I Failed At Blogtober

So, let's talk the obvious. I failed at Blogtober.

Unfortunately life happens and A LOT of life happened in October. I could give you a million reasons why I couldn't pull it off, but it came down to work being the busiest month yet (with lots of travel). My focus has definitely been elsewhere. One thing I did realize is that I blog and enjoy it when not forced. Ha!

Someone near and dear to me lost a very important person in their life. It has been a completely new experience for us to navigate together. I can't even pretend to understand the thoughts and emotions they are going through. It is hard, isn't it? Not being able to physically do something for someone who is going through loss.

Aside from that, October brought WAY more work/life imbalance than I thought. 90% work, 10% life. It is that time of the year. I won't do much complaining. I still love my job. Sometimes I just feel like I could have lots of me.

So, now that is is November .... It has been so busy! I had a friend from college move to the city. I have to tell ya, this has been pretty damn great. I have a friend, one that loves spontaneity and is loving being in the city for the first time. I love the willingness to go to any neighborhood, any day, for random activitities. It makes me feel lively, the way life in this city should be lived.

I had a mini - 48 hour reunion with some of my best friends from DC. We all now live in different cities from NYC, St. Louis, Raleigh and one that just returned back to DC from Savannah. Crazy how we grow up and move away. Life. It was so refreshing to be around those people. I miss each of them like crazy. I miss drinking bottles of wine with them and having Sunday dinners. I miss cuddling with the dogs and all the crazy memories I built with them my 4 year stint in DC. Growing up sucks sometimes. Even though leaving is bittersweet, we made promises to visit one another and I have no doubt we will keep to those promises. Looking forward to the next trip.

The next month is busy too. Thanksgiving, Christmas, work trip to Portland (with a few days of pleasure), and a visit from my dad.

Yep, I am knocking off another item on my list - wine tour in my favorite place of willamette valley, Oregon. I couldn't be more excited than I am. Myself and two co-workers are going to go. Then, hit up a million places on our "must do" list.

After that, my dad is coming. My relationship with my dad is .. strange for a better word. Growing up I was the epitome of a daddy's girl. Then, time when on and things changed. It was strained for a number of years. Nothing sucks more than being proud of yourself, but not having the vocal support of parents.Regardless, my dad has visited me in DC and now NYC and I couldn't be more proud and more excited to show him my city and my life. I have so many fun activities planned for his visit. I am happy to be able to share this with him. Now, if only I could get my other parent to come ... another day, another blog post.

I think I may be done for the day. I have treated today's blog post like my diary. Apologies.

10 Things You'd Tell Yourself When You Started Blogging

Another day, another blog entry. Secretly (well, not so secretly), I did not think I would be able to keep up. I delayed here and there, but overall enjoying this challenge.

Today's Monday #blogtober entry is "10 things you'd tell yourself when you started blogging." I think that is pretty easy and I may not even have 10. I started blogging as a challenge to myself. I have a list of things to accomplish before I am 29. Who knows why I picked 29 and not 30! It was a personal goal and I didn't really have micro goals within it. But, here are some things I thought about before I started.

1. Simplicity is best. I think I did the opposite of what most do. I wanted this to be easy. I "do" digital marketing as my job - SEO, PPC, coding, design, etc. I actually wanted my blog to be plain and easy. I didn't want it to be another job. Hence the extreme blandness of the blog.
2. Connect with people through writing ... ok, I am still working on this one.
3. Accomplish my list of 28 things to do before 29 and blog about them all. This has obviously become something more extended for me.
4. Be real. No topic was hands off. This was a place I could write and share my feelings and not be judged.
5. Be consistent. This one, I have struggled with. There would be times when I blogged frequently and then go a month or so without.

I think that sums it up. I don't have 10, but I think that is just fine. I have really come to enjoy doing this. 

Chat tomorrow!

Stacy

Fall Bucket List #blogtober

Fall is by far by favorite season and living in New York makes it that much better.

Who doesn't love boots, sweaters, beanies, and scarves? Oh, and don't get me started on the hot drinks ... Coffee, hot chocolate, PSL (pumpkin spice latte - sorry Megan). 

Now that we have covered what I love, let's talk about my Fall Bucket List.

1. Go for a last Fall hike outside the city.

2. Take the boat to Randall Island for Oktoberfest

3. Participate in some beer fests around the city

4. Cuddle up and watch movies

5. Find 5 new baking recipes for fall delight

6. Use my crockpot 1 x per week!

7. Take a trip to a B & B in Vermont. 

8. Finally give in and buy a good black leather jacket

9. A visit from my dad to show him the city

10. Attend an NFL game in NYC

Wow, I guess I had a lot more than. I thought! Cheers to fall from the comfort of my living room (window open) enjoying 50 degree weather. LOVE!

Until next time ...

Stacy

What I Can Live Without #blogtober

A day late ... I know, I know.

Yesterday's post, that I'm doing today is "what you can't live without."

Let's kick it off! My phone. High maintenance, selfish, silly? I don't think so. I love what my phone offers me. I live so far away from all my family members and some of my best friends. My phone allows me to many great amenities. I am able to talk, text and facetime everyday with friends and family if I choose. I do not think I could go without.

I'm also following in Megan Hyde's footsteps and saying that I could also not live without my compassion. It keeps me real and brings me down to earth. Sometimes I think I show it too much. I can only do so much to help make people and situations better but I wouldn't give it up!

Until next time ...

Stacy

Blogtober - Dream Jobs

Dream job when you were little - what is it now?

Would you know that I can't remember exactly what I wanted to be when I was little. I do remember loving to dress up and dance. I could say I most likely wanted to be a dancer, ballerina. Every little girl wants to look beautiful in a tutu, amazing makeup and dance to music.

For now, I will settle going to the Ballet in NYC.


Now, at the ripe age of 28, I am an Area Director of Digital Marketing for the Northeast Kimpton Hotels (Boston, NYC, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). Fancy new, huh? I, without a doubt, love what I do. I manage the search marketing strategies for the hotels aka how you show up on Google. I am involved in web design, paid media and so many other dorky, cool things. 

For now, I love my job. Maybe someday, if I think of some completely awesome business idea, I will have a startup. Who knows!

Hello, October! #blogtober14 begins

So long Summer ... 

I just said, out loud, "How could it possibly be October already?" The year has flew by and it's just plain insane.

My amazing childhood friend, Megan Hyde, invited me to do the #Blogtober14 challenge created by Helene from Helene in Between and Taylor from The Daily Tay. The challenge? To write everyday in October. 

With that, let's kick it off with the first post. "If you won the lottery, you would ..."

I will be shallow for 5 seconds and say I would go on a major shopping spree. Who doesn't like some new clothes?

I would then go backpacking and explore all the places I have dreamed about. Backpacking in South America, train jumping in Europe, golding in Ireland and shark diving in Australia. I would truly allow myself to "live it up" for a few good months.

After all is said and done, I would settle down a bit and buy a house. Preferably in North or South Carolina. I would fly my family out for the next holiday and celebrate in appropriate fashion. It has been such a long time since we were all together ... celebrating.

Being the responsible person I am, I would invest a good chunk of money. I would continue working, because let's face it ... I love working. I do. Weird? Maybe. Perhaps if i came up with some really good business idea I would start that on the side. Who knows ...

The possibilities are endless!

HeForShe - What is Feminism?

Allow me to kick off with a definition. 

[Feminism] The belief that women are and should be treated as potential intellectual equals and social equals to men. These people can be either male or female human beings, although the ideology is commonly (and perhaps falsely) associated mainly with women.

The basic idea of feminism revolves around the principle that just because human bodies are designed to perform certain procreative functions, biological elements need not dictate intellectual and social functions, capabilities, and rights

Feminism also, by its nature, embraces the belief that all people are entitled to freedom and liberty within reason - including equal civil rights--and that discrimination should not be made based on gender, sexual orientation, skin color, ethnicity, religion, culture, or lifestyle.

In the simply amazing video, Emma Watson talks about Feminism. What does it REALLY mean, who does it matter to, what do we do? She also launches the HeForShe campaign to women and men. Her speech is simply beautiful and though provoking. She is a young 24 years old and beyond her years in wisdom. It was ... moving.

She down right nails the definition of Feminism. A known word, yes, but a word confused for it's true meaning. One of the highlights in her speech was the comment below.

"I decided that I was a feminist. This seemed uncomplicated to me. My recent research has shown me that feminism has become an unpopular word. Women are choosing not to identify as feminists. Apparently, I am among the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating and anti-men."

I couldn't agree more with comments throughout her speech.

Bossy ... When a little boy, young man or even adult male is assertive - he is known as a leader. When a little girl, teen girl, or even adult woman does, she is known as being bossy. 

ds like bossy send a message: don't raise your hand or speak up.Those words, "bossy" send strong messages - don't raise your hand, don't speak up. 

Work pay ... since when should women not get equal pay as male counterparts? Take a male and a female both applying for the same job. Both male/female went to honrable colleges, have previous work experience. Is it really fair if the male counterpart were to get offered more?

Decisions ... I can actually tell you a time where this almost affected me. When I lived in Virginia, there was a lot of debate about allowing contraception to be available anymore. Along the "Personhood Amendment." You have to be absolutely crazy if I am going to let someone (in this case, a male governor candidate) to tell me what I can and can't take. This is my body and I will do as I please. That decision, should be a woman's decision and right. No one else's to take away.

Regardless, I think this new campaign #HeForShe is amazing & brilliant. Go on, guys ... Show your love for women :)

What Would I Tell My 16 Year Old Self aka My 16 YR Old Sister ... (inspiration provided by Hello Giggles today)

It has been sometime since I have written. Summer ended up being busier than expected, but overall so amazing. I was able to take a real (relaxing) vacation and had a number of friends come to visit. I still have some visitors trickling in. I couldn't be more happy.

September marked my one year mark as a New Yorker. I still can't believe it has been a year. Wow! There isn't a day that goes by that I don't experience something new or a weekend when I don't visit a new place. I love this city. Could I live here forever? Probably not. But for now, I am certainly content ... more like happy, really happy.

I was homesick recently. It has been so long since I have been homesick. I haven't lived in my hometown for 5 1/2 years now. I guess there are just times I miss seeing my neices grow up and giving my little (not so little) sister advice when I see her doing something silly. It's not so much the place I miss, but my family.

Speaking of family ... I read a great article on Hello Giggles this week by a reader about what they would tell their 16 year old self. I started to think, "what would I tell my 16 year old self?" Then, I said, "what would I tell my 16 year old sister?" I don't live with her so I can't nearly be as annoying as I wish to be. She is in that "I am cool" phase and would rather not talk to me, so we don't talk often. Hey, I totally get it. Social is more important that family at that age. No blame ... I was once 16. (Many years ago!) So, here is my advice to my 16year old self or really, my 16 year old sister ...

• Fall in love, but don't think it's the end of the world if it doesn't work out. He may be the first, but he won't be the last. He is just a stepping stone to the next.
• Friends are MORE important that boys. Yep, I said it. Even though you may love him, just know that your friends will always be there and boys come and go. Take it from someone who is 13 years older than you.
• Don't be negative so often. As you grow up, you will realize that things in your life really aren't that bad. Turn a bad situation good, look at it in a positive light. For god sakes, you are 16 years old and in high school. The hardest things you have to worry about are grades. Can I go back to being 16?
• Stand up for yourself. Don't let people bully you. But do not bully other people. You will feel like a horrible person in a few years if you are. Be kind and people will usually be kind back.
• School matters. Grades, getting up early, teachers, assignments - seriously? It is so much, right? It totally matters. In two years it will get you into college and then get you a good job. Make this a main focus. I can guarantee you will regret it if you don't
• Don't DO drama. I know this one is hard. I specifically remember a few friends in high school that were almost drama free if you can believe it. I admire that. They were so care free. I look back and ask myself why I put myself in stupid situations and stupid fights. Why I hung around in certain crowds and participated in petty drama. It wasn't worth it. 
• Make good friends. I can't tell you that I am friends with every friend that I had in HS, but there are a handful that I keep in touch with still and it is an amazing thing. Make lasting friendships and appreciate them.
• Laugh a lot. Be silly, spontaneous, do random things. Don't be so serious all the time.
• Be independent. If moving from state to state has taught me one thing, that is independence. It is wonderful having friends, family and a loved one. BUT, make sure you can do things on your own and for yourself.
• Get a job. Start making that moolah early on in life and build an appreciation for what it is like to work, pay for things, etc.
• Show emotion. Cry, laugh, scream, yell. All of the above. Voice your opinions and listen when others do the same.
• Be proud of who you are and who you are growing to be. YOU are an amazing person.
• Have a bump? Make a mistake? Doing something stupid? It IS okay. You are still young. You will recover. Just shake it off. :)
• Ya better work! I mean work out. If there is one thing I have learned, that I could have told my younger self is too work out/stay fit earlier in life. Eat well, treat your body RIGHT. 

Monday Fun with Blogmopolitan Quiz by Two Thirds Hazel

Making Monday fun with a Blogmopolitan Quiz by Two Thirds Hazel. Go on ... take it and link up! Enioy and Happy Monday!

I've Been Enjoying ... Life

My oh my has it been awhile. I could say I haven't felt inspired to write lately, but the truth is. I have been busy living. Yes, living. Stay with me on this post, there is a lot to catch up on!

Someone recently said that I am an overly positive person. I won't disagree. I think that opportunities I have have and challenges I have overcome make me grateful. I tend to see the good in most things. I have to say that this, in fact, has made me consider deleting my Facebook account. Social media has become such an outlet for so much whining, complaining and overall negativity. I then find myself complaining about how much people complain. I truly use that network to keep in touch with friends and family. I live so far away from my dearest friends and family that I love to use it in such a way to keep them informed on life. It is not easy to pick up the phone all the time - life gets ... busy. So, the internal debate begins. Do I or don't I?

On to the next (to quote Jay Z). Summer. Summer has been pretty awesome. It is HOT in NYC in the Summer. I mean, Florida is bad, but at least there is the breeze from the ocean in Vero Beach. I miss that. Regardless, it has still been pretty good. I went to Governor Ball with some friends and really let loose. We drank lots, chalked our hair, wore hippie clothing, listened to loud music and ate really amazing food. I felt like I was 21 again and loved every second.

I was even lucky enough to get to see one of my closest friends for just a few hours. I got to hang out with her and her baby. Really, not so baby anymore! I truly love times like those. I wish we were able to spend more time together, but I certainly am able to appreciate the short time we had. I know there will be lots more visits in the future.

Soccer in the city has been fun. I won't lie and say I LOVE soccer, because I don't. But I have enjoyed the World Cup. Such intensity and dedication. It is awesome to watch all the countries playing.

I got to experience my first July 4th in the city. It was pretty uneventful. Sam and I took a day off together and went to Aire Ancient Bathhouse. If you are ever in NYC this is a local MUST. I mean, wow. I have never in my life been more relaxed. This was also round 2 for me. It is totally worth it. Oh, and the RHONY go there, so maybe I am hoping to run into one. Ha!

July and August are busy but at the end of August, for 9 blissful days I will be on vacation. Nowhere special, but I am thrilled. Some friends and I rented a house on the beach in Rhode Island. I need a Digital Detox like nobody's business. Until then, it is on the road to meetings in Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and then a long weekend away in Savannah. My best friend from college days is driving up to meet me for the weekend. I literally CANNOT wait. Did you know it is legal to drink on the streets. Now I just need a wine glass that hangs around my neck. Class at it's finest. Bring it on.

Ah, another big one. 43829.1 Hours, 1826.21 Days, 260.887 Weeks, or 60 Months. It has been 5 years for Sammy and I. 

Contrary to the brilliant yet sad musical, our Last Five Years have been preeety amazing. I love that amazing guy I call my significant other. I am not always easy to live with - I am anal OCD clean. I get crazy when I feel out of control.

• 2 big cross-state moves
• 3 apartments
• 2 sold cars
• 23 states visited
• Countless winery tours
• 1 haunted town tour
• Sleepless nights (thanks to HIS snoring)
• Hours & hours spent watching ... House of Cards, Game of Thrones and Shark Tank
• So many delicious dinners
• 3 animals purchased
• So many concerts
• Scrabble battles, like WOAH
• Handgliding adventures

Anyway, I like him alot. It is funny though ... a coworker had asked how long we had been together and I told them. The amount of shock and awe I get is always mixed. The first question is usually, why aren't you engaged/married. I just love him and that's enough. There is no pressure and I quite honestly like it that way. I get that isn't for everyone. You should never judge a person for their relationship. They all work in different ways and I choose to go with the flow. :)

Well, this has been a log catch up. I feel accomplished. Now to go watch/play with my very new, very whiney kittens. Wish me luck. 

Oh my, how time flies

Can anyone say slacker? I haven't blogged in a hot minute. Not for the lack of wanting to. I have been on the road for a mix of business and pleasure for the past two weeks. 

I started in Beacon, NY for a little camping trip with Sammy. This was a trip really for him. I got him a little special trip to hang gliding. It was simply amazing. Video below!

From Beacon I was off to Boston to do some digital downloading with the hotels in that city. It was a productive couple of days and AHH-mazing weather.

I brought that weather down with me on my extended 4 day weekend to Florida (Orlando+Vero+Miami). I spent some quality girl time with my college friend, Vicky. I also caught up on some much needed R&R and somewhat of a tan. Since moving to the NE I have lost my natural Florida glow and my body only sees the sun a few months out of the year. Womp womp. That being said, I applied 75 sunblock countless times during my Miami trip. Nobody wants vacay to be ruined by a BAD sunburn.

Next, I took off to Pittsburgh to see the newest, latest and greatest hotel to be added to the Kimpton portfolio. So excited to add another hotel to my region and a new city! The City of Bridges or Steel (whichever you prefer) is pretty awesome. Lots of history, architechture and hundreds of bridges. I could go on with my dorky facts, but I will spare you!

Finally back in NYC and it is hot! Remember when I was begging for Spring? Well, apparentely that does happen here. Now comes the days of 75+ weather and wonderful humidity - goodbye beautiful hair days.

The next few weeks brings lots of fun. This weekend I am attending Governors Ball in Randalls Island (NYC). It is basically a Coachella ... but not in California and maybe not as cool. My friend and I are going full out. It is a great chance to really dress outside the box. So, we are going full on with our festival attire. You know, normal stuff ... chalking of our hair, flowy tops, jean shorts, hats. Can't wait to tell you all about it!

Music that Speaks

Do you ever find a song and instantly fall in love with it? It is the beat, the melody, the singer ... the lyrics. I fall for song with lyrics that speak to me.

I just came across "Scare Away the Dark" by Passsenger. I am not sure there could be a better song that I relate to now. His voice is so hypnotic.

Take a listen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnlswPwKqlw

Now, let's talk lyrics and what this songs means to me. It says to be you, do you, be happy. Don't for a minute take a day for granted, make every moment count. Don't waste away your weekends - celebrate them. Work hard, play hard. Show all of your emotions withour fear. Don't be afraid to dream. We all wish we were something else (skinnier, smarter, etc) but at the end of the day, accept yourself. I appreciate the social media plug for what it is. Don't forget to be real, communicate. Real life happens in the present.

So I will end with my favorite bit ...

Well, sing, sing at the top of your voice,
Love without fear in your heart.
Feel, feel like you still have a choice
If we all light up we can scare away the dark

Friends Make Life Worth Everything

Your life is big. Keep reaching.
- Oprah Winfrey aka my Starbucks cup quote

I read a blog post this morning that felt like I wrote it, or perhaps was so good, I wish I wrote it! This blogger nailed the signs of real friendship.

Just read it ...

This Is What Real Friendship Looks Like  http://wp.me/p3w24p-t0 via @katielouisepow

After reading this, I was smiling. I am so lucky to have some truly awesome friends in my life.

Friends close and friends really far away. Friends that build me up in every way possible and friends who give me that reality check I needed. Friends who are honest to a "t" and I love them for that. Friends I live vicariously through. Others that I skype with and don't see nearly enough. Friends that I have grown apart from and am desperately trying to hold onto the relationship that I knew. 

But, most of all, I have found a core group of girls, most of them not even in the same city, who I love absolutely. I know if I am having a bad day or just need to tell them something funny, they are only a text or phone call away.

So, this is just a quick "thank you" to my friends. I don't always do a great job of communicating and constantly keeping in touch, but you are always in my mind. 

1. Can pick up where we left off no matter how long we go without talking? Krista S
2. Best entertainer: Christina H 
3. Share a bottle of wine and trashy tv; Meghan R
4. Finds a secual innuendo even if there is not one there: Victoria M
5. Knows me the best: Sam
6. Greatest childhood memories with: Jessica C
7. Most creative style and writing: Megan H
8. Healthiest: Shannon
9. Most motivated: 
10. Guaranteed for a laugh: Dan
11. Career driven:  Lily M
12. Biggest change: Jessica C
13. Sarcastic: Karen
14. Most sincere: Kristin

Let's talk about body image. No seriously, from the "Thigh Gap" to the "Finger Trap" to now getting surgeries to look perfect in a selfie. What else will we come up with.? STOP destorting your own self images. What good does it do?

I am not talking about working out to look better or eating to be healthy. I am talking about taking it to the extreme and doing it for everyone else except yourself.

I run because I am challenging myself to a race. Oh, and because I like pizza and I can no longer just eat it anymore without gainining 10lbs. :) I eat healthy to feel good about myself and so my body feels good. I don't like constantly having an upset stomach, feeling bloated or tired. I do it for myself. I don't put lots of pressure on myself to be a certain size, because let's face it - I do enjoy food. 

It saddens me seeing how kids today bully each other on social media and now create these standards of being "fit." I am sorry, but WHO says you are perfect and beautiful if you finger perfectly aligns with your chin and nose? Perhaps I broke my finger? Now where is your scale?

Love your BODY! Seriously. And if you don't ... eat clean, exercise. But don't compare yourselves to others or worse, make others feel bad because of the way we look.

It would be a boring world if we all looked alike.

A Note to My Sister

Today is my big sister's birthday ... so I deticate this post to Heather.

A sister (specifically an older one) ... a person who you can talk to about anything, will fight with you and then make up at the end of the day, who’ll give you advice, who won’t judge you, who’ll stand up for you, who you can insult without being afraid of offending them, who will be a friend throughout your life. You know that even if you both live in different cities, different states - you’ll still talk to each other.

There are endless things I can say about our relationship. Not all of them clearly explained. I bet you were so excited when you heard mom was having me. I am sure that quickly died down when you realized a crying baby would be in the house. :) I can recall the longest days at the beach finding seashells and building sand castles - ah, the Florida life. Do you remember I always wanted you to play barbies with me and you hated that? I still loved and looked up to you. You were/are my older sister. I could be really bratty and you could be really mean, but we always put up with each other and loved each other.

From barbies, to boyfriends, parties, to school, to moving away. We have been through so much. We certainly had our tough times and fights. Looking back, I can say that moving was the thing that made our relationship the strongest. It has forced us to make an effort to stay in each others lives. To communicate. I move, you visit. I enjoy it SO much when you visit and showing you a part of my life. It gives me a huge sense of pride to show my BIG sister my life. I always want you to be proud. Because I am proud of you. You are an amazing mother, a strong person, and a have accomplished great things. 

So, Heather, I hope you have an awesome day ... simply because you should.

Love, Stacy

The Universe Says ...

Someone subscribed me to "The Universe" emails and I ain't mad. Today, The Universe told me this ...

Everything in your life, right now, Stacy, is awesome. Everything is in its right place, under grace, and whether or not this makes perfect sense yet, one day it will. And the time swiftly approaches when you'll be exceedingly grateful for all that has brought you to this day and contributed to who you've become, because it is exactly that person who is now poised to live as you have always dreamed you would one day live. 

