poetry post

I've been getting back into reading poetry lately and I'd like to start sharing some old favorites and some new ones as well. Poetry is such an intimate form of expression and it's so subjective. I love how so much can be said with so little. This week I have been thinking about how much we truly need each other. Yes, I absolutely think you can be happy by yourself but there is nothing more authentic and satisfying than connecting with another human being.

No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend's
Or of thine own were:
Any man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; 
It tolls for thee. 


John Donne

weekend review

 Monday always comes too early for me but I must say that I had a really good weekend. Airport Guy and I met up Friday and had a lot of fun. We went to a small wine bar that serves tapas and hit up a few other places he hadn't been to. My nerves got the best of me and I ended up drinking a little more then I should have (not me!) but I knew everything was good when he asked me to dinner on Saturday night. I ended up having to go into the office Saturday afternoon to knock out some leases but I didn't mind. I wasn't able to go Saturday night to dinner because of prior engagements but we went last night and again, had a lot of fun. I also got to catch up with my bestie over sake and that's always a great time. Yesterday morning I went to the gym with my trainer and enjoyed getting the shit beat out of me. Not really, but that's how I feel today. Sore. Everywhere. A few notable quotes from the weekend:

"That's how security guards are supposed to be. I could rape you. I probably won't. But I could."

When talking to Danielle about the creepy security guard that works at my office building. He offered me cookies. No sir, I do not care for any roofie cookies.


"You've been downgraded to stalker status."

What I told Airport Guy at dinner. I decided to meet him Friday because you never know who could be a serial killer and I don't need anymore crazy in my neighborhood. He was happy to hear he had been downgraded but also asked if I do this with all of the people I date. The answer is yes.

Christmas 2013

 I just returned from my parents home in New Mexico and it's always a little bittersweet for me. I get anxious going out there because I see them so rarely but once we hug, everything is as if I had been there all along. We went skiing two days in Taos and actually took a lesson. It was my first lesson in probably 20 years and it really helped. Our instructor was quite the character. His name was Rick and he liked to yell the last word of his sentences at you. You. Follow ME! He loved the mountain and had been living in Taos for the majority of his life. His father has a run named after him. My parents are going to buy a condo there so I suspect our Christmases will be spent on the mountain from here on out.
I was delayed on my flight home and didn't end up making it in until 2:30 am but I met a gentlemen that was on my same flight at the bar as we were anxiously awaiting the planes arrival. We ended up having a really great time and we plan on getting together this week.
My New Years Eve was super chill. I had a girlfriend over and we sipped some champagne cocktails to ring in the new year. 2014 already feels better. I don't know why we put so much emphasis on the new year. It's really just another day. 2013 was a transition year from me and I made it through! No resolutions here, just a commitment to growing and learning.

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: