Oh How Far I've Come

This week I've been thinking a lot about the past year and everything that has happened. I know that this is something that most people do around New Year's but, you see, something happened a year ago today that I think may have changed my life forever. A year ago I interviewed for the Michigan MBA program. In the year since that day I have waited patiently for Michigan to make up its mind about me, accepted a place at Boston College, left my job in the middle of a recession, went skydiving, got accepted at Michigan, changed all of my plans, started the whole MBA thing, had my apartment building burn down, moved again, and on and on and on. That brings us to today. Today was an uncanny repeat of this day a year ago. I had an interview with Apple and I think it went well but I can never really tell and then tonight I went bowling. Bowling is not spectacular in and of itself but as I was getting out of the car I realized that exactly one year ago I went bowling in the same bowling alley. It was like reliving the same day one year later and now as I get ready to turn in for the night I am amazed at how much has happened, how far I've come and how some things are strangely the same. The question is, will today prove to have been as life altering as that day one year ago?

Treat yourself right

Sometimes life gets away from me. I get so wrapped up in the day to day things that I have to get done (mainly schoolwork) that I neglect myself and the things that make me happy. Last night I took a step back and did somethings that I don't usually get around to. I stopped at Wholefoods on my way home from school to get some top quality ingredients for dinner. By the way... I don't think that I've been to the grocery store all month and I certainly haven't made dinner since winter break. Do you see what I mean about not doing things for myself? Anyway. I am a huge fan of the food network and all the time I have spent watching other people cook has given me the confidence to just sort of throw things together that sound good. Last night it was bow tie pasta with pancetta, salmon, artichokes and fresh parsley not to mention some really good bread. Whenever I do take the time to cook I remember how much I love cooking. It is a deep love that probably won't end until I have kids that hate everything I cook and that will ruin cooking for me but then again maybe I'll get lucky. 

While at Wholefoods I also picked up some tulips. I love flowers. Back in Evanston I was a frequent customer at the farmers' market where I would get flowers for myself nearly every week throughout the summer. It was a simple indulgence but one that brought me joy every week. Last night I put the tulips on my bedside table and when I woke up this morning they were the first thing I saw. There really is no better way to start the day that by looking at something beautiful. 

So friends, get out there and do something that makes you happy.

Sweet Home Chicago

I decided to make the most of the final week of winter break by taking a trip to Chicago for New Years. I hadn't realized how much I've missed the city during the first semester of b-school. I went by many of my favorite places and caught up with several of my favorite people. I made a trip to the Field Museum and went to an exhibit on the Ancient Americas (if I remember correctly the statue to the left is Incan) as well as a special exhibit on the Aztecs. They were both fascinating and left me amazed that they at the detail of their art and sophistication of their cultures. I also have a strange desire to have a totem pole but that is neither here nor there. I stayed at the Fairmont while in the city and I have to say, it was very comfortable even if they forgot my toast at breakfast and I couldn't figure out how to turn on the shower. All in all a lovely mid week trip that made me realize just how much happier I am when I live in a city as opposed to rural middle America. Don't get me wrong, I love Ann Arbor. I just love cities more.