Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Be present during a labor/birth.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I can't remember what my resolutions were last year, thus the motivation to fill out this lovely little meme.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My sister! 
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no.
5. What countries did you visit?
Sadly, none. I did travel extensively within the U.S. though.


6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
More stability. I would love to find a place to live that made me truly happy.
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
December, 8. The night my nephew was born.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting into both grad schools I applied to.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not growing professionally.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had a terrible bout of strep throat and bronchitis this November, possibly the sickest I've ever been.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Plane tickets.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Awkward question, probably my brother. He dealt with my father's hospitalization amazingly, I'll always respect him for that.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Mine, at times and a few others.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Travel expenses and savings.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Becoming an aunt!
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? The same
b) thinner or fatter? I wouldn't say fat but a few pounds heavier
c) richer or poorer? I have a few more bucks, but not much.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Take time to do what pleased me not others.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Obsessing over my body, zoning out on the computer.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
In Lake Havasu with my boyfriend and his brother. On Xmas eve we had dinner and played games with some friends. On Xmas day we hung out and made dinner. Pretty uneventful.
21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Yes, with my nephew (notice a theme yet?)
2. What was your favorite TV program?
Dexter, Top Chef
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I wouldn't use the word hate but last January 1st one of my best friends shunned me from her life.
24. What was the best book you read?
Hunger Games
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Sadly, I can't think of any.
26. What did you want and get by year’s end?
Acceptance into grad school.
27. What did you want and not get by year’s end?
More stability.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I never remember movies I watch...maybe 128 hours.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
My boyfriend and I drove from PDX to Seattle, we went camping by a river and I woke up to a beautiful day. I turned 28.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More money. Yes, I said it.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Uh, really? Can't say I had one.



32. What kept you sane?
My therapist.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Ryan Reynolds. Yes, I went there.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I can't believe I can't think of an answer. I'm ashamed.
35. Who did you miss?
Long lost friends D, Aid, G
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Oddly enough, my sister's doula Alethea and a German girl, Conny. I haven't bonded so quickly with women in years.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Easy does it, but do it. 
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Every day I'm shuffling

Happy New Year, Everyone! Let 2012 be full of joy, health, happiness and peace!

Monday, December 26, 2011

...Big Bear

We drove up to Big Bear, just east of LA on my boyfriend's birthday. Unfortunately, it was raining and we hit traffic (in LA, imagine that) and didn't make it to the base of the mountain till dark. At that high altitude it turned into a full blown snow storm and chains were required. After purchasing them and chaining up we headed up the narrow, steep, snowy road. It took us a couple hours to make it about 35 miles, it was quite the adventure.
(this was actually coming back down the mountain)
Once at Big Bear Lake (a small resort town) we headed straight to the bar to celebrate his birthday with some friends. I was immediately pulled up for some Spice Girls karaoke and handed a beer. The night progressed into one of the most fun in months. Great new friends in a great setting. That night we stumbled home to crash with our friends and woke up way too early the next day.
 Poor Wojc has seen better days.
 Big Bear is GORGEOUS. Beautiful mountain, trees, snowy roads and a lovely lake. And the people? Some of the most welcoming and friendly I've met. Definitely a great first impression.

Next Stop

Los Angeles.
My boyfriend was in LA for a few days so I changed my ticket from NYC to LAX. Unforutnately, it was pouring down rain during our stay putting a slight damper on my excitement to be in LA. But it was nice to stay a night back on the West Coast.

The next day, I was jet legged, tired and had a cold but it was my boyfriend's 30th birthday so I knew I had to keep going for one more day before crashing. We explored LA, had a nice lunch at Hermosa Beach and then braved the freeways for our next destination...

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Earlier today while facebooking with my mom, I mentioned I really wanted to come home for a week or two to rest and build my immune system as I have had a cold for weeks on end, never fully recovering with all my travel. 
A few hours later, I open this email from my mom:


"I invite you to Mom's Health Spa for a 7-day Healing Retreat. Day 1: Juices for health, Day 2: Herbal foot soak, followed by a relaxing foot massage, Day 3: Yoga at Vital Current Yoga {my good friend's yoga studio}, Day 4: Herbal facial (herbal hot towel wrap and face & scalp massage), Day 5: Yoga at Vital Current Yoga, Day 6: Herbal hand soak, manicure and hand massage, Day 7: Yoga at Vital Current Yoga. Retreat is located on the rugged and isolated Oregon Coast. Other activities include: Napping, beach walks, napping, movies, napping, reading, and more napping. Retreat features home-cooked vegetarian or vegan food, herbal teas, and fresh-brewed coffee. All at no cost to you!"


