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I typically feel grateful and lucky each day about my life. Not necessarily all day every day, but at least once a day I think to myself "Wow. My life is pretty awesome."
I pretty much felt this way all week until my Purdue memories came creeping back. One of my best friends came down for a visit. She was at one time the roommate of another best friend who lives in Tampa, so the three of us made sure to spend plenty of time together. And let me tell you: I don't laugh as hard as I did this week except with my sister.
These two phenomenal women came to my apartment last weekend and we shopped, ate key lime pie, watched The Hills, and just hung out. The crazy things we talked about had us keeled over in laughter. Then our visitor and I went to Tampa to have dinner with the third musketeer on Thursday. Between my shoe getting caught on the deck at Bahama Breeze and our crazy waiter who lingered too long in silence before saying anything, we were in tears of laughter on the drive home. Then, the visitor and I said goodbye. It was almost tearful and I couldn't figure out why. Brief background on this visitor: she became my rock after a difficult break-up and we've basically been BFF ever since. We even traveled Europe together. So, as I was driving home from dropping her off and wishing her well on her travels back to Indiana, all these memories came rushing back. I realized I missed the convenience of having my best friends a few blocks away. This turned into missing my family who is normally 20 minutes away. Then it was missing the comfort of all things familiar in Lafayette, IN: something I thought I would NEVER say. So what could I do to get myself out of this sadness? Move closer to my family? Make all my friends move back to Purdue?
Nope. As much as I've known my life has changed (just by 1,000 miles or so), it took having two best friends within a 60-mile radius for me to realize that ALL our lives are changing. Every day. There's not a whole lot we can do about it and things will never be as they were. This isn't a bad thing, of course. We're growing up; things evolve because that's what life does whether or not you want it to. We're not college students, but working adults who are trying to figure out how to live the best way we can. And when I think about all the cool things I get to do on a daily basis, that's when I can pull myself out of the sadness and say "aren't I lucky to have friends and family who, no matter what, love and support me?"
This week at work I met some incredible people. They were truly inspiring to talk to. We shared values and ideas that made me feel so excited to be meeting people with such similar mindsets as my own. These were people who want to change the world like I do. These are the characters I should be adding to my life story: people who will encourage me and join me in making a difference. Whether it's big or small, I think I'm forming a core group of people who want the best for others and will do everything in their power to help.
When I remind myself of the work I do, the goals I have, and the people I'm meeting, I remember that I'm ok. I miss my family. I miss my close friends. But at the same time, if I got up tomorrow and moved home to Indiana, nothing would be the same. I wouldn't be in the place I am now in this community that I'm starting to love. Being a part of my community here gets more important to me every day. For me, that's what life is all about: finding your niche where you see yourself growing and contributing. I have friends here. One of my BFFs is an hour away. I have family here, too. Is it the same as my college life? Of course not, but if it was, I wouldn't be doing half the things I'm doing now. But because of my family and friends, I'm doing things I couldn't do without their support.
Speaking of which, I was offered my first paid writing position. I'll be an independent contractor for a women's news magazine. My first article hasn't been published yet, but was loved by the article's subject. I'm looking forward to what's coming with this opportunity!
So I'm meeting people. Opportunities are around every corner. And I was able to spend nearly a whole week with two people who know me so well, they wouldn't let me get away with whining about my shoe getting stuck in front of a deck full of people.
I think it's safe to say I'm getting used to being a grown-up. And I think I like it.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
TGIF!
Happy Friday!
I'm writing today from the comforts of the Panera Bread about 2 minutes from my apartment, hazelnut coffee as my companion for the morning. The new blog I posted earlier this week has me really motivated for life and what's to come. I'm realizing that writing is really important to me and while I have to do my 9-5 job (which is rarely ever 9-5, but you get what I mean), I want to make the time to what I LOVE to do. That means I got up when the alarm went off this morning instead of hitting snooze. I left my house at 7:30am to come hang out in a yummy coffee/bagel atmosphere so I can write down my thoughts for the masses to read. And I gotta tell ya: it's all worth it.
I think it's worth it to have the peace of mind that I'm doing something for ME. I like to workout a few times a week, and I think of that as ME time, too. But writing is one of those things that takes me somewhere else; away from my real life. Even if it's just for a little while, it's so worth it and refreshing. And I feel like I really accomplished something, so even if I still struggle to recruit volunteers or get people to listen to me about how I want to change the world, I know that personally, I've accomplished a great deal. I took the time out of my day to relax and refocus my energy into something other than work. It was such a great feeling to wake up today and not immediately think about work, which is what usually happens. I get up and as I shower and get ready, my JA to-do list gets longer and longer. Most days it's motivating to get up and get out the door, other days it's a drag. Either way, it's my job and I love it. But being able to get up and think about nothing but what I want to write about: now that's a nice change of pace, especially on a weekday. I told a friend that I'd have to start saving my writing for the weekends. Then I realized that's what I save EVERYTHING for: all my fun, relaxing things have to wait until Saturday or Sunday. So asked myself, why? Do I have to wait until the weekend to do what I WANT to do?
