babytalk

Last week, I caught up with a girlfriend to celebrate her big news: She won a spot in a prestigious teaching program, which means she's making the leap from magazines to education. She was glowing with excitement, and I am absolutely thrilled for her! I can't think of anyone who would be more perfect at molding little minds. While jabbering over our cappuccinos and cake, the conversation turned to mapping out our futures. Like her, I want to pursue a second career (eventually) and see more of the world—which leaves little time for my biological clock. Unfortunately, one of my occupational hazards is that I've written my fair share of fertility stories and know plenty of statistics. So even if I try to spin it in my minds-eye ("but I'm fit, healthy, and don't smoke!"), the cold, hard truth is that women lose 90 percent of their eggs by 30—and by 35, any pregnancy is considered high-risk. It sucks. I've always imagined myself as a mom, but recently I've had to come to terms with the fact that there's the very real possibility that it may never happen. Or, if it does, that means sacrificing another dream, or at least postponing it for a good two decades. I know life isn't black and white, but it is comprised of a string of choices. I just have to have faith in myself that I'm making the right ones.

Photo: Cutest buddy spotted at a wedding. I was totally the creepy lady oogling at him all night. :)

things that make me happy

These things are putting a smile on my face.

* Delicious tacos
* Iron & Wine songs. Specifically, this one.
* Phone, yoga, and lunch dates with my favorite homegirls
* The warm spring breeze on my skin during the workday
* Mornings with Erik and Monkey
* Trader Joe's Chili, Cumin, and Lime Chickpeas
* Mid-afternoon walks around Williamsburg
* This book. Actually, it made me sob, but it is a powerful story.

springtime!

In the great words of the lyricist Nelly, "It's getting hot in herre." Today I went for a mid-day run and had to walk halfway through because my face turned beet-red. But I don't mind because that means (drumroll, please) spring is finally here, and summer's right around the corner! I can't wait for bike rides to Coney Island, weekend surf trips, swims in the Bed-Stuy pool, and free concerts and movies galore. I also recently discovered there's a McDonald's within walking distance of my apartment. Hello, my favorite 99-cent ice cream cones! (Disclaimer: As I am a "nationally recognized health expert," please note that these cones are low-fat and are an, um, occasional treat. Cough, cough.)

6 things...

I did this week:

1. Ate delicious Japanese chicken wings at the most delightful date spot in Williamsburg. If you haven't been, grab your sweetheart and go! The decor is so romantic without being fussy.
2. Did 7 hours of radio and TV interviews in a row. I have newfound respect for actors who do multiple takes and have to perform under the gun. Yes, even you, Keanu.
3. Went shopping for an outfit for said appearance. Oh man, I so appreciate not having to wear heels and office-appropriate clothes daily!
4. Had two lunch dates with former coworkers. Although I adore the freelance life, I miss my funny and lovely colleagues.
5. Learned of some crazy news about my old workplace. Change is definitely in the air! But I always think that's good thing; mixing things up creates new opportunities and ways for people to learn about themselves. Also, it's weird. It feels like a million years has passed since I worked there.
6. Went to Erik's fundraiser for Japan earthquake relief, hosted by Q-Tip and featuring hip hop greats like Sadat X. (See the bag featured above.) Just when he couldn't get any dreamier, my boyfriend goes and does something so amazing that I fall in love all over again. Swoon!

occasionally...

...I pick up a freelance assignment that involves TV. The hair and makeup guy at today's shoot was such a genius, I had to post this pic before I smear off all the eyeshadow in approximately 0.8 seconds. I feel like I'm wasting all of his hard work, since I'm sitting in my sweatpants at home now. All dolled up and nowhere to go!

my cutest

I may be biased, but my dad is one of the top 10 cutest old men out there. Don't you agree? I'm headed to North Carolina next month to help my parents buy their fancy outfits for Tim's wedding in time to get it tailored. After an hour on Google, I've learned quite a lot about Raleigh retail stores, suits for senior citizens, and mother-of-the-groom dresses. Just call me the Rachel Zoe for the septuagenarian set...

little letters

Dear Erik,
Than you for putting up with my moodiness, cleaning fits, and intense athletic feats (like the 9-mile, straight-uphill hike pictured above) with such calmness and joy. You're the best boyfriend in the entire universe!

Dear Raleigh,
So sad to hear my hometown has been ravaged by hurricanes. My heart is with you.

Dear attention span,
Get with the program. We have a super busy week ahead.

Dear wedding season,
I'm so super excited. You'll be seeing a lot of me in this rocking super-toned arms, thanks to a before-and-after magazine story.

Dear people who make fun of heavier people trying to exercise,
You make me SO angry!

a reexamination

What an action-packed week! In the past five days, I did a photo shoot and television segment; wrote four stories and one report; had a play date with an awfully cute puppy; caught up with friends at a movie night; and learned of three friends/former coworker's engagements. It's been such a whirlwind that I really haven't had the time to process everything post-vacation. You see, the thing about stepping away from your daily routine is that it forces you to look at life with fresh perspective. Nicaragua felt eons away—both literally and figuratively—from the hustle and bustle of New York City. It's made me to realize that some things that are normal here, like the heavy emphasis on work and material things, aren't typical elsewhere. As much as I would like to say otherwise, I've definitely been swayed by this city's fast pace. There have been times that I bought some outfit I didn't need because I wanted to look cute or simply had a bad day, or fretted "I really should be at X or making Y." Rubbing shoulders with inspiring people who measure their worth by passport stamps, not shoe collections, and experiencing amazing new things helped me realize these milestones are completely arbitrary. Maybe it just took sliding down a volcano to make me remember that only I can create the life I want to lead.

meet Gus

This guy just joined my friends Amanda and Anthony's little family. I'm smitten! How can anything bad in the world exist when you're looking at this sweet old-man face?

6 things... (surf camp edition)

...I did last week at super-fun surf camp.

1. Took all my showers beneath a canopy of stars.
2. Hiked up an active volcano, and then boarded down on a plank of wood at 44 km/hr.
3. Learned how to catch my own waves. Surfing is a metaphor for life, isn't it? You just have to grab your board and go for it. Getting tossed around and banged up is all part of learning, growing, and having a blast.
4. Played jump-rope with adorable Nicaraguan kids.
5. Rode in the back of a truck, had a scary horseback ride, and fell down in steep gravel. Now I have a huge scrape, multiple bruises, and a weird rash. It's all worth it.
6. Met the most incredible, inspiring, fun people. I feel incredibly lucky!

time of my life

I spent last week surfing, bonding, laughing, drinking, and volcano-boarding in Nicaragua. It was so amazing, I can't even begin to put it into words. For now, I think this picture speaks for itself.

list queen

For me, there are few things more satisfying than making a list and checking it off. This is getting a little ridiculous, though!