VA in NY

2012 Gridiron Classic - 4 Miles

2012-02-10T14:56:00.002-05:00

Last Sunday, I participated in my very first, real life, running race. Okay, so I wouldn't really call this a "race" because I had no intention of actually beating anyone across the finish line, I simply wanted to finish the race without injury or death. (Also with a fairly decent time, I have been trying, you know!)

I joined the New York Road Runners association back in December in hopes to participate in several races throughout the year and automatically qualify for the 2013 NYC Marathon. So when I signed up, I also registered for the Gridiron Classic (Note: It is pronounced "Grid Iron" - when Craig said it out loud it was shocking because I had been trying to pronounce it as "Grid-ree-on") It was a Super Bowl themed race (complete with a longest football toss competition!) where the general premise was to support your chosen team by wearing a jersey, tshirt, etc. from your team and also splitting the racers into two separate lanes representing the two teams. Sort of a ''running vote", I guess. Being one who doesn't really care about football (or passionate about sports in general) I just wore my regular running clothes. Confession: even if I did have a jersey or tshirt, I probably wouldn't have worn it. I was way too nervous about the actual race and I probably would have equated non-running clothes as a 'distraction'. Yeah, I'm real weird.

Anyway, the race began at 9:00am with the football throw starting around 8:00. So what did I do? I made Craig get up and head to the park with me at 7:45am. It was a ~~chilly~~ frigid morning, so I had to have the full gear - jacket, leggings, etc. What I didn't have? GLOVES! Since November, I've run outside several times and I've never worn gloves or a hat or ear coverings. (While we're on the subject, I haven't worn a pair of gloves this entire winter. Wut?) So, I figured that the run that day wouldn't need them as well. I WAS WRONG. It was FREEZING out there.

Because of my corral number 7929 - *Hint: they went up to 8000* I was put in the last adult corral. There was a corral of kids behind me. Kids. Nice. Craig was one ahead of me so we spent as much time together as possible before having to separate into our corrals. He did his best to calm my nerves, but I knew that it wouldn't be an easy run. Stupidly, our schedule allowed for no time for running the entire week before the race! Running cold turkey and being a cold chick was not a good combination. Craig did give me a "little hottie" to help me stay warm, but It didn't really do any good. I pulled my hands inside my jacket sleeves.

Current NYRR members told me that my first race will be fun! That I should really take note of what was happening around me and enjoy it! Honestly, I was so nervous and so cold that I hardly noticed anything "fun" about the beginning. Some thoughts at the time: A girl next to me talking on the phone? A woman beside me blowing her nose into her Burberry running jacket... who does that to a Burberry jacket?? Who even has a Burberry running jacket?? Why am I standing next to people who are in the green group? Why is it so frakin' cold?? Can I see Craig? Oh, we're moving forward a bit. Is my nose running? Why are people running now? We're not at the starting line yet!! Alright, I'll pick it up to a jog... and then I was off.

I had to be very careful about starting, I knew that - I have a big problem with going way too fast and too hard in the beginning of a run and two miles later, I literally could fall down and die. So, in my head I was saying "slow and steady... you've got 4 miles ahead of you, slow and steady."

When I saw the first mile marker up ahead I gave myself a little pat on the back. 1 Mile! Without stopping once! And up Cat Hill! Woo hoo! Remember when I couldn't run a mile? I do. Shortly after the 1 mile mark, a water station came up. A 4 mile race doesn't really need water, but I decided to take a cup anyway. I was running a race! That's what race people do! So I jogged alongside the table, grabbed a glass, then put it to my lips to take a sip. And now a real question: How do people drink out of cups while running?? I was already numb all over and proceeded to pour cold water all down my chest. Way to go, VA, way to go.

At one point, I had to walk a bit up a large hill (I realized that my large walking steps might get me up the hill faster than my tiny running steps - hello, ass burn!) but for the most part, I ran the whole way! After passing the 3 mile marker, I knew that the finish line wasn't that much further away. I had run this route before. It was mostly downhill, people were yelling and clapping, telling me I was doing great... yet it felt like torture. Every step came with a mental pep-talk. I knew how upset I would be with myself if I stopped just before finishing. So, I kept going. I spotted Craig in the crowd and noticed he was scanning the runners for me. I gave a shout and he ran outside the barricade with me. And then, I was done! Done done DONE!

Here are my official results. Yes, it appears that I run a 12 minute mile. When I saw that, I'll admit I was a little disappointed. A whopping 344 people finished behind me. But you know what? 3 months ago, I cried when trying to run a mile. It may have taken me 49 minutes to finish, a whole 40 minutes longer than the winner of the race, but I finished. And now, I have something to work from. My first race, I ran an average pace of 12:23. And the next race? I'll beat it. And then I'll beat that one. And the next.

In fact, I signed up for a second race (4 miles) for the 25th of this month. And, it will be better.

The final picture of the day: Craig and myself after the race finished. (Note: They give you bagels and fruit after the race. I would have run it again if they offered veggie cream cheese with it! - oops, that's the fattie in me talking.. but seriously, that was the best plain-plain bagel I've ever had.) A special thanks to NYRR and all of the volunteers at the Gridiron Classic - especially you, Mile 3 Lady who said "you are amazing!" Because, sometimes, you have to stop and think about how amazing you are. I may not be the best, and hey, I may have come so close to last it's laughable, but I ran 4 miles that day. And for me, that is amazing.

Stuff my boyfriend says..

2012-02-07T12:42:00.002-05:00

(Set scene: C-In shower, V-Just out of bed)

V: The water sounds funny in there, is the shower not draining?

C: What?

V: The shower. Is it not draining?

C: What? I can't hear you!

V: Nevermind, not important.

C: No, tell me! What are you saying?

V: Is it not draining?

C: No, it's not raining. The sun is shining.

V: Right. Got it. Thanks.

Happy 2nd Anniversary, MealPlan!!

2012-02-01T12:00:00.001-05:00

2012-01-19T17:30:00.002-05:00

2012-01-16T19:56:00.002-05:00

“For most of life, nothing wonderful happens. If you don’t enjoy getting up and working and finishing your work and sitting down to a meal with family or friends, then the chances are that you’re not going to be very happy. If someone bases his happiness or unhappiness on major events like a great new job, huge amounts of money, a flawlessly happy marriage or a trip to Paris, that person isn’t going to be happy much of the time. If, on the other hand, happiness depends on a good breakfast, flowers in the yard, a drink or a nap, then we are more likely to live with quite a bit of happiness.”

—	Andy Rooney

Sht Fashion Girls Say (A Sht Girls Say Parody)

2012-01-15T15:34:00.000-05:00

What Makes Love True, Tiffany & Co.

2012-01-14T12:36:00.004-05:00

Tiffany & Co. has started an interactive place to share love - www.whatmakeslovetrue.com

After all, love is what makes the world go round! Spend some time and share the love!

Awards Season!

2012-01-14T12:18:00.003-05:00

Gonna go ahead and predict.... lots of greens and yellows for the red carpet this awards season.

Left: Elizabeth Olsen in Emilo Pucci, Right: Emma Stone in Jason Wu

Very Eastern Alamance, huh?

Uh oh....

2012-01-11T18:42:00.000-05:00

NYC HALF

2011-12-22T16:32:00.000-05:00

WHAT???

