When I moved to the city and started this blog, one of my very first posts was about the rain. Putting on my galoshes and taking my umbrella and just walking around. I still remember that day really vividly; I hadn't started work yet and it was the first time I got kind of lost on my own. I had to text Vanessa to get directions back home from Canal and Harrison, half a mile away. But that rain. It was magical. I wanted to splash in every puddle and dance on light posts and twirl with my umbrella as every single cold drop of fall rain came splattering down onto the pavement.
It's been 5 years this month since the week I moved here, a pretty big anniversary for me I'd say and one I honestly haven't reflected on that much because I've been so busy doing everything else. I think in reflection, we often focus on how we've changed. How much money we've made. How many times our hearts have broken. How much weight we've gained or lost. And that was where my reflection started. How am I different than I was 5 years ago? I'm happier. I'm roughly the same size. I'm not trying to hide vegetables in the meals I'm preparing for my dining mates and I haven't looked at a box of Aldi macaroni in years. I've grown up and I do my own taxes and tie my own sandals and everything.
And then, last week, I took Casey, who I've known for almost 18 years, to introduce her to someone at the shul where I babysit and she was going to be sitting and then I headed downtown to search for a present for Mollie's birthday. And while I was walking to the bus, it started to rain. Slowly, then harder, so I reached for my umbrella. It was still raining when I got off the bus. Cold drops of fall rain gently reminding me that October is almost here and that it's time to fall desperately in love with this city all over again. And probably dye my hair red. I splashed in the puddles. I did a little twirl with my umbrella. And it hit me that maybe what it so important about this anniversary is that in spite of heartbreak and struggle and achievement, the rain splashing everyone scurrying down Michigan Avenue to get out of it was still magical. And the people I love are the people I've always loved with a few new faces and they have been inspiring me and encouraging me to be true to me and be better. And I am. These situations, these opportunities, these people; the last five years were impossible sometimes but here I am. I'm certainly different than I was, but I think the person I am today would make that wide-eyed girl lost half a mile away from home proud to know that she followed a dream and her heart and that even when the going is a little tough, her heart didn't cave or turn tail and run. And she'd be happy to know that splashing in the puddles is still high on the priority list.
I'm still in love with you Chicago; here's to the next 5.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Birthday Season
It's time for an annual tradition on the blog; something a little less heavy, but still near and dear to my heart. It's time for my birthday list. I know that I'm turning 27 and not 12, but this round-up always brings me joy. And sometimes it brings me presents. And there's nothing more I love than a good birthday celebration, mine or otherwise. So, without further ado, I bring you the 2013 installment of the birthday list.
1.) Half of this list could be things from Kate Spade. (Girlfriend just gets me, you know what I mean?) But a few things stick out and I'll add those in here. Like the Beau Bag. How cute is it?? And I want in on the #meandmybeau conversation on Instagram and Twitter.
2.) Running tights. I really love Under Armour's running gear. And my running tights are a little baggy in the knees and booty, but I just keep wearing them! I think these would be a suitable replacement. Size L. I am also loving the Under Armour Power in Pink collection.
3.) Being in the process of losing weight and having lost 35 pounds since last cold weather season, I have almost no cold weather clothing. Giftcards to places that sell clothes are a pretty big priority this year. Target, Macy's, TJ MAXX, Nordstrom, anywhere. I don't want to be naked!!
4.) Han Solo in Carbonite iPhone 5 cover. I think this speaks for itself.
5.) Diamond Stud earrings. It feels silly to actually be verbalizing that I want these, but I really would love a pair of nice diamond studs for everyday earwear. Little sparkle, big impact.
6.) A Mini Cooper convertible. I miss getting to drive around places and this tricked out Orange ride seems like a great little car for that. Right?
7.) The Kate Spade Emma clutch. I've been lusting after this bag for the better part of the year. I need it.
8.) A grand piano. In lieu of a grand piano, I would also accept a small keyboard for my music corner so I don't have to keep playing my ipad like it's a real instrument.
9.) A fancy dinner at Bavette's or RM Champagne Salon or Sepia or Girl & the Goat or Alinea, etc. You know, exciting places.
10.) Apples and apple cider donuts from Edwards Apple orchard. Bailey and I have been pilgrimaging there every year and this stuff just screams Fall to me. And reminds me of that time that we took off to Rockford and actually jumped in a leaf pile.
12.) Oribe Beach Waves Spray. Ness bought me this for my birthday last year and it the most amazing hair product I have ever used. Additionally, it smells amazing. I just ran out and I need more.
13.) A black scarf. Not a scarf for warmth, but just an accessory scarf. I'm not sure why I don't have one. It would be a really useful present.
14.) The Black Diamond Sparkle Skirt. Running and being sparkly are my two favorite pasttimes and Sparkle Skirts is really on the nose with both of those things. I just ordered a green Sparkle Skirt for my birthday race, but this black skirt was also a contender and would be so versatile for so many different races!!
15.) A puppy. Ok, full disclosure: This gift also needs to include money to break my lease and an assist to move to a place where I'm allowed to live happily with aforementioned puppy. And frolic. Because clearly if I had a puppy, I would name him J. Gatsby and we would frolic all the time.
16.) A new trenchcoat. My trenchcoat is beige and has survived 5 springs and falls in this beautiful city. There is now dirt on it that even the best of dry cleaners can't get out. It's time for a new coat.
17.) Starbucks Veranda Blend K Cups. Also, Gingerbread K Cups. I like coffee and I like my Keurig, ok?
18.) A lovely party with people I love and gin and glitter and sparkling water rather than still that I have to do nothing to arrange.
19.) A dance class. Because that's something that's fun and I'm sure I could pencil in somewhere.
20.) A photography class. A cake decorating class. I like learning.
21.) A spontaneous trip to Paris and London. Who doesn't want that??
22.) The funding to get my passport in case the opportunity presents itself to spontaneously take off for Paris. One must always be prepared for such an occasion.
23.) A trip to California. Or Disney World. Or a beach somewhere quiet.
24.) Music that I'll enjoy running to.
25.) Books that I'll enjoy unwinding with.
26.) Short brown boots that look a little dressy but are still manageable for walking.
27.) Prescription Sunglasses. My astigmatism makes it hard to focus and I'm sensitive to light, so I should really invest in a pair of these. Cut out the middle man and do it for me! My prescription lives in the black and white hanging organizer on the wall.
28.) A new desk that makes my dining area/office a little more functional. Also, a dining table that doesn't seem super tiny when one decides to eat there.
29.) There are Parks and Rec prints I want for my kitchen. One is about Waffles, Friends, and Work. The other is Give Me All the Bacon and Eggs You Have.
30.) I think they've made this list every year, but the Joan of Arctic snow boot. Someday, this will happen.
31.) A spot in the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February.
32.) Ski Lessons. I've always wanted to go skiing and it's never happened. It will. Hopefully, I come out of that with all of my limbs mostly intact.
33.) Nars Lipstick. It's so good. I'll take any colors you think will suit me.
34.) A sedative for the giant cat upstairs that's always darting around like an elephant running wild while I'm trying to work.
35.) A string of pearls. Classy, simple. Everyone should have some.
36.) A trip to Scofflaw. I think it will be love at first sip there. And Three Dots and a Dash.
37.) Continued motivation to keep moving forward health-wise, work-wise, life-wise. I'm proud of how far I've come, but I've been feeling really overwhelmed at how far I have to go still. But I can do it.
38.) World peace.
39.) Headshots. I'd like to audition for some stuff and I need headshots to do this and I just keep putting it off and putting it off and putting it off.
40.) A caramel cake. Ask my mom. She knows what's up with this kind of deliciousness.
41.) A staycation at the Hotel Lincoln. With drinks at the J. Parker and dinner at Perennial Virant.
1.) Half of this list could be things from Kate Spade. (Girlfriend just gets me, you know what I mean?) But a few things stick out and I'll add those in here. Like the Beau Bag. How cute is it?? And I want in on the #meandmybeau conversation on Instagram and Twitter.
2.) Running tights. I really love Under Armour's running gear. And my running tights are a little baggy in the knees and booty, but I just keep wearing them! I think these would be a suitable replacement. Size L. I am also loving the Under Armour Power in Pink collection.
3.) Being in the process of losing weight and having lost 35 pounds since last cold weather season, I have almost no cold weather clothing. Giftcards to places that sell clothes are a pretty big priority this year. Target, Macy's, TJ MAXX, Nordstrom, anywhere. I don't want to be naked!!
4.) Han Solo in Carbonite iPhone 5 cover. I think this speaks for itself.
5.) Diamond Stud earrings. It feels silly to actually be verbalizing that I want these, but I really would love a pair of nice diamond studs for everyday earwear. Little sparkle, big impact.
6.) A Mini Cooper convertible. I miss getting to drive around places and this tricked out Orange ride seems like a great little car for that. Right?
7.) The Kate Spade Emma clutch. I've been lusting after this bag for the better part of the year. I need it.
8.) A grand piano. In lieu of a grand piano, I would also accept a small keyboard for my music corner so I don't have to keep playing my ipad like it's a real instrument.
9.) A fancy dinner at Bavette's or RM Champagne Salon or Sepia or Girl & the Goat or Alinea, etc. You know, exciting places.
10.) Apples and apple cider donuts from Edwards Apple orchard. Bailey and I have been pilgrimaging there every year and this stuff just screams Fall to me. And reminds me of that time that we took off to Rockford and actually jumped in a leaf pile.
11.) The Urban Decay Vice 2 palette at Ulta. Look at all of those colors! Definitely pretty princess material here:
12.) Oribe Beach Waves Spray. Ness bought me this for my birthday last year and it the most amazing hair product I have ever used. Additionally, it smells amazing. I just ran out and I need more.
13.) A black scarf. Not a scarf for warmth, but just an accessory scarf. I'm not sure why I don't have one. It would be a really useful present.
14.) The Black Diamond Sparkle Skirt. Running and being sparkly are my two favorite pasttimes and Sparkle Skirts is really on the nose with both of those things. I just ordered a green Sparkle Skirt for my birthday race, but this black skirt was also a contender and would be so versatile for so many different races!!
15.) A puppy. Ok, full disclosure: This gift also needs to include money to break my lease and an assist to move to a place where I'm allowed to live happily with aforementioned puppy. And frolic. Because clearly if I had a puppy, I would name him J. Gatsby and we would frolic all the time.
16.) A new trenchcoat. My trenchcoat is beige and has survived 5 springs and falls in this beautiful city. There is now dirt on it that even the best of dry cleaners can't get out. It's time for a new coat.
17.) Starbucks Veranda Blend K Cups. Also, Gingerbread K Cups. I like coffee and I like my Keurig, ok?
18.) A lovely party with people I love and gin and glitter and sparkling water rather than still that I have to do nothing to arrange.
19.) A dance class. Because that's something that's fun and I'm sure I could pencil in somewhere.
20.) A photography class. A cake decorating class. I like learning.
21.) A spontaneous trip to Paris and London. Who doesn't want that??
22.) The funding to get my passport in case the opportunity presents itself to spontaneously take off for Paris. One must always be prepared for such an occasion.
23.) A trip to California. Or Disney World. Or a beach somewhere quiet.
24.) Music that I'll enjoy running to.
25.) Books that I'll enjoy unwinding with.
26.) Short brown boots that look a little dressy but are still manageable for walking.
27.) Prescription Sunglasses. My astigmatism makes it hard to focus and I'm sensitive to light, so I should really invest in a pair of these. Cut out the middle man and do it for me! My prescription lives in the black and white hanging organizer on the wall.
28.) A new desk that makes my dining area/office a little more functional. Also, a dining table that doesn't seem super tiny when one decides to eat there.
29.) There are Parks and Rec prints I want for my kitchen. One is about Waffles, Friends, and Work. The other is Give Me All the Bacon and Eggs You Have.
30.) I think they've made this list every year, but the Joan of Arctic snow boot. Someday, this will happen.
31.) A spot in the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February.
32.) Ski Lessons. I've always wanted to go skiing and it's never happened. It will. Hopefully, I come out of that with all of my limbs mostly intact.
33.) Nars Lipstick. It's so good. I'll take any colors you think will suit me.
34.) A sedative for the giant cat upstairs that's always darting around like an elephant running wild while I'm trying to work.
35.) A string of pearls. Classy, simple. Everyone should have some.
36.) A trip to Scofflaw. I think it will be love at first sip there. And Three Dots and a Dash.
37.) Continued motivation to keep moving forward health-wise, work-wise, life-wise. I'm proud of how far I've come, but I've been feeling really overwhelmed at how far I have to go still. But I can do it.
38.) World peace.
39.) Headshots. I'd like to audition for some stuff and I need headshots to do this and I just keep putting it off and putting it off and putting it off.
40.) A caramel cake. Ask my mom. She knows what's up with this kind of deliciousness.
41.) A staycation at the Hotel Lincoln. With drinks at the J. Parker and dinner at Perennial Virant.
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