When I Grow Up…

When I grow up…I want to live a minimalist lifestyle

I got a new apartment! I’ve been here for over a month now and I’m still in love.

It’s a $950/ month extra spacious alcove studio, with hardwood floors and all new kitchen appliances. The monthly rent includes all utilities except for electricity. It’s a definite New York City steal. Craigslists has been good to me once again. Crossing my fingers and praying to the Housing Gods that everything stays on the up and up, and I’ll be able to live here for at least a year.

Living in a studio has made me obsessed with researching ways to create a home that flows, maximizes living space, has “room” division without being cluttered and is an expression of myself. Since I’ve been spending most of my free time playing outside while it’s warm, I’m giving myself until the beginning of  October to be truly settled.

While reading Apartment Therapy for ideas, I stumbled upon Gary Chang’s 344-square-foot apartment that – with the assistance of sliding wall units, fold-down tables and chairs – can transform into 24 different layouts.

I’m blown away and inspired! Though my landlord would never ever let me do anything close to Gary’s “Domestic Transformer”, just watching the video has opened me up to thinking outside of the ordinary and unimaginative living space box. I’ll keep you posted on the progress of my domicile.

When I grow up…I’ll always be your big sis.

This weekend, my sisters and I went home to celebrate our little brother’s 19th birthday. As the youngest and only boy of the Noel clan, he towers over us at 6′0 feet.

We love you June and recognize the man you’re becoming.

I know, I'm not right. I just couldn't resist.

With the hustle and bustle of New York, it’s easy to briefly lose touch with old friends.

I’ve recently started to miss a guy friend that I haven’t heard from in awhile. I’ve gotten so caught up in the new developments in my life, that once I came up for air, I realized that a year has passed since the last time I saw him and about seven month since I reached out to him and received no response.

We didn’t hang out or have long phone conversations, but I did appreciate his random emails asking for updates on my life, and how he enthusiastically put me onto new people and resources.

Awhile ago, I mentioned missing my absent amigo to a female friend of mine who also knows him. After listening, she pointed out that I once had a crush on him when we first met and that though he was and still is in a relationship, the feelings may have been mutual. She guessed that he may be distancing himself purposely, out of respect for his partner.

The situation has me questioning whether 100 percent platonic male-female friendships can truly exist and platonic meaning neither person has ever, ever, ever wanted to be in a romantic relationship and/or have sex with the friend of the opposite gender.

Still feeling relaxed, refreshed and lifted from this past weekend.

Eight sistafriends and I Megabused it to Gardner, Massachusetts to celebrate the upcoming union of our homegirl. We spent the bachelorette weekend EATING, laughing, swimming, bonding, and getting massages and facials.

On Saturday night, to acknowledge and support the upcoming transition in the bride-to-be’s life, all of us wrote “Dear Me Then” and “Dear Me Now” letters. The “Dear Me Then” letter were dedicated to the person we each were in our past, and the the people and situations that person attracted. The “Dear Me Now” letters were to who we are today, who we’re working on becoming and the type of partner we want and deserve.

We sat around the fire pit and shared our experiences, lessons learned and hopes. All of our “Dear Me Then” letters were placed in the flames to symbolize closed chapters, growth and new beginnings. We kept our “Dear Me Now” letters as a reminder and affirmation of who we are today and who we want to be.

The entire experience was cleansing. We’re talking about doing it again every season.

Still in a sharing mood, here is my “Dear Me Now” letter:

Dear Me Now,

You are beautiful. I love you.

You are coming into your womanhood – amazed by and in awe of your curves, your roundness; the softness of your skin; the warmth, command and healing of your voice and your touch. You are coming into your sisterhood and yourself.

You are finding your way with your eyes, hands and heart open.

You know and feel that something is coming and all of this – right now, today- is preparing you for moments that are on their way.

You’re learning that it gets worse before it gets better and to give time, time.

You’re learning that this life is pretty amazing and it’s all your’s. Do with it what you wish.

You’re learning that you already came into this world with most of what you need, the rest you’ll gather along the way.

You’re learning and appreciating more and more how highly favored you are.

There are some things you’ll always think, feel, want, know, like and dislike and other things that will change moment by moment. And that’s okay.

One day you’ll be in a partnership that will show you all of who are you, who you’re growing into and give you room to be both.

You’re beautiful. I love.