Alright, so we all know that I am a little bit insane.. and part of that insanity comes out with me thinking that I would actually be able to run a half marathon in March. Yet, I have registered for the race and will find out before 2012 if I will be running 13.1 miles in just under 12 weeks. Maybe it's exactly what I need to push myself to get to a-run-ning! (and to stop eating everything I see...) NO CLUE. Though, it's terrifying. The longest I have run since starting this thing (I'll be more specific when I have more time to write) is 4 miles. And, not in a continuous fashion (damn cramps) either. So is it possible to get to that point in such a short time? I guess we'll see (and I might not even get in, so whatever!)

This quick update brought to you by: Ferrero Rocher (because there's a whole box of them sitting on my desk to share with the office, and they keep ending up in my mouth! Sneaky bastards...)

2011-12-05T15:12:00.001-05:00

We had some guests this weekend. After they left, Penelope needed some alone time to decompress. :)

A Childhood State

2011-11-16T22:50:00.001-05:00

It seems I have reverted back to some "old style"

"It's hard to dance with the devil on your back. So, shake him off.."

2011-11-08T19:57:00.002-05:00

Oh, you thought I was done?

2011-11-07T15:24:00.002-05:00

hahaha nope! I'm in full swing marathon fever. (This better keep up, because I'm going to need this adrenaline this year!)

This was always my favoite image during the NYC marathon. I would sit in front of the TV and watch the beginning each year just to catch this shot of the runners starting out over the Verrazano Bridge from Staten Island.

Amazing!

Also, my knee is seriously hurting today. I think it is sympathy pains from watching the marathoners yesterday.

Stuff my boyfriend says...

2011-11-07T07:51:00.003-05:00

Me: "I just saw Mario Lopez run by"
Him: "Is he sexy in real life?"
Me: "Yep!"
Him: "I figured."

You are amazing!

2011-11-06T22:15:00.001-05:00

I screamed and clapped and called out every name I could spot. It is my hope that someday, some stranger will do the same to me.

I spent most of the day at that same 24 mile banner cheering on the runners as they came around the bend. "How much longer until 24?" some of them called out. "Just around the bend!" we would yell back - the finish was so close they could taste it.

I've spent a lot of time thinking about whether or not I am the type to run a marathon. Today, I realized that there is no type of person that runs a marathon. Today's marathoners were tall, short, skinny, fat, young, and old. There were people of all different nationalities, people that had traveled far from home and people who walked to the start from their homes. Anyone CAN be a marathoner, but not everyone IS a marathoner. I think that is what inspires me most.

Marathon Training: Day 1

2011-11-05T17:58:00.000-04:00

Did I tell you I'm running a marathon? No? Oh, well, add me to the list of stupid idiots that think running 26.2 miles in one morning is a good decision.

So, I'm running a marathon sometime in 2012. Now that we've got that out of the way, let's talk about day one.

The New York City ING Marathon will begin tomorrow morning. The city is in a full marathon mode, barricades are set up, the path is properly labeled with banners and flags, signs are in store windows, congratulating tomorrow's runners. So what better time to start the training for MY marathon than today? The ultimate goal is to run the NYC marathon in exactly one year. (Note: it can be really difficult to get in to run the NYC marathon, which is a crazy idea if you think about it - it is HARD to gain access to run 26.2 miles. So Philly or DC may have to take NYC's place if I can't get in.)

This morning, Craig and I went to Central Park to run around the Jackie O. Reservoir. The 1.6 mile loop would be a perfect start to our running "careers". We would go around twice, just over 3 miles. I take a spin class several times a week, do weekly cardio classes, yoga, swim, pilates, certainly running 3 miles wouldn't be a bad place to start. We walked over, arms crossed against the chilly wind, excited to begin this journey. At the reservoir, we noticed the marathon flags. "They'll run down this road tomorrow," Craig said, and I thought about how I might run down that road in one year. I was excited.

We started running at a steady pace together and I was feeling good. The leaves were beautiful in the park and the water glistened in the sunlight. And then it hit me: a cramp. Already! We stopped and walked for a bit, the cramp subsided and so we picked it back up again. I was surprised that running didn't hurt my knees or my hips, and I didn't even feel a burn in my muscles! At the mile point, my hand found my abdomen again as the cramp swelled back up. Suddenly, the other side cramped up as well. Breathing in started to feel like knives being jammed into my ribcage and I slowed to a walk again. Craig ran ahead and I walked with my hands rubbing the knots in my stomach. At one point, a man walking with his new-to-two-legs child passed me. I caught up with Craig and he could see it on my face. "What's wrong?" he said. "I can't do this," I lamented back, "Why can't I do this?"

And there it happened. I cried. I cried with over half a mile to go before I got back to the starting point. The point where I intended to start a second lap. I cried from the pain of the cramps and the headache I started to feel. I cried for the second lap I knew I could never complete. I cried from the disappointment I felt in myself. Craig walked with me a bit and eventually the cramping subsided, along with the tears. At the bend in the path, I decided that I would push myself, push past the pain and the disappointment and complete the last half a mile to the starting point. So we did. We ran together through the last bit of the reservoir loop.

At the end of the loop, we made our way out of the park. Crossing the street, the 24 Mile banner hung over the road. 2.6 miles past that point was the NYC Marathon finish line. And I couldn't even make it 1.6 miles around the reservoir.

Let's just say, there is work to be done.

Elon, and a note about forgiveness

2011-11-01T15:59:00.001-04:00

Last week, this video made the rounds on almost all of the social networking sites. I caught it from a twitter post and before the nearly 3 minutes were up, I had tears in my eyes. You see, there is a sense of pride in every Elon student. Just as it says in the video, I don't know any student that doesn't feel that way, that doesn't look back on their time there with nostalgia. But for me, it brought on very a very different type of emotion. I was sad, very sad. And angry.

Part of me feels robbed of my college experience because of the relationship I was in. I didn't participate in all that I could have because I felt I had to be constantly "on call" waiting for phone calls from another part of the world. I spent so much of my time trying to make a long-distance relationship work that I had no other time for non-scholarly events. In the scene where the graduates are excitedly staring at their degrees, hugging family members, and posing for pictures, I can only remember the disappointment I felt because he had not shown up. I only wanted to be out of there.

In many ways, I have come to a place of forgiveness in light of what transpired in that relationship; but, when it comes to my college experience, knowing everything I could have had, I can only feel that twinge of regret and anger. I hate that my college memories, ones that are supposed to be remembered with fondness, are sprinkled with nauseating memories of hurt. He took a lot more from me than I realized at the time, and I'm not ready to forgive that.

Stuff my boyfriend says..

2011-10-21T16:13:00.001-04:00

Boyfriend: "What do you want for dinner?"

Me: "Fried everything

Dipped in chocolate

and then salted

and some sour patch kids"

Boyfriend: "Crepes?"

2011-10-05T19:59:00.002-04:00

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.

If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on."

-Steve Jobs, 1955-2011

Hump Day Hilarity

2011-10-05T10:38:00.002-04:00

2011-10-04T11:33:00.002-04:00

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly-sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address."

- Tom Hanks, You've Got Mail

Who has a child that I can borrow for Halloween???

2011-10-01T15:50:00.001-04:00

Can someone teach Craig how to do a proper "self-portrait"?

2011-09-19T17:04:00.001-04:00

We need some better pictures together!

Any tips?

