Today it started raining right as I stepped out to take Oppie for a walk. As soon as we came back it stopped raining. Of course. No matter though, I actually enjoyed it. Oppie was less than thrilled; he's a bit fussy. We walked up to our local Starbucks (I love their chai lattes); the day after Halloween they busted out their holiday cups. Normally I don't like the commercial aspect of the holiday season (Christmas music drives me up the wall), but I do like these cups. They're so cheery, which I especially love on a grey day like this!
Normally, Oppie likes to sunbathe on our balcony, but with the weather being cold, he's preferred to dig himself a hole the couch cushions (he usually builds forts with the other smaller pillows, but those are in the wash).
Last month, my cousin, Caroline, came for a quick visit on her way to New York City, then Milan. We had a couple full days together that we spent in San Francisco and Oakland, showing her around and doing a bit of shopping. I even got to take her to see my friend's band and my favourite bar in the Mission! Oppie loved having another person around to dote on him, too!
I spent last week at a beach house in Stinson Beach with Elizabeth, Meg and Kate (and Oppie, too!) for a work-cation. It was a great relaxing break from the daily grind, but we still managed to get a fair amount of work done, including a top-secret project for APW (which will be announced later).
I've been reading Caitlin Moran's How To Be a Woman for APW's book club, which meets on Saturday. It's been nice curling up on these cold days and getting my daily dose of humour from this funny lady.
Speaking of APW, a couple weeks ago Meg announced to the world that I'm on the APW staff (with a bio and everything!). I've actually been working as the Advertising Manager for a while, and we just launched our Vendor Directory 5 weeks ago, and it's been really well received!
I'm also planning a trip with a few other APW photographers to WPPI in Las Vegas in February! I've never been to Vegas, but I'm excited to meet up with these ladies who I've become friends with through APW (some of whom I still haven't met in real life)!
{photo from here}
Ed and I started making life lists together, (or as he refers to it, "Not-a-Bucket List") and it's been really fun dreaming and scheming together. My list includes things like donate blood (I'm terrified of needles), run a 5K (I hate running, and only do it if I'm in danger (and even then I really evaluate the situation before I hit the pavement)), sew a quilt, and learn to change a tire. We've also got other big things on the lists, like traveling to different countries, building a house with fruit trees, and some professional goals. After living together for 6 years and falling into a routine, which sometimes feels like a rut, it's nice to make plans, however small or big, and discuss how to make these plans happen. I like to think of it as an exercise in falling in love all over again and creating/continuing an exciting life together.
Speaking of falling in love all over again, today I received mail from Ed (yes the return address is the same as the mail-to address) with a sweet card in it! Bonus points for the awesome typography heart!
I don't do a lot of holiday decorating (though I did these wreaths last year), but I saw this tutorial on Heart of Light last week for a gradated leaf garland and just loved it. Then yesterday, as Oppie and I were coming back from the dog park, we walked under a tree right outside our place that was shedding beautiful leaves left and right, so I decided to make one for myself! Super easy and fun to do; too bad it won't last until next year.
Lastly, I want to share a conversation that made me step back and realize (again) how lucky I am to be doing something I love. The past few months have been really busy for me, and I've been succumbing to the pressures of being a small business owner, and well, I've been in a bit of a funk lately. Then today, I had this conversation with Ruchi regarding her wedding (next week!):
me: (body of email) Now off to practice my dance moves! I wish. Just going to answer some emails. Besides, I'm totally* a pro at Indian dancing. *Not really.
Ruchi: You should be practicing! We fully expect you to perform this at the wedding:
me: So then I guess my only question is, will you be providing backup dancers or should I?
Ruchi: The wedding is officially BYOBUD.
I love that I have such a fun job and clients who *get* me!
Aww, I love this! Especially the part about the Life Lists; I'm all for those. ;)
ReplyDeleteMiss you, friend! <3