THE GAP

No, not the store.

This is really inspiring me today - which is always welcome, but especially on a Monday.

AUGUST

Eating ... french fries and the best key lime pie left over from my sister's wedding last weekend. A well-balanced lunch!

Drinking ... H2O in an attempt to re-hydrate after this weekend of celebratory drinks.

Practicing ... absolutely ZERO self-control. But tomorrow is a new day, I suppose.

Mastering ... calligraphy. Check back with me in 12-15 years.

Learning ... about setting goals and how to start a business.

Listening ... to the vent and air conditioner directly above my desk.

Playing ... house.

Reading ... calligraphy, style, and design blogs. Also, The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. But no magazines (because New Year's Resolution)

Watching ... the summer melt away too fast!

Walking ... less frequently that I want to. Here's to trekking around the neighborhood and beyond while the weather is still warm!

Wearing ... clothes on a Tuesday that are probably more suited for Casual Friday. Whewps.

Cooking ... with ingredients via Blue Apron starting tomorrow. I'm so excited to try it out and I'm looking forward to spending some quality couple time in the kitchen.

Working ... on my ability to wake up early. So far it's not going very well.

Traveling ... just enough even though my wallet says "too much".

Wanting ... motivation.

Later this month I will be turning 27 and setting some goals for my 28th year. Looking forward to it!

Coming Soon

Love

"Love isn't something that we find

it's something that we do"*

I use the word "love" a lot. Like, a LOT, a lot. I say I love makeup. Or I love that color. Or I love Coconut La Croix... I also say "I love you" to my family, my boyfriend, my friends, and always to my dog (except when he eats things he's not supposed to... but unconditional is unconditional, I guess). Sometimes I worry that I say it in excess and that it might lose efficacy with the frequency of use (I loved seeing this topic and resulting discussion in the comments on Cup of Jo yesterday). But the saying of it is useful more as a comfort for me, while the doing is what is meant to benefit others.

Love is a verb.

I have so many pillars of love in my life. So many examples of what it means to love.

My parents...

Daily in their marriage and in their parenting (because parenting doesn't stop when your kids turn 18).

My sister...

She sees life through the lens of a camera and captures love in every frame.

My boyfriend...

Remember that unconditional love for dogs I mentioned? Yeah, he's got that down.

My friends...

Late night Skype sessions. And wine... Always wine.

Adventurers (and friends)...

Angela. She (with the help of her knobby knees) is getting her tiger right this very second via Mt. Kilimanjaro all in the name of non-profit and the great outdoors. Heck, "love" is even in the title of her blog. Duh.

The point I'm trying to make is that even though it's Valentine's Day today, there's plenty of love happening out there every day thanks to the beautiful people who embody love.

Love yourself. Love others. Love life. Love, love, love. That really is what it's all about.

*this message brought to you by "an intimate evening" with Clint Black (and my family... Is that weird?) last weekend.

Resolve

Confession: I didn't go out on New Year's Eve. I didn't even drink any champagne! I did, however, bang pots and pans outside at midnight (much to the dismay of my elderly neighbors, I'm sure).

Although I am often a self-proclaimed hater of change, I have to admit that I am a sucker for a fresh new start. In the midst of confetti and streamers, champagne and midnight kisses, January 1st arrives and in its wake comes renewed ambitions and personal vows. I love resolutions and the idea of striving for more, but I tend to get hung up on that word: "more". Past New Year's Resolutions lists have included goals like, "read more" or "run more", but it's not really about the "more". In the end, it's about the "why". I want to read more because it makes me happy and I want to be intelligent and well-informed. I want to run more because I want to be healthy and strong. So with that in mind... 

Because I know I can do better, feel better, be better...

I resolve.

+ I want to be frugal and save money for myself in the future, but I also want to be generous in giving for those who need my help, time, and money in the present because I don't need as much as I think I do.

+ I want to be patient and kind because those around me deserve my best.

+ I want to continue learning calligraphy and practice until my fingertips are sore because practice promotes improvement.

+ I want to host a bingo party because I love bingo, I love friends, and I love any excuse to have a party.

+ I have decided not to buy or read any magazines for (at least) a year because I pay too much money for the same (often offensive) content over and over and it's unnecessary to fuel any feelings or insecurities or thoughts of inadequacy.

And last but not least...

+ I want need to limit my Taco Bell consumption to once a month because... well... I'm addicted and I need some discipline.

And, this is a pretty good list of resolutions for those who need a little push or inspiration.

There are other ever-present goals, too, (see: punctuality or never touching the snooze button again) but this year's list is attainable, measurable, and even pretty fun!

Happy New Year!