Dear, Future Life Partner.

I say life partner - instead of husband, lover, etc. - not because it has anything to do with gender. But, because that is what I hope for in a marriage. My real-life, legal BFF.

Typing the word marriage makes me a little nauseated, tbh. Also, BFF. 

Yeah, sure, ideally it will be the kind of can't-keep-our-hands-off-each-other attraction, but that's an added value, I think. What it has to be is supportive. What it has to be is flexible, devoted, loyal, relentless. A steel bond of two people on the same team always working together to help each other.

So, as I go through my twenties and make a million dating mistakes, as EVERYONE has told me I will, (though I would rather just not date and skip that whole part, please?) I'm keeping things in mind that I do and don't want in my future life partner. I'm not saying that I'm holding every guy I meet up to a laundry list of "expectations." I just think it's good to keep what I want in mind.

Here goes.

The will and want to see the world. 
I love traveling. I haven't even gotten my first paycheck and I'm trying to plan a trip somewhere. I have a list of places I want to see and that list isn't going to get any shorter. I'll go by myself fearlessly, but I'd love to have someone I love to share it with. "She is too independent and wont care whether you travel with her or not."

Challenge me. Make me smarter.
I'm never going to stop wanting to learn. I think someone who can teach you is invaluable and someone to hold onto. I'm also going to need support when I want to try something new - because I will (just ask my mother). Never stop pushing me to be a smarter or better person.

Wit. Appreciation.
"Wit beyond measure is a man's greatest treasure." If you got that Harry Potter reference, you're probably fine for this one. A guy who is witty is way more attractive to me than so many other qualities. Wit = intelligence.

Next to wit, I really admire people with appreciation. That sound vague, but think about it. Appreciating the little things. Appreciation for food, art, a quiet night. Realizing how lucky you are. It's a pretty subjective definition, but absolutely recognizable.

Respect.
If you think what I like is silly, we should not be together. Think it's silly if you want, but never tell me it's dumb to believe in what I believe in or love what I love. If you do, remember that you're somewhere on that list. We are not going to love all of the same things and THANK GOD because if I married someone who loved to paint their nails and watch New Girl as much as I do, something would be seriously wrong. Do it for me and I'll [try to] do the same for you (I'm probably never going to love basketball, but it may grow on me).

[Side note] I recently read an article, written by a man/boy, about why he didn't want a girlfriend. One of his biggest reasons was that all of his friends were missing fun things (like sporting events) because their girlfriends were making them do things, like go shopping with them. I was so confused when I read that. Girls were willingly bringing their mopey boyfriend to the mall to do something he doesn't want to do? Girls were enjoying that? The guys weren't speaking up for themselves? I don't understand why you can't do your own thing and be okay for a few hours while the other person, like, LIVES THEIR LIFE.

Faith. 
Yes, ideally, I would like to find someone to help me in my own spiritual journey and someone that will make it easy to be rooted in and raise our family on the same values. But, I think you need to believe in something. It's hard for me to understand people that just respond with, "I don't know," instead of thinking about the big picture world around them. Always a complicated subject, but it doesn't have to be.

Space. 
We both need it. I think I may need it more. I need time to myself to recharge and do my own thing, just like you do. We have to love ourselves before we can love each other and without time independent from each other, we could lose sight of this.

The understanding that I really think jewelry is a cop out.
Unpopular opinion, I know. I'm not saying I don't like jewelry, I do. Buuuut -- I think guys buy girls jewelry because they don't know the girl well enough to get her what she really likes or wants. It's not about gifts, but be thoughtful and think about what the other person would really appreciate. (I feel the same way about flowers. If you truly know me, you'll know that I would MUCH rather have some chocolate.)

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As I'm going through life and dating, I'm figuring these things out. What I want. But more so what I don't want in a future life partner.

I have no idea who this person is, or if he even exists. Either way, I'm going to live my life the same and hope someone comes along to share some laughs with me.

To be continued...

My Top 8 to Eat in Amsterdam

For those who know me, it comes as no surprise that I ate as much as possible during my travels. I always made sure to do my research and choose the dishes that were most authentic to the place -- but sometimes cheated with some comfort food.

In just the four days we spent in Amsterdam, we sampled a little bit of everything in Dutch (well, Amsterdam dutch) cuisine. Here are the top things I recommend you try during your visit:

CHEESE

The dutch are known for their cheese and it's everywhere. We ventured into a cheese museum in downtown Amsterdam and got to sample plenty of different types of homemade cheeses. Gouda, goat, truffle oil, young, old and so many more.