The Lights

2011-09-11T20:28:00.003-04:00

I've always wanted to see these lights with my own eyes. I guess I could venture out tonight to see them, but I'm not sure where I would go without having to use public transportation. Maybe next year, I'll venture out of the city so I can see the entire island just like this.

To all of you remembering the events of 9/11, my heart is with you today. God bless. xoxo

My Last Dollar

2011-09-11T20:02:00.003-04:00

I moved to New York City on a brisk Saturday in October. After driving straight through the night in a moving truck, I can remember seeing the New York skyline and feeling a nervous anticipation about what my life would be across that river.

Once arriving, I didn't have much time to think about what I would do in the city since I had to focus on getting the furniture in my apartment and saying goodbye to my father. After spending the day and night with him, I walked with him out to a street corner in the East Village to hail him a cab that would take him to the airport. During a tearful goodbye, he reached in his pockets and shoved several crumpled bills into my hand.

"It's all the cash I've got on me right now," he said. "Good luck. I love you."

In that hand full of bills, one dollar ended up sitting on my desk for several weeks. After securing a job and getting my first paycheck, I was able to relax (a little) in knowing that I just might be able to make it here.

I have kept that dollar and I vowed to myself that if I ever had to spend that one dollar, I would call my parents and say, "Come and get me, I'm coming home." If I had to spend my last dollar in this city, I would cut my losses and move back home.

This weekend, I pulled the dollar out and put it in a picture frame. It now hangs right inside my front door of the little studio apartment that I afford all on my own. Every day, when I come home, no matter how difficult my life can seem at times, I will know that for now, I've made it. I've made it in New York City; and, when I think back on what little I knew about possibilities of the City on that day, I smile to myself and say, "It's more than you ever dreamed of, girl."

Sneak Peek!

2011-09-09T11:20:00.002-04:00

Tonight!

2011-09-08T14:21:00.000-04:00

Lots of fabulous things happening tonight! First, Craig and I are going to an event for Elon at the amazing Metropolitan Club -

Then, we're hitting the town for:

Too much fun for a Thursday?? I'm so excited!

2011-09-01T12:13:00.000-04:00

Oh to own a piece like this:

Jeanine Payer, Palmer Cuff Bracelet - $4,785.00

The inscription reads:
Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, some day far in the future you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.

- Rainer Maria Rilke

Absolutely lovely.

Irene's coming!

2011-08-26T15:31:00.001-04:00

Unless you have been locked up in a dungeon somewhere being asked to “put the lotion on its skin”, you know that there is a major hurricane coming toward the northeastern part of the United States.
I know that a lot of people are really freaking out about the impending storm, but there are far more people not paying attention to the warnings. So, from my knowledge of hurricanes (living in North Carolina), here is the advice I can give about preparing for a hurricane.

What can happen:

Rain: This storm will bring a considerable amount of rain. While rain falling from the sky in itself is not hazardous, the accumulation of rain over a small period of time can be very dangerous, leading to excessive runoff and flooding. When it comes to a place like New York City, underground tunnels have the capability of serious flooding, basically halting all traffic in and out of the nation’s largest city.

Wind: The wind will be excessive. Strong, over 100mph winds are nothing to joke over. Trees will topple over, crushing power lines and cars. Some houses may suffer from considerable damages due to falling trees and limbs. The wind will be so strong that cars will be pushed from one side of the street to the other. Rain will come in sideways, ocean and river waves will swell 3 or 4 times their usual height. Which brings me to:

Storm Surge: With New York’s five boroughs being surrounded mostly by water, this could very well be the most dangerous. When the bodies of water are disturbed by the hurricane, waves pick up and slam into the shore. That, combined with natural tides, a storm of this size could bring swells of water in the 20 feet range. This could be detrimental to low-lying places such as Downtown Manhattan, Coney Island, and the Far Rockaways in Queens. New York City has never (EVER) issued a mandatory evacuation for flood zone areas. Take heed and evacuate if you are told.

Power: Power outages across the five boroughs will cause a great inconvenience to most people. It may take a large amount of time to restore power to the masses if downed trees and flooded areas cause problems.

Water, Gas: I don’t foresee the water or gas lines to be messed with within the city, but if for any reason, New York City’s water becomes tainted by sewage, having bottled water on hand will be you only option. If the water does go out, you will not be able to flush your toilets. It may be a good idea to fill up your bathtub full of water so you can manually flush the toilet in the event of a water outage.

With power outages and extensive damage to the transit systems, you may have to stay where you are for several days. This means having non-perishable food items on hand to eat for a few days. Please remember that if you have an electric can opener, it will not work if the power goes out (That seems obvious, but you’d be surprised). Do not open your freezer for any reason. Once the power goes out, you need to keep that cold in there for as long as possible in hopes to save some things that may be in there.

Don’t do anything stupid. Don’t go swimming before a hurricane comes. And don’t rush out to clean things up until emergency personnel have at least taken a look. Don’t touch downed power lines and don’t stand underneath leaning trees.

One thing to note: If the storm comes straight across Manhattan, it will stop for a period of time. This does not mean the storm is over! The eye of the hurricane is an eerie, slightly sunny, calm period where many people think the worst of the storm is over. STAY WHERE YOU ARE! The second half of the storm will be along shortly. Stay up to date about where the storm is and when it is expected to be over with a battery-operated radio.

It should also be noted that there is a chance that nothing happens at all. I’ve seen storms look like they’re going to barrel straight into North Carolina and disappear overnight as if they never existed. The storm could turn at any moment and go straight out to sea. But, you should always be prepared for the worst. Katrina was the worst hurricane we’ve had in a very, very long time and the catastrophe was heightened by the people’s refusal to listen. They thought the storm would turn, they thought it would die down, it would all be okay. And it wasn’t.

Please keep yourselves (and your pets) safe and be sure to check on your neighbors, friends, and relatives. By law, all pets are allowed to accompany you into emergency shelters. Don’t let people tell you otherwise. Make a plan now so that if the time comes to evacuate, you already know what to do. Phone lines will be flooded with people asking questions. Save yourself the trouble and figure out where to go now. Also, did you know that failure to comply with a mandatory evacuation is a misdemeanor? It is actually punishable with jail time up to 90 days!

Be careful, be safe. Keep your pets and loved ones near you. And remember to stay inside and stay calm. We’ll all be alright.

See you on the other side!

-VA

Holy Crap! I think I just won something!

2011-08-26T12:08:00.001-04:00

Update: I did, indeed, win the Star Clutch in Blue. Never would I think to purchase a blue clutch, but I think it just might be the great pop of color with an otherwise neutral outfit! What do you think?

Irene

2011-08-25T11:22:00.000-04:00

New Yorkers' reaction to an impending hurricane

A North Carolinian's reaction:

Seriously, y'all. Calm down. It will all be okay.

Get in my closet!

2011-08-24T18:31:00.000-04:00

Let's fast-forward 10 years...

2011-08-17T10:57:00.000-04:00

This is my kitchen:

I love my kitchen.

Where is this and who will take me there???

2011-08-10T10:23:00.000-04:00

Oddly, anytime I take a bath, I prefer the shower to be running.. I would stay in this all day until my skin turned to raisins.

2011-08-09T16:36:00.000-04:00

The hardest period in life is one’s 20s. It’s a shame because you’re your most gorgeous and you’re physically in peak condition. but it’s actually when you’re most insecure and full of self-doubt. When you don’t know what’s going to happen, it’s frightening.

