2010...My Year!

Imitation is the sincerest of flattery- Charles Colton (1800s)

I am "imitating" my dear friend Teddi, who posted her New Year's resolutions on her fantastic blog Jewish Girl in a WASPS Clothing. For the past 6 months, I have told friends, family and co-workers about how I was determined to make 2010 my year. So far, it seems things are looking pretty good! But here they are:

1) Enjoy the transition to Cambridge. It will be stressful, and I do not need more stress, this should be the biggest leap of my life, I should enjoy it! This leads to my second resolution...

2) Find a positive outlet for stress. Instead of my current methods (which are very ineffective) I need to find a new outlet. Perhaps reading? writing more? (the latter should be easy when I start the PhD program).

3) Work on finances. I cannot continue to shop at J.Crew and Tiffany like I do for myself...The numbers do not add up, and even with my financial blessings, if I keep this up, I will be broke when older ;) (and a broke Lula Mae is NO GOOD!).

4) Eat better. Those of you close to me know, my favorite place to eat is McDonalds. Yes, McDonalds. While I like fine dining, my favorite meal is less than $6! I eat fast food almost every day (gulp...just typing that makes me cringe!). I am SLOWLY learning to cook with help of friends, and it will help not only the wallet, but my health. This also transitions nicely to #5...

5) Focus on HEALTH! Okay, somethings I cannot control (like my heart issues), but I can assist by eating better, focusing on positive steps to improve it in general...

6) FRIENDS & FAMILY. When I move, I will need them even more, so I need to focus on maintaining my current wonderful group of friends and my family. How? Make time for them. No excuses...gone is the excuse "I have to study for the GRE!" or "Working on applications". I need to appreciate them more too, I take almost everyone for granted unintentionally.

7) Learn to let things go...I am awful at this. Just awful. If something bothers me, I simply continue to get frustrated. I don't let things go...and I make situations or problems worse by dragging them out. No good.

8) Live more drama-free :) Yes, you read that right. I am not a huge "drama queen" but I do seem to always have something going on that complicates my life. I don't need that, so I have to learn not just to let things go, I need to trust those around me, and "accept love" from those around me. The more love and support, the better.

9) FRENCH. I need to learn French. No excuses.

10) START work on my dissertation. No, I haven't even gotten to Cambridge, but from the looks of the program, it seems difficult (what? a PhD program at Cambridge looks difficult?!)...I am a firm believer that preparation is necessary to prosper. So preparation it is.

Well, that seems about right. I am sure as 2010 begins, more resolutions will pop into my head. And no, I didn't forget about losing weight, but this seems unrealistic every year ;)

A Preppy & Peppy Christmas

Christmas did not go exactly as planned this year, but it was very eventful to say the least, and in the end, the only thing that mattered was that it was spent with people who really love you (hopefully!). I received adorable, very-preppy gifts this year (which all of you know I love!). Highlights include: pink Lilly compact mirror and wallet from my dear Teddi (which was my favorite surprise of the season!), monogrammed silver locket from my girlfriend Jenna, a bag full of money (for my upcoming trip to London/Cambridge) in a monogrammed bag, a bike bell in the form of the "I LOVE NY" slogan, a plaid Burberry scarf I have been dying for (all from the parents!), a Tiffany silver pen and a plaid 2010 planner (from Mike), UCLA stuff (from my little brother) and countless other gifts, some still coming...most important though was that I went to midnight mass. I haven't gone in a while, so I made the short drive to my church in Laguna Beach to enjoy the choir, the little drummer boy, and a nice talk with my priest. I left feeling VERY grateful for my WONDERFUL friends and family (you know who you are!) and for the luck of getting into Cambridge, ect. Now if my health could improve...I forsee 2010 as a FANTASTIC year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY FRIENDS & FAMILY!

Below is a un-organized collage of pictures from the past few days :)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

In the Spirit of Christmas

Christmas really is all about love, isn't it?

So, it seems only fitting that one of my posts, closest to my favorite holiday, revolve around love.

One of the best quotes I have ever heard comes from that old adage "it is better to have loved and lost, than never have loved at all". Many fail to recognize the origins of that saying...and credit must be paid to Alfred Lord Tennyson:

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.
-ALT from a poem written 1850

Whenever I am most sad (usually when I think of lost love) I ponder whether or not this is true? Is it REALLY better to have loved and lost? You could apply this principle to any relationship, whether it is a beloved grandfather (like my Pa) or grandmother (Baba) to simply someone you never meant to fall in love with, yet did, and then will forever miss. And usually during the Christmas-time I start to get emotional when I realize that it is true...memories do last a lifetime (no matter how long that life is), and it is memories that make up a life, and therefore it is far better to have them, than not. So I cherish the memories with those I have loved, and lost. Some I openly miss, such as Christmas Eve at my grandparents, and looking for Santa with my cousins outside staring at the cloudy sky...others I keep more hidden...and when I am most sad, or lonely, I close my eyes, or look to the stars, and remember them...

Random Updates...

I have had a stressful week, landing in the hospital (lovely), family issues, ect. but cannot wait for the Christmas festivities to begin. What are we doing? Last year was a FANTASTIC Christmas in Las Vegas (complete with The Phantom of the Opera and Beatles' LOVE tickets, amazing cocktails and even better shopping). This year is more casual, at home, with just immediate family. It should be fun! I am very excited to give my gifts, as most are themed around my impending departure to England (double YIPPY!).

So, I treated myself to a Links of London charm of the globe (to go with my Tiffany Airplane necklace---in silver) and hoping to treat myself someday soon to the bicycle charm (since I am trading my SAAB for a bike with a preppy basket to cruise my new hometown!).

Finally, I started another blog to focus on life going to Cambridge...because I do not want Moon River and Me to become a "Cambridge" blog! Feel free to look:

From California to Cambridge

(Below are pics of my new charm!)

Another Blog Steal...from MBR! Christmas FAVS!

I read "My Blond Reality" on occasion and enjoy lists sometimes so I am "stealing" hers ;) (it is half-time at the UCLA versus Notre Dame game...):

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Buying things from stores that wrap for me ;) Thank God for Tiffany and Saks :)
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real. Always. No Exceptions.
3. When do you put up the tree? Day after Thanksgiving!
4. When do you take the tree down? New Years Day. Every year.
5. Do you like eggnog? Never tried it. Doubt I will like it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? A family ring with a diamond from Russia carried by my great-grandparents in an antique setting which was my Baba's Sweet 16 ring...she tied it to a doll named the Diamond Fairy (loved diamonds ever since!).
7. Hardest person to buy for? Mom and Dad. They never ask for anything...and are totally selfless.
8. Easiest person to buy for? Me ;)
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Never.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I try to mail most ;)
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Dead seahorse from a different grandma...
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? 1) Miracle on 34th Street 2) Love Actually 3) White Christmas 4) It's a Wonderful Life
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? During the year ;)
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Probably (shameful, I know).
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Used to be Draeger's catered each year with my Pa and Baba on Christmas Eve...along with Russian food ;)
16. Lights on the tree? Always white!
17. Favorite Christmas song? Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (by Ella Fitzgerald) Baby, It's Cold Outside (Dean Martin), Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt)
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Heck yes!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Bow ;)
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Both!
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Spending money and then having people hate the gifts...
23. Favorite ornament, theme, or color? Always my Baba's ornaments since she passed away...it was a themed tree her last year of life...and it was her favorite.
24. Favorite for Christmas Dinner? Piroshkis!!!!!!!
25. What do you want to do for Christmas this year? Health, friends and family :)
26. Favorite Christmas tradition growing up? Christmas eve at Pa and Baba's with the WHOLE family (and it makes me cry knowing I won't ever get that again, until we are in heaven...)
27. Favorite tradition now? None :(
28. Favorite Christmas Memory? A year when we were short of money, it was our last in my childhood home...my parents did the whole house up even though we were struggling and somehow Santa brought the same amount of gifts that year...


(My tree this year...)

Stay Away from J.Crew Lula Mae!

The time isn't even 12PM today and I have already managed to spend at J.Crew...and what did I buy? Sweaters. Yes, sweaters (shh...don't tell my Dad, he will KILL me when he finds out...). They were on sale :) and I might need them in Cambridge! However, it got me thinking about money, since a close friend and I had a talk about it yesterday. I decided to actually LOOK at my finances this morning (note: I almost NEVER look...and just pay). I typically use a debit card, and on occasion, a credit card. However, lately I misplaced my debit and just used a credit card...BIG MISTAKE.

The beauty of my bank (and almost all banks these days...) are they break out a spending report. I know I have blogged about this before, but I seriously HAVE TO STAY OUT OF J.CREW! Or, sign up for a J.Crew card because you know their rewards program where you get $25 or $50 for each $500 you spend? I would have HUNDREDS of dollars from them in rewards for this year :( and that is NOT a good thing.

New Years Resolution: NOT BUY FROM J.CREW THE ENTIRE YEAR (doubt it will last, but worth a try...)!

Belated Happy Birthday to Mom!

This is a belated Happy Birthday to my Mom (off by a day...darn it!)...

“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother”-Abraham Lincoln (couldn't have said it any better!)

Public Again!

Now that I have OFFICIALLY accepted Cambridge (YIPPY!), I am turning my blog public again. No need to hide...and I wanted to stop posting about it, and focus more on things like my recent J.Crew and Tiffany purchases...ect so I created another blog "From California to Cambridge" which I will be getting off the ground shortly to chronicle my upcoming transitions...

Changing Seasons

With all the changes I have written about below, I have somewhat missed out on the little joys of the Christmas season. We won't be taking any trips, and while my tree is decorated, and presents have been wrapped (with cards just now in the mail), I cannot find the "Christmas Spirit", despite realizing I am VERY lucky.

Perhaps it is the blame of my slight depression? Or the lack of funds in my account right now? Maybe it is the stress of moving to start classes next year? Or the fact my mother reminded me that while getting into Cambridge is great, I do actually have to FINISH (aka write and publish a dissertation via Cambridge Press).

Changes are exciting. Changes are almost always good. But they cause stress for most of us, and may be the root of my slightly dampened holiday spirits?

I always think of the proverb "Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely"

Mike's New Job!

Soon mike will have a new job ;) CONGRATS MIKE!

Big changes in 2010.

Hinc lucem et pocula sacra

Oh the joys of getting into Oxbridge...for an international student. I never knew how stressful the process would be. First, you must adapt to a whole new admissions system (lovely). Second, you have to learn patience (they take their sweet time over there, so although the department faculty admitted me, it could take months for paperwork to arrive). Then you secure funding (even if they give you grants, they want bank proof that you can pay the $35K a year!). Next, a COLLEGE (yes, not the same as the university) admits you. I settled with my first choice of Homerton and if they don't admit me, then I may end out at Hughes Hall or Wolfson (these are colleges who typically admit those in my field).

Mike may be getting a great job, so if that happens...I will go to England alone. It excites me, and makes me nervous, at the same time...

I just have to focus on the bigger picutre(s)....

Needs a Vaca

1) I want to be done with the GRE (and have done well!)
2) I want to finalize Cambridge
3) I want a vaca to VEGAS...

Thoughts to Ponder...

Just when my life finally looks together, I somehow find a way to stress myself out. Sure, I got one of a very select few places at Cambridge. For the girl who has never used a passport, it should excite me, motivate me, brighten my day (or year). I worked hard for it.

Instead, the week has been stressful. Even with a beautiful, calming Christmas tree, and fantastic candles from Bendel's, I am unhappy. Why?

Since the blog is private, I can admit that I suffer from a small amount of depression/anxiety. So even with every calming ritual, and pill on this earth, I stress. About what? well, Cambridge is far away. I still am awaiting the college I will be at (got into the university, but now awaiting where I will be living, and the types of accommodations). I have the GRE Friday which I TOTALLY dropped the ball on (i.e. haven't studied in two weeks!), and have spent almost every evening out in the past few weeks spending too much money on dinners, and too little time relaxing at home.

So what should be the greatest week of my life...has been one of UTTER stress, and unhappiness...

I am going to close my eyes...and listen to Kipling (always makes me feel better, as it did my grandfather...).


If

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

I AM GOING TO.....

Officially, of all days, today, is the greatest day of my life. You know when in movies, something may happen that causes that awesome music to explode in the background? That happened to me today, of all days.

So what event could cause this?

I got admitted to the University of Cambridge today for a PhD.



It is bittersweet. Probably my life's greatest achievement to date, and the two people, whom would most enjoy knowing, are not here to celebrate.

So this is for you Pa and Baba...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

Wow, this week is full of birthdays...

To the first man I ever loved, my father. I cannot imagine a single day without him...

HAPPY 55!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLOG!

Today is my blog's 1st birthday! Yippy! It lead me to look back over the year and see all of the ups and downs. They are very reflective in my old post titled "Christmas List" for 2009...some items came true...others did not...of note:

3) Vacation (i am not greedy, i will save europe ) to Maui, at the Four Seasons Wailea, or the Westin Kaanapali (stayed at both, they are divine!).

*I never went on that European trip. I did go to Hawaii though and stay at the Fairmont Orchid. It was fun!

4) Job? Okay, my job is good, but since this is imaginary, I would like to be the Director of a Transfer Center at a CCC. I can dream :)

*I did get a new job, one close to home, and working with transfer students. But due to budget cuts, I won't have the job for long...

5) Christmas at Pa and Baba's...with all the family, the large Christmas tree (tastefully decorated by my mom), and food by Draegers ... since this would require people who have since passed, this would really be a miracle (and I guess shouldn't really be on this list...)

*This was never destined to come true...but I have a surprise for the family that might make it a little more so this Christmas.

9) UCLA Graduation- for my brother. Once he graduates college, I could die happy, or at least at peace (note: remember from a previous post, I am usually an unhappy person).

*Still waiting...and praying.

10) Watches, by Cartier. The stainless steel tank is the world's most classic watch, and I want one

*Got it!

11) New 2nd home for my parents...to eliminate a house hunt!

*Hmm...if I get into my dream school, this may just have to wait. Otherwise, maybe 2010 is the year!?



Anyway, life has changed. It is constantly changing....but I am so glad I have my blog to remind me. I would be AWFUL at keeping a journal!

THANK GOD! 28 MORE DAYS!

So, as I mentioned before, I moved my GRE. THANK GOD, because today, Friday the 13th, turned out to be horrible. I was awfully sick, so sick in fact that I fell asleep on the floor of my office next to the heater for...over an hour! Yes, over an hour. On the dirty floor, with my head on a trash bag. My boss had me leave at lunch ;) She said I looked awful. I felt it.

Tonight was supposed to be four hours of hard core studying. Oh well, if I only had 12 days, it would be a problem...but I have 28!

Fav J.Crew Items for Winter

Okay, a few are from the Fall 2009 collections, but most are brand new for Winter 2010 and I am in LOVE! I know, I already have enough clothes (my father recently told me I need to stop!) but I cannot help that I feel better in cute new clothes! And particularly, those from J.Crew (and Club Monaco). Here are some of my favs (this curbs my need to shop---it is "virtual shopping" at its best!):

Fav for Winter by uclabelle featuring J Crew

Items in this set:
J Crew dress, $225
J Crew top, $138
J Crew top, $90
J Crew top, $80
Jcrew.com flats, $150

Veteran's Day

Just when I think I am so consumed with everything going on in my life. Just when I think nothing ever works out for me. Just when I feel like I have hit a brick wall. I try to stop and think about how lucky I really am. I live in a great country (USA!) and live free because of great men and women. And today, I remember veterans.

But one veteran will forever be my most cherished. And today, I honor him.

My grandfather, Andrew Jerome Gawley Sr. (aka Pa) was a witty, young, intelligent man in the Army Air Corps. He fought in the World War, and was stationed in Germany. Unlike others, he was fortunate to live a long and happy life surrounded by those who loved him, and every Veteran's Day, up until his very last, he asked my Mom and I to take him out for a ride, so he could talk to all the other "older" veterans (you know, the ones that sit outside of the grocery store waving their small American flags?). He would wear a "silly" old Army hat, but was as proud as proud could be.

