NYC Diaries: Why Every New Yorker (and Everyone Else in the World) Needs a Dog

Hi, everyone, and happy New Year! I hope your holiday season was as amazing as mine. I spent Christmas with my family, turned 21 and adopted an adorable dog. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned over these past two weeks, it’s that getting a pet changes everything for the better.
I adopted Augustus, my 1.5-year-old Yorkie (Editor’s note: How cute is he? And this coming from a cat person…), from a local breeder who said he wasn’t selling because of his limp. As soon as I saw his picture, I knew I was in love and that Augie (as I like to call him) was The One for me. He’s a tiny ball of energy, and being a dog owner has made me realize how essential it is for people to have pets.

I’m not saying that it’s all sunshine and roses. A dog requires a lot of work and time and money. But it’s sooooo worth it, and you get paid back in loads of love. That being said, here are my top 5 reasons why every girl needs a dog…

They make you happy
This one’s a no-brainer. There’s nothing like coming home after a long, dreary day and being greeted by a hyper pup with a wagging tail. Regardless of mood or level of stress, Augie always puts a smile on my face.

They love you unconditionally
Whether I’m fighting with a friend or arguing with my boyfriend, I know that Augie will be waiting for me at home with his puppy kisses. I saw a quote online once that read, “Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.” And that’s absolutely true!

They find all your lost socks and shoes
Most dogs seem to have a foot fetish and an obsession with footwear of any kind. When I get home after work, I always see about five pairs of socks and some mismatched flip-flops by his bed. Adorable? Yes. Yes, it is.

They’re cuddly
I call Augie my little nap buddy because he’s softer and warmer than the cutest teddy bear. I can deal with his snoring and drooling because, like I said, that’s love.

They make you feel like a million dollars
On my worst days when I get down on myself for not looking like a movie star or having a few extra pounds on me, Augie reminds me that I’m still awesome in his eyes. After all, you don’t need to impress a dog like you would a potential suitor. A pet will accept you for who you are (especially if you have food on you).

So, do you have any pets, friends? How have they made your life better? What do you love about them? Let’s celebrate all things pets! xoxo


–By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness

An Open Letter To New Year’s Eve

Dear New Year’s Eve:
I must say, I feel a bit silly writing to you like this. After all, you’re not really a person, are you? Letters are written to people — people who can talk and feel and breathe. You’re none of those things. You’re just another day on the calendar. One out of 365 of them, actually. And you come around, well, just like clockwork. Year after year.

So, no, you are most definitely not a person. You’re more of an annual event — one I’ve experienced some 30 times in my life. You don’t have any power over me. Did you hear that, New Year’s Eve? Did you? You don’t have any power over me. Zilch. Zero.

And yet…I am writing to you. Today. Less than 24 hours until the chimes (and that huge ball in Times Square) ring in a new year. 2013. Sounds sort of like the future, doesn’t it? I mean, it IS the future. Tomorrow could be the first day of the rest of my life. And yes, that scares me a little. OK, sometimes it scares me a lot. Like I’m standing on my own sort of cliff, just staring down into…nothing. The bottom of the cliff seems to go on forever, leading to some sort of black hole vortex that’s bound to change you. Forever. You don’t want to jump, but for some reason, you can’t move away from the ledge. It’s scary, freeing, wild and intoxicating all at the same time.

Because when I sit back and think about you — really think about you — I realize something about you, New Year’s Eve: You’re both a blessing and a curse. You’re probably the only day of the year that people love and dread simultaneously. When they think about you in relation to the year that just passed, it can be downright depressing. I’ll be the first to admit that. But when you stop and think of what’s ahead — all the possibilities that go along with a new year — well, it can just fills your heart with hope and promise.

And that’s exactly what you, New Year’s Eve, have always symbolized for me. A new beginning, full of promise and hope and wonder. I wonder what you have in store for me in 2013. I can’t help but wonder what’s just beyond that ledge. So, 2013, I’m ready for you! Bring on your adventures that will become tomorrow’s magical memories! xoxo

[Photos via We Heart It]

Would You Rather: Spend the holidays close to home or travel?

If you had asked me this question 10 years ago, I would have matter-of-factly said, “I love to travel during the holidays, of course!” After all, I treasured our vacations south of the Mason-Dixon Line, and couldn’t think of a better place to spend my Christmases — and summers! But, we’ve spent the last few years close to home, and it was surprisingly enjoyable. We enjoyed quality time with each other, and I like to think that I’ll look back on these memories in 10 years like I look back at my childhood travels now.

So, it’s your turn, friends…do you prefer to stay home for the holidays or travel? What did you do this year? Last year? Why do you prefer one over the other? Let’s chat! xoxo

P.S. A HUGE holiday giveaway is coming up shortly! 🙂

[Photo via We Heart It]

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, friends! Where are you spending the holiday? We enjoyed a delicious breakfast and opened a few gifts this morning. This afternoon, we’re heading to the movies. Any recommendations? I also can’t say thank you enough for reading So About What I Said for the last four years. I am so grateful that you’ve welcomed my little blog into your life with such open arms. I wouldn’t want anyone else sharing this amazing adventure with me, so THANK YOU!!!!

I’ve got some fun, light-hearted posts planned for the rest of the week, but am looking forward to coming back with our regularly scheduled programming next week! Wherever you find yourself today, I hope you’re surrounded by loved ones, lots of joy and plenty of food!!! Cheers to you, friends!! xoxo

P.S. Harry wishes you a very Merry Christmas too! 🙂
 
P.P.S. More posts from Christmases past: 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #164.

Dear Mr. Melissa Blake:
Well, Sweetpea, here we are — Christmas Eve 2012. I know I say this every darn year (and it probably makes me sound like an old woman…), but where does the time go? It seems like it was only last year. Does time go fast wherever you are? Wherever we are?

It’s shaping up to be a rather bittersweet Christmas this year. I’m still getting over this wretched cold that’s been plaguing me for nearly a week now. One thing you should most definitely know about me is when it comes to being sick — colds, flues, hang nails — I tend to be a rather, ummm, difficult patient. My theory? I used up all my brave faces during my hospital days, so now, the well is pretty dry. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not completely fargone when I’m sick — let’s just say I’ve mastered the art of whining, and my catchphrase has become, “I’m never going to get better.” My mom and I were both sick with colds and kept arguing about who was the sickest. I think I won…well, that’s what I’ve chosen to believe, at least.

And yesterday, my grandfather collapsed and was taken to the hospital. They found a mass in his lung and are going to run more tests today. Needless to say, I hate being this far away from him. I keep picturing him all by himself in his hospital room; it’s amazing how much bigger those 1,000 miles feel when something like this happens.

My sister remarked this morning that the holidays are hard for us, and she’s right. Sure, I remember all the good times we had, but I also remember the not-so-good times. This year marks the 10th anniversary of my father’s cancer diagnosis. No matter how bright the Christmas tree (and trust me, ours is bright this year…) or how gorgeous the snowflakes, there’s no way to fully escape certain memories. And maybe I don’t want to escape those memories. Maybe I know that pushing them aside wouldn’t be at all healthy in the end, that it would only cause more heartache later on down the line. So, I suppose I try to integrate those feelings into the holidays this year — letting them simmer on the surface, but not fester too deeply. Does that make sense, Sweetpea? I hope you have a wonderful holiday, wherever you are. And of course, I can’t wait for our first holiday together. Until we meet… xoxo

[Photos via Le Love]