Bopril

2012 and That Whole Resolution Thing

Seeing as we have just finished the first week of 2012, it seems fitting to address that whole resolution topic. In general, I am pretty gung-ho for any excuse to reset, take stock, set goals and track progress, but even so, I don’t have a tried and true ritual as it relates to New Year resolutions. Some years, I do them in naggingly specific detail, and other years, I take a more laid back approach.

This year is a hybrid of those approaches, and I am essentially orbiting all goals, thoughts, wishes, and the like around one central theme. For the last couple of years, I have seen several folks in the blogosphere begin the year with one word that will define the coming 365 days, and every time I’ve thought I could never do that. But this year, very organically, a word stood out to me loud and clear.

That word is:

And so, while I’m not necessarily laying out a very specific list of goals to track against this year, I am challenging myself to place intention at the heart of everything. That might look different from day to day and month to month, but hopefully will help me achieve an overall shift toward center, toward a sense of balance that is different than the elusive (and frankly, fairy tale) sentiment so many of us spend so much time (and energy) chasing. I don’t believe we can “have it all” at the very same time, but I do believe we can take charge of what commands our focus, our energy, and our time each day.

I am not limiting myself or my activities, I am just giving them a filter. When I really stop to think about it, there are just way too many things --- from eating to spending to organizing and accepting responsibilities --- that I do without really thinking. Just status quo. Almost automated. I think this subtle shift is going to go a long way toward the bigger picture and end goal of living more mindfully. It won’t happen all the time or be anywhere near perfect, but over time, small changes can add up to big impact, and I think (hope) that might be the case here.

So, specifically, what might this mean for 2012? In no particular order:

• More books, less TV (yes, I will still watch TV. I love TV. I just don’t need to watch every new show that debuts, and honestly, there are a few in my current line-up that I could easily delete.)
• More writing/creating, less mindless interweb browsing (This one is HUGE. I lose hours falling down the rabbit hole the internet creates. I need to be much more intentional with my time in this space, and shift the ratio of creating/consuming more toward creating in 2012.)
• More water, less every other liquid (I am working so very hard on this one. Baby C is the primary driver behind this motivation, but it’s something I’ve needed to work on for a long time, and this is going to be my year.) (Erin, can I get an AMEN?!)
• More moving, less complaining (I am done with elaborate fitness related goals and plans. Move more. Eat less crap. It’s pretty much that simple. Since I’ll be doing a lot of expanding this year (ha), I’m very realistic that 2012 isn’t likely to be the year of my leanest self, but I want it to be the start of the healthiest me I can be, relevant circumstances accounted for.)
• More intentional kindness (I like to think I’m a kind person by nature, but I too often default to the electronic way these days, and I need to be better about this. I want to write more letters, send more birthday cards, make more phone calls to those I love, etc.)
• More mindful spending/less spontaneous buying (This is the year to really embrace financial planning. There are major things in store for us that are adding to the urgency --- having a child, buying a home, etc --- but I also just feel so much better when the financial ship is sailing smoothly, and there is no reason why it shouldn’t.)
• More walks, more sunsets, more deep breaths, less sweating the small stuff and worrying about things beyond my control and about the actions and reactions of others. That is their business, not mine. (‘Nuff said, amirite?!)
• More date nights with Husband, more play time with fur babes
• More self-confidence, assurance, and giving myself a break (at work, at home, as I work to accomplish these shifts, as I embrace Motherhood --- when I love and care for me, I am better at loving and caring for everything, and everyone, else, period.)
• More church (this one is for you, Mom. Kidding! I’m still a very faithful person, but I’ve let the regular practice of it slip in recent years, and – especially as we welcome a little one into our home and our hearts – I’d like to get back into a better groove spiritually.)

I am interested to see how this exercise impacts my daily routine (and state of mind) as well as the longer term. Here’s to living with intention in 2012 and beyond.

ReMEMEbering 2011

As I mentioned when I did this exercise last year, I'm of a reflective, nostalgic bent and the end of the year always kicks that up a notch, so this helps me send out one year with a bang and welcome another with open arms.

