Goodbye 2015

Well 2015, it's about that time again.

You've taught me a lot, in your own way. Not in my favorite way, but I'm still grateful for what you have given me in life experience and letting me learn more about myself as a person; and reminding me that there is a lot to do and see out there in the world - even if I didn't go very far.

You've reminded me to make time for those who count.

I was in a serious slump - probably the most unmotivated and lazy I've felt in my life. All I wanted to do was stay home and do nothing - or barely even move from my bed. If it wasn't within reaching or a 20 minute driving distance, I didn't want to do it. Maybe it was burn out from school, maybe because I felt lost in life. Either way I've let myself put less and less effort into seeing my friends or going out in general - and I didn't like that about myself at all. 

I think it really hit me to make the time for that when two dear friends of mine moved away recently for work and school. No longer in my proximity, but distance made my heart grow fonder and I will make the efforts to see them again - wherever we may go.

You've reminded me to go out and do new things.






Whether it's going to Blue Man Group for the first time, making home-made pizzas with friends, or going to my first music festival, I always had fun. Grad school was tough on me in a lot of ways, mostly emotionally. After a couple things didn't go so well, for a while I felt a little undeserving of down time or that I should be working all the time or that taking time off would interfere with my career plans. It took a while to purge myself of this depressing and destructive mentality, but it was worth the riddance. 

You've reminded me that traveling - no matter for how little time - is worth it.






Even if it's a short little road trip to the close by Cape, it's worth the weekend.






Even if you have to lug yourself to the airport in the wee hours of the morning for just a weekend getaway to Canada next door - it's worth it.



Even if you drive six hours to the dark forests of the Poconos in the middle of nowhere by yourself to see friends you haven't seen in years - it's worth it.

You've reminded me that Boston has my heart no matter how little I see it o how it's been since I've walked about the city.

2015, our time together was an enjoyable ride. You've taught me much about priorities, relationships, change, and many other things. It's sad that we must part ways, but it must be done. 2016 is waiting and there is much more to do.

Good bye and thank you for everything.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Happy New Year's Eve!

-Chelle

Wayfering 016 :: Loving Hut

A few weeks back, I had training in Worcester and had the chance to catch up with a couple friends. I tried vegan cuisine for the first time at my friends' usual, the Loving Hut.

Vegan bun bo hue was an interesting experience. Vegan anything to me is an interesting experience. But it was very good!

I always make time for positive people in my life. Even if it's only for a brief hour or two, I love being reminded that there are more of these kinds of people in the world than I realize. The training I had in particular included the presence of a rather negative instructor for 6 hours, so seeing them put a huge smile on my face.

It's interesting how life changes, as well as the people in your life, but some things stay constant - like how you go back to good old times and pick up like you never really left off.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Have a great day!

-Chelle

Wayfering 015 :: Macarons

I tend to hibernate in cold weather. But recently I've actually really wanted to go out. Not sure why, but I've very happy with the motivation. After lunch with a close friend of mine, I decided to walk a bit around the Copley Plaza and slow down to take a look at the city again.

Even with construction and other things going on, Boston always feels like home to me, no matter how it or I have changed.

I've been thinking so much about the future lately I shouldn't have to. I need to stop to enjoy the present more often. It had been a long while since I started working that I've actually taken time to wander about the city like I used to. It re-energized me in a way - like nostalgia hit me hard enough to bring back a part of myself that laid dormant for a while.

I felt inspired enough to spontaneously ask for vacation time to see a dear friend of mine while she's in Orlando the beginning of next month. Stopping to take in the city made me realize again how short life is and that I need to do things now as opposed to later.




Without stopping to actually enjoy the scenery and the air I would have never stumbled upon this cute little food truck, either. I had macarons once in Toronto, and was delighted to find this little truck outside the green line on my way home. If you see Cameo Macarons outside the Boston Public Library on the weekends, I highly recommend them. The nutella and pistachio ones are delicious.

I hope everyone's have a happy hump day! Enjoy the present! :D

o-o-o-o-o-o

Have a great day!

-Chelle

Wayfering 014 :: Simple BBQ

A couple ago, a co-worker of mine, who has been when the company since before I was born, took the two new employees out to lunch as a warm welcome.

