ANI.morgan

Here I am, 28 years old and feeling like somewhere I’ve taken a wrong turn. My recent optimism and energy level wants to retract that statement but I’d be dishonest to say that I was 100% confident in the major decisions I’ve made in the past 15 months. I left my job at the company I thought I was made for, traveled, and moved out of the city that I never in my wildest dreams would think to leave. Six months into living in Boston, I again thought twice about my decision to live here and began searching for jobs in New York.  Through that search, I began talking with some people from my alma mater, Iona College and in that conversation I was asked to come to NYC to present at an award ceremony.  I thought I can go and hopefully an opportunity will come of it, and little did I know that the complete opposite would occur. 

It was great to be back, see old friends, make a thoughtful speech, and reconnect with professors and people within the Iona community who have really helped me though the years. I left with a couple business cards, and people to touch base with the next time I was in town, but still that the trip felt a bit unfulfilled. It wasn’t until days later when I was reading up on George Bodenheimer, and the V foundation. A few clicks and scrolls on their website and I saw that they had spots on their team for the Boston Marathon. 

I had already been planning to run any marathon I could get into in the early spring, but the Boston Marathon is the holy grail. I quickly got in touch with the V Foundation and they granted me one of their very coveted spots on Team V. 

Holy..

Okay I’m in. 8K to raise. 26.2 miles to train for. I got it.

There were a million things that had to happen in order for me to get to this point. As selfish as it may sound the reasons I had moving to Boston were still not enough. They were in many ways for the comfort of other people, and my family. I was still looking for the 100% me reason for relocating to Boston and I found it in my spot in the Boston Marathon. I lived in NYC, was an avid runner and never really had the marathon on my list of things to accomplish. Looking back I know it was because my first should be here, in Boston, surrounded by the support of my family. It’s funny how something so small can reestablish your purpose or the path that you chose. Excited for the training, the chance to go the distance (literally), to be in my new hometown, to run for a purpose, a cause we can all relate to, and knowing I’m where I’m suppose to be.

I am running as 1 of 10 people for Team V in the 2017 Boston Marathon. With that comes an enormous responsibility to train and act as if Valvano was watching me. So I will be documenting my training as it goes on. 

America, this is where we are. Good Afternoon, today we have ended and began a turning point in our country’s history with our new president-elect, Donald Trump. This is an optimistic approach on how to extract any good out of the disgraceful, media driven, and manipulative campaign trail we’ve been dragged through. I am an American, and a very proud citizen. I exercise my rights where I see fit. War Vets, firefighters, entrepreneurs, police man, teachers, lawyers and state troopers make up most of the people in my family, and I’m the daughter of an immigrant who moved here to receive her college education. My family stands for public service and for a democracy that believes that if you work hard, prosperity and liberty is your reward. The world is moving faster than our country, and it’s not slowing down. So before the world distracts itself onto the next Kardashian episode, snapchat filter, or NFL scandal we should look at the real underlying factors, and hopefully lessons learned that drove this outcome today.

The power of believing in yourself

Donald Trump did not win the presidency based on his experience, or policy, we all know that. He won the election because he truly believes that he is the best person for the job. Regardless if you agree and/or dislike him, self-confidence, persuasion, perseverance, and love for oneself is not something he lacks. And, if a man who has never held office, can win the presidency should you really take those rejection letters for lack of experience seriously? What we should take away is to never let “no” get in the way of pursuing what you want. Breaking down standards and moving past barriers is what moves and changes the world we live in. If Donald took no for an answer there wouldn’t have been an article written about the possibility of him running. If Steve Jobs took no for an answer there would be no apple, if Sean Combs took no for an answer there would be no Biggie Smalls, anyone who has ever accomplished anything has fought through everyone telling them “No, it can’t be done.” Believing in yourself is the most empowering and clearly effective way to persevere through the doubt.

