End-Of-Year Goals

It's almost 2013.


I feel like I should do something-make a calendar, a promise, some kind of pledge; but lets be honest. I'm not exactly Captain Follow-Through (I TOTALLY just figured out next years halloween costume).

I'm not what people might call a self-motivating person. I honestly don't know what truly motivates me. Every form of motivation has worked for about a week at a time. But they all fail.

Observe: Guilt just makes me lie or avoid people, negative reinforcement sends me into a really self-depricating shame spiral, and 'fooling' myself just ends in a complex argument with myself that inevitably ends with marshmallows.

Basically the only thing that works for more than a week is consistent waves of positive reinforcement. The key is it cant come from me. When I say "go team this guy!" I feel (and sound) kind of like an idiot. And no one has the time to follow me around telling me how fantastic I am. I'm not Brad Pitt.




Unless you all have something very important to tell me...






Anyways, I'm bring this up now because, as you may have noticed, its November now- almost December, really. Seeing the leaves change and the weather crisp up makes me think about wrapping things up and new beginnings and all that. And that 2012 is almost over and i better have something to show for it. So I've been thinking about some goals- not overly large ones, but smaller, meatier goals. Goals that can be stepping stones to broader life goals or habits. So here's my little list of things I'd like to do before the end of 2012.



1. Do more yoga. There was a time when I did yoga every day for an hour. It was hard, but it was fantastic. I was a human rubber band, and calmer than I've been maybe ever. I had never been able to clear my head the way they say you're supposed to in meditation and before you go to bed. Somehow though, that year it clicked. For that hour, either my mind would quiet down or it would get so foggy and full of thoughts they would meld into a white noise; either way I felt quiet. Every class I left feeling centered. I miss that. I think that doing just 10 minutes of yoga a day- just yoga, in the quiet with just me- would be nice.

2. Go to the gym at least twice a week. I'm not an active person. I've tries to be a few Ike's but it always ends with me on the couch. I don't enjoy exercising. In fact, I kind of hate it. It frustrates me that the rewards are so hard to achieve; you don't get a six pack and loose 10 pounds in a week. The combination of this and the fact that it's hard and boarding make it really easy to just... Not. But I know I feel so much better when I do get off my butt, and the health benefits are undeniable. So instead of jumping into a big workout plan I will inevitably not be able to keep up with, I'm setting a simple, no-guilt goal: go work out twice a week. With any luck, it'll become a seamless part of my life. Like TV or mascara. But better for me.

3. Eat only vegetables twice a week. I love vegetables, So this one won't be hard. It's just so easy to get in the habit of eating far too much meat and starch and carny goodness this time of year. So going veggie twice a week seems like a good way to break it up and,ale sure I'm not falling into the meat trap and stay feeling vibrant even in February.

4. Moisturize. A lot. I get so dry and crispy feeling this time of year. So I want to take the time to coat myself in lotions and potions. I always feel so lavish and soothed after I just put on some lotion. I have some nice, rich creamy ones that I don't use enough and, well, what time like the present?

5. Take more pictures. I always love looking at photos- two of my most precious possessions are photo albums, one from my parents and one from my grandparents. They're filled with baby pictures and little snapshots. Looking at these reminds me that pictures are so much more than posing for Facebook or composing a flattering angle. But it's more than that- we have several albums in my house filled with pictures from our adventures when we lived in London and traveled around Italy and France. But instead of pictures of the Eiffel tower or the colosseum (which we totally have don't you worry,) these albums are filled with doorknobs, manholes, graffiti, tiles, street signs, hinges, all sorts of little details my parents knew we would never see the likes of anywhere else. It's those details that make exploring so invigorating. Don't get me wrong, I love to see the sights and bask in the big history, but those weird small things are what make your journey so special and your own. I want to remember those little things better and I think this might be a good way to start.

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Never Ending Story Pt II: The Goods.

Remember that time I started sorting my clothes? I know it's been a while, but I promise I didn't forget.

Well I completed Step 1, which was getting rid of the pieces I don't wear or don't like anymore (which was a much smaller pile than I was expecting). With that phase finished, packing went much faster. Now that I'm unpacking, I'm starting Step 2. Step 2 is going through and assessing what I have going on.

So here's a brief overview of the closet:


TOPS

Looking at all my tops lined up, I have come to a conclusion: I'm not allowed to get any more cream or white button downs. Especially if they're sheer. To be fair, I wear all of them, but there is a limit.
I also noticed that I have pretty much all solid colors. A color locked or small scale pattern will sneak in there once in a while, or maybe some beading, but my tops are dominated by solid colors. The cut of my tops is fairly uniform: either button downs, semi-fitted t shirts, trapeze tops or camisoles. That's it.



OUTERWEAR

My jackets are kind of dull, really; either leather jackets (of which I have many like my boots,) or blazers. I have a grays, black and a red one. Boom.

I also have two vests, a black leather one and a fishing vest from my uncle. It sounds a little odd, but it looks awesome with everything and is so cozy.