I can hardly believe another year is coming to a close, but I'm grateful as hell for all that 2011 brought and am so excited to jump feet first into 2012 and all that it holds.

I'm posting this as I leave what has been an amazing week of holiday fun with family, and while I'm sad to see it end, I am aware of my infinite blessing to have these people to create magic with again and again.

Happy New Year, friends! May 2012 bring you much health, happiness, peace and so much joy.

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1.  What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before? Traveled to Europe. Achieved a couple of milestones (more to come on those later, and sorry in advance for the tease).

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Honestly, I didn't really create much in the way of resolutions last year, but hoped to embrace every opportunity to live better, and while I made my fair share of mistakes, I think overall, I committed to this in a satisfactory way. More to come in 2012 for sure! 

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? My very best friend, who is truly more sister than anything, had a precious baby girl in April. I am her Godmother, and I love her fiercely. Many other good friends welcomed babies this year, and I've had way too much fun shopping for them, and wish I had infinitely more time with each to snuggle the day away. Babies are amazing, the end.

4. Did anyone close to you die? No, and the fact that this is the second consecutive year I've been able to type that is a blessing for which I am immensely grateful (and aware. oh, so aware).

5. What places did you visit? ITALY! We saw Rome, Venice, Florence, Tuscany, and Cinque Terre and each of those places captured my heart in a way I didn't know was possible. We closed out 2011 in Charleston, SC and it is without question the most charming place I've visited within the US in quite some time.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011? Honestly, not a thing. I'm ridiculously blessed, aware of my good fortune and grateful every day for the embarrassment of riches that colors my life.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? October 21, 2011, and November 5, 2011. There are a couple more days that do stand out, but these two will be tough to beat. I'm pleading the fifth on the why for now, content just to acknowledge that they were terrific days. :)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? As cliche as it sounds, taking a deep breath before responding more times than not. I don't do it every time, or probably even enough, but I think I've done it more this year than ever before, and that is something. It's amazing what perspective those few seconds and breaths can bring. They are powerful.

9. What was your biggest failure? Fitness, blah blah blah. So tired of this answer, and really need to do something about it longer term. I had hoped to be better about sharing in the responsibility of preparing healthy meals for our family, but without a doubt, Husband bore the brunt of this responsibility for yet another year. But the good news? 2012 awaits, and I can face this goal another day.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nothing too major --- colds and bouts with sinuses and minor bumps and bruises aside --- we have been mostly healthy, and I thank God for this daily.

11. What was the best thing you bought? Honestly? I'm not sure. Perhaps this means I need to be more aware of and purposeful with spending? Something to work on for sure.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Husband's as always. The man is kind of a saint. 

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? There are way too many obvious directions to go with this question, and I just don't want to dwell on a depressing topic as I wind down my year, so I'll just say Congress and leave it at that. I mean seriously, is there another job in the world where you can fail so consistently without repercussion?

14. Where did most of your money go? Rent, food, travel.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Travel, discovering the unknown, and the art of anticipating/embracing what's to come. Honestly? I'm just thrilled for 2012.

16. What song will always remind you of 2011? God, I never know how to answer this, but the first thing that comes to mind is Adele, so I'll go with that. What a voice that woman has, am I right?!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? No real measure here, I am a happy girl, then and now. I choose it, always. Even when it isn't easy.

b) thinner or fatter? Fatter. No comment. 

c) richer or poorer? Is it terribly cheesy to just say that I feel richer every year? Because, truly, I do. And this year is no exception.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Writing. Picking up my camera (and actually learning to use it). Going for walks. Stretching (literally and not so literally). 

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worrying about things beyond my control, second guessing myself, complaining. 

20. How did you spend Christmas in 2011? In Charleston, SC where my brother moved last year. We've walked on the beach, eaten so much yummy food, explored every nook and cranny and soaked up the sunshine and each other. It's been so awesome, and my heart will be heavy when we fly away tomorrow. We have such amazing families, and I hope we see a lot more of ALL of them in 2012.

21. Did you fall in love in 2011? I've been in love for years, and it got stronger in 2011 as it does each year. That happens when you're smart enough to marry the most amazing man in the world. 

22. What was your favorite TV program?  Modern Family. Homeland. Up All Night. The Good Wife. Friday Night Lights.

23. What did you do for your birthday in 2011? Shared dinner with Husband, blew out candles, snuggled my fur babies, talked to friends and family far and wide, and gave thanks for another amazing year.

24. What was the best book you read? Overall, I wasn't great at reading this year, but I did discover a few gems along the way. Bossypants. Unbroken. Discovery of Witches (sue me, I like the vampire stuff), Let's Take the Long Way Home. Bird by Bird.

25. What did you want and get? So much more than I can ever deserve.

26. What did you want and not get? Not a damn thing. I know many of you will roll your eyes at this answer, but all I can say is when I sat and thought for a minute, NOTHING kept sounding loud in my ears, and I'm smart enough (and aware enough of my blessings) to pay that truth its due.

27. What was your favorite film of this year? We watch SO many movies and I'm at a loss to remember them all at year's end, so I'll just list a few I loved and call it a day. Bridesmaids. Crazy, Stupid Love. Drive. 

28. Did you make some new friends this year? Absolutely! Online and off, and I'd like to do much more of this in the year ahead.

29.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Again, I have to go with nothing. Things are as they should be, and I've learned to embrace that.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011? I hate this question, and find it stupid, so I'm going to ignore it, ok?

31. What kept you sane? Husband, family, close friends (you know who you are), the internet, fine wine, and those aforementioned deep breaths.

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? As each year goes by, I care less and less about celebrities. YAWN.

33. What political issue stirred you the most? Last year's answer still applies, so I'll let it stand: Anything pertaining to rights and choice and acceptance---from health care to education to matters of equality for my gay and lesbian friends. 

34. Who did you miss? Again, tough to beat last year's answer, so samesies it is: Family and my best girlfriends---especially Ash and Beck and Robin---who are too often separated from me by state lines, but always always front and center in my heart.

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011. I learned a lot in 2011, but I think I can best summarize it with two words that have applications in almost every life area that matters to me: have faith.

One more time, wishing you a happy and healthy new year, friends. Thanks for reading!

Quietly Festive

Sorry for the quiet of late, and for those of you that have asked, there's no special reason for it. I've just felt a little quiet, I suppose.

All is well, and we're enjoying another lovely holiday season, marveling at how in the world it can be possible that Christmas is just a few weeks away. Every year, I think it is impossible for time to go any faster, and then the next year arrives, and I realize that it isn't impossible at all.

We have been enjoying a twinkly, festive home for several weeks now, and all of my various channels have long been tuned into holiday music. I've made a good dent in the shopping list, and our holiday cards are ready to be stuffed, addressed and sent to all of the corners that hold our loved ones.

Our calendars are sprinkled with holiday parties, Husband's birthday looms on the horizon and a fun Brock family Christmas beachside in Charleston promises to end the season on a high note and with plenty of relaxation and good weather.

There are a few activities I'd still like to pack in --- a visit to the North Shore to see the houses adorned with lights, a walk through Zoo Lights in Lincoln Park, a stroll around the Christkindel market in downtown Chicago --- but even if none of those happen, it will still be a lovely holiday season that I've enjoyed immensely. Sometimes, it is nice to take what comes, slow down the mania, and just enjoy the path as it unfolds. I am finding this holiday season to be one of those times.

Our holiday traditions are still very much on track, anchored by our annual visit to Santa Paws, where the boys were on their best behavior and whispered all of their wishes to the man in red. I will never tire of watching merry pups of all ages and sizes enter the store full of exuberance, only to resort to terrified wiggles and trembles when Santa is in their sight. What is it about jolly old St. Nick that sends kids and pups alike into freak out mode? On the bright side, it always makes for an excellent photo opp:

The "I'm pretty freaked out by this guy, Mom" face remains impressively consistent from year to year. Don't believe me?

2010:

2008:

For some odd reason, we don't have 2007 or 2009 in electronic form, but they're displayed proudly on the fridge and they feature the same expressions, believe it.

Ah, holidays. I wish they came around more often, but then again, that would probably dampen the magic, at least a little. Here's hoping you're in the thick of your own holiday magic, friends.

Merry, Merry!

Thankful

For family, near and far. To be surrounded by such a strong network of people who see the best in me, love me without fail, push me to new heights, remind me that I’m never alone.

For an especially amazing husband who continues to inspire me and make me laugh and remind me that this life is beautiful and lucky and endlessly fun, mostly because I get the distinct honor of living it in his company.

For fur babies who are so much more than pets; for their sweet faces and unwavering love that pull me through the deepest of trenches and greet me with “smiles” every single day. I struggle the most in expressing my gratitude for these furry little beings; words aren’t quite adequate to convey what they’ve brought to my life.

For grace and for surprises, often intermingling, always catching me when I most need to be caught and always reminding me of the importance of perspective, and of the promise of what’s to come. I think 2012 is going to be an especially amazing year for us, and I’m grateful in advance.

For unwavering spirit and belief, for perseverance and fortitude, and the knowledge that we are at least partially responsible for the path in front of us. What we put into the world does tend to come back to us, and even when times are tough, I try always to tip the scales in favor of putting good into the universe. I see so many doing the same. It gives me pause, and inspires gratitude.

For a warm home, a table overflowing with food, good health and good cheer. It is too easy to take these things for granted when so many make do with so much less.

For this space which gives me a place to exercise my writing muscle and connect with friends near and far. Even when I’m far too inconsistent with posting or even wholly uninspired, being a click away from access to you is a blessing.

For all of this, and so much more,  I am immensely thankful.

+++++++++++++++++++++

I hope that you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones, friends. I hope you were surrounded by all that you’re especially thankful for, and that you were able to reflect on all that makes your life awesome.

We spent a quiet few days at the lake this year; our colds lingered a bit, but overall, we’re on the mend and the quiet and relaxation was just the ticket to push us back to good health. We cooked and ate and talked and read and watched Love Actually and Christmas Vacation and the requisite boatload of football. But mostly, we were content just to be. And I was struck, as I am every year, by the embarrassment of riches that I’ve been blessed with. And I relaxed in MIL's cozy home and gave thanks for every single one.

My cup runneth over. Happy Holidays – my favorite time of year – from our family to yours.

Happy Wednesday: Marcel the Shell

I am going to go out on a limb and assume this is the most adorable thing you'll watch all week. This video has been making the rounds, and I can't stop watching it.

"Treats and snoozin', snoozin' and treats, that's it."

"Wanna know why I smile so much? Uh, cuz it's worth it!"

Hope you enjoy, friends.

Weekendings: Sick, Sick, Sick

I feel like I spend a lot of time --- perhaps even an inordinate amount --- attempting to avoid germs and sickness. The thing is, I HATE being sick. I realize that being sick isn’t something that anyone in the world aspires to, but my hatred for it really does go the extra mile. The older I get, the harder I fall when I finally do succumb to sickness. What once took a few days to kick will linger for weeks, sometimes months. The unpleasant nose blowing and head throbbing and throat burning aren’t enough of an annoyance, no. I have to also have literally ALL of the energy sucked from my person too. When I say that I’ve been sound asleep by 9 more nights than not recently, I am not exaggerating. When I say I have combined that early bedtime with impromptu naps at odd hours, that isn’t coy talk either. It’s fact.

And while I have recently (as always) washed my hands like a maniac, buried my face in my scarf at even a hint of a sneeze or cough and done my best to change out toothbrushes, sterilize every surface, wash and rewash sheets and pillowcases, I still could not outrun this cold.

And I am sorry to be blunt and perhaps also profane, but this cold is a real asshole.

So I wish that I had an awesome and glamorous weekendings recap for you, but alas, I do not. Because my weekend looked very much like Wednesday, Thursday and Friday looked --- which is a little something like this:

• A daily race with myself to see how many popsicles I can consume. For the record, grape is currently my favorite, but at times in the last week, each of the three flavors has held top spot.
• Constant trips to the microwave with my sinus mask --- a very comforting solution during sinus pressure and cold ugh-ness, with the unfortunate side effect of a slight burned rice smell when you heat it up. But there is a bonus, and it is that I cannot smell the mask due to Mr. Cold. Win!
• Using up an entire jumbo pack of Charmin (the double rolls) as my own personal Kleenex, and quite literally filling three kitchen sized trash bags to the brim with them in as many days. (side note: I used to just pile them up on the coffee table, nightstands, etc, but around day two, I realized that habit is really rather gross. So out came the trash bags)
• Amusing myself with a semi constant rotation of liquids: shall I have Gatorade? How about Vitamin water? Just regular water? Perhaps Pellegrino? Oh wait, I haven’t had orange juice today!
• Embracing the “yep, I’m going to drown” feeling twice a day minimum in favor of temporary relief via my trusty sinus wash contraption.

I started going a bit stir crazy on Friday, and by Saturday, even though I wasn’t feeling great, I made it my mission to get out of the house. I accompanied Husband for a few errands, we managed dinner out, and then it was right back to bed by 8:30ish for me. Sunday was much the same; I made it to the grocery store and the movie theater, but still managed to spend the majority of the day on the couch or in bed.

I’m back at it today, and I do feel better, but I still don’t feel anything close in proximity to good. This morning, Husband woke up with a sore throat. Sigh. Lucky for him, I will share my popsicles.

The only awesome thing about the last 5-7 days? Constant and adorable fur baby snuggle action. They are the best nurses around, no question.

Here’s hoping you’ve all escaped this miserable, asshole bug, friends!

Friday Reads and Thinking Halloween

After such a hectic weekend last week, I'm looking forward to this one which involves relaxing, catching up on a little reading, a few errands here and there, and soaking up the minimal sunshine we're expecting. I'm feeling inspired to make pumpkin flavored something, so maybe we'll check that out too.

We miss Husband, but we'll just keep looking forward to next weekend, which involves a fall themed getaway to the lake. There must be pumpkin patches and/or apple orchards nearby, and we're determined to find them.

Until then, have a lovely weekend, friends, and enjoy a few fun reads before you go!

The one where a turkey attacks!

A lovely reminder that people are good, especially when we need them most.

Oven coil gone wrong (this one will cause your laughter circuit to short out, fair warning.)

Possible additions to the reading list?

I want to go to there.

We're thinking about all things Halloween over here, so if you have suggestions for fur baby costumes, share them, won't you? Here's a little inspiration in the form of a pic from last year's lion and tiger action:

 

And here, you can see what Cooper thinks of Frankenstein doing the monster mash:

 

Weekendings: Constant Motion

Perhaps it is a bit odd to post a weekendings recap on Thursday when the next weekend is so close, but last weekend was one for the books, and I think it warrants a story. I don’t think we stopped moving the entire span of weekend. There was much to do, and excitement galore, and we were eager to dive in and not miss a minute. It was a whirlwind, but an exceptionally fun one, and I think we’ll remember it a good, long while.

Friday was our usual: movie date and dinner. We lapsed two hours watching Clooney’s narrative on American politics, and Gosling’s brilliant navigation of his character, all while clad in a smart-suit. I think I like political Gosling. All in all, a film worth seeing, even if portions were predictable and the end sort of leaves you with a taste of “ick.” (yep, another of my technical terms)

Saturday brought a mess of fun, and might have been the single most beautiful day we’ve seen in Chicago. We visited the north shore, coveted a few houses, soaked in the vibrant trees and leaves, let the fur babes run through a park, and even visited the beach where we watched a family fly a kite and wished we were on kayaks headed straight for the point where the water meets cerulean sky. I think I could live out there, and that isn’t light talk coming from this city gal.

We begrudgingly returned to the city where hundreds of our furry friends awaited, ready for the annual Mutt Strut to benefit CCRF. It was in a perfect neighborhood this year, and we enjoyed every minute, even if Cooper did need to ride with Daddy instead of walk most of the way. I love to see so many people unite for a cause that is dear to my heart, and I think the best part has to be all of the “alumni” dogs, returning with their forever families to thank the organization that cared enough to save their lives. We’ll be in the lineup again in 2012, without question.

Our Fall theme was certainly working for us, so after a quick lunch al fresco, we headed for supplies to 1) make the outside of our home as festive as the inside, and 2) create awesome signs to motivate Husband to run 26.2 miles through the city on Sunday. I think we succeeded on both fronts, yes?

We closed the day with a yummy carb-heavy dinner to fuel Husband for his big race and me for serious weight gain. It really was a perfect day. And sometimes, it’s just good to reflect on those and write them down so you’ll never forget.

Jumble

This morning, we began the day with a quick walk around the block following our Starbucks run. We do this most Fridays, since I work from home and we have a little more time and flexibility. The leaves have turned and are starting to fall, and our neighbors have begun showing their adoration for Halloween in the form of webbing and pumpkins and scary things galore. It makes me smile, all of it. These final few months of the year are truly my favorite, and I vow each and every October to really dig in and enjoy the hell out of every moment.

As I was walking this morning, my brain was running on a hamster wheel --- I need to find a better apple orchard this year and find time to go earlier, where is the nearest pumpkin patch, oh, let's decorate the front of the building with mums, pumpkins, and maybe a hay bale or two, need to get costumes for the fur babes --- on and on it spins. I do this so often. In my haste to live every season, make awesome memories with my family, write and rewrite our story, I find myself in a place where there is just never enough. Not enough time, not enough options, not enough clarity, not enough. 

I am trying hard to reign that in, because wrapping up my favorite time of year in anxiety and a quest to have the perfect season is really just missing the entire point, isn't it?

Because in the end, we won't remember elaborate plans and trips and activities. We'll remember simple walks together, watching the leaves fall and enjoying our festive neighbors and their interpretations of each holiday. We'll remember fur babes running through leaves, the taste of chai lattes, the feeling of home, no matter the season.

Let's slow down, friends. And enjoy the awesome things in front of us every day instead of looking for the perfect way to experience our lives. As it turns out, we knew how to do that all along.

Would you like a few fun reads for your Friday? Well, ok then!

A simple (and awesome) way to honor an amazing man

DIY side tables that had me plotting similar projects of my own

The perfect blend of casual and chic

The right idea for celebrating Fall (and family, and love, and all things awesome)

The reason I am now obsessed with finding something to stencil. These two amaze me on the regular.

Happy Fall, y'all!

Friday Funday

Today is a 'mental health day,' aka 'comp day' from work that I was about to lose if I didn't quickly use it. The last couple of weeks have been pretty intense, so I decided to kick-start the weekend with a day at home and catching up on life.

Thus far, I've enjoyed a morning walk, chai latte in hand, an acupuncture session and consult with the lovely Caroline (whom I adore), and some time browsing my beloved inter-webs. Veggies are currently steaming on the stove, and I think there is considerable reading and perhaps a mani-pedi in my near future.

Even though the day has also included a considerable amount of time and effort cleaning up runny doggie excrement - from the rug, and also my sock - overall, I quite like this extra weekend day all to myself.

I know it will fade all too fast, so I'm off to enjoy the expanse that's left in front of me. Have a lovely weekend, friends.

And before you go, a few gems I've enjoyed this week, for your reading pleasure:

Cute (and love) overload via the always lovely artist of words, Rebecca

A place I think we all know well, and one we can collectively push against

Just the kick in the pants I needed this week (perhaps you need it too?)

Awesome advice for exploring an awesome city

An important reminder (that I intend to watch regularly)

And finally, a relaxing photo for a relaxing Friday: