Art & Copy 11:45 AM

Upon the recommendation of my extremely charismatic, "brimming-with-brilliance"boss (and my extremely involved boyfriend), I watched Art & Copy, an unbelievable documentary on the beauty of and misconceptions around Advertising. Art & Copy emphasizes the artistic side of advertising, the concept of connecting people to people, humanizing brands, and understanding what people want before they know they want it. I will have to watch the documentary again, as I spent the entire 90 minutes frantically taking illustrative notes (you'll see what I mean), but I wanted to share some of the ideas that made me not only stop and think, but also made me realize the very emotional, brutally simplistic, risky, crazy-ass industry I work in and how much I absolutely love it.

Take a peek:

All moved in 7:47 AM

Hello hello.

So I finally moved into the apartment a week ago. After many many weeks of waiting and waiting, I am so happy the move is done. It was crazy hectic and I could only take one day off from work (work has entailed absolute madness lately), so needless to say, I was EXHAUSTED. But everything is finally set up. I'm waiting until I can afford some bookshelves and maybe one or two cool pieces of art, and then my apartment will be complete. I'm going to wait to post pictures until then :)

A lot has happened since my last post. The man made his move to the Big Apple, and started his job today. What a big day, right? He moved about three weeks ago and is LOVING it. His only complains thus far have been expensive lettuce and paying $4 for a tiny bottle of mayonnaise. His apartment looks great, though (from what I've seen over Skype), and I can't wait to see it. He's so good at adjusting to new places and new situations. I really admire that about him, because I really don't think I can boast a similar quality. I have been known as being hard on myself, though. Regardless, I'm visiting him in two weeks! And the cherry on top? Not only to do I get to see him, I get to see one of my other good friends from college, and my two best friends from college (all current New Yorkers). The total package, eh? I can't wait to see them!

I don't know if I mentioned NetIP (Network of Indian Professionals) before, but I joined the organization recently as a Marketing Co-Chair. Since, I've realized that with my job, I don't have the time to be a fully devoted chair, so I've been relocated as a pseudo "promotional writer" of sorts. I've written some event copies and am being published in their newsletter this month as a guest writer. The topic was pretty broad: A creative piece about being South Asian, new to Chicago, and a member of NetIP. What I ended up writing was a little fluffy, and maybe a bit out there for the audience, but let's see how it's received. I really didn't want to write a bland piece about being Indian. So I wrote about identity, and the inevitability of mundane questions when you're in a new environment, and surrounded by new people. I wrapped the piece up with a discussion on how fascinating idiosyncrasies are, and how important it is to learn the "nitty-gritty of what makes us, us." Definitely wasn't my best writing (I had to jot it down between projects at work), but hopefully it'll get the point across. I also kept my "bio" similar:

A is a twenty-something native Clevelander who moved to Chicago to pursue a career in Advertising. She studied English, Psychology, and Marketing in college and is thus perfectly positioned to persuade you with her eloquent prose and her understanding of your inner workings. Platitudes and pointless chitter-chatter bore her, but she has found her fill of interesting and exciting people in NetIP since her recent relocation, and is looking forward to meeting more.

Again, sort of fluffy, sort of sarcastic, but hey, they wanted a person piece. As I was working on the piece, though, I realized that I haven't written in so long. I used to be all about creative writing, poetry, short stories, and I've just been so disassociated from that lately. And I miss it, a lot. I miss reading and writing and feeling inspired and sitting in literary seminars in college and thinking about a short paragraph until my brain ached. That was beyond enriching. The best feeling in the world. Don't get me wrong, I think until my brain aches every day at work, but not about literature. Yum. I love it and I miss it. I still occasionally flirt with the idea of getting my masters/PhD in English. I never really talk to anyone about it (except my mom haha), but I don't know if I see myself in business for the rest of my life. Actually, I'm pretty damn positive I don't. But I guess you never really know. The more plans you make in life, the more plans fall to the wayside, right?

Anyway, I'm going to try writing more regularly. I've acquired a lot of free-time lately = a lot of time to think = a lot of things to say.

Hope everyone's doing well. Happy Friday :)

Goodbye Lebron. 7:07 AM

A week has passed now. It's time to move on and find the humor in the devastating "decision." For this reason, I have decided to put my feelings of betrayal, nausea, and utter disgust, behind me and embrace what Lebron's decision truly means. Hundreds of parodies.