Happy Friday, 
    The Universe


Universe, you are right. Life is GOOD. Life may not be perfect, but there is no room to complain. Ok, yeah there is, but I no far better than to waste time complaining. :) So, in honor of the universe, I will tell you about some awesome-ness.

1. I have connected with two old friends. One I have had the pleasure of blog-following her creativeness. She and I go way back - elementary school way back. I mean, we have some of the funniest stories. Let's find a Bealls and get some french friends for old times. :) The other, my British beauty, was a good college friend. We lost touch, but I have been lucky enough to see her twice since moving to NYC. We just planned a girls trip too.
2. It is Spring in NYC --- need I say more? Bring on the sundresses, flip flops, hats, and fun jewelry.
3. Next weekend, Sam & I's NYC besties/neighs/loves are both celebrating their birthdays (yes, they are married and have the same birthday). Even better, it is a full on murder myster Pirates of the Caribbean Style. We have pretty elaborate costumes. I am also excited to get out of the city for the weekend. Bring on the festivities. Arghhhhh
4. We also just booked a house in RI for a week this summer. A truly beautiful, amazing, breath taking house on the beach for 8 days! I will be in heaven. Beach, drinks, food, fishing and being completely lazy. Bring it on.
5. I love my apartment, seriously. How many people in NYC can say that? It is big and beautiful and in an amazing hood.
6. Even thought my job can be tough, I enjoy that it keeps me challenged while still allowing me to appreciate the culture.

That's all for now. Enjoy the weekend :)

March, April, and Self Love

Woah! Can life just slow down? I feel like it is going in warp speed. The past two weeks have been busy and April is just insane.

I spent the last week with some family visiting (my older sister & two adorable nieces). I am so glad they came up to visit me and get to experience my life. It was nice to play tourist for a few days.

Tomorrow is April 1 ... HOW IN THE WORLD DID THAT HAPPEN? April brings a busy month of friends visiting and visiting friends. Also, co-planning a very exciting 30th/35th birthday party - Murder Mystery Party! April 1 also starts my strict training for the 10k. Excited - no. Motivated - eh. But, this is a goal and I will do it. #onedayiwillbecomeacasualrunner

As I get older (yep, older) I realize the importance of self care more and more. Sometimes there are so many things to do; doctors, dentists, skincare, eating, etc. I am trying my best to max out each of these initiatives.
- I am still a vegetarian. Yep, it's been 46 days. Woah. I don't have plans to stay like this, I just take it one day at a time. I have to admit, I feel a little better.
- Damn the coffee, tea, and red wine. I love you, but this relationship is ruining my previously pretty teeth. I make sure to get to those cleaning appointments for this reason.
- Vitamins. When I was little, it was the flinstones chewable. Now, it is iron today, biotin at night.
- Did you know that Sephora has partnered with Pantone with this great new thing called Skin IQ. It is a small device that takes 3 pictures; forehead, neck and cheek. Then, it shows you all the products at Sephora that you should use. This was amazing! I believe in spending more for makeup - so worth it.
- I don't exercise nearly enough. But, since April 1 marks my official 10k training, hopefully I can improve this.
- I would choose coffee over water anyday. This is a sad fact. That definitely needs to change. I need to start making sure my body is hydrated.

Anyway, I leave you with that and some pictures of the last week.

Revisit & Update

I thought it was time I revisted my 28 Before 29 list. The original reason I started this blog. I wanted to see how much I have accomplished in the 3 months since I turned 28. I still have a long, long way to go but I give myself a little pat on the back for my progress thus far. :)

See where the health and fitness world takes me

Figure out what my body needs

Strengthen my faith and my relationship with religion

Create my support system here in New York City

Get comfortable with my voice

Shut off, frequently (Digital Detox)

Save way more

Get in touch, stay in touch

Give back

Plan an international trip (In the process)

Complete a 5k/10k without stopping (Coming in June - 10k)

Do the Oregon Wine Trail

Fly high in the Philadelphia Zoo balloon

Try Acupuncture

Get my parents to visit NYC 

Go to London for a weekend

Discover amazing new music

Go to a paint party/glo-party

Dye my hair (again) Red was the choice, obiously.

Take a solo trip

Take a "how to" class Shannon & I learned how to make Canvas prints. Next up, Macaroons.

Send more snail mail

Do 29 days of something Well, it has bee 34 days of Vegetarianism. :)

Make bread

Visit a friend

Visit a new area in NYC once a month (Definitely accomplishing this goal!)

Blog about it

Learn to meditate

Lean In More Often

Lean in, lean in more, no more.

A big reason I love my company; they empower women. I've read Sheryl Sandberg's "Lean In." It is an empowering book for women about work and the will to lead. I certainly didn't major in what I now do for a living. I take it as a blessing each day that I got the opprotunities I have with my company. Three across state moves, four promotions and a few awards in 5.5 years. I am definitely proud. I can say that without a doubt and without sounded egotistical. I have worked my butt off for everything I have earned. I have aways put my best foot. I was always making sure everyone knew that I was willing to move on to the next thing. Never be content ... this is the hospitality after all.

Why am I bringing this up? Well, it is not always easy. I don't ask that it be. I like a challenge (she says fiercely). I get challenged weekly. Not everyone wants a woman to be at the top. But when we get there, we will be sure to let you know that you made the fight worth our while. :)

"Leaning in" can mean lots of things. To me, it is that mom who takes care of her kids full time. That IS a full time job. It is that married wife who is a doctor and still makes time at the end of the day to play with her little boy. It's that parent who makes the choice to move, no matter how hard, because it is the rigth decision for her family and she makes sacrifices. The other women who has had tough relationships, but still has her own house and chooses to live on her own and supports herself. It is that single mom who works a job and goes to school to better herself for her kids.These are the women I admire and give me support when I "lean in."

Rants, Raves and Other Updates

It has been awhile since my last post. CAN'T let that happen again. 

I am not one to complain alot, but I feel as though blogging creates a great release. I write this at look out into a sunny day. Spring looks good on you NYC. I almost feel bad for complaining about anything.

Rants

• Not being a morning person and having to squish myself onto an already crowded subway car in the mornings. Morning rush hour by subway is way worse than any car commute. "No really, sir, I love the fact that you are pressed up closer to me than my boyfriend typically is and we share a bed. No big deal."
• Escalator riders. Walk left, stand right people!
• It's hard to make friends as you get older. Meetups, kickball leagues, Non-profits. I will be doing them all come April. I don' t know if I have gotten more particular or if it just gets harder as you get older since people are set in their lifestyles. 
• People complaining on social networds ... Facebook. I know, I know. Complain about other people complaining? Say what?! But seriously, do people JUST use social networks as an outlet to scream and shout and complain about how "bad their life is?" It could always be worse and that is a great motto to live by. Do you have food? A job? A roof over your head? Then you are better off than alot of others. You should be thankful. Times are not always great and obstacles come and go.

Raves

• Spring, obviously. I have been in a weird rut lately. I love this city, but man does it get depressing when you don't see the sun for awhile and it is so cold you don't want to leave your apartment. Not pleasant. Bring on spring!
• My sister and two nieces are coming up to visit on Friday for a few days. I am so excited. It is nice to be able to share my life with my family since they all live so far away. I typically don't get to see them unless I go home. None of them have ever been here so we of course will do the typical touristy stuff. :)
• I miss my friends more than ever. I am lucky enough to have gotten to see one from FL earlier this year and she is coming back to visit me the first week in April. :) There is nothing I miss more than sharing a bottle of wine with my DC gals (now GA, NC, and MI gals).
• Yesterday marked my completion of 30 days vegetarian. Guess what, today marks 31. I haven't given up just yet and I figure, if i am not craving meats, I am going to continue on.

So, thats that. Now that it is starting to warm up, it is time to start running. I have a 10k in June that I am pretty excited about. Thanks to my super runner friend. :) I truly wish I could become that person who just loved to run. Maybe I will ... maybe.

I can't believe I have missed blogging this much. I have been so busy with work + other activities. Sam & I went to Avett Brothers at The Barclay. Great concert, not so great venue. We also saw "All The Way" on Broadway starring Bryan Cranston. Sam was star struck. 

Well, that about wraps it up for now. Busy week coming ... Philadelphia, Boston, oh man!

Changes

Woah, ain't that quote the truth. The past month, really, has felt like this.

I could complain about how overwhelmed I have been, but I won't. I am beyond thankful for my job and life. I am even thankful for these busy times. Without them I wouldn't be employed, so thank you stress. As my favorite cheerleading movie coin phrased, "Bring It On!"

So many updates, so little time. Where shall I start? Well, I went from blonde to red. And yet again I told the world to bring it on :) See picture below from the famous NYC studio Fox and Jane. xo

I love it, for now. I am always so funny about my hair. True blonde at heart. BUT, I love a good change.

Sam's birthday was this past weekend. He had 5 friends visit. Allow me to specify, 5 GUYS aka boys. Ah, from Times Square, Central Park, Cards of Humanity, NYC Pizza, late night hot dogs to way too much drinking. It was a successful weekend.

Also, thanks to the encouragement of my friend Shannon, I signed up for my first 10k. This will hopefully kickstart my running career. :) One can only hope! Now, if only it would only warm up ... even just a bit. #hereistowishing

Have I said #ilovenyc lately? Because I do! I am over the top in love with this place! I read an article on Hello Giggles lately that reaffirmed my love; http://hellogiggles.com/10-signs-youre-living-in-the-wrong-city. This just made me that much more sure that this is where I belong. It also made me sad that the next place I go may pale in comparison and may not make me as happy. Ugh, that just depresses me thinking about it. I know moving somewhere else is inevitable since NYC is completely unafforable long term UNLESS i become or marry a billionaire (sorry Sam).

Side note, I desperately need a tropical/hot vacation. No one ever told me that aside from loving NYC I wold get a little depressed never seeing the sun in winter and covering up my entire body for months. I need sun, sand, and a tan - if only for 48 hours. Planning a trip ASAP.

Working on my next accomplishment of vegetarian for 29 days! I was planning to do this the entire month of February, but well ... having 5 guys in the house the first 4 days did not help/go as planned. So I will do it middle of February - middle of March. Wish me luck. Thank goodness for my veggie loving friend :)

Thanks, Jimmy Fallon ... I love you even more now. I had a crush before, but you saying my name is just hot.

Inspired Post

My friend and fellow blogger, Megan inspired this post today. Get to know me with a few random questions ... 

• Name: Stacy Lloyd
• Nickname: Stay, Stace, Meerkat, The Lloyd, 
• I know it's a little weird but: My second toe is longer than my first. I am pretty sure it just means I am extremely smart.
• You'll never see me: without a coffee (kidding, but it's getting bad)
• I don't get enough: Vitamin C, in the form of sun. I am so pale.
• The best advice I've ever been given: Be more confident in yourself, even if you don't know or aren't sure. Confidence glows.
• My worst home life habit: Being slightly OCD. I drive my boyfriend nuts.
• 3 words to describe my personal style: feminine, trendy, classic
• I don't like: bananas (its a texture thing) and people who constantly complain
• The quote I choose to live by: The 3 C's ... Choices, Chances, Changes. You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.
• The beauty product I can't live without: Klorane dry shampoo, Laura Mercier mascara

Conflicting Feelings in Adulthood

True story: My younger brother tormented me quite a bit as I was growing up, and my parents would hand out frequent discipline. I think I was 20 years old the last time we went head to head. 

My brother had been diagnosed with everything under the sun growing up; bi-polar, manic depressive and paranoid schizophrenic at varying times. If I recall, he was in his first mental institution at the age of 8. I couldn't even list all the problems he and I had starting at a very young age.

You can never quite describe what it is like to grow up with a troubled sibling. I had two very normal sisters; one older, one younger. My brother was a totally different story. He was fostered by my parents starting at 8 days old and then adopted by them at 2 years old. He was basically blood even if he looked nothing like us (we were all blondes/tan skin and he was a red head with freckles and pale skin).

People who know about my brother and our past will ask, "do you forgive him or have a relationship?" Sadly enough, I don't. I think I left that relationship when I left Florida almost 4 years ago. Sure, we talk on holidays and I get updates on his son, but it's different. The amount of mental and physical damage that was "our relationship" made me resent him and dislike him tremendously. I can remember the really bad times, really well and then there are so few good times. Or maybe, it seems that way.

When my brother was in jail in his late teens, he wrote me a letter. I think this was the first time I wanted to make an effort and give our relationship a though. The whole "I am sorry I did all that horrible crap to you, I found god." That lasted all of 6 months before he was right back to doing what he does. Disappointed, discourage and out of trust I kind of gave up. Actions speak louder than words and if you say something and don't follow through, it means nothing. 

It is hard to know and say that I don't have a relationship with my brother. I have to say it is what it is and be ok with it. I refuse to dwell on everything I can't control in my life. Relationships of all types take two to make them work and I won't give two times what I should. Perhaps one day things will be different until then ...

Just another Manic Monday

I wish, more than anything that I was/could become a morning person. But ... let's face it, I am not and don't think it will be easy. Mondays are the worst. I hit snooze at least 5 times plus more. So, this morning I treated myself to a large coffee. Now, kicking it off further with some Jimmy Eat World. Ah, maybe Monday isn't so bad. 

Moving on ... I had a pretty great weekend. Nothing too crazy, just overall good. Had brunch, watched a movie, went to the MOMA. Just really ... nice. I had a great conversation with someone who has quite honestly become one of my best friends, not just in NYC but in life. We talked about the importance of friends and life changes as well. It made me do some thinking and she said "can't wait to read about this in your blog," so here it is.

As I have gotten older, grew up, changed ... so have my friendships. Fortunately and unfortunately friendships are not just given. You have to seek out, earn, invest, and grow them. Some really take off and some fade out. The ones that truly succeed are typically not without being given time, compassion, understanding and lots and lots of laughs.

Not all friendships can be saved. Sadly, people come into our lives and leave as well. With change, this is inevitable. Everyone grows, changes, and it is necessary in life. Some people and relationships don't make it longterm and some people are lucky enough to have lifelong friends that, even though you both grow, you are still interested in the same things and have thnigs in common. You don't typically have the same friends in your teens as you will in your mid-20's. Talking on the phone and going to parties is no longer of interest. Personally, I love a good night in, a yummy dinner and flats to heels.

So, build relationships and cherish them but remember people do change and we all grow up. You might not always fit together. Don't force it and don't waste time with people who aren't important to you.