Bossier Than Ever

TBT: Purge 1st, Move Later

2015-01-22T07:28:00.000-06:00

In order to move I needed to PURGE! I had 29 years of crap...in my apartment, in my life, it was everywhere and I couldn't figure out why I was holding on to so much stuff.

As I began looking into moving companies I realized a lot of them quoted you based on the weight of your belongings. I was determined to lighten my load! So your CPA says to keep records for 7 years. Those records are heavy but I wanted them....which leads me to my first big purge.

Big Purge #1 - documents

NYE 2014 was the beginning of my massive purge. I took myself to dinner at my favorite hole in the wall thai restaurant {Tana Thai...yummmm}, bought 2 bottles of champagne and went home. Once home I opened my super compact scanner that I'd treated myself to for Christmas. That NYE I scanned and digitally organized my file cabinet from 2005 on. WTF?!?! That took forever, thank God for pink champagne. I have never felt so liberated in my life - it was awesome. Clearly, I was letting my nerd flag fly super high that New Years Eve. Above all I remember feeling thankful that evening. Thankful that God was guiding me on a journey that I knew in my heart was possible and would be rewarding. Thankful for the excitement that 2014 was going to hold for Chanel & I. The photo below is pretty much how I felt about ridding my life of all that paper...

Image via Shutterstock

Big Purge #2 - anyone that doesn't add to your happiness...why hold on to toxic friendships?!?!

Purging stuff is just as important as purging people. That's right, I said it. Why keep friends that literally suck energy out of your life when you have plenty of friends that are uplifting and add so much to your life. If you're one of those people that always have "project friends" or are helping friends through tough times sometimes you have to get selfish and direct those efforts back to yourself. I mean, the flight attendant says "put your own air mask on then help the person next to you." I figure that saying applies to life in general as well. I love helping people so this concept is super hard for me but WOW, it's really made goal crushing easier and I truly think I'm a better friend for it.

Big Purge #3 - furniture, clothes, decor...basically my whole apartment

Like I said, I had a lot of stuff. I had no idea what all was in my apartment but I knew it was time to start deciding what would go and what would make the journey to Chicago with Chanel and I. Speaking of Chanel, homegirl needed to de-cluter her little doggy closet as well. How many sweaters does a 6 yr old Cavalier King Charles really need?

Chanel's contribution to purging :-)

I had 4 categories - keep, sell, donate, toss. Honestly, I had no criteria for keep which now I wish I had. Like, why did I get rid of my trash can? Did I not think I would have trash in Chicago. Wine glasses? Again, did I not think I'd have anyone to drink wine with in Chicago either?!?! I kept ONE wine glass and ONE champagne flute...WTF was I thinking?!?! Oh well, all was replaced.I only kept 6 pieces of furniture + clothes + kitchen appliances! Everything else I sold in a matter of minutes....who needed a couch, end tables, coffee table, a desk, etc?!?! I didn't...I was moving to Chicago baby!!!!!

I started a facebook event called "Buy Bose's Stuff" and started posting pics of everything I owned. People started bidding within seconds. I couldn't even finish posting stuff before people were showing up. I was ready...you know b/c I'd had 30 minutes of sleep, was wearing my pajamas and was an absolute hot mess. Thank God my friends aren't judgy...they just wanted some good loot & to hug me b/c I was outy in 3 weeks. Check out all the fun we had while everyone shopped my apartment...

Robin Dorner of "The Gayly" trying on some of her purchases - oh those boots and that apron!

Big Purge #4 - My car

Yep, I sold Sophia the Subaru. The largest purchase I've made to date and I sold it with the blink of an eye. That car ROCKED! It was all-wheel drive and kicked booty in ice and snow. I drove that car hard - it was virtually indestructible. Sometimes I still think about driving around OKC in my little Subaru...but then I think about how much fun I'm having in the Windy City and that car is like a distant memory that I'm thankful for but don't wish to return to.

How much fun did Ted, Sarah and Graham have photographing my last moments with the Subaru?!?! #GoodFriends

Until now, Ted is probably the only person that knows what happen next. Tears. Not a lot and I'm not even sure why. When we drove away from the car lot after selling my car I cried. I think it was the mixture of exhaustion and the realization that there was no turning back....I didn't have an apartment, belongings, a job or a car in Oklahoma City. Everything I owned had already arrived in Chicago...I just had to meet my belongings there. I was like "oh, shit just got real, I'm leaving for good." Ted was the greatest friend that day (like always). He drove me around for my final errands as I sat silently in the car with tiny tears of excitement, fear and joy.

