Amendmum

Today I received a call from my dad regarding my latest blog post. My dad hyper-understands my pitfalls (stubbornness, over-sensitivity, judging) and he was concerned that my latest piece highlighted my greatest: not living in the moment. He wanted me to know that I should be proud of who I am, what I've accomplished, and how far I've come.

He also told me: Don't leave before the miracle happens.

What does this mean? Don't check-out (physically, emotionally, mentally) from a moment in time before you learn the lesson, receive the gift, or in any other way continue the life process of growing. Take each moment as a stepping stone. Stand on it fully, jump on it, dance on it before you move on to the next. Because the only sure thing in this world is that once you leave, you won't be able to go back.

And so for anyone else who might be feeling confused about their current situations, make a note to concentrate on that last resolution of mine: disregard these lists. Life is happening exactly the way it's supposed to. Embrace it, cherish it, breathe it in and out and love it for everything it has to give you.

Frustrated by your job? Remind yourself of the alternative (unemployment) and remember why you accepted it. Tired of your city? Go to the neighborhood where you spent your first night out and relive the romance. Freakin' out about bills? Don't: everyone at one point or another has debt. Live within your means and the ledger will balance itself. Money was made to be spent and one day, you'll look back on being a poor student and think fondly...

So ya, I guess I'm done here. I just want anyone and everyone who reads this to know that I too struggle (yes, believe it or not) with something great: not realizing how kick-ass my life is, even when it seems like the crepe is ripping at the seams.

But back to the interesting stuff. Check out this dress today I found at Macy's. On the RACHEL Rachel Roy website, it's listed for $50, and I got it for $22. SCORE!! I think I'll wear it to NYE '10:

New Year's Resolution

Eek ok I'm sorry little blog I've been super MIA! I didn't mean to be! I was still thinking of you, but what with the eggnog, the food, the friends, the shopping, the driving, the...the... well, blogging just kinda got away from me.

But, the real reason I decided to post was not to humor you with my excuses. Instead, it's New Year's Resolution time. Last year, at this time, I was preparing for a four-month trip to Paris to intern with a search firm called Janou Pakter. Also, I had just finished my undergraduate education and I was embarking on a new relationship (that sounds so Hallmark card-esque, but I can't help it!). Before I left, Mark took me on my first trip to Wisconsin, and during the drive, we made New Year's Resolutions. Mine were:
1. Find a job
2. Become certified in yoga
3. Buy riding boots

Oddly enough, the only one I was able to accomplish was probably the most difficult, given the economic circumstances. For this year, I want to focus on less-frivolous, more mindful goals that I wish to accomplish. These are the five I've decided on:
1. Graduate from Northwestern (I really hope I'm not jinxing myself by writing that)
2. Fall in love...with a city, with a job, with a hobby. I'm especially leaning towards the "city" and "job"
3. Be more romantic. The mom of one of my friend's said that you should never stop dating, even after 30 years of marriage. Go out for dinner, get butterflies in your stomach, flirt with him or her and be a kid in love, even it's a 30+ year love
4. Begin a savings/payment plan for my student loans. Just writing that makes me stressed out, and it's hard to accomplish with a minimal cash income, but it will happen. Some way, some how!
5. Stop making these lists. Life will happen the way it's supposed to, I'm convinced of it. Everything happens for a reason, and everything works out in the end. I need to relinquish control and let life take the reigns.

What are my fellow crepsters' New Year's Resolutions?

Going Home

I took the Megabus home this weekend. Yep, that's how much I love my family: so much that I'll splurge $2 for a round trip to Des Moines to see their bright and shining faces. It was a trip long over-due; I hadn’t been home since September 1^st, and even then I was home for less than 12 hours. Before then, I hadn’t been home since June. And man…was I missin’ it!

So Saturday was a fun-filled day. I woke up early and cleaned up after my sister (she had left our room a disaster!—love you sis!). Then, I went to get my haircut from my favorite lady, Giovanna, at her salon Atelier Hairspace on 4^th and Court in downtown Des Moines. Her cuts are $53 and for that price, I get what would cost $300 in New York—a stylish, perfect trim from a woman who used to style for Bumble and Bumble during NY Fashion Week.

Then, it was off to get my eyes checked (and I bought a sweet pair of hipster glasses—I’ll upload pics once they arrive) and then my papa and I went to the Sprint store and I finally got a smartphone. Woohoo!! That’s right Crepsters, I got a smartphone and am now officially living in the 21^st century. We also had a yummy lunch at a dive and authentic taco joint. I also introduced Jim to horchata.

But it was Saturday night that really made me happy. I went to dinner with my 18 yo sister Audrey and three of her close friends. I’ve known some of these girls since they were in 1^st grade and to observe them as young, classy, funny young women was absolutely mesmerizing and charming. I am so proud of them (and of course my sister!) for becoming such lovely young women. You guys R Da Best!

And in case I didn’t say it enough, happy birthday to my bestest friend in da world, my Audy.

 Crappy quality, but you get the idea!

A great Monday night

Last night, Martin, Claire, and I got together for a little weekday fun. I was so excited to see my friends during the week--usually we have to reserve our get-togethers for the weekends because we're all so busy. But it's nice to be able to find time to meet during the week: as my friend in San Francisco Jordan reminds me, it's important to have fun during the week because weekdays are meant to be fun too.

Us ladies left the planning up to Martin. Our events were as follows:

1. A bottle of Cotes du Rhone, Domaine Guicharde, at Vintage 338 on Armitage Ave in Lincoln Park
2. Vienna Red Hots at The Weiner's Circle on N. Clark in Lincoln Park
3. A showing of Black Swan at the Landmark Theatre, again, in Lincoln Park

As us young people continue to develop into "professionals," I think it's important to remember why we work in the first place. It's not to fulfill some prophecy of "what we're meant to do," nor is it to meet quotas set by our bosses, nor is it to appease our family. Working is, at its fundamental value, simply a way for us to earn money for us to spend with and for the people we love, care about, and enjoy being with. Don't let work become more important than that. Because when you do, you will lose sight of what's really important.

Therefore, having a job is necessary (and maybe a necessary evil) because we all have people in our lives that we care about and want to have money to spend, even if that person is only yourself. So make sure that the job you do is something you enjoy, because you can't avoid having it. But don't ever let that job become more important than the people who prompted you to get that job in the first place.

A La Martin

This Sunday, I went to Martin's house to have dinner with him and his family. On the menu was Cotriade, a Breton white fish stew. That, coupled with wine and mucho fromage made for a very satisfied Lexi Tummy.

A link to a version of the recipe can be found here.

The soup was light, but very filling, and with a little sprinkled bacon on top, it was oh so creamy. Very easy to make too! Maybe an hour of prep, 15 minutes of actually cooking. Thanks to Martin's mom and dad for supplying the supplies.

My Thoughts are With Elizabeth Edwards and Her Family

In a quiet moment this afternoon, I and my office learned of the passing of Elizabeth Edwards. An inspiration to Democrats, women, and the American People, she was truly full of grace, even during her family's disgraces. I think that this post she recently posted on her Facebook best sums up why I've always liked and respected her.

You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces -- my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn't possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel towards everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know.

May your soul know peace.

Wahhh

I love these glasses!! I want I want!! The brand is Super and the model is Ciccio

Chappy Chanaukah

I'm not Jewish, but this menorah by Jonathan Adler sure makes me wish I was celebrating the Festival of Lights this year. Found at www.design-milk.com