Time After Time

I can't believe my birthday is in 9 days!!

On a separate, but related note, I can't believe it's April. I write the date almost every day at work and it still floors me every time the month changes. You would think that writing it each day would make the month seem more full, more lasting...but it doesn't. I'm still writing 3 for March and it's clearly past that. Hell, I'm still writing 2004 and it's 2011.

In any case, I'm enjoying the build-up to my birthday, just like I do annually. The beginning of April is just about the most exciting time of year for me: Flowers are blooming everywhere, people are friendlier and more active (and more attractive!), spring begins to emerge and, if I'm lucky, the smells of summer starts to bleed through on select days, making me extra hopeful for an early start to the season. I can't quite explain the feeling I get right before my big day! It's like Christmas all for me! I can't help but wake up early with anticipation and I literally bound through the day with a big smile and a happy attitude and a renewed zest for my life!

This year, in particular, feels like a new start for me. Right now, I feel like I'm not only saying goodbye to 27, but I'm also bidding adieu to my binding fears and my stubborn mindsets and my useless habits and my unhelpful ways. This is a whole new beginning for me. I'm getting married this year. I'm getting married this year! And even though wedding planning may not ring the bell of truth for most...for me, it feels very spiritual in nature. Somehow, I'm being pulled to follow my instincts (some of which I didn't even know I had) and let go and allow for life to ebb and flow as it will. Expectations must be slashed, inhibitions (arguing for what I want, having a no-nonsense attitude) must be abolished, and love somehow arises from the middle of it all. Jason and I are stronger than ever (sorry for the cliche, but it's true!) and I think we can more aptly handle each other during times of stress, frustration, and anger. Planning a wedding definitely prepares for the marriage ahead!

Overall, I feel insanely lucky to be alive, to be a part of an incredible family, to have super supportive friends, and to be marrying a person who challenges my brain, warms my heart, allows me space to grow, and keeps me the most honest version of myself. And for all of this, I feel overwhelmingly grateful!

Happy Birthday to Me!

My Birthday List!

I turn 28 in just 2 weeks! This year, my birthday list is short because most of what I want is on my registry! And the other stuff I want is too expensive. And these days, I'm not thinking about what I want for my birthday, I'm thinking about what I want for my wedding (and my future dinner parties)!

In any case, here's the short (and expensive) list:

.A gray purse (like here, here, and here)
Background:: I have had my 25 euro purse for 4 years now and it is a sad, bacterial mess. It's time for something new. The examples above are just that, examples. I love them and I want them, but they're just to showcase what I like. Gray and structured!

.Frye boots (like here and here)
Background:: I'm still dying for these. And with a wedding on the way, there's no way I could ever justify buying them. Or, as my coworker would say, I choose NOT to afford them. But really, I can't have them because Jason won't let me. Just kidding! Haha! I'm getting married - I've gotta practice that phrase! :)

.Jimmy Choo heels (I love these)*
Background:: I have expensive taste, alright!?! I fell in absolute LOVE with these when trying them on with my wedding dress. They're SO perfect!! They are gorgeous and I would wear them with pride on my wedding day and BEYOND! Oh, these shoes. They are MOST lovely! I must have them! Can't. Step. Away. From. Shoes.

.Chanel Chance En Tendre perfume (this is it)
Background:: I've been lusting after this perfume for a few years now, and in true Kelly fashion, I will wait and wait and put it on my birthday list for at least 2 years in a row and then, inevitably, I'll buy it for myself. So, this is the last time you'll see this on the The List.

.Gift cards to Sephora, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, and iTunes
Background:: Because can't we always use gift cards for something we want? The answer is a resounding YES! Always useful to me! (PS - I can buy Jimmy Choos at Nordstrom.)

.OR you should come to my wedding. Because it's gonna be BOMB. And by BOMB, I don't mean it's going to BOMB, I mean it's gonna be DA BOMB. As in THE COOLEST WEDDING ON THE ENTIRE PLANET.

Choose wisely! You know how important my birthday is! ;)

*Important note: It's worth mentioning that if every one of my friends and family pools their money together, you could ALL buy me those Jimmy Choos! And THAT, my friends, would be the best gift EVER! (Well, perhaps the best gift ever would to have you at my wedding, but this would be a verrrry close second.)