hello, 2017

new year. new rules. i wasn't always an advocate of resolutions but when you can look back at the end of the year + realize that you are capable of crushing them (realistic resolutions, that is) it feels pretty damn good.

save for future dreams  
guys, this was huge. i had a five figure range of what i was hoping to save in 2016 and although i hit the lower end of that range it is something i have never really done before + i am SO proud of myself. i plan to keep this progress up in 2017, but i also plan to meet with a financial adviser + get a little more well-versed in personal finances altogether. i have said this a million times but it is honestly a travesty that young adults do not get better education here, myself included. going to do what i can now to give myself a pleasant future later.

read a book a month
i crushed this goal in 2016 with fifteen books read. i knew saving money would make me feel good, but i was surprised to find that continual reading made me feel extremely satisfied in a different kind of way. i read all sorts of genres + although most of the books i read were only so-so i always took away something or at the very least let my imagination run wild for a bit so i figured this would be a good one to continue with.

get out
2017 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for travel with trips already booked for palm springs, joshua tree, phoenix, austin + denver. i also have some early plans for spain, france, + costa rica later in the year. i also want to do a better job of getting out in chicago too. i did a pretty good job of visiting places i love like art museums, restaurants, + other places of interest in 2016, so i hope to keep that up this year as well.

advocate for the underdogs
over the past several years i have developed a strong interest in what has been happening in the middle east. the refugee crisis absolutely breaks my heart so i would like to find a way to contribute somehow. if you want to learn more on this situation i highly encourage you to watch frontline's recent special called "exodus." on a more personal level, i want to find a way to advocate for the introverts of the world (like me). recently i have thought a lot about what being more soft-spoken, introverted has meant for my career, relationships, etc. i love that i am me but at times you can feel like the grass would be greener. my conclusion, which i should have always known, is that there is a place in the workplace, home, WORLD for both extroverts + introverts. i want to find a way to make them more empowered...just not sure exactly how yet.

be kind to my body
what would a new year be without some irrational fitness goals?? i'm not going to set specific goals of working out 3x times per week or what-have-you because i know me + i know some weeks i will crush it + other weeks i will fail miserably. i do, however, think fitness is a good goal to remind yourself of at the start of a new year + i also know that i could probably motivate myself more than i currently am.

create
making things makes me happy. i am recognizing that creation doesn't necessarily have to be in the form of a grand thing, but that those little creations can be just as rewarding. creation in 2017 will most likely come in the form of writing (both personally + publicly) as well as making my home a home. in order to hit my said savings goal above i pumped the breaks on decorating. i think i'm in a position now where i can start to pick that back up again (!!!).

resolutions

find the right balance between spending + saving
i'm trying to get better about minimizing stuff + focusing on a few key investments. for me, this primarily refers to items + improvements to my home. in 2016 i want to hire painters, cover newly painted walls with some kind of shelving, buy a new headboard, + if i'm really a good girl maybe get myself a new computer. those are the four big ticket items this year. i want to focus on saving my money for future dreams instead of wasting it on instant gratification

more activities that make me feel strong + powerful
it's crazy how something so relatively easy can be so hard to do at times. one aspects of this involves more writing + creating. i felt like such an observer in 2015. my goal for 2016 is to work more at having a voice + a perspective on things. additionally, what is new year resolution without at least one fitness goal? i actually enjoy working out if i can get my booty to the gym + absolutely nothing makes me feel more powerful than crushing yoga poses. 2016 is the year i show up.

make the most out of my alone time
i'm a bit of a loner by nature. in my early twenties it was harder for me to accept but now i'm super cool with it. i don't want to waste these precious moments watching television or browsing the web. i want to do more exploring (maybe even in another city), practice meditation, you get the drift.

bring music back into my life
it never technically left it but 2015 was definitely an off year for me. i think i was just running around so much during my week days that my normal routine of listening to music wasn't as accessible as it used to be. i want to do a better job of discovering new sounds that i don't normally hear.

hello, 2016

The only resolution I have solidified so far is "don't rush things" which is why I don't have my full list ready yet. I want to spend another week with my thoughts to determine what is the most meaningful for me this year. In the meantime, here's a few inspiring images + to hoping that 2016 is magical for all of us.

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conflict resolution

A few weeks I was supposed to participate in management training at work but ended up missing it because I was sick. Prior to the session I had to take a conflict resolution survey to determine how I typically resolved conflict. There were five buckets on could fall into -- competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, and accommodating. I scored pretty high for compromising, avoiding, + competing but was at a 3% low for collaborating. No bueno.

