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