Happy New Year!
Last night, my friend and I came to the realization that the first decade of the millennium was life-altering again and again…and again. In that time span, I graduated high school, graduated college, moved to New York, lived abroad three different times, and traveled to seventeen countries. And really, that only scratches the surface. I can’t wait to experience every bit of whatever this coming decade will bring!
I rang in 2010 at Counter, with a vegetarian tasting menu, a cucumber cocktail, a local bottle of wine, and one of my closest friends. I left my camera in my purse and just enjoyed the excess; I actually have very few photos from past New Year’s Eves, because the memories are all I need. Last night, for instance, I had a full evening with my dear friend MJ, with whom I have shared many other long, multi-course, wine-accompanied meals throughout our European travels together. She was stateside for just a few days this past week, and we settled right back into our usual routine: loud outfits, heavy eye makeup, dining, drinking, and nonstop chatting.
the outfit: didn’t have to purchase a single piece.
Now, here we are in 2010. My head was a bit cloudy this morning, and water is still my new best friend, but the year is stretching wide open before us. I have to say, I’m quite excited for it.
Last January, I made New Year’s resolutions for the first time. I was in a much more, shall we say, compulsive mindset, and the concept of resolutions fit right in. Selections included running a half marathon and finding a full-time job, and well, life had other ideas for me. My grandpa used to say, “Man plans, and God laughs.” Amen.
prepped for midnight.
In the past, I never subscribed to the concept of resolutions, and I am re-embracing that this year. I try to be my best self regardless of the date on the calendar, and the definition of “best” often changes, month to month, season to season. I find it is far more valuable to work on being self-aware all throughout the year; that way I am constantly able to set, evaluate, and achieve goals, whether old or new. I know I’m a work in progress at all times, and I kind of like it.
Still, I do have a couple goals that have been nagging at me, including answering phone calls and emails more promptly [I've got to get better at this!] and sending letters through old-fashioned snail mail. Paper is pretty, hand-written notes are meaningful, and everyone loves mail. Want a letter? Send me your address!
Otherwise, I plan to continue doing exactly what I’ve been doing. I ended the year on an absolute high note, and I know I’ll see the comfort in my body, my mind, and my choices continue into the new year.
The cotton balls clouding my head seem to be dissipating, and I’m seeing some detox yoga in my near future. Rather than wish you all an enjoyable close to the holiday season, I think I’ll wish you a very happy first holiday of the year. :)
Do you make resolutions? What are some of yours?
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love that outfit
i make resolutions daily. haha
this year is to overcome my fears. live life fully and contently. smile often. love always. and BE OKAY with myself.
happy new years to you <3 xoxoxox
I don’t really make resolutions. I like to think that every day is a fresh start, not just January 1. I do plan on taking one food/wine/travel related class or event each month just to more fully immerse myself in things I love.
Happy New Year!
I loved every single bit of this post. Glad to read you had a fun, memorable (even if your head is cloudy today, nudge-wink), and positive end to the New Year.
Whew, you really packed a lot of living and growing up into the last decade. Keep up the c’est la vie!
my sister and i always write each other letters through snail mail! my friends think i am absolutely crazy because, according to them, no one writes letters anymore. which is exactly why my sister and i do that! plus, receiving a tangible, lovingly written item in the mailbox is such fun :]
as for resolutions, i do things throughout the year! why wait for NYE cliches to change yourself for the better (or in most cases, in January)?!
don’t feel bad about a cloudy head. my sister drank an entire bottle of champagne herself (while I stuck to chocolate and water! hahah)!!!
This certainly was a great decade for you! And I think taking pictures kind of ruins the moment sometimes, I would rather be experiencing it than trying to take the perfect shot :)
I’m not big on resolutions either, definitely more of a “goal” oriented outlook…things like consistent daily devotions, more yoga, and more self-acceptance.
Happy New Year!
happy new year leslie!!
agreed with you on the resolution, i have set some goal that i am willing to achieve.
hope you have a wonderful start to the new year
This is a lovely post. I avoid resolutions and specific goals. But I did set both concrete and abstract goals cause I also need some light, motivation, path if you will. I hope your start to 2010 went well.
I think its great that you found what works for you and your just going to keep that routine. No need to switch it up :)
My main goal is just to eat at PB & Co. in NYC
I definitely have lots of resolutions, but one of them is to keep my temper in check!
GREAT outfit! I wish you had taken a pic of you in it…I know you looked gorgeous!
Heavy eye makeup…! LOVE!
[...] As a Jewish family, we eat out on Christmas, and last year I began a tradition of ringing in the New Year with a multi-course meal. It may be cold outside, but meals such as these are more than enough [...]