One Great Day

Posted on July 21, 2012 by leplanetmars

Yesterday, we woke up to news of a horrible tragedy in Colorado. Not the first we’ve experienced this summer, but perhaps the most alarming, chilling, and crippling. Many of us moved through the day like zombies, going through the motions of our daily routines with a certain numbness. My day became increasingly frustrating, having to deal with a handful of other stresses, that while difficult, were put into perspective when I thought of what the families and friends of those lost in Aurora were going through, and will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Again, we’re reminded to count our blessings, to cherish our loved ones, and not to take one single day for granted. It is in that spirit, that I share One Great Day with you, spent last Monday in New York City.

I always forget about how much I love New York until I get there, and become completely enamored with every little thing. From walking down a brownstone lined street in my pajamas (anonymity can be so grand) for a fresh bagel and coffee, to perusing Chelsea boutiques (shoooooooooes! God bless you sweet sweet shoes), to the tastes and smells of an Italian market, and a late afternoon rooftop lunch of fresh meats, cheeses, bread and sauv blanc with my dear friend Lilly, who I’ve loved since first grade. Great conversation and loads of giggles – these are the things that make life beautiful.

We later strolled (ok fine..cabbed it) to Central Park to meet her roommate for a picnic and a performance by the Philharmonic and agreed that her dad and my mom, both classical music lovers, were smiling down on us, perhaps enjoying a way stiff gin and tonic, proud that their daughters inherited their love for the arts.

(record scratch) Aaaaaaaaaaaaand that’s where the classiness ends, as we capped off the night schwilling PBRs and dining on tater tots at Trailer Park. Why do I always end up at this place? Is the world trying to tell me something? Ok well wait. Actually, we topped the night off stealing a fallen subway sign and schlepping it across the city back to Lill’s apartment, which only seems appropriate having just left an establishment called trailer park. You can take the girls out of northern Michigan…

So there you have it…one great day! Please remember to celebrate the good days, big and small. Big love to my family, friends, and the Colorado community.

I mean, I do make a mean sandwich, but for realzies…there’s no “W” in my name.

This guy REALLY loves the symphony. Like…head bangs to it.

Still not sure if his eyes were closed in annoyance or if he was just taking a lill cat nap.

Ghetto Cooler

Posted on July 5, 2012 by leplanetmars

You know how sometimes you totally over analyze something that should be really simple? Like, selecting cheese and crackers to take to a picnic, for example. Ok, this cheese looks good. Yeah, but it’s like $14 for a sliver. This chunk of munster is only $6. Yeah, but it’s munster, and then everyone will be like, “Thanks for bringing munster….asshole.” Ok, so what about this cheese? Yeah, but it’s hard cheese, then you have to bring a knife. Ok so soft cheese is better…what about brie? But brie is so……..brie. (ps, I usually end up going for brie in this situation, because who are we kidding…it’s delicious.) So anwho, that’s how ghetto cooler came about:

I have a 4^th of July BBQ to go to…need to bring beer and a snack. But I don’t want to drive, because one of the things I love about summer is biking everywhere, so I can’t bring a cooler. Yeah, but it’s also 192 degrees, and I have a mile to bike and warm beer is NOT GOOD. And warm taziki could kill the guests. Okayyyyyyyyyyy, but can’t fit beer, ice and snacks into basket as it. So what if I take everything out of its packaging and just load it into my basket? Should I? Is this stupid? Are people watching me ponder this right now? Good lawd it’s hot out…make a decision, or you’re going to melt into the Safeway parking lot. So out came the contents. And here’s my analysis:

Pro: You can defs fit more in your basket when you take everything out of packaging. Go geometry!

Con: Hit a bump, and ice flies out at incredible ease.

Pro: As ice melts, it sprays you with cold water.

Pro: You can easily grab a beer to drink on the ride (it was so hot…I was so thirsty…)

Con: Beer you open will spray all over you because of bumps you hit.

Con: Ice only lasts about a half mile before totally melting.