Here is one of my favorites from one of my favorites. I can't decide if I like this clip because it highlights the ultimate d-bag-ness of Lebron, or because John Mayer is so ridiculously dreamy.

Enjoy. Both the video and this lovely, emotionally arousing photograph.

Binge Eating, Booze, and Buddies 10:05 AM

It is going to be the BEST weekend.

I am dying to get it started. Only 20 or so minutes to go!

I have 6 of my favorite folks coming to visit me in Chicago this weekend! There were a few hiccups (my move date got pushed back two weeks, so we'll be all but camping out with sleeping bags and airmattresses in my unfurnished/dry-wall-y home), but they are all now on their way. And traffic, astonishingly, is totally manageable! Thank you, Chicago, for beautiful weather and keeping people off the road.

I have a wondrous weekend planned, packed with delicious food and delicious drinks. I will try my best to write a thorough account of what we did, next week. Hopefully I'll be able to share some great places with you!

First stop tonight is Tango Sur, a BYOB Argentian place that is apparently uh-mazing. I can't wait to try it.

:)

Happy Long Weekend, all!
A

The Mundane 9:12 AM

It's not even midweek yet...

I've been working for about five months now and I've realized a few things about myself:

1. I will never get a head start on a project. I am a procrastinator of the highest degree.
2. I will never get used to the working life, waking up at 5:40am will never be my thing.
3. I will never enjoy working out. It's not fun. And for those of you who think it is, you're deranged. Go sit under the sun in a lounge chair, have a beer, and tell me if sweating your ass off and feeling like your lungs are going to combust is a better feeling.
4. I will never tire of wearing college sweatshirts and jeans (at least jeans are a step up from sweats), even if it's at a company with some of the trendiest people I have ever encountered.5. I really really really love to read. And I really really really want to write.


I read this book called The Feasting Season yesterday (it was a slow day at work, as I mentioned). It was about four things - Love, Food/Wine, Writing, and France. These are clearly a few of my favorite things (eh, unlike inevitable allusions to The Sound of Music). It was a bit slow at the beginning, and the middle, but MAN was it STEAMY! If there is one way to sexualize food, wine, and Europe, this woman has perfected it. It was a delicious read. Poignant, adventurous, and beautifully written.

I just ordered my next read (well, it won't be here for a week, so maybe my next to next to next read), Life Isn't All Ha Ha Hee Hee, for my book club. Sounds totally ridiculous, but I can't wait to read it. Apparently it's been coined "light South Asian literature" by the the group. I'm pretty excited. I'm hoping the book club will keep my reading analysis skills sharp! I loved all of my college English classes and I miss them! Maybe I'll eventually refine the book list I give to my friends and post it up here. Hm..

So outside of the work and literary realm, my social life is going to be blog-worthy over the next few weeks! I'm meeting my "love interest" (don't ask...) this weekend after quite some time. Next weekend I get the keys to my apartment (!!!!!!!!!!!!), and the weekend of July 4th some of my best friends from college are coming in town. That weekend is going to be outrageous, epic, and well-deserved for all of us (at least those of us who work...). I'm sure it will be a blast, and maybe I'll even be able to share a small "Chicago Hot Spots" post depending on where all we land up. I have high expectations am making some pretty fabulous plans. At least according to my Chicago-Novice experience set :)

So a lot of fun coming up. Now I just have to get through this work week!

Yours,
A

THXTHXTHX 10:32 AM

Another amazing blog that I will add to my endless (and ever-growing) list of faves. This one is sure to brighten my day, everyday.

THX!

To do. 8:37 AM

One of the things I have aspired towards most in my relatively short, inexperienced life, is writing a book. I read like a fiend, and feel that it would only be fitting if one day the book people hold to their chest after reading, breathless and in awe, has my name on it. Or my fake name at least. But I certainly have my anxieties. My written word is definitely not ready for the eyes and ears of millions (ideally assuming that it would hypothetically and hyperbolically reach millions). In fact, I find myself shy-ing away from the occasional curious blog-reader who's interested in perusing my blog! What is wrong with me? You'd think after studying English all through college, writing somewhere around 150 papers (this, unlike my previous statement, is not hyperbolic), and reading hundreds of books, I'd be confident enough to share. But nope. Cat named Insecurity got my tongue.

But, nonetheless, I find myself dying to write a book. I have a few ideas in mind, which I think would be rather riveting (if I do say so myself), but I'm afraid that each of them would manifest into a borderline elusive read where you never know wtf to make of anything. Reminiscent, perhaps of Kundera's Laughable Loves, or Winterson's Written on the Body (on an even more quixotic note...). I love (understatement) both of these, but damn do you have to read them over and over and over to get the point.

On the other hand, I have no doubt that my future novel would turn into some sort of a pink and fluffy girl-fest. I can only hope and pray it doesn't, but let's face it... I'm a girl. And not just am I, my literary "voice" is so undoubtedly a girl, that flowers fall out of the tip of her pen. And this, to me, is dangerous. Because although chick lit novels are a woozy to read, their literary value and the level of intelligence required to write them is questionable. And let's face it, although it's my dream to write, and although I shouldn't care if people ever want to read my novel, I absolutely do. What's the written word if nobody is there to read it?

So here, behold my predicament. But I will write a book one day. Watch me. And when I do, I'll let a few of you know, and for the others, you'll know when you read a florid poetic-prose book that makes no sense :)

Adieu!
A

Mornin' 9:09 AM

Hi All!

I think I'm finally ready to reveal my exciting news. A few weeks ago, my family and I put an offer on a lovely, spacious condo in a gorgeous part of Chicago. After a lot of back-and-forth, around 10pm one night, they accepted our offer. Looks like I'm making a move at the end of June! I couldn't be more thrilled! It's less than a mile from Wrigley field (for fun), right down the street from a ton of wallet-draining boutiques (for sanity), and surrounded by a ton of delicious and diverse restaurants (for happiness). The condo was previously owned by a young couple who recently had a baby and want to move to the burbs. The condo is spacious enough for me and my roommate (who happens to be my sister (squealing in excitement)), but probably a little tight for a bustling new family and pup! But, it's been really well kept-up. We're going to have to put some money into changing the carpet (hopefully into hardwood!), re-painting the place (I'm not the blood-red bathroom type), and getting new appliances, but I'm literally bouncing off the walls with excitement.

A few reasons why I've been dying to have my own place?
1. I love to entertain. I want to have a ton of dinner parties (and of course party parties!), Cubs pregames, girls' nights. I love the feeling before people start coming over. Putting out appetizers, a few good bottles of wine, mood music (HA! To be completely honest, my life has never been like this before. I only hosted crazy ragers in college with excessive amounts of beer and cheap liquor). I can't wait to have more "mature" get togethers, or whatever adults call them these days.
2. I have been looking at design blogs since I moved to Chicago 6 months ago, and can finally use all the eye-candy ideas I've gathered. It's going to be a blast!
3. I will no longer have an absurdly long commute = more time to do things I love (like use my Groupon at that Yoga/Pilates place on Chicago!), eat out, go to concerts, plays, go on a bike ride on the lakeshore!
4. I can have my boyfriend and friends visit anytime they want, and not have to worry about bothering my parents.
5. I get to live with my sister (there she is!). We get along great and I know we're going to have an amazing time together. Seriously, this is what dreams (and TV shows) are made of.

I'm so excited to share my good news with everyone! Cheers to starting a new and exciting phase in life, friends!

Your condo-owning friend,
A

Gorgeous 11:33 AM

I swear this the last post about clothes for a long long time...

It's a pretty sunny day in Chicago, finally. I've been working out but I had a pretty unhealthy lunch (thanks for the information, right?). I can't concentrate, so I'd like to share these mouth-watering dresses with you.

I love the cut of these. Especially the first two. And the patterns are so delicate. God, I want them. If only I had $800 to spare. Swoon. And nude shoes to elongate the legs? Does a 5'11 model really need those? Come on now. Hot, though!

Good News! 1:04 PM

So I have some great news. But I've been told not to share it yet. Everything is not "set in stone," but we're all about 99% positive it'll work out in our favor. But, due to my bubbling excitement, I've found it really hard to concentrate on these last few days. I need the weekend so I can devote all my attention to the good things that are happening and just bask. Knock on wood, of course. We all spend so much time dwelling on the terrible things that we can change. So why not take a few days off and enjoy the times in your life when things are going your way? I just spent an amazing graduation weekend with my boyfriend's family and our friends, I love my job, I've been pretty happy lately, so... I'm going to brag about it. This is my blog afterall. Plus I'm sure there will be enough negativity time and time again.

