Bopril

I Heart Fall

I am tired of writing about my inconsistent posting to this blog. It's the same old story, and it's boring. So instead, Internet, I'm going to share with you a few bullets on my love of the fabulous fall season:

• Fall Fashion - it's no secret that I'm a magazine addict (no, really - I read them all) and my favorite issue (by far) is always September because it is the fall fashion issue. Loving the boyfriend jeans and blazers, the leggings, the sheath dresses, and of course - my favorite staples - boots and scarves and blazers. I've got my eye on some pretty fabulous boots...and I pulled out my existing collection this week which makes me very happy. Also - I'm enjoying my fall wardrobe more than ever this year thanks to my workplace recently switching from "business casual" to "tastefully casual." If you're confused at the distinction, allow me to translate for you: I can wear jeans. Not just on Fridays. Please commence cheering on my behalf. Thank you.
• Fall TV - psyched for the return of cherished staples (Grey's, Brothers & Sisters, Mad Men) and getting psyched for a few new additions to the DVR schedule. So far, the front runner is Modern Family - I've seen two episodes and laughed my ass off through both. Good stuff. Liking Glee too - pairing a football team with a Beyonce inspired dance routine? Count me in. And it isn't new, but since I'm talking TV, I can't fail to mention Chelsea Lately. I live for that show. It elicits the kind of laughter that literally hurts. And frankly, that is the only action my abs are seeing these days, so I'll take it!  
• The weather - this is my favorite time of year weather wise. There is a crisp chill, but only enough to necessitate a sweater or blazer - no need to pull out the down puffer coats. The leaves are changing and daylight is already beginning to fade early...it makes me want to make soup, grab a chai latte and chill in front of a warm fire. It also makes me want to plan a weekend excursion to Michigan or Wisconsin to do some fall hiking and take in the gorgeous scenery. Suggestions welcome. 
• Mums, pumpkins and candy corn. Enough said. 
• The promise of holidays right around the corner. First up Halloween - already looking for the perfect costumes for the boys. And this year, Hubby and I will participate in the fun too - we are attending a combined 30/40 birthday celebration and Internet, it's a costume party. Again, suggestions welcome. 
• Festive decor - our home is adorned with mini pumpkins, a variety of witches and other accents of the fall season. Love that.  

What are you loving these days? 

Another Summer, Gone in a Blink

2009 featured a very odd summer here in Chicago. All in all, I'd describe it as very short, unusually mild and exceedingly fast. It seems like yesterday that we made the first trip of the season to the lake and dusted off the wave runner, our rafts and our deck side chairs.

What can I say? Time is maniacal these days; I can barely keep up. We ended summer pretty much the same way we began...good conversation, naps in the sun, reading in the breeze, yummy wine, bbq's, good friends, runs around the lake and of course, plenty of doggie fun. 

The early morning light at the lake is truly remarkable; I often wake up and stare at it, mesmerized out my window, but I've never grabbed my camera to capture it. A travesty, right?! So this trip, I snagged my camera bag and headed out extra early to capture the magnificence...the buttery light is really indescribable. And my amateur photographer skills don't do it justice - not by far - but I thought it fitting to share.

As summer winds to its inevitable end and you gear up to begin yet another work week, don't forget to pause - just for a minute - and let a little light in.

I hope 2009 was your happiest summer yet.

Pushing Forward

Work has consumed almost all of my energy over the last couple of weeks, but Internet, I'm not going to dwell on the negative implications of that statement. I am going to focus. Focus on the positive.

Meaning I will remind myself that this has been a time for me to step up my efforts to lead and grow my experience, my skill set and my confidence. It has been an opportunity to interact directly with people that I've previously had limited access to. And most importantly, it has provided an opportunity to reset my approach, and take a long hard look at my attitude.

It hasn't been easy and I haven't been a ray of sunshine (not even close, just ask Hubby), but I have pushed through. And even in less than ideal circumstances, I have learned and embraced new people that have introduced me to new ways of thinking and entirely different perspectives.

I can live with that.

But I'll tell you a secret - I cannot wait to finish my to-do list and meetings tomorrow and head to one of my favorite spots. I've got big plans. They look something like this:

• devour the HUGE stack of fall fashion magazines I have purchased, but been unable to dive into (side note: I'm LOVING the fall trends for this year - more to come on this in a different post)
• play with my dogs as much as possible. believe it or not, they are cuter than ever and inspiring tons of laughter these days
• runs around the lake (confession: probably more like a run/walk mixture)
• yummy food and more importantly, yummy wine
• relaxation
• catching up with MIL
• hanging with Hubby
• relaxation
• re-aquainting myself with my camera. i've barely picked it up lately, and I'm really missing it!
• sitting at the end of the dock and combining the fall fashion reading, the wine drinking and the relaxation
• relaxation - have I mentioned this one already?

And you? Big plans to wind down summer 2009 (what there has been of it)? The last week or 2 in Chicago have featured fall weather. While I'm nervous at how early it has arrived and what that means for the weeks ahead, I must admit, it is my favorite weather. So I'll end with an image that screams "fall."

You're welcome.

Oh, and PS, happy Love Thursday all. I have been lax in posting these lately, but will return to the habit. Promise.