Tuesday, December 29, 2009

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 ;)

Friday, December 25, 2009

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 :)

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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

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...

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

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!)


Saturday, December 19, 2009

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...)!

Friday, December 18, 2009

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...

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

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"

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Mike's New Job!

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

Big changes in 2010.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

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)....

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

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...

Monday, December 7, 2009

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!