Befores & Afters

When certain events happen in my life, I find myself constantly thinking about life in two pieces: before the event and after the event. Before college and After college in a ‘big’ city. Before I moved to London and After the experience of living in a new country. Before I tore my ACL and after the very painful surgery plus a year+ of rehab. Before I got divorced and after the breakdown of my marriage. When I think about some of my befores & afters, I reflect on those big life-changing moments that stick in my mind and I recognize how much those events have shaped me into the person I am today. Sometimes I wonder who I would be if any of those events never happened. This is a very destructive activity (I know) – not like you can go back into the past. What if I didn’t do that Sunday morning ski run when I knew I was tired? What if I never moved back from London, but instead moved on to Singapore like I had originally wanted? I realize the simple fact that these defining moments, these life-changing events, have made me the person I am. I like how I have grown, I like who I am becoming, I am proud of my evolution. I am still evolving, still growing, and always will be, but I’m taking a moment to appreciate my growth. I’m excited about the stronger woman I have become through my life and am proud that I’m a nicer, more patient, considerate woman ready to follow my dreams.

Continue reading “Befores & Afters”

Wine Wednesday: Italian Wine Date Night

My first Wine Wednesday post! Last Friday, we went out to dinner to a little Italian restaurant called La Campania in Waltham, MA. A couple co-workers of mine have told me great things about this place, but I haven’t tried it myself until now! It’s a cozy restaurant which makes you feel extremely comfortable (and excited to eat) the instant you walk in. We got there early on Friday – like senior discount type early – we were hungry! From the time we walked in, people shuttled in behind us, and now I can see why. The food was delicious, the atmosphere friendly, the staff incredibly fun, and the wine smooth and relaxing! Continue reading “Wine Wednesday: Italian Wine Date Night”

Just another manic Monday (but a good one)!

One of my friends messaged me today during work and asked if I knew a woman named Susanna Hoffs. I assumed he meant someone at work and the name didn’t some familiar. I soon found out she was in the Bangles and sang the song Manic Monday. I have now had that song in my head for about 7 hours and 20 minutes. Seriously, though, what a fun song – singing it to myself today has actually really made me smile!

Today was a manic Monday – one of those ones where you’re going from meeting to meeting, trying to figure out how you can maximize any spare time you have at work, while also having time to eat, go to the bathroom, and grab some more water from the kitchen. Now, to some this may sound insane, but this is a typical day at work for me and one that keeps me on my toes and energized! Continue reading “Just another manic Monday (but a good one)!”

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog!!

I’m so happy that you’re visiting! This is a new adventure for me and I’m excited for you to come along for the ride.

The past two years have been some of the most difficult years of my life. Through several ups & downs (which I’ll explain later), I have learned that I am in control of my own happiness and should appreciate all the good around me, even the simple things. I am someone who is always ‘go-go-go’ and loves to get from point A to point B as quick as possible. I’m actively trying to keep up my go-getter attitude, but also slow down where I need to and make sure I’m not missing all the wonderful things around me. So here is my blog ‘Stop and Smell the Pinot’ in which I’ll write about my ups and downs, the simple things that make me smile, the days I’m feeling low and frustrated, and everything that I enjoy (which includes wine, obvi!).

thanks again for stopping by and more to come!

Andrea