29

As I approach 29 and a 1/2, it seems silly to be writing about my birthday which took place 2 whole seasons ago but that's where this idea all started.

My 29th birthday was the most low-key birthday I've had to date. A small celebration in the office, Passover seder at my aunt's apartment, a quick exchange of presents.

Instead of ringing in another year with booze or food, Alex and I put on our creative hats and took a pottery class at a really cool local shop.
We made beautiful bowls to use in our apartment. And we actually use them everyday! I was so happy to learn that I love pottery and it felt great to do something quiet in a group. Just like yoga - something I've always really loved to do.

The first half of 29, I focused a lot on the needs and wants of others. I barely even took time out of my schedule to celebrate my own birthday! I was just too busy doing other things. I was exhausted trying to please every single person in my world. And so, I've decided to take some time for myself. A 29th birthday present from myself, to myself. A trip to somewhere I've always wanted to go. Not a vacation with my friends full of too much alcohol and too much sun. Not a romantic getaway with my boyfriend to a new place to explore. Not a family focused holiday with all of my near and dear ones. A true present to myself. Just for me.

In a month's time, I'll be studying yoga at the Sivananda Ashram in the Bahamas. I'll be traveling solo with a clear head, a few books on my kindle, and a lot of sunscreen. For years I've been toying around with the idea of one day retiring and studying yoga, practicing more seriously, maybe even teaching. I've practiced yoga for over 15 years now. It brings me to my happy place where I'm my calmest and most in tune with my inner self. It's beautiful. And it's something I don't get to do nearly often enough. After a stressful period in my life, I'm ready for some calm.

Namaste!

2014

2014 is a year full of change. This post is long overdue as I've already been through a bunch since my last post!

Three months ago, I started the year with a new job at Lincoln Center and I really couldn't be happier. I love my new office (the people are nice and warm and friendly). I love my new boss - she is kind and acts like a mentor and always makes me feel valued and appreciated. I love going to work everyday and doing my job because it's fun and rewarding. And I realize that maybe I write with that rose-colored-glasses point of view having only worked there for a few short months. But I never felt this way at Weill and I most definitely didn't feel this way at Roundabout. The last time I loved my job was when I was working at Juilliard and that was about 3 years ago. It feels good to walk into beautiful Lincoln Center and feel like I matter. My career has taken a full circle and I feel like I'm home again.

Last week was another huge change - Alex and I moved into our new apartment! It feels incredible to sit in the kitchen and have a cup of coffee at a real table - I haven't done this in almost a year! The quiet is wonderful. Our new doormen are very sweet. I don't miss having roommates (or a dog that isn't ours making a mess of our home!). The new commute is a dream. It's been quite the adventure moving into the new place and after a week in our new apartment, I already feel like I'm home in our little slice of the big apple.

Most years I make a list of things to accomplish. Sometimes I get creative and give myself a challenge. It's fun to shake things up every now and then. I took my time thinking of the right New Years Resolution (just about 3 months!). And this year, I've decided that my New Years Resolution is very simple and very difficult. I pledge to be kinder to myself. After coming out of a low period, I realize that I'm not always the nicest person to myself. It's not always easy to be kind to yourself with so many comparisons glaring at you in magazines, fashion blogs, and on Facebook. It's hard to tune out all those voices and opinions. At the end of a hard year, it feels good to remember how much I enjoy all the little things that make life worth living.

Here Comes the Sun

The last few months have been tough. And everyone who knows me knows that it's really difficult for me to share stuff that makes me sad.

It's been hard to watch my family continue to recover from super storm Sandy. Sometimes it feels like our whole world has turned upside down. It's impossible to explain how violated it feels to have a natural disaster ruin your home (and essentially your life). Watching my parents struggle with the recovery of their home breaks my heart. They're still picking up the pieces and trying to put their lives back together. My amazing mom has been finding help from nonprofits, applying for grants, and taking the lead in getting the family back to normal. I know they will make it to the other side and there's FINALLY a light at the end of the tunnel.

On top of that, my job at Roundabout basically turned into a nightmare. It went from a work environment that was fun and relaxed to a company in financial distress having layoffs with all of the senior staff on edge. My department itself is full of bullies. The head of our department yells and screams at everyone like a tyrant. One of my coworkers gives me the silent treatment (she hasn't spoken to me in weeks) and I don't know what I ever did to upset the apple cart. My boss's head might explode if it gets any bigger. And a smelly intern (literally, unfortunately) was hired and sits inches away from me. It's not a pleasant work environment in any sense (or scents for that matter). I was coming home from work day after day drained, upset, and defeated. After months of this, and after a long and tedious job search, I am happy to report that I'll be leaving Roundabout for a position at Lincoln Center. The opportunity to work there basically fell into my lap after an informational interview with the director of their Individual Giving department set up through a good friend who worked for her and loved having her as his boss. Since I was ready to make a positive career change and because my potential new boss came highly recommended, I took a job as the Individual Giving Manager there. I couldn't be more excited to start my new job early next year. This position is my dream job - a nice team of people doing the type of work I love at the exact location I wanted.

When Harold's girlfriend, Kristina, moved in with us for good, I knew it would be hard. Between their fighting, her fussy dog, and trying (somewhat successfully) to share a kitchen, it has been a challenge. Alex has been optimistic and has let most of it roll off his back which definitely helps the situation. But we won't have to deal with the loudness at night or messiness for much longer - Alex is closing on an apartment on the Upper West Side very soon! I'm ecstatic about moving into a home with just the two of us! Not to mention, my new commute will be 8 CITY BLOCKS!

I feel like all of the pieces of my life are falling into place again. After a long stretch of time feeling like a dark black rain cloud was hanging over my head, I can see the sunshine again. And it feels good.