i had a good birthday

I used to hate birthdays because I had a family therapy session the day before I turned 18 and then my mom didn't talk to me on my birthday.

but then when I turned 20 my friend Alex threw me an awesome party and all was well in the world.

I'd say I had a pretty good birthday this year. I got to spend time with my boyfriend who is a cool guy in my opinion. In fact he even got me a hamsa necklace which he'd sworn he'd never do (he thinks my obsession with hamsas and evil eyes and such is borderline unhealthy, which is probably very true but what can you do?). My roommate Jess got me an elephant tapestry (elephants!) and cookie cake which was like my only wish for my birthday because if I had to choose a last meal on death row it would probably be cookie cake or oatmeal with peanut butter (yeah I know I know...what's wrong with me?). My dad came to visit me and bought me the most beautiful watch which I am forever grateful for. My friend Julie pretended to be a cat for a night and it was awesome. I got over my fear of posting an excerpt for my novel and my friend Maddy said it was good (!!!).

among other things...

so yeah, it was pretty good.

I'm a lucky girl, I'd say.

a gift idea this holiday season

here's a disclaimer: I can't claim credit for this idea. It wasn't mine. It was my roommate's. But, hey, it's a great idea, so I thought I'd share it.

instead of dropping big bucks on clothes and movies for your friends and family this holiday season (let's face it -- clothes that they will probably never wear and movies they will never watch), I think we should all donate to a good cause in that person's name (e.g. my sister is passionate about ending world hunger, so Stop Hunger Now it was for her). After all, there are so many less fortunate than us, and to be honest, most of us already have every material possession we could ever possibly need. Or even want.

I know gifts are nice...but if you have a few dollars to spare, I really encourage you to do this.

I'd rather know someone gave in my name, really. I don't need any other presents.

the images above link to the charities that I donated to in honor of my loved ones.

lately {things that make me happy}

things have been pretty low-key around these parts lately, so I apologize for the silence from this end. I've been feeling a little meh physically, and I just had Simba neutered this week, so I've been taking care of my little guy that I love so much. But anyway, here are a few things that I am loving lately:

{1} I generally could not care less about politics (I know you're not supposed to admit to that, but seriously, I just don't care), but I am so relieved that Obama beat Romney in the election. Like my friend Alyssa said, "vote for your daughter, not for your dollar" (and also, can we not forget that it took this country 16 years to dig itself out of the Great Depression?). Americans, my uterus thanks you. And also, my student visa slash immigration status thanks you.

{2} fall is so beautiful lately! Although it is getting a teensy teeny too frigid outside...oh, Syracuse.

{3} my runs. I love running. Love love love it. And running to Beyonce? Totally a plus.

{4} overcoming anxiety and depression. I'm not perfect yet, and maybe I never will be, but I am -- dare I say it? -- so proud of myself.

{5} I signed up for a fiction writing workshop next semester. I'm so excited! So far throughout college, I've only taken nonfiction writing classes (which I have loved, of course, but there's something exciting about really truly pursuing this fiction thing).

{6} being in love.

{7} my little guy Simba! Even when he misbehaves, I just adore him so much. It's so great to get home to a happy dog, wagging his tail.

{8} my relationships with my dad and my sister make me so happy.

{9} oatmeal, peanut butter, coffee, tea. Never fails.

{10} as much as I am sad to leave Syracuse after four years, I am so excited for what is to come in my life. I couldn't be luckier.

{11} I really, really, really love my job.