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10 Experiences, 100 Discoveries: E8 – Popping Bottles
Albert Einstein said, “the only source of knowledge is experience.” With that in mind, as part of my adventure, 1 Year, 10 Projects, 100 Discoveries, ten of the discoveries are about experiences I’ve always wanted to have. This post is part of that project. You can see all 10 Experiences here and the entire project here. Enjoy the moments, I sure am!
When you hear the word, “Champagne,” the connotations that come to mind are: celebration, special occasion, New Years, promotion, engagement and Sunday Brunch with the girls. But, rarely do the words “champagne” and “weekday night alone” go together. Oddly enough, that’s one of the experiences that has been on my list. I wanted to buck the trend. I wanted to dispel the rumors that champagne could only be drunk on festive occasions and with a group of friends. And, I wondered if the bubbles would taste the same.
On a mundane Tuesday night home alone, I popped a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, managing to spill it all over the countertop in the process. I drank a lone glass, letting the bubbles wash over me and go to my head. A bit surprisingly, it tasted the same as on a night of celebration. I sipped, perplexed, and thought about that. Then, I realized, even alone, I was celebrating something- me. A piece of me was celebrating the fact that I could open a bottle of champagne on a mundane Tuesday night. More importantly, I was celebrating enjoying it alone.
In the hustle and bustle of today, we are rarely alone. When we are, society has placed a stigma on it. How dare we eat alone. How dare we spend a weekend day or night alone. How dare we go to a bar or clubbing alone. With society’s age old stigma, few have the strength or confidence to be alone. With my lone glass of champagne, I celebrated all the people who enjoy their lone glasses.
Posted in 10 Experiences, 100 Discoveries
10 Lessons, 100 Discoveries: #2 Instagram
Are you ready for a secret? Promise not to tell anyone? Okay, here goes… don’t tell… I’m naive and still have many life lessons ahead of me, both big and small. In essence, 1 Year, 10 Projects, 100 Discoveries is actually 100 lessons. But, this project of 10 lessons is about ones that hit me over the head, ones that maybe others already know and ones that will impact my life on a semi-daily basis. You can see all 10 Lessons here and the entire project here. Enjoy the learnings, I am!
Like most things, it took me awhile, but I finally fell in love with Instagram. I’m using it to do a “one photo a day” project. Granted, some days it’s no photos and other days it’s three photos, but it’s a fun project that helps remind me of all the amazing places and experiences I’m having.
But, I digress. Instagram provides 16 filters that help to make any picture look professional and artistic. The peculiar thing I’ve started to notice is that I use certain filters consistently in the same city. It’s like the personality of each city matches and is amplified by specific filters and with other filters, the city looks horrible.
For example, for almost every Instagram photo from Paris I used the “Lomo-Fi” filter. The Lomo-Fi filter makes colors brighter and throws things into sharp contrast. Paris was similar – the colors and sounds were brighter. No matter where or what time, the city was always vibrant.
In Chicago, I often find myself using the Hefe, Brannan and Sutro filters. All ones that strip much of the color, but leave a little to contrast the gray. Sound familiar? While often overcast from weather (aka gray), the colors that peek out in Chicago shine with a certain dullness.
Skeptical? Next time you’re traveling and using Instagram, try it for yourself. Let me know if you start to see patterns and “personalities” that match and are amplified by the filters you choose to use.
Posted in 10 Lessons, 100 Discoveries
Lean In
I’ve read Sheryl Sandberg’s speech to graduates several times this week. I even posted it on my Tumblr. The advice reminds me of something Penelope Trunk would say. The advice is powerful and it hits home, especially for me, especially right now. While the advice is geared to women, it’s applicable to men too.
Women almost never make one decision to leave the workforce. It doesn’t happen that way. They make small little decisions along the way that eventually lead them there. Maybe it’s the last year of med school when they say, I’ll take a slightly less interesting specialty because I’m going to want more balance one day. Maybe it’s the fifth year in a law firm when they say, I’m not even sure I should go for partner, because I know I’m going to want kids eventually. These women don’t even have relationships, and already they’re finding balance, balance for responsibilities they don’t yet have. And from that moment, they start quietly leaning back… So, my heartfelt message to all of you is, and start thinking about this now, do not leave before you leave. Do not lean back; lean in. Put your foot on that gas pedal and keep it there until the day you have to make a decision, and then make a decision. That’s the only way, when that day comes, you’ll even have a decision to make.
In general, I think we as a society do this all too often, we check out before we have to. We check out because we’re afraid. It’s easier to leave then get left, so we do it before someone can make the decision for us. But, if we’re truly “leaning in,” if we’re passionate and giving everything we have, then why would someone ever ask us to leave? If we’re fully engaged, then the choice, whatever it may be, will always be ours to make.
Here’s to not worrying about what the future may bring and focusing more on keeping our feet firmly on the gas pedal until our next destination has arrived.
Full speech:
10 Experiences, 100 Discoveries: E7 – Couples Trip
Albert Einstein said, “the only source of knowledge is experience.” With that in mind, as part of my adventure, 1 Year, 10 Projects, 100 Discoveries, ten of the discoveries are about experiences I’ve always wanted to have. This post is part of that project. You can see all 10 Experiences here and the entire project here. Enjoy the moments, I sure am!
My first non-solo trip after my Europe trek was to San Diego for the long Memorial Day weekend. It was also my first group couples trip. If I’m 100% honest, I have mixed feelings both about the trip and traveling as a group. I’m used to traveling alone and have grown to absolutely love it. Getting to do everything and anything you want on your own time table without having to seek approval from someone else is liberating. But, at the same time, there’s no one to share the experiences with. In essence, you don’t have a navigator. I suppose in either scenario there’s a downfall; you just have to choose which one you’re willing (or want) to live with.
Maybe it was the group dynamic – I’m the outsider looking in, while the other five people have known each other for over six years. Maybe it’s because we’re new to the couple thing and we haven’t fully figured each other out yet. [Side note: I use the word “couple” in loose terms 🙂 ] We’re still learning what the other truly likes and dislikes while trying to pick activities that we think the other might like while appeasing the entire group. Whew, just writing that sounds like a lot of work.
Don’t get me wrong, the trip was fantastic. For three days we drank our way through Belmont Park, Seaport Village, Old Town, The Gaslamp and Temecula Wine Country. We made new friends and bumped into old, dear ones. We kissed, laughed and got the standard tourist badge – a lobster red sunburn.
Next up? Mexico. Maybe there I’ll discover whether or not traveling with a navigator is all it’s cracked up to be.
Posted in 10 Experiences, 100 Discoveries
Right Places
A friend of mine has this theory on dating:
There’s the…
Right time, wrong girl
Wrong girl, right time
Right time, no girl
Maybe he’s right. I’ve certainly had all three of those experiences. But, what if what we think is the right time really isn’t? What if there’s something larger than us that knows when the real right time is? The hopeless romantic in me believes there is someone out there for everyone. And, when the time is right, she or he will come into your life, but they won’t be there until then.
Babe- even though you can’t see it, the time isn’t right quite yet, despite however much you want it to be. But, I promise that one day it will be the right time. If and when I see it before you do, I promise to finally like the person you’re dating 🙂
Home is Where You Are
I normally don’t post song videos, but here I am posting two in one week. While this version of Home isn’t the original, it’s an awesome cover by a little girl and her dad. It’s also one I can’t stop listening to. The beat is stuck-in-your-head catchy and the words conveys one of the things I believe in the most – Home is not a place. Home is wherever the people who mean the most to you are.
This post, is the story behind the below cover song. It’s definitely a powerful, heartfelt piece that’s worth reading.
Original song lyrics by by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes:
Alabama, Arkansas, I do love my Ma & Pa
Not the way that I do love you
Holy roly, me, oh my, you’re the apple of my eye
Girl, I’ve never loved one like you
Man, oh man, you’re my best friend, I scream it to the nothingness
There ain’t nothin’ that I need
Well, hot & heavy, pumpkin pie, chocolate candy, Jesus Christ
There ain’t nothin’ please me more than you
Chorus:
Ahh, Home
Let me come Home
Home is wherever I’m with you
(2x)
La la la la, take me Home
Baby, I’m coming Home
I’ll follow you into the park, through the jungle, through the dark
Girl, I’ve never loved one like you
Moats & boats & waterfalls, alley ways & pay phone calls
I’ve been everywhere with you
That’s true
We laugh until we think we’ll die, barefoot on a summer night
Nothin’ new is sweeter than with you
And in the sticks we’re running free like it’s only you and me
Geez, you’re something to see.
Chorus
“Jade?”
“Alexander?”
“Do you remember that day you fell out of my window?”
“I sure do, you came jumping out after me.”
“Well, you fell on the concrete and nearly broke your ass and you were bleeding all over the place and I rushed you off to the hospital. Do you remember that?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Well, there’s something I never told you about that night.”
“What didn’t you tell me?”
“While you were sitting in the backseat smoking a cigarette you thought was going to be your last, I was falling deep, deeply in love with you and I never told you ‘til just now.”
“Now I know.”
Ahh, Home
Let me come Home
Home is whenever I’m with you
Ahh, Home
Let me come Home
Home is when I’m alone with you
Home
Let me come Home
Home is wherever I’m with you
Ahh, Home
Yes, I am Home
Home is when I’m alone with you.
Alabama, Arkansas, I do love my Ma & Pa
Moats & boats & waterfalls & pay phone calls
Ahh, Home
Let me come Home
Home is wherever I’m with you
Ahh, Home
Let me come Home
Home is when I’m alone with you
10 Foods, 100 Discoveries: Food 9 – French Pastries
Is it true? You are what you eat? Growing up, my dad was always a plain meat and potatoes kind of guy. Thus, my taste buds have never strayed far… until now. In 1 Year, 10 Projects, 100 Discoveries, ten of the discoveries are different types of food. This post is part of that project. You can see all 10 foods here and the entire project here. Enjoy the flavors, I sure am!
If you really know me, then you know I have a HUGE sweet tooth. I think, in fact I know, I’d be twenty pounds lighter if I could just control it, but alas, I love them too much. Damn it! Why couldn’t I be one of those people who hates sweets or likes salty things instead?!
Aside from the AMAZING bread and cheese, my favorite thing about Paris were the pastry shops on every corner (duh). The desserts were baked fresh every morning and macrons were quite popular. Because macrons seemed like a very authentic Parisian food, I felt the need to taste test many 🙂
After many “painstaking” days of testing, there’s no doubt in my mind that while expensive, there are no macrons that will ever compare to Pierre Herme’s. Particularly, his passion fruit flavored ones. Light, airy, beyond fresh and melt in your mouth good, I made the trek to the store twice and then walked half a block to sit and savor them in a mini-park with a giant water fountain statue. Each time, the weather was perfect, the macrons delightful and the setting grand. In those moments, the beauty and simplicity of Paris came together.
I wish I could transport myself back there. And oh, how I wish that Pierre Herme would ship to the United States so I could have a little piece of Paris here at home.
Posted in 10 Foods, 100 Discoveries
10 Lessons, 100 Discoveries: #1 Packing Like a Pro
Are you ready for a secret? Promise not to tell anyone? Okay, here goes… don’t tell… I’m naive and still have many life lessons ahead of me, both big and small. In essence, 1 Year, 10 Projects, 100 Discoveries is actually 100 lessons. But, this project of 10 lessons is about ones that hit me over the head, ones that maybe others already know and ones that will impact my life on a semi-daily basis. You can see all 10 Lessons here and the entire project here. Enjoy the learnings, I am!
One of the most invaluable things I learned while in Europe was to pack. Seriously. I’m your typical girl; the one who brings the giant suitcase for the 3.5 day weekend. But, for my “backpacking” excursion through Europe, I was determined to only bring a carry-on suitcase. No checked bags allowed. A bag that I could hoist on my shoulder if needed and that would fit as I made my way from train station to hotel and back again.
Amidst the laughter of my family, I did it. Granted, I packed almost all wrong, but I learned some invaluable packing lessons. These days, I’m almost positive I could go anywhere for any length of time with just a carry-on.
Here’s some of the things I learned:
- No matter what, always pack a wind breaker. They may look a little lame, but wow, are they handy. Lightweight and space savers, not only did it protect me from the wind and rain, but it did a damn good job of keeping me warm. In fact, when needed, it kept me almost as warm as the giant overcoat I lugged around.
- Always throw in a pair of flats. You know, those ballet-like shoes. Yes, I know, I cringe at this trend too. But, again, you can squish them anywhere and they really are comfortable to walk long distances in.
- Layer, layer, layer. I wasn’t sure what the weather would be like in Europe, but the stereotypical forecast called for cold and rain. To my pleasant surprise, it only rained twice my whole trip and they had an unseasonable “heat wave”. My advice, dress (and pack) in layers. Tank top, short sleeve shirt and cardigans that can double as long sleeve shirts. Wear them one at a time, or put them all together to keep you warm. And, always remember to throw in a dress or two. Not only are they a complete outfit in one small swatch of clothing, but any one can be dressed down for a casual day or up for a night on the town.
- You really don’t need that many bath products 🙂 Most hotels provide them these days and if not, there’s usually a sundries shop or drugstore nearby for the things you forgot.
- It’s true what they say – you can “just buy it when you get there.” Because I packed all wrong, I ended up having to buy clothes while I was in Paris. Honestly, it was fun and the pieces I bought have quickly become staples of my closet back in The States. Not only was it fun, but yes, even when you’re in a foreign country, there’s a Gap and a drugstore to cure all your packing woes.
While I may not retire my large suitcase completely, these days it will be a rare and special occasion when I bring it out.
Posted in 10 Lessons, 100 Discoveries
The Original Instant Message
I love this campaign from Dentyne. It’s simple, yet profound. If you think about how emotions are being “digitized” these days, this campaign is a good reminder of the “analog” goodness being left behind. Even with all our technological advances and upcoming innovations, nothing will ever compare to spending time with someone face to face.
Posted in Advertising, Creative, Fun