New Year's Eve, one of my least favorite holidays. Today has been good so far. I'm at the office, getting lots done because it's so quiet. Also, I get to leave at 12:30 for the holiday yay! I love my bosses. I'm hoping to get some errands done, go to the gym and maybe nap if I actually plan on doing anything tonight. I still haven't decided on my plans...still need to call Claire and see what she's up to.
Today I had something fabulous in my inbox: an email from BILL! I wrote him a while ago to tell him about my new job and then sort of forgot about it. But I must admit I was pretty thrilled to see his name in my emails! Maybe its time to rekindle my obsession--its no fun not having anyone to obsess over anymore. Ooh Bill, maybe there's hope for us yet;)
I have been doing so well with my healthier life lately: salad bar for lunch the last 2 days and probably today too, and I went to the gym yesterday and will definitely be going again today. I feel so much better already and I like the idea of starting off the new year already on the right foot.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Art on Park Avenue
Aggie's living and dining rooms. Gorgeous, and I love the Roy Lichtenstein.In March I was lucky enough to go on a free trip to NYC with my Visual Arts Management class--a highlight of my four years at Wake. We toured artist's studios and homes and Chelsea galleries, had behind the scenes meetings at Christie's and MOMA, and other completely unheard of all-access type things. But the absolute best part was visiting two private residences: the 5th Ave apartment of our trip's sponser, full (and I mean FULL) of Picasso and Matisse pieces that you couldn't hope to see in one museum, and the Park Ave palace of Ms. Agnes Gund, former president of the MOMA and frequent society page fixture. She has more modern and contemporary art in her home than I personally had every witnessed before. Beautiful and unusual things that I will remember for a long time. The only down side: of course we couldn't take pictures in these people's homes!
On the plane to Raleigh last week, I opened up my W magazine and there was a huge feature story on "Aggie" and her apartment full of things. And pictures! So all of you can finally see what I saw in person. And I can't really say how surreal it was to open up W and say that I have been standing and sitting in all the pictures in this gorgeous house. Probably won't happen again:)
bye bye 2008
Today is a very exciting day in my new career: I got my first box of business cards! I feel very official and will probably send them out in the mail to everyone I know just because I can.
Last night I went out to the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Atlanta. It was my first time taking the train by myself to really go out at night, and it was surprisingly fun. I was meeting a friend from Wake and some of her friends, but I got there about a half hour before they did, so I sat at the bar and had a "purple haze" drink--pretty amazing. I love the fact that I've gotten comfortable enough to hang out like that by myself. Once the group got there we had dinner and hung out watching the awesome music videos around the restaurant (including: Will Smith and the Cranberries. Awesome). I feel proud of myself for navigating my way there and back by myself and for getting out of the apartment on a weeknight. Progress!
Friday night I have plans to go out for a celebration/engagement dinner. I am so excited! I also can't wait to try the french brasserie that we're going to. Should be delicious.
Still no real plans for New Years Eve. It is one of my least favorite holidays. To me, it's like going to the Prom. Too much anticipation and too high expectations--no one ever has as good a time as they expect. I may call my one friend in Atlanta and see what she's up to. She was talking about going to the Peach Drop (gotta love the peach obsession) downtown, and I may go with her. Otherwise I'll be having a low key night by myself, which actually might be preferable. Definitely more relaxing and warmer!
Last night I went out to the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Atlanta. It was my first time taking the train by myself to really go out at night, and it was surprisingly fun. I was meeting a friend from Wake and some of her friends, but I got there about a half hour before they did, so I sat at the bar and had a "purple haze" drink--pretty amazing. I love the fact that I've gotten comfortable enough to hang out like that by myself. Once the group got there we had dinner and hung out watching the awesome music videos around the restaurant (including: Will Smith and the Cranberries. Awesome). I feel proud of myself for navigating my way there and back by myself and for getting out of the apartment on a weeknight. Progress!
Friday night I have plans to go out for a celebration/engagement dinner. I am so excited! I also can't wait to try the french brasserie that we're going to. Should be delicious.
Still no real plans for New Years Eve. It is one of my least favorite holidays. To me, it's like going to the Prom. Too much anticipation and too high expectations--no one ever has as good a time as they expect. I may call my one friend in Atlanta and see what she's up to. She was talking about going to the Peach Drop (gotta love the peach obsession) downtown, and I may go with her. Otherwise I'll be having a low key night by myself, which actually might be preferable. Definitely more relaxing and warmer!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Fresh Air
Its amazing what one lap around my building does to get my blood moving. I feel so much better already. I hope this weather keeps up so I can go out walking more!