To my most beloved grandfather, my favorite veteran, and my most missed friend, I love you more today, as always...

Your princess,
Dani


Yes, that is me years ago on his lap...


He is the good-looking one on the right ;)

MOVING...

Well, moving the date for my GRE! I needed the time. An extra 3 weeks. So a total of 1 month from today. It is risky, and I give up part of my holiday, and will continue to run through my Xanax as if it is a bottle of skittles. But I praying to God that this is the right decision, and that it all works out in the end.

The Mean Reds...

Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?
Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues?
Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?
Paul Varjak: Sure.
Holly Golightly: Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there.

Today I have the mean reds...except that I know what I am afraid of. And there isn't anything to make me feel better...not even the thought of Christmas, or Tiffany (and their upcoming holiday window displays...).

Hoping that they pass...I even have the new help of little pills in Tiffany Blue.

Another JKL "Twilight" Evening...

For a split second, I thought I was a celebrity. As you may have read earlier, ALL THREE CAST members from Twilight went to Jimmy Kimmel Live (although, it was pre-taped). I saw, and REALLY wanted tickets so I tried to them through the online "lottery". Apparently, they sold out in 2 min. BUT, our good friend is the Producer. So one phone call later, two VIP passes were mine. What made the night so cool?

1) I walked past BARRICADES of fans...easily over 400 hundred.
2) We enjoyed the VIP Green Room lounge...and especially the free food and drinks
3) Our friend (the producer) and I got to hang out...and he had a surprise for me...
4) FRONT ROW DEAD CENTER SEATS TAPED OFF FOR MIKE & I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5) JK's nephew hit me up with a free t-shirt ;) I love free things!

Anyway, due to the VERY strict no camera policy, all I got to do was enjoy the show...from up close. I made the following observations:

1) Taylor Lautner still looks like a cute little boy...just with a better build.
2) Kristen Stewart has a stylist with great taste in shoes (can you say perfect Vampire-like Christian Louboutin black pumps)...
3)and she is beautiful and down to earth!
4) Robert Pattinson was just pure bliss...

After the event our friend said he never say me so elated. I must admit, I was so excited, it was pathetic. After the show, we went to 25 Degrees at the Roosevelt, then hit up my new fun time-killer...and then to Grauman's Chinese Theater where I "visitted" my favorite past stars...including Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, Sidney Portier and then, Natalie Wood. An old friend of my grandmothers (both were Russian).

p.s. YES THAT IS MY HOT DOG---I TRIED TO WRITE TWILIGHT WITH KETCHUP (note: not successful!)

Still Studying..

This is me this evening out for dinner...with my self-made GRE study cards...yep.


*Taken with my Blackberry*

I did find time to enjoy a little Yankee victory though :)

Snail Mail Delivery!

Two fantastic things came for me via snail mail this week! I was super excited that from Teddi's swap I got the FAB Landlocked Mermaid as my partner! She sent me a PERFECT tote for work and HOPEFULLY school next year :) She says it is my good luck tote, and I have a feeling it will be! It is from the classic LL Bean and is in my favorite UCLA Blue! Thank you PATRICIA!

Another fun item that arrived was the infamous Tiffany Blue Book for 2009-2010. I used to NEVER get it...but we have the past three years (that is good for my eyes, bad for our wallets!). But the eye candy is amazing...

Have a look at my treats :)

Someday...

I promise a more uplifting post soon (including my monogrammed swap gift from the adorable Landlocked Mermaid---a classic LL Bean tote! and pictures from the infamous Tiffany Blue Book that we get each year---thanks in part to spending too much there!) but I had a hell of a day, and need to share my final thoughts before going to sleep.

Today I might have ruined a relationship with one of the most important people in my life. I gave up important study time for my own goals to help my best friend (a friend who didn't want help, and now is offended). But I go to sleep with this thought:

Sometimes, when you love somebody more than you love yourself, you are willing to give up their friendship and trust, because you know that someday what you did was only in their best interest. And you have to live with that.