So I've been perusing a number of interior design blogs to get my creative juices flowing. I am no pro at making an empty space beautiful, but my mom is. She, although she'd never admit, is sort of a creative genius. If she blogged (I've set up blogs for her a million times to no avail), I would read religiously. She's an unbelievable cook, has a great fashion sense (I literally hate shopping without her), and beautiful things (on sale) just find her! I hope I can grow up to be like my mom (and not just for her stylishness). But regardless, I'm trying to cultivate some design knacks of my own. And where better to go than to your favorite blogs! Check out these amazing and design-inspiring blogs!

Design*Sponge











No Accounting for Taste





























Duh.... Apartment Therapy












And of course, Anthropologie - I know it's not a blog, but it's exquisite. And will be very close by, very soon.













Ahh, lovely. I will have to share my secret soon, but hopefully these provide a clue! :)

Until then,
A

Book Rec! 2:29 PM

I'm reading this book right now, a recommendation of my bright, literature-inclined, author of an uncle, called The Art of Racing in the Rain. It was a New York Times bestseller, which sometimes (frankly) mitigates my desire to read given novels, but this one has earned its marks. It's a poignant, heart-wrenching, but overall inspiring story told from the POV of (get this...) a guy's dog, Enzo. I haven't read any of Garth Stein's novels before, but would definitely consider it after this one. I have about 50 pages left, so I can't give an absolute review... But this "half-way-through" recommendation should more than suffice.

A great cause, A sexy way 10:21 AM

As of late, as I'm sure you've noticed, I've been predisposed to discuss fashion. My blog started off rather differently. My principle reason for writing was to inform the young (uninformed) masses of the trials, tribulations, and resolve of horrifying job searches. I think I had some interesting things to say, but once I got a job I strayed tremendously from one of my main topics. So, I am here today to present you all with something that is totally up my alley in more ways than one.

Why is it up my alley, you ask?

It includes a little black dress
It includes an entire universe of cool accessories
It helps children
It's about marketing
It's a brilliant idea
It's for an amazing cause
It's academically inclined
It includes a BLOG
She is Indian. Like me.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Doesn't that sound awesome??????

Let me preface this "thing" with how I came across it...

I went out on a limb today and shared Sophie Blackwell's blog, Missed Connections (one of my absolute FAVORITES of all time) with my very data-inclined, analytical teammates. My purpose was to get them to think about how one dimensional insights (numbers, words) can come to life in an awe-inspiring way. To encourage them to think outside the box. Bring a little art into their lives. I knew I was treading dangerously went I sent it, with the very likely possibility of seeming irrelevant, but I couldn't help it. I was so eager to see what people would say back to my email.

I waited.

I waited..

I waited...

And finally, got one email in response (thank goodness, honestly).

It was simple:
"Hey,
You might like this blog.
1 year in 1 dress.
Cheers,
X"

How nice! Someone shared something as SACRED as a BLOG?? With little old me?? You can imagine my excitement as I waited for the website to load. Rocking back and forth rather violently in my seat (spilled some water on myself in the process). And then it loaded. A petite woman, short black hair, in a simple black dress.

And then my mind was blown. See for yourself. This woman, Sheena Matheiken, is the ultimate bad ass. All the money she made was sent to the Akanksha Foundation, a project aimed at changing and revolutionizing education in India. She works for an interactive ad agency in New York (love herrrrrr), and was inspired while she was taking a 6 month sabbatical to focus on herself.

In conclusion, this is the coolest thing ever. I am 500% inspired and think she is amazing. I want to pick her brain forever.

"that shirt is so me" 7:39 AM

Some women are so good, so incredibly good at finding a style that fits their personality seamlessly. I know this bombshell of a girl at work, who is always wearing tight-fitted, crew-necked dresses and looks ravishing. She could honestly wear this every day and no one would ever tire of looking at her. But, amazingly enough, she doesn't wear these every day. She finds other, perfectly suitable outfits, and never breaks her style genre. And I am absolutely stumped. How in the world does she do it!?!

There are a few things I know about my style:

I am all about neutrals, blacks and whites, browns and grays. I tend to stay away from fully patterned dresses or outfits. I’m pretty tall, and I’d much rather be elegant and understated than sticking out like a sore thumb. Well, I don’t mind sticking out, but I don’t want it to be sorely :)

I love floral, but not in the excessive way. I’m gorgeous top I bought a few weekends ago. It’s a dull white, and has this unbelievable rouched flower-esque pattern (which is so chic right now, I know you know what I’m talking about) and I love love love it. It’s classy but it a sexy, confident way. Swoon. If only I had millions.

