Do You Believe in Signs? — THE ACCESSORIST

Jan 27

Jan 27 Do You Believe in Signs?

HAPPY SATURDAY! Saturday mornings are the best aren't they? Chris is ice fishing up north so it's a quiet one over here! Grab your coffee—I wanted to share a quick story with you as we kick off the weekend. So. Last week, I was feeling SUPER overwhelmed and just over-extended in all areas. Work was crazy-busy (and irritating in some ways), I had some commitments for a volunteer group pop up, lots of emails going back and forth with venues about the wedding, I subbed for Chris's indoor volleyball league which admittedly is not my favorite activity, and I had no time (ever) for my blog—something I love. All of this added up to one super crabby Kendall. Then I was even more annoyed at myself because I don't want to go through life CRABBY.

I felt like I needed to cut something out, and my volunteer group seemed like the likely target. First, I had joined mostly for social reasons and there hadn't been much socializing at all lately—no Christmas party, no dinner club, no real connections with people on my committee. I also have to attend a certain number of volunteer shifts, meetings and pay a certain amount of money, which all feels like a lot of work. It's easy to get wrapped up in my daily routine and forget to ever sign up for all these events. It's something you have to really schedule time for. There didn't seem like a lot of reason to be part of something that was just stressing me out.

Going to the literacy event at City View School last Thursday night after work was the last thing I wanted to do. I was supposed to help plan the event and arrive at the school around 3:45—which I couldn't do since I had meetings at work all afternoon that day. So I already felt like just skipping it—and after a long day at work, it's REALLY hard to find the motivation to drive out of the way to North Minneapolis to spend a few hours painting kids' faces. But I went—as an organizer of the event, it would've looked really bad if I didn't even show up—and joined a table where two girls were already posted up with palettes and tattoos, ready to paint faces.

It was the Thursday before the Vikings played in the NFC championship, so I ended up painting Stefon Diggs' name on most of the little boys' arms. It was so fun to talk to cute first and second graders and contribute to a fun night for families of the school. I chatted with the other girls I was painting with, who were also part of my volunteer league, and I ended up having a lot in common with one. We initially bonded over being "bad" league members—and it was just one of those easy conversations where you feel like you're actually being yourself. At the end of the night, we exchanged numbers and got together for happy hour this past week. After three years in this group, I'd never met anyone at a shift that I felt like I could really be friends with—or hang out with outside of league events. It was one of those weird coincidences that the day that I was planning to drop out of the league, I met someone to make me reconsider. So, for the time being, I guess I'm sticking it out. It sounds hokey, but it really felt like a sign.

Do you believe in "signs" and have you ever experienced a weird coincidence like this one? Am I being a total weirdo?? Anyway, here's a little roundup of my current wish list to kick off the weekend, including the hippie-dippie round Ray-Bans I've been eyeing forever—my sisters, Chris and I got tickets for HAIM AND MAGGIE ROGERS AT RED ROCKS this summer (!!!!!), and I'm thinking it will be the perfect time to bust out the boho vibes. I cannot wait! // One of our friends works at a scientific aromatherapy company, and whenever we hang out, she sends me home with different essential oils and natural potions. I finally need to buy a diffuser so we can use the stuff! // I've heard Dior Nail Glow is like an "instant French manicure," which I need to try. Perfect for keeping nails presentable in-between manicures. // I also want a real gym bag so I can stop putting my sweaty socks and shoes in my nice totes—and Clinique's neutralizing face powder is a must for taming the redness when running from boot camp to brunch.

I hope your weekend is off to a good start! I went to happy hour and a work event with a couple of coworkers last night, and this afternoon I have a spa package booked!! Chris gave it to me for Christmas—it's a four-hour bonanza that includes a massage, mani, pedi and blowout. I cannot even wait! I never get massages and haven't even gotten a pedicure since the summer, so it will be a huge treat. If I can shake myself out of the zombie-like bliss that I am sure is to follow, I may drive up to join the ice fishing fun tonight—I talked to Chris last night on the phone and it definitely sounded like I was missing a party! Then on Sunday, I'm grabbing brunch with a good friend at Tullibee! I am on such a high right now—life is good and there's so much to look forward to just in the next few weeks (important to note after that super-stressed week mentioned above)!

For the record, I totally believe in eliminating things from your schedule if they're overwhelming or stressful or just NOT FUN. Maybe I will still drop out of this volunteer group come May. But for the time being I'm willing to see where this sign leads.