West Coast Best Coast

2009

I have been wanting to write this blog post for months now and I finally have the opportunity to share some really exciting news with you: I am moving back to the west coast. I have been looking for a new job for months now and finally gave notice to my current organization this past Friday. While it was bittersweet because I love the people I work with and everything I do, I am extremely excited for my new adventure. I will be leaving DC in two weeks so I wanted to put together a "DC Bucket List" of things I must accomplish before leaving town in just 14 days.

It's amazing to think how much my life has changed since I arrived here with my 4 suitcases just over five years ago. I have met some amazing people, had life-changing opportunities and experienced things I never dreamed of. The thought of moving out of a big city definitely scares me but I know that this new adventure will take me on another amazing journey.

DC Bucket List:

1. Visit another Virginia winery.

2. Go to Nick's. 

3. Have drinks at POV.

4. Have coffee on the Lincoln Memorial steps and watch the sunrise.

5. Eat at El Pollo Rico. Again.
6. Attend one last blogger meetup.
7. HH with my "Bachelor" girls.
8. Go to Luray Caverns (this may not happen).
9. Have bottomless brunch.
10. Go to the top of the dome at the Capitol. I am sure this won't happen but it's been on my bucket list for years so it seems appropriate to include it here.

I am sure I will be adding to this list as I come up with things. If you only had a few days left in DC, what would you be sure to do?

Top 12 of 2012

As I sit here in the airport after multiple flight delays, I wanted to take some time to look back on the past year. There have been highs and lows and many in-between moments but here is my top 12 list of 2012:

1. Starting a blog. Sure, I technically wrote my first blog post two years ago, but 5 posts in one year doesn't count. This year, my New Years resolution was to post on my blog every day. It started out as a place to post my photo-a-day but gained some direction around May. I like to think of May as the true beginning of my blog. I am so happy I was able to fulfill my New Years resolution. 

2.  Helping re-colonize the ASU Chapter of Sigma Kappa. Flying to Arizona for a week in February was, by far, one of the high points of my year. Spending the week with some of my good friends and helping start a chapter of my sorority was nothing but a great time. I loved every bit of it: the late nights, the matching outfits, the excitement on the girls' faces. It was such a blast and I cannot wait to do it again next month… in Boston.

3. Selling Stella and Dot. In March, I attended a Girls Night Out event with my friend Kristin. After an evening of sipping drinks and trying on clothes and jewelry, I found my favorite booth: Stella and Dot. I quickly wanted everything on the table and gave my number to the lady selling the jewelry. After a quick coffee date at Panera, I eagerly signed up and have not regretted it since. I am still obsessed with the jewels and love the opportunities it has given me.

4. Visiting NYC with my mom. It had been almost 20 years since my mom played tourist in the Big Apple and spending a long weekend in the city with her was everything I imagined and more. We had a blast shopping, seeing the sites and spending time together. I cannot wait until our next vacation together.

5. Seeing the Legwarmers. I highly recommend EVERYONE see this 80s cover band in concert. This night is something I will never forget. What. A. Blast.

6. Getting a new job. After months of searching for a new job, I found one that I love. I love waking up every morning and knowing that I am changing lives. I enjoy everyone that I work with and think that my life has improved so much since starting this job.

7. Having great friends visit . Some of my oldest friends (Ashley and Megan) came to visit me this year. Each visit was different but so fun. I could not ask for better friends and I am so so happy I got to see them both this year. Hopefully it won't be years until I see them both again.
*Also, having friends move to DC definitely needs to be on this list.

8.Taking a photography class. Learning more about my DSLR and taking up a new hobby is definitely making my top 12 this year. Making new friends while learning new things is something that cannot be beat.  I had so much fun learning how to use my new camera and cannot wait to increase my knowledge over the years.

9. Flying home. I went home for a little over a week this summer for a wedding and to catch up with friends and family. Prior to this trip, it had been almost 2 years since I went home. I loved going home and catching up with my friends and it was nice to spend some time with my family in their homes instead of mine.

10. Making new friends. I have made so many wonderful new friends in the last year and I hope to continue these great friendships in the future.

11. Doing the Color Run. Getting out and running a 5k may have been the spark that started this new running craze. Running through all of the colors at National Harbor was a blast… and now I am signed up for a half marathon in April. Perhaps it was just so fun that I am hoping each race will be the same.

 

12. Hitting my 3-year anniversary. It's pretty hard to believe I've already been dating this great guy for three years. I can't wait to see what the future holds.

I can't wait for 2013! It is sure to be the best year yet! 

What were your favorite moments from 2012?

All Grown Up

Dress: The Limited Similar Style  Necklace: Stella and Dot  Shoes: Steve Madden  Bag: Coach Similar Style

I feel very grown up today because I am now able to share with you that I have accepted a new position with a non-profit organization. I am quite excited about my new adventure! Because of this big step, I decided to dress up a little today. I can't get enough of simple dresses in the summer. Especially with all this humidity we have right now, a dress was the perfect outfit for today.

Also, be sure to check out my guest post today on The Right Shoes blog!

j-o-b

Well, I got the job! YAY! I am now going to be an Assistant Editor for PR Newswire. I start in three weeks and could not be more excited! I get to work with people that are my age and like doing things that I enjoy. I am so hopeful that things look up from here! Now, if only I could find an affordable place to live. Psh, DC is killing me.

Oh well, I will worry about that later. For now, time to celebrate.

I GOT A JOB!

AN AMAZING JOB!

YAYYYY