I have been searching and searching for a designer that suits me. I’ve looked high and low, near and far, and today realized that my fashion idol resides in Paris. Oh, Paris. If I could have a nickle for every time I think about Paris per day. The flawless fashion sense, the bread, the cheese, the wine, the sensuality of Paris is just delectable. I've read about 7 Parisian/love/scandal novels lately and may or may not be girlishly obsessed. It infuriates me that my prior plans to go fell through. I really think I'm going to teach myself French... OH, and for those of you who haven't seen An Education, do so. Now. Okayyy, getting back on topic. Maje has just become my style guru.
This brand does everything I love. Neutrals, earthy but city chic, sexy, but subtle and so confident. Drool.

I'm so happy to have found Maje and now absolutely looking forward to this weekend. I'm getting paid on Friday and will indulge in something beautiful.

Your (soon to be outrageously fashionable) friend,
A

*EDIT - Did you notice she's jumping in this pic?????

Sunflowers 11:51 AM

Highly recommend this book - It's a poignant mix of love, art, madness, and pain. It's beautiful.

Ick. 10:39 AM

Man... I am bumming hard today. Not sure what it is (this is me lying to myself... I know what most of it is), but I am sure that its the absolute wrong time to be feeling anti-social. What with eight meetings today and all. I just want to curl up underneath a warm comforter, with a heating pad to keep me warm, a little sun spilling in through my window, and sleep until Friday. It's such a hectic week (explains why I'm writing this, huh?), and I really have no time to enjoy myself. I feel sleep deprived and unmotivated and like an under-achiever. Nothing at work has happened to make me feel this crappy, I just don't like feeling like my life is all about my work. That's not how I see myself. I like fun and creativity and bright colors and relaxation and music and pillows and flowers and I'm just not getting that vibe today.

I feel lethargic and unenergetic. I don't want to smile or play or goof around. I miss AP, I think that's a big part of it. Having someone to love in your life makes everything amazing. But being far away from them takes everything down a notch. I know this is all temporary, but damn, I wish it was a shorter distance and a shorter time.

We put an offer down on an amazing apartment for the sister and I this weekend. We were so excited and loved it and spent the weekend glazed over with a newfound sense of independence, excitement, and anxiety (in the best sense of the word). Since we're Chicago novices, however, we came to discover that the area is so-so, semi-dangerous, which did not fly with the parents, and that new construction opens up an entirely new can of worms with lenders. So, in conclusion, the deal has been all but thwarted and I'm back to the drawing board, still shackled to my four-hour-a-day commute. It certainly is not making me feel any better. But, this is a very serious decision, a huge investment, and should be made slowly and surely. I just wish something would happen with ease, for once. Although I have learned this is a silly request to make.

I'm excited for this weekend. I have some fun plans. I just need to crawl out of this pathetic, life-loathing hole I've made for myself lately. Things are not bad at all. They just aren't as igniting as I'd like them to be. I need a change and some excitement and a life outside of work and travel, for God's sake!

I have ten minutes until my meeting and even my favorite blogs aren't cheering me up. They're highlighting, in neon colors of all sorts, all the things I love and can't have right now. Things will improve soon, it's probably just one of those annoying, self-pitying days that everyone has, but how I hate them. They are so yucky and make you feel much the same.

Regardless, I'm off to my meetings, hoping tomorrow will be better.

Your lame friend,
A

sad day 7:49 AM

Morning everyone.

I am hardly in the spirit to claim this morning is a good one. I happened to see one of my good friends from college on facebook chat this morning, while I drank my much needed cup of coffee and ate a doughnut that was quite the contrary (absolutely unnecessary). I was in a decent mood for a Monday, so I i/med her with a now completely inappropriate "HEYYY WOMANNN." She was one of the first girls I met in college, a sweet-faced, floral printed, big colorful earring-ed-type. She was (and still is, of course), amazingly intelligent, and has a keen eye for literary criticism.

Our last semester in school together was spent discussing her engagement and upcoming wedding. A summer wedding! I sent her some of my favorite design blogs to get her wedding wheels turning. I was so so incredibly excited for her!

