 

What a phrase... It's been used as a title for Michael J. Fox's book, "Things are Looking Up," described the behavior of the most powerful "super man" in the comic book world, and even featured in song lyrics like Selena's "Dreaming." But let's break it down for a second... The word "looking" implies the use of eyes to view something or someone. It requires one of our five senses, the sense of sight. Second, the word "up" gives the notion of something taller, bigger, or above a designated subject. Together this phrase can have multiple meanings.

It can have a literal meaning. "Joe was looking up into the eyes of a giant bear." Physically, Joe's head was tilted back to look up into the eyes of the bear which stood taller than he. Many of us look up to see things, whether it is to see a bird flying in the sky, a street sign, or, in my case, a friend that is taller than 5'5". We all have eyes that are positioned in the middle of our head; we have to look up to see anything above our heads. And if we never looked up, odds are we would never see the magnificent height of trees in a forest, the looming buildings of a cityscape, or the beauty of a flying bird.

"Looking up" can also have metaphorical meanings. Many times it is used to describe the behavior of someone who has recently experienced a traumatic or upsetting event. This could be a death in the family, the loss of a job, or even a bad grade in school. The most common response to one of these events, "Keep looking up," or "Keep your chin up. It will all get better." In this situation, "looking up" refers to keeping positive. Move forward, as hard as it may be. Stay confident, things can and will get better. In this type of situation, a negative situation produces positive support. The phrase used in this way needs a negative event to happen first. "Looking up," then, can have some negative connotations attached to it.

However, it can also have positive connotations when used with metaphorical meaning. Life may not necessarily be on the downward turn for you to start "looking up." Growth, change, opportunity. Dreaming of bigger and better things. "Looking up" can mean wanting more...

This is why I am currently "looking up." I have a great life; I have a job with great coworkers, a wonderful family, gracious friends, a caring and supportive boyfriend who loves me, and I'm living in a city which has been a dream of mine since the age of 5. Yet, I am looking up. I feel like I'm in a rut. I feel like I'm ready for a change. I'm ready for a challenge. I may not know what it is just yet, but I'm dreaming and hoping that it's one I can grow from.

So here's to looking up, growing, and knowing your full potential. Have faith that things will get better, that you will grow in the areas of your life that you feel are lacking. And never be afriad to look up and see thosee birds flying above your head...

Happy Thanksgiving

This morning, I went horseback riding on some of the Sudbury Valley Trustee land with a co-worker. I had to wake up at 5AM on a Sunday...Yes, I wanted to go that badly. She lives in Wayland, Massachusetts which borders the trustee land. It was spectacular, something only the good Lord could create. The land was truly indescribable. Untouched, unscathed, yet so well maintained. As we were galloping through the open fields and trotting up the steep hills, I felt even more connected to the beauty of this world. There is something so powerful and invigorating breathing in the air atop a horse. It's heaven on earth.

(Photo from Jill Kern via www.sudburyvalleytrustees.org)

This activity came at the end of a great weekend full of community service, time with family and friends, football games, puppies and ponies, celebrations with my boyfriend of one year, and Christmas preparations. It was the first time that I had completed all of this while in on my own. All of these activities have new meaning now that I am independent. I have been feeling so organized and somewhat stressed trying to balance all of the new responsibilities that come with moving out of your parents' home. Yet, this hour ride was such a renewing experience; moving through the trees, none of these things seemed to matter. All that mattered was the breathing of the horse and matching my slight twitching of my hands with the pressure in my legs. This meditative moment made me thankful for EVERYTHING else, even the stress...

I hope your Thanksgiving was full of family, friends, and fun. It is my hope that this feeling of renewal was felt by you as well, in whatever way that was appropriate for you! Now, it's time for those Christmas carols! 30 days and counting!

VOTE!

This is one my favorite days of the year! Today, one of my co-workers is voting for the first time at the age of thirty; she recently became a citizen this past month. After living in this country legally since the age of two, Iliana's eyes welled up as she told the story of her interview process. After she went through her rigorous questioning, the interviewer asked her if she had any questions about becoming a citizens. Her only question, "How do I register to vote?" She explained that her interviewer was stunned and he began to cry...

It is important. It does matter. Value it! Get out there and do it! Despite your political affiliations, beliefs or associations, this is a right that we Americans should be proud to have...

(www.flikr.com)

I'm Back! And I'm Another Year Older...

Another year wiser...hopefully. Yesterday was my birthday. So in all of my birthday spirit, I am reminiscing. There were some major milestones and goals that I accomplished this past year. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, I started along the path of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"... Or in other words the "American Dream." In case you didn't know, I LOVE making lists. And this post is much of the same, a list of what this last year has brought me, and what I hope to do in the coming 12 months.

Life: I started a new chapter in my life this year with some key milestones. First, I graduated from college and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Communication. (Yippie!) I was offered, and took, my first job in the Communication industry. (Whoop!) Second, I found love. Real love for the first time in my life. (aww...) Phil and I have been together for eleven months. For both of us, it is our first real relationship. There are major learning curves, but I finally know what it feels like to have someone love my strengths and my weaknesses. I know what it feels like to put someone else above my independence. It's not hard, but I'm working at it... And last but not least, as of last week I got my first place. (FREEDOM!) I will be renting an apartment with two of my best friends from college, Michelle and Emma! It's in a great location and it is some place that I can call my own. It feels good to know that I will be starting my own life...Leading me to liberty.

Liberty: This past year, I have taken control of many aspects of my life. I found my own job that I would not have been offered if I didn't pursue an internship with them the year before. I have found my own way to get to this job, which is located 50 miles from my house right now. I took over payments for my cellphone, car insurance, credit card, and student loans. And I have found my own place to live, like I said before. But, at the risk of sounding cliché at using this quote to describe my humble situation, "with freedom comes responsibly" (I can't help myself...I'm a sucker for Eleanor). And this concept scares me to no end. I'm a planner and this is something I can't plan. I am going to have to relax, let go, and carry on. Above all, I have to be positive about what lies ahead, knowing that this is going to make me happy...

Pursuit of Happiness: All of these decisions, milestones, and goals all mean nothing if I'm not happy. I have never been a money hog; it is not what drives my decisions. It is an important part of my life, but it is not the only part of my life. I am not driven by popularity. I have opinions and as many of my closest friends and family know, I am not afraid to share them respectfully, whether or not this is the majority's opinion. I am driven by a need to do what I think is right. I want to make myself happy, but I also feel that it is important to not make others miserable. I feel that I was put here to help others and make a difference, which is why I am working at a local non-profit raising money to fund local programming providing life saving breast cancer screenings, education services, and follow-up care. I am moving to a Boston neighborhood to satisfy my love affair with the old historic city.

My beautiful cupcake from Crumbs Bakery
 

So I will keep you updated on my life...I'm sure I will have many ups and downs which I will love writing about. Stay tuned, adapting is soon to come!

Working Hard...

I know I haven't blogged in almost two weeks. You can call me a slacker. But considering that I work at a nonprofit promoting breast cancer research and proper breast health during the official breast cancer awareness month (October), I am BUSY. All I have time for right now is this explanation .. But just think about everything I will have to say when my work load slows down...

In the mean time, this quote from the great St. Francis Assisi will have to suffice. To accompany this quote, I included a photo taken by yours truly. One of the events I worked last week was at the State House in Boston. When the run of show concluded, I took a walk. In all of the years that I lived so close to the State House, I had never been inside. If you are ever in Boston, be sure to check it out. The architecture is unimaginable. And I have a feeling Assisi's quote may have subconsciously manifested:

“Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

The stained glass ceiling at the Boston State House

Boots, Scarves, and Pumpkin Spiced Lattes

Courtesy of Mack's Apples in Londonderry, NH

It’s that time of year again, my favorite time of year. Fall! I celebrated this weekend by apple picking with my boyfriend, Phil (see his picture above...) I ceremoniously wore my boots to work today, I just couldn’t help myself! This is the season for apples and pumpkins, costumes and scarves. I usually go into hibernation mode, eating apple crisp, apple pie, and apple tarts all while caring less about the calories and fat content. Bring it on!

Autumn. Who can resist the mixture of cool and warm temperatures? Perfect for drinking a cup of coffee outside on the porch or sipping a glass of wine on the back patio… The mornings are cool and the afternoons, mild. It’s the perfect running season, which makes me more than happy (no longer do I have to worry about sweating profusely or not being able to breathe correctly due to the extra moisture in the air). These spectacular temperatures are caused by the Earth non-tilt; fall is characterized by an equinox, when Earth is neither tilted toward nor away from the Sun. (Yup, you can call me Sheldon…). Our equator is in perfect line with the Sun.

The weather that is created from this non-tilt creates instances when a light jacket and an accent scarf are not only considered fashionable but serve a purpose, especially here in New England. I love wearing a sweatshirt on a Sunday afternoon watching my beloved New England Patriots plow their opponents (more recently choke, but it’s early in the season people…don’t lose hope!). This behavior only feels right in September, October, and November. (I know that the football season extends into winter, but watching a game at Gillette is so much better when you don’t have to don 16 layers of clothing…)

Now, I know that Spring is supposed to be a time of new beginnings, but for some reason I feel this renewal in Fall. The world changes, from a world of green and luscious plants to a dreamscape of bright colors. Most trees release chemicals causing their leaves to change, chemicals that only exist when the weather changes from sweltering to cool. Yes, the leaves may fall off the trees, but it makes way for new life, new beginnings. It rids itself of the old and paves way for the new.

So here’s to a new beginning. Enjoy the weather fellow New Englanders! Buy a pumpkin spiced latte. Wear those boots proudly. And know that life keeps moving, changing, closing doors to one season and opening others to different opportunities, positive changes and exciting prospects. Here’s to Fall!

9/11

On this eleventh anniversary of this somber day, I am dedicating this post to remembrance. This day, exactly eleven years ago, I was laying in my bed thinking. It had been a day of confusion...I felt lost and scared and alone. I remember I was in sixth grade, sitting in what was supposed to be the block I had Spanish. A guidance counselor was telling us the most up-to-date information about the attacks, waiting for us to ask questions. I was nervous. What if I had family flying that day? My Nana was in Las Vegas trying to get home... Was she involved in any way?

After hearing that my Nana was safe in Las Vegas, I watched the news with my parents. I stared at the images of firefighters rummaging through steaming piles of scrap metal. It was had to believe that it was once intricately welded into some of the tallest buildings in the world. It was amazing to me; something so strong and so tall reduced to dust in a matter of minutes. How would we ever recover?

But we did. We became stronger. Our true colors shone, bright and true. Red, white and blue unfading, not running. We fought and we decided to rebuild. These actions and values are what built this country:  dedication, determination, pride and freedom. Two-hundred years later these are still present in each and every one of us. At the end of the day, even in this recession, we are proud of this country and happy to live within these boarders.

So tonight I thank those physically fighting overseas for our country; you are so brave and I owe my freedoms to you. My heart and prayers are with those who lost family members eleven years ago. You are always in our hearts. Always remember. Always.

*NYC*