How to Become Your Own Boss (When You Are a Special Snowflake Named Bao)

Dear lovies,

Yes, today you are lovies, because after all isn't it the month of love?

Don't judge me too harshly for totally buying into the Valentine's vibes. It's also Black History Month here in the states, so there might be love vibes for me from that, too, to be honest and true n_n

I know there are reasons to celebrate every day, not just one designated span of time, but I still honor the titles and significance we collectively bequeath days and months. The fact alone that certain ideals deserve at least a day for us all, in our communities, to hold and share their significance is pretty great don't you think?

Anyhoo, today I wanted to share something more personal with you, about the work I did internally to reach the decision to quit my job. When I shared the news with you, I spoke in a lot of generalities about my reasons why, and that's not what I want for us, to remain always on a level of platitudes and generalities. Also, I think the possibility exists to spark compassion and insight in others by sharing my own story of working towards compassion and insight with myself.

So, I don't know how to begin other than by beginning... here is some of the work that I did to reach where I am today, broken down into steps the best that I could manage.

Coffee Saturday

Hello my dear friends :)

Max and I spent Saturday together playing around with our camera and gambling a little in Blackhawk, in the mountains. Max really wanted to drive his new sports car around, so the trip up to the mountains was more to break his car in than to go up to gamble.

These pictures were taken in Metropolis coffee, in the Broadway neighborhood, where there's a mix of cool, anti-establishment coffee shops, bookstores, tattoo parlors, gift shops, and a collection of cute boutiques and hip secondhand stores. We limited ourselves to just coffee for our visit, though.

I really wanted to showcase my rings, which I have been wearing every day. The chunkier ring is from David Yurman. Max bought it for me last year off of eBay, because I really wanted that style ring. I absolutely adore the mixed metal. I'm also wearing my new WWAKE ring, which I purchased as a promise ring to myself recently. It has three different types of stones, including a tiny hidden diamond, just for me, facing my palm. Both rings carry a lot of meaning for me.

Jewelry is so beautifully intimate, it feels very loving to have at least a couple of pieces which anchor you in yourself. These two rings serve that function for me :)

Hope you are enjoying your Sunday, my lovelies! Please read more for outfit (and lipstick) details n_n

love,

Bao