Exhausted...

This week has been the most difficult in the past few months...and I cannot kick the blues, and am finding myself turning to diet coke, cookies and Ben & Jerry's mini tubs of ice cream...I can already feel my jeans a bit tighter...and that just adds to the frustration.

I just got back from work, and took a quick shower, and finally de-stressing in bed...but I have a million things to do...including:

1) Cleaning out my over-stuffed closet by selling on Ebay...
2) Organizing my purses (too many, all messy and dirty)...
3) Send a few thank you notes...
4) Sleep ;)

The First Necessesities Birthday List

Well, I guess they are not all necessities, and my party will be small, but the following all make my wish list:

1) A Tiffany Key Chain to replace the one drastically stolen...the best part of this particular one? It can be monogrammed...yes.

2) Another Tiffany item (hey, my blog addy is the location of Tiffany!), but maybe even more useful: A Tiffany pill box. Anyone that knows me...well...knows...

3) J. Crew and Essie made the cutest nail polish in the world: Jazz

4) J. Crew and The Laundres came up with wash for cashmere, denim, ect...I need all of them :)

5) Tiffany's Notes "D" charm...I bought one for my best friend in sterling, but personally am lusting after the gold one to add to my charm bracelet; hey, it needs to be more personalized (isn't that a necessity?)...

6) Culture Wise England...a book on how to survive there...PLEASE....NEED I SAY MORE!

7) Finally, I know I will be getting one before I go to Cambridge...but here is my current lust of a computer: Adamo by Dell

I bet I won't get any of these gifts, which is fine, but I thought it was fun to list things I could actually use...and need...interstingly, a computer was never on my list prior to the fact I have a massive dissertation to write ;) and prefer doing so in a beautiful library or museum in Cambridge or London...Cheerio ;) jk

My Quarterlife Crisis

I remember reading my favorite blogger, Teddi of JGIWC, go through the motions of turning 25. Nothing can describe it as well as the book "The Quarterlife Crisis" which examines the nature of this period in life where college is all but done, and the paths are much less defined...

I too am struggling, despite the fact that grad school still looms, marriage was tasted, and I even bought a condo...everything I "should" be doing at my age (minus kids of course).

It is a period of "what ifs". So how do I deal?

By celebrating, of course. While my dearest Teddi wasn't sure as to whether or not a celebration was in order, she did in fact celebrate, many times, to be exact. She looked radiant with her cocktails, teas and of course, adorable outfits. So I am following...

Now if only I could solidify a venue (right now it is between the Ritz, St. Regis and French 75)...

J.Crew Summer Sale

Resist the urge...well, if you can't...search the swimwear ;)

http://www.jcrew.com/index.jsp

SUMMER SALE 30% OFF

J.Crew Video: Handbag

J.Crew Video: Handbag

When I saw this from JCrew Aficicionada, I almost died. I own this bag, and it has been my favorite for over a year! Cheers to a great design and craftsmanship!

The smell of peonies and hydrangeas...

Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into. ~Henry Beecher 1858

Today was starting off difficult, so after treating myself to breakfast early this morning, I also bought myself flowers...and made a few vases to fill my office for the week...I am broke this month, but it was worth the money on my credit card ;)

Beautiful peonies and hydrangeas:

I hope you had the time of your life...

I am recovering today from a busy, graduation-filled weekend. I tend to get a tad emotional at commencements, but this year, was very bitter-sweet. First, my brother graduated from UCLA, and we had our family and friends to celebrate. Then, my good friends and colleagues graduated from UCI. I cried at both...

I continue to think of the lyrics from Green Day's Good Riddance song...especially the following:

So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time...I hope you had the time of your life

I wish this for them...as they embark on new journeys...and to those I may no longer see everyday, I hope I made some impact on their life, and perhaps am thought of fondly during this time in their life.

And I miss him...on casual days like today

The passing of John Wooden hit home, more than I thought it would. And today I discovered why...he reminded me of my grandfather. Perhaps a bit more wise (sorry Pa), a tad more decorated (forgive me Pa, he won 10 NCAA championships), but he was warm, genuine, witty and constant. Always there. Every game...just like Pa was, for every achievement and failure (although the latter I preferred).

Today was hard...bad news hit from every angle...and suddenly I found myself with ice packs on my chest (a result of a congenital defect), a slightly broken heart, wounded pride and a low self-esteem. I was also tired from a lack of sleep, leaving me drained to boot...

So when I thought of the sad loss this week, I thought of wonderful people looking down on me in heaven. I have a beloved coach who will guide me, a wonderful Baba (grandmother) who provides love and Pa, who believes in me and thinks no day for me is casual...and what challenges me only makes me stronger...

Goodbye Coach...

Hmm...maybe the title isn't right...because UCLA legendary basketball Coach John Wooden left a lifetime of lessons not simply for on the court, but particularly off. So, I refuse to say goodbye.

I met Coach Wooden, and was used to his presence for many, many years at UCLA basketball games...and beyond. And now, an empty chair will remain. So I would like to share with you a private e-mail I first sent to him years ago...it embodies my love for him, and my respect...and most importantly, the impact he has had on my life (he responded, but that, I keep private):

Dear Coach Wooden,

If I were to put into words the impact you have made on my life, I too could perhaps someday write a book...

You have been a part of my life, in many aspects. First, I am a Bruin ('05), so your legend has graced the halls that I have walked in Westwood. And I saw you at nearly every basketball game I attended as an undergraduate (and must admit, once was a student who eagerly disrupted your viewing pleasure to snag an autograph with Mike). But it isn't necessarily the championship trophies, or the magic that you bring to UCLA and the sports community as a whole, that has profoundly impacted me. It is the words of wisdom you shared that are most valuable. And these words of wisdom are even more prized than the education I received at exceptional schools (UCLA, Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania).

I own every published book you have written. And while Mike loves "They Call Me Coach" most of all, I personally prefer "The Essential Wooden". It is my guide to life. However, one quote in particular stands out amongst all the other valuable words of wisdom: "Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to becoming the best that you are capable of becoming". Perhaps I misunderstand the quote, but if this is true (which I believe it is), I have my entire life to work and put in the effort to becoming the best that I am capable, and to truly know whether or not I am successful.

So I spend every day, in the busy, hectic world that we live in, trying to remember this quote, and I know that someday my effort will pay off, and I will have peace of mind (or success) when the Lord takes me home. I too will hold my head high, knowing that I did my best ( I hope!).

I am not sure if you will ever this, but I needed to share with you that there is a young girl who takes your words to heart, and appreciates them more than you know, as it is the most valuable lesson I have been taught. I now share this quote with the current college students that I counsel.

God Bless,

Danielle "Dani

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Please read this, it is beautiful:http://www.dailybruin.com/articles/2010/6/4/rally-ronald-reagan-ucla-medical-center-honor-john/