Life is Good

Bonjour, friends. It's a lovely Sunday afternoon, and i'm taking a petit break from my BAR studying to muse a bit on some good things in life right now. First, my dear friend and Paris flea market partner-in-crime, Claudia of The Paris Apartment, has touched my heart once again. A little while ago I sent her a box of vintage French perfume label stickers that i found at Paper Place. When we were at the flea markets last September, she searched hi and low for some authentic vintage perfume labels, and so when i saw them i couldn't NOT get them for her. Anyway she was so sweet to give me a shout-out on her blog! It still THRILLS me to see my name on the blogs of these incredible women (Claudia, Kimberly..) b/c i just can't believe i actually KNOW them. Like have MET them and spent time with them. They're just so awesome! Anyway, here's the post - The Paris Apartment (Scroll to the bottom and ALSO check out her fabulous studded console table! Major lust.)

Speaking of furniture, i haven't done much at all with my apartment in the past month. This is a dramatic shift from the days of yore when i rearranged pretty much daily. And since i managed to make my bed this morning for the first time in quite awhile, i thought i'd give you a little glimpse into my bedroom transformation. I decided to "Anthropologize" my bedroom awhile back and the progress has been slow but still headed in the right direction. The duvet cover is from the Shabby Chic line @ Target, the LOVE pillow covers from LUSH design in the UK, and that's my crappy $9.99 lamp from IKEA stuck in the left corner (b/c i don't have the heart to throw it out... yet.). On the right wall is a fabric-covered bulletin board filled with cards and other correspondence from dear friends and family. I love to look at it when i go to bed at night and remember just how lucky i am to receive so much LOVE.


And here are some pics from my home office turned creative sanctuary. It's the most recent transformation in my apartment, and i just LOVE it. It's packed (literally) with creative posters, crafts, art supplies, stationary, books, scrapbooks, journals, etc. It's crazy and overwhelming and i LOVE IT!

My Life Lately

Bon matin, dear friends and readers! I know it's been awhile since i've had a "real" blog post, but you know, life is crazy busy. Still i've managed to wake myself up enough this morning to put some real time and effort into this one... Lately i've been finding myself needing an exorbitant amount of sleep (for moi, anyway). Normally i can do quite well with around 7 hours of sleep per night. (In hs, it was more like 5 1/2!), and so my normal schedule involves me going to be around midnight and waking up at 7. But goodness me, the other night i was so exhausted that i fell asleep at 10 and then woke up at 8! 10 hours?? That's a bit much for me, as i was tired the rest of the day. Last night, however, i went to bed at 11 and struggled to wake up at 7. Goodness. Sleep does get in the way, doesn't it? But it's so delicious. And i cannot tell you how glorious it is to be able to put your head on the pillow and be asleep within minutes. Having had so many issues with insomnia and inability to fall asleep before 7 a.m. (uh huh... not fun), it's SO nice to know that my sleeping is predictable, albeit a bit excessive. It's kind of nice that Bar/Bri has put me on such a schedule, as it's great preparation for my working life.

Speaking of Bar/Bri, it still sucks. But today is a treat b/c Pony and i are going to watch the lecture online in the comfort of Chez Moi! We're going to get coffee and breakfast from Flipnotics and then cozy up on the couch and let the dogs run free (you'll recall that Pony has a darling little Yorkie named Beau). We went to dinner last night at San Paolo's, a Brazilian restaurant mere minutes from the law school. It was surprisingly cute and delicious! Definitely heavy food, but I thought I made pretty decent decisions and stuck to acceptable portion sizes. More importantly we had great conversation, and it made me realize, quite sadly, how much i'm going to miss her. I struggle with spending time with her, as she's in a relatively new relationship (you know how that goes), and we both have busy schedules. But last night reminded me why we are best friends, despite being different in almost EVERY way possible. (She's Republican, just bought a diesel SUV, has no qualms w/ fake tanning and smoking, and purposely spit her gum out on the grass just to tick me off.) The thing about Pony is, she truly believes in me. She never doubts me or my interests or my abilities, and even if they're a world away from her own interests, she's totally supportive. And she genuinely loves me. So even though her attitude towards the environment, welfare, etc. is far from my ideal, i still can't help but love her for being who she is to me. I mean that's what real friends are, n'est ce pas?

So i've been working on my positive thinking and have been listening to The Secret CD's... it's a little cheese, but has some excellent points. Really really simple points too that people just need to be reminded of from time to time. For example, if you love and respect yourself, you will attract people who love and respect you. I don't know many people who would deny that, but how often do i think/talk about how much i hate myself? MMhmmm... the power of positive thinking is powerful, friends. It really is.

In other news, it looks like I'm going to be spending my 25th birthday in Lake Tahoe with my darling sister, her hubby, and our two pups Sofie and Lola. Also, i'm going to be leaving Miss Lola with the Szetos for a month while i travel to Southern France, Paris, London, and D.C. I will miss her TERRIBLY but i know if i leave her with my sister, she'll be WELL taken care of. Plus Sofie and Lola just adore each other! If, however, i get Lola back and she's a barker, i will be sure to have some "words" with Ma Soeur!

Can i just take this time to discuss briefly how much i adore my dog?? I never understood dog people, but now that i am one (and yes, i really AM a dog person now) i totally get it. She is my BABY, my CHILD, my FAMILY. I can't even begin to express the emotions i feel when i look into her CUTE lil face, esp. when she cocks her head (too cute!). I love that she knows our routine now. I love when i wake up and look down to my left and see her creamy fluffy goodness asleep next to my bed (it's only a matter of time before i throw her into bed w/ moi!). I love how she insists on accompanying me to EVERY trip to the bathroom (TMI? sorry... but i pee a lot!). I love that every time i walk in the door, she wakes up, bounds to me, and covers me with kisses. I love how good she's getting at pottying at the right times and places. I love that she's not a tiny purse dog and not my accessory but my dog, my pet, who i can walk and run with and hold onto (ya know.. without killing). I just love everything about her. Right now, for example, she's curled up in her bed right at my feet. Looking adorable and so sweet and just the tiniest bit scruffy. Love love LOVE it. Ok i'm done now.

Have a good one, kids. :-)

The SEED Manifesto

Love Lynne Franks, and although i haven't made it completely through the SEED Handbook, i love this Manifesto. I want a huge poster of it made and plastered on my wall!

SEED Manifesto
*

I …………, affirm that I will


Constantly plants seeds as well as pick the blooms

Keep the space and time to stay in tune with my higher self

Never let go of the big vision

Put my values, including integrity, compassion and love, at the centre of my enterprise

Remember the three R’s: respect for self, respect for others, responsibility for all my actions

Believe in myself so others will too

Keep humour and laughter as vital ingredients of my business plan

Get up early in the morning

Not neglect my personal relationships, loved ones, and friends in any way

Manifest abundance in all areas of my life

Keep clutter to a minimum

Recognize my gifts and delegate the rest

Look at difficult situations from all perspectives

Welcome in mentors and mentor others in return

Light candles every day and surround myself with fresh flowers

Give people more than they expect

Talk slowly but think quickly

When I lose, don’t lose the lesson

Know my industry

Keep improving my technology skills

Smile when picking up the phone

Remember my body is my most important tool – stretch, exercise, breathe, go for a walk, dance

Every day try and read a poem, listen to an inspiring piece of music, look at a wonderful painting or go into nature

Drink six to eight glasses of pure water every day

Listen as well as talk

Learn the rules then break some

Know there is nothing more sexy than confidence

Remember that no-one, not even I am perfect, but I’m doing the best I can



SIGNED ……

DATE ……

Cheap Picture Post

Just got back from a WONDERFUL weekend in Dallas. Death Cab For Cutie ROCKED in concert last night!!! Anyway here are some fun pics from Stella (Deb's adorable little pug) birthday party on Friday. Jenn, Lola, Sofie, and I were all in attendance. :-)

http://asianbodacious.shutterfly.com/action/

Home

"Home" is one of my faaave Dixie Chicks songs. It's beautiful and truly resonates with me, as i often ponder what makes a house a true "home". And although i adore my little Pink Palace, Chez Carolyn, one of the most colorful, happiest places on earth, sometimes it doesn't really feel quite like a home. Is it the lack of other humans? (it's currently bursting at the seams with 2 kitties and 1 puppy!) Maybe... i guess i always associate a home with family. For example, i'm currently sitting at the dining table of a true HOME. Filled with gorgeous pics of adorable kids, moms, dads, cousins, grandmas... original artwork (e.g. coloring of "Red Ranger" on the wall to my right) and a little kids table full of yesterday's art projects. Does a home require kids? No not necessarily, but my idea of home has always involved cute, cuddly children (preferably 2 girls and 1 boy). I really admire the woman who runs this household. Not only is she raising 2 incredible kids, she also manages to keep her house warm and welcoming, clean but still comfortable. There's evidence of kids but it's not overrun with Barbies and toy trucks. Her kitchen is immaculate (don't know HOW she keeps those counters clear), too! The wife of a law school peer of mine, i got to know her and her kids when i was in London last semester and played babysitter abroad. LOVE the kids and LOVE her. She is also embarking on the artistic journey via Kimberly Wilson's Online Creativity Circle, and she's gonna be my study buddy. :-) Can't wait to share our insights and discoveries.

Gosh. Sitting here with my planner pad open and lists upon lists of To Do's, i realize that i could never keep my days straight sans planner. This week is particularly busy (and short) since Ma Soeur is coming Wed. night, and we are leaving for Dallas to see the 'Rents on Friday. Having a lasik consultation tomorrow (fingers crossed!!), squeezing in 2 training sessions w/ Deb before Dallas, meeting with a professor RE my research paper, AND i have my follow-up mentoring session w/ Kimberly on Wednesday!! Can't wait to hear her voice and chat about time management and how on earth she lives her crazy busy life SANS caffeine. Will post any tips!

I hope you've all had a relaxing weekend. This has been a lovely Sunday off, and though i'm tres dreading tomorrow morning, i am looking forward to my sister and her own maltipoo Sofie coming on Wed., so at least i have something to look forward to. Bon nuit, friends!

Survivor

Today was awful, literally awful. But i survived and don't have it do it again (a double Saturday, that is) for a very long time. What a busy day... got home with just enough time to watch Lola VERY deliberately pee under my bed (in my CARPETED bedroom - ew don't you just HATE carpet?), scream and then clean it, shower, take a quick and unfulfilling nap, and then get ready to head downtown for drinks @ 219 West for my darling J's birthday. A few mini corndogs, some french fries, 2 bites of german chocolate cheesecake, and 1 mango mohito later (wow that sounds like a lot more food than it was..) i sang some happy birthday, posed for some pics, and was on my way back home. It's not even midnight, and i'm close to death. Tomorrow is my ONE day off, but it's already packed. Meeting Deb (my kickass trainer!) for yoga in the morning, then need to do some cleaning and studying, then babysitting my fave Murphy kids and getting in some more studying after putting them to bed, then home... then wake up for another Monday morning. Le Sigh.

But my darling Lola, my poor sweet Lola who spent most of today alone was so good (despite the aforementioned tinkle accident). She's been such a doll lately and pretty well-behaved despite being only 4 months old.

Here I Go

I feel like i'm heading in for battle... about to endure eight, count them EIGHT, hours of Bar-Bri hell. Oi vey... how did i get here? In the morning is Secured Transactions (blehhh) and in the afternoon is Crim. Law. Oh Lord. Having to study for/take the BAR after graduating law school is the cruelest joke EVER.

P.S. The pic above is of a fantastic book that one of the women from the HTC Retreat i attended in June brought to share. Super fun and you can get a "used" one off amazon for practically nothing!

I Bark for Barack

I am tinkled pink this morning, as all over the news and my personal choice, CNN, is the face of Barack Obama - the (almost) official Democratic Presidential nomination. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! I just can't believe this is really happening! Last night Obama made history, and to be perfectly honest, i just can't believe the American people actually made it happen. I've said throughout this entire race that we really couldn't go wrong with either candidate. I fully respect H. Clinton, and of course, couldn't be more thrilled to support a female Presidential candidate. But I firmly believe that Obama is a better candidate and most importantly, a genuine one. When was the last time we could think that, say that? People are calling him the next John F. Kennedy. I hope he continues to make history. I, for one, cannot WAIT for election season.

P.S. Is it just me or is John McCain, like, super creepy? Pardon my French but he's a huge prick, and if he's elected, i fear for the worst..

Woo hoo!!

CNN has just informed me that GM (General Motors) is making big changes - changes that involve shutting down big truck and SUV production and increasing smaller, more fuel-efficient, crossover cars. Yay!! It's about friggin time. This is the one thing i love about high gas prices. It really forces everyone, yes even the annoying hummer-driving peeps, to reevaluate.

On another note, it sounds like Mr. Obama is gonna get on the ticket, and it ALSO sounds like Clinton is open to get on the Barack bandwagon to help elect a democratic candidate. Ooh i get goosebumps just thinking about it. What a kickass election season it's been and gonna be.

Grateful Diary

In the midst of all this chaos, i'd like to take a moment and just say that today i am grateful for...

1. NPR, particularly All Things Considered,

2. The Whole Foods paradise in Austin on South Lamar. It might be the happiest place on earth,

3. My Mommy and her cute daily emails (she just learned how to use the internet!),

4. My little zoo - Puffin, Muffin, and my darling pup Lola,

5. Loooooong summer days in TX, when the sun doesn't go down until 9 p.m.,

6. Fromage d'affinois - creamy, delicious, and the perfect lazy appetizer (available at Whole Foods, Central Market, and Wheatsville Coop!),

7. Yoga for the sake of yoga (aka not of that Bikram, hot yoga, "i'm doing this to burn 800 calories" yoga),

8. The fact i can (or at least i think i can) pull off hot pink highlights in my hair,

9. Iced coffee,

10. And last but not least, Kimberly Wilson. I wouldn't be where i am or who i am had i not stumbled across her blog, Hip Tranquil Chick, a year and a half ago.

SATC: The Movie and The End of Fun

Those two don't go together btw... SATC: The Movie was fabulous in EVERY way. I've read of those harsh reviews (hello NYTimes? Ouch!), but if you were a fan of the show, then you will be a fan of the movie. There's no doubt about it. I won't say anymore as i know many have not seen it yet, but if you have, please let me know what you thought.

On a much more depressing note, this weekend marks the end of fun pour moi. In the next three weeks i not only have Barbri classes six days a week, i also have Barbri homework, another independent class at the school, and a 20-page paper to write. Don't ask me how i got myself into this pickle - basically withdrawing for a semester and attempting to take the July BAR have all led to me this ridiculous summer of no fun. Who knew that i'd be busier post-graduation?? The thing is, i can't blow off studying for the BAR. This is, essentially, the next 5 or so years of my life, and that means i've got to buckle down and deliver. Sigh. There's just no way around it.

Saying NO to fun is not going to be easy for me. But the truth of the matter is, i just have no time. Adding to that list of things above, i've got gym and personal training appointments (absolutely necessary for my health and my stress), and i'm embarking on an Online Creativity Course via Kimberly Wilson in which i will go through The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron (FINALLY!). If my sister is reading this i know just what she's thinking. "Are you crazy? You don't have TIME for that, Carolyn, you have to STUDY FOR THE BAR." But here's my reality - if i don't do something like this alongside my rigorous study of the law, then i will not only lose my sanity, but get burnt out in NO time. My left brain activity needs a right brain balance, and this is how i intend to do it. Plus in my opinion, embarking on my journey as an "artist" is much more preferable to doing what everyone else my age probably does to let loose - get wasted at bars. And it saves my brain cells (which i so desperately need!).

On another note, seeing SATC reminded me of the power of good girlfriends, and it also saddened me a bit. I'm going through a difficult time in which i see a dear amie in what i consider a toxic relationship. We've all been there, right? The hardest part is seeing how it's affected and is affecting our relationship. I know that's life, and i know i've been there, done that, etc. Instead of getting too sad, or frustrated, or let's be honest, pissy about it, i've decided that life is short and my time is WAY too valuable. As you've read, i've got a loooot of stuff going on right now. So i've made up my mind to be at peace (this does not = acceptance at all) and get on with my life. Whatever happens happens for a reason, and friendships experience the natural ebb and flow of all relationships. C'est vrai, oui?

Gotta hit the sack for a LONG week ahead. Bonsoir, my darlings.