Quick visit to NYC

First of all, let me start by saying that it’s been way too long since I’ve taken the time to sit down and write… again. The past five months have been absolutely crazy — between family and friends, new jobs and new offices, travel and some health issues, I’m just finally slowing down enough to catch my breath. And to finally take some time to re-work and re-launch this blog.

This week, I found myself in New York City for part of the 59th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations. The event brings together representatives from Member States, UN entities, and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations from around the world. This year’s event focused on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, addressing progress that’s been made since its implementation 20 years ago, and challenges that still affect gender equality and the empowerment of women. While the full Commission runs for two weeks, my schedule only allowed for me to attend for three days, but having the opportunity to meet women from around the world and discuss issues of gender equality, sexual violence and other major issues that women face was truly inspiring… and incredibly humbling.

While the primary focus of my trip was on the Commission, it’s impossible to make a trip to New York City and not find some time to enjoy and explore. On the first day of my trip, we were blessed with amazing weather and an afternon of sunshine, so I carved out a few hours and spent some time in the village (which may be my favorite part of the city, at this point). While wandering Bleecker Street, I found my way to Carre d’artiste, an amazing little gallery that offers a collection of contemporary art. I was immediately captivated by two artists — Tony Blomme, a Belgian artist who creates beautiful depictions of everyday life in NYC with watercolors, and Daniel Castan, a French painter who creates multi-textured pieces that capture the urban landscape of the city. I could have easily picked up several pieces yesterday, but managed to restrain myself (and save my bank account, at least for the time being).

After getting a little lost in art in the gallery, I wandered down Carmine Street to another favorite spot of mine, House of Oldies Rare Records. This place is SO fun! The owner, Bob, is an absolute gem. He’s run the place since the late 1960’s and today carries more than 1,000,000 records (what a DREAM!). I stumbled into this place a few visits back and make it a point to stop in each time I’m in the city. It’s a really tiny space, but I could easily spend an afternoon digging through crates of old records and chatting with Bob about the store’s history, his music knowledge and baseball (even though he’s a Yankee fan).

After more window shopping and a stop for coffee, I swung through Washington Square Park on my way back uptown. There was filming going on for something — sadly, I couldn’t get close enough to see what — and where was quite a crowd of people gathered to see what was going on. While I couldn’t necessarily see what was happening in front of the cameras, it was still a perfect afternoon to grab a bench and just enjoy my coffee in the sunshine.

A few other NYC favorites include:

1. Don Antonio’s Pizza in the Theatre District (try the Marinara Starita or the Margherita for dinner and the Bella Mora to drink)

2. Cibo in Murray Hill. Try the swordfish for dinner, and be sure to save room for dessert!

3. Aroma Espresso Bar in Midtown. Cool spot, great coffee and reasonable prices.

4. Docks Oyster Bar in Midtown. Amazing happy hour, fun bartenders and a really great atmosphere.

What are some of your favorite places in the city?

Time to shake it up.

It’s been too long since I’ve curled up with my laptop and ANY sort of desire to write. It’s been a whirlwind year — a year of two job changes, incredible love and some big life changes and lots of travel (for work and for fun).

It’s also been a year of discovery, frustration and creative roadblocks.

Since my last post, I’ve changed roles in my new job twice. I’m now responsible for communications strategy, development and implementation of programs and initiatives that support racial ethnic and new immigrant faith communities across the denomination that I work for. It’s amazing, and I’m blessed and grateful every day for the kind, brilliant and creative people that I work with. Yet, somehow, in the midst of these brilliant minds and creative souls, I’ve somehow found my own creative energy almost completely stifled. Over the past several months, I’ve battled with no one but myself to learn and grow in this new role.

Since my last post, I’ve also met the love of my life. Frankly, after the years of headache and heartache that I took to find him, a sabbatical from blogging to spend time with this handsome man with a wonderful, incredible soul and overwhelmingly kind heart was most certainly needed. He’s opened my eyes and my heart to love, and made me happier than I could have ever imagined. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the two of us.

As another year winds down and J and I find our new rhythm together, it’s time for me to get back to writing. It’s time to think about taking this blog (and my writing in general) in a new direction, and sharing thoughts, ideas and lessons learned along the way.

Good things are coming. I sure hope you’ll stay tuned.

Simple things.

I’ve got an amazing friend who has been heavy on my heart lately. We’ve been friends for nearly my entire life, and as is to be expected as we get older and build our lives nearly 1,000 miles apart, it’s been a few weeks since we’ve been able to catch each other and talk. We’ve swapped texts and other brief messages as we always do, but there’s nothing quite like hearing the sound of a friends voice as you swap stories of life and love.

Today we connected — albeit briefly — and I was filled with love and happiness and reminded just how blessed that I am to have people like her in my life. Over the course of our quick conversation she said to me, “… it seemed like I’ve had a lot of different friends over the years, and sometimes felt like I had no friends at all… but you were always my friend, and I think that’s how I made it through so well.”