- Helen Mirren in Esquire

Do you ever feel like this?

2011-08-08T13:36:00.001-04:00

Stuff my boyfriend says..

2011-08-04T10:16:00.001-04:00

"I'm bad a communication sometimes."

Ya think?

Shoe Forecasting??

2011-08-03T11:37:00.002-04:00

During the fall and winter of last year, I spent the majority of the season searching for the perfect boot. The one I had in my head that would complement my winter outfits perfectly.

It was a tall boot, just below the knee (not one of those over the knee boots, blech!) with a rounded toe, a stacked, less than 3-inch heel, that laced completely up the front. Certainly that couldn't be hard to find! Well, since they are currently NOT in my closet right now, the search was a complete bust.

So, it was a complete shock to me when the Ugg Australia Fall Preview catalog popped out of my mailbox one afternoon and displayed my perfect boot! As if I designed it myself, there it was!

Since then, my tall, lace-up boots have been popping up everywhere. Just this morning, two graced my inbox!

I'm not saying that I'm amazing or anything, but it does strike me as odd. I search and search for the perfect boot for the 2010 season and it suddenly pops up for 2011. Does this mean I should go into fashion forecasting?

(Note: I do not have a photo of the Ugg boots. They are not yet listed on the e-commerce site)

I remember spending one summer frantically searching for pants that fitted snug at the top but had really wide legs that appeard skirt-like. After that season, goucho pants suddenly appeared everywhere! And, when planning a wedding, I chose navy blue as my main color. A very difficult color to find at the time in the wedding industry, I searched high and low for navy ribbons, navy dresses, navy invitations. The next season, David's Bridal released a new dress color.. "Marine" a deep blue. And, hello? My full-lace dress was chosen long before Kate Middleton made lace popular again!

Coincidence? Or am I due for a career change??? ;)

Goodbye, Wendell

2011-08-01T16:42:00.001-04:00

Ah, my dear Wendell ring has been lost. After a fabulous weekend in the Hampton with great friends, my beloved ring got left behind. It's my own fault, I know that, but it doesn't take away the loss I feel. It sounds silly, to be so emotionally attached to a piece of metal that in the grand scheme of things, is extremely trivial. But, I loved that ring and it meant a lot to me.

The silly thing is that I took it off to swim in the pool on Sunday. I never really take it off (ever!) but I was so concerned about the chemicals affecting the metals that I took it off my hand and laid it on the table. But, it was several hours (and a car ride home) before I realized it was missing. Too late to turn around, too late to go back, too late.

I bought the ring for myself during one of the lowest points in my life. I purchased it as a daily reminder to focus more on the day-to-day rather than what will be in the future. "The journey is the reward" actually etched into the metal was my reminder.

I'm not one that owns a lot of jewelry. Nice pieces I have were passed down from loved ones. I don't usually purchase a lot on my own except for costume pieces. It was something I found and purchased for no other reason except for me. It was the perfect piece for daily wear. Dainty, yet unique. Small enough to go unnoticed when paired with bolder pieces, but just enough to be worn alone. In fact, you can hardly see it in the photo to the left. The simple gold band picked up touches of gold in any outfit and the silver complemented the watch I always wear. I am very sad to no longer have it in my jewelry collection.

Being a firm believer in fate and the universal meaning of events, I am wanting to believe that my complete carelessness means that I am to move on from the 'focus on today' mindset to be strong enough to focus my eyes toward the future. For the first time since picking up the few things I owned and moved to New York City, I am in a place where I feel stable. I have an amazing boyfriend, a great group of friends, a job with steady pay and benefits, an apartment of my own, and a kitten that likes to tear it to pieces. I am my own person, I make my own rules. And living in the moment was exactly what I needed to do.

Now, maybe things need to change. I think I might actually need to adopt a 5-year-plan. I might have to start putting some money away for the future. Maybe it is time for me to stop focusing on the journey and start thinking about where I am going. Maybe it is time.

I really wish I could say I was done with bedbugs...

2011-07-20T14:33:00.000-04:00

actual bedbug bites (on me)

..because living like this is awful

AccuWeather Forecast - Nationwide

2011-07-20T10:49:00.000-04:00

No need to look up the weather, this handy map has done all of the work for you!

Photo by @Sundry

Challenge

2011-07-19T13:46:00.000-04:00

For the next 4-6 weeks (I don't know exactly how long it is), my sister is studying animals in South Africa. I challenge you to send her something in the mail. Got a "Baby's First Communion" card? An inappropriate postcard? Want to write a haiku? Draw a picture? SEND IT TO:

Laura Zint

P.O Box 548, Sonpark, Nelspruit, 1206
Mpumalanga, RSA

Note: Postage to South Africa is 98 cents

Penny Vs. Paper

2011-07-19T11:33:00.002-04:00

Birthday time!

2011-07-15T16:26:00.000-04:00

I'm not one to really get overly excited about birthdays. My birthday usually comes and goes, maybe accentuated with a nice meal. But, for Craig, I like to do something a little bit special. Birthdays can't go without dessert and presents! So, I took Craig out to Dylan Prime in Tribeca for a special birthday dinner.

The food? TO DIE FOR. Seriously, I would put Cabernet Sauvignon Butter on everything and it would be perfectly okay.

"Pork Belly Tater Tots"

Don't be fooled, there was absolutely no "tater" in these tater tots. It was basically deep fried bacon. And it was delicious.

Craig's meal - The Carpetbagger. A steak stuffed with oysters. Sounds really gross but it was absolutely delicious.

My filet mignon with the Cabernet Sauvignon Butter, the best mac & cheese ever made, and green beans.

The dessert menu wasn't anything you couldn't get anywhere else, so I left it up to the birthday boy to decide what he wanted to make a birthday wish over. And what did he pick? Crepes!

So we trekked across to the East Side to the teeny-tiny Creperie and had a delicious crepe stuffed with chocolate, brownies, ice cream, and whipped cream.

Craig, I hope you had a great birthday. Here's to many many more!

Someone has a birthday tomorrow...

2011-07-13T21:48:00.000-04:00

I'll be on a cruise ship in two weeks

2011-06-22T15:00:00.001-04:00

Know what that means?? Breaking in my formal shoes at the office.

Craig and I at the gym

2011-06-16T10:26:00.000-04:00

Yes, you are seeing Craig wearing Vibram Five Finger shoes. Jury is still out on this one.

"A SQUIIIRREEELLL"

2011-05-18T10:39:00.002-04:00

This annoys me..

2011-05-13T17:02:00.000-04:00

I have seen this picture all over the internet:

People are sqeeee-ing all over themselves about the similarities between the two, but it has been photoshopped!

First, Cinderella was BLONDE!

And the ugly stepsisters? Come on now.. Don't you remember those horrible dresses?

Now, now, people. Such lies.

2011-05-11T23:10:00.000-04:00

"Maybe we are the way we are because of the people we're with. Or maybe, we just pick the people we need. However it works, when you find each other, you never let go."

-Modern Family

The Death of Bin Laden

2011-05-02T12:47:00.001-04:00

"Bin Laden is dead."

I can't even tell you how many times I heard that sentence as those words were spoken over and over and over again during the CNN broadcast before Obama's speech. Yet, it was not those words, or Obama's speech that shocked me last night.

