As Fall 2014 officially begins September 22, 2014, I am saying my official goodbye to summer. I am three weeks early, but who is counting?

Summer 2014 bought many memories and lessons that I will never forget. My favorite moments were from going to Atlantic City with my boyfriend to going to Spa Castle with my best friend and spending time with my family. There were some down times too… as i’m composing this post, I am still sick from Asthmatic Bronchitis which sucks! Although i’m not yet 100%, that is not going to keep me from writing.

Here are some of the lessons I learned during Summer 2014:

1. Always Make Time For What You Love: This summer, I decided that I will have as much fun as I can. If that meant not seeing certain people or leaving work at exactly 5:30 PM, then let it so be it. One of the worse things I believe I can do is just let time go by. I’m definitely not into the whole wake up, go to work, go back home routine. That’s just not me. I need time with my friends, time with myself. I spent a lot of time in Union Square (my favorite place in the world!), walking in the park, and buying the best organic chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies! I haven’t done that in years! The best feeling was writing in my journal, soaking in the sun and getting that awesome tan!

2. Be With Your Friends: As much as I love my boyfriend, I had to spend time with my friends too! My girlfriends are the sisters I am never going to have. They mean the world to me! Even if I saw them for a couple of hours, that made me really happy. I’m happy I got to go to many places with them this summer. We went from China Town, to Central Park, to the Frying Pan restaurant and the Dairy Queen. I have to say this… if it weren’t for my friends, I wouldn’t have discovered BOKA. BOKA is a kickass restaurant in St. Marks (near Astor Place), downtown NY. They make the best Korean fried chicken I’ve ever had! And their vegetable fried rice is divine! It’s a great feeling to know that when things get rough, I know I can count on my friends. We all talk and bs and have fun!

3. Leave The Drama: We all have things going on in our lives. With that being said, I do not have the time nor the patience to deal with pettiness and drama. Unfortunately, I’m not talking to some people at the moment. It is not because I don’t love them. I do 100%… it is because there are so many Facebook statuses and gossips I can deal with. I’ve been doing so many great things this year and I don’t need people to spoil that for me. So rather than stress these people, i would rather not deal with them right now. 

4. Celebrate & Speak Up!: My favorite moment of this summer was celebrating my third year anniversary with my boyfriend in Atlantic City, NJ. At first, I was hesitant because I knew work was going to be chaotic and I thought it would be really expensive. But let me tell you something, by planning over a month ahead of time, my boyfriend and I got a really good deal through Groupon. I spent a little extra time at work so I could have my commitments done. When it comes to you and your happiness, you cannot be afraid to speak up and ask for vacation time. After all, it’s yours to use! 

I cannot wait for what Fall 2014 has to offer. I’m looking forward to walking in the city with just a sweater and a mint hot chocolate in hand. 

I hope you all have had a great summer!

Till next time!

—Stelly 

P.S.: Here are some of my favorite pics that I took throughout the summer. Enjoy!