Excuse my bragging, but my mother is seriously the most amazing woman!
After staying up for hours on end, lounging in the hospital with my sister, making trips up and down Manhattan, I was beat. My heart ached to leave but I knew it was time to get back to my boyfriend and life after 3 weeks in the city.
After some last minute snuggles, many tears and helping the new family out of the hospital, I flagged a taxi to JFK. Traffic was insane and I ran into the airport 20 minutes before my flight was set to leave. Luckily, I was ushered to the front of security, ran through the terminal and made it just as they were preparing to lock the door. I made it to my seat (passing Jimmy Smits on the way) and set off for one of the least stressful flights of my life. Maybe I'm getting over my fear of flying?
 Good bye, beautiful city. 

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

December 8, 2011

After 30 hours of labor and a c-section my little nephew was brought into the world! My sister is amazing and strong and I am so thankful to have been a part of little A's birth.

 I don't have kids and have never been a big kid person, but this little boy stole my heart. It's a feeling I've never experienced to hold someone who just came into the world and feel overwhelming unconditional love. I know I'll love him for the rest of my life and that is a powerful thing!
My sister labored both at home and at the hospital with her husband, me and an amazing doula by her side. I drove their car home (after a 4am rush down the Hudson Parkway to the hospital) and crashed for about 4 hours, went back to the hospital and was up for another 20+ hours. We were all exhausted but it was well worth it to be there for my sister and my brother-in-law and to be a part of such a special moment.

Monday, December 19, 2011

NYC New York Color

A few weeks ago I signed up for Influenster where "trendsetters" can answer questions to receive certain badges. If you qualify you are sent a VoxBox filled with sample products. I was happy to receive the holiday VoxBox! I love getting mail and to find this goody box waiting for me when I returned back from traveling was a nice welcome home surprise.
In my VoxBox I received a Chocolate Lara Bar that I proceeded to eat immediately, it was delicious. In addition, I was sent:
Softsoap Coconut Scrub Bar Soap-I have yet to use it but I do love coconut so I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

imPress Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails-I rarely do my nails but I'm excited to try this pale peach color...maybe for the holidays.
Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask-I LOVED this mask and wish I was sent a tub. I struggle with bad skin and this mud pac was a breath of fresh air for my travel tired skin.
Mentos Pure Fresh Gum-Quite delicious.
Finally, New York Color Liquid Lip Shine (only $2.49 in stores!)-I haven't worn lip gloss since high school and this was a friendly reminder of how nice a little lip shimmer is. This was by far my favorite item in the box. As someone who tends to stay away from lipstick, this shine is a nice alternative while still feeling pretty.
If you have some extra time, I really do recommend signing up for Influenster, it's a fun way to try out new products and get little surprises in the mail.
What I wore today:

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

As I recover from one of the most eventful weeks of my life, here's what I've been enjoying:


Love this MIA/Blaqstar Song. Listen to it.


Shit Girls Say. It's funny 'cause it's true.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Come on, baby

We are still waiting for my nephew...
In the meantime, here's what I've been up to while I hang out with my sister and do what ever she wants (with pleasure!)
Lot's of walks and dance parties to get that baby moving.
 Lunch dates in Union Square.

 Taking care of this guy.
 Finding a nearly deserted Occupy Wallstreet (seriously, where is everyone?)
Awkward picture taking.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

George Washington Bridge

I needed a day off from friends and subways so I decided to do something I've wanted to for years: walk across the George Washington Bridge. I'm staying just a few blocks always with a beautiful view of the Bridge and the Hudson.
I walked around the neighborhood and then made my way across the bridge. Lucky for me the south side was open so I was able to see a stunning view of the city. 

There were lifeline phones in the middle of the bridge which is fantastic but also a sad reminder that people do use the bridge to end their lives. It is daunting to look way down onto the Hudson as the bridge shakes and vibrates from all of the traffic. 

If you want to walk across the south side path start at W 177th and Fort Washington Ave and follow the signs!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Feeling The Love

Being back in this wonderful city surrounded by my mom and my beautiful pregnant sister I feel wrapped in a bubble of love. I had such a profound and peaceful dream last night that I feel like I've been floating throughout the day high on happiness. Maybe I'm reading too much into, but I think my nephew will be making his appearance shortly.

My mom and I have been staying in a little apartment on Riverside Drive and taking adventures in the city while my sister rests. The other day we walked from the Upper West Side all the way to Time Square and saw enough activity to last a week.


My mom is by far one of my best friends and we haven't been able to spend time together like this since I was in high school so I'm really treasuring it. Ok, clearly I'm in a good mood and I hope you are too!