love actually

There have been multiple debates lately over the movie "Love Actually" because it's the movies ten year anniversary. Some people can't get enough and consider it a Holiday classic and others think it's a terrible take on love that has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas. I fall somewhere in the middle. I enjoy it the same way I do any romantic comedy. It's heartwarming and hopeful but also unrealistic and contrived. So on that note I wanted to wax poetic for a moment and lament on what love actually is to me lately.

Love is staying in my pj's for the better part of the day, snuggling with my animal and watching cheesy movies.
Love is going to get Thai food on a chilly night and then ending up at my favorite dive. Running into new and old friends and talking movies over frosty mugs of beer.
Love is having an early Christmas lunch with my mom, exchanging gifts and spending the day together.
Love is knowing that your best friend is moving away and that no amount of space or time will ever break the connection you share.
Love is watching a coworker hand a panhandler on the side of the road a ten dollar bill because she hopes he'll use it to get a warm meal on a frigid day.


Go out and love, people.

a year in review

As you have seen on this blog, I have had a year of many ups and many downs. 30 was definitely not what I expected it to be but I have persevered. This year has proven my strength and I think that must be the best part of all that has happened. I also learned a lot about myself and why I have made the mistakes that I have made. I am at peace. For the most part anyway. Nothing is ever 100% but I feel generally better then I did last year at this time. I have never been a huge fan of change and I have generally shied away from anything that takes me out of my comfort zone but I am slowly taking risks and becoming braver. Things haven't always worked out in my favor but they have made me a more confident individual. I feel like I am becoming who I am supposed to me, a more authentic version of myself. In the upcoming year I am looking forward to more travel. I have a few trips planned (Africa, Paris) and I want to expand my horizon. I want to see the world and spend my money on experiences. I must say that it's been tough thinking about my future without having someone special in my life but I am totally good with being single and having close friends and family around. I will also plan on going to see concerts, plays, ballets and such. I will be seeing Chicago the night before my birthday which should be awesome. I'm also seeing a personal trainer that is going to help me get into better shape. No time like the present. Life is good, kids. Cheers to the future and the inevitable ups and downs that help us grow as individuals.

Oh Christmas tree

I've got to be honest and say that I don't particularly care for the holidays. When I was younger it was all about whose year it was to have us and the animosity between my parents. My life was broken up between two worlds and I don't think I ever got used to it. Hence, my dislike. Even though I feel this way, I try to force myself to get into the holiday spirit. I enjoy decorating and having friends over. I even got a real tree this year. They delivered it right to my door which is awesome. It's the prettiest tree I have ever seen. Here is my home:

happy thanksgiving to me

 We got back from Cabo on Sunday and as always it felt a little too soon. I was ready to come back to a certain extent but I'm never ready to come back to work. Cabo the second time around let me experience the city and downtown a little more. Staying on the Marina put you so close to the action but further away from the beach. While there I found a love for tequila. Especially reposado. We were regulars at Cabo Wabo by the time we left. We also ate at a restaurant on the beach called "The Office" and it was incredible. Flour tortillas made right in front of you and seafood so fresh if you put it to your ear, I bet you could hear the Ocean. It was quite exciting getting to see my best friend in action flying the jet. It was flawless. He is amazing. And I must say that it was nice getting to play pretend and act like one of the elites that could actually afford to take a private jet.  Here are some pics: