The State of My Mind

Have We Met?

Well hello there world! How’ve you been? Me? Well, clearly busy since it’s been months since I’ve even thought to pen a post. But my hiatus hasn’t all been in vain. I’ve been busy in the best, most blessed ways a girl could ask for! 


With all the shiny and new in my life I’ve been all but overwhelmed. But as I sit waiting for the 11:30 bus to NJ and only 12% battery life, I can’t imagine a better opportunity to reintroduce myself to my itty bitty blog. 
I almost wonder whether the motivation to write before came from a place of growth and reinvention.

And now that I’ve forged ahead and repurposed my life I’m at a loss of words (I know, right!). 
The things I wanted for so long - happiness, stability, comfort and love - I’ve found (and finally in the right places). 
The only thing I wish I had now was my phone charger!

I hate election season. And why shouldn’t I? Every ad is campaign focused and my shows don’t air because of the debates and everyone and their mother (literally) is on Facebook and Twitter waxing poetic and feigning knowledge. It’s an annoying time.

But every now again from all the election “noise” I’ll hear something that resonates with me on some level - whether it be women’s rights or taxes - and I’ll remember that I have the privilege and the obligation to do my country, its citizens and myself a solid. The same country that gave my parents the opportunity to live and grow here. The same one that provided me with ample opportunity to become educated, employed and self sufficient. This country is not without its problems, but it’s the country I have.

So instead of complaining about everything from gas prices to coffee prices to cost of living - do something. Don’t sit on your ass hating the process. YOU are the process. So when shit hits the fan and everything sucks and you try to claim that the government is out to get you - just remember where you were on Election Day and what you did to make a change.

the process.

Traveling and vacationing is a rarity in our lives - but over my many trips I’ve developed a process that I think most of you can relate to :) 

1. Figure out the dates…text everyone ferociously about your pending trip and revel in the ‘yays’s’ and ‘I can’t wait’s’. 

2. Make all the bookings - this means airline (duh), hotels (if needed) and transportation (you’re an adult - just rent the car!). Post it all on Facebook. Be an attention monger. 

3. Put it on your calendar.  If needed, share the calendar with people you’re planning stuff with on your trip and those that might need to reach you while you’re away. 

4. Make sure you bring up the time you’re taking off a few times a week to make my coworkers jealous. Also, make sure you’ve put it on the team calendar so as not to ‘surprise’ anyone (though how could it be - you haven’t shut up about it)!

5. Start thinking about all the things you want to do/people you want to see/places you want to eat.  If you’ve visited before, make sure you factor in all the food places and shopping that aren’t available at home!

6. Plan your travel time entertainment.  Music - if you think you might want to listen to it, sync it - there is nothing worse than not having the right song when you want it! Videos - be careful about content - Broadway Empire is awesome, but the kid in 20E probably shouldn’t be looking at all that nudity. Magazines - Take the People’s and the US Weekly’s and the OK’s - you know you’re not going to want to lug back the ‘good’ magazines if you end up taking them! Books - if you’re eBook enabled, sync a few options and make sure you’re charged up before boarding! If not, don’t pick something that’s part of a series (unless you bring them all with you)! 

7. List out all the events/outings/change of clothes you’ll need. Factor in one lounging around outfit and one see and be seen outfit for each full day! Don’t forget the flight day outfit - it’s the best one! 

8. Make a packing list based on list from 7.  Tops, Bottoms, Shoes, PJ’s, Makeup, Misc. Try on outfit combos before packing away - account for vacation eating and sleeping habits that may slightly alter the way something looks on you.  You know you’re not fat - but your eating regimen during vacation begs to differ! 

9. Figure out what baggage you’re allowed to bring.  If you can bring a carry-on for free, awesome! Create a packing system that condenses space and allows for ease of finding things when you need them!

10. Make/find a checklist of most commonly forgotten things.  Here’s mine: Chargers for all your devices (don’t forget the devices), any meds you require/may require (Advil is a must!), printed/written out list of important numbers/emails (yes technology is awesome - but old school is more reliable), your keys to your car/apartment (because all vacations come to an end). 

And now you’re ready to vacation - just don’t forget to have fun!