The answer is no. If it's something I want to do, I should be able to do it. If I can make it work into my schedule, then there is no reason whatsoever to not take time out of my day to chill and do something I love to do. Granted, this won't be an everyday occurrence, but this morning I've proved to myself that I'm capable of having it all, even if it's just once a week.
I'm writing today from the comforts of the Panera Bread about 2 minutes from my apartment, hazelnut coffee as my companion for the morning. The new blog I posted earlier this week has me really motivated for life and what's to come. I'm realizing that writing is really important to me and while I have to do my 9-5 job (which is rarely ever 9-5, but you get what I mean), I want to make the time to what I LOVE to do. That means I got up when the alarm went off this morning instead of hitting snooze. I left my house at 7:30am to come hang out in a yummy coffee/bagel atmosphere so I can write down my thoughts for the masses to read. And I gotta tell ya: it's all worth it.
I think it's worth it to have the peace of mind that I'm doing something for ME. I like to workout a few times a week, and I think of that as ME time, too. But writing is one of those things that takes me somewhere else; away from my real life. Even if it's just for a little while, it's so worth it and refreshing. And I feel like I really accomplished something, so even if I still struggle to recruit volunteers or get people to listen to me about how I want to change the world, I know that personally, I've accomplished a great deal. I took the time out of my day to relax and refocus my energy into something other than work. It was such a great feeling to wake up today and not immediately think about work, which is what usually happens. I get up and as I shower and get ready, my JA to-do list gets longer and longer. Most days it's motivating to get up and get out the door, other days it's a drag. Either way, it's my job and I love it. But being able to get up and think about nothing but what I want to write about: now that's a nice change of pace, especially on a weekday. I told a friend that I'd have to start saving my writing for the weekends. Then I realized that's what I save EVERYTHING for: all my fun, relaxing things have to wait until Saturday or Sunday. So asked myself, why? Do I have to wait until the weekend to do what I WANT to do?
The answer is no. If it's something I want to do, I should be able to do it. If I can make it work into my schedule, then there is no reason whatsoever to not take time out of my day to chill and do something I love to do. Granted, this won't be an everyday occurrence, but this morning I've proved to myself that I'm capable of having it all, even if it's just once a week.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Another Blog
Three young women inviting cyberspace to read about us learning about life. It should be entertaining, maybe enlightening, and not the least bit boring.
http://justalittlethingcalledlife.blogspot.com
I'll be keeping this blog, but also contributing to the other one with two of my best friends. We all go through crazy phases, so check out how we are dealing with ours.
Enjoy! :)
http://justalittlethingcalledlife.blogspot.com
I'll be keeping this blog, but also contributing to the other one with two of my best friends. We all go through crazy phases, so check out how we are dealing with ours.
Enjoy! :)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Changing the World
Right now I wish I were in my Purdue bubble. You know, the place you're in when you're at college for 4 years. You think you're immersed in the real world, but you're not. Now I am and I gotta tell ya: it's not all it's cracked up to be.
I really do love my life. My job is great, I love my family and friends, and every day I feel blessed for what I have. But given everything on the news about the economy and how stressed out everyone is, it drains you. I'm seeing friends losing jobs or moving jobs. I'm hearing about more and more company cutbacks. Remember: I work for a non-profit. Cutbacks aren't good to hear. I'm not particularly worried, but there really isn't anything that can totally reassure me that things will be fine. I'm trying to be financially smart, which is hard when you're just starting out. I'm reading everything I can about saving, investing (at some point), and what it means to really live within your means. I think I'm trying to avoid the hardships so many people are experiencing right now. And every day that I hear more bad news about money, banks, and the economy, I remind myself that THIS is why I do my job.
For those who are not totally familiar, the point of Junior Achievement is to give kids the tools to NOT screw up like so many of us have over the last few years. Granted, that's not exactly the mission statement, but it pretty much sums it up. We're teaching kids the importance of being financially literate, why business ethics are vital, and we're inspiring them to be entrepreneurs later in life. Hopefully I'm helping to mold the next generation into intelligent, ethical, and responsible citizens who will desperately try to do the right thing, even when it seems like everyone else is doing the exact opposite. Hopefully I'm helping to diminish confusion and uncertainty in the minds of kids who don't understand why their parents are stressing about foreclosure. This is why I do my job: so kids today will be responsible in their own jobs and lives later.
