Mash-Up

Things are getting a bit more chaotic, but in a way, I'm glad.

This week, our (really, Dude's) car died and we leased a new one. The logistics of getting us both to work and finding a safe, reasonable car when we hadn't planned on doing so for at least six more months were challenging. My nerves were definitely frayed. 

Now, however, New Car is in our possession and we are in the process of repairing and selling Old Car, aka Big Red. We are also leaving to visit Dude's family in Wisconsin in 3 days. 

I am really grateful to realize that I have a threshold, and the things I used to obsess about don't matter as much. We'll get out holiday cards and e-cards when we have time. I don't need a new dress for Dude's office holiday party; I can pile on jewelry and make something I already have work just fine. Being healthy and with our families and friends is the most important thing. 

The death of our old car occurred on Dude's birthday. So not cool. We celebrated belatedly the following night at Old Europe. Very different from what I would have usually picked, but it was really cool with all sorts of awesome tchotchkes and the food and service were wonderful. 

{post-schnitzel and bratwurst consumption}

I am always fascinated, and sometimes horrified, by news about Russia and Vladimir Putin. One of its most famous and controversial political prisoners is being released today in a move that many perceive to be an effort to save the prestige of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Below is a link to the trailer to a documentary about this man, Mikhail Khordokovsky. It's available on Netflix and definitely worth a viewing. 

I will now proceed with my day: errands, work, picking up old car, and hopefully getting to crash early. Hope everyone has a great start to their weekends!

Welcome Routine

Clif Bar/Aid Through Trade Bracelets/

Voluspa French Cade Lavender Jar Candle

Things are relatively simple right now (knock on wood.) I am mainly going between work, decompressing at home, and spending time with friends when I can. Part of maintaining calm for me is a sense of routine, and my job is a part of that. All of the girls at work, myself included, are obsessed with Aid Through Trade bracelets--you can find a bunch of them here. Before a shift, I've been grabbing a Clif bar for more sustained energy than I would get from a Starbucks snack. I'm burning the Voluspa French Cade Lavender jar candle right now and it is absurdly relaxing...perfect for a day off.  

Hope everyone's week is going well thus far! 

One of Many Lessons from Madiba

The world has lost someone incredible. Nelson Mandela fought for so much that is good. Just like many other observers, I am amazed by his capacity for forgiveness--even, and especially, towards those who imprisoned him. 

via

There are so many lessons I can learn from Madiba, but forgiveness is one I can put into action on a personal level. I waste a lot of time on feelings of resentment and anger--and often, I direct these feelings toward myself. I could use the time I spend letting these feelings fester so much more productively, especially by working toward my own goals and helping out other people. 

Even in his passing, Nelson Mandela has given the world a gift: a reminder that systemic and personal adversities can be addressed with kindness, grace, and compassion. What a tremendous role model. Rest in Peace. 

Florida Hanukkah Trip

We just got home from our trip to Florida to celebrate Hanukkah and spend time with my family.
It was ridiculously nice...my mom made dinner for Dude, me, and my sister last night and we had the best time. I haven't laughed that hard in a while.
My mom lives close to downtown West Palm Beach, so we spent a lot of time there.

{Cityplace}

{E.R. Bradley's--oy, my hair}

{Clematis Street}

Dude and I went to Hamburger Heaven with my sister--that was probably my favorite part of the trip aside from Hanukkah dinner. So many people were upset when the original Hamburger Heaven closed in Palm Beach (including me and my sister because we always went there with our friends after exams at Palm Beach Day School.) It reopened in West Palm Beach and it was absolutely delicious with terrific service. Along with Sloan's (recommended ice cream combo: Luscious Sloan's White and Reese's)  and Pizza Girls (the Soho is amazing),  it forms a lovely little triangle of Delicious Nostalgia Food in downtown West Palm. 

It was so good to spend time with my family and we also had a great time hanging out with one of Dude's friends. At the same time, it is really nice to be back in DC and know that we have the rest of the night to bum around our apartment before we return to normal tomorrow. 

Hope everyone is having a great December so far!