Yikes! I haven't blogged in over three weeks! Must blog, must catch up, must share the latest...
Hmm...well, I've been adjusting to lots of changes at work or course, which has been interesting and wonderful, and also exhausting and draining. I find myself completing very little work, because I'm learning how to do everything at my new job for the first time, yet coming home strangely EXHAUSTED. Like, pregnant exhausted. (Don't worry, I'm not, but you get the idea.) All new work, people - it's been taking it out of me. Don't worry, they are good changes...I can't say enough good things about how interesting and refreshing the work and people and my new surroundings are. (And lets just say that I didn't picture myself running audio and video equipment for four satellite offices at once with a DVP of leasing in the room. Note to self: MUST LEARN VIDEO EQUIPMENT!) To cope, I've enlisted Mr. Awesome to pick up a few more child rearing duties, such as giving Lauren a bath a couple of nights a week, which I'm hoping will perk me up in no time!
Lately I've been obsessed with style, and fashion, and...boots. Let's just say that I need to "tweak" my wardrobe a bit to dress for my new job. No more uniform of colored button up with dark dress pants. Nope, not going to fly. I've been seeing lots of belts, sweater dresses, tights, and leggings on my coworkers. Because after all, we do work in retail, and now that I'm technically on the leasing floor, it's all about sales and presentation and style. So, I'm about to undergo a style change. I can NOT figure out the boot situation at work, however. All of the styles are somewhat hideous and look uncomfortable and weird. But I'm going to have to do it! Bite the bullet! Wear new styles to work! Buy patterned tights and wear them with boots and belts! (Audrey is eleven and owns seven pairs of boots. WHY is an eleven year old out dressing me I ask?)
My also-new coworker has a 4 month old baby at home, and comes in on Fridays with 3 inch heels in a sweater dresses, tights, a belt and a chunky necklace. For the love of God, if SHE can do it, I have to step up my game. However, I draw the line at blue nail polish. I ACTUALLY saw a leasing rep come into a meeting with blue nail polish on and a large blue ring. I mean, really? She thought, "Yes, I'll go with blue, that will look GREAT!" Arrrgh. I'll always be a geek at heart, but I've got to get this fashion thing figured out STAT. So, I've been focusing on this and hope to get it under control soon.
I've also been obsessing about my hair quite a bit. I have had to push my hair apt back about 3 times...there is always someone I have to see or somewhere I have to be. So today, I had to do a mini salon apt in my bathroom that consisted of a box of dye and Ian's scissors from his shaving kit. Roots are gone and I successfully trimmed my own bangs. It's amazing what you can do once you become a mom. Amazing! In Lauren news, I believe that she might become a hairdresser. She likes to play "beauty shop." After work, I sit on the floor and she plays with my hair every day. She also takes my straightener out of my gym bag and "straightens" my hair...err, wacks me repeatedly in the head with it but it's so cute I let her do it! ha! (It's probably a good thing that she knows how to use a straightener early on because have you SEEN her hair? I have nightmares about her in junior high with red, curly hair....NIGHTMARES.)
But she is just getting cuter and cuter every day it seems, doing more big girl things. We recently have started having dance parties in my room with her sisters where we put Britney Spears on and dance...and we may or may not have put makeup on Lauren. Lets just say that she knows her way around lip gloss and she's not afraid to use it. After all, she was blessed (cursed?) with a product-loving mom and two adorable older sisters.
Well, need to get some shut eye before another big work week. Maybe the boot fairy will visit my bedroom tonight?!?!?! Yes?? One can hope...! Everyone have a great week. :)
♥ V :)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Fall Friday
Lauren and I ventured to the monon this week; a week night treat. There are two beautiful horses that reside in a field by a monon entrance by our house, so we stopped by to see them before we set out on the trail. I see people stopped with their strollers, admiring them with their children. And if there are horses to be seen, then my Lauren is going to see the horses! We strolled (literally) over by the fence, and they galloped over to greet us from the middle of the field. No doubt they thought we held carrots or apples, and we did not. The beasts were huge and magnificent and beautiful. Lauren was very impressed. Chalk one up for mommy!
