marysaysmeh

Hey. Hi. Hello.

How was everyone’s holiday festivities? I’m hoping well. I’ve become a busy busy bee since the last time I’ve written anything. What with dying and coming back to life from the plague, (I was seriously sick for a month, why??) working working working, the holidays, and trying to have some semblance of a social life it’s been a back burner thought to write a blog post. But I won’t let you down kids. I’m back with semi-exciting things to share!

Does anyone else dread taking down their Christmas decorations or is that just me? I feel like I always try to put it off until the middle of January. Well, it’s the middle of January and the time has come. My plan is to tackle that project and clean like your great Aunt Genevieve is coming over to visit for the first time.

Speaking of Christmas, I’ve watched more Christmas Hallmark movies than I can count. One thing I noticed on my festive movie binge was, throughout multiple movies, they all decorate the tree the same way. The wrong way. Let me describe it to you.

The family has just picked out the perfect tree. It’s the best tree out of all the other trees, so they’ve cut it down and taken it back to their cottage/home. Hallmark then proceeds to have a montage of them decorating and smiling. But what I’ve noticed is that the family always starts by putting ornaments on first, then they throw the garland on willy nilly, and finally the lights. And bam the tree is magically finished and beautiful. In my mind, I’m sitting there like, “No. Absolutely not!” You should put the lights on first, then the garland, and only then can you start putting ornaments on the tree. But maybe that’s just my opinion. If I’m wrong feel free to tell me but I’ll insist you’ll need to cancel your Christmas tree immediately.

I went home to see my family for Christmas and we did our usual traditions. These include going over to my grandparents house for homemade cookies and hot chocolate on Christmas Eve. Then on Christmas Day we go back over for lots of food and exchange any gifts we may have for one another.

This is the first year in a while that I’ve actually had off from work on Christmas Eve, so I was thankful I could spend it with friends and family.

The rest of December rolled by with nothing eventful besides work and one holiday party I attended. And before I knew it, the new year arrived. We did a champagne toast at work on New Year’s Eve. And if you looked out of the window from the room we were in, you could see the fireworks from Centennial Park. After work I went to a friends house for a 1920s themed party. But I feel like the theme for next year should be 1920s because it’ll be 2020. But also everyone will be doing that theme.

(Basically a New Year’s Eve photo spam)

I was planning on getting black eye peas to start the year with some superstitious good luck but I’ve still yet to buy any. On the 1st I had a pizza movie day with my best friend AshCash and then went for ramen later that night with a gal pal. And if that’s not a nice way to start the year off then I can’t tell you what is.

AshCash and I started a new best friend tradition. Since we both have busy schedules with work and we basically work opposite of each other. We decided to make Sunday morning dates a thing. So, when life permits, on Sunday morning we’ll have breakfast, watch a movie, or anything that involves hanging out. Ya know, keep the friendship alive. (Not that it’s dying. It’s not. She’s stuck with me.)

(This is Abby)

Now, with the New Year comes resolutions. I’m not particularly fond of the concept just because you have everyday to change your life or your self. Don’t hold off just because it’s not the new year. You can start anytime. That being said I do have a few goals I want to accomplish. Not necessarily goals for this one year but life goals that if they don’t happen right away, it’s okay.

• Take as many photos as I can. Really learn how to use my film camera. Find life’s candids through my lens.
• Save money. I feel like this is something I always say but actually sort my finances out. Learn to budget, get out of debt, and create a financial cushion. Be more frugal.
• Say yes more frequently. Actually take time to do things as opposed to going home and saying next time.
• Strive to have a positive outlook. When bad things happen, accept them and not stress over the things I can’t change. Worry less.
• Work more seriously. Take accountability for myself and study so that I can move up.
• And as always just enjoy the little things. Find beauty and delight in everyday life.

Now whether I actually commit to changing myself is the key to accomplishing my goals. I need to be firm and stick it out. Do you believe in setting goals for the new year?

In the month of January, I’ve done more things than the last few months. I went to the Frist Museum and saw the 1900 Paris exhibit. I was there with two friends and brought my grandpa’s camera, so I could take many pictures. While we were roaming the halls an elderly woman came up to me and said that she had a camera just like mine when she was my age. She told us that she was so happy that I could take photos as a career if I chose to do, because in her time women could only be teachers, nurses, or mothers. I asked her if she wanted to take a photo for old times sake but she said her eyesight wouldn’t be able to focus the camera. So, I focused the camera on her and snapped a candid of sweet Pam and then she snapped one of my friends and I together. I told her that I hope I’m as positive as her when I’m her age. Pam said that she tries to live in the light and she’s certain I will be positive because I have the curiosity for it. My friends and I were very warm after encountering Pam.

(Camera photos still need to be developed)

“A tear for a drop of water” by Luc-Olivier Merson. Oil on canvas. The piece was commissioned for the opening of the Victor Hugo House in 1903.

I discovered my new favorite restaurant. My friend and I went to dinner at a place his friend told him about. This restaurant… lawwwwd lemme tell you about this beautiful place. This lil’ hole in the wall has only been open for 3-4 months, but it is everything I could ever want in a restaurant. They have cool vintage artwork dangling on the walls. Not one, but two chandeliers that shimmer elegantly while you enjoy a candlelight morning, afternoon, or evening meal. I say this because they open at 7 a.m. and don’t close until 1 a.m. weekdays and 2 a.m. weekends. Which is hella cool considering not many places stay open that late. There are vintage statues that probably hold the secrets of the strangers before you. And really nice jazz music plays softly in the background. Their menu is reasonably priced with over 50 different types of coffee drinks, 20 or so herbal teas, and a variety of wine and spirits. And oh, ho ho they also have a broad selection of homemade deserts, some are even imported from Italy. And the crème de la crème? They serve breakfast all day. The ambience of this restaurant reminds me of 1920s Italy mixed with a touch of Paris. So, if you’re looking for a quaint spot to daydream while sipping coffee and stuffing your face with dessert, you should definitely check out Café Intermezzo. You’ll most likely see me there, because it is hands down my new favorite spot. Honestly between you, me, and the internet I’ve already been there 4 times within a week and I have plans to go so many more times.

Now I could go into more bits and pieces of my life but honestly my memory is shit and I’ve already tried to write this post 3 times. So, I’m just gonna leave things to your imagination. You tell me, “What’s Mary doing these days?”

As always thank you for reading this lil’ string of events. I can’t promise I will keep this blog updated frequently but I will try my best!

K Bye!