november 2, 2013

1. That I write for my future self.  There is nothing more powerful than re-reading my own words at a later time.

2. "Love does not consist of gazing at each others, but in looking outward together." 

- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

3. My maid of honor duties are quite fun.  I love side projects and, (so far) Sister is a pretty good boss.

4. I am energized by the productivity of others.

5. FB has undoubtedly changed the world and certainly connected it.  I often wonder what the implications of it will be longer term - esp., all of the babies born whose entire lives will be chronicled...

6. Sweets absolutely must be kept off the premises (especially mom's frozen cake balls).

7. Dahlonega is such a cute southern town.  I'm a sucker for a small town stroll. 

(Note the picture above is from the local ice cream parlor).

8. Upgrading my technology is a serious time saver and, for that reason alone, well worth it. 

Goodbye iPhone 4.  Hello 5s :)

9. A nice red wine reduction is a perfect addition to tomato basil sauce.  Thanks, Kyle. 

10. It is only with the heart one can see clearly. I need to quiet my mind a bit so I can better listen.

october 30, 2013

1. That all good things come to an end.

2. Independent travel is not as intimidating or scary as I once believed.

3. Smile swapping instantly sparks something in me.  Perhaps, the gift of a simple moment of connection.

4. Perception of beauty is so varied among cultures. After admiring the appearance of my new Vietnamese friend, I realized she was doing the same of me - a reoccurring exchange throughout my trip.

5. Good listeners teach me about myself. They are patient enough to hear me out to the point in which I come to my own realizations. Invaluable and so appreciated.

6. Mot, hai, ba...yo! = 1, 2, 3 "bottoms up" in Vietnamese.  Jul moy = cheers in Khmer.

7. I am Wednesday evening born - symbolized by an elephant (no tusks).

8. Being completely open and vulnerable with another person- friend or lover - is what creates the depth in our relationships.

9. I sort of love SE Asia and fully intend to return one day.

10. “The best journeys answers questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask.” Yvon Chouinard

october 5, 2013

1. Always ask why.

2. That I prefer a New Zealand accent to a British accent any day.

3. The smiles of Khmer people are possibly the warmest on the planet.

4. To me, traveling is finding my way off the beaten path - at home or abroad.

5. The best bonding happens when there is a shared goal.

6. Perhaps cliche, but time really does heal.

7. Bucket showers are not so bad after all.

8. That I must remember to jump in, fully clothed, from time to time.  

A spontaneous swim is the best kind.

9. "We must be our own before we can be another's." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

10. Rainy season in Cambodia should be called "flooding season." 

I've witnessed the most intense rain that I've ever seen this week.  

september 12, 2013

1. When everyone in my family is in a goofy mood at the same time, there is no place on this planet that is more fun than our kitchen.

2. Watching your best bud try on beautiful WHITE dresses really does bring happy tears, esp. when

you top it off with a vail.  

3. This thing called the grass-is-greener syndrome.  It's real.

4.  I (heart) yoga and am starting to think of it more as a practice versus a class here and there.

5. No matter how much prep you do for a trip, it always feels like you could have (or perhaps, should have) done more.

6. Woodstock, GA is significantly cooler than I ever gave it credit for.

7. I would like to view my side projects more as experiments - and to treat them as such.

  

8. After not driving for several years, I did not miss listening to the radio in the car.  
I prefer my own tunes... or a nice, peaceful silence ;)

9. "Good friends are like stars.  You don't always see them, but you know they're always there." 
-someone wise 

10. "I think when you move past your fear and you go after your dreams wholeheartedly, you become

 free. Know what I'm saying? Move past the fear." 

― LL Cool J

august 30, 2013

november 23, 2012

1. My "goldfish syndrome" is particularly troublesome on Thanksgiving; overeating = painful.

2. NYC seems to adorn itself for Christmas instantly.  It's as if the lights were there year around and someone simply turned on the switch.

3. New friends can turn into old friends after lingering at the Thanksgiving dinner table for hours.

4. The prospect of a front row view at the giant balloons brings out unnecessary aggression.

5. I really enjoy playing apples to apples.

  

6. It is my turn to be a persistent friend to those who need a little extra love these days.

7. Sister time is so special to me :)

8. My apartment is quite peaceful. I think I just realized that for the first time tonight.

9. Every now and then, I'm filled with wonder - a tourist in my own city.

  

10. "If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul."

-Rabbi Harold Kushner

september 08, 2012

1. My man is quite the cook (bonus points – veggies straight out of the garden).

2. That there are an endless supply of unique and interesting blogs out there. I love reading & clickingaround and am inspired by the daily lives and experiences of others.

3. I like the fact that I do not have a TV; I think I may just keep it that way.

4. I am officially a juicer! I assembled my new Breville Juicer and tasted glass #1 of fresh-squeezed (or fresh-juiced, rather) OJ. 
(P.S. Watch Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead if you haven’t already seen it) 

5. An uncharged phone deserves the comment “well, how irresponsible of you.”

6. I am grateful for the ability to allow for an occasional no-alarm clock morning. I was talking to some new Moms in the office who have not had a morning like this in ages. 

7. My cousin is engaged :) :) :)

8. Although my vote is for Romney, no denying President Obama has the “cool factor" down. 

9. Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all. 

10. To remember to pause often for a moment of gratitude.