Random Update

My good friend (and fellow blogger) posted this morning on Twitter about being positive today and how she is going to enjoy the morning...and I am determined to do my best to join in...but I have so much on my "plate" right now, it is hard to see clearly.

My GRE is less than a month away. I am doing my best, but it is SO HARD to go to work from 8-5 and come home and study from 6-9. I am exhausted. I am seriously just praying to God for a miracle. November 25th...November 25th...

A little bit of good news came yesterday (obviously unrelated to the more pressing matter of graduate school) when I saw that the three major stars of Twilight were going to be a the Jimmy Kimmel show. I tried to get tickets the old-fashioned way, but they sold out in 2 minutes (all those crazy fans...like myself). HOWEVER, we are friends with the executive producer...so 1 phone call later, and now I have VIP tickets and backstage passes...so excited.

Anyway, I have to get ready for work in 20 minutes, but my stress levels are at such a high I sometimes struggle to breathe :( and I can shake...not a good sign.

FOR ANY ONE YOU WHO PRAY, I NEED THEM NOW! They would be greatly appreciated...I have a few schools I would be elated to go to, some of which need high GRE scores (I haven't done this type of math since 8th grade...).

In LOVE with Kate Spade

Kate Spade's Most AMAZING JEWELRY LINE EVER!

Her new jewelry, including her Park Ave necklace are to die for :) If I was better at wearing more than just my simple pearl or diamond studs, Cartier tank and e-ring , I would be ALL over this collection...

Weekend Wonders!

Okay, I think I am trying to be a bit more positive than usual...the weekend was not filled with an outstanding amount of wonders, but it wasn't horrible. After a dramatic weeks end (thanks to a horrible Wednesday evening...), I think the week finished pretty well.

It was filled with studying (and a surprise online GRE class courtesy of my parents! I wasn't willing to spend the $$$ for it myself), more studying, pumpkin patches (overpriced pumpkins at a parking lot patch reminded me of living in Manhattan where $15 for a pumpkin wasn't all that bad), EBay arrivals (note: adorable Kate Spade satin flats for under $50!) and Disneyland (complete with a Disney "celebration" mousse cake that wasn't as good as it looked (but, hey, I am not complaining...bad cake is better than no cake at all!). I also snatched two new magazines (exciting since my subscription to InStyle ran out and I failed to remember to renew).

Now, time for 1 hour more of studying and then a bath...topped off with a new episode of Mad Men!

Fantastic Frugal Finds for the Holidays!

There are hundreds of articles out right now about wonderful gift ideas for the Holidays! So, while I am in bed sick this evening, I thought I would share some with you, all are under $100!

Christmas Gifts by uclabelle on Polyvore.com

Trends are to help with the little things in life...candles and Red Envelope's Aromatherapy garden to calm, stationary for writing your friends (such as fellow bloggers!), Agendas for her and catchalls for him(to keep organized in the new year), Photo Albums (to remember wonderful times), Sweets (no explanation needed! I like the baseball strawberries for him, and candy apples from Marini's for her!), and then books, like Audrey Hepburn Treasures (the best book on her, ever, because it has actual copied artifacts like letters and photos inside!!!) or the Audrey Hepburn movie collection (for stay at home fun!), little pins like this crystal and feather one from Anthropologie (fun to dress up outfits for the new year) and fun party gifts like Lilly coasters, ect...

Icky Sicky!

I swear, I am sick about 75% of my life. I think sometimes those around me feel it is exaggerated. But I cannot help it. Like tonight: runny nose, 99.8 fever, headache and haven't eaten in 24hrs! I can ONLY drink Pedialyte. Seriously.

I was born sick. Literally. And I really believe that I have just been given bad health karma for life. I cannot remember a month where I wasn't sick.

So today, my "furlough" day which was supposed be spent getting amazing GRE studying done instead was spent getting "crappy" studying done while sitting in the tub, napping, and drinking Pedialyte.

