xmas

It wasn't a very merry christmas, but I tried to be happy.

Christmas 2011

I'm not really in the christmas spirit this year, well, let me correct myself, I was until yesterday. I've been christmas shopping, making plans, thinking about what to cook, what to do, trying to maintain traditions.

But boy-oh-boy how things can change in an instant.

I'm having a solitary christmas day this year-- reflecting, taking walks, writing. 

Thats all. No present unwrapping--

nothing.

Bah humbug! 

feeling accomplished

I've accomplished more than I have ever dreamed of before I turned thirty. I am so proud to say that I have overcome some trials and tribulations and have become a person that I love completely.

Some of my most amazing accomplishments, according to me, are running three marathons, living in three countries, learning a new language (which is one of the hardest feats as an adult), and all my international work(In South Africa, Belfast, Finland, Latvia, Estonia, & Spain). Some other things that I am proud of are that I have maintained a relationship that provides more than the average amount of obstacles, I've maintained friendships across the globe with amazing people, and I've participated in the positive development of over 300 young people through my work teaching.

I am confident that I will continue on this path, surprise and push myself to be a better citizen of the world.

Birthday weekend kickoff: Turning 30!

To ring in a new decade I chopped off my hair to discover myself with a fresh new look, I put on the classic Mendoza red lipstick, and I slipped my big earrings on to top off an outfit that I had already had in my closet, minus my long jacket, recently purchased at Zara, for the occasion.

I kicked off my birthday weekend with a party at my house, 

followed by dessert at at a French cafe in the Meat packing district. 

I wanted to have a house party in order to spend one-on-one time with my friends (two of which flew in from other states-- I felt so special!). I only invited a select few people, the ones that have consistently been in my life and I've spent time with. I didn't make it a big affair. We had an open taco bar and frozen margaritas before we packed into various cars and headed to one of my favorite neighborhoods for night-life in NYC! The Meat Packing District! I love this area because there are classy people (intellectuals, well traveled that engage in good conversation), the people are international, and everyone is dressed to impress. I like to immerse myself in this kind of environment once in a while. 

I felt comfortable and safe, and thats how I spent my last Friday night in my 20's. 

Everything about the night was perfect. 

Everyone was happy, 

we danced into the wee hours of the morning 

and closed out the night by telling jokes 

and singing during the car ride home.

I couldn't have asked for a better experience with my friends.

And that was just the beginning of four days of celebrations!

More "turning 30" blogs to come.

Im inspired to write right now, but I have no time.

crossing into a new decade!

Big outings and experiences are coming up!
My friends are coming in from other states and we are getting ready to party it up for my birthday this weekend! This is a special one!
More blogs to come on turning 30!
WOW!

conformity.

I REFUSE to conform!

I think conformity has been many peoples downfall, but I wont let it be mine.

“make a radical change in your lifestyle and begin to boldly do things which you may previously never have thought of doing, or been too hesitant to attempt. So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservation, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. If you want to get more out of life, you must lose your inclination for monotonous security and adopt a helter-skelter style of life that will at first appear to you to be crazy. But once you become accustomed to such a life you will see its full meaning and its incredible beauty.” 
― Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild

prep-ing for xmas in NYC

We are heading into our third christmas season together (Spanish guy and I). 

The last two have been amazing. 

How can the holidays not be great if you are with the people you love... 

ALSO, on a side note-- I am happy to be in NYC for two years in a row. That hasn't happened for about six years! madre mia... when I think about it, it blows my mind. I've been on the go so much within the last six years, in and out of the country, moving every year, sheesh.

Well, the decorations are up. We decorated while sipping on home-made hot chocolate, and listening to 102.7, haha. 

I had fun. It was a very sweet time.

PS: I'm proud to say that   I made my own wreath!  They were so expensive  everywhere I went, so I used a bit of the tree and put it together myself.  Its so much more special that way!  

Spanish guy made home made hot chocolate with whipped cream,

I made my own wreath!

I LOVE RUNNING!

I just signed up for another race. I can't help it! I'm addicted to running! BUAHAHHAHAAAaaaa... lol

PS: I still have a little money to raise for the American Cancer Society, Monday is my deadline. Please donate if you can:

Click here to donate now