Lester's Roadside BBQ in Burlington

And it was a warm welcome indeed. I particularly enjoyed the decor and feel of the place. The smoked sausage sandwich with a side of potato salad was good and I recommend it! I think next time I'll tr the chicken wings or the brisket.

Maybe I had low expectations when I started working here, or maybe because I've never had such a warm welcome from literally everyone in a company; but from day 1 up until now, being two months in, I am stunned and ever so grateful of the warming welcome and support of the people I work with.

It wasn't in hat they bought us lunch for a day or anything. It's that they offered advice they knew for certain we could use and words of encouragement they knew for certain we would need. Always kind and patient and always answering questions. They are incredibly talented and experience and I have so much to learn.

I feel incredibly lucky to be where I am.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

-Chelle

dealing with negativity

I was thinking too much lately on a training instructor that got under my skin the other day. I have to sit in his class a few more times until training completion and, for the first time, in  a long time, I am sort of actually dreading it. He's not too horrible with his comments and sneers, yet, though his reputation precedes him. But there are still a couple more classes for him to get his digs in.

He likes to pick on a particular demographic of workers and pit them against the other employee demographic solely for their choice of profession. He likes to pit these two groups against each other for his own entertainment.

Now, not only is he an instructor, but also nearly, if not in elderly age. Most would think that those with more experience in life would be more mature, but that's not always the case. Certainly, he has some deep rooted personal issues, but the classroom or any professional setting is no the place for it.

But what bothers me, is not what he has to say, and not the fact that he tries to make my work demographic the "enemy", but rather the fact that I allowed him to get under my skin.

Do I hate him? No.

Am I taking any of his insults personally? No.

Does he make me want to curl into a little ball and cry? Fuck no.

So in the long run, who cares? I have a few more classes, I pass the training exam, and I go about my life. Like everything in life, it's temporary. I have what? 18 more hours at most with this instructor? So what's the problem? His opinion certainly shouldn't matter. Why do I care? Why does it bother me so much?

And the answer is: I don't know.

I sure miss summer that's for sure. Everything was so laid back and enjoyable. I dream of ocean water and sunkissed bliss. Everything is always better in the summer.

But weather doesn't fix anything. I have to fix it myself.

I don't know why certain things get to me. Maybe because I don't deserve the bullying during class, but that's life. There is always going to be someone who doesn't like you whether it's a friend of a friend, or your boss. It's doesn't make it right or wrong, it's just life, and we just move on from it.

Again, I am not as bothered by what he has to say, but the fact that in a moment of weakness, I allowed him to get under my skin. I'm human, I know, but I'd rather be on the road to self-improvement then care about correcting someone who is clearly not open to change.

There are many profain names I can call him, and it'll probably relieve some stress, but in the end I know it's not worth it.

As much as I don't think someone deserves kindness or compassion, I also don't deserve to be burdened with negative emotions. I don't need them and I shouldn't allow myself to hold onto them. 

Because I deserve better.

I always try my best, but I want to remind myself what I can actively do to better my situation.

1. Don't take things personally

As much as I don't deserve the criticisms or insults, it's not about me. It's about this person's problem with something that they don't have the maturity to handle in a better way than to take it out on other people - other people, I might add, who have been nothing but nice. It's not what's wrong with me - it's what the other person's dealing with.

When I remember this, I often pity the person. How sad and miserable their life must be to only get enjoyment of tearing other people down? That's certainly not a way to live and I am thankful for the life I have, as I am probably much happier than them any given day of the week.

2. Seek guidance

Being a new employee, and someone without a fully built reputation yet, it is not in my favor to just spout out whatever I think in my head, no matter how satisfying I think it will be.

So I seek advice from my superiors and co-workers who have maybe dealt with the same person. Whether or not they support me in my frustrations will allow me to figure the best course of action. 

If they won't support me, chances are, they won't support me if I said something to my aggressor during class. Then I'm on my own. If I do have support, I ask their opinions of how an employee of that company should handle things. Of course I always make my own decision, but honest input is always appreciated and helpful.

3. Say something

Not just something, but a clear, cut, simple message. Not something mean or merely a witty comeback, something professional and an example of my maturity. Do we think of different ways to sass or put our aggressors in their place? Many times, yes. Is it worth it in the end? Probably not. The high road always seems to be less crowded in my opinion, and the air is quite fresh.

If the other party doesn't care to be civil even when I offer kindness? Then, well, I tried. Can't fault myself for trying. My aggressor can't say the same.

"We show respect to everyone here, and we would really appreciate the same courtesy." Isn't a phrase that sensible people would meet with an insult. Look good for your company, and stand up for yourself.

Be brave. Like Sara Bareillis once said: "You can be the outcast, or be the backlash of somebody's lack of love. Or you can start speaking up."

4. Don't think on it more than you should

I think about things way too much. And when I do, it consumes me in the worst way. If someone already makes me feel like crap in the classroom, why think on it more and feel crappy at home, too? I deserve better than to do that to myself. I can't help it all the time, but I can certainly try.

Watching Youtube videos, blogging, catching up with my shows on Netflix, redecorating my room, quality time with my loved ones, folding laundry, shaving my legs - they all deserve my time far more than some jerk who I left at work and don't have to deal with until the next class.

5. Take it one day at a time

"In time, this too shall pass." I forget who said this, but it's very true. Nothing lasts forever, not the negativity, not the happiness. I'll enjoy what I can, because I'll be never get this time back again, and my time is precious.

It seems more daunting when I think about how I have this many more classes or this many more days or this many more hours in this hostile classroom environment. That's me thinking too much and stressing over something that I won't have to deal with until the next class.

So I remember that though I do have more classes with this instructor, I still have plenty of time, and work, and fun until my next class.

This class is just another small block in my schedule. It doesn't deserve the stress and attention of my entire life story.

I have so much more to be grateful for that this negativity doesn't deserve my time.

I have so much more to be grateful for than to allow this negativity a place in my heart.

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend!

o-o-o-o-o-o

Happy Friday!

-Chelle

Wayfering 013 :: Hibachi

With the weather getting colder and my groupons approaching their expiration date, a friend and I decided to get some hibachi and take in some warmth and a show.

Thyme in North Andover

I am always fascinated with what hibachi chefs can do with her hands. I would burn myself multiple times before anything even cooked all the way.

And their cooking tastes good all the time without burning the anything. It reminds me that I need to start cooking again and stop with eating out so much, ironically.

Being in that stage in my 20's of figuring what I want to do with my life, I forget sometimes it's fine to just sit back and learn some useful and fun skills like cooking or something. Maybe one day I'll take something incredibly complicated and it won't taste horrible. I dream big I know, haha.

Anyways, I recommend Thyme restaurant in North Andover. If you can get a groupon for it, even better.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Have an amazing day!

-Chelle

Fall Fashion Picks

Fall is the time for mustard, rust, burgundy, bight red, olive and all other colors that scream leaves and pumpkin spice everything. Snuggling sweater weather without the restrictions of winter. 

Here are a few of my favorite picks from my online window shopping...

Sweaters and blouses (H&M, Abercrombie & Fitch)

In the morning, I just like to grab a blouse and a pair of leggings and toss on a cardigan or sweater. Layering is fun and allows for so much flexibility, comfort, and color.

Boho dresses and ankle booties (American Eagle, DSW, Abercrombie & Fitch)

Though dresses may not be the most practical, they can become fall appropriate with the right pair of tights or long socks. I always find that I get the most out of booties during the fall when they are most fashionable and can keep you warm enough before the ice covers the pavement (unless your boots have the right amount of traction).

Joggers and leggings (Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch, H&M)

Comfortable and practical, and very easy to transition into winter (for the most part). Especially black leggings - they are a staple and match anything easily - pretty much any sweater you pick up for the season and then some.

Carry all bags and beanies (Modcloth, forever 21, American Eagle)

Accessorizing is also easy and fun. Keep warm and keep everything you need without worrying about lugging it around in the heat of summer that is now, sadly over.

I'm a creature of habit and tend to go to mainstream stores because they either have a convenient return policy or because they have a rewards program to further fit my budget. Recommendations on other places to shop for variety would be very much appreciated.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Have a colorful day!

-Chelle