It was this:

Look at the people, all of them, celebrating. Screaming, jumping, climbing on signs, stopping traffic, well into the night. It continued this morning. It sickened me. Why? Because it so much resembled the footage we all saw after 9/11:

Paliestinians jumping, screaming, stopping traffic - to celebrate lives being lost in America.

Why? Why are we behaving as they do? Why are we putting ourselves on their level?
Osama was captured and killed. Some may breathe a sigh of relief, others may feel that justice is served. I personally believe that his killing was just. But there is no need for callous celebration for death.

I am proud to be an American. But, I don't believe in celebrating this.

I couldn't stand the pre-wedding coverage...

2011-04-29T11:51:00.001-04:00

But I actually enjoy reading everything about the wedding this morning and I loved seeing little things like this. I'll watch what I recorded tonight over dinner. Weddings make me feel love. I feel love today.

My Life

2011-04-26T11:56:00.003-04:00

Gym, Work, Gym
Gym, Work, Gym
Gym, Work, Gym
Gym, Work, Gym
Gym, Work, Gym

I'll get back to regular blogging when I can lift my arms up to the keyboard....

I need this:

2011-03-29T23:11:00.000-04:00

Excuse me, where can I find this mirror? Thanks.

Another Look-Alike?

2011-03-24T11:31:00.000-04:00

I saw this series of photos today posted on someone's blog as I was scrolling through - I paused, startled, because it looked like Craig! (especially the photo on the top right)

Then, I realized, it was Ryan Gossling.... and got turned on.

(Bad angle, but with that scruffy face, he can totally pull off the "Ryan" lookalike)

Give a little...

2011-03-18T15:44:00.000-04:00

Unless you have literally been sleeping for a whole week, you know that Japan is suffering after a major earthquake, destructive tsunami, and now a near nuclear meltdown. The citizens of Japan need as much help as they can get and I urge you to do what you can to help. If you need some coercing, there are a couple of places that are a win-win donation.

LivingSocial offers a $5.00 donation that is matched 100%

Gap, Inc. (which includes Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Piperlime) is also offering matching donations to anyone who gives through their GlobalGiving campaign.

But the best one I've seen is Forever21. They're donationg 100% of the proceeds for online purchases (TODAY ONLY) to the disaster relief. So go get yourself some new clothes for a good cause! I'd been scoping out a cute jumpsuit at H&M for a few weeks now, (going to visit when I'm nearby, you know, things that sane people do) and I decided my money would be better suited to go to this cause.

Please donate if you can, it's money not gone to waste.

Cat Brain

2011-03-15T13:22:00.000-04:00

Penny's "Total drive to be where they are forbidden to go." sector is double that size.

Stuff my boyfriend says..

2011-03-15T10:49:00.002-04:00

"Geez, your boobs look huge! New bra? Or is it because your waist is getting smaller?"

Takin' it as a compliment!

Weekend in Review: 2/25 - 2/27

2011-03-06T15:00:00.002-05:00

Michael and Kim got married!

Craig and I left the city before the sun came up on a Friday morning and drove down to Lynchburg, VA to witness my dear, dear friends Michael and Kim tie the knot!

There's not much I can say to fully capture the magic of the weekend, the sun shone brightly and seemed to follow the bride wherever she went.

Being a bridesmaid can usually end up being more work than anything else, but Kim was cool, calm, and collected and required no work from her bridesmaids. I was truly honored to be one of the women standing with her on her and Michael's very special day.

I even think that Craig had a great time even though people below the Mason-Dixon Line drive "way too slow"!

Here's to love!

*All photos by Leah Rhianne

Weekend in Review: 2/19 - 2/20

2011-03-06T14:39:00.000-05:00

Two weekends ago (I know, I know.. I've been terrible about updating this thing!) Craig's young cousin came into the city for some fun! Themed restaurants, Times Square ferris wheels, and painting pottery at Make! on the Upper West Side.

Hey, Craig and I aren't that bad in the painting department, huh? Sometimes it's just more fun to be a kid!

Incentive

2011-03-02T22:05:00.000-05:00

After my next 10 pounds, these will become mine. 7 more to go!

2011-02-22T17:33:00.000-05:00

I am having terrible thoughts. Terrible, terrible thoughts.

Vera Wang Branches Out

2011-02-11T13:12:00.000-05:00

Regardless of what you know about weddings. Every single person has decidedly heard of Vera Wang. Her name is synonymous with wedding attire and even in the couture clothing world. A Vera Wang gown in itself is something to be desired, not easily attained, and certainly not without throwing down a huge chunk of change.

Vera, I believe, is genius. She's got an eye for gowns that flatter the body, adding whimsy and romance, alluding to the very tradition of a wedding gown, yet never leaving out the details that make it unique. And, even more brilliant, she has inserted her name into nearly every market. Now, she has joined with David's Bridal to make a collection of gowns that will essentially give anyone an opportunity to wear a Vera.

Sure, the price points are still steep - ranging from $500.00 - $2000.00 (gowns, not accessories) - making them very top of the line for David's Bridal. The collection includes not only bridal gowns, but sashes and belts, head wear, among other accessories. It debuted in David's Bridal stores across the country today.

Take a look at the collection - what do you think?

That pink gown with the cut organza skirt is to die for. Imagine it in a beautiful white or ivory. Perfection.

Update:

2011-02-11T10:51:00.002-05:00

The extermination went on yesterday as planned. I was told that there was "no additional bedbug activity spotted, dead or alive"

YAAAYYY!!!!

2011-02-10T11:10:00.001-05:00

Even though I am decidely NOT yet ready for children, when it does happen, they will wear teeny-tiny boat shoes. Definitely.

Any mommies out there? Snatch these up for a small $12.00 - Available today at RueLaLa

Look-Alikes

2011-02-10T10:51:00.004-05:00

I think Sir Ian McKellen looks just like my grandfather. (I guess he was knighted at some point, hence the "Sir")
I mean, it has always taken me by surprise how much they resemble each other.

My grandfather with my sister

In fact, when plugging my face into those "Celebrity Look-Alike" applications, Ian McKellan has appeared more than once in the number one spot. I'm going to take that as looking like my grandfather, not Gandalf.

Today in Cuteness

2011-02-10T10:16:00.002-05:00

A baby male antelope stretches his legs at the San Diego Zoo. AH-Dorable!

via TheDailyWhat

2011-02-10T09:37:00.001-05:00

Second extermination scheduled for this afternoon. Praying to the dear, sweet, giving Lord that the bugs are finally gone and I can get by life back together!

Stuff My Boyfriend Says

2011-02-08T16:27:00.002-05:00

"If you broke up with me, I'd probably stalk you for a long time."

Cute? or Scary?

An Open Letter to my Bedbugs

2011-02-07T12:19:00.003-05:00

Dear Bedbugs,

You have made my life a living hell. You have made my apartment look like a landfill. You have made my once well-behaved kitten a little hellion. You have cost me hours upon hours of precious sleep causing my immune system to plummet below the charts thus allowing shit to fill my nose, throat, and lungs.

I'm tired, cranky, coughy, scratched, and bloody. And, I hate you for it.

No love here,

Virginia

The Daily Lust

2011-02-07T11:45:00.001-05:00

The perfect Spring/Summer sundress. Hive & Honey available at Piperlime for an awesome $49.00. Wishing for spring now!!!