So that's how I continued the moving process. It was exhausting yet fun and exciting. I could see all that hard work molding itself into a dream come true. Nothing could stop me now :-)

TBT - Goal Crushing

2015-01-15T23:51:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Throw Back Thursday "Bossier Than Ever" style! Thank you for reading my blog. It means so much to me every time I hear from you all!

This post is dedicated to my momma - the most loving, supportive person EVER! Her love knows no boundaries and she will always amaze me with her warm spirit and ability to forgive the unforgivable. She's my rock and my hero. Happy Birthday Mommy - I'm so thankful she was born!

I planned this move for about a year. I was ready...or so I thought. Here's a peak at my personal steps to success...

Photo Credit: Choose Chicago.

What's the goal?
move to Chicago
What's my timeline?
prior to 30th birthday (Oct 2014)...well, that had to change b/c I didn't want to move in the fall/winter. Bumped up that deadline to June so I could enjoy the BEST time of year in Chicago - the summer (thanks for the tip Ted Perry).
What do I need to get there?
- secret support system (I mean, if you're planning to leave your job in a year you can't start broadcasting it immediately but you need someone to talk to about it...but if you're blessed with a wonderfully supportive boss as I was you can at least begin the conversation about the transition process at the point where you are 150% sure it's happening. That was the 6 month point for me.)
- money
- a place to live...shit I need more money
- a plan to network/make friends
How do I get what I need?
- share my BHAG with 2-3 select family members or friends so they can help keep you focused and on task....when you want to spend your #chicagomoney on that new bag or you get the nervous jitters they remind you that it's all going to work out.
- get a part time job...now you know why I abandoned the majority of my extracurricular activities, stepped down from boards, and started working 1-2 days a week at lululemon. #chicagosavingsplan #movingjobORnojob #movingmoney
- call Chicago apartment brokers to find out how far in advance I need to start looking...oh 2 months, add booking a flight to check out apartments to that to-do list :-)
- started searching the internet for networking groups/organizations...Junior League transfer process, MeetUp Groups, OU alum group
Last but MOST importantly...I needed God!
I needed to be faithful in prayer and know that if I worked my hardest and relied on my God that he'd open doors I never even imagined existed. #GodisMyHERO
My pastor, Dr. Bob Long, had no idea how much his sermons were speaking to me. Doing sermon series like "Seize The Day" kept giving me more and more encouragement to keep my eye on the prize of making Chicago my home. I'm certain he had no idea...I mean, he was also my boss's boss :-)

So that was then and this is now...

What's the goal?
well, this one is still in the secret phase....sorry folks, I'll fill you in when it makes sense ;-)
What's my timeline?
What do I need to get there?
How do I get what I need?
PRAY. PRAY. PRAY some more!

Some smaller, non-secret goals....

Grow an indoor herb garden. Nothing extravagant. Maybe 3 little pots to start with...oregano, basil and thyme
Get involved at 4th Presbyterian Church - YAY, this means I found a church home to grow with!
Master the CTA bus routes
Take a cooking class
Get out of my neighborhood more often and explore more of Chicago

2015 is OUR year!

2015-01-07T09:14:00.000-06:00

2015 is OUR year

...so make it what you want it to be!

I believe you've got to grab life by the horns and live it out loud. So, here's to you my friends...may 2015 be a year full of love, laughter and infinite happiness (even in the tough times).

It's 2015, what now? 2014 was a year of major goal crushing, major growth, and well major everything. It's time to re-focus on those 10 year and 5 year goals so I can set new 1 year goals that will build up to the long-term ones.

The last 6 months have been spectacular but it's definitely time for the hiatus to end and for me to get back to business.

From this Tumbler: http://fallenamongstthestars.tumblr.com/post/85845065320/bronzeandblush-i-need#notes

Starting with work...no more working in yoga pants, having an ever changing schedule, and running around a retail store all day. It's time for my beautiful suites and dresses to hit the dry cleaners and get ready to show their fabulousness once more. Have I had an absolute blast shopping on Monday afternoon while everyone's at work, sweating with co-workers 5 times a week, taking fun photos for the work facebook page and most importantly living in luon for the past 6 months?!?! Hell yes! It's been great but I am 30 years old, had a thriving career in OKC and a vision for my future that is dramatically different than the picture I just painted. I am so thankful for this time of relaxation and pure fun while I acclimated to my new city...yet I am so excited to leap back into the business world and conquer the Windy City!

