Sealicious

p.s., i was totally THAT girl

You know, the one who dresses as a princess EVERY YEAR?!

Not that I think I'm all cool sh*t now, but it kind of surprises me . . . although my love for glitter, false eyelashes, and sequins could be lasting vestiges of those times

 

taking back my life

As I've written before in this space, I've been desperately searching for a new job for way too long and things were getting ugly. I requested to reduce my hours at my current job and am so thankful that they were supportive of my decision. I am looking forward to seeing Jeff more than 2 half-days a week, and being able to really focus on two online classes I'm taking - website design and grant writing. I already feel SO MUCH better and am looking forward to being able to spend more of my days the way I'd like.

I am not proud that it took me almost having a mental breakdown and feeling like I had no other option to make a decision that is obviously very necessary. Of course the main reason I didn't ask for reduced hours sooner is because we can't  afford it - but I am looking for a flexible job with part time hours to try to make up some of the difference. I have spent way too long feeling like I had no control over my life, frustrated that I was spending over 1/3 of my waking hours in a situation that made me miserable. I've come up with alot of ideas and plans for a way to spend my days that would make me happier - I think having a few extra hours each week to launch them will make all the difference. I have applied to several jobs that I would very much enjoy, but none of them worked out. I'm taking this is a sign that I should finally try out having my own business (or something), I think that's what I've really wanted all along.

I am very much looking forward to taking back my life.

 

*summer break*

Hello Everyone (Anyone) Out There,

There has been something I have wanted to write about here for so long, but I knew it probably wasn't appropriate to do so (and I couldn't find the best words). I have been desperately searching for a new job for over a year now. I used to feel guilty complaining about my job - especially when I know I'm lucky to have one at all in this economy, and especially when I know that I have a wonderful life outside of work.

But my job, and the way it made me feel about myself and my future career plans was starting to take a toll on my mental health. I recently got SO CLOSE to scoring an amazing position, but found out a few days ago that I was the runner up, not the chosen candidate. I was devastated and in the few days it took me to get over it, I realized that I've been putting too many areas of my life on hold while I wait for a new work opportunity to come along. It's really hard for me to not drive myself crazy trying to get a "dream job" when I feel like I've worked so hard throughout school and have always wanted a career that I loved so much it was a big part of who I was.

My favorite blogs are the ones that show an intimate glimpse into other people's lives, and their views of the world. I know alot of bloggers write solely for themselves, to cultivate gratitude for the little things in life.  In my bio, I wrote that I started this blog to "document my days and remind me to slow down and enjoy whatever happens." Through writing Sealicious, I've realized that blogging about a special dinner I make for friends, or a day trip I take does actually makes me experience those things more fully. I still want that to be the main focus of this little corner of the web.  I just need to take some time to figure out how to use and organize this place so it better reflects my world, or at least my attempts at crafting a peaceful and beautiful life for myself.

I plan to take the rest of the summer to figure out how to do this, but I might be back sooner. One thing I know will not change upon my return is the gratuituous photos of the beautiful and unique places I visit.

I hope you have an awesome summer, and I hope to see you on the other side :)

Caitlin

 

Sailing to Nantucket

Ever since I was young, I've had a secret part of me that was always a bit . . .WASPirational. Yes, I just made that word up but it fits. When my mom would take me on Ocean Drive in Newport, past all of the famous summer "cottages" I would drool over their gorgeousness, thinking that maybe if I played my cards right  (e.g. won the lottery) I could end up in a house like that wearing tennis whites and expensive jewelry.

I've been to a few of those historic houses, and learned the history of their distinguished former owners. I've catered at parties thrown by very wealthy people and I know now that having that kind of money doesn't automatically make your life better. I think I'm having more fun on the outside, occasionally looking in and daydreaming about living that lifestyle. But I admit I still fawn over vintage photos of the Kennedys and portraits by Slim Aarons.

 

 
*image by Toni Frissel, from here

 

 
*photo by Slim Aarons

So imagine my delight when I was invited to participate in a yacht race to Nantucket for a bachelorette party!

I've been using the phrase "I'm sorry, but I can't attend your Memorial Day Party,  I'm sailing on a yacht to Nantucket this weekend" as much as possible because I doubt I'll ever be able to say it again.  I've never been to Nantucket and I'm so excited to finally see it. We might rent bikes and cruise around the island once we arrive - I'd be in heaven.

I've put together a fantasy wardrobe for my Nantucket sailing weekend. In actuality, I will probably be wearing much more practical clothes like rain pants, Keens, and a dorky sunhat so I don't return looking like a lobster.

 

Sail to Nantucket by sealicious featuring platform heels

this moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. - Soulemama

 
 

Okay, so this isn't a really a "moment" per se, but I couldn't resist sharing this adorable picture Jeff sent me while I was away.

I just couldn't get my act together this week but I promise to share my West coast trip photos next week.

Have a great weekend!

 

I should be packing . . .

not blogging, but I realized I forgot to mention that this space will be even quieter than normal over the next week and a half.

I'm headed to Portland Oregon, and San Diego, CA.

I've never been to Portland, I have a feeling I'm going to fall in love with it and never want to leave. I've read about so many amazing shops, restaurants and farms in that town, but because the purpose of my visit is to see a dear friend, and I'll only be there for a few days, I've refrained from making any lists of must-see places. I know she'll show me some amazing stuff.

I somehow managed to extend my mini-vacation into a "working vacation" and will fly from Portland to San Diego to attend the International Sea Turtle Symposium.  It's an amazing conference, and I can't wait to catch up with some friends from graduate school.

I'm sure I'll have a gazillion photos to share when I return.

 

 

this guy

This guy. This guy right here. He's always surprising me.

 

Like how yesterday, he turned out to NOT have to work afterall, and I came home to these beautiful flowers in a vintage tin from our wedding florist.

 
Because I thought he was working, I had made plans (that I was very much looking forward to) to hang out with two girlfriends and indulge in a decadent chocolatefest. So, we all partook. Leftover chocolate Guinness Cake, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate molten lava cakes, chocolate crinkle cookies . . . it was ridiculous. I had purchased cherry-flavored alcoholic whipped cream as a surprise ingredient to top the molten lava cakes with, but I mistakenly put the can in the fridge and ruined it. Cue sad trombone sound effect.

I hope you also had a happy Monday.

 

he's home!

 

Phew ! ! !

 

feel better soon Falkor

 

Our furbaby gave us quite a scare.

He was sick all last night, prompting an early morning visit to the vet and emergency surgery. We thought he'd eaten something (half of one of his toys is suspiciously missing), but the vet said he couldn't find anything in his stomach or digestive track once he opened him up. We are both exhausted due to lack of sleep and are still a bit in shock, but I think he's going be to OK.

I learned three things from this ordeal . . .

1. No more soft, cuddly toys for Falkor. EVER. Even if they are ecofriendly and shaped like adorable penguins, lobsters, or dolphins.

2. Jeff would make a great dad (he slept on the couch with the dog all night).

3. My ears are acutely attuned the noise of anyone (or anything) wretching, even if I'm dead asleep -  maybe that would help make me a good mom too.