How is it already December??

It’s been another two months since I’ve written a blog post, so I figured it’s about time for a little update.

I have since had another two rolls of film processed (photo-taking has slowed dramatically with the few hours of daylight and new hobby of long distance running – but I still keep my little film camera close for occasional snaps)
So thrown into this mix of photos we have summer weekends in nyc/coney island, a trip to DC to visit my sister and her girlfriend Cassady, a visit from my high school bff Mandz, followed by a visit from my sister, and other miscellaneous solo wanders thru this beautiful city.

I can’t describe how much I’m still in love with being here; it hasn’t faded one bit.
As the seasons change, and it gets colder, I only love it even more.
I left the city for thanksgiving last week and I was afraid that, after taking a few days away from the busy city for the first time since moving here, I wouldn’t be as willing to return, but that was not the case.
I happily returned to the city; from plane, to tram, to NJ transit, to subway, to rainy walk back to my cozy room. I returned to buying my own groceries from the tiny grocery store a four blocks from my apartment, going to work every day, and running around central park on the weekends.

Speaking of which… a fun new update in the life of me:

I have recently decided to train for a half marathon in the spring of 2019.
As I spent most of my weekends wandering around the city anyways, I figured why not kill two birds with one stone, and wander a little faster.
Megan and I sadly weren’t chosen for the NYC United Half, but we are actively looking for the next best option, and in the meantime, I will continue to be shocked that my not-made-for-distance body is able to carry me 5-10 miles at a time without completely falling apart.
I remember some of my first runs when getting to the city, I would be happy to have made it 2 miles without stopping (granted the heat and humidity are not my fav running conditions), and I was astounded by the people who made full loops around central park.
Just yesterday I ran all the way from my apartment on 154th, to the bottom of central park (59th St.) and all the way back up. 10 miles. What.
My knees are not thrilled with this new hobby, and I did sleep from 3:00pm until 6:00pm after that run (and still fell asleep at 11:00pm and slept until 8:00am … <3 sleep <3) but it gives me a fun sense of accomplishment for something so silly.

My job is mostly the same…
I got to whip out my (very inadequate) After Effects talents to make the company “holiday card” (a video that featured all the company’s collaborations and “happy holidays” in about 12 different languages). The outcome was less than perfect and featured a “snowy mountain” background, holly border, and animated falling snow … Along with everything else flying in and out of the frame, it was far from clean and elegant, but I guess that’s not what they’re looking for at a children’s clothing company.
I was just happy to not have a total breakdown from the CMPA PTSD/flashbacks … however opening the program and having my brain actively refuse to remember how to use it was not pleasant.
The holidays are generally pretty slow at good old Haddad Brands, so I am very ready for the new year, and hopefully quite a bit of a change of pace … we’ll see.

I’m looking forward to going home for christmas, spending time with my family, hopefully some snow, and the other big city I call home (chicago).
I have plans to dye my hair for the first time ever (real exciting things over here) and I purchased a new film camera (Minolta XG7) to replace my Canon AE1 that broke in March (RIP) – as much as I love my little point and shoot, I can't wait to start shooting manual film again.


My sense of direction and independence and excitement for the future feels like it grows a little bit every day. I am so thankful for the clarity and peace of mind I have found over the past year or so …

Naturally, I am already starting to feel nostalgic for this year, but I’ll save that bout of reminiscing for another blog post … :)

Until next time … thanks for reading

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