Sunday, January 19, 2014

BRAINSSSS...

One of my biggest mistakes as a college student was not taking a psychology course.  At the time I was really twitterpated with Comparative Religion (I couldn't pick a focus between Jewish Studies, Early Christianity, or Eastern Religion) and Post Modern Literature classes, and I spent all my extra credits there.   People are fascinating.  Brains are fascinating.  In the last couple of years I've read a little bit on Child Psychology and Early Childhood brain development, and I just can't get enough. 

My father is the same way.  What can I say, I am my father's daughter.

This year for Christmas I got him a book by Psychologist Daniel Kahneman called, Thinking Fast and Slow.  Yesterday, I picked up a copy for myself and started reading.  I can't really recommend this book yet (since I just started reading it), but I am excited to learn more about (zombie voice) BRAINZ.  I will update you on my opinion (as well as my DAD's!) as soon as I have one. 

Also this weekend I went to a new bar in Logan Square called "The Distillery."  We had a great time even though they did not serve beer.  Re: Distillery.  I did however enjoy SEVERAL grapefruit vodka cocktails called, "Pomela Spritz."  Highly Recommended.  The hangover I experienced the next day, Not Recommended. 

In other BIG NEWS I found a one bedroom apartment in Andersonville that I will be moving into in February!  I am so excited to get back to cooking soups, having dinner parties, binge reading books that I purchased from Women and Children First bookstore (just down the street!), and walking around the house topless! 

2014.  The year of protecting hearts and building empires.

Here is a throwback song from Mates of State (2008) that I fell in love with all over again last weekend. You will too. 
"Everything is going to get lighter, even if it never gets better."

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Starting Over.

Things end.  Things start.

Like this blog.

I stopped writing in it.  BAM.  Ended.

Sometimes things start anew.

I'm writing here again.  So, it has started.  Beginning.

BAM!

2013 was a rollercoaster.  Tragedies, big changes, finding love, losing love, facing death, facing pain, facing identity, losing home, finding home, losing family, giving up, getting up, starting over...
In 2013 I learned so much about positivity.  I learned that there are incredible moments in even the darkest days.  I learned this from my students.  I learned this from my Mother.  I learned positivity from being in extreme pain.  Funny. Not really.

2014.  The year of protecting hearts.  The year of adventures yet to start.  The year of music, education, work, health, reading, finding silver linings, trust, forgiveness, laughter, caution, acceptance, vacations, bike rides, new friends, new loves, new family.

I'm going to make this magical year happen.  The only way I know how to make things happen is to plan.  List.  To do lists...

Here we go- Ten things to do in 2014:

1.  Read one book (for pleasure) a month.  I know this goal sounds small, but being a teacher is a wackadoo job that takes up most of my brain power and time.  I love to read.  I miss it.  I don't want to miss it anymore.  Reading.  Boom.
2.  I want to beat my PR in the proud to run 10K.  This will be great motivation for me to get back to the gym.  Right now I am the weight I was when I graduated high school (stress weight loss FTW), but I'd really like to be healthier and feel stronger.
3.  Take Guitar lessons.  (Prepare yourself to be serenaded, ladies!)
4.  Move into my own apartment.  No roommates.  Ever. Again.
5.  Go to Europe.  See my birthplace.  See where my Grammer grew up.
6.  Take a Yoga class.  I know.  I know.  Scary.  I'm going to make AJ go with me.
7.  Finish the word wall in my classroom.  (You guys have no idea how big that is.)  I'm going to trick Mandy into helping me.
8.  Go camping.
9.  Host my sister in Chicago over Pride weekend.
10.  Consume art.  Go to at least 10 concerts.  Make sure to check out free nights at the MCA.  See as many plays as my budget will allow.  Consume it.  Boom.
11.  Lastly, I will read Infinite Jest.  (Maybe...)

Books.  Bikes.  Beers.  Back.

Currently Reading:  There are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz
Current Favorite Beer:  Little Sumpin' Sumpin'
Current Bike Riding Status: None.  (ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!  Chicago has a -50 degree wind chill)

Now, watch this...