I have a problem with buying orange and oatmeal sweaters. I just keep wearing and loving them; is that so wrong? They tend to be finer knits with some drape or cardigans. The chunky knits I have are few and far between. There's my Paris sweater from my cousin which I wear like a coat and my gold metallic sweater, the ultimate statement neutral. That sounds backwards, but just trust me on this one.


BOTTOMS

I hate jeans shopping, so when I find a pair I like, I just stick to that and don't deviate. As a result, all my pants are either from Old Navy or Uniqlo. My favorite cut is straight/ skinny, and I like some color; I have dark denim, gray, yellow, green, black and purple. S I've got some interest going on there.

As for skirts, I tend to go patterned on these guys. Looking at them all together, I tend to go with warm colors ranging from tans to reds with a black skirt thrown in for good measure.


DRESSES

I have a couple. this is actually the most diverse part of my closet. Most of them are plain, but I have a few ikat print and floral dresses. Color-wise, I have the whole spectrum: creams into pinks to reds all the way through to purples, browns and blacks. Even the cuts are diverse. Some full skirts, some straight cuts, fitted and draped, thin straps and long sleeves.











So that's what I'm working with. I have a lot of good base pieces, but a lot of it, but feels a little...stale. Or too much like college. Im not sure which; maybe its both. Either way I'm dissatisfied with my closet as a whole.

I think what I need to do next is look at my inspirations again and figure out my favorite pieces. I might even pack away my non-favorites for a few months and see if I forget about them or miss them. Although I love most of my closet, it lacks focus and a cohesive quality that would make it more functional and pleasing.

Now that I've looked at everything together, I'm ready for the next step: deciding what I love about my clothes and what I'm missing to take this pile of garments and turn it into a wardrobe.

I think I've got some more sorting to do...

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Apartment Update!

my picture wall in my room

So it's been about a week in the new place, and we are settling in quite nicely. Here's some of the updates we've made:

bits form the living room- our theta wall, our wall of pictures, and our amazing bookcase complete with tea set AND joan holloway barbie 

from this...

to this! dining room table- we found an awesome little grocery stores that has a great flower section

sad bar...

happy bar!!- those are our royalty/ LU shot glasses

empty bathroom...

cute bathroom! my babushka glasses, my side of the sink, and our bathroom post cards

my amazing bed and nigh stand- not over how much i love the lamp

first bedside table...

bedroom details- my bedside table, my jewelry and a purple tray (i made it!)

What do you guys think?

Sometimes Weeks are Crazy.

This is one of those weeks. I'll see you all next week!

Inspiration: Lacy Things

I love lingerie.
It's my favorite thing to buy.
By far.

However, buying really pretty and fantastic lacy bras and matching undies (I hate the word 'panties') is not exactly possible on a post-grad budget. But, thanks to the internet, I can fill fake carts and leave them stranded in the middle of the store, minus the guilt. (Note: anyone who has done this in a real store will know the cold flash of guilt that trickles down your back when you do this. The glares from the clerks as they watch you slink out the door will amplify this feeling).

To be fair, my collection is fairly extensive. But theres always room for more... Right?

The Never Ending Story: Defining My Personal Style.

some ridiculously cool ladies

My least favorite thing to do? Describe myself. I find it tedious, embarrassing and insanely difficult. It also makes me feel like I'm a walking contradiction, like I'm pulled in so many directions. I consider myself a loud person,, yet I'm drawn to simple clothes in muted colors. I love guilty nail polishes and cutesy aprons, yet I have my androgynous short hair and a meriad of menswear inspired shoes. So what the hell is my style?

more ladies who are way too cool for me

Since I'm moving, (in case you haven't heard, I am), I'm using this as an opportunity to put my art history skills to work and analyst my current wardrobe, isolate the soul-defining pieces and maybe even give my style it's own name.

Like preppy-boho-chic.
Or French-saucy-retro.
Or Ralph.

Maybe I'll call my style Ralph.

Either way, I want to pear down my wardrobe so it's only filled with pieces I truly love, pieces that speak to my deepest inner self. I also want to make sure that my wardrobe works as a cohesively as possible. What's the point of having clothes if you can't put them together? That's like having the makings for a sandwich and no bread. It's a sad delema that ends in no sandwich.

(i won't call my style ralph.) 

In order to make my clothes sandwich as delicious as possible, I'm going to need a game plan. Whenever I jump into things willy-nilly, it usually ends up with me staring at the beginnings of a project until I slowly push it off the side of the bed or table and sidle out of the room. Then I leave the pile for Future Katie to deal with. (side note: Future Katie never appreciates this). So here's how I've broken it down:

Step 1 is going through everything and identifying the must-haves, the cant-let-go-ofs, and the meh's.

Step 2 is analyzing the first two piles and figuring out what they have in common and how they talk to each other.

Step 3 is making outfits and combinations to find the holes.

Now that I have my game plan, let's do this!

ruh row...

Hopefully it will all become clear sooner than later...

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Five Things I've Learned From Living With Dogs

little harriet

In case you don't know, I love dogs. Correction, I LOVE dogs. I'm the person who stops on the street to get kisses form the fat bulldog on the corner. For ten minutes.

