The Pressure is Off..or is it On?

Okay okay okay OKAY!  New blog post.  Here it is!  Fresh and clean in 2011.  Although, I would be lying if I said I didn't feel a wee bit-o-pressure to crank out a "good one" here.  I figure I'll just do what I always do and spit out all of the things that have been swirling on my mind and then you can tell me what you think about them.  Sound good?

Since I blogged last I've done a ton of traveling.  I was home for Thanksgiving, which was lovely.  A quick five days, but I really enjoyed being at home with my family and my dogs.  I literally sat around with them in different areas of my house for five days.  We just soaked each other up and it was lovely.  I came back to NYC and worked for another few weeks and then headed to NC to see Sam.  We celebrated our Christmas together and somewhere between Chicago, New York, and North Carolina my credit card number got stolen.  Again.  So there I was in North Carolina feeling semi-stranded.  I can't really complain though.  At the time when I found out I was with one of my favorite UNCG Professor's--Flan!  One of my favorite things about visiting NC is checking in with him.  I was also able to spend time with Jim, another favorite.  Both great people, and I really enjoy seeing them.  So then after a great few days in NC I headed back to NYC worked and basically unpacked, repacked and headed home to Chicago for Christmas.  I enjoyed driving my Vibe--y'all know how I love to drive!  I also got a new laptop for Christmas!  I cried of course.  And my parent's created a little scavenger hunt for me to track it down.  Needless to say I am in love with this thing and every time I open it, it's like receiving a gift again (thanks Mom and Dad!).   The holiday season was fantastic.  The snowstorm that shut down the Northeastern part of the country was not!  To make a long story short I ended up driving back to NYC.  When people asked how I got back and I told them I ended up driving they thought I was crazy.  I'll admit that it was a bit of a snap decision, but I had to get back!  What other choice did I have?

As I bopped around from Chicago, New York, and North Carolina I couldn't help but think about "home" and how I have multiple.  All three of these places hold very special in my heart.  Each of them possess meaningful people, places, and things.  Barrington, Illinois will always be my home.  It is a very special place to me.  And I love my physical home there.  It is warm and vibrant and a safe haven for me.  North Carolina also feel like home in many ways.  And, slowly but surely, New York is starting to become a home as well.  When we dig in and plant ourselves, we open ourselves up to take places in--to create a home.  If we never dig, we will always feel like strangers.  Do you agree?  Just a thought.  

Last Saturday I met Ingrid Michaelson while I was working at SLT.  I continue to work there a few days a month, and when I was working on Saturday another associate was asking me a question and as I turned around to answer there was INGRID.  Needless to say, I completely fanned out.  I went nuts.  I love love LOVE her music and I just was so excited.  I'm sure she was flattered, but I just couldn't help myself.  I've been fortunate to see quite a few celebrities since moving here, but have had ample time to "prepare" myself.  And truthfully, it's not even that, but moreso the fact that I really connect with her as an artist and her music has really inspired me.  In fact, as I type up this blog she is playing on my computer!  (Having laptop speakers is AMAZING).  She was so nice and I so appreciated her kindness.  It was so cool, and I floated for the rest of the day.

Can I brag on a friend for a minute?  I just want go give a great big HOLLA about my friend Currie!  Y'all know Currie, but do you know he's coming to NEW YORK to audition for "GLEE"--HOLLA HOLLA HOLLA!!!!!!  Currie called me on Tuesday and told me all about how he got a call seeing if he was interested in AUDITIONING for "GLEE"--do y'all get what I am saying?!?!?!!??!?  Well, I burst with tears of joy right there in my office.  Told everyone and have been beaming ever since.  So, in February, Currie is comin' back to NYC to do it up BIG!  Send nothing but goodness his way.  I can't think of anyone I know who deserves it more.

I want to leave you with this excerpt that I read in Real Simple Magazine.  I loved it and wanted to share it with you: "Happiness comes in small moments while you're pursuing the big stuff.  After a while, the small moments become the point.  This is especially true in tough times.  When the world seems to be falling apart, you still have your little touchstones of joy."--Marcia Menter The History of Happiness

It's true, right?  And if we always pursue happy moments then the good stuff will happen.  That is the secret--put out what you want and it will come back to you.  I know that it's said that January and February are the roughest months because we are in the dead of winter, but I challenge you to put out good things and allow for good things to happen to you.

Hello!

Friends!  I have taken a break from my blog for a few months (December was CRAZY).  I promise to post a blog soon, but wanted to share this that I came across.  I hope this finds you well!