Just found out the news that one of my favorite people from Wake is newly engaged eek!! Congrats to the lovely couple (I won't post names since I don't know if she has told everyone she wants to yet). I am so excited for them:)
Just found out the news that one of my favorite people from Wake is newly engaged eek!! Congrats to the lovely couple (I won't post names since I don't know if she has told everyone she wants to yet). I am so excited for them:)
Back to reality
I flew back to Atlanta last night--about an hour delayed, so I didn't get in until about 9:30 (this is late for a person who is usually in PJs by 9:30!). But the traveling was safe and easy, so I can't complain. It wasn't easy to come back here yesterday, nor was it as hard as I expected. I loved being at home. I can't explain how good & comforting & natural it felt. But at the same time, I didn't dread coming back to Atlanta. I looked forward to getting back to my job and my apartment and my new life. It's strange how things become normal so quickly.
NC was fabulous. Five wonderful days of seeing friends and family and all the places I love. As you already know from the past couple weeks, I wasn't feeling the Christmas spirit this year, but I was excited to get home for Christmas Eve--my official favorite day. I have to admit, even while I was sitting at my grandparents' house that night eating (tons of) amazing food and opening gifts, I still didn't feel it. I was happy, to be sure, but not giddy as usual. I think that there was just too much happening this year for me to focus. But, I still had a wonderful time.
Christmas Eve and Day, I spent time with my parents and other family, eating way way way too much. The day after Christmas, mom and I braved Crabtree mall for the sales. It was a mad house. Probably waited 15-20 minutes for a parking space, and then even longer than that to leave the mall once we were done. Insanity. I got some great clothes and shoes (spent too much money again, but at least I didn't pay full price for anything!). I ran into Jess and her husband there too--blog shout out! I love seeing people I know around town. It's something I took for granted until I moved to a place where I know practically no one. I got to catch up with a friend from high school, and with Erin, my old roommate. So good to see the people who know me best. I also received some very nice gifts for Christmas: my washer dryer from my parents (early present, because I already have them, thank goodness), some scarves, Twilight books (K!), a george forman grill, a crock pot, a necklace from Tiffany's and a great new wallet. I'm a lucky girl.
This week should be a quiet one in the office--there's no one here. Maybe 4 people total on my side of the floor. Hopefully this means getting lots done, plus some relaxing. It's sunny today, so I'm hoping to walk outside at lunch! Tonight I'm hopefully having dinner with one of my favorites who is still at Wake. It'll be nice to go out in the middle of the week--a rareity for me!
NC was fabulous. Five wonderful days of seeing friends and family and all the places I love. As you already know from the past couple weeks, I wasn't feeling the Christmas spirit this year, but I was excited to get home for Christmas Eve--my official favorite day. I have to admit, even while I was sitting at my grandparents' house that night eating (tons of) amazing food and opening gifts, I still didn't feel it. I was happy, to be sure, but not giddy as usual. I think that there was just too much happening this year for me to focus. But, I still had a wonderful time.
Christmas Eve and Day, I spent time with my parents and other family, eating way way way too much. The day after Christmas, mom and I braved Crabtree mall for the sales. It was a mad house. Probably waited 15-20 minutes for a parking space, and then even longer than that to leave the mall once we were done. Insanity. I got some great clothes and shoes (spent too much money again, but at least I didn't pay full price for anything!). I ran into Jess and her husband there too--blog shout out! I love seeing people I know around town. It's something I took for granted until I moved to a place where I know practically no one. I got to catch up with a friend from high school, and with Erin, my old roommate. So good to see the people who know me best. I also received some very nice gifts for Christmas: my washer dryer from my parents (early present, because I already have them, thank goodness), some scarves, Twilight books (K!), a george forman grill, a crock pot, a necklace from Tiffany's and a great new wallet. I'm a lucky girl.
This week should be a quiet one in the office--there's no one here. Maybe 4 people total on my side of the floor. Hopefully this means getting lots done, plus some relaxing. It's sunny today, so I'm hoping to walk outside at lunch! Tonight I'm hopefully having dinner with one of my favorites who is still at Wake. It'll be nice to go out in the middle of the week--a rareity for me!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Official Best Day of the Year
Merry Christmas Eve! Today has been my favorite day of the year for as long as I can remember. Mostly because tonight i'll be going to my grandparent's, where I get to open the majority of my gifts! Also, its when most of my family will all be together, eating the most amazing food you can imagine. Bascially, its just a great family time, and thankfully has not really changed at all since I was little. This is one of the things I'm most grateful for.
Right now i'm at the office, but getting ready to leave in about an hour. I came in early this morning--still dark on my train ride. I was definitely not the only person with luggage either. The train wasn't packed (it was super early), but there were lots and lots of people heading out to the airport, hopefully going home for the holidays. I am SO excited to be going home today!! Yay! I am finally feeling Christmasy--legit now.
The blog will be taking a vacay for the next few days--Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have a fantastic holiday wherever you are. Safe travels!
Right now i'm at the office, but getting ready to leave in about an hour. I came in early this morning--still dark on my train ride. I was definitely not the only person with luggage either. The train wasn't packed (it was super early), but there were lots and lots of people heading out to the airport, hopefully going home for the holidays. I am SO excited to be going home today!! Yay! I am finally feeling Christmasy--legit now.
The blog will be taking a vacay for the next few days--Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have a fantastic holiday wherever you are. Safe travels!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Resolutions 2009
I don't usually have a resolution, but I figure now that I'm living alone, whole new fresh start, I might as well make some real goals for myself. And it'll help to write them down--make myself more accountable.
1. Take better care of myself. This does not simply mean "diet", although that's a part of it. I want to eat healthy food. I want to go to the gym more, although I'm not going to set a schedule. The fact that I'm going at all is a big improvement!
2. Learn to cook (more). I already love to bake, but I really want to learn how to make other things--entrees, etc for myself. This goes right along with number one also. When I cook something myself, I know exactly what goes in it. Dieting isn't so much about restricting, but just being informed.
3. Seek out new relationships. I am completely new to Atlanta, and am lucky enough to have a couple people I can go to for hanging out, having dinner, etc. But I really want to a) make those relationships into more long lasting friendships or b) seek out new ones by joining groups, going out, meeting people. At this point I'm pretty content with being on my own, but finding a guy to share all this with might be nice too.
1. Take better care of myself. This does not simply mean "diet", although that's a part of it. I want to eat healthy food. I want to go to the gym more, although I'm not going to set a schedule. The fact that I'm going at all is a big improvement!
2. Learn to cook (more). I already love to bake, but I really want to learn how to make other things--entrees, etc for myself. This goes right along with number one also. When I cook something myself, I know exactly what goes in it. Dieting isn't so much about restricting, but just being informed.
3. Seek out new relationships. I am completely new to Atlanta, and am lucky enough to have a couple people I can go to for hanging out, having dinner, etc. But I really want to a) make those relationships into more long lasting friendships or b) seek out new ones by joining groups, going out, meeting people. At this point I'm pretty content with being on my own, but finding a guy to share all this with might be nice too.
Things I like about today
1. The delicious (free!) hot apple cider I had this morning (and every morning for past week and a half). I love that my office has its own catering!
2. The extra delicious chocolate chip pound cake that I made last night and brought in for my coworkers to enjoy today.
3. The fact that the office is quiet--practically silent. A good enviornment to actually get things done (and take plenty of mental health breaks).
4. Its cold outside, but nice and sunny. My cubicle is actually pretty bright, so I don't feel the need to fall asleep all day.
5. The fact that the day is more than half over already!
6. In less than 24 hrs I'll be on a plane back to the beautiful Raleigh, NC.
7. Tonight I plan on doing nothing but eating dinner, packing, and watching Love Actually.
8. I took advantage of my special music channels on my cable and listened to Christmas music as I got ready this morning.
9. I am wearing a red sweater and red shoes today.
10. Christmas Eve is tomorrow yipee!!
2. The extra delicious chocolate chip pound cake that I made last night and brought in for my coworkers to enjoy today.
3. The fact that the office is quiet--practically silent. A good enviornment to actually get things done (and take plenty of mental health breaks).
4. Its cold outside, but nice and sunny. My cubicle is actually pretty bright, so I don't feel the need to fall asleep all day.
5. The fact that the day is more than half over already!
6. In less than 24 hrs I'll be on a plane back to the beautiful Raleigh, NC.
7. Tonight I plan on doing nothing but eating dinner, packing, and watching Love Actually.
8. I took advantage of my special music channels on my cable and listened to Christmas music as I got ready this morning.
9. I am wearing a red sweater and red shoes today.
10. Christmas Eve is tomorrow yipee!!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas week, for real.
Today is the end of a lovely weekend. I was secretly sort of dreading the weekend, because that's the time when I have more than 48 hours to be by myself. Totally. And while weekends are nice, its hard to enjoy that much alone time, without being face to face with anyone. But, alas, I didn't have to worry about that this weekend:) Friday night Claire called me and we went out for dinner at this great bar/restaurant in Atlanta called the Vortex. Really weird place--blaring music, tattooed and pierced waitress, and any kind of crazy hamburger that you can possibly imagine. One was called the "double bypass burger": 2 fried eggs, 3 pieces of cheese, 5 slices of bacon, the hamburger patty and instead of 2 buns, its held together with two grilled cheese sandwiches. EWW. Also, the "Elvis burger": peanut butter, bananas, mayo and the hamburger patty. Just, wow. We had something less exciting, but it was really good. Afterwards we walked around the neat little area of town and went into a couple crazy thrift shops. So much fun. I can't wait to go back there in the day time some weekend so I can actually get into all the stores before they close.
Friday night my parents called me to tell me they were coming down for the weekend too. I was really surprised that they wanted to drive all this way--especially when I'll be home in two days for Christmas. But, they are great, and they drove down early on Saturday morning. Even better, they showed up at my door with takeout from the Varsity for lunch. Yummy. I finally got my couch on Saturday, too! Now I have an actual living room. My parents helped me put up my giant photo of Paris from Ikea behind my couch, so everything looks really great now. I'll have to take a couple new pictures to post.
Yesterday I went to the grocery store for supplies to make my chocolate chip pound cake for my coworkers tomorrow. Also, we braved the weekend-before-Christmas crowds and went to the mall. It was pretty packed, but not as bad as I would've thought. It was even better because we took the train and didn't have to fight for a parking space. I got some really pretty Christmas decorations on sale at Crate and Barrel, so now my place is slightly more festive. I can't wait to go back to mall for what I'm hoping will be great after Christmas sales. I've been so good--no clothes shopping for over a month! So i'll definitely deserve some gifts for myself after the holiday.
Time to get back to work. Only 2.5 days in the office, then on a plane back to NC!
Friday night my parents called me to tell me they were coming down for the weekend too. I was really surprised that they wanted to drive all this way--especially when I'll be home in two days for Christmas. But, they are great, and they drove down early on Saturday morning. Even better, they showed up at my door with takeout from the Varsity for lunch. Yummy. I finally got my couch on Saturday, too! Now I have an actual living room. My parents helped me put up my giant photo of Paris from Ikea behind my couch, so everything looks really great now. I'll have to take a couple new pictures to post.
Yesterday I went to the grocery store for supplies to make my chocolate chip pound cake for my coworkers tomorrow. Also, we braved the weekend-before-Christmas crowds and went to the mall. It was pretty packed, but not as bad as I would've thought. It was even better because we took the train and didn't have to fight for a parking space. I got some really pretty Christmas decorations on sale at Crate and Barrel, so now my place is slightly more festive. I can't wait to go back to mall for what I'm hoping will be great after Christmas sales. I've been so good--no clothes shopping for over a month! So i'll definitely deserve some gifts for myself after the holiday.
Time to get back to work. Only 2.5 days in the office, then on a plane back to NC!
Friday, December 19, 2008
New layout and TGIF
I just changed my layout to be more festive. Its green and has some leafy stuff at the top...not that Christmasy, but that's my valiant effort.
Its Friday! This would be more exciting if I was actually doing something exciting this weekend, but alas, I am not. I think i'm going to be very brave and venture out to the mall or at least do a little shopping somewhere. I just heard that there is an "Off Fifth" Saks outlet nearby, so I might just go there:) Also on the list, IKEA to return my too long curtain rod, and to pick up a new one that actually fits. Hopefully they'll have my living room curtains in stock this time too! Also, the awesome couch that I bought the day after Thanksgiving is finally being delivered to me YAY! No more sitting in my one lonely chair, and my blue fold up chair can finally go onto the patio where it belongs. Hooray! Also might go to the library to rent some free dvds, and one of my friends from Wake might be coming to visit on Sunday! Should be a good weekend overall.
And only a 2.5 day work week next week--I'm flying home on Christmas Eve!
Its Friday! This would be more exciting if I was actually doing something exciting this weekend, but alas, I am not. I think i'm going to be very brave and venture out to the mall or at least do a little shopping somewhere. I just heard that there is an "Off Fifth" Saks outlet nearby, so I might just go there:) Also on the list, IKEA to return my too long curtain rod, and to pick up a new one that actually fits. Hopefully they'll have my living room curtains in stock this time too! Also, the awesome couch that I bought the day after Thanksgiving is finally being delivered to me YAY! No more sitting in my one lonely chair, and my blue fold up chair can finally go onto the patio where it belongs. Hooray! Also might go to the library to rent some free dvds, and one of my friends from Wake might be coming to visit on Sunday! Should be a good weekend overall.
And only a 2.5 day work week next week--I'm flying home on Christmas Eve!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Countdown to Christmas
This is what I wish my tree looked like:)Maybe watching the minutes tick by will help get me (and anyone else in need of a holiday kick in the butt) in the spirit!
6 Days Left!!
Fa La La La La
I love Christmas, but I have to admit that this is the least "Christmas-y" I have ever felt. I'm pretty sure it a combination of not being in Raleigh doing my usual Christmas shopping and holiday get togethers with friends, the fact that its 75 degrees in Atlanta, and the fact that my Christmas tree in my apartment is all of one foot tall. Hah. Also, I rarely drive here, so I don't get to listen to the fabulous Christmas music all the time. Mental note to turn on the radio in my house more often.
With that being said, I am thrilled that Christmas is only one week from today. So in 6 days i'll be flying back home on Christmas Eve--yay!! Christmas Eve is officially my favorite day of the year, so hopefully mine will go smoothly this year (even though i'll be at the airport for the first time ever at the holidays).
I'm hoping to do something fun this weekend...maybe braving the mall, or maybe baking something festive. I've promised my co-workers one of my famous chocolate chip poundcakes next week, so i'll definitely need to buy supplies. Like a pan to cook it in:) Otherwise, I'm going to force myself to go to the gym tonight instead of sitting around watching holiday lifetime and ABC family movies (much preferable to the gym). But with all the holiday eating at work, I need it!
With that being said, I am thrilled that Christmas is only one week from today. So in 6 days i'll be flying back home on Christmas Eve--yay!! Christmas Eve is officially my favorite day of the year, so hopefully mine will go smoothly this year (even though i'll be at the airport for the first time ever at the holidays).
I'm hoping to do something fun this weekend...maybe braving the mall, or maybe baking something festive. I've promised my co-workers one of my famous chocolate chip poundcakes next week, so i'll definitely need to buy supplies. Like a pan to cook it in:) Otherwise, I'm going to force myself to go to the gym tonight instead of sitting around watching holiday lifetime and ABC family movies (much preferable to the gym). But with all the holiday eating at work, I need it!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
I suck at blogging
My new city: Atlanta!
So, I know it has been absolutely FOREVER since my last entry. I apologize. Lots of craziness has been going on in the past month, which I will now quickly recap.
1. Worked at that bank job in Raleigh (that I was so thrilled to get) for all of 1 month. 4 whole weeks of my life, and then I quit my very first real person job to accept my very second real person job. Bigger and better things. I like to think of this as sprinting up the corporate ladder.
2. Uprooted (fairly abruptly) from the only city, and the only state I've ever lived in, to move 7 hours away by myself. Scary!
3. Managed to move into my new apartment and get settled in about 4 days while my parents were here. Then started my new job the very next Monday (a week and a half ago now).
Luckily i'm really loving it here so far. I ride the train to and from work everyday (i'm a city person now!), and my commute takes all of 15 minutes. I've met so many new people in my co-workers, a couple of my neighbors in my apartment complex and friends of a friend from Wake. It has definitely been a somewhat lonely adjustment to living alone, but it has gone surprisingly better than I would have guessed. Maybe i'm more brave and independent than I like to give myself credit for? I like to think so:) I love working in the city, and looking out my high up window view to see the tall buildings all around me. I love eating in the cafeteria in my building and grocery shopping just for me. And, although I haven't ventured out to the amazing malls here by myself yet, i'm pretty positive i'm going to love that too. Next on my to do list: buy a membership to the fantastic High Museum of art so that I can go whenever I want and see all the special exhibits anytime. Art museums make me happy, and I really think that's something i'll enjoy doing on my own.
Now i'm enjoying some delicious apple cider at my desk and taking a quick break from my work. Sorry it took me so long to update, but i'll definitely be more regular about it from now on!
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