Redemption

source: a. singh, 2010

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors,
and let each new year find you a better man..." - Benjamin Franklin

As most people do at the cusp of the pending year, I tend to think about the last twelve months - how much I've changed, how much I've lost and how much I've gained. This year, I remember how much I've given in love, received in love and all that I've gotten in return.

I'll just be honest, my 2011 seemed to be filled with complete loss. I've lost grip with the familiar - lifelong friends, loved ones, my job - and there were times when the world looked like it was determined to press itself against me. I wondered why people did the things they did and I felt as though there was no one I could trust. When I vented my frustrations, I realize that I went into victim mode, and in turn, this transformed into guilt.

I thought I'd always look at this year as one that I'd like to put behind me. But now, with two days left in 2011, I realize that while I've lost my faith in some people and circumstances, I've simultaneously learned so much about myself in return. I've learned how resilient I really am and how well I can bounce back when life gets tough. I've also learned to stand up for myself and say no (and really meaning it this time...) I've come to really appreciate the support system I have in my life. Most importantly, I've learned what true love is. Whether it be from family, friends or a significant other, unconditional love is something that you can't value until you've hit that proverbial brick wall - when it seems like you can't go anymore in any direction. When you are difficult, irrational, and so angry at the world, yet finding that someone is still there to dry your tears or simply pick up the phone when you call. And for this unconditional love, I am grateful.

With that being said, thank you 2011, for teaching me that while things can be worse, I'm still learning how to deal with unexpected circumstances. Although I will continue to question people and fall back into familiar patterns, I still have the ability to appreciate the good along with the bad, while building trust in myself and others. Lastly, I'm lucky enough to have people in my life that remind me of this and so much more, especially when I tend to forget...

If You Don't Know...

Happy Wednesday, folks!

So it's the third official day of vacay...it's practically Thursday already!

Here's a weekly round-up of interesting web finds...

• New York Magazine has gathered a list of Vulture's Top 30 Clickables - fun amateur vids that have apparently caused quite a stir on the 'net. Beyonce Surprising School Kids is definitely among my faves.
  

• There will be no Friday in Samoa this week! Read the NPR article here.
  

• Every year, I have new year's resolutions. And every year, I struggle to maintain them! Here are some tips on how to keeps yours intact.

• I fully intend on making this easy yet delicious baked egg recipe. Crack eggs in a buttered ramekin bowl, season and place in oven. I love simplicity!

• Finally, I received this feel-good e-mail from a great friend (Thanks, Jeff!) Seems perfect for the new year...

Enjoy!

xoxo andrea

The Mayonnaise Jar

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle,
When 24  hours in a day is not enough;
remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of  coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and  had some items
in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large
and empty mayonnaise jar and start to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar.
He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again  if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand  and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded
With an unanimous  "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the  table
and poured the entire contents into the jar,
effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.

"Now," said the  professor, as the laughter subsided,
"I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - God,  family, children,
health, friends, and favorite passions  -
Things that if everything else was lost  and  only they remained,
your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else --  The small stuff."

"If you put the sand into the jar  first," he continued, "there is no room
for the pebbles or the golf  balls.

The same goes for life.   If you spend all your time and energy
on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that  are important to you.

So...

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness:

Play with your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.
There will always be time  to clean the house and fix the dripping tap.

Take care of the golf balls first --  The things that really  matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand  and inquired what the coffee
represented.
The  professor smiled.   "I'm glad you asked."
"It just goes to show you that  no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Please share this with the other "Golf Balls" in your life...

I  just did...... 

Note To Self...

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"There is no pleasure in having nothing to do;
the fun is having lots to do and not doing it..."
-Andrew Jackson

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas...

Merry, Merry Christmas! It's about 5:45am and although I wrapped my presents early, I'm wide awake - kind of like I was almost 25 years ago when I was a wee girl of 7!

If you're a fan of the holidays like I am, I'm hoping to take advantage of each every minute of it! Here are a few ways to enjoy what's left of this year's Christmas season:

Have at least one elaborate, sit-down meal. Take time to set the table and arrange your food family style. Orange juice in a wine glass? Tea in a cup with a saucer? Why the heck not?!? The holidays are the perfect excuse to have your meals in style! Enjoy conversation and laughter while you dine. Starting or spending the day solo? Accompany your sit-down meal with a book, newspaper or music. Avoid watching television so you can really take advantage of every second.