"Don't let the..."

2011-02-02T23:23:00.003-05:00

Just me and Penny, battling the night together

In the morning, Penny wakes up around 5:00am. She's usually in an extremely frisky mood and snuggles, swats, and scratches me awake every 25 minutes until I decide to exit the bed around 7:30am. Two weeks ago, it was a morning just like all of the others since she came into my life. She was playing with strands of my hair, I rolled over, facing her and saw her resting on the other pillow. It was barely light outside, but I could see her, ready to pounce. I reached my hand over to pat her head, letting her know that I was indeed awake. As I reached over, I saw a blur of movement right in front of my face. Startled, I sat up, turned on the light and looked. There it was, one of my biggest fears, a bed bug.

I snatched a tissue, grabbed the bug and quickly looked up what exactly they look like before sealing it in an airtight jar. I called my super who called an exterminator and scheduled an appointment for the next day. THE NEXT DAY! I had to keep a bed bug in a jar overnight and sleep in the very bed where it was found! (ew!) I woke up the next morning eaten to pieces, met the exterminator who confirmed that it was, in fact, a bed bug.

The extermination was scheduled for the following Tuesday and I was given a long list of things that needed to be done to prepare my apartment for extermination. Every piece of clothing had to be laundered, washed and dried on the highest temperature setting and placed in airtight plastic bags. Everything else in the apartment, inside of every drawer, cabinet, closet, had to be removed and put in bags. The mattress and box spring needed to be placed against the wall and the bed frame dismantled. All wall adornments had to be removed and bagged. And, Penny had to be out of the apartment for a full 48 hours after the extermination.

Because of some issues, the extermination was rescheduled every single day until Friday afternoon. And last night, after being back in my apartment for only two days, I found another bug crawling across the bed.

It has been a completely exhausting situation, both physically and emotionally. I don't sleep at night because the thought of blood sucking bugs crawling in my sheets makes me nauseous. I feel disgusting, like someone who should be isolated from society. My skin crawls every minute of every single day because of the paranoia. My immune system is shot because of the lack of sleep I've experienced over the past two weeks and I've been overrun with sickness. In short, I feel like I'm drowning. Every aspect of my life feels like I'm drowning. My work life, my relationship, being a pet owner, physically, emotionally, and mentally. My work life is suffering because my exhaustion and constant fear is inhibiting my ability to concentrate.

The tiny amount of relief I get is when I am able to stay with Craig in his apartment. But my paralyzing fear of accidentally transferring the parasites to his apartment causes my heart to race and I begin to panic again. Though, he has been unbelievably amazing and supportive during this time. I certainly wouldn't have made it this far without him.

I thought I had the opportunity to get my apartment and my life back together and now after finding the bug after the extermination, I know there will be no rest for several more days (maybe even weeks).

I've had bites on my arms, chest, face, feet, and legs. And, they make mosquito bites seem like nothing at all. They're fiery, burning, itchy whelps that are a constant reminder of what is beneath the sheets.

It's my hope that I will actually be able to get in touch with the exterminators tomorrow and arrange for a time to re-exterminate sometime soon. Until then, I'll continue to scratch, launder, and do everything I possibly can to make sure they are really gone... this time.

The Daily Lust

2011-02-02T12:50:00.001-05:00

I mean, come on... who wouldn't love a puppy in a trench coat?

Horoscope for the week of January 31st 2011

2011-01-31T14:01:00.002-05:00

Brace yourself, because this week will bring out the truth - which can be
good or bad, depending on how much pressure you've put on the situation in
question. Chances are you already know the gist of whati is to come, but
it's the delivery of it that will blow your mind. As for your response?
Only when it happens will you know what it'll actually be.

_______________________________________________

Well, crap.

Awards Season!

2011-01-28T09:02:00.004-05:00

In case you don't have time to catch up on all of the recent Oscar nominees before the February 27th awards show, you can now spend 5 minutes to absorb all there is about these talked-about pictures (by some pretty awesome actors!):

The Social Network

The Fighter

127 Hours

The King's Speech

Black Swan

Who is your pick for this year's "Best Picture" award?

2011-01-27T20:33:00.000-05:00

“Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth, “You owe me.” Look what happens with a love like that; it lights the whole sky.”

Workin' on it...

Sunday night

2011-01-24T14:14:00.002-05:00

I would give anything to go back to this right now.

If that doesn't make your heart explode into fireflies, there's something wrong with you. ;)

2011-01-20T13:06:00.004-05:00

Is there an emotional support group for people battling bed bugs? I feel like I need a sterile place to go and cry.

Stuff my boyfriend says...

2011-01-20T09:29:00.002-05:00

"Sleep tight, love. Don't let the bedbugs bite! ... Oh, I forgot! Sorry!!"

Don't let the bed bugs bite!

2011-01-19T12:17:00.004-05:00

Yeah, yeah.. that cheeky little rhyme was so cute when we were children! Now, it's a terrifying reality for anyone (especially those who live in New York City). It's no secret that New York is battling an infestation of bed bugs. Bed bugs that have mutated genetically to resist pesticides. They're in stores, movie theaters, apartments, and workplaces all over the city.

This morning, I found a bed bug. A tiny, flat, reddish-brown bug that was crawling across my pillow.. right in front of my face! I have never gotten out of bed so fast! I grabbed the parasite with a tissue and closed it in a tight container. I stripped the bed and put all sheets, blankets, and pillows in trash bags sealed tightly.

When inspecting the mattress and box spring, I didn't see any other bed bugs which makes me wonder: Can you have only one bed bug?

I had to leave the apartment and go to work with the promise that an Exterminator will be visiting my residence sometime today. The good news is that Penny is relatively safe as bed bugs do not target pets. The bad news is that she is probably the transporter of the parasites.

Hopefully, I can get everything taken care of very quickly and not have to worry about being bitten in my sleep (seriously, I can't even type it without shuddering). I am itching all over today and it's not because I have been bitten, it's because I feel positively disgusting. I feel like showering in boiling water.

Yes, I know and understand that having bed bugs doesn't mean you're a dirty person, but I still feel incredibly gross. (*Note: I couldn't even upload that picture in full size because it makes me feel so sick.)

YUUUUUUUCCCCKKKKK!!!!!!!!!

Slushy City

2011-01-18T21:35:00.002-05:00

This water could be 1 inch deep, or 1 foot. The only way to find out is to step off the curb. Unfortunately, this is what New York City blocks look like now. Every single curb has an unsuspecting ice pool disguised as a wet street. Take the plunge!

Best and Worst Dressed at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards

2011-01-17T11:31:00.006-05:00

So, I spent a good 5 hours last night watching and judging the Golden Globe awards (please note that I am no professional!) and I have to say, it was the best red carpet I've seen in a long time. There weren't that many disasters and most people looked really great! Seems that the colors of this awards season are pale pinks, champagnes, nudes, and whites, black (come on, isn't that every year?), and emerald green! I loved that so many ladies showed up in such a rich, green hue! Angelina Jolie (who FINALLY wore something that had a color!), Catherine Zeta Jones, Elizabeth Moss (MadMen), and Mila Kunis were a few that rocked the green!

