Last weekend I met my friend J for dinner. While eating delicious Italian cuisine and discussing men, food, movies, friends, family and gossip, J mentioned that her friend recently moved to Qatar.

I cleared my throat in utter shock. “I’m sorry, did you say QATAR?”

“Yep, Qatar.”

J proceeds to tell me this enchanting story of how her friend was sent to work on an architectural project in Qatar and met the man of her dreams. Over the period of several months, she met and fell in love with an Irish lad also working in architecture in Qatar.

Minor detail: he lives there permanently.

So what does J’s friend do? SHE MOVES TO QATAR.

She came back to the U.S., packed up her stuff, moved to Qatar and they are now engaged to be married.

In an Irish castle.

You see the thing that I can’t get over (besides the fact that she’s going to be married in an Irish castle–clearly, I’m jealous) is the fact that she moved to Qatar permanently. If I came home one day and was like, “Hey family, I’m moving to Qatar,” my family would immediately lock me in a room. Sure, parents are crazy but the thought of moving to Qatar also sounds a little bit crazy. So I wouldn’t necessarily blame them for this kind of reaction.

And yes, I know people move all the time for love.

It’s common, I know. Job transfer, graduate school, armed forces, new adventures… I get it. I’d move to a new city or state, move halfway across the country and maybe even consider Canada (that’s a bit of a stretch) but I can safely say I probably wouldn’t ever consider moving to Qatar. I’m not talking about a study abroad program or a little travel… I’m talking about moving my entire life.

Plus, I like wearing shorts and skirts. I like tank tops and sleeveless dresses. I like being able to live in an affordable apartment (in Qatar, her’s is $2,000/month). I like being able to drive down the road or take a short flight to see my family and friends. I’m totally up for living in new places–heck, you only live once–but this whole Qatar concept just baffles me.

Would you do this? Would you move to Qatar for love? Would you pick up your entire life? Would you even hesitate?

And don’t let the whole Irish castle thing sway you… I know, it sounds pretty fabulous.

- L

My friend Megan has a “Keep Calm and Carry On” framed poster–a saying that’s now pretty popular. When she bought it, I hadn’t ever seen or heard the phrase before but instantly loved it because it’s SO TRUE and something I need to tell myself on a regular basis.

Then this morning I came across the Keep Calm Gallery and fell in l-o-v-e. Here are some of the items I’m drooling over.

These little posters are perfect inspiration. Am I right? Clearly I’m not the only one who needs these reminders or else they wouldn’t be mass producing them. How many times has someone told you “don’t sweat the small stuff” or “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”… In my case, TOO MANY TO COUNT.

Now, we can hang these up around our office, home or wherever our little hearts desire.

Remember–take things as they come, keep it simple, drink wine with dinner and be okay with failing every once in a while.

- L

I absolutely adore fashionista Carrie Bradshaw, the feisty Meredith Grey, the ridiculous Michael Scott and FBI Special Agent Mark Benford but lately, all of my TV attention has gone to one show: PARENTHOOD.

If you aren’t already watching it, go to hulu right now and watch the last episode, or two or three. I’m telling you–you’ll love it. Why?

It’s real.

The family. The smiles. The problems. The arguments. The love. The issues. The scenarios. The hate. The serious talks. The laughter. The questions. The tears. It’s ALL REAL.

Two parents have four kids, who all have kids of their own. The whole family lives in the same town and everyone’s always meddling in every family member’s business–and always offering advice (whether solicited or not). It’s honest and takes a deeper look into the reality of family life than any reality show on TV–the funny part is, this isn’t a reality show at all–it’s completely scripted.

Yeah, it’s just five episodes in and I’m already 100% hooked. And while I desperately wish I was getting paid for this endorsement… (heck, I love this show so much I’ll do it for free)…

WATCH PARENTHOOD ON NBC – TUESDAYS 10/9C <– Trust me, you’re life won’t be complete without it.

And if you STILL aren’t convinced this is the show for you, it has Lauren Graham (aka Lorelai Gilmore) and Craig T. Nelson (aka Coach Hayden Fox) in it. Mmm hmm, that’s right. COACH.

- L