Don’t be afraid to bite off more than you can chew

My first job out of college was at MasterCard. The company started a young professionals mentor program where we were grouped together and assigned a high level executive to meet with us monthly. My first mentor was the head of Advanced Analytics, a very black and white kind of guy, and given his profession, he emulated his role perfectly. “If you don’t come into work overwhelmed, biting off more than you can chew, you are becoming stagnant, and not pushing yourself to your potential” he told us. Donald has bit off more than he can chew. But how else will you push yourself and others around you? He saw a problem, and wanted to be the change, he saw a challenge and wanted to tackle it head on. Always take on more than you can handle. If you want to be comfortable, don’t take on the projects that people say you are not qualified for, and remain in the background. The damage in my opinion is greater here than if you get to the top and fail.

We are all accountable

 In a work or personal setting you have colleagues, friends and family as support. Donald has his aides, and colleagues to seek advice, and of course the support of the American people. He still is in way over his head, whether you think the President-elect should be facing that is a different conversation but in an unusual way he is pushing us forward and giving us some of the responsibility, which we should have. We deserve to be held accountable for the outcome of this nation, and we simply cannot leave it up to Washington. You can’t become a great nation without the people of the nation paving the way and working hard to live up to the standards set forth. In many ways we became dependent on our government to make all the change, create all the jobs, eliminate poverty, and diminish racial injustice and racism. Yes, they lay much of the groundwork, but we have not held up the other part of the bargain.

In JKF’s inaugural address in 1961, he says, "ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country." When was the last time our country really stood up and asked this question? In my opinion the only questions we’ve been asking is for more and more handouts and quick fixs from our government.

It's so so so easy to be basic in the fall. Pumpkin and apple picking, wearing aviators, plaid shirts, leather jackets, and a dime a dozen booties. I live in Boston, trust me it's everywhere. 

But its also the best time to showcase your style via Instagram. Those leaves as a backdrop...I do it too.

Ever look through photos from the fall or winter? 90% of the time I'm wearing all black, so I look like I am wearing the same outfit in every damn photo. I tell myself every year to wear more color, sometimes it works but mainly I'm experiencing a slight seasonal depression and black represents how I feel. "Black pants, black shirt it is" I tell myself.

But on the other end its a good time to step up (no pun intended) your shoe game.  Here at my top pics for rain proof Greats Chukka to  flirty floral velvet boots help any all black outfit to those gucci slippers that are appropriate to wear outside.

"I can't go out, I have an early morning..." It's the ultimate excuse to not go out at night. For some, we live by this rule. Plan as much stuff during the day that way we will not be peer pressured or feel guilty for staying in. 

The other excuse is that we have an early morning workout. This has become my routine. I feel so much better doing exercise in the morning, especially on the weekends, plus it goes perfectly into brunch time.  However, on the other hand are people amazed at how  the cost of exercising/brunch is almost the same as dinner/going out?  While workout classes can reach $40 and so can the cost of eggs... there are some solutions that are equally if not better, plus you don't have to do the planning or reservation making.

I recently joined Brunch of Boston and the start of their Fit Series - which basically combines some of Boston's top fitness studios with hot spot brunch places. You pay one (super affordable, deal, steal) amount and get your sweat and brunch on - and you get to meet other girls in your hood with the same mentality.

This past weekend we were able to get a private class at Shawmut Yoga, and it starts  at reasonable time for anyone, 12:30pm. So yes, in moments like that I was able to do a bunch of errands in the morning and take a stroll around the South End neighborhood (can we please discuss home goals). As for an avid runner and non stretcher I need yoga in my life and a class to go along with it because there is no way I'm going to do this on my own. Shawmut yoga is no frills, yet super inviting and taught by Kat Cynewski.  As a side note: I also hope I am not the only one who agrees that out of all fitness instructors finding a yoga teacher that you like is the most important. You can easily tune out a Barry's or barre instructor with their music or lack of speaking. But with yoga its quiet, and they are talking the entire time, you go with their speed and not your own so yes to stress the importance of a positive yoga teacher should never be dismissed.

Kat did an amazing job leading the class with her descriptions, focus, yet didn't come off as superior, more like the friend who is way better at yoga than you leading you through a flow. 

We then walked on over to Tremont 647 and settled into a cozy back room. The food was delicious, annnnnnnddd unfortunately I am training for a race so I couldn't have any of the sweet appetizers, but the entree was more than enough food. They did not skimp! The atmosphere was perfect for actually getting to know some of the people at the table. Overall, this series is perfect because you get to explore classes, instructors, and restaurants that normally you wouldn't have. It's so easy to stay within a certain group of friends, or fitness circle so it was refreshing  to try something new.. 

Because I am an advocate for everything budget friendly.

Let's break this down:

$39 ticket

vs.     

So if I haven't convinced you enough to try this out whether you live in the Boston area or plan to visit, do yourself, your mind, your stomach and your wallet a favor. 

Be better than the Gap? Okay, than go to Supreme or Madewell to buy a $120 white T-shirt. Nothing against those brands but it you are trying to simplify yet stay effortlessly cool and comfortable, look no further than the brand that did it for you in middle school.

If it's not broke don't fix it. Right? I'll admit it, I love the Gap and yes, I am biased.  I grew up wearing Gap hoodies, light link jeans and jellies. But unless you have an unlimited budget for clothes (does he have a brother?) it's even more difficult to keep up with trends on a budget. Fall shopping in itself is expensive, two sweaters and a scarf and there goes $200. 

So invest in the basics,since everyone is so Kanye these days. And hit a second hand store for those velvet (everythings!), faux fur scarves, and any bag that you don't hold with your shoulder. 

Meanwhile, here are my finds that will pull your wardrobe for fall together.

*save those cami dresses from summer, you will sport those with a light turtleneck underneath.

*slide on sneakers are out, pair them with a more feminine block heel

I used to hate hats because they brought attention to my large, Irish head that I was blessed with...

I used to hate hats because they brought attention to my large, Irish head that I was blessed with...

I used to hate hats because they brought attention to my large, Irish head that I was blessed with...

Whether it be going out for ice cream, or going in on the rose/Montauk Summer Ale's at Sloppy Tuna or Lawn on D you always want to keep your man or male companions looking well effortlessly cool. If you are one of those girls who constantly gets the "Does this look okay?" from guys than here is your cheat sheet for those conversations. Better off getting a head start and just tell your friends what to buy, that way when your scanning through their closet to help you can actually find something to work with.

1996. I remember begging, and I mean begging my mom to buy me Iverson’s Reebok Question sneakers. In 1997, I did that again for the Answer. I got both. But it started far before I even got my first pair of $100 shoes.  I guess it was by watching my Dad clean his Jordan’s with a toothbrush in the bathroom week in and week out, and see them lined up in the closet – Jordan VI, VII, and VIII. By his caretaking, I knew that they were special but I was not sure why. I just followed his lead and quickly resembled his example of what looked like having really cool sneakers when he played ball and wanting to take care of them. I describe them as just “really cool” because that is likely the only thought I had at that time, I was 8 years old. I’m not going to lie and say that I did a bunch of research at the library on the fabrics used, what kind of lacing system they had, or the history of Iverson and the similarities and differences that carried over into the design of the Question from the Jordan’s he wore at Georgetown. The Question was basically all ready designed even prior to Iverson signing with Reebok anyway. Iverson had an attitude and was fast – that’s the extent of what kind of basketball player I was at that time and thought that like how Jordans gave you wings my Iverson’s would give me his flair.

That’s how it starts right? Back in the days before the internet, bloggers, the term “sneakerhead”, there was good old fashion collectors like any other trade - cars, watches, jewelry, coins, baseball cards, whatever.  You had to go out of your way to find out information on whatever you were collecting. The internet has given us now the access to become instant insiders. You can find out what’s cool and trending and become an aficionado. But you can’t fool us. Businesses need people like this to survive. I call them the bread and butter or cash cow hype consumers. Take a look at any business or designer. The mass market is your bread and butter – you need these hype consumers.

About half my designs are controlled fantasy, 15 percent are total madness and the rest are bread-and-butter designs.  -Manolo Blahnik

I returned to the US on May 26th and I’ve been nonstop ever since I landed. A lot has changed.  I have recently relocated to Boston, but still find myself in NYC two days a week when I am not working.  But it’s fine.  Coming off of the longest stint I ‘ve ever done in El Salvador, after my first visit just 9 years ago. I remember getting off the airplane and running towards an Auntie Anne’s. I was so happy to be back in the land of not feeling skeptical of what I was eating. I’m sure you can assume that I got sick more than once on that trip.

But with each return, the culture shock subsided more and more and I started to really enjoy going. Family time combined with warm weather, and cheap drinks…can you ask for more? I was going multiple times a year, every break I had for school I was on a plane. After I graduated and entered the work force naturally the trips did not stay as frequent and I felt further and further from a place that I was so familiar with.

After leaving my job and enjoying a staycation in New York City, some time in Rhode Island with my father I decided to visit my mom for one month. One month turned into two, because, well hell, I didn’t have a job to come back to and I wanted to enjoy the time that I would likely never have the opportunity to get again. My father joked that my spontaneous and unpredictable personality assured him that this could very well happen again, “maybe next year?” he joked.

But this past trip was not the same. The country that I visited so many times before crawled under my skin a little bit deeper. I walked with more caution and took less pictures because I didn’t want to really be seen. After extending my trip I remember thinking, “Am I getting too comfortable?” I felt vulnerable at times, and there were some days where I would wake up and feel below water. I took the same steps to the bathroom, and the same to the kitchen to grab a water. Some days I would pray, pray for some type of motivation to do something different. Those were good days, and I had lots of good days and moments. But this time around those “non” moments seemed to build up and I felt agitated. I was super active before, always on the go, and when it stopped it affected everything. I couldn’t run outside, walk to get a cup of coffee, do any of my scheduled workouts, or just walk out of leisure. Everything was scheduled, you were always in someone’s house, a restaurant or a mall. I was forced to depend on my mom and family for everything. I was not used to that.

I would have conversations with friends and people I met about New York and how much I loved it. They would tell me about their trips and how much they enjoyed going there.  It made me miss home. But then, I would be watching tv with my mom after dinner, and we would talk and laugh, and sometimes I would make her laugh so hard she would cry. That made the “feel below water” moments go away. Because I remembered the real reason I was there.

John Steinbeck quoted “you don’t take trips, trips take you”

But where… most of us look at traveling as a vacation, to let loose, do whatever you please. But when that option is taken away from you, what do you gain? After two months, of moments with my family that I will cherish forever, I can honestly say that this trip took my perspective and altered it a bit. I look at the freedom, liberties that I have here to make anything possible and can’t take them for granted. Every trip prior to this I have come back thinking how lucky I am to live where I do and to be able to do the things that I would like to do.

I returned to the US on May 26th and I’ve been nonstop ever since I landed. A lot has changed.  I have recently relocated to Boston, but still find myself in NYC two days a week when I am not working.  But it’s fine.  Coming off of the longest stint I ‘ve ever done in El Salvador, after my first visit just 9 years ago. I remember getting off the airplane and running towards an Auntie Anne’s. I was so happy to be back in the land of not feeling skeptical of what I was eating. I’m sure you can assume that I got sick more than once on that trip.

But with each return, the culture shock subsided more and more and I started to really enjoy going. Family time combined with warm weather, and cheap drinks…can you ask for more? I was going multiple times a year, every break I had for school I was on a plane. After I graduated and entered the work force naturally the trips did not stay as frequent and I felt further and further from a place that I was so familiar with.

After leaving my job and enjoying a staycation in New York City, some time in Rhode Island with my father I decided to visit my mom for one month. One month turned into two, because, well hell, I didn’t have a job to come back to and I wanted to enjoy the time that I would likely never have the opportunity to get again. My father joked that my spontaneous and unpredictable personality assured him that this could very well happen again, “maybe next year?” he joked.

But this past trip was not the same. The country that I visited so many times before crawled under my skin a little bit deeper. I walked with more caution and took less pictures because I didn’t want to really be seen. After extending my trip I remember thinking, “Am I getting too comfortable?” I felt vulnerable at times, and there were some days where I would wake up and feel below water. I took the same steps to the bathroom, and the same to the kitchen to grab a water. Some days I would pray, pray for some type of motivation to do something different. Those were good days, and I had lots of good days and moments. But this time around those “non” moments seemed to build up and I felt agitated. I was super active before, always on the go, and when it stopped it affected everything. I couldn’t run outside, walk to get a cup of coffee, do any of my scheduled workouts, or just walk out of leisure. Everything was scheduled, you were always in someone’s house, a restaurant or a mall. I was forced to depend on my mom and family for everything. I was not used to that.

I would have conversations with friends and people I met about New York and how much I loved it. They would tell me about their trips and how much they enjoyed going there.  It made me miss home. But then, I would be watching tv with my mom after dinner, and we would talk and laugh, and sometimes I would make her laugh so hard she would cry. That made the “feel below water” moments go away. Because I remembered the real reason I was there.

John Steinbeck quoted “you don’t take trips, trips take you”

But where… most of us look at traveling as a vacation, to let loose, do whatever you please. But when that option is taken away from you, what do you gain? After two months, of moments with my family that I will cherish forever, I can honestly say that this trip took my perspective and altered it a bit. I look at the freedom, liberties that I have here to make anything possible and can’t take them for granted. Every trip prior to this I have come back thinking how lucky I am to live where I do and to be able to do the things that I would like to do.

I remember my first time. It’s hard not to. I by no means am classified as a runner, by industry standards. I’ve never ran in a track meet. I joined track and field every spring in high school only to quit 3 weeks in after the pre-season workouts were over. To me those were the best. Partially because maybe I thought that I would not excel competitively but I also loved coming home, barely able to walk and laying in the bathtub for hours before dinner. I loved not being able to sit on the toilet because your legs were still on fire from may too many wall sits the afternoon prior. 

 I loved the training. Now looking back, I wished I had pushed myself through the season, I think I cut myself short because I was always looked at as the unathletic one. My sisters were great competitors and super smart on any field or court they set foot on. What I didn’t realize was that running may have required a different set of athletic skills that I think I possess. I started to run more and race after college, and I am really happy I did.

 But anyway... The first time. You know the first time you didn’t feel your legs, and your lungs seemed to expand beyond their capacity to take in every positive vibe around you and more importantly use that to elevate your head a little higher. Yes, I am talking about runners high. 

I remember mine like it was yesterday. and I dream about that feeling when I am pounding through a run that I so badly want to just stop and walk. My roommate and I had a good habit of running the large loop in Central Park on the weekends and it happened there. Right besides my good friend, in 60 degree weather on a sunny Saturday morning. You feel light, no pain, you are in a a constant state of moment and feel still all at the same time. They call it runners high, but you are very much grounded. Grounded with yourself, where you are in life and at that point you are truly present. 

This won't be a long one. But I want to highlight the background picture that sits here...

"Can we talk?"

"Let's catch up."

"I'm sorry"

."Let's meet"

"Congratulations!"

"I love you."

Coffee, food, flowers are always ingrained in some of the biggest moments of our lives, they stay in the backdrop in most cases of some moments we've worked years and years to obtain. These background breaths are not much different. They are living, breathing, beautiful things. While you are having coffee over a business meeting on a project you've worked on everyday for the past 10 years we never step back to think that although its taste, presence, and certainly price can be minimal, the work behind that cup of coffee can be just as complex as the project you are discussing. Or the years it took you to build the confidence to ask someone out, could be just like the years it took the flower farms to produce your doorbell gesture. 

Whatever the case may be, the growing, and harvesting of these fruits and flowers are just as magical as the moments they surround. 

Pictured:

This won't be a long one. But I want to highlight the background picture that sits here...

"Can we talk?"

"Let's catch up."

"I'm sorry"

."Let's meet"

"Congratulations!"

"I love you."

Coffee, food, flowers are always ingrained in some of the biggest moments of our lives, they stay in the backdrop in most cases of some moments we've worked years and years to obtain. These background breaths are not much different. They are living, breathing, beautiful things. While you are having coffee over a business meeting on a project you've worked on everyday for the past 10 years we never step back to think that although its taste, presence, and certainly price can be minimal, the work behind that cup of coffee can be just as complex as the project you are discussing. Or the years it took you to build the confidence to ask someone out, could be just like the years it took the flower farms to produce your doorbell gesture. 

Whatever the case may be, the growing, and harvesting of these fruits and flowers are just as magical as the moments they surround. 

Pictured: