Because January Is For Lists

I want to:

do something relevant.

do something challenging.

volunteer more often.

carve out writing time for myself daily.

I want to think:

that I am capable enough to accomplish any task, no matter how challenging.

seriously about what I want to do career-wise, and what it’s going to take to get there.

about everything I say before I say it.

I want to learn:

how to love better.

how to love myself better.

how to live greener.

more about politics, and less about the b.s. surrounding it.

to think globally.

I want to see:

how far I can push myself, physically.

Africa, Egypt, and Paris in the spring-time.

the way my hair looks blonde, someday.

I want to try:

being a vegetarian, at least where red meat and pork are concerned.

eating healthier, regardless of if I’m able to let go of red meat forever.

I want to tell:

more jokes.

my family and friends how important they are to me, better and more often.

Chris that he makes me so happy, daily.

I want to touch:

coral along an underwater reef.

a paintbrush to canvas.

the hands of a newborn.

I want to smell:

a huckleberry pie straight from the oven, that I baked from scratch.

food and festivities and all of my family in one room next Thanksgiving.

grass underneath my bare feet.

I want to feel:

confident about my own abilities and natural talents.

that what I do for most of the day, at work, matters.

fit enough to run a 5k, easily.

I want to stop:

worrying about everything resting out of my control.

pretending that I feel guilty about being happy.

drop, and roll.

living in the past.

I want to let go of:

my fears of failing.

my fears of being successful.

people and places that were never good for me, not ever.

wondering what might have been.

doubt.

———–

What do you want?

Weekend Update, Leprechaun Edition

I haven’t run a 5k since 2005, when my sister and I signed up to “trot” a Race for the Cure in Portland and then on race day, about twenty minutes before we were set to briskly walk with the rest of the meanders, she asked if we could run. We have different memories of this day, but I remember knowing we would run even though we had said we were going to walk. I also remember that while she → Read more...

Things I’m Contemplating As I Enter This, My Superhero(ine) Phase

This post inspired by my friend and Patron Saint of Divorce Redemption.

We’ve all heard about the five (or seven) stages of grief, the designated personal places you must traipse within and for yourself to be able to stand tall on the other side of whatever loss you are suffering. Stages you need to fight your way through surviving, and really processing, to be able to find yourself again.

In my head I liken the five stages of divorce to a wily → Read more...

Do A Big Sister A Favor?

Today is babycarrot sister’s 26th! Day of Cake. Being that my sister happens to be (awesome, yes! and) one of my favorite people on the planet, I think instead of being here, you should go here, and read all about what made her day great. (Seeing as how we’re all very visual learners around these parts, I will tell you that there are most definitely pictures. Of cake, even!)

You could even wish her a happy! birthday. You know, if you → Read more...

My Heart Is A Nautical-Themed Pashmina Afghan

We interrupt copious amounts of Asia recapping this broadcast for a maritime digression of sorts.

You see, I’ve been a lover of the ocean, and of all things aquatic and nautical-inspired, ever since I can remember.

My love for sea-faring-everything might very well have been fostered during the myriad spring breaks spent exploring quaint coastal communities in and around Port Ludlow, Washington. Some of my fondest childhood memories spring forth from days spent poking my curious face into every trinket shop in → Read more...