We hadn't spoken in while. No phone calls since school ended. I am terrible on the telephone. I hate talking on the phone, so it was undoubtedly my fault. I did, however, have a few facebook-type talks with her, and all seemed fine. This morning, my "HEYYY WOMANNN" was counteracted by a "hey"... "how are you." I figured it was early morning, her curt response was nothing to get concerned over. When I asked her how she was, though, she said that she "could be better." SIRENS went off in my head. I immediately re-navigated to her facebook and her relationship status was hidden. You know what that means.

I am absolutely devastated for my friend. Devastated. She is so down on herself, feels completely undeserving, unmotivated, and unloved, when she is, in fact, amazing. She's beautiful, intelligent, and an absolute sweetheart. I wish I could fly over to her right now and tell her ridiculous stories, buy her some great books, surround her with pretty-smelling candles, and trendy jewelry and tasty hot chocolate (or all sorts of chocolate... just in case).

It's hard being a long distance friend. I tried to convince her to come visit me. That I'd take her out and show her a good time (I promised!). But she's so sad.

I guess this goes to show how everything in life is transient. You never know what tomorrow will bring. So keep your friends close and your best friends closer. Keep your family at an arms length and some good chocolates in your bed-side drawer. Prepare for the bad times, but hope for the best. And remember that no matter how much sadness comes your way, you have yourself to fall back on - a strong, independent, sharp-witted, bomb-shell of a woman (sorry boys, this post isn't for you).

And me! Love you, girl.

Sincerely,
A

Blue Tights 2:48 PM

Today a wonderful colleague of mine was wearing turquoise tights with a little black dress and flats. The dress and flats were conventional, but the tights were so outstandingly bright that it made her look amazing. She was totally hip-cum-corporate, perfect for the world of advertising, downtown Chicago, and our 5 hour "Storytelling" workshop. The workshop teacher (if you'd call her that with her unkempt hair, Tweety-Bird sneakers, and bright orange nails - no I'm not kidding) gave her super props for it and the whole class ohh-ed and ahh-ed at her trendiness. If I didn't love this colleague, I would've been super jealous, but since I do, I'm absolutely inspired.

I'm getting my hair cut today (Sidenote: FINALLY got an appointment after trying for THREE weeks. It's a 7pm, latest on the schedule, but it absolutely HAS to be done. I get to get my hair cut and styled and then go to sleep on it... nice)! Yippee! I am so thrilled because my hair is a mess. Not as bad as the Storytelling teacher (did I mention she was brilliant though, so her hair doesn't matter at all? She's won three Oscars!), but teetering on the edge of long, misshapen, and gross.

To tie it all together, I am inspired to do something less safe with my hair today. So I intend to get a funky (does using that work make me sound like a mom with an obsolete vocabulary????!) cut and then put a pretty headband in it. Like one of these. Don't you love them????

Your Inspired Friend,
A

Hello World 10:59 AM

It's another glorious, 80-degree day in Chicago. The sun is shimmering on the water, the beach bums are out catching some sun, and I am sitting in my cube feeling wonderfully productive and awarding myself with an oh-so-short blogging break.

I've been thinking a lot about blogging lately. I've been dabbling in some social media work/research, which requires more than my daily fill of blog reading (can't say I don't absolutely love it though), and I can't help but wonder...

Do these amazing bloggers ever feel like their blogs are mediocre? Boring? Uninsightful?

I'm pretty confident about my writing, and I have no qualms with sharing my thoughts with the world, but why would the world care about a 20-something year old blogger? I don't have any fun etsy-shop eye-candy, I try to make my living space pretty, but would never deem it blog-worthy. I love my job, love love love, but I'm still just a "junior." I'm sure advertising pros can "wow" the blogosphere way more than I can. So what's the catch? Where does the confidence come from? How do little blogs like mine turn into people's favorite blogs, like cakies, or, creative envy, or 100 layer cake, or a cup of jo, or {frolic!}, or PS I made this (I know you know I could go on forever...)?? How how how?!

Inquiring minds want to know! I really do love blogging, writing, sharing. So how can I draw people in? Sigh. Maybe I need to become a crafter. Or get married. Or have a baby. All my favorite bloggers fit those criteria!

But I absolutely will not have a baby. Or get married (for a few years at least). Crafting is always fun though :). I want to find a way to be me, and share the fun parts with other blog-lovers. I hope it's possible!

Until Next Time,
A

Little Updates... 4:29 PM

Hi There!