So here are my picks for best and worst of the red carpet:

Best Dressed: No contest, this one goes to Anne Hathaway. The Rachel Zoe team knocked it out of the park putting her in this Armani Prive Fall 2011 gown. The completely open back and exaggerated shoulders added some visual interest while the seemingly demure dress did its job. Fits her perfectly. Well done.

Worst Dressed: Oh, Natalie, dear.. you're on top of the world right now with Black Swan getting rave reviews and No Strings Attached coming out right after. You've been on (or in) almost every single women's magazine in the past 2 months and you show up in this disaster by Viktor & Rolf? You look like a tacky Valentine's Day store window. There are SO many ways to do "pregnant on the red carpet", call Heidi Klum and Catherine Zeta Jones and ask them for advice. My advice for this one? Burn it.

There's my opinions.. what do you think? Who had it goin' on and who was a walking disaster?

Only the prettiest of kitties get kitty-colds..

2011-01-16T14:05:00.001-05:00

Feeling a lot like this today:

Penny's got a kitty cold (they say it's very common for a kitten to develop a cold several days after being in a shelter). Poor thing. She feels bad, so bad, in fact, that she kept me up all night trying to find comfort. At least she's sleeping now... ::sigh::

The Daily Lust

2011-01-15T21:36:00.001-05:00

I want this bed. (though, for personal preference, I'd probably remove the yellow)

Meet Penelope!

2011-01-15T18:40:00.004-05:00

According to AdoptAPet.com, there are 100,000 homeless cats and dogs in need of adoption in New York City. I know why: it is entirely too difficult to adopt an animal in New York. Craig and I decided that a kitten would be a nice addition to my apartment several months ago. Since then, we have researched every single thing that would be needed to adopt a kitten. We looked into shelters, volunteer organizations, pet shops, everywhere we could possibly find a kitten.

We knew getting a young kitten (like 6-12 weeks) would be better for our situation since adjusting a grown cat into a small studio apartment could be difficult. What we didn't expect was all of the red tape we'd have to go through to adopt.

Aside from the fees (anywhere from $100.00-$250.00), there was an unusual amount of effort and paperwork needed to adopt a kitten. Some places wouldn't place a single kitten in the home, kittens had to go in pairs. Another wanted to do a home visit (after a lengthy application) before allowing the kitten to be adopted and then a personal delivery to the home. Others wanted to do home visits for several years after the kitten was adopted. Phone calls, references, applications, there is no wonder so many pets go unadopted.

Finally, we were able to find a place that had healthy pets and a reasonable adoption process. Still, it took 3 days after finding the kitten to get everything together (phone calls, gathering paperwork, checking of references, etc.) before we were allowed to take her home.

They actually had a litter of actual kittens, not cats that were 1+ years old. And so, Penelope came home with me on 1/11/11.

Since coming to my apartment, she's been a joy. She knows how to use the litter box and has yet to have a single accident in the home. She's relatively clean, hiding toys under the bed unless she wants to play with them, and even though she loves to keep you up at night, it's hard to be mad at that face just wanting to snuggle you. She still has a few moments of skiddish-ness, but seems to have adjusted well to living here.

Oh, and she loves to sit on the computer keyboard.. making it incredibly hard to blog...

Affected

2011-01-13T14:43:00.004-05:00

There are several websites I visit on a daily basis; the blogs listed to the right, Facebook, Twitter, and The Frisky.

Since discovering The Frisky more that 2 years ago, I have followed the lives of the women who write for the site, their trials and tribulations, from financial issues, dating dramas, marriage woes, getting in shape, among many other life journeys. When I started reading, Editor in Chief Amelia had just gone through a similar broken engagement situation that I had just experienced a few months earlier. I read her writings and felt a kin to her, as I had just experienced those same emotions too.

Another writer, Jessica, wrote frequently about her 2 year relationship. One that was "practically perfect in every way". She wrote about how they talked about an upcoming engagement, even bought a dress for the eventual engagement party. I have felt like I know these women, I follow in their triumphs and their failures, like finding best friends in the pages of a book.

___________________________________________________________________

On Saturday evening, Craig and I had ventured out to Ikea in Red Hook, Brooklyn to search for some additional storage pieces for my apartment. We took the ferry in the snow to Brooklyn, found the perfect piece, and ventured back home to put it all together. Craig got to work building the shelf while I ran to the store and came back to make dinner. While waiting for some mushrooms and onions to caramelize, I checked out my Twitter feed from my phone. I was surprised to find Ameila tweeting about un-following a friend/co-worker's ex boyfriend and taking sides "20th Century style".

I quickly dove in to find out who it was. Who had broken up with their boyfriend? Who had even been dating someone? It didn't take long for me to find it: Jessica's boyfriend dumped her.

In the following days, she has written lengthy articles about their relationship, how surprised she was about the sudden turn of events, and today, how she has been able to fall out of love.

This week, I have literally been in a tug-of-war over my emotions and it hit me today that Jessica's failed relationship has struck a chord with me. It has shaken something deep within me. So much so, that I have subconsciously questioned everything about myself.

In Jessica's case, she was in a relationship she thought was on-track to marriage and was completely struck with the reality that it was not as it seemed. The man she loved was not as he seemed and she is left reveling in what she should have done, could have done, and what she will do now.

Why does this affect me? I'm not exactly sure. Maybe it's because I know what she's feeling. I know the shock, the hurt, the disbelief, and the embarrassment that comes from a breakup like that. I know what it is like to finally uncover and understand that the person you thought you were with was not that person at all. And ultimately, I guess it makes me wonder if it will happen to me again.

Of course, I know that she and I are not the same person. Where something that happens to her will not automatically happen to me. Please know that I am aware of this. I know that I should never compare my relationship and my life to one of another and that each individual has experiences that are unique to them. But, I have to admit it has affected me.

"Why do you doubt me?" Craig has said to me this week. And in reality, I don't doubt him. When I think about him I see him as an individual, one that has no ties or connections to anything in my past. If anything, I see him as my shining light at the end of the tunnel. He fills my heart with joy and happiness each and every day and I hope that he feels the same way about me.

When I think about the situation at hand, I think that he is exactly the person he seems to be. No smoke and mirrors, no lies, nothing concealed from me. He is honest and kind, loving and affectionate, and takes care of me. More importantly, I feel that he wants to do these things, to be that person, not because he feels like he has to.

So why does one article written by someone I have never met affect me so? Why does reading about someone else's shock and betrayal make me think that it will eventually happen to me? Is it because it has happened to me? Are we all destined to have one huge heartbreak in our lives and once we get past it we're good to only have happiness? And if not, how do you know? How do you protect yourself?

In trying to answer my own question, I know that no one can predict the future and you can never be prepared for the rug to be pulled out from under your feet. You can only love with your entirety, for that is the only way to love. That is the only way I love. And in moving forward and pressing on, I will try to remember to push away the demons of the past and love wholly and completely, with everything I have.

The Daily Lust

2011-01-13T12:24:00.002-05:00

I'm aware that this is actually a "wedding dress", but all I can see is a beautiful gown perfect for a winter soiree.

Oscar de la Renta "Swansdown" Gown ($ I don't even want to know how much)

2011-01-10T11:49:00.002-05:00

I don't understand how expectant mothers handle the emotional rollercoaster. I had to make a phone call this morning to find out if I could have the kitten I picked out yesterday in my apartment. I almost threw up, I was so nervous.

