28

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I turn 28 on Thursday.

I'm a teensy bit nervous about it.

But I'm going to try and let the anxiety go.

Enjoy my day week.

And listen to John Lennon.

Rando

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The week continues to be challenging, but guess what?  We're more than half-way through!  WOO HOO!  Checked off my list: bridesmaid dress fitting (not nearly as painful as I anticipated), 1 tedious project at work, birthday cards/prezzies shopping for special people (including my dad - I got him a Tumi wallet from Bloomies), and writing/mailing snail mail.  Still on my list?  Fun karaoke night with friends tomorrow night, massage Friday night and going to the post office to mail aforementioned prezzies (le sigh... dreading this one).

Here are some random things keeping me happy (and sane):

- Jane Borden on NPR Friday afternoon.  I just finished her memoir (North Carolina Southerner meets Brooklyn), and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Even had a couple of LOL moments (on the subway - awwwkward).

- Had drinks with a friend at Bar Basque apres work yesterday, and they had some yummy drink with St. Germain, an elderflower liqueur.  I'm dying to get my hands on a bottle (and may just have to do just that this weekend).  Not only is it beautiful, but it's got such a great story.  I plan to make some of this when I get it.  (Ironically, I did not actually order the drink so I'm not really sure what it tastes like, but it can't possibly be bad... right?)

- Speaking of last night (and spending too much money on food and drink), I had a fantastic dinner at Scarpetta with my dear friend Stephanie.  Braised octopus, homemade pasta and one of the best bread baskets I've ever had... yummmm.

- Picked up this gem the other day and fully intend to visit some of these places (including a couple of free meditation centers).  Everyone in this city needs peace and quiet.

- Came across this quote today and found it most appropo of my mood this week:

"Tell everyone you know: "My happiness depends on me, so you're off the hook." And then demonstrate it. Be happy, no matter what they're doing. Practice feeling good, no matter what. And before you know it, you will not give anyone else responsibility for the way you feel-and then, you'll love them all. Because the only reason you don't love them, is because you're using them as your excuse to not feel good."

- Esther Hicks, is a best-selling author and motivational speaker.

P.S.

Merci

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I had quite a rough Monday (that time of the month, challenging coworkers, workplace drama, etc.) and found myself sipping wine, shedding tears and feeling quite uncheerupable (yep, that's a word).  But then I remembered that I printed my own Fancy Nancy Do Not Disturb sign and busted out the colored pencils, construction paper and glitter glue and made my sign extra special.  Eager for the glitter glue to dry so I can slap it on my door and see how my roomies react.

Then I picked up the phone and called my Mom whilst decorating the pages of my filofax avec stickers and sparkly gel pens, and well, Momma Park always knows just what to say to snap me out of my sulky, self-absorbed mood.  15 minutes later, and I'm feeling loads better.

And then I got a super sweet tweet and then a lovely email from fellow friends and readers of this blog, and suddenly I'm not only feeling better, but my heart is bursting with all kinds of warm and fuzzies.  I can't thank you guys enough for always being there, despite my absence, despite my moments of... Carolyn-ness.  I love that you love me for me and that I never have to pretend to be anyone else.

A big fat, gorgeous MERCI to all of you!

P.S. I'm 99% sure that my less-than-stellar mood also has to do with the fact that I'm turning 28 next week.  I've never once cared about getting older until now... what gives?