Continuing with this blog...I've had such a FAB time that my writing is lacking. I've started a list of stories which are clearly outdated so I'll be doing a series of TBT posts in the coming weeks. So I've made the promise/goal to blog more in the past and it didn't happen...fingers crossed I have more success this time around! So I positioned myself to have more consistency in my schedule so hopefully that'll get me on track for 2015 Bossier Than Ever Blogging success...also, it's officially turned into Chiberia so I'll be spending plenty of time at home now :-)

My friends & family helped me develop and conquer some serious BHAGs (Big Huge Attainable Goals) before I moved and I'm eternally grateful. So don't try this goal crushing thing alone kids...get friends, family, whoever to hop on board and don't forget to support them in their goals as well. It'll be fun, I promise!

So you want to be a GOAL CRUSHER too?!?! Get started on your goals with the lululemon goal setting worksheet...that's what I'm doing (again)!

Girl On The Run

2014-10-01T09:05:00.000-05:00

I have a passion for health and nutrition but have never been a runner...unless there's a fire of course ;-).

Before moving I started thinking about taking up running. Emphasis on the THINKING about part. If I was going to start running I was determined to do it right. This of course meant I had to have all the right gear...fancy runners, anti-stink/super moisture wicking running clothes, cushiony socks, etc. So my research began! I had a slight advantage b/c I work at lululemon and I've always bought EVERY running skirt for fashion purposes.

The research started at Red Coyote Running and Fitness in OKC. I love the Duncan's so of course I knew where I was going to start out. I was fitted for shoes by watching the video of my feet running on their treadmill so it was based on my gait analysis (whatever that means). Newton's were what I needed. $200 and I was told they last on avg 6 months. Oh and I needed a $50 insert b/c of my gait. My exact thoughts "ummm, no way!" When I think of paying that much for shoes I'm getting a new pair of Tory Burch wedges and they're going to last multiple seasons thus making them a really great investment. The sad reality is that I needed a minute to wrap my fashionista brain around spending $250 for running shoes & inserts.

I think God was looking after me b/c 2 weeks later Red Coyote decided to give everyone on our lululemon team a pair of Newton's. YAY! YAY! YAY!!!!! That's exactly what I needed...but I was moving so I felt bad that I wouldn't be sporting them around OKC. Burke and their team are so generous. I still got my free kicks!!!! They were mailed to me by my OKC lemons (miss those girlies) & are the perfect moving gift :-).

Day one with my Newtons. Opening that package I felt like a 10 yr old on Christmas morning. Alright, I have to admit that I didn't actually run that day. I had the best of intentions to wake up early and run on Lakeshore Drive. I put on my matching hot pink running skirt and luxtreme tank top with my designer sunglasses...sick, this is really how I work out. Oh well, my eyes are sensitive to the sun. Then the social butterfly in me thought I should text my neighbor/friend/girl that loves running (Liz) to see if she'd join me for a sweaty run date. No reply, so out I went!!! As I ran by all the beautiful shoe shops on Oak Street I thought it was time for a photo op (naturally). I found a random stranger to take some pics of me running. Just as we finished Liz text me back. She couldn't go running with me but wanted to meet at Starbucks. Just like that, my run was over. I love hanging out with Liz though so it was ALL worth it.

Run attempt #2 was a TOTAL success!!!! The Chicagoland lululemon's have a community run club. I always see the runners coming in the store pre and post run. It's pretty encouraging...sort of. One sunny Chicago Tuesday I left work at 3pm. I wanted to work out....like really work out and get super sweaty. Then I remembered it was run club day. Could I do it?!?! Run with a group of experienced runners? Potentially pass out from being out there for an hour. I work at lululemon aka I'm supposed to know what the heck I'm doing & be a super work out junkie of all sorts. There was a real potential for complete embarrassment. Oh well, judge me if I can't make it all the way and turn around and go home (walk home). My sweet friend Kelly leads the Tuesday night run and it turns out it's a pretty relaxed group so I was freaking out for no reason. Most of the people in run club have been running for a while and actually run faster than Kelly. We ran to Oak Street Beach and from there we set a plan to run for 22 minutes then turn around and come back. Awesome, I didn't even bring my phone or a watch. At least now no one will know how far I make it. Kelly and I ran together the entire way. It was incredible. She was so encouraging. I just remember her telling me she couldn't believe it was my first run and that I was doing great. If these things are true I'll never know. HAHAH!!!! So basically she's my hero!!!!