2010-12-29T00:00:00.001-05:00

‎"This is love, she thought, isn't it? When you notice someone's absence and hate that absence more than anything? More, even, than you love his presence?"
— Jonathan Safran Foer (Everything Is Illuminated)

A few of my favorite things..

2010-12-28T12:13:00.010-05:00

Okay, so 2010 is winding down and at some point, I'll have to dig thorough my blog archives and see how I shaped up 2010 and if I hit any of my targets for the year. For now, I'll simply share some of my favorite things:

Super tall kitchen cabinets with a "library ladder" to reach them

Seriously, though. How cool would that be???

These gorgeous Jimmy Choo sandals are sitting in a window of a NYC consignment shop

IN MY SIZE

Unfortunately, I have never encountered the shop actually open.

Hopefully, these babies will be fated into my life at a reasonable price!

A rocking chair built for two.

Don't tell me that's not nifty..

Dresses with full skirts.

This one is from ModCloth and rings in at a cool $399.99

Time to find a knock-off!!

Beautiful, colorful wedges for 2011

Nine West, available now for preorder

Uggs. I used to hate Uggs. Until, my feet were freezing in NYC.

I got these shoes for Christmas and they've hardly left my feet since.

I'm in love with them and I want MORE MORE MORE MORE!!

Fanciful luggage.. Just because.

Terrida Upright Trolly - Retail: $1,290.00

Cutesy plates and mugs.

Kate Spade, Sag Harbor Green mug

Forehead kisses. Really now, who doesn't love that?

Claw-footed bathtubs

(Well, clean bathrooms in general)

BRUNCH! I just love brunch!

I can't wait until spring in the city to enjoy a good outdoor brunch again.

Supposedly, Double Crown makes THE BEST bloody marys.

I've never had the bloody mary, but the food was pretty spot on!

This idea. So so cool..

The fact that someone knitted an entire casing for the Financial District Bull

MORE TO COME!

2010-12-24T20:47:00.003-05:00

This is probably the closest I will ever come to spending New Years Eve in Times Square. 7 days prior, in a cab.

I hate this movie

2010-12-24T20:41:00.003-05:00

I mean it, I hate "A Christmas Story". My father loves this movie and every Christmas, TBS plays "A Christmas Story" for a full 24 hours. Thus, my father watches it for the entire 24 hours. It could very well be the reason why I hate that movie.

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! May you all be blessed!

2010-12-20T22:12:00.001-05:00

We shivered and shook, our breath made soft clouds in the air, Jack Frost nipped at our noses; but we went to see it anyway. And it was beautiful. Merry Christmas, dear ones.

2010-12-14T12:08:00.001-05:00

2010-12-13T23:43:00.002-05:00

"There's a pale winter moon in the sky coming through my window
And the park is laid out like a bed below
It's a cold, dark night and my heart melts like the snow
And the bells of New York City tell me not to go

It's always this time of year that my thoughts undo me
With the ghosts of many lifetimes all abound
But from these mad heights I can always hear the sound
Of the bells of New York City singing all around

Stay with me, stay with me
Refuge from these broken dreams
Wait right here, awake with me
On silent, snow filled streets."

-Josh Groban, Bells of New York City

'Tis the season to... overindulge

2010-12-13T11:42:00.004-05:00

My diet is seriously off track. In fact, I have fallen further back in this week than I did over my Thanksgiving at home, including 3 full Thanksgiving dinners.

This week, Craig and I attended 3 Christmas parties (with one after-party) and a birthday celebration accompanied with enough fried food to make even the North Carolina State Fair weep with cardiac fear.

All of the food and drinks of the week and not a single foot in the gym, literally left us flat on our backs Saturday night, a Ginger-Ale on each night stand, sharing a bottle of Pepto Bismol.

I'm feeling slightly better this Monday afternoon, after having a single tomato for dinner Sunday night and a slice of bread with peanut butter on it for breakfast this morning. One thing I have certainly learned: I just can't eat like I used to. I think I have literally shrunk my stomach so that I simply cannot indulge like I have before. When I do, I feel sick, nauseous, and my stomach bloats, leaving me looking like I'm 5 months pregnant. (yikes!)

So, I vow to get back on it! I've still got a ways to go to meet my goal and after a month and a half, I've probably just broken even. Going to try to stay in the negatives moving forward! Hold me to it!

Stuff My Boyfriend Says...

2010-12-12T19:19:00.002-05:00

"I could never get away with beating you.. you bruise too easily."

*Upon noticing a pattern of small triangles bruised into my back from taking a 20 min bath laying on my anti-slip pads*

2010-12-10T17:30:00.001-05:00

In the 5th grade, I was in a Spelling Bee. I was eliminated from the competition after incorrectly spelling "Engineer".

Now, every time I spell "Engineer", I think of that contest. Kinda weird, huh?

H&M Spring 2011 Lookbook

2010-12-08T13:16:00.002-05:00

Just take a moment to enjoy the pretty:

I sort of fell head-over-heels with maxi dresses last summer and I don't think I'm going to get through the season without a few more. And high-waisted, wide-leg pants? Yes please!

VA in NY

2012 Gridiron Classic - 4 Miles

Stuff my boyfriend says..

Happy 2nd Anniversary, MealPlan!!

Sh*t Fashion Girls Say (A Sh*t Girls Say Parody)

What Makes Love True, Tiffany & Co.

Awards Season!

Uh oh....

NYC HALF

A Childhood State

"It's hard to dance with the devil on your back. So, shake him off.."

Oh, you thought I was done?

Stuff my boyfriend says...

You are amazing!

Marathon Training: Day 1

Elon, and a note about forgiveness

Stuff my boyfriend says..

Hump Day Hilarity

Who has a child that I can borrow for Halloween???

Can someone teach Craig how to do a proper "self-portrait"?

The Lights

My Last Dollar

Sneak Peek!

Tonight!

Irene's coming!

Holy Crap! I think I just won something!

Irene

Get in my closet!

Let's fast-forward 10 years...

Where is this and who will take me there???

Do you ever feel like this?

Stuff my boyfriend says..

Shoe Forecasting??

Goodbye, Wendell

I really wish I could say I was done with bedbugs...

AccuWeather Forecast - Nationwide

Challenge

Penny Vs. Paper

Birthday time!

Someone has a birthday tomorrow...

I'll be on a cruise ship in two weeks

Craig and I at the gym

"A SQUIIIRREEELLL"

This annoys me..

The Death of Bin Laden

I couldn't stand the pre-wedding coverage...

My Life

I need this:

Another Look-Alike?

Give a little...

Cat Brain

Stuff my boyfriend says..

Weekend in Review: 2/25 - 2/27

Weekend in Review: 2/19 - 2/20

Incentive

Vera Wang Branches Out

Update:

Look-Alikes

Today in Cuteness

Stuff My Boyfriend Says

An Open Letter to my Bedbugs

The Daily Lust

"Don't let the..."

The Daily Lust

Horoscope for the week of January 31st 2011

Awards Season!

Sunday night

Stuff my boyfriend says...

Don't let the bed bugs bite!

Slushy City

Best and Worst Dressed at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards

Only the prettiest of kitties get kitty-colds..

The Daily Lust

Meet Penelope!

Affected

The Daily Lust

A few of my favorite things..

I hate this movie

'Tis the season to... overindulge

Stuff My Boyfriend Says...

Sht Fashion Girls Say (A Sht Girls Say Parody)