Holy Nerves

Being in sunny Florida, I should be relaxing enjoying my vacation; however I have a million thoughts running through my head- my nerves are getting the better of me. I have a big show for work, my "childhood" home has sold and we are moving this week, my birthday is around the corner, and I am making changes in my life; somehow it all seems to be happening at the same time. 

Normally my stress/nerves reliever would be chocolate but not these days, these days I am running. I am running because I am determined to run the Rock n Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon on Dec 3, 2012. I need to run a few 5k's before I can register for this race. So hopefully once these crazy few weeks are behind me I can map out what 5k's I want to run. Here is to writing it down, and holding myself accountable for my actions here on out. 

Since I have been on vacation and eating out for dinner, I have been having salads, chicken and avocado sandwich, and soups. When I get home I will be cleaning out my fridge, reading healthy life-style blogs, finding recipes I would love to cook and making it a priority. If I don't take care of myself, then who will- No one. 

For some people, battling nerves is easy, for me I need to work on it. I need to take each nerve and fix them one by one. So from here on out I will share journal posts on how I am getting over my nerves. 

Ahh we move on Thursday- it feels so weird I keep telling my sister, who keeps reminding me I am not moving back home so why does it bother me. It doesn't bother me, I'm just sad as that was the last place filled with memories of my mom. I know I will always have the memories, it just will take time to get over. 

Travel Celebrate Travel

Not being sure if what direction this blog was going I decided to take a mini hiatus. I decided I was going to focus on myself and see what path I was headed for. I still have no idea what it is I want or where I want to be; however I do know that I enjoy writing more and more each day. Recently I purchased this leather journal from Anthropologie and placed it my everyday purse so that I could write everything from my feelings to inspirations.

With that said, this journal started with my trip to Las Vegas for work this past week for the WPPI show. With a team of about 15 people we spent three days at the MGM convention center. The outfits, the creativeness, and the all around wonderful people were a great way to start off my first real journal. Staying at the Excalibur was interesting as well as this is one of the more "kid-friendly" hotels. With days filled with work and nights filled with team dinners, there really was no time to explore, which I am fine with as this wasn't my first time to Las Vegas and nor will it be my last.

Tuesday night we attended a team dinner at Kimchi Korean BBQ. Having never been there before and never eating Korean BBQ before I was in for a surprise. Lately, I have been more and more open to trying new cuisines which brings me to the pictures of what the meal consisted of. I was lucky to sit with three other experienced people who guided me in the right direction.

I will say that I did enjoy my meal and enjoyed the evening with my great team!

With a red-eye home last night I knew there was no chance of me going into the office today, so I took it easy today, answering a few important emails, a one mile run, and catching up on my DVR. It will be an early night to bed.

Next up, in the order below is:

A Wedding ( Sunday Night)
A work trip to Seattle ( Wed-Sun)
A mini vacation with my sister to visit Grandma in Florida ( Thurs-Tues)

Then shortly after I will celebrate my 25th Birthday on Saturday, April 7th. For those who celebrate Passover, yes I know my birthday is the first night of Seder, however I am OK with that, because I will be with my family, the most important people in my life. Recently I have been reflecting back on the past 25 years and I have to say, they were great, but i am more excited about the next chapter! (Saving the reflection for another post)

With my mini break from blogging and my crazy schedule coming up I will be sure to keep this updated as much as possible, as I really do enjoy writing even if no one reads this.

Wishing everyone a great weekend!

We Have A Winner!

Yesterday my father mentioned going to visit my uncle in Northern Virginia as he was there post surgery. He decided we would leave early this morning stay a few hours and head home as we both have prior commitments for the weekend. I was excited to see my uncle as I missed the last trip down there. I brought my camera to show pictures of the newest addition to our family, Blake Anthony Smith (cousin). 

As we drove I talked about my discouragement in finding a dress for a few functions I have coming up over the next few months. I spent all last weekend looking and was very unsuccessful. As we got closer to my family I realized there was a Nordstrom right there in Tyson's Corner. Now to only get my dad on board to stop I knew I had another thing coming; however he agreed without an argument (still a little shocked). 

We spent about two hours visiting with my aunt and uncle, sharing pictures, talking about recovery, and just having a nice lunch with them. He looked great and is getting stronger everyday. I love them to death and are very lucky to have them in my life!