Ugh!!!!!!

Christmas List # 1

Okay, it is still a bit early, and I haven't even gotten around to getting my pumpkin (I really want to though, and look forward to Halloween at our parent's house, as usual), but I started to make my Christmas list (note: this is clearly just my way of not studying for the GRE or working on applications). But, today was beyond stressful at work (including a budget meeting, a lecture I had to give with 98 talking students, ect) and I needed relief. The prescription: online fantasy shopping.

So, some items from my last year list (posted on this blog as well) are still on this year's list. However, a few key items are not like my beyond loved Cartier tank watch :)

Of course for Christmas I would love getting into my dream PhD program (doubtful, but I am trying to be positive), or win a million dollars, but these are REAL items:

Christmas List 2 by uclabelle featuring J Crew

In no particular order:

1) Stationary (very into snail mail now, and I am lusting after some Kate Spade stationary at the moment).

2) A NICE coat! I am really hoping that next Christmas season I will actually have a winter (and 7/8 schools I am applying to have winters!). J.Crew has two I think are adorable (I prefer the slightly longer one, more Audrey and Jackie!).

3) Burberry scarf (lightweight for layering). Not the traditional print, but the simple black and white. It is a classic!

4) Argyle. ALL ARGYLE is fantastic and preppy. I love this J.Crew sweater made of Italian cashmere right now!

5) Jo Malone. Anything by Jo Malone. LOVE the scents. If you haven't tried it, you must. I would love to add to my small collection with some shampoo and a candle (of course, the candle is $60 so I really doubt I should get it!).

6) Photo album (I am a fantatic of anything monogrammed, and this photo album is!!!!)

7) J. Crew chunky pearl bracelet. Look at it, need say more?

8) LV Trevi (I know, I have wanted it for over a year). No one in my family likes it. But I LOVE the shape, and the preppy pleating. And I don't think it will go out of style (well, it could...I suppose...)

So that is # 1; my next Christmas post will be of some of my gift ideas for others. This Christmas my theme is monogrammed gifts, which I plan on getting for all my family and friends (thank you Teddi for getting me hooked!).

“Privacy is not something that I'm merely entitled to, it's an absolute prerequisite.”-Brando

Well, I have been going through a lot with this blog. Couldn't decided whether to keep the blog, or make it private, ect. For my life right now, private was the ONLY way to go. Why? As someone who previously worked in college admissions, the fact I am applying to graduate programs, I am aware that with a few careful Google searches, someone could find this blog...and therefore me :) Not much to hide, but better safe than sorry!

Good news? I can be more honest. So, I will try it out! All of you who have access, are my friends and family. That doesn't mean the tone of the blog will change completely (I still love J.Crew, and Tiffany, and will do beauty reviews, ect).


Am I as private as Brando? God no. But right now, I do need a little privacy...except from all of you :)

Weekend Re-Cap (and Last Public Post )

One last post before I go private...

I had a nice weekend, but it wasn't filled with as much studying as it should have been. I was sick for starters, but did make it to 1/2 of the UCLA football game (it was a tragedy), watch some good movies (Couples Retreat was cute, and crude), and go on a little shopping spree (courtesy of my parents!)...it was a great pick-me-up. Surprisingly I didn't buy much from J.Crew as of late, and this time left with bags from Club Monaco, and a skirt from Banana. Lots of black and white (my favorites)...



I did spend a few hours taking a practice GRE, and it wasn't bad, but not as great as it could be. So I have 5 1/2 weeks to improve...more flashcards, more quant problems, more of everything...

In between the activities this weekend, I have enjoyed browsing my latest subscription to my old favorite magazine...see the pic :)



Now off to watch Mad Men!!!!

Going Private

Hello!

I decided to make my blog private---but continue it! If interested, please leave your e-mail down...and I will add you :)

So Where Have I Been?

Since news that my job may soon be lost, I felt, well, depressed a little. But I tried to pick myself up and think of options, and going back to school (despite two Ivy League masters) was one of them. It was always planned, but this was a year or two early. My GRE scores expired, so I had to re-study for them (math has since long been forgotten!). I also had to write research proposals for many of the programs, so this has taken up a large amount of time. I am no where near done, but thought you all might enjoy a cute look at my stack of books. Note the top? Today I treated myself to fun a read on "The Gospel According to Coco Chanel" from Athropology (one of my favorite stores).

Also, during my depressed days, and right after deciding to explore graduate programs (again), my parents and Mike surprised me with this adorable Tiffany Airplane charm and necklace...with a cute card :) Talk about a great motivating gift!

Okay, back to the books (and no, not that fun one!)...

Still Love My Bruins

Saturday was taken up with studying (as well as research writing) and FOOTBALL. I LOVE college sports (more than pro) and particularly enjoy football and basketball (true loves). So, having season tickets to my alma mater is natural. And getting your pic with really nice freshman players? FANTASTIC! NOTHING BETTER THAN BRUINS!

Here I am with Andrew Yelich and Jerry Rice (Jr.). Yes, Jerry Rice's kid (who went to school with my cousin).

Win or lose (as in the case of today!) I am a proud UCLA Bruin fan...

Hello Lover!

I am sorry my lovely readers that I left. I must say what has been going on...my job will be ending, more than likely, shortly. So, I took up an effort to look for alternatives...so if when I am out of the job, I am looking for possible graduate school, or taking a break by maybe moving in with my parents...only time will tell. So, I have been beyond stressed and a little depressed. But, I must forward.

I did enjoy last Friday with another concert at Zweng (my friend zwengmusic.com) and met for the second time my brothers very lovely girlfriend (my favorite, I just adore). All of us had fun at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. Pics are below.

I have many more updates (including fantastic ways to reduce stress-I found during my past few weeks). I promise them this weekend....

For now, so you see I am alive and well :)

Back....

Oh man, second time attempt at not blogging has failed :( So, if you are still interested, I am back ;) EXPECT A FANTASTIC UPDATE POST!

Closing the Blog (Officially)

With everything going on, I no longer will be keeping Moon River and Me. For the friends I have made, I hope to keep in-touch through other outlets ;)

The blog will be removed shortly.

Now I am another Statistics

Welcome unemployment :(...yep, it looks bleak...good news is that I was looking into PhD programs :)

"I have a great deal of faith in faith"

He was my first movie-star crush. Each of us has one. And while there are many great actors whom I have really loved over the course of my lifetime, including other noble men like Gregory Peck, Patrick Swayze was the first...and my favorite.

He wasn't the most talented, nor the best looking. He wasn't tall. He wasn't brilliant. But just like the characters he often portrayed, he was honorable, decent, human, in the somewhat tainted world of Hollywood. As I admired his character Johnny from my first favorite non-animated film, I admired him in real-life as well, which means a good deal more.


"I have a great deal of faith in faith; if you believe something strongly enough, it becomes true for you. I would like to believe that...there's life after death -- because if there isn't, why are we here?" -Patrick Swayze

It is unfortunate, devastating really, that so many people die from such a wasteful disease such as cancer. Having lost many other great people in my life to it, especially my beloved Baba, and more recently my friend Pa, we really need to do whatever we can to support causes that work to eradicate the disease. Because I refuse to continue to watch many good and young people die, even if there is a life after, so early...

Tonight in honor of him and the many others, I urge you to Stand Up to Cancer

On a More Upbeat Note...

I have been so excited about the second Sex and the City Movie that I have been trying to follow it (and of course, the upcoming fashion trends that are bound to take off with the magic of the movie and the style of Pat Fields!).

I found a fantastic site that I thought I would share! It even includes information on the specific items worn on-set so far (fitting for Fashion Week, right?!)

I remember when...

8 years ago today, I watched on the t.v. and then heard on the radio about a horrible event taking place in NYC and in Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. It was an awful day, that I will never forget, a day that shaped my life. I learned of humanism, courage, compassion.

And I didn't know then, that someday, only a few years away, I would call some of those places home...

In honor of brave men and women who lost their lives that morning, and in honor of the brave men and women who fought to save the lives of others, I remember you today, and everyday.