the air is so thick and opaque

It seems that summer humidity is setting in on the first day of Spring. There is a thick layer of yellow pollen on my car and the picnic table. I have a big paper to write. 


This is the kind of night where I need a storm. I want to hear the winds blow, the sky crash, and the sound of rain against my window panes. That type of weather feels simultaneously like a rebirth and an excuse to hunker down, throwing myself into academic pursuits. Outside world be dammed, I am in here warm and dry, trying my best while you throw the worst from the sky. 


I do hope it it storms. 

NYE

Why does New Year's Eve feel like everything and nothing all at the same time?

Is anyone else glad when the 48 hours between Dec 31 and Jan 1 are over? 

2011 wrap up

2011 was a hell of a year. I suppose things are supposed to change frequently in your 20s, but I think this year certainly saw a bit more change than usual. 


Here are some of the highlights:


DC
Started 2011 with weekend at a bed and breakfast with past boyfriend
Interviewed at UNC- Chapel Hill for graduate school
Was accepted to 6/7 schools I applied to
Threw a big brunch for some girl friends 
Vacationed for a week in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Hot tubbed on the roof of a friend's apt overlooking the Capitol
Newseum
Two trips to NYC
Decided to attend UNC- Chapel Hill for my MPH. Go Heels! 
Turned 26 
Watched the Royal Wedding 
Dad was in the hospital
Sailed on the Potomac River 
Volunteered at the Arlington Free Clinic
Family vacation to the Jersey Shore 
Heart broken for the first time 
Left my job of 3 years 
Moved away from DC 


NC
Moved into my own apartment in North Carolina
Started graduate school 
Threw my sister's bridal shower and bachelorette party
Sister got married 
Went to first UNC football and basketball games 
Threw my first tailgate
Started volunteering at a clinic in North Carolina
Went to Virginia Tech for a football game with some friends 
Made awesome new friends
Decided to go to the Dominican Republic as a medical interpreter 
Saw 2 plays 
Some dating
Went on a Santa themed pub crawl 
Finished my first semester, had Christmas at home and caught up with friends 


Some things are bigger than others on that list, but overall those were the major events that came to mind. With the way that last year turned out, I don't think I can possibly guess what next year is going to look like, but I have hope. And faith. Hope for the future, for possibility and chances. Faith in myself, in my friends, and the idea that everything will somehow be all right. Actually, even better than all right-- AMAZING.


Happy New Year!!! 

christmas dog!

One of the perks of being home is getting to hang out with my parent's dog. She is just so adorable and cuddly that I am cooing over her everyday. Or dressing her up in a ridiculous fashion. What better time (Ok, maybe Halloween) than Christmas to make your dog look silly cute? 

(She does not look very happy about that bow.) 

this is the new year

I think by now we've established how much I love music. This morning I came across this video by Ian Axel which is just so happy and cheerful you won't be able to help but smile. It seems like perfect timing as the year is drawing to a close. 


Lyrics Preview: 
Say everything you've always wanted
be not afraid of who you really are
cause in the end we have each other
and that's at least one thing worth living for


And I would give the world to you. 

perfect

Sometimes in life you get days where all the pieces come together. The weather, the company, the spirit. These days are rare, but when they happen everything seems right in the world. Life feels like it is happening just like it should. 

Fireplaces and peppermint icing just add to the magic.

christmas wish list

I am 26 years old, but I still make a Christmas list for my parents. I find that as I get older I don't want things like, oh, American Girl Dolls, but instead down pillows. Here are a few things on my wish list: 


-Flannel sheets (Is there anything more cozy in the winter?)
-Everything is Illuminated (I've heard this is a great book.) 
-Clinique black honey lip gloss 
-A kitchen scale 
-Decent metal measuring cups
-Tall brown leather boots (I found a pair I loved and my Mom let me get them early :)!) 
-Raincoat with a hood
-Clothes! 


I know, I have gotten so boring and practical in my old age. What is on your wish list??

thanksgiving reflections

Somehow, my family managed to pull off one of the best Thanksgivings we have had in years. Everyone was nice and loving to each other, we sat at the dinner table for close to 3 hours talking, telling stories, and sharing little tidbits about our lives. The whole clan was captivated. 


With all the craziness in life and finals coming up, I feel like its important to remember and reflect on those seemingly perfect moments in life. 


I was listening to Miranda Lambert's House that Built Me on my drive home. Even though I've moved around my whole life, I really like the sentiment. "Out here it's like I'm someone else, I thought that maybe I could find myself..." Nothing like being with family and just getting to be who you are, unapologetically. 

thanksgiving come early

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. This year I'll be driving up to DC from the land of sweet tea for a few days and then continuing north to Haddonfield, NJ to visit with my mom's side of the family. For me, it's the way Thanksgiving should be. We drink gin and tonics, graze all day, laugh a lot, sit in front of a fire place, and watch football. Its magical. 

I get reflective around Thanksgiving. So much has happened since last year when I was in the middle of grad school applications, working full time, and spending the holiday with my then boyfriend while plotting what was to come. The future was a big question mark. Now that I can see the view from this side, I can say with confidence that it is beautiful. People say that everything always works out. Sometimes you just have to trust the process and let it happen. I wasn't disappointed. Life is never perfect, but when I can look around and see that it is my own, that is something to be thankful for. 

One last thing. This year I am particularly thankful for friends. Old home crew friends who know me better than myself, college roommates that I shared closets and secrets with, DC friends I made in the last few years that I count among my closest confidants, and the new group of girls I've come to know here in North Carolina and have me laughing every day. Life wouldn't be nearly as sweet without them. So thank you, to those who may be reading this, for being part of my life. I couldn't do it without you! 

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday. See you next week. 

Happy Halloween!

It's been a while since I've been excited about Halloween but this year I think it is going to be SUPER fun. Chapel Hill is known for its Halloween celebration. The streets are all closed downtown and then the weirdos come out. Should be a total spectacle. I'm going to be Baby Spice with the 4 other Spice Girls. Epic. 


I went to a party on Saturday and went as Christina Aguilera from Burlesque. Here is the evidence:  

I also had some fun fishnets and red satin heels on. This was the first time I wore a wig and it was awesome!


Love this song from Burlesque:



Happy Halloween!! 

my favorite season

Today is the first day of fall!

photo

Fall is my FAVORITE season. I love when the humidity drops and it starts to be sweater weather. I love cooking big pots of soup. I love going on dates when it starts to get chilly and it gives a guy an excuse to put his arm around your should to keep you warm and protected against the elements. I love the first time its cold enough to use a fireplace. 

 

Every year, on September 23rd, I feel like I am supposed to remember something. Do you have those days? The closest I can get is that maybe it was the anniversary with my first boyfriend when I was in 9th grade. 

 

I'm back up in DC this weekend. Hooray! It's rainy and icky outside so I am spending the day in a coffee shop doing a little work and then catching up with some friends and family tonight. It's good to get back to my roots for a few days. 

 

Have a fabulous weekend, friends.