Next, we headed out onto the trail. The air was crisp, the sun was shining. The leaves were too beautiful to describe. It was a perfect fall day, and we, together, were spending it in the perfect way. ♥
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A friend of a friend forwarded me the link today of her blog describing her travels through Africa. I know her friend; we are acquaintances. I have stayed at her apartment in Chicago where she lives. Recently, she turned 30 years old, quit her job and began traveling all over the world, but mostly in Africa, for months.
So there I was, drinking my coffee, going through my Friday routine, and reading about her travels to Africa. It was beyond fascinating. She's working with children, teaching them in school. It's at this point when you begin questioning a few things about your own life. What makes one person decide to uproot her life, and not another? Are my options to do something like this gone forever, now that I am a mother of a small child? (And let's be frank: I am not suggesting I am the type of person to take showers from a bucket and live a foreign land.)
I think about travel a lot, because once you have a child, your options become limited. I also think about travel in terms of my job, because I may have to travel again eventually if my new position leads to a leasing position. Here is what I have decided: it is great to live in the moment. And it is great to live each day as if it were your last. But all of us simply don't have those options, all of the time. There are children to be raised, and men that need us at home. I still have dreams of traveling again, to faraway places and even more extensively here in the US. But right now, at this Time In My Life, there are people that I have to care for at home.
###
I start my new position at Simon in less than 6 working days. Six! Several people have asked me what I will be doing. Well, I'll tell you what I won't be doing: Accounting. I'll be working in a department called Portfolio Review as an Analyst. Basically, I will be a liaison between our leasing reps (sales force, who lease our shopping malls) and the tenants (i.e. Gap, Gucci, etc.) The tenants often come in and negotiate global deals for more than one mall at a time. I will be helping coordinate those meetings, sit in on the meetings, work with leasing to forecast "what if" situations for different deal scenarios and form relationships with the tenants. I will be watching the leasing reps, seeing how they negotiate deals, see what works, and what doesn't. It will be an entirely new and different world than what I am used to.
This is one of the last Fridays I have in my current position. I'm trying to enjoy the feeling of knowing what I'm doing, because I suddenly won't in a little over a week. To celebrate, at lunch I picked up the new issue of Allure, my beauty bible, and a slice of pumpkin bread at Borders. I sat down on Monument circle and enjoyed the sunshine, and read my magazine, and enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the people around me. It was a beautiful way to wind down the week. Everyone have a lovely weekend.
♥ V :)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
DIY Cute Fall Wreath!
I made this super cute, easy DIY fall wreath today, mostly with items from the Dollar Store! The whole thing cost roughly $10. You will need 3-4 packages of loose fall leaves, spray adhesive (Elmer's makes one for $3.99) ribbon, glitter (optional), a brooch you can find at Michael's (optional), and a white Styrofoam board. Then pull out your glue gun and scissors and get crafting.
First, measure and cut your cardboard to 20" by 20", with 4" sides. Next, I took several colors of glitter and laid my leaves out. Use spray adhesive to spray each leaf, and then spoon the glitter on. I didn't do all of the leaves, probably about half, but it really gives it that extra sparkle! :)
Look in the dollar bins by the checkout lanes at Michael's for scrapbook glitter. I got 4 different colors in each pack for $1! Martha Stewart Glitter is $19.99 for about 12 colors, but these were much cheaper. The leaves are from the Dollar Store, and the brooch is from Michael's in the bead section.
Pictured is the frame, and glittered leaves. I used all different colors of glitter on the leaves...gold, red, orange, brown, green...there are endless options!
After you get your leaves glittered, plug in your glue gun and get it hot. First, glue your ribbon to the back of the wreath, in the center. Then, start layering leaves all over the frame. Make sure to layer the leaves over the edges so that you don't see any white showing through. Hold the wreath up several times to see if there are any visible white spaces.
After you cover the entire wreath with leaves, glue your brooch under the ribbon in the center of the wreath. To hang mine, I measured the length from the top of the door to exactly where I wanted it to lay (mine was 20''). I then hammered a flat tack on the top of the door (hidden) and voila! My beautiful wreath is complete! You could do your own with different colors of leaves, glitter, and ribbon. I like bright colors so this was perfect for my home. Happy crafting!
