general

New Year No Fear

I was raised by two people who really take New Years seriously. It’s one of the things I love about my parents and have started to embrace as an adult. Sure, you can grow and improve yourself year round but the changing year is a good a time as any to reevaluate things and try to set goals for yourself. I’m definitely one of those people who likes goals…it’s the nerd in me. The part of me that likes making to-do lists and setting alarms and reminders. It helps the Type A part of my brain not panic and stress out.

This year, however, is special. For one, I’m getting married (yeeks!). But beyond that, Frank and I are settled in L.A. and looking for a place and starting that next chapter is starting to seem less and less scary and more exciting.

As cheesy as it is, I’m fully embracing all things inspirational this year. Plenty of cheesy quotes, planners and calendars. I figured I need all the motivation I can get. Maybe it’ll even motivate me to do more non-work related writing? I hope so!

xoxo

Sandi

just read

Just Read: Yes, Please

I’ve been on a strong lady kick lately with my book choices. In the past I steered clear of any kind of memoir thinking it would be too preachy. But as predictable as it may seem, sometimes hearing advice from a strong, successful woman is exactly the motivation you need to keep you focused and dedicated to your goals.

In “Yes, Please”, Amy Poehler keeps it real. Real about her career, SNL, being a mom, success, divorce, love and everything in between. It never feels preachy or condescending. It just feels honest. Honest advice and stories from a hilarious successful woman who doesn’t claim to be perfect.

There are two big lessons I’m taking from “Yes, Please.” The first being that it’s OK to ask and get help on the way to reaching your goals and living your life. If someone is offering to help (someone that cares for you and has the right intentions) then gladly accept it…don’t feel guilty about needing help. This rings really true to me, especially lately. A year and half ago, Frank and I moved from SF to the L.A. area with no jobs and lots of things we wanted to accomplish. We moved in to my parents house while we got settled and found jobs. About six months later, we both had steady jobs and a year and half later…here we are: planning a wedding, getting ready to move out and celebrating a year at our jobs.

At first though, we needed a lot of help and at first it felt a little humiliating and defeating. But I’ve come to realize we’re lucky to get the help and when my parents need anything, we’re happy to help. This is something that applies to career choices as well, if someone is willing to help you out with a job or promotion….take it. You never know when you’ll be able to return the favor for someone else.

The other lesson that I’m taking is that it makes no sense to be in competition with your peers. It’s counter-productive. It’s to your benefit to surround yourself by strong and smart people.

“I want to be around people that do things. I don’t want to be around people anymore that judge or talk about what people do. I want to be around people that dream and support and do things.”

This is a hard one to practice. It’s only natural to want to get ahead and when people around you are succeeding, it’s hard not to feel jealous. To not get that sneaky thought, “Why not me?” The truth is though you should cheer your friends on. We should all make it, having successful and smart friends can only help you.

Above everything though, this book is hilarious. It’s motivating, smart and hilarious. Highly recommended!

xoxo

Sandi

current obsession

Current Obsession: Paper Goods

Every year around this time, I start to spot cute planners and calendars and I think to myself, “This is the year I become super organized! I will write things in my planner and circle dates on my calendar!”. To date, this has never happened. Usually what happens is I’ll buy a cute planner and use it for about a month before I forget about it and start to rely on my phone and Google calendar.

But this year, like every other year, I will make the resolution to keep a planner, write goals, and keep myself accountable. As convenient as having a calendar on the cloud available whenever, there’s just something about putting pen to paper that I’ll always love. Feels more permanent and gives me more motivation to stick to a plan.

Here’s a few paper goods I’ve been obsessing over:

Beer and Food 2015 Calendar via Moorea Seal

Cal Paper Pusher Risograph Calendar via Design Milk

Moon Phases calendar via Moorea Seal

Simplified Planner via Emily Ley

Though She Be But Little, She Is Fierce via Etsy shop ninjandninj

Green Painterly Cheetah Planner via Kate Spade

xoxo

Sandi

This is Sandi

Tag Archives: goals

New Year No Fear

Just Read: Yes, Please

Current Obsession: Paper Goods