Next stop was the mall and I was determined to find a dress. As for which department store to hit first, we decided to start at Nordstrom. After a few failed attempts this dress happened to make it into the fitting room. The moment I stepped in I knew it was the right dress for me. You may have heard the brand; Twobirds. The unique aspect of this dress is that it can be worn over 15 + ways, which makes it a great dress to have when attending multiple functions. We experimented with a few ways, and no I won't tell you what the color is, which way I am wearing it to the first wedding, or the length, You will have to wait to see pictures in a later post. I am super excited about this dress and can't wait to see myself in pictures!

Which would be your favorite color?

Chanukah 2011

We had a fabulous Chanukah this year hosted by my cousin! Each year she decorates the house for both Chanukah & Christmas and it always looks like pictures out of magazines. She has amazing taste and always out does the year the before. This year was nothing shy of amazing. I will try and post pictures at a later date. 

The one picture of the night that I must post is the one below with my sister and Markie ( the cutest cousin ever)! On Thanksgiving we gave him a Toy's R Us catalog and asked him what he wanted for Chanukah. My sister and I would purchase him a big gift this year! He opened and immediately pointed to the Home Depot Work Bench saying "this pweese" all night long. We knew this would be his gift and off my sister went on a mission to purchase the big present. This past Friday night we gave it to him and he couldn't be more happy! The smile on his face tells it all and he is very excited to use it in the upcoming year with his dad, who I might add is the handiest person I know. (Sorry dad, Mark wins by a landslide)

Hope everyone had a Happy Chanukah & Merry Christmas!

Mary Poppins & Giving Back

I absolutely love New York City during the holiday season. Skating at Rockefeller Center, the shops at Bryant Park, the decorated windows at the department stores; it is all so magical. The holidays to me are meant to spend time with friends and family. It's not about the presents to me, it's more about giving to those less fortunate.

Last night I saw Mary Poppins on Broadway with a large crew! First stop was dinner, Market on the West Side, approximately 3 blocks north of my office. I have past if before, but never really noticed it. My dad pointed it out so we said why not. My dish was delicious.

Mark & Bean(Emma)

After dinner we headed over the to theatre located in the heart of Times Square. Seeing the tourists and everyone enjoy the city I call home was great.

I never actually saw the Mary Poppins movie; therefore I had no idea what to expect. It was by far one of my favorite Broadway shows to date. The singing, dancing, and set was spectacular.

It was a great evening with family and friends!

This am I was up early and at the soup kitchen around the corner from my by 6:30am. I am fortunate to live in a wonderful city, have a roof over my head, have food on the table, have a job, etc. There are so many people less fortunate than me that giving back puts a smile not only on their face, but mine as well. We served breakfast this morning and I will be serving dinner two nights this week! Having the kitchen around the corner is great.

I am looking forward to dinner tonight with great friends!



Weekend Winter Wonderland- Great Weather

Sure this time of the year is known for snow and cold harsh weather;however that was not the case this past weekend- it was completely opposite with nice crisp fall weather. This meant spending as much time outdoors as possible. I enjoyed a weekend filled with great friends and wonderful family.

Friday night I headed back home(NJ) for the night to have a Shabbat dinner with a very close family friend who was visiting from Israel. She made the move back in Feb and this was her first time back since that move. It was wonderful to catch up with her, hear all about her new life. I am looking forward to my trip to Israel this Feb/March and seeing her in her territory.

Saturday was here before I knew it. Back to city to enjoy the afternoon with friends; shopping for the holidays and enjoying lunch by Union Square. After lunch we went our separate ways and I decided to do some more holiday shopping and walk home.
The Union Square Holiday Market is a "must-see". There were some great shops such as these:

The next stop of my walking tour back home was Lord & Taylor a place where my mom and I would shop often. She loved to see the windows and celebrate the season looking at the windows and the tree at Rockefeller Center. So I paid tribute to my mom by viewing the windows and raiding the racks; just for fun-No purchase necessary.

While walking along 5th Avenue I found myself drawn to the choir that was on the steps of the New York Public Library. They were simply amazing and a joy to listen to.

I found myself taking photos of decorated trees in front of the many office buildings on Madison & Park Avenue. I won't bore you with all the tree's but I believe I took about 50+ photos.

Sunday started early with a 10am trip down to the East Village to visit friends who just moved in on St. Marks Place. We decided to stop at the apartment first and then it was off to brunch with our closest friends. Oops I can't remember the name of the Jazz place but it was amazing! As brunch ended I asked Abby to join me on a quick trip to Bloomingdale's to purchase a tree ornament for a family friend's holiday party we will be attending in a few weeks. After that it was a quick walk home; a change and out the door to run in Central Park. I never thought I would say this, but I enjoy running. I am looking forward to my first half marathon in Las Vegas next December, and can't wait to run some 5k's in the meantime.

Every good weekend comes to an end, and I am looking forward to this week. Tuesday night I will attend my Alumni Reception at Dylan's Candy Bar which I have helped organize.

Enjoy the holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving

Things I'm Thankful For this Thanksgiving:

• Family- we are extremely close and when we are all together it's like on big party, lots of food cooked by my aunt & tons of wine consumed.
• Friends- I have 5 close friends; some from childhood, some from college, and some from sleep away camp. They are my right and left hands and any time we spend together is always fun.
• A roof over my head- Sure I live in Manhattan and work there; it can sometimes seem like alot, but with support from my family I am thankful to live in a city millions call "the city that never sleeps"
• My Health- At the moment I am very healthy, minus a few stomach problems that will hopefully be figured out within the next month. I am even thankful that I will be running the Las Vegas Half Marathon next December(a year away, I know) with my dad!

Thinking about: In just  a few short hours my family will be all together to celebrate Thanksgiving- plenty of food will be inhaled, we will consume large amounts of wine & beer, and we will tell stories of family vacations we have been on together!!

Anticipating: A glass of wine and my aunts amazing Mac N Cheese

Listening to: The “Band Perry” station on Pandora (which is awesome)

Drinking: Dunkin Donuts Iced French Vanilla Coffee w/ milk +1 Splenda


Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

What are you thankful for?

A Thankful Weekend

With a great weekend behind me I am enjoying this evening watching the Giants/Eagles game with my dad.

Yesterday was my sister's 20th Birthday, which meant family dinner at the restaurant of her choice: Carrabba's Italian Grill. After spending the night out on Long Island for class she was happy to see us and of course open her gifts!! Look at that smile below.

 Happy 20th Birthday Bean!!

Today I met up with my Kristen & her BF Matt for breakfast as we haven't seen each other in a while. We have been friends for years and she is always someone I know I can talk to when I need something. Today was no different and she even managed to surprise me with such a meaningful gift. As many of you know my friends and family walk in memory of my mom; "May the Schwartz Be With You" is our team name. Take a look at this amazing gift she gave me:

What a great shirt- especially since I have decided to train for the 2012 Las Vegas Half Marathon with my dad next year.

Overall I am very thankful for my family & friends.

What are you thankful for?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Do you know October is? Well from my title I bet you figured it out; Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a very important month for me as many of you know I lost my mother to Breast Cancer June 2010.

There are so many organizations that sell products and donate the proceeds to different organizations. The NYC PR Girls list some great companies that give back.  I would highly recommend your check out there blog.

My family every year gets together for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in NYC. Last year was the first year we made a team in honor of my mother, "May the Schwartz Be With You". Her strength and courage where felt by all who joined us in the park or who made a donation. We set out to raise $2500 and are currently at $1759. If you would like to donate, even a dollar will make a difference please donate here. We appreciate any and all donations!



Everyone please if I make one request, please make sure to have your annual check-ups. No one is two young or old, healthy or sick to be affected. Don't be another statistic!

Happy Fall!!

L'Shana Tova (for a good year)

This past Thursday & Friday I celebrated the Jewish New Year ( Rosh Hashanah) with my family in New Jersey. My grandmother flew up from warm, sunny Florida to be with us for two weeks to celebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur ( Day of Atonement) which takes place next weekend. Two days spent in temple to pray followed by "enough food to feed an army" made by my wonderful Aunt!! We actually made it three meals since we had more than enough food!! 


The menu consisted of: 
~ Brisket
~Matzoh Ball Soup
~ Chicken
~Noodle Kugel
~ Knish
~Challah
~ Vegetables
~and the most amazing dessert Macaroons!!


Usually after the first day of Rosh Hashanah we then partake in the Tashlikh ceremony, however since no one could move after such a feast it was decided we would each do it at our convenience during the week, making sure we do it before Yom Kippur.  
               Prayers are recited near natural flowing water, and one's sins are symbolically cast into the  water. Many also have the custom to throw bread or pebbles into the water, to symbolize the "casting off" of sins.


I plan to throw my sins in the East River this week while out for my run one night..and will post then. 


I have enjoyed my time home, spending time with my family and remembering what is most important in life. 


Wishing all those who celebrate a Happy & Healthy New Year!
~ Tracy

Earthquake, What Earthquake?

Big Family Vacation:
Welcome back to reality, ugh really. Every vacation must come to an end and after driving home late last night to NJ and traveling into work today I am back in my apartment in NYC. Back in time to prepare for Hurricane Irene, the GRE's which I take Saturday & busy season at work. Where was I when the 5.8 earthquake hit Mineral, VA you ask I was swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, to be exact Bethany Beach, DE where I was on vacation with my family. Yes they are still down there, however Hurricane Irene decided they didn't deserve a week of sun,beach & fun and they will be heading back over the next two days. Big waves were a shock but the first call to see if we were OK was even more of a shock since we didn't know that it was actually an earthquake and not just huge waves.

Anyway back to my 4 day vacation on Bethany Beach, DE:

Sat-Tues day: Beach All Day; Family All Night

Emma(sister) & Mark (Sister's B)

Dinner @ Twinings Lobster Shanty

Quahog & Scallop Chowdah

Middle Neck Clams

Shanty Lobster and Avocado
(1/2 Chilled Lobster, Fresh Guacamole, Creamy Lemon Zest Dressing on a Bed of Greens)

Emma(Sister) & Me

Dad & His Two Girls

(we miss and love you mom)

Dad & Cousin Mark Aiden

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Small, Medium, Large Mark's

(Baby Cousin, Sister's BF, Cousin)

Boardwalk- No surprise there

Cherish every moment with family as they are here to stay!! My family are my biggest supporters, best friends, and people I count on everyday!!

Prioritize?

Have you ever took time to prioritize your schedule; whether it be for work, or school, or taking care of your family?

What I week I had with some Big Changes, I firmly believe that changes are good and bring new opportunities one wouldn't have seen before if we were following the same routine.

Even though I only worked 4 days this week, my company was closed Tuesday for a holiday( Tish A Bv). On Monday an hour before closing I found out who my new manager would be starting tomorrow. With no time to communicate we left that for Wednesday. Being off Tuesday threw my off and my Wednesday was just a constant run around, all while transitioning through managers and that continued Thursday & Friday. Tomorrow we start fresh and I am ready to see where it will take us!

Tuesday my father and I spent most of the day together which is rare as we both are on different schedules, so I knew I wanted to cherish every minute spent. Family is extremely important to me, so any time we get to spend together whether with my aunts, or cousins I jump at the opportunity. First thing was first, we started to clean out our house, as my dad will be the only one living in it come the end of August, as my sister is off to Rutgers( living on campus).

Second stop was to drop of Pop Tabs at our local Ronald McDonald House in Long Branch, New Jersey. We started early on when my mom was introduced to the program. She collected from individuals, schools, and even our sleep away camp. It is the easiest way to give back, just save your tabs off soda cans, beer cans, tuna fish cans, etc save them and drop them at a local Ronald McDonald House.

Next stop was Second Life Bikes a place where I can bet we will find my dad one day volunteering his time. If you ever find yourself in Asbury Park, NJ you should drop by. We dropped off a brand new, great condition bike, a rare thing to find at the organization as they refurbish bikes; ones found at the bottom of lakes, on the side of the road, or even in back of dumpster truck. Here is what I saw when I walked in:

Our last stop of the day was Chipotle for lunch. We ordered it to go, bringing home my sister a burrito as well.

Spending the day with my dad was exactly what I needed and I am really glad we were able to. Wednesday we were back at work and I knew the next two and a half days would be a whirlwind, but a good whirlwind.

As for the weekend it was amazing, but will be another post! So Stay Tuned!!