♥ V :)
Friday, October 1, 2010
Nine reasons you might be happier than you think you are
I absolutely love this article I came across yesterday on Yahoo!
Your emotional well-being isn’t just about your genes or the kind of home you were raised in. It turns out that some pretty interesting factors—backed by science—play a role in how joyful you feel:
You were a smiley student
Adults with the biggest grins in their college yearbook pictures were up to 5 times less likely to be divorced decades later than those who looked less happy, according to a new DePauw University study. A smiler’s positive disposition may attract other happy people or rub off on a spouse.
You have a sister
People with at least one female sibling report better social support, more optimism, and better coping abilities, according to a study presented at the British Psychological Society’s annual conference. Sisters appear to encourage communication and cohesion in families.
You're not glued to the TV
The happiest people spend 30% less time parked in front of the tube, according to a University of Maryland study that analyzed 34 years of data from more than 45,000 Americans. They’re more likely to spend time socializing, reading, or attending religious services—habits that are linked to better moods and health.
You keep souvenirs on display
People who use mementos or photos to remind themselves of good times better appreciate their lives and are happier, says Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, a professor of psychology at University of California, Riverside. Good memories remind you of your “happiness potential” and promise that soon you can reach it again.
You make exercise a priority
People who exercise more are less likely to be stressed and more likely to be satisfied with life, according to Danish researchers. Compared with sedentary people, joggers are 70% less likely to have high stress levels and life dissatisfaction, the study found. Couch potatoes who start moderate exercise—the equivalent of 17 to 34 minutes a day—experience the greatest happiness lift.
You have a healthy love life
Physical intimacy is a key contributor to happiness, found a study by Dartmouth economist David Blanchflower, PhD, and Andrew Oswald, PhD, of England's University of Warwick. Married people report 30% more sex than singles, which may be one reason they also report being happier.
You hang out with happy people
Socializing with a cheerful person in your neighborhood increases the likelihood that you’ll be happy too, according to a new study. How often you get together matters most, say the researchers: People who live within half a mile of a buoyant buddy increase their odds of being happy by 42%. If the friend lives farther away (within a 2-mile radius), the chances drop to 22%—probably due to fewer get-togethers.
You stay warm with hot cocoa
Clutching a steaming beverage—coffee and tea also do the trick—can elicit a flood of positive feelings, according to a Yale University study. This may be because people associate physical warmth with emotional warmth, say the researchers. Study subjects held cups of either hot or iced coffee; those gripping warm mugs were more appreciative of friendliness in others and also felt more generous and trusting themselves.
You have two best friends
Among 654 married adults, those who said they had at least two “best friends” (not necessarily including one’s spouse) were likelier to have better mental well-being, says a study. But additional friends didn’t lead to any more happiness than just a pair.
I love all of these! I find myself to be a pretty happy cat...almost all of these are true for me most of the time. Love it! Goes along with my recent reading of Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project." All good food for thought.
TGIF! (That's a good reason to be happy right there...)
♥ V :)
Your emotional well-being isn’t just about your genes or the kind of home you were raised in. It turns out that some pretty interesting factors—backed by science—play a role in how joyful you feel:
You were a smiley student
Adults with the biggest grins in their college yearbook pictures were up to 5 times less likely to be divorced decades later than those who looked less happy, according to a new DePauw University study. A smiler’s positive disposition may attract other happy people or rub off on a spouse.
You have a sister
People with at least one female sibling report better social support, more optimism, and better coping abilities, according to a study presented at the British Psychological Society’s annual conference. Sisters appear to encourage communication and cohesion in families.
You're not glued to the TV
The happiest people spend 30% less time parked in front of the tube, according to a University of Maryland study that analyzed 34 years of data from more than 45,000 Americans. They’re more likely to spend time socializing, reading, or attending religious services—habits that are linked to better moods and health.
You keep souvenirs on display
People who use mementos or photos to remind themselves of good times better appreciate their lives and are happier, says Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, a professor of psychology at University of California, Riverside. Good memories remind you of your “happiness potential” and promise that soon you can reach it again.
You make exercise a priority
People who exercise more are less likely to be stressed and more likely to be satisfied with life, according to Danish researchers. Compared with sedentary people, joggers are 70% less likely to have high stress levels and life dissatisfaction, the study found. Couch potatoes who start moderate exercise—the equivalent of 17 to 34 minutes a day—experience the greatest happiness lift.