Besides my gorilla do-lovin, I've also been privileged enough to live with some truly amazing, opinionated, attitude-full dogs in my lifetime. And they have taught me some valuable lessons. I thought I'd take a moment to thank them and point out the things that these love nuggets have taught me between belly rubs and treats.

harriet napping

hobbes and matzah looking dapper

It's not always about you. Being in charge of another living creature means you have to make sure they fit into your day. You can't just not come home on time if theres a dog waiting to be let out or fed. It makes you take a step back and look at your priorities. What is more important: going out till 2am, or taking care of your pal? 

lydia and harriet

Look out for your pack. Check in with everyone to make sure they're ok. My dogs have always done this. Throughout the day, they interrupt their naps to make the rounds, as it were, and say hi to everyone. Even in the middle of the night, our family dog Lydia always gets up to poke her head into every room. If someone in your pack is upset, or hurt, or just plain having a bad day, pause and make sure you try to help them out. Whether thats stopping to hold a hand or just sending a text. And there's nothing snuggles can't make a little better.

Keep your room clean. This one is learned when you come home and find the dog galloping and dancing in a flurry of your underwear. Then you come in to find them chewing happily on you computer cords, or eating your chapsticks. Once these things happen, you start putting things away. 

Brush your teeth. Anyone who has had a dog yawn in their face will be reminded to do this small, annoying step. 

ready for her first walk

Walks and naps really do help. Even on the worst, most tiring, most emotionally draining day, take a little walk. even if its just up and down the street or around the corner to pick up your laundry. It clears your head, gives you more energy, and makes you feel just better. Its a pain in the butt to get ourself up, but once you are, you're never sorry. And naps are always a calming and reviving thing to do. Why do you think dogs are always so perky? It's because they nap most of the day. 

Moving... again and the Shove-Shame Spiral

SO I'm leaving New York.

I know.
 But I finally woke up from my post-grad haze, looked around and said "what the hell am I doing here?!?" So I applied to a bunch of jobs all over. Then, found out one of my best friends from college needed a roommate. A month later, here I am with a job, friends, cheese curds and apartment all waiting for me in Milwaukee. Im pleased with how things have unfolded.

 Now, all this is good an well. But it leaves the horrible truth that I must, once again, pack my belongings and drag it all to the glorious cheese state. This means packing.

this is not what me packing looks like.

I am no moving novice; this is not my first rodeo. I'm a California girl who went to school in the midwest, which necessitated packing and moving my crap across the country twice a year. Still, after four years and countless hours of sorting and folding and stuffing and cursing*, I am still not very good at packing.I truly and deeply loath packing. More accurately, I hate the last 10% of packing when you keep finding crap you couldn't fit in that last suitcase or box. I call this roller coaster of emotion the shove-shame spiral. It starts about two thirds of the way though the packing process.

 At this point, you've packed you're favorite things. There are no more sleigh bells, no more mittens; you're down to the stuff you honestly kind of forgot about. You tell yourself, great! A chance to cull your belongings and finally free yourself from consumerism! You can live that minimalist life you've always dreamed of! (Or thought about vaguely before shrugging and watching chopped instead). You can be that lady picking flowers! You can have a white couch! You can go to the farmers market! You can LIVE the anthropology dream!!! And then a dust bunny cheerily floats across your room.

This is when it hits you that you have to CLEAN after you pack. Thus begins the shove-shame spiral. Suddenly, you get itchy from the dust and you realize how long its been since you showered. Whats that smell? Good God: it's you. You catch a glimpse in the mirror. You're not glowing from exercise like you supposed; you're tired and haggard form working! Thats it. WORST DAY EVER.

After this you pout for about an hour, occasionally picking things up and playing with them, briefly forgetting your woe until you look around you and remember your cursed fate. A glimpse at the clock makes you realize how much time you've wasted. Defeated, you throw up your hands like you're mom told you to stand up straight. FINE, self; I'll keep packing.

 Then you put on "Into the Woods" or "Wizard of Oz" and start just shoving stuff into boxes or already-full suitcases. Before the first act is half way though, you're done and still feeling a little resentful.

 Then you remember about bacon and happily skip off.

"yaaaaay!!!! bacon!!!!"

 So that's my usual packing ritual. To be fair, this has always been done when I have literally 24 hours between my last final and my flight. But not this year. I'm going to outsmart the shove-shame spiral this year by giving myself a whole week to pack instead of the post-finals flurry I'm accustomed to. With luck, determination and a LOT of musicals, I will pack up my things and live to tell the tale.





 *(and one unfortunate time when the storage at school was all filled up. I thought my things would have to be abandoned like puppies in a box on the highway and i melted into a puddle of tears in the very center dorm hallway on top of my sad boxes at 2am. not my proudest moment.)

Post-Grad Thoughts

So it has officially been over a year since I graduated from college, and here’s what I think: The first year out of college is like a giant, year-long hangover: you know it has to end, but you just can’t seem to shake it and you just feel awful and NO ONE sympathises, unless theyre either hungover too or recently hung over. I think that’s pretty accurate right? good luck, recent grads.