Thoughts during the run:

WOW, I'm glad I bought all those skirts b/c I am HOT. Hot & sweaty like never before. I finally understood the science behind all of our running items and fabric. That skirt didn't move a centimeter on my 45 min run. It. Was. INCREDIBLE!
These shoes are damn comfy...and I really like these cushioned socks. #worthEVERYpenny
I want to jump in Lake Michigan b/c I'm f-ing HOT. Shit. I don't know how to swim...that's a terrible idea.
I want froyo...again, I'm freaking hot as hell and need to cool off somehow. Ugh, I don't even actually like ice cream or froyo. Who am I? This must be what an out of body experience feels like.
Focus on breathing like a yogini so I can calm my thoughts of passing out and stop my heart from pounding out of my chest.
Why am I running again? Oh yes, for my health.

At the end Kelly let me know that we ran 4 miles!!!! FOUR miles. Really?!?!? I couldn't believe it. I was so excited, proud, and happy. I've cheered at many marathons and I finally had a glimpse of what they feel like...so they run a hundred times further (but they train so I'm sure I feel similar to how they do after my 1st stint). I am eternally grateful for Kelly b/c everyone deserves to have a personal cheerleader like her on their 1st run. If not for her I wouldn't have made it.

What did I look like in the end...

Now, even Chanel enjoys a little morning jog along Lakeshore Drive.

30 Days In My New City!

2014-09-15T09:06:00.000-05:00

30 Days In My New City

Hi friends! The summer in Chicago was amazing...so amazing I had no time to blog. The weather is cooling down quickly so I'm home much more. I wrote a draft of this post 2 months ago so today actually marks the 3 month anniversary of my move. Time really does fly before your eyes when you're enjoying life. This is a 30 day recap of life in the Windy City (even though it's been 90 days now). I REALLY want to blog more so I'm officially challenging myself to post twice a month from here on out :-). I love you all and thank you so much for your calls, emails, texts, care packages and drop in visits!

So much has happen and sometimes I still wake up and want to pinch myself b/c I can't believe I live in Chicago. Every day is a beautiful new experience. I am so thankful to be here in each and every moment. Here’s the top 30 list of what I’ve done so far {in no particular order}…

1. Joining my RUSH CRUSH lululemon team

2. Going out with my ivory Barbie…the beautiful Kristin D

3. Having Emily as our 1^st visitor {in our messy moving boxes apt} and Chanel just loved her Auntie Em time.

4. Watching Chanel romp around our building’s private dog park

5. Scouting and finding a hair salon

6. Meeting so many unique people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world

7. Having a surprise visit from an OKC bestie….a hug and brunch with Deemah Ramadan was exactly what I needed...b/c brunch with the Ramadan's is like brunch for the royal family!

8. Trying out 5 barre and/or yoga studios with an endless list of more to try. #sweatonceaday

9. Joining the JLC (Junior League of Chicago) & getting to know the other transfer ladies #GroupTextBuddies

10. Going to a MeetUp group…well, it was the wrong one but it ended up being the RIGHT one ;-)

11. Finding a fabulous dentist…and even better dental hygienist

12. Discovering the beautiful Chicago sunrise from the 24^th floor view

13. Meeting the sweet little old spinster in my building.

14. Chanel and I getting to know our doormen staff. #safetyfirst

15. Dating in Chicago...so many options, so little time.

16. Having TWO big IKEA trips with mom. #OutOfControl

17. Working on chi-town apt decorating projects with my momma!

18. Having my hot pink pull out sofa delivered!!! #iLoveIt Yes, I have a pink sofa.

19. Getting down to ONE box left to unpack #workinprogress

20. Taking Chanel for her 1^st Magnificent Mile shopping experience…Tails in the City and Henri Bendel are so perfect for her #shesSOfancy #fancybitch

21. Having a fab 4^th of July with new friends in my new city…thank God I didn’t have to sit home alone on the 4^th

22. Joining the community team at lululemon….hello social media and yoga classes galore!

23. Learning the beauty of the YES & NEXT philosophy. Yes to all social engagements (within reason) and NEXT to every date you never want to see again. Thanks JLC girls :-)

24. Starting my “Tinder Experiment”

25. Having my first group of okies want to stay at my place…but not necessarily hang with me while in Chicago. FYI, I live in a studio…you, your friends, your family, your whatever will not be able to stay with me while you’re in town. I love you all but a 24hr notice isn’t going to work b/c I work, have a dog and live in a 500 sq ft studio with an occupancy restriction BUT there are great hotels nearby :-)

26. Chanel meeting all the building pups…especially her little boyfriend!!! Buddy is a sweet ½ cavalier ½ poodle mix from Australia. She’s so cute flirting with him!

27. Receiving lovely letters/cards of encouragement from Debbie South, Emily Gillis, Debbie Forshee and Billye Selby…I LOVE checking my mail now :-).

28. Starting my meal prepping journey like a BOSS. Always trying to be like my girl Rozz G.

29. Reading emails from my St. Luke’s family of faith…including Laura & Kelly B, John O, Diane G, Tisha T, and Ruby H. It’s so special to still have bonds with my faith family from afar.

30. Discovering all the different local markets and grocers…there’s just so many options and they’re ALL within walking distance.

31. Last but not least…finding the power cord to my laptop yesterday so that I could connect with you all!

#norgrets #bossierthanever #chanel #cavalierkingcharlesspaniel #newfriends #goalcrushing

Farewell Soiree is the Understatement of a Lifetime!

2014-06-10T00:59:00.002-05:00

Patti, Sarah, Lizzy and Lauren threw me one heck of a farewell soiree this past Wednesday night!!!!! I cannot thank them enough for all they did. Delicious food, beautiful decor, fancy wines, a custom memory book for guests to sign and so much more!

Spending 29 years in a city sure does get you a plethora of friends from various groups. Having sat on a dozen or so boards, been in a sorority at OU and working at the largest Methodist Church in the state of Oklahoma I have met a few people along the way. I was ASTONISHED by the number of people that showed up. The evening was beautiful. I was flattered/honored and to be honest am still a little stunned. Even the fabulous Fran from ionOklahoma magazine came to capture the evenings memories :-).

Check out these fab pics!

Here are a few...

My parents are SO silly...which is why I love them so much!

My grace filled, loving boss - Marsha!

Every party needs FABULOUS bartenders....love Clay and Graham :-)

My work besties made it for the fun!

Hoping the Pekera's make a trip to their home state {Illinois} soon!

Two of my barre3 favs....Ashley & Shomari Wilson

St. Luke's Crew

College friends....

Megan and Susan <3

One can always find inspiring treasures within the Mellow home...

Again, the complete collection of photos can be found at ionOklahoma in their online photo gallery/

Most of all I loved having my mommy there! Gwen is quite the lady. She's sweet, she's funny, she's witty...and most of all she's a proud momma that loves me. I am a pretty independent person and she lives in a different state so my mom hasn't met most of my friends. I think there were more people in line to talk to her at the party than me!!! I love my mom and was so glad that she was able to meet so many of my dear friends at one time.

My hot momma and me!

Again, I am so thankful to my beautiful hostess for making this possible...

Who throws one bad @$% party?!?! The women photoed above!!!

Am I really moving?

2014-06-06T20:13:00.000-05:00

Everything is happening SO fast! It took me almost an entire year to put this plan into motion yet the last few months have felt like a speeding roller coaster. Above all I am thankful...

thankful God set the perfect timing up for this move
thankful for not one but TWO ever supportive mommas (Gwen and Wynde you two always put happiness in my heart)
thankful for all the friends/family that understand how CRAZY things are and continue to be
thankful for the most amazing boss...can I get a What What for MARSHA!?!?
thankful for the women that thought enough of me to suggest they host a going away party to give me the opportunity to bid farewell to 29 years of OKC friends...Patti, Sarah, Lizzy & Lauren sure know how to PAR-TAY!
thankful to have an amazing successor to train at St.Luke's - yay Beth YAY!
thankful to the mean girl at work that is a constant reminder that no job is perfect and people are always going to hate...I'll always love you even when you hate me #ItsInMyDNA ;-)
thankful to the new friends I'm about to make
thankful to lululemon for posting a goal setting portion of the website so that I would begin working on my dreams more aggressively
thankful for my mom's flexibility in planing and taking off work to make my dreams come true
thankful to all who encourage me to Seize The Day {love you Bob Long & many others}

...and most of all thankful to my Lord and Savior!

29 will always be a year that I crushed a HUGE goal...a goal to try a new adventure and just go for it! In 7 short days Chanel and I will be in our 24th floor Chicago dream apartment!!!!