You have a healthy love life
Physical intimacy is a key contributor to happiness, found a study by Dartmouth economist David Blanchflower, PhD, and Andrew Oswald, PhD, of England's University of Warwick. Married people report 30% more sex than singles, which may be one reason they also report being happier.
You hang out with happy people
Socializing with a cheerful person in your neighborhood increases the likelihood that you’ll be happy too, according to a new study. How often you get together matters most, say the researchers: People who live within half a mile of a buoyant buddy increase their odds of being happy by 42%. If the friend lives farther away (within a 2-mile radius), the chances drop to 22%—probably due to fewer get-togethers.
You stay warm with hot cocoa
Clutching a steaming beverage—coffee and tea also do the trick—can elicit a flood of positive feelings, according to a Yale University study. This may be because people associate physical warmth with emotional warmth, say the researchers. Study subjects held cups of either hot or iced coffee; those gripping warm mugs were more appreciative of friendliness in others and also felt more generous and trusting themselves.
You have two best friends
Among 654 married adults, those who said they had at least two “best friends” (not necessarily including one’s spouse) were likelier to have better mental well-being, says a study. But additional friends didn’t lead to any more happiness than just a pair.
I love all of these! I find myself to be a pretty happy cat...almost all of these are true for me most of the time. Love it! Goes along with my recent reading of Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project." All good food for thought.
TGIF! (That's a good reason to be happy right there...)
♥ V :)
Chicago: College Reunion 2010
Over ten years later, so many of those details have played out. We find ourselves living our lives as mothers, and partners and wives, and trying so very hard to still be a friend when we can to each other.
But it is hard. It is so very hard, to find the time to get together, even one weekend a year. It is hard to plan out the details of the trip, and who will watch the babies. But we know that we must do it. We must become those girls again. We must honor them and their vision. And we simply must have some fun. :)
As soon as we arrive in the city, I can barely contain my excitement as we anticipate Jen's exit on North Avenue off of 90. We take it to Sheffield, then Willow, and finally to Dayton. The people of Chicago surround us on the streets, dressed in their North face jackets and scarves draped across their necks. (Two things I know for sure about going to Chicago are 1.) it will be freezing cold no matter what the season, and 2.) I will not be wearing anything that anyone there is currently wearing. This however, always ensures a good shopping trip is in order.) We turn down Jen's beautiful tree-lined street with the tall condo's in a row. They are beautiful and grand and it is so good to be back to this familiar place.
Once everyone arrives, it is a flurry of hugs, and more hugs, and showing off pictures and laughter. We admire the newest petite yaya, the beautiful Harper. She is exquisite and immediately I feel the hunger for another one of my own. We ooh and ahh, and she is bouncing on her little baby legs in her tiny pants, and I think, when was my Lauren ever that small?
The rest of the weekend is a flurry of shopping...with mimosas at BCBG, bath bombs at Lush, monkey shirts for the kids at Paul Frank, Arden B for new going out outfits, and too many more to mention. Lunch is bagels at Chicago Bagel Authority, of course. We take turns showering just like old times, debate outfits and makeup and take lots of pics. Then it is time for a cab to Sushi Samba for a toast over dirty martini's (extra dirty) and sushi we share. Then out to District, where I see girls in their early 20's wearing no makeup dancing on top of chairs and dancing with strangers and generally not giving a damn. It is good to see these girls and remember, and instead of being annoyed, I am enthralled by their energy.
By Sunday, I miss my baby so much it physically hurts. I wake up at 8am and cannot believe how many stops and hours it will be before I am back with her. I have been doing too much, and been gone too many weekends. We did nothing last year when she was an infant, and we have been taking no prisoners with our weekends this year. But I am ready to be back to her as soon as I can get to her, and I am counting the minutes until I can see her little face and hold her close to me.
We say our goodbyes, and make the long drive home. Another reunion has come and gone. Our friendships are still in tact. I treasure them more every year. We trek back with new memories, back to our families, our roles, back to the lives that we have carved out for ourselves, leaving those girls behind once again, until the next time we are reunited.
♥ V :)
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