The crazy thing about hearing this from one of my oldest friends is that earlier this morning, I shared nearly the exact same thought. It’s absolutely incredible to me how, in spite of years, many miles and always changing life circumstances, I’ve managed to find a group of wonderful people like this who remain constant… and that, even though we haven’t spoken in a few weeks (which really feels like forever), we still seem to be sharing similar thoughts and feelings.

After our quick chat, I couldn’t help but smile for the rest of my day. And I couldn’t help but say a few extra prayers of thanks.

Friendships come in all shapes and sizes. Some last for a lifetime, and some only last for a while. Regardless, cherish the people you choose to let in your life… and hold those you decide to keep extra close. Tell them how much they mean to you, thank them for what they bring to your life, be there when they need you and tell them when they make you mad or hurt you.

If you keep your heart and mind open to it, you’ll learn something about yourself and others from each person you open yourself up to like this… and for what it’s worth, I think that’s pretty damn awesome.

Bucket list.

Like most people, I’ve got a bucket list. Some things on my list are incredibly personal and things I’m not quite ready to share just yet. Some are just silly. Others still totally terrify me. Regardless, my list is an ever-evolving piece… but here’s a start:

• Skydive
• Get a tattoo
• Fall head over heels in love
• Visit every major league baseball stadium… and to be sure to visit as many of these with my dad as I can
• Get a puppy
• Brew a kick-ass batch of homebrew
• Run the Boston marathon
• Learn to play the drums
• Visit all 50 states
• Scuba dive
• Hike the Appalachian Trail
• Write a song
• Try grape stomping in Italy
• See Paris, tour Tuscany, Greece and Ireland
• See the ball drop on New Years Eve in Times Square
• Learn aerial silks
• Learn to throw pottery
• Learn to drive a stick shift
• Ride a mechanical bull
• Ride in a hot air balloon
• Road trip from coast to coast
• Take tap classes again
• Kiss in the rain
• Dance under the stars
• Start a non-profit
• Chair a volunteer committee
• Sit on a board for an organization that helps kids
• Learn to knit
• Go on vacation alone
• Drink margaritas on the beach in Mexico
• Learn to sail
• Learn to surf
• Ski in Switzerland

15 things I wish my 18 year old self would have known.

For a number of reasons, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and reflecting over the past several weeks, and this piece has been a work in progress for a seemingly endless number of days now. Without sharing too much detail or background (and without really needing to), I’ve come up with this — a short start to a list of things I wish I had known sooner in life. Some of these would have served me well in high school, others are certainly better suited for my college self. And others are still things I find myself reflecting on and reminding myself of on a daily basis. Whatever you want to call it, I’ve had an overwhelming desire to share… 

1. Your parents are people too. They’re also full of wisdom and humor. Let them share what they know… at the end of the day, you don’t have to take their advice, but you’ll probably learn something really great about one or both of them that you didn’t know. Listen.

2. Mistakes will happen and no matter how bad they seem at the time, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. Oh, and it’s OK to ask for help from others. No matter what, just keep moving.

3. Men should not ever (EVER) define you. They can only do so if you let them.

4. Friendships change and grow. Sometimes you grow closer, and other times you grow apart. Both are good things and it’s important to embrace the change in these relationships. Just because you and a friend grow apart as you get older, that doesn’t discount the relationship you once had. Remember that.

5. There are different types of love. Recognize this, embrace the concept and appreciate ALL of the different types of love you have in your life.

6. It’s OK to say no. To taking on too much. To doing something you’re not ready for. To peer pressure… to whatever you feel like you need to say no to. You might feel embarrassed or unsure at the time, but it’s important to learn to trust your head and your heart. This will serve you well later in life.

7. Life really is short, and can change in an instant. This DOESN’T mean you’ve got a free pass to act like an idiot just because “you never know what’s right around the corner.” Embrace life and the people in it.

8. When you love someone, tell them. When someone makes you angry, tell them. When someone does something you appreciate, tell them. Say thank you and I love you too often. Really, just say what’s on your mind and say what you MEAN. Don’t leave things up for interpretation. It doesn’t usually end well.

9. Say yes more than you say no. It’s amazing what kind of opportunities open up in life when you just say yes.

10. Respect is a universal language.

11. Sometimes, slowing down is good. And necessary. Embrace this.

12. You cannot change and control everything. There’s chaos and total beauty in that. Own it, and know that sometimes you just have to let it go. 

13. People lie, and not everyone is always good. That doesn’t mean people are inherently bad, and trying to see and appreciate the best in people in life is much easier (and more fun, I think) than searching for the worst in people.

14. At some point in your life, someone you love is going to hurt you. Forgive them. Don’t forget what it taught you, but holding on to hurt and anger just continues to hurt you… and it’s exhausting.

15. Faith is an incredibly personal thing, and it’s OK to question where you stand as you grow and try to figure out who you are in life. Ask questions. Pray. Read. Ask more questions. Wherever you end up is your choice, and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.

 

What I’m Reading: And The Mountains Echoed

With a crazy work schedule and the holiday season just behind me, it’s been a few months since I’ve had the chance to finish a book (at least one that I’ve thought was worth writing about after). Hosseini’s first book, The Kite Runner, is one of my favorite stories and I was anxious to get my hands on this — as I expected, his work did not disappoint. This captivating and complex story about finding a lost piece (or pieces) of yourself in someone else, had me in tears before I had finished the first chapter.

In nearly every chapter and story line that run throughout the book, love is tested, pain is inflicted and the boundaries of patience are pushed. It grapples with many of the same themes that crisscross his other novels: the relationship between parents and children, and the ways the past can haunt the present. Page by page, chapter through chapter you uncover deeper insights about each of his characters and their lives, and finish the book with an intimate understanding of who his characters are and how they’ve defined themselves over the years through the choices they have made between duty, freedom, familial responsibilities and independence, etc.

Hosseini is one of my favorite authors and this book was by far my favorite of his to read. If you haven’t already, check it out. You won’t regret it.

xoxo

Reflection.

As I sit curled up with my coffee on this first day of 2014, I can’t help but reflect on all that happened in 2013. This past year has been quite a roller coaster ride that brought with it lots of laughter and love, new challenges and adventures and some terrible tragedy and heartbreak.

It simply amazes me, year after year, just how much can change in just twelve short months.

These past twelve months have taught me that I’ve got more strength and determination than I had ever realized or could have hoped for, and that I’m blessed beyond measure with beautiful friends who inspire me, challenge me and support me every day and in every way imaginable. I’ve realized that the only person who was holding me back from getting what I want was me, and that if I continue to underestimate myself, others will too. For the first time in many years, I feel completely comfortable in my own skin and totally confident in the direction my life is headed. This past year, I started new personal and professional adventure that have already proven to be far more than I had hoped for. I’m challenged, excited and surprised every single day and I couldn’t be more thankful for those who I get to share this journey with. I saw new love blossom and old love be challenged, grow and flourish beyond expectations, restoring my faith in lifelong love and the human spirit, in some ways. I celebrated with friends as they started families (or welcome second or third babies to the world) and have loved every chance that I’ve had to spend with them and their beautiful little boys and girls. Unfortunately, this past year I also cried with friends who have experienced unimaginable loss. The loss of a loved one, young or old, is never easy but the grace and strength I witnessed from friends and family during these difficult times was something that I still can’t seem to find the words for. I can, however, say that I’m incredibly blessed to have such strong, graceful and loving people in my life year after year.

Through all the ups and downs, the love and loss, perhaps the biggest takeaway from 2013 was this: to simply love with all that you have and trust completely that God has a wonderful plan in place for your life.

I may not know what his plan is or exactly how I’m supposed to get there, but I do know that 2014 is sure to be filled with many more new adventures, a lot of love, laughter and happiness and almost certainly some heartbreak. Whatever this year brings, I’m heading into this new year with an open mind, an open heart, faith that God’s leading me to where I’m supposed to be… and wonderful friends and family to share this crazy journey with.

Cheers to 2014!

Home.

I recently spent a week back at my parents place in Michigan for the Thanksgiving holiday. As I drove my over-packed little SUV into the sleepy town that I called home for so many years, I couldn’t help but be overcome with feelings of deep love and nostalgia… and unfamiliarity all at once. It’s strange, this quiet little town. Nothing ever seems to change, but each time I pull off of US-10, I can’t help but feel more like everything has, and that I’m no more than a guest in this town than someone who called this place home for nearly my entire life.

I knew this was inevitable, and I’m sure it’s something that’s been progressing for the many years that I’ve now lived away from my parents and the home that I grew up in. But this particular trip, it seemed that this thing — this feeling — had transitioned from something I knew would eventually happen to something that already had.

Maybe this transition that came to light in the middle of my cozy visit to my favorite little city by the bay because for the first time in I’m not even sure how many years, I feel like I’m starting to put roots down somewhere else… and entirely on my own. It’s a strange, and absolutely wonderful feeling at the same time.

The sleepy little town where many of those closest to my heart still reside will always hold a special place in my heart… I’m just not certain that I can call it “home” for much longer. The jury is still out on exactly how I feel about that.

Because sometimes, you can’t find the right words.

It’s been longer than I would like to admit since my last post. A crazy work and travel schedule is partly to blame… but sometimes, there just aren’t words to say what needs to be said.

The last two weeks has held too much loss for words. This is the best I can do at this moment in time…

Sara Bareilles – King Of Anything

This has been tumbling around in my head for several days now. Mostly because I really enjoy the song, but in the past few days, it’s taken on a bit more depth as I hear it.

“You sound so innocent
All full of good intent
You swear you know best

But you expect me to
Jump up on board with you
And ride off into your delusional sunset?”

Seemingly appropriate (and insanely vague at the same time).

More to come in a later post, I promise.