I recently had my conflict resolution skills tested when I went couch shopping with my boyfriend a few weekends ago for our new place(!). Our opinions differed + I got very (irrationally) upset by this. We talked later + in between that conversation + couch shopping I had taken this quiz. The more we talked through the couch debacle the more I understood my conflict style + why my test results were pretty spot on. Generally speaking, I am a people-pleaser. I want to avoid awkward scenarios so I either compromise or just let someone eventually have their way. There are, however, a few areas of my life that I am very territorial. Home decor is one such area.

Over the years and some compliments later I have come to realize that I kind of have a knack for style. I read the design blogs, I spend many sleepless nights on Pinterest + Etsy, + most of all I care. Living alone has allowed me to make all of the design decisions + it has always been very important to me to live somewhere I enjoy being because I'm a bit of a homebody. I take a lot of pride in this so it's a hard area for me to budge.

I move into our new place at the end of this month. This comes with so much excitement but also some challenges. Essentially, I can't necessarily get my way all the time anymore. Bummer. I'm up for the challenge though + I've really tried my best to up my collaboration score as much as possible + I think we have figured out a decent system. Spending some extra time to think through possible scenarios definitely doesn't hurt things.

Sorry for the radio silence around here lately. There is quite a bit of new furniture we need to buy + several pieces can take up to 8 weeks for delivery so it's going to be a bit of a slow process before I actually share anything. I'll try to have little sneak peeks here + there. And once I blow through all of my money I will resume to regular posting.

hello, 2015

I was going to start by saying that I'm not really one to make + keep resolutions but after looking at my list for 2014 I actually ended up doing a fairly good job. These are all things I would like to keep up in 2015 too.

As for 2015, four goals come to mind:

Be Less Grumpy

I'll call myself out. Lately I have been a total grump. I am sensitive + I let things get to me. As a result I don't think I'm always the most fun person to be around. And that kind of sucks. 2014 was stressful, yes. But a change of mindset could have made it a little less so. It is definitely a challenge for me but I'm really trying to let go more. I want to make more fun in my life. Work hard, play harder. Or something like that.

Mind My Mobile Manners

Recently I have become much more cognizant of how people use their phones in public + in my presence. I do my fair share of this too but it is still a rude + nasty habit. Not only that but it makes you miss out on so much of what is going around you. This year I'm going to try to be more present.

More Original Content

I want to write more, create more, + do more this year. I felt a bit creatively starved in 2014 because I didn't make enough time to do the things I love. I'm going to try to plan more in 2015 so I make this actually happen.

More Selfies

Well maybe not necessarily selfies, but more photos of myself. I am a bit camera shy + recently have had very few photos taken of me. I think there will one day come a time when I am old + wrinkly that I will wish I had taken more photos of myself in my youthful twenties. Those days are coming to an end soon so I better start saying "cheese". So with that, here is a grainy, sleepy selfie.

Cheers to the new year!

sentimental fool

I have a family of fisherman, on both sides. Primarily it is the men in my family but we women enjoy it every once in a while too. Any mention of fishing + I do get a bit sentimental. I have a family of wonderful people + I think it's special that we all have a hobby we enjoy together. I haven't gone fishing in years, but I still love all memories on the lake.

I just made the mother of all impulse buys because I am a sentimental fool. India Hicks recently released a beautiful fish hook necklace in her shop + I couldn't help but make it mine. If you remember, one of my goals this year is to get a matching necklace, ring, + earring set by the end of this year. The necklace I had in mind is about $250 more than this one + not nearly as unique or symbolic. I totally should not have made this purchase but I'm kind of thinking about it like it's the personal tattoo I'm too commit-a-phobe to get.

I'll share an actual photo once it arrives. The one unknown I have right now is size + scale but I can always return if it doesn't work out. India Hicks always shares beautiful mini stories about her pieces. I kinda love this one:

"Dawn breaks, a couple of Sandpiper's take flight above my head the first rays of sun turn from burnt orange to pink. I look down + in the small rockpool at my feet something glistens. I pick it up + see its a tiny lonely fishing hook. And I realize what my next collection of jewelry will include."

I guess this necklace could also always symbolize me being "a catch" so there is that too. Only joking.

Ps. Here's a great photo of my dad in his element.

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tell me more

I guess it doesn't have to be this way but realistically, hobbies are going to be more fun if you're good at them. And positive reinforcement always brings on the warm + fuzzies. I've been really flattered recently when it comes to my taste in interior decor + that means a lot to me. I've logged hour after hour on Pinterest + blogs, have stalked sites like West Elm + Etsy, + have invested a decent amount of money I don't really have in my own home over the years. Some would consider this a waste but I call it fun.