So last week, at work, we moved into a beautiful new building. It's on the West, just off Michigan Avenue, closer to the lake, and the view is stunning. Now being the newbie, my cube is, of course, the farthest away from the view, but the sunshine still spills in, and everyone seemed so much happier. It's quiet and pleasant and the perfect environment for getting work done. It's much emptier, since most of the company is still on the East campus, but that means fun little walks in the beautiful weather (at least for the next few months).

Work is going great. I'm really getting to delve into the psychology of advertising (which is exactly what I always wanted). Despite the data heavy job description, I've done equal amounts of creative work and have been functioning as somewhat of a pseudo planner, which I love. I'm really getting a hang of data manipulation and building codes and looking for the eloquently coined "Holy S%*t Number." I love it!

I've started exploring housing options, too. Come summer, I'm hoping to have my own place closer to the city, and approximately three more hours of me-time (that are currently wound up in my commute)! My parents are looking to invest in some property, so the search has been a joint effort. They're going to buy a condo, and I'm going to pay them rent and live there. Potentially with my little sister, which would be crazy fun. There are some GORGEOUS condos out there too! It's so exciting!

In other news, I have had zero time to work out. But yesterday, while my dad was running out to get Chicago style Stuffed-crust pizza, I did a quick 20-minute Pilates workout. And I am absurdly sore! I think it's a combination of me being the laziest piece of lard in the world at this point in time, and Pilates being super effective. I'm going to do it every day this week and see if it makes any difference. But it feels good for now!

I am taking my first day off from work on Friday to hang out with my "love interest" (I can't get enough of that term). I can't wait to see him! I'm trying to make some fun plans for us, but being new to Chicago, I can't think of much. But I'm pretty confident that just spending some quality time with each other will do the trick. I am flirting with the idea of a wine-tasting, a trip to Whole Foods, a cooking date (yup, in my parent's kitchen...), and exploring the city together, though. Hooray for fun times with people you love!

To continue on with my very unmethodical post, I will now proceed to a different topic. BOOKS! I'm currently reading Carmello, and it's a really fun read. The upside of my commute is that I've gotten a ton of time to read. I can't let all my years as an English major go completely to waste! I've been thinking quite a bit about getting a Kindle... but there's just something magical about the entire process of reading. Including the book itself, of course.

I'm looking forward to reading more for pleasure, now that school is over (YES!). But I do miss it, especially on special occasions like Green Beer Day :)

But for now I am absolutely, positively content with my life. Living at home is wonderful. Excuse the cheesiness, but it's such a blessing getting to come back home and spend time with my parents after college. Most people don't get that and I'm (trying very hard to) enjoy(ing) every moment of it. And spending time with the sister. Plus, nothing beats my mom's cooking. And her chai.

I hope everyone has a great (sunny) week!

Yours,
A

I'm still here! 7:35 PM

Hello hello everyone.

My apologies for my very tardy update, but I'm a working woman! I've been working for exactly a month now and I. love. it. Draftfcb is exactly as amazing as I thought it would be. Everyone I've met is brilliant, hard-working, and knows how to have a good time (key!). It's been really great. My cube is slightly decorated, I have plenty of colorful pens and Sharpies, and most of all, I think I'm doing a good job haha. It took a few weeks for me to get the hang of things, but I think I finally know what the expectations are and how to deliver them. I've been doing a ton of work on both SC Johnson and Kraft. Both really fun, interesting clients. I love the work I've been doing, too.

Bottom line. I think I got very very lucky.

So hopefully, from here on out, my blog will be a little more advertising-oriented. I hope I can provide some interesting insights and make you think. I promise I will try to write weekly (at minimum!).

Besides the job front, things are a little slower. My commute to and from work is about a total of four hours. Two in the morning, two in the evening. So I leave before 7am and get home around 8pm. I'm trying really hard to get my work done as efficiently as possible so that I get home at a decent time, but it's definitely a challenge. I'm not quite ready to move yet, though. Saving money has been great and I'm looking forward to a few more months of accumulation before I become flat broke. I have, however, been looking at some great apartments, with a lot of potential! The only issue is that my man will be moving to NYC come July, so I'm trying to keep my options open. I'm not sure if I want to become slave to a landlord just yet. So we'll see. The commute is getting old, though, haha. Props to my dad for doing it for three years!

But yes, I vow to write more often, keep you updated, and fill you in on life as a first-time jobber. :) Hope everyone's search is going well!