For the past few weeks, I've been working at the NIH as a writer and editor, helping to finish up the initial review process for the ARRA Challenge Grant applications.

I think I wrote earlier this summer that I like to keep busy and it was an adjustment to have a lot of unstructured time. That was an understatement.

Now that the craze of the assignment is over, I find myself in almost the same position as before, but-with a different, and much-welcomed, outlook.

In other words: yes, the experience was awesome, I loved getting things done and being productive in that measurable and easily quantifiable sense. Getting up early, having a routine, reading during my Metro commutes, picking up dinner and sundries on my way home, etc.

I've been 'off the clock' since Wednesday, as my work with them is finished. Everyone I worked with is happy and enjoying the lull. I am also enjoying this change, and feel like I've come full circle and a little more at peace with myself.

You see, sometimes I get so wrapped up in things that I lose perspective, the sense that things will be okay, and with that comes the loss of a little bit of self-confidence. If I had stepped out of myself, I probably wouldn't recognize me. It takes a combination of the honesty and love from good friends, and just some good old quality alone time for me to regain that perspective.

Those busy few weeks with the routine and the clearly delineated responsibilities? Just a shell, a thin and temporary covering while I rebuilt. The real value was never in those details outside of me. So this post is about self-love, and learning to love yourself unconditionally and in entirety. Your accomplishments, your strengths, your path and choices that are uniquely yours, your dreams and demons. Yes, even those demons, because without the struggle to overcome them, we wouldn't know or appreciate true victories. The ones worth holding on to. But enough of the introspection. I also want to share some small things (ok, most of them are small) from this summer that make me happy.

The first:




I did this in June. My rendition of the Sweet Williams in our front yard. They're one of my mom's favorites. Oil pastel and some fun-colored Sharpies. I gave this as a gift to a mentor.


Next:

I'll call this Pizza Viva L'Italia :)



Before it went in the oven. Whole wheat olive oil dough, spinach, onions, fresh mozzarella, red peppers.


Also in the kitchen:



The afterglow of Dorothy and Christopher's wedding (and of course the wedding itself!). The flowers are from the bridesmaid bouquet. Mom put them in the vases that evening. The next morning, while passing by, I was struck by the colors and how well the oranges paired with the creamy flowers. The light from the window made them glow. Perfect photo op.

Side note: I'm not terribly superstitious, but I love finding meaning and symbolism. When taking this photo I felt as though it was a very good sign. You see, orange blossoms in ancient China represented all the facets of a blissful marriage :)


And:

I am thoroughly regretting not having my camera with me in DC. Otherwise I'd show you the tree-lined Harvard St in the evening sun, gorgeous light filtering through thousands and thousands of green leaves and a little bit of mist, the break in the trees where you can see the sunset fires. Mind picture?


'Real' picture:




The Ontario, a fabulous Beaux-Arts apartment building near where I am staying. Photo courtesy of the coop's website (hence, the snow..:)

My hostess's dog always moseys here during our walks. He admires the flowers, I admire the architecture. It's a good compromise.


Also:



(Photo courtesy of www.planet-rcs.de/)

Caipirinhas. And cocktails with limes in general :)


Walks and runs in the National Zoo. Again, no photos, just enjoyment, sun and fun.


Can't forget:



DDLJ and Bollywood movies in general. Otherwise known as falling in love over and over again. Can you ask for better from entertainment?


Retail triumphs:

-Learning that a friend hadn't yet received an item from her wedding registry, which she really, really wanted (it was really expensive). And then finding that item for an incredible kill and having it delivered to her :D

-Scoring a gorgeous and comfy (rare combination) pair of sandals for a tiny fraction of the original price. For me :)


Finally:

Reading for leisure. Books, blogs, newspapers/magazines. Recommend A Thousand Splendid Suns, and Rushdie's Enchantress of Florence. My favorite food blogs are listed below. Beautiful photographs, enticing recipes, and you come away from them feeling inspired to try new things.

http://www.chezpim.com/blogs/

She's gained renown and many followers. This one is really top-notch. Thai food lovers take note.

http://aapplemint.com/

This girl is very talented at what she does. She writes on her blog that she dreams of opening her own restaurant. I am sure she'll be a big hit. Beautiful food, and Indian food recipes!

http://foodrulesyousuck.blogspot.com/

A friend from my college days. Chris is a talented cook and has his own brand of humor. He takes great care in the food he prepares, and it's always fun to read of his adventures.



That's all! Being able to update properly makes me happy too. But now it's time for lunch. And to get off of my computer. By the way, no perspective was harmed in the making of this post, except for maybe my long-distance vision.