Whether you go to this specific store or any others, I'm sure you'll find something to take home (these were specifically sealed to be airplane-travel approved). Also, if you need a little snack from walking up and down the beautiful canals, you can fill up on some cheese samples ;)

NACHO'S at HARLEM
I would be lying if I said we chose this restaurant for any other reason than it was directly across the street from our Hostel and we were all a little hangry from a long day of class/traveling.

Yeah, so this restaurant says it's a southern / soul food restaurant. Being from the south, I'm going to strongly argue with that claim and just label this dive a bar with THE most outstanding nachos I've ever eatien

BAM.

VISIT A DELI
Our second day in the city, we wandered into a small deli looking for a cheap, more authentic meal. We filed in line with other locals as they made their sandwich choices. Luckily, there were some attractive Dutch boys waiting in front of us that spoke english, so we asked what they would recommend and how we should order.

When you get to the counter, you simply tell the worker which kind of bread you would like and choose your toppings. They can go ahead and assembly your sandwich for you, or you can buy everything a la carte. At this deli, I chose a crab salad and a few ounces of "young" cheese. Other people in my group opted for salami and cheese. This lunch cost us less than 5 euro.

PANCAKES

These aren't your IHOP or Bisquick pancakes. They're so, so much better and I love that the dutch consider them a dinner. The most popular is the bacon and apple pancake, and we grabbed them at the place that claims to have "the best pancakes in town!"

With a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of syrup, they're perfect.

(Try also these: poffertjes.)

STROOPWAFELS

Again, NOT Waffle House. These are small, crunchy cookie-like waffles that are soaked in syrup. They're sold in grocery stores and at various store counters.

Or, at this market we found in Volendam.

POMMES FRITES
French fries are not just for the french. These fry stands are perfect for a late night snack after you've been out on the town. I was overwhelmed by the choice of sauces. Each stand has around 30 different sauces to choose from, so PLEASE don't get ketchup! My recommendation: garlic aioli.

HAGELSLAG
I thought my friend Ellen was crazy when she told me to sprinkle some of the "chocolate sprinkles" on my toast. Boy, was I wrong. This is delicious.

For more information, please see this "Stuff Dutch People Like" blog post.

BEER

No secret here, Meredith loves beer. And I try to drink locally when I travel -- it's part of the experience, right?

This windmill brewery is legit. Visit Brouwerij't IJ for some authentic local beer and people.

What'd I miss? More importantly, what do I need to eat when I go back?

You can see more pictures from my weekend in Amsterdam here and read about the full experience here.

Today I am thankful for Sunday mornings.

I have been dealing with not-so-great roommates since my move to Portland. Last night (this morning) around 3 am, two of them came home loudly yelling at each other despite their proximity, then continuing to yell into their phones on separate phone conversations. You could say I was frustrated having been woken up so inconveniently. (Say it.)

To continue, one roommate's alarm sounded at 7am and continued until 8 am, when I decided just to get out of bed. Two rude wakeup calls in a 4 hour period. 

After both times, I was angrily trying to devise my own loud rude wake up plan to disturb them from their precious slumber. 

Needless to say, I did not wake up in the greatest of moods this morning and decided to go for a morning walk. 

For me, Sunday mornings have always been about reflection, looking at and counting my blessings, relaxation and a chance to step back and look at the picture bigger than my little self. Cleansing. Like the sorbet of weekdays, if you will. 

Just like that, my mood did a 180. Revenge (no matter how petty and little as it is to return the rude favor of an abrupt wakeup) is no way to live your life. So today, I am thankful for my Sunday mornings. 

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I have not forgotten about this focus since I decided to take it on. Over the past 2 weeks, I have been thankful for support, opportunities, friends who seem to call right when I feel like I need someone to talk to, people's patience, earplugs (see above bit about roommates), my blanket and my mobility. Many more, of course. 

Today I am thankful for vanilla hazelnut coffee.

Don't mind me, I'm just challenging myself to recognize my blessings daily. And with the help of this blog, and my

Mother, holding myself accountable. 

Mom recently inspired me to take the "Choose one word" challenge this year. In lieu of New Year's resolutions, choosing a word to focus on throughout the year. While it has biblical implications, it's open for anyone to mold to their own beliefs and find a center of focus and self-reflection for the year. 

Today I temporarily moved to Portland, Oregon and start my first big girl job on Monday. While THAT in itself is a huge thing to be thankful for, it's important to recognize the little things our lives are blessed with that often get overlooked. 

So, today, I am thankful for this cup of Einstein Bros Vanilla Hazelnut coffee to warm and wake me up.