Too sentimental for this shirt. So sentimental, it hurts.

moleskin planner #6

I've gone from having ample time on my hands, to what now feels like nothing. Fortunately, today was my day off, so I was presented with a nice opportunity to get stuff done and get some R&R.

My biggest priority was to clean out my closet and rid it of clothes that haven't seen the light of day for years. Literally years.
But, being the super emotionally attached person I am, there are several articles of clothing that will continue to overextend their stay solely because they hold sentimental value. You couldn't ask me to part from that hideous dress whose hem floats oh so flatteringly at mid-shin. No, it was my first homecoming dress... I can't put that puppy down.

In addition to going down memory lane with my clothes I: cleaned my room, finally gave attention to my laundry, went to the library to recheck an unfinished book I had borrowed for almost two months (darn you, George R.R. Martin), went to north park to donate/sell some old clothes, had coffee with a couple of gal pals, ran, and went out to dinner with my entire family for the first time in a while.

I kinda have the challenge of time management thrust upon me. Having a 40 hour work week certainly complicates scheduling other factors of my life that I find absolutely necessary. Like spending quality time with my friends and family. As well as the other necessities that satisfy my introverted soul, like running and reading.
I'm not turned off to this all happening though. I'm more fascinated than anything else and my strange competitive spirit makes me want to juggle it all with what poise I can muster.

Also, this personally sheds light on how Paulo may feel during his busy seasons at KPMG. My busyness is a fraction of what his is, and he still manages to give me precious time of his day.
A year ago, we were at strikingly different stages of life (me, being a part-time worker/full-time post-grad with an existential crisis and him, nestling into his career and learning the ropes), but I still wish I could have truly understood then what I'm discovering now.

But I guess I'm beginning to see it now, so I'll just have to move forward.

"Here's another one for your collection!"

Just received warm greetings from my boyfriend and a few of our friends today.

The wind down

Drinking my favorite tea in my favorite mug, watching a documentary on netflix. Not a shabby gig to have after having a wonderfully busy past few days... And wonderfully busy days ahead!

Random note, I love my friends and cousins.

Second random note: this mug is actually my mother's (for Arizona). There are two things that I know I'd pack up with me for when I move out, and one of them is definitely this bad boy.
The other is my map of Westeros.

Auspicious beginnings

While I will not miss 2013, I know that everything I had endured wasn't all for naught. Because of 2013, I feel like I'm just beginning to understand what's true to me and I'm excited to move forward with that in mind.

Here are a few goals that I'd like to set for myself this year:

1. I had a goal to put X amount of money into my savings for 2013. For 2014, I'd like to put an additional 2k.
2. Learn three dinner recipes. 
3. Visit three new cities.
4. Make a concerted effort to keep in touch with my cousins and my friends. I'm discovering how difficult it is for adults to meet up. But despite how busy our schedules may be, I'd like to make sure that those who are dear to me know it.
5. Career advancement of any sort: whether it be getting a new job or something as small as taking the GRE.
6. Move out.
7. Forgo animal-based protein more often and swing a little bit more vegetarian.
8. Run 30 officially-timed miles.

I'm pretty determined to make 2014 my year of big moves. 

Power couple

I got my man new dress/work shoes for Christmas.
Feeling the love all the way from Orlando.

"I'll see you on the other side ...... of the counter."

Today was my last day at Peet's and I'm a little heavyhearted. I feel like I'm leaving behind so many amazing people... those of which will probably be the brightest and the most kindhearted individuals I'll ever meet.

Not only have a gained a network of good friends, but I feel like I've been molded in a way that I can be proud of. Life after college can easily make one cold and hard with disillusionment. However I feel like I've been fortunate enough to see the beauty in community. By witnessing constant acts of care and warmth (and I do not mean your run of the mill customer service role playing), I feel like I'm now inclined to seek out the invaluable deep interaction with others.

I see the importance in craving to know another's story. Or how another's day is really going. Or what they find important. I know how rewarding it is to have those conversations take place and to have those special relationships set.

And I'll gladly take all the raised eyebrows for double fisting a retail job and college degree, because I owe a lot of my self-actualization to that job. I wouldn't dare trade my time there for any socially-laudable hot shot job.

Had you told me that I would feel this sentimental when I'd first started this job, I would have laughed and rolled my eyes into a coma. But the fact of the matter is that I am so grateful for my chapter at Peet's. And fortunately for me, I'll be one of those "former coworkers turned regular".

Free coffee til the day I die, bluh.

#countonandrew

The homie's response to my sudden influx of insecurity texts.