Wear comfortable clothes. For me, comfortable equals happy...and it's possible to be fashionable and comfortable simultaneously. Make sure that you wear clothing that doesn't constrict, reveal or requires too much adjusting - especially if you're headed to a gathering. When I find myself in any of these situations, I'm so worried about my outfit that I forget about what's going on around me! Ditto for hair, make-up and shoes - keep 'em simple if you can...

Don't take a ba-zillion photos. Sounds like an oxymoron, right? Taking photos are the only way to preserve memories! Wrong. I'm not saying to forgo photos altogether, but try to focus on a few that would capture key moments. I find that when I'm in charge of the camera, I'm so busy zooming in, finding the right light, focus, etc. that I miss what's really important - the reality of the moment. Rotating camera duties can be helpful, or try passing it on to a family member that doesn't mind missing out on the good stuff!

Play music all day long. My family and I listen to music all day on Christmas - starting at breakfast and ending right before bedtime. Keeping the music light and energetic gives your holiday a personal soundtrack. Set the volume to a normal level so you can still converse, eat, nap, etc. without feeling disturbed.

Laugh. Some people tend to forget this very important step! At a social gathering, team up with someone you know or zero in on the happy crowd. If you're alone this season, call up a friend or relative or watch a funny movie - do something that'll make you feel great!

Take a warm bath before bed. My mom swears that a long, warm bath before bed is the best feeling in the world. And nothing feels better after a hectic holiday shopping season. When the gifts are unwrapped, trash is thrown out, dishes are put away and everyone's in bed, enjoy the solo time - you've made it through another crazy year!

Have a wonderful Christmas!!! =)

xoxo andrea

Note to Self...

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“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together..."
- Marilyn Monroe

Singin' the Blues

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense..."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I took the above photo in 2009. In fact, I took a ton of photos that day - it was Columbus Day and I decided to spontaneously head to the beach to forget about absolutely everything for just a few hours. Each time I look at this album, it calms me. It brings me back to a single moment when all seemed right in my little world.

Today, I had a bad day. I don't usually blog about bad days, but today really sucked. I won't go into too much detail, but in short, I'm drained. Life can do that to a girl sometimes. Even the ones who desperately try to wear those silly rose-colored glasses on a daily basis.

As this day comes to an end, I'm looking at happy photos. Listening to some happy tunes. Watching a happy show. I'm also looking forward to sleep. Drowning my sorrows in a coma-induced nocturnal slumber, hoping tomorrow will be better. That's the good things about bad days - they eventually end.

xoxo andrea

Note to Self...

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If You Don't Know...

Howdy folks!

Christmas is almost a week away! Yowsahs!

Here are some awesome 'net finds that'll hopefully help get you through this hectic week:

• I absolutely adore this Zen-like approach to reducing holiday stress.

• Paper clips that double as wrapping paper holders? A hollowed-out book as a gift box? A CD case as a picture frame? I love, love, love practical uses for everyday objects! Real Simple has tons of ideas for converting the ordinary in finding New Uses for Old Things.

• If you love music and want the world to know it, check out Shirtify, a service that'll send you a band t-shirt based on your online radio playlists. Oh yeah! Maybe you'll finally get that MC Hammer shirt you've always wanted!
  

• Wondering how many days left until Groundhog's Day? 2012 Holiday Countdowns does the work for you! (By the way, it's 46...come onnn, short winter!)

• Last but not least, if you're in need of some holiday spirit, I suggest A Christmas Story, a funny movie about being a kid during the holiday season. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas or find yourself bah-humbugging all over the place, it'll give you a much-needed laugh. And who doesn't like to laugh?

Click for source

Enjoy!

xoxo andrea

On Being Fair to Yourself

In all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it suddenly dawned on me that during the mad rush of shopping, wrapping and giving, we forget to be fair to ourselves. I'm not saying to be a complete narcissist here, but to really incorporate some simple ways to remember that special someone...you! Here are a few tips to do just that:

• Don't stress out. The holidays are meant to be fun 'n festive. We tend to lose the joy of it all by getting impatient in long lines, running around like a mad person from store to store, looking for the perfect gift to get that special someone, etc. And if you're like me, you like to put some real thought into it. With exactly 1 shopping week left, it may help to make a list of all of your recipients with possible gift ideas and store locations. Then, group your shopping trips according to distance. Or, shop online! Most online retailers guarantee shipping by Christmas if you order by this weekend...

• Stick to a budget. This is a little tip I got from my mom and bro: Give yourself a spending limit for each person on your list. You may feel a bit restricted, so it might help to include a small window for a little splurge. Believe me, you'll be glad you did once you look at that January bill!

• Be "casual chic" on your holiday shopping adventures. Ok, this may seem really silly, but I truly believe that what you wear on the outside can help bring out your best on the inside. When I go shopping in track pants with haphazard hair and old gym shoes, I feel unhappy, lethargic and just plain out of it. No one's asking you to emulate Beyonce, but try doing your holiday errands in clothing that's comfortable and that you feel good in (there's a real difference!) Wear makeup if that's your thing and try a hairstyle that's practical yet stylish. Feeling great will help in boosting your mood and energy levels!
  

• Buy a little something for you. Gasp! Yourself?!? Yes! Now I don't mean a shopping spree...treat yourself to a great cup of coffee, lunch, a manicure, time with your favorite book or loved one in between your shopping frenzy. It won't kill you to take an hour out of your day and just relax. Also, it definitely helps in re-charging for your next round of activities!
  

• Don't hesitate in giving a homemade gift. If you have a hobby or just enjoy being creative, working on pastimes that inspire you can make perfect gifts. Whether it's a painting, framed photograph, knitted scarf, a sentimental letter on special stationary or a home cooked meal/dessert, not only are you doing something you love, but you are sharing it with someone special. Personally, I love homemade gifts! Nothing is more genuine than knowing that someone spent time thinking of you...

• Schedule a post-New Year's date. Whether it's with a significant other, family, friends, or yourself, make a plan to spend a few hours having fun in the near future...and stick to it! You'll already have something to look forward to in the new year.

I'm usually the type of person to keep going and going until I'm plain ol' exhausted, especially around this time of year. Today I simply asked myself, "Why?!?" This holiday season, I urge you to keep yourself in mind, as well as your loved ones. It's well-deserved! =)

xoxo andrea

Note to Self...

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"...I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles...”

- Audrey Hepburn

If You Don't Know...

Hip Happenin' Saturday!

I haven't gotten a chance to blog much week...super busy and super sick! Ick!

Can you believe that Christmas is only 14 days away?!? I haven't even begun shopping yet! Yikes!!!

Care for some interesting web finds?? Fantabulous!

• You'd think that the holiday season would bring out the kindness in people. Instead, we're seen pushing fellow shoppers, fighting for parking spots, and shouting at weary cashiers when they aren't moving fast enough. This year, I encourage you smile a little! Etiquette guru Emily Post offers advice about holiday politeness (and happiness!) here.

• Speaking of happiness, get your optimism fix at Only Positive News. It's quite the shift from your local paper's front page.
  

• Washing fruit seems so easy...until it's time to peel off that annoying little sticker. Designer and engineer Scott Amron has invented Fruitwash, a sticker that dissolves into fruit soap. Check out the NPR article here. Amron also created the Brush & Rinse toothbrush. I wonder if this guy is behind that body wash/shampoo/shaving cream combo for men as well. Um...how busy are we, people??

• A woman received a very angry letter from a man who felt "led on" by their one and only date...and decided to out the poor guy on the web. (Well, not really poor...he's an investment manager...) Hey, I felt bad for Mike! Until I read that he Googled miscellaneous info about her...including her age and e-mail address. Woah. Read the story (and letter) from the Huffington Post here.

• Chivalry's dead? Not for Keanu Reeves! Watch him give up his seat for a woman on the Q train. Thanks, Keanu!

Enjoy!

xoxo andrea

If You Don't Know...

Happy December, folks! I can't believe it's here already...and winter's finally setting in. I think I'm ready to transfer my Fall wardrobe and break out the cold weather gear! Whoo. Hoo. (Sense the tone...=)

Staying in from the frigid temps has lead me to more interesting (holiday-centered) 'net finds! Ch-ch-check 'em out:

• The New York Times has released their "100 Notable Books" - 2011 edition. Scroll through for great holiday gift ideas for the readers in your life! Check out the article here and the printable version here.
  

• From books to Blahnik, perusing Vogue's Perfectly Extravagant Holiday Gift Guide can make a girl feel like a million bucks! (Anyone want a Cubebot? Anyone? Anyone?)
  

• A holiday tour?? Sign me up! Time Out New York has compiled a list of some fun seasonal activities in and around the city. There's even an indoor tour at the Queens County Farm Museum! Warmth and local indoor crafts?? Check!
  

• ***NERD ALERT*** Did someone say "crafts??" Be the coolest host on the block with nifty-est napkins around...find the step-by-step guide here.

• Finally, these two gals were dismissed by Craigslist when they posted their ad for some temporary holiday lovin'. Check out the story here and follow their journey via Tumblr here.

Enjoy!

xoxo andrea

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

(click for source)

...or is it??

New York Mag's put together a list of some of the chaos that happened as a result of the Black Friday/holiday shopping madness...what the heck?? Pepper sprayed for an Xbox?? Cutting in line and getting tasered?? Robbed at gunpoint in parking lots?? Jeez.

Seriously, is a 75" television even that necessary...and worth drawing blood? Do you really need that Blu-Ray player if it means turning into a werewolf? Most of the craziness seemed to happen at Walmart, but I also heard reports that a few high-end retailers were ransacked and even looted. I mean, really? Have some dignity, man!

All the Insanity From This Year's Black Friday Shopping

xoxo andrea

If You Don't Know...

I've been browsing the 'net in boredom (and procrastination) so I thought I'd share some interesting stuff that I came across in my cyber-venture:

• I've wanted to check out the High Line since last year, but my curiosity has now doubled since reading about the the "Low Line" - an underground version of the same. Read about it here.

• There's a new Muppets movie that was released this weekend, but I'm more into learning about the man behind the puppets himself. The Museum of the Moving Image has an exhibition of Jim Henson's work going on through 1/16.

• Mindy Kaling* just released a book that I absolutely love titled Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns). If you have a Nook, the enhanced version comes with real audio from Mindy narrating her hilarious childhood photos that I (and anyone) can relate to. I don't really like reading reviews, especially when they're negative, but check out Time Out New York's generally positive feedback here. (*Mindy plays "Kelly" from The Office and is my supposed long-lost twin. Hey, we all don't look alike, people!)

• Speaking of The Office, while watching an episode online, I saw Gwen Stefani's commercial for her new kids collection, Harajuku Mini. Such a cool concept! See it on YouTube.

• Finally, if you love the holidays like me (and you're lucky enough to live in New York City...), there's a few radio stations that play only holiday music now through Christmas! My fave is 106.7FM. If you don't have a radio around (I mean, seriously, who owns a radio these days?? =), you can check it out their online station here.
  

Enjoy!

xoxo andrea

Thanksgiving O' Mine

So yesterday was Thanksgiving and I thought to myself...what a perfect yet cliche reason to post! Here it goes - several people, places and things that I'm grateful for:

10. My 'hood. I was raised in Queens and I don't think I'd have it any other way. If you were to visit my neighborhood, you'd probably think to yourself, "Man, I should have packed my bulletproof vest!" but the block I grew up on is home to countless memories of my brother and I learning to ride our bikes, where we first put our hands behind a car wheel, walked to school, had snowball fights with my parents, played hazardous childhood games, etc. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

9. Transportation, especially, my car. An overlooked, yet necessary, commodity. When I was a teenager (ok, my late 20's...) I didn't think I'd ever need a car. I'd just walk everywhere I go or take the bus or train! RIGHT. Now I can't picture my life without it. As a teacher, I carry a TON of bags, and as a person, I like the comfort of A/C or a heated space that I don't have to wait for. Thank you, DMV! (Shout out to my fam who encouraged me to drive!) Can't knock the buses and trains, either. I can always depend on mass transit when I revert to my old philosophies! (or can't find my GPS...LOL)

8. My job. I love it. Yes, there are times that I want to pull my hair out, but to put it simply, I can wake up feeling pretty crappy and enter work feeling brand new.

7. Technology. Sure, it could be pretty annoying, especially when my phone loses a call, or sending a text takes forever. Or even when your age, residence, photo and current work location is displayed for your local psycho to see. But, I've come to really appreciate the convenience of browsing the Internet for a rare music track, watching a movie with two clicks of a mouse, or finding out new info through websites and other blogs. Now, do I think it'll be the cause of the world's debacle? YES.

6. Music. 'Nuff said.

5. Laughter. I don't know if it's because I think my dad is the funniest person in the WORLD, but I think the ability to make people laugh is truly a gift. Plus, who doesn't love to laugh??

4. Education. I'm not just talking about formal education, but life's lessons as well. I think people can get as many diplomas as they want, but having common sense is absolutely priceless.

3. A positive attitude. Ok, I'm allowed to get a little narcissistic here. =) I think a positive attitude can be a life-changer. I've had my share of challenges in life so far, just like you. The negative route seems just 'round the corner and I've been guilty of taking it. But, I was fortunate enough to have parents teach me that with hard work and the right attitude, you can go pretty far AND have peace of mind. To me, that is the epitome of positivity.

2. Books. *NERD ALERT* As a wee girl in the first grade, I used to max out my library card by taking out 25 books at a time. I knew since then that they can take you anywhere.

1. Love. I am so blessed with the amount of love that I've received in my life so far. More than I deserve at times. From unconditional love by my parents and brother to that of extended family, friends and a very significant other, I couldn't be luckier.

'Hope your Thanksgiving was glorious!

xoxo andrea

Glass Empty

I just heard that a former student of mine was killed over his iPhone.

His iPhone.

It's things like this that has changed me from the person I used to be. I wish I could say that I was the same girl that I was just 5 or so years ago. The truth is, I've begun to realize that it's close to impossible to live a 100% worry-free, happy-go-lucky life. What I've found to be the most difficult struggle is wiping the slate clean so that I'm not jaded anymore.

The thing is, the easiest thing to do is to succumb to the negativity. Let it break you. But I refuse to do that. I refuse to believe that life is just full of disappointment, heartbreak, loss and sorrow. I refuse to believe that there isn't any good left in the world. I refuse to believe that people are truly evil.

But why do these bad things happen? I find that the suffering of children is the worst of them all. Why do young people die? Why are there so many starving children in the world? Why do some parents treat their children like shit while others are praying for just one healthy child?

I don't get it.

A Little Light

I'm not a big fan of Charles Bukowski. My bf and countless others truly love this guy, but I personally think that he can come across as a bit brash at times. Alas! I came across this poem that kind of proves that there's a little light in everyone. =) Enjoy!

The Laughing Heart

by Charles Bukowski

your life is your life

don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.

be on the watch.

there are ways out.

there is a light somewhere.

it may not be much light but it beats the darkness.

be on the watch.

the gods will offer you chances.

know them.

take them.

you can’t beat death but

you can beat death in life, sometimes.

and the more often you learn to do it,

the more light there will be.

your life is your life.

know it while you have it.

you are marvelous.

the gods wait to delight

in you.

Why, Hello Again!

I can't believe it's been over a year since my last post! A lot has happened since then, and when I looked back at previous posts, I realized the past year was a tough one! Sheesh! So, I've decided to brighten up my blog a bit - I think I have to learn how to personalize it some more so that I don't use the Blogger templates. So not creative! (Shame on me!)

Right now it's cold in New York, and I have to say that it's about time. I don't know about you, but it needs to be Fall already! We're supposed to have a pretty rough winter (when don't we??), so I am determined to enjoy what's left of jacket weather before it becomes jacket-scarf-hat-gloves-boot-bust-your-you-know-what-on-the-ice weather, believe me.

This past summer I was on a smoothie KICK...avocado/banana is my absolute fave! I want to get back on the smoothie train again, but the pending wintry weather definitely does not strike my smoothie fancy at all. I think I'm going to give it a cold weather try - I hear that pumpkin smoothies are rather delish, although it sounds kind of disgusting at the same time. I'm dying to purchase the VitaMix - it's supposed to be the king of blenders! Blades are so sharp and fast that you can even make hot soup - right in the blender! Crazy! The price is just as crazy...almost $500! What the...

I've also (slowly) gotten back to reading! Yay! Grown-up books! Double the yay! Currently I'm re-reading Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, who is by far, one of my favorite authors. I think he's an absolutely amazing and funny writer. I've also read Bossy Pants by Tina Fey and it's also pretty hilarious. Speaking of which, I'm still getting used to my BNN Nook that my bro got me last Christmas. It's as convenient as they say, folks. I don't even have to lug my laptop around if I just want to browse web when I have it. AND it fits in my purse without giving me a back/shoulder ache. The only thing is, I can't part from actual, tangible, able-to-write-in books. There's something about opening a book, feeling the pages, writing/highlighting on paper that I just can't give up! If BNN closes, I'm not sure what I'd do...

I don't know if it's settling into my 30's or what, but I'm REALLY into cardigans these days. I've been pairing them with everything! My current fave is actually from :gasp!: New York and Company in a very bright royal blue that I want to wear everyday. Seriously. It's just so warm and comfy! Its nemesis is a longer version in gray that goes with just about everything I own. On a side note, my goal this winter is to wear as many bright, obnoxiously summery colors as possible. I think I'm getting over the neutral/gray/black tones. Join me in this revolution!

In any case, we are into the wee hours of Friday and I couldn't be happier! This week was the s...l...o...w...e...s...t... ever!!!

Hellooooo, weekend! =)

xoxo andrea