I try to share as much of my home + aesthetic on this blog as I can + I like to think that my tastes are somewhat unique. Nothing warms my heart more than when someone compliments me on my pinning or asks me for my advice on their own homes. It one of those things that makes you think that maybe someday you might be able to combine your hobbies with your career. Maybe one day I'll get there. Maybe.

My other favorite? Compliments on my taste in music. Two that stand out are:

"Music sounds better with you."

"It's like in the movies when the student surpasses the teacher. I feel like you've surpassed me in music knowledge."

So lesson learned? Hobbies are good. Find one or more than you love + stick with them. One day you'll get compliments like this + your self esteem will sky rocket.

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i did it

I keep telling myself that I'm going to treat myself to something nice once I finally pay off my credit card. Every time I feel so close to finally having it paid off I seem to get hit with another charge. It's quite frustrating. But guys, this time I did it. I am debt free. Damn that feels good to say.

I made some stupid decisions over the years including but not limited to: refusing to have roommates, trying to keep up socially with a now ex boyfriend who made more money than me, obsessive collecting (books, vinyl, furnishings), + thinking that a pay bump was right on the horizon. I keep telling myself that most everyone has to go through this at some point in their lives so lesson learned. Time to do better moving forward.

I won't bore you with the details but essentially I paid off my credit card in almost exactly two years. Sometimes I would get so close + then have another big investment that would put me in debt more + more. I have very diligently kept a Google doc with all of my finances, bills, etc + broken out bi-monthly (based on when I was getting paychecks). Unless you do freelance work you probably have fairly repetitive charges each month (rent, gym membership, cable, utilities, etc).

This was my progress over the years:

I should mention that my anxiety also peaked around Spring of 2012. Debt is no fun.

But here I am! Debt free + ready to celebrate. I've had the same wish list for quite a while now + I think I'm finally ready to make a dent in things.

Yoga

I used to go to hot yoga at a minimum of three times a week. It was my sole form of exercise + I absolutely loved it. I decided I needed more cardio in my life + since hot yoga was so expensive I took a bit of a hiatus. The physical benefits were obviously great but the mental benefits were just as good. I kind of need those again so I'm making it a priority to do hot yoga at least once a week moving forward.

Record Player

I've been collecting records over the past three years (I have 60+) yet I don't have a record player. This may not be very logical but I've been holding out to get a nice once. I've debated a million times over just getting an affordable Crosley but the reviews are always awful. I want this to be a good investment. I would like one in both my living room + my bedroom though so maybe I'll start with a Crosley + then work my way to a fancier version. Some people like to turn on the TV when they're home alone but I prefer music. I'm tired of these albums just sitting on the shelf.

Cowhide Rug

My apartment is pretty much fully furnished at this point. The one main thing left is a rug for beneath my dining table. The table is round + it's a bit of an awkward space so I think asymmetry of a cowhide rug will work best. I've seen these used well in many situations so I think this will be a good investment. You can get some pretty affordable cowhide rugs too.


Jewelry

My goal is to have a matching set of earrings, a necklace, + a ring that I can wear almost every day by the end of 2014. I've got my eye on these three beauties from Catbird. I'll probably start with the earrings + necklace first. I never have gotten used to wearing rings so I'm a little worried about that.

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addy

A month ago I wrote about the best thing I did in 2013. It's a bit premature, but I'm going to go ahead + say that the best thing I did in 2014 was become an aunt to my perfect little niece, Addy.

Like puppies, I love babies. I would say that I can't wait to be a mom but I can very much wait for that day to happen. In the meantime I'm thrilled that I have a little nugget to love + cradle + then give back to her mom + dad when she starts crying or needs a diaper change.

Only joking.

I've babysat plenty of families over the years but there is something totally different when it's family + when this baby comes from the big brother that treated you so well growing up. It's special + I love her so much. I can't wait to see what kind of tiny person she turns out to be. It's already been amazing seeing the changes that can happen just within one month. This little girl is something special.

The other great thing about being an aunt to her? Shopping for adorable clothes. I might be alone in this but I really love more gender neutral clothing so I went with these items below for Addy's first Christmas present: A snowsuit with little ears because I hate the thought of her being cold. Red moccasins because oh my god. And a white + red (not shown) headband in case she's feeling girly.

winter onesie | headband | moccasins

i was there

When I said that yesterday was a good mail day I wasn't kidding.

I did something I've been thinking about doing for a long time. I made a book of all my I Was There posts from 2013. If it isn't obvious enough I'm all about memories. My digital I Was There series is one of the best things I've ever done. It makes me proud + now I have it in a physical form.

I made this book through Artifact Uprising. Artifact Uprising is great. I've purchases several of their products + have been super pleased with the results. The site is really easy to use as well + they even have a mobile app so you can pull photos right from your phone or Instagram account.

Previous years are a bit more scarce in terms of photos taken at shows but I plan I to go back + make a book for 2012 + prior if possible. This is one of my favorite possessions.

rutherford

Okay, first of all, I owe you all an apology for turning into a crazy puppy mother for the past few weeks. I tried to restrain myself but I did go a bit overboard with the photos + posting. Honestly though, fostering that dog for two weeks was the best thing I did in 2013. I saved a life. Sure, Rutherford is a PAWS pup so he's guaranteed life, but he's not guaranteed a good + fulfilling life.

I am a total dog lover. I grew up with a yellow lab named Lexi + she was my best friend. I've wanted a dog of my own for a while but know that my current work/social life would make that tough so I've tried to be patient. A few months back I made the mistake of liking PAWS on Facebook + not long after that I saw a post about the Holiday Foster Program. I had almost two weeks off from work with no travel plans so I jumped at the opportunity to foster.

It was a weird process. I found out on Friday afternoon that I was approved + would be picking up my pup at 11 am the next day. They didn't ask too many questions + I didn't get a ton of instruction. Looking back on that first day makes me 100% convinced that my fostering gave Rutherford a second (well third) chance at finding a forever home. You guys have no idea what it was like the day I picked him up. Let's just say that Rutherford didn't have the best track record. He had "biting" tendencies + acted like a total weirdo in the shelter. The trainer really tried to scare me into thinking he was too difficult for me to handle. I don't blame PAWS for this or his original owners, I blame his temporary adopters who returned him after a short time + had such nasty things to say. I think any bad behavior Rutherford displayed during his time with them was a total reflection of what awful dog owners these people were.  

I had faith in this dude though + took Rutherford home with me. He wasn't an easy dog by any means, but he was a typical energetic Labrador that needed ample play time + attention. Shelter life was rough on him so it took a couple of days for him to chill out a bit + settle into my home. Maybe he was a little weird around other dogs + some people but he was loving + incredibly well behaved. Many of his weirdo tendencies improved over time. We were total buddies + I absolutely fell in love with that dog.

I've always said (actually my mom always says it but I agree) that I would never give money to an animal charity over a charity that could help humans in need but I'm so proud of myself for donating my time to a pup in need. Rutherford never would have found a home with the report his temporary adopters provided. I got to spend quality time with him + showcase his true behavior. Now I'm certain he'll not only find a home but I think he'll find one that is a good fit.

This experience was so fulfilling but saying goodbye seriously sucked. I actually didn't even really get to say goodbye. That part was weird. I miss him so much + I even cry occasionally when I think about him. I have a bit of guilt knowing that I'm going to bed every night in a comfortable warm bed + he's stuck in a shelter around dogs that he does not like. I haven't visited him yet but I plan to in the next couple of weeks. I'm not entirely sure if that will make things better or worse.

I've spent a lot of time researching dog walkers + money crunching. It would be really tough for me to do alone. I was going to set a goal for myself to adopt a shelter dog by the time I'm thirty (three years from now), but that's a tough promise to make when you're unsure what your job + personal life are going to be like at that time so I've revised my goal a bit. If I don't own a dog by the time I get pregnant I will adopt one. It's quite sensible actually. Not only are dogs great for children + babies but at that point in my life I will most certainly be settled + up for the responsibility associated with owning a pup. All around win.

I hope some of the things I've shared through my experience with Rutherford has changed some opinions a bit on shelter dogs. Before this I was fully prepared to pick a puppy from a breeder but this experience totally changed my mentality. Shelter dogs not only have this mystique to them but adopting slightly older trained dogs can be a good option for some homes as well. Fear not though, most shelters have puppies available that are in need of a loving home too.

Thanks for your patience through this whole experience. I highly recommend trying fostering out for yourself if you have the time. I chatted with a girl at Kriser's who actually knew she wanted to get a dog of her own + just kept fostering until she found one that was the right fit. So that is an option too! More than anything though, if you or anyone you know is looking for a very sweet + loyal labrador I would love to introduce you to Rutherford. I hope so much that he finds a good home.

I miss you dude.

UPDATE:

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I don't typically make new years resolutions. Last year I made a few resolutions but failed pretty miserably at most. The only one I seemed to follow through on was "more concerts, less repeats." Shocker. 

The problem with last years resolutions is that they were vague + unachievable. This year more the ever I'm feeling the need to start fresh. But I also want to be realistic about my goals. Here's what I'm striving for this year...

Take More Photographs

I think I unconsciously made this resolution in 2013 but I want to keep it up in 2014. I'll try to only post a select few. I just feel like this is one of those things I'm going to be really happy I did when I'm old + have no memory. A bit morbid, but still a good thing. I also want to do a better job of printing out the good ones. I like the tangible.

Pay Off My Credit Card

I'm so close guys. I'm going to be so proud of myself when I reach this point. When that day comes I'll write a super personal post about it + show you the ridiculous budget trackers + graphs I have from the past two years that helped me get to this point. I'm haven't been great with my money but going to try to change that in 2014. I went on a mini shopping spree with my Santa money but plan to take a bit of a hiatus for the next month or so.

Travel. Alone.

Sometimes I have total loner tendencies. My desire to go on a trip solo just proves that out. I want to do this for a couple reasons -- First, it will require me to step outside of my comfort zone. Something I need to do more of. Secondly, it sounds fun to me + I think I'd actually learn a lot about myself. I guess thirdly it sounds like fun to plan a trip all around my wants. Beach, thrifting, hiking, art museums, concerts, yoga. I can do all the shit I love in a new place.

Reconnect With Five Friends

Again, I kind of got a jump start on this late in 2013 but one of the worst things you can do is lose touch with good people. This happens for various reasons but I have an opportunity to actively do something about it so I'm going to. Five seems like an attainable number.

Listen To Music

No like really listen to it. Clearly I love music but I want to think more about what I'm actually hearing. Which instruments do I hear? What specifically do I like? What specifically do I dislike? I'm doing a really nerdy exercise that I'll share with you guys later, but it's helping me achieve this.

Shop Uncommon

I'd say my apartment is about 90% where I want it to be. Just a few more bigger pieces + then the finishing touches. A lot of my bigger pieces are from store like West Elm + Ikea but I'm really trying to make an effort to make those finishing touches a bit more unique. I've spent a lot of time on Etsy recently trying to find those perfect little things to make my home complete. A big win from 2013 was really defining my style so that makes thing easier.

I have a few more goals that fall a bit more into the vague/unattainable category so I'm not going to count them as official resolutions but those include: establishing healthy habits, learning new things, + volunteering my time to a good cause.

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twenty seven

I made a very conscious decision recently to do everything I possibly can to live the life that I've envisioned for myself. At twenty six I felt a bit like I was losing myself. Life felt like it was in a bit of a lull. I don't want to say that some of my best days are coming to an end because I think my whole life will be great, just in very different ways. As I approach twenty seven I do feel a bit like my days of being selfish + careless are getting a bit limited though. And I mean selfish + careless as positives here.

I don't feel old though. Some people think twenty seven + freak out. I actually think it is a perfect age. I think back to twenty three + all that comes to mind is money problems, career insecurities, parting ways with friends that no longer fit into your life. That's not totally true, but I feel much more secure + sure of myself than I did back then. I like me. I even have a little bit of disposable income these days. Life is pretty good.

I still want it to be better though which is why my new goal is:

I've never been much of an aggressive person + it has worked out okay for me. I'm finding more + more though that you're only going to get the things you want if you make a conscious effort + put yourself out there. Hence, less fear. So yeah, I'm giving that a try. I think the fun part just comes naturally as a result of having less fear. So far it has worked out that way at least.

Thanks so much to everyone that wished me a happy birthday. I spent the day sleeping in, buying myself a few presents, discovering some new music, + enjoying dinner + drinks with my brother, his wife, + my very soon to be niece (two more weeks!). I also felt very loved from all of you which means so much. You guys are amazing + I have a feeling many of your will help me achieve this more fun, less fear goal this year.

xoxo

26 things i've learned in 26 years

26. It's a small world after all. Even in a big city like Chicago, I find more often then not that both social + professional circles are actually quite small. build a reputation that you're proud of.

25. Be thankful for the people in your life. You wouldn't be where you are or who you are without them. Life's a whole lot easier with a good support system.

24. This is the point where you should stop doing things to fit in. If you can't be happy with yourself as you are then you're going to have one long, sad life ahead of you. 

23. Don't settle. Whether it's a not-so-great job or a boy that could probably be treating you a little better,  trust your gut on this one - if it doesn't feel right it probably isn't. You deserve the best.

22. Keep figuring out ways to learn more. Last year I took a terrarium making class + loved it. This year I went to a seminar on the meaning of life + was inspired. I hope next year brings many more opportunities for mental stimulation.

21. Establish your own exceptions. Maybe I should have saved a bit of money over the years by having a roommate, but isn't the freedom of being able to walk around all day in your underwear worth it? You get the picture...

20. Develop your own style. Know your body + know what suits it. If you're unsure, pay someone to tell you. Then, have fun with it. I should know who you are from looking at 5 pieces in your closet.

19. Learn how to navigate yourself. There's not always going to be someone there to hold your hand. And just think of all the opportunities you'll miss just because you have a fear of doing things on your own. You'll be surprised how much you learn about yourself.

18. Stop being a spoiled brat + be thankful for all that your parents have done. I would be no where without my parents. Year after year they have done nothing but love + support me. Chances are, you're in the same boat. Don't forget to call + remind them that you appreciate them.

17. Be a role model. Whether you know it or not, someone probably looks up to you. Your behavior can shape someone else's life, so make sure you're making a positive difference.

16. Stop being a picky eater. People don't like going out with picky eaters + they sure don't like cooking for them. While I can understand one or two off limit ingredients, there's more to life than the top tier of the food pyramid.

15. Write things down + take photos. You're going to appreciate it years from now. Your family will appreciate it even more.

14. Have at least 3 recipes that you can absolutely nail. Not everyone is going to be a great cook, but you should at least have that handful of recipes that don't cause you to freak out every time you get invited to a potluck feast. I'm hoping my handful grows a bit over the next year.

13. Gossiping is no longer cute or acceptable. Just because you were once popular for this trait as a child doesn't mean it's going to stick with you through life. If anything, it will only make others like you less.

12. Don't drop loads of money on the newest trend. Trends are trends for a reason - they don't last. Invest in those classics + go the cheap route on the "hottest" new things.

11. Show a bit of compassion to others that need it. This isn't always the case, but it's usually pretty easy to spot someone that could use a friend or a little bit of encouragement. Going out of the way to say a few nice things or have a short conversation can really make a big impact on someone + it's such a simple thing to do.

10. Now is the time to be selfish. At this point in my life I really don't have many responsibilities other than needing to do well with my career. That leaves an ample amount of extra time to do the things I love, to travel, to pamper myself.

9. Let others form their own opinions. I'm all for being passionate about specific causes or politics, but please don't shove your opinions down my throat. We have brains for a reason + most of us are pretty capable of using them intelligently. Please let me decide what is right for myself.

8. I am an idiot for killing my skin all of those years in tanning beds.If you're vain like me + haven't yet learned this lesson, please know that spray tanning has come a long way since those orange tint jobs. There's absolutely no need to fry yourself in a bed when you can get a nice spray down every couple of weeks.

7. A healthy body means a healthy mind. Each year the correlation between the two seems to grow stronger + stronger. If you're not exercising or eating right you're going to feel like crap, both physically + mentally.

6. Have a hobby. Better yet, have a few. As lame as this sounds, being known as the music junkie by my peers makes me feel really great about myself. Being that "expert" at a specific thing can really improve self esteem + it's an easy way to form bonds with new people.

5. Pay off your debts. I'm really embarrassed to admit this, but I was incredibly reckless with my money (or the money I didn't have) when I was 23 + 24. I kept thinking that more was just on the horizon + I also probably spent more than I needed to to try to fit in with certain types of people. It was stupid, but a lesson. I will never let myself get that careless again. It's such a huge burden that weighs over you for so long.

4. Sleeping in past noon is no longer acceptable. A cruel reality, but true. Sleep is important though, so just cut down on the number of all night ragers.


3. You have to work at friendships, especially as you get older. I'm really pretty awful at this one, especially with so many good friends living in different cities. I've never really been much of a phone person which makes this process that much harder for me. Sometimes all it takes is just little things to show that a person has a special place in your life.

2. Mind your f'ing manners. Maybe it's all of the years I spent as a waitress, but it honestly blows my mind how rude people can be to those working in the customer service industry. Be appreciative of their help. Not only are you making an ass out of yourself, but you're also embarrassing the people you are with.

1. Be prepared to laugh at yourself. You're human, mistakes will happen. The best recovery is a good giggle + others will appreciate you all the more for it.