So…with some slight modifications, ghetto cooler is perhaps the idea of the century. I’m going to line part of the basket with a tarp like material to hold some of the ice in, while still allowing some melting ice to spray me and keep me cool. Also going to bungie a mini tarp on top, which will keep items from flying out, and (hopefully) slow down the melting process. It also might have the opposite effect and speed up the melting process. Not really sure what’s going to happen. But this is a work in progress, people. And by the end of this summer, I WILL have it nailed down. If you have ideas, please send ‘em my way.

Hope you had a great 4^th, filled with simple pleasures – friends, family, laughter, food, hugs, and high fives. Yay America!

Summertime…and the livin’s…well…hot, actually.

Posted on July 3, 2012 by leplanetmars

It’s that time of year again…summer in Colorado. Consider this your warning, that over the next two months I’ll probably complain about the heat in at least one sentence per post. I miss Charlevoix around this time of year. I miss boating, beaching, my friends and family, my porch, whitefish, Lake Michigan sunsets, Bells (although I actually just got a case of Oberon delivered to me heyooooooo!)…honestly I could go on for days about everything I miss about home during the summer. BUT, there are things I love about summers in Colorado, too. Red Rocks, escaping to the mountains for camping, hiking, and camp fires (of course, our out of control fire season has put a damper on those activities this year), backyard dinners, cruising around the city on my bike, and Sundays mean one thing…Jazz in the Park, a free event at one of Denver’s largest parks, City Park.

The concept behind this weekly event is to embrace the merging of cultural and socioeconomic communities, over a mutual love for music and general comradery. (That just sounded like I was writing a book report…but it’s true.) It’s been largely successful, as every Sunday, you can count on thousands of Denver area residents, from all walks of life, gathering in the park to listen to live performances, picnic, play volleyball (and every yard game imaginable, for that matter), and just enjoy the company of friends and family. I think it’s a perfect way to end the weekend. Sunday Funday at its best.

Unfortunately, gunfire erupted last Sunday towards the end of the festivities, and Denver was left in shock and grief, as an off-duty officer was killed. She was originally from Detroit, and left behind a 12-year old daughter, along with many friends and co-workers who have since sung her praises. She was dubbed a “peace” officer, and in attending this week’s Jazz in the Park, it was beautiful to see that thousands still showed up, still set up blankets, talking and laughing together, pressing forward with a good-spirited event, that she had worked to preserve. ‘Aint nobody gonna’ break our stride…

So in the last week, I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy my fave summertime Colorado activities – THREE shows at Red Rocks, TWO backyard dinners, ONE Jazz in the Park, and multiple rides around town on my cruiser. Granted, this has all been in 102 degree scorching heat, but hey…the pleasantries outweigh the thighs sticking to all surfaces.

Happy July ya’ll.

Playing My Best Hand

Posted on June 26, 2012 by leplanetmars

Five years ago today, I woke up on the living room couch, where I had been sleeping across from my mom’s hospice bed, to find that she had passed away during the night. Those who have gone through this – watching a loved one suffer through a terminal illness such as cancer – know this gut wrenching moment all too well. You’ve spent weeks struggling over wanting it to end, but not wanting it to end. And then suddenly, it’s over. She’s gone. Wait, what? No…No.

Those who knew her, shared in my sadness, as she was one of those people who touched many. She was a teacher, in every sense of the word. And her lessons were larger than learning the lyrics to a song, the steps to a dance, or the mathematics behind music notes. She taught us to love one another, to treat people with kindness, to be brave, work hard, and stand up for what you believe in. She gave children the confidence to sing out loud, literally and figuratively.

I recently read this article, of the impromptu sing along her past students had organized a couple days prior to her passing away, and found myself somewhere between smiles and tears when I paid attention to the lyrics of the first song she had her students perform. And then fittingly enough, the last song her students performed, 33 years later:

“Sing, sing a song
Sing out loud, sing out strong
Sing of good things not bad
Sing of happy not sad

Sing, sing a song
Make it simple to last your whole life long
Don’t worry that it’s not good enough
For anyone else to hear
Just sing, sing a song”

So appropriate, mamma.

One of my mom’s frequently used sayings, was ‘These are the cards you’ve been dealt, so play your best hand.’ It’s one of her many lessons that has stuck with me, and I’ve found myself repeating those words in my head many times over the last several years. While I would give anything in the world to have her with me today and everyday, it just wasn’t in the cards. So today, I play my best hand, by sharing her wisdom, planting flowers, cooking a Greek feast with friends who are like family, and singing out loud. To Motown hits, of course. Marina loooooooooooved her some Motown (insert Mom’s Carlton dance).

To my friends and family who have been by my side, listened to me, made me laugh, let me cry, made me care packages, helped in various ways, and shared your love, THANK YOU. I lurve you, and am forever grateful for your support.

Love one another, Mars

30 Days of Awesome

Posted on June 16, 2012 by leplanetmars

Reason 247 why I love my job, I spent Wednesday evening at a “work” meeting, on Ignite’s rooftop patio, that accidentally consisted of precisely 20 minutes of work, and eight hours of gabbing and giggling over wine. It was during that vers productive meeting that I learned of #30daysofawesome, a project that my friend slash account manager slash editor slash all-round cool chick (I mean, she hails from the mitt, sooooo it’s kind of a given) and seven of her girlfriends do every year at this time.

Many of us (myself included) have girlfriends that are near and dear to us, that are spread out all over the country. We keep in touch over facebook, texts, the occasional phone call, book clubs (I just included that to sound smart), and the not-often-enough real life visits. But 30daysofawesome is…well…an awesome way to 1) stay connected to your friends and 2) celebrate life.

So here’s the deal, for 30 days, they each commit to doing something AWESOME each day, and then blogging about it. The beauty of this, is that “awesome” is relative. It can be something simple like going to a farmer’s market or trying a new restaurant. It can be starting a hobby you’ve always wanted to try or totally stepping outside of your comfort zone to do something daring. Big or seemingly small, the bottom line is that you take time out of your daily routine to make a commitment to yourself to do something different every day that makes you happy. And that…I can get behind.

Thanks Nicole and Melissa, for an evening of funners and for including me in day 4 of 30 days of awesome. (ps…ummmmm, I thought we agreed you were going to photoshop my eyes!?)

So let these girls and their project inspire you – go out and be awesome, friends!!

Much Love, Mars

Roll With it Baby…

Posted on June 10, 2012 by leplanetmars

From the simplest to the most complex of situations, to me, life is about rolling with the punches. Sometimes easy to do, like yesterday, when my plan was to go for a big bike ride and then write, both for work and for le blog. What actually took place, was I slept in, went to brunch, got a pedicure, tracked down Wilco tickets, and then rode my bike to meet Woolfall for a couple afternoon beers in the hot Colorado sun. There was a time when I’d stress about not accomplishing what I had set out to do. These days, it’s become par for the course. I mean that in the least irresponsible way. I embrace it and have realized that often, the best things happen when veering off course.

Perfect example, is the story behind this picture, in Rio a couple months ago:

I’ll fill you in on that at a later date. But anyway, that’s my segue way into the transformation of Le Planet Mars. I started this project out of my love for fashion, style, makeup, hair…and how I pull inspiration from everyday people that I see, and wanting to celebrate and honor them. I still love that concept. And in a perfect world, there would be 48 hours in a day, and I could still do that. But the reality is, I don’t have the time to follow that format. I’ve thought about Le Planet Mars probably every day since I last wrote. So far, 2012 has been one of the most incredible years, littered with experiences that have been worth writing about, but I haven’t, because they don’t fall under the umbrella of fashion or beauty. So here my blog sits, crickets chirping, falling to the wayside.

So…life is about being adaptable. “Pliable”, as me and my super cute friend Clare would say (“I don’t think that term means what you think it does.”). So consider this my formal announcement, that Le Planet Mars, Fashion, Beauty, Funners, is now Le Planet Mars, Lover of all things funners. I’ll still write about fashion and beauty from time to time (I mean hello…they’re funners!), but more often, I’ll write about random bits of anything I consider fun, funny, beautiful, or inspiring. Pshh…I’ve never been a fan of restrictions anyway.

Peace, Love and Glitter bombs, Mars

A Place Where the Beer Flows Like Wine…

Posted on March 26, 2012 by leplanetmars

So after staying up WAY too late the night prior (I was hanging on Emily’s every word, listening in amazement as she told me about her life as a caretaker of a billionaire’s second, or more like eighth, home. Seriously…where do I apply for this gig?) I dragged my ass out of bed to get some morning runs in with a freelance writer who lives in Aspen. I had kicked her some Eider ski pants a couple months prior and was stoked to see she was wearing them when we met at the gondola. (Did I just say “stoked”? Oy…I’m starting to sound like the dudes I work with.) Pleasantly surprised with how good the snow was, skiing in the fresh mountain air and sunshine also kicked my hangover to the curb. Take THAT world!

That afternoon, we hit the runway. Unlike the previous night’s shows, today’s designers were primarily of the outdoor variety, the only exception being the first act up – Roots Canada. Not gonna lie – I’ve never been a fan. Say Roots, and I envision ginormous red maple leaves and berets. We get it…you’re from Canada (eyes rolling). BUT they’ve either made great strides or I had formed an uneducated opinion of the brand because I really liked what I saw. Enough so, that it prompted me to go on the interwebs for further review. I want this purse. Aaaaaaaaaaaand there I go gettin’ sidetracked. Back to Aspen Fashion Week…

Roots:

We also saw ski apparel from Marmot:

HELLOOOOOOOOOO! Only my favorite color combo on le planet!

And here comes Killy:

How Aspen is that one? Totally not my style, but fitting for the venue. I feel like it’s something a Bond girl would wear.

I know I’ve mentioned this jacket before, and I was SO excited to see it make its way down the runway. (Even though I was super pissed to see the uninvited and unapproved addition of a flat brimmed hat – ummmmmmmm….NO. And I SPECIFICALLY said I didn’t want her wearing Technica Moon Boots…I don’t care if they’re the lastest rage, they make me more nauseous than Crocks.) But, I feel strongly about canary yellow as a color and I knew the audience would love this jacket. And I got mad compliments on my own version:

Obermeyer is doing this whole retro throw-back look that I love. Minus those effing boots. What is the matter with people? (ps…I’ll probably love them in 2 years and have them in every color under the sun.)

Afterwards, Lori and I hit the FEED event at Laruen. Mostly, we just walked around the store and touched clothes. And ate popcorn. And hung out with male model Brad:

Ok, I lied…we didn’t really hang out with him. The three of us were just kind of standing by each other when Andy from Aspen Spin asked if he could get our picture. Which was the second awkward encounter I had with male model Brad that day. The first being when we both simultaneously went in for the last appetizer on a tray a server was holding at the runway show, and I said something like he could have it because he just earned it. I don’t really remember how it was worded…all I know is that I was creepy.

I had one last work event the following morning and was tempted to stick around for the shows that afternoon, but was pretty tired and honestly, ready to get back to Denver. So off I went. Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaater Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaspen!

It’s full-on spring time in Denver and I’m getting excited and inspired by the changing season. Bright colors, flowy skirts, light fabrics…yes PUH-LEASE!

Ciao for now…

A Little Place Called Asssssssspennnnnnnnnnnnnnn…..

Posted on March 19, 2012 by leplanetmars

Hey…remember last summer when I thought I was bad for going two weeks without writing? Member that? Two weeks…that’s funny. Anywho…

What do you get when you combine glitzy Aspenites, fashionistas from all over the country, and snow-sport loving partiers? A shaken, not stirred event called Aspen Fashion Week. It’s pretty much everything you would expect it to be – runway shows highlighting outdoor apparel brands, emerging designers from the world outside of ski and snowboard, in-store events, late night parties – all beneath the backdrop of bluebird Colorado days, spring skiing, and a town that feels like an alternate universe. I was there because Killy was participating in Monday’s après ski fashion show in the pop-up venue outside the St. Regis Hotel. It was all a bit nostalgic for me, since I spent three months living in Aspen when I first moved to Colorado, which as I drove up the Roaring Fork Valley, gaping at the beauty that is Mt. Sopris, realized was exactly 10 years ago. Damn…ya come a long way baby. Well….sorta. I still can’t resist quoting Dumb and Dumber every 45 seconds when I’m there. And I still get blank (probably more like annoyed) stares back at me. I don’t really fit in in Aspen. But I can have a good time just about anywhere, and so….. I did. Night one:

Opening night cocktail party and fashion show by David Peck and ISAORA – realizing I knew exactly zero people there, I bee-lined it to the bar, ordering a different top shelf drink every trip up. Good thing I opted against wearing the feather skirt…I really didn’t need to be drawing more attention to myself at this point. After about 30 minutes or so, I ran into the SIA crew (phew!) and hung with them for the evening. Excellent choice, as we had lots and LOTS of giggles. So anyway, David Peck’s show – LOVED it. Beautiful colors, flowing fabrics, clean lines. I want no less than 100 garments in orange, please and thank you.

See Angelina….that’s how you walk with a leg split. No need to be all awks.

Love the asymmetrical lines of this dress, and how it beautifully accentuates her protruding hip bones. Or in my case, a protruding spare tire. Sigh.

I’m a sucker for dress shorts. Done well, they can be so classic and sexy. And ps…don’t I look so distinguished sipping on my prosecco on the left hand side?

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE!!!!!! Such a soft and beautiful pattern and the flowy layers!?! TDF.

Bravo, Monsieur Peck. I’ll look forward to seeing more of your work and series…send orange.

Next up was ISAORA, a men’s line that is basically outdoor apparel with an urban edge. I don’t know…here’s what I realized during this show: I like girl’s clothes more than boy’s clothes. Simple as that. You know, I totally appreciate the artistic element that goes into ANY (good) design, but after seeing a few men’s items I find myself looking around and asking “Are there going to be more dresses soon?” That being said, what I did love about this show was the format. Rather than the typical runway, there were four raised platforms in the center of the room. The lights were off, music was blasting, and then all of a sudden lights flashed on and there were four models on each of the platforms. They stood still for about 20 seconds, lights would go off, and then they would rotate, with a new look coming out each time. Oooooh….funky. Plus it really gave you the opportunity to see each piece in greater detail and from multiple angles.

Oh yeah. And they were all wearing ski masks. I mean, I’m kind of a fan of gazing into male model’s eyes and pretending like we’re having a moment. Soooooo that left a little something to be desired.

Anyway, I finished off the night taking it back to the old school, ditching the glitz and glam for whiskey, an old friend (so good to see you Emily!), and Drive-By Truckers, at a venue that I enjoyed several nights at as a new girl in Colorado, ten years prior. Funny how things come full-circle.

Stay tuned for Aspen part deux – we’re takin’ the party outside with next year’s ski and snowboard apparel. Everything is cooler when it’s done outside. And I DO mean….

haha…kidders.

Outdoor Retailer and Snow Show – donezo.

Posted on January 30, 2012 by leplanetmars

Slamdingo I made it out of the last three weeks alive! It was touch and go there for a little while, and I’m completely exhausted, but I still have a pulse. And that, I consider an accomplishment. I’ve worked the trade show circuit before, but never like this. Outdoor Retailer and SIA Snow Show are back-to-back, massive productions, where outdoor brands, retailers, media, and athletes convene, to cover next year’s gear, network, and hopefully, impress. Each show is four days of non-stop meetings…in other words, talking…separated by moments of racing around the show. And of course, being that it’s outdoor/ski industry, evenings are filled with events…in other words, boozing….separated by moments of racing from one event to the next. As one of my account managers from an undisclosed mag said, “My main goal with SIA is to not fuck things up too bad.” Ahhhh…he funny. As an exhibitor, it’s exciting and stressful, fun and exhausting, stimulating and mind numbing, all at the same time. And I’m just so grateful to be a part of it. Highlights from the last few weeks:

1) Finally skiing Utah (and four days of silliness with fellow Eider chicks, Merry, Sarah, and Linda), even if the snow decided to show up after our departure. Alta, Snowbird, and Solitude are now marked off my bucket list. And I will be back. (Insert evil laugh)

2) Hanging out with The Jaded Local (my most favoritist column in Powder Magazine). He’s just as jaded in real life. And he rules. I feel like this bullet point alone would make him want to slash my tires.

3) Meeting Michael Franti. (Did I really say “How you feelinnnnnnnnnnnnnn” to him? Yep…sure did. I’m guessing he NEVER gets that.)

4) And most importantly, as one of my fave account managers said, not effing things up too bad. Couple minor catastrophes here and there…ie, Where are my graphics? Why aren’t the tvs here? Oh I was supposed to get kids mannequins? Awesome…my apartment sold and I have 30 days to move out? GREAT timing. No woman, you don’t understand…my boss told me NOT TO COME BACK until I have a key to that conference room. (He didn’t really say that…but I’ve gotten really good at throwing my boss under the bus to get things accomplished. Dishing out high-fives and bringing people candy bars helps too.)…but overall, both shows were successful for us. And now that I’ve made it through the first rodeo, I’m psyched for the next round.

Here are some pics from the carnival ride:

This building is iconic to me.

Linda shooting new Eider jackets for Powder’s Gear Guide. I was all, “You got this girl…I’m going to be cheering you on from inside. At the bar. Iscoldout.”

Ski Utah Beer Pong Event – Team Eider was a bit of a (major) disappointment.

Happy losers.

Millet booth at OR

Sundance fashion show at one of our retailers, Cole Sport. Congrats on being awarded SIA’s Retailer of the Year!

Team Millet/Eider classin’ up the joint in Park City.

I may have only won bronze, but at least my torch is actually burning.

Speed skating.

Teva party = dudes in plaid shirts. And a bald guy.

Teva party…the last time I had a normal voice.

Eider booth at SIA.

Happy hour at the Killy booth.

I’m certain Matthias has never taken a normal picture in his life. And we love him for that.

A few things I love from next year’s collections…I didn’t get to really check out as much apparel as I had wanted, but from what I did see, here’s what I loved: COLOR. Arc’Teryx especially had a pallet that I loved:

Love how they’re doing the deeper hue on the scuff cuffs.

Marmont – I love green.

Fave ski of show, Colorado’s own, SkiLogik. Similarly to Icelantic, these guys combine two of my favorite things – skiing and art. Hand crafted, wood inlay. Simply beautiful:

And here are a few of my favorite things from Eider. I’m psyched to say, we heard from a few retailers that they were digging our line the most, and I couldn’t be more proud. For men:

Besides loving this color combo, the jacket is made of my new favorite fabric, Cocona, which is made of coconut fibers. It has all these great breathability benefits I could share with you, but really I was just sold as soon as I heard coconuts.

1) I love our big chunky zippers. And they don’t look it, but they’re actually waterproof. 2) Excellent use of asymmetrical zips – with the puffy hood that’s removable! Love. It.

Apres/townie gold medal winner, the puffy parka:

That’s corduroy accents you’re seeing there. After we got this mannequin dressed, I was like DAYUUUUUUUUUUUUUUM…I’d totally date him.

I really really really love asymmetrical lines, and black/green/white combo:

And now, for the ladies:

This is the women’s version of the red/blue jacket above (ps, it’s called the Solden) and these pants…Oh. Em. Gee…they were the hit of the lady’s collection. I’ve skied in these pants a couple times and they are SO warm yet still relaxed enough that you can move freely in them. Plus, no lie…they make your ass look great. Trust me. Honestly, the hardest decision is picking a color. (I mean, purple is fun…but gray is versatile…what. to. do. I’ve been pondering this decision for days now. Just get both maybs??

I know it’s UofM colors, but I still love it. And I skied in those pants a couple weeks ago and they rule – lightly insulated so you have a bit of warmth, but super light still. So comf.

And I’ve made it no secret that I love our puffy skirt:

And the other is a brushed wool/soft shell skirt! With fun leggings, big boots, and a fitted jacket?? Eak!! Apres just got a whole lot cuter.

Soooooooooo, that’s the skinny. I’m looking forward to a chill couple weeks and then off to South America for vacation! Hopefully my voice has returned by then. Wait, does it really matter? I don’t speak Spanish OR Portuguese.

Nighty night, Mars

It’s About Time…

Posted on January 2, 2012 by leplanetmars

For the first time since I was like…4, I spent this New Years weekend without a booty-spanking dance party, massive quantities of booze, and the unavoidable January 1^st hangover. None of it sounded all that appetizing to me this year. (Yes…this is Maro typing…laptop has not been hijacked…I have not joined a cult…nobody is holding a gun to my head…it’s really me.) I had a lot of work to do, and I just wanted to start the year rested, refreshed, and rejuvenated…lots of “RE’s”, huh! And in doing so, I experienced a REvelation that I’d like to share with you.

As you’ve perhaps noticed, I haven’t been posting as often as I used to. I haven’t been doing a lot of things as often as I used to – yoga, spin, cooking – I just haven’t had time. My M.O. has always been one that emphasizes living a balanced life, and for the last few months, I haven’t been practicing what I preach. Work->stress->sleep->repeat has been my schedule, with the occasional break for dinner/drinks with friends. The stress of a new job, a job that I love and care a great deal about, has been all-consuming. And while I’m so excited about it and the opportunities it is presenting me, I have forgone other aspects of my life that are important to me and it’s taken its toll.

The night before New Year’s Eve (New Year’s Eve Eve?) I met a girl who is a life coach. A super cute, super fun girl, who I adore. I was telling her about how I have this blog that I love, but that I haven’t had time to work on it lately. And she said to me, “You just have to make time for it. When you make time for things that you care about, you’d be amazed how everything else just falls into place.”

The next morning, I went to yoga for the first time in three weeks. Half way through class, after working through our flow and now resting in child’s pose, our yogi started talking about responsibility. How half of the responsibility of practicing yoga is on the instructor, but half of the responsibility is on us…to make sure we show up to class, and that we give our all, physically and mentally. She continued to talk about how this carries over in our lives off the matt, and how we’re the only ones who are responsible for ourselves – how we react to situations, decisions we make, etc. The lights were dim, and Bon Iver’s “Calgary” was playing, a song that I love. I started to cry a little. It was like the last few months of pent up stress were just pouring out of me. Don’t worry – I wasn’t like a basket case and nobody knew what was going on but me. But I recognized that I just need to manage my time better to make room for all the things that are important to me, yoga being one of them. It’s MY responsibility to do so.

2011 was another year marked by incredible changes for me, both good and not-so-good. As I reflected, I started thinking back over the last several years and all the events that have taken place and realized that the last time I lived a year that wasn’t riddled with transition and life-changing events was 2005! Good God, can someone get me a cocktail – it’s been a roller coaster. But two things that have helped me get through it all, are the love and support of friends and family, and just in the last year, yoga. I mention the former, because it also ties into my “making time” revelation. I was talking to my dear friend Meliss over the weekend, and the topic of my less than stellar response time to returning calls and texts came up. Those that know me well, know it’s not exactly my forte. It’s not that I don’t care, don’t want to talk, or am not thinking of you. Quite the opposite, actually. I just get caught up in whatever I get caught up in, and next thing you know, I have friends annoyed with me. Again though, it comes down to managing and making time for the things that are important to me.

So while I’m not a fan of new years resolutions (they just seem so cliché), I am aware of a change in behavior that needs to be made so I can live the best life I can. It’s my responsibility to myself. I don’t know what 2012 has in store for me, but I am excited about the possibilities. And I start this year as I had hoped I would – rested, refreshed, and rejuvenated. Bring it 2012. Bring. It.

Hope you had a beautiful holiday season filled with love and laughter. Here are some pictures from mine.

Christmas Eve at our house in Buena Vista.