I really do love my life. My job is great, I love my family and friends, and every day I feel blessed for what I have. But given everything on the news about the economy and how stressed out everyone is, it drains you. I'm seeing friends losing jobs or moving jobs. I'm hearing about more and more company cutbacks. Remember: I work for a non-profit. Cutbacks aren't good to hear. I'm not particularly worried, but there really isn't anything that can totally reassure me that things will be fine. I'm trying to be financially smart, which is hard when you're just starting out. I'm reading everything I can about saving, investing (at some point), and what it means to really live within your means. I think I'm trying to avoid the hardships so many people are experiencing right now. And every day that I hear more bad news about money, banks, and the economy, I remind myself that THIS is why I do my job.
For those who are not totally familiar, the point of Junior Achievement is to give kids the tools to NOT screw up like so many of us have over the last few years. Granted, that's not exactly the mission statement, but it pretty much sums it up. We're teaching kids the importance of being financially literate, why business ethics are vital, and we're inspiring them to be entrepreneurs later in life. Hopefully I'm helping to mold the next generation into intelligent, ethical, and responsible citizens who will desperately try to do the right thing, even when it seems like everyone else is doing the exact opposite. Hopefully I'm helping to diminish confusion and uncertainty in the minds of kids who don't understand why their parents are stressing about foreclosure. This is why I do my job: so kids today will be responsible in their own jobs and lives later.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Pictures!
Today's blog: Pictures! Car and apartment, ENJOY. (Don't be alarmed if pictures are weirdly spaced or don't match exactly with the text. According to my recent personality profile, I don't do well with the small details.)This is my new baby: Snow White. She's a 2008 Hyundai Tucson and it's safe to say we're in love.
Now, apartment:
This is when you look from the front door.
This is the dining set from my cousin's family. There's a fourth chair, it lives in my bedroom.
These are both sides of my kitchen.
Both views of the living room.
View of the bedroom from the living room:
Bedroom with view of bathroom:
This is the view of the bathroom from the foyer.
I love my new place. Thank you to Mom because I'd still be living with unpacked boxes. :)
Memo to all: I have no internet or cable at home right now. 1) I typically don't miss it when I don't have it. 2) I have weddings to travel for/be in over the next few months, so money that would be spent on home entertainment will be going toward plane tickets. I read a lot. Anyway, if I don't respond via email very quickly, or have no idea what's going on on television, it is because my most convenient source of internet is at work when I'm helping volunteers inspire kids to become good citizens.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Long time no blog.
So, nearly two months since my last post. Sorry.
My last post mentioned a training conference that went very well. I had a blast and was so happy I went. It reenergized me for my job and gave me new confidence.
Fast forward to Christmas 2008. I spent a lovely 4 days with my family. My sister got a Wii for Christmas, so we made like our 10-year-old selves and stayed in pjs all day to play video games. My 22-year-old self loved it. My sister and I needed some bonding time, so being home with her was great. We watched movies with Mom and Dad. And of course provided more noise than that house has seen in months.
New Year's Eve/New Year's Day 2008/9: Great food, great wine, great friends. In fact, a little too much great wine. We played Circle of Death/King's/whatever you called it in college. This resulted in a silly hostess (me). But we had a lot of fun!
January 2, 2009: I signed for my first grown-up apartment! Yep, I'll be staying put until at least March 2010. I found the place via a friend of mine. It's a young community with pools, a nice clubhouse, etc. Perfect for a young single lady.
January 17-20, 2009: Mom comes for the move. Thank. God. I don't know what I would've done without her. We had a lot of fun and I'm so grateful she came. There would still be unpacked boxes had she not been there while I was at work. And picture this: Meredith and Darlene manuevering a giant U-Haul. Yep, it's ok to smile and laugh to yourself. We sure did!
And I just got a call from Daddy, who is in town for a conference. I'll update more about work and stuff this week!
Hope everyone is well! :)
My last post mentioned a training conference that went very well. I had a blast and was so happy I went. It reenergized me for my job and gave me new confidence.
Fast forward to Christmas 2008. I spent a lovely 4 days with my family. My sister got a Wii for Christmas, so we made like our 10-year-old selves and stayed in pjs all day to play video games. My 22-year-old self loved it. My sister and I needed some bonding time, so being home with her was great. We watched movies with Mom and Dad. And of course provided more noise than that house has seen in months.
New Year's Eve/New Year's Day 2008/9: Great food, great wine, great friends. In fact, a little too much great wine. We played Circle of Death/King's/whatever you called it in college. This resulted in a silly hostess (me). But we had a lot of fun!
January 2, 2009: I signed for my first grown-up apartment! Yep, I'll be staying put until at least March 2010. I found the place via a friend of mine. It's a young community with pools, a nice clubhouse, etc. Perfect for a young single lady.
January 17-20, 2009: Mom comes for the move. Thank. God. I don't know what I would've done without her. We had a lot of fun and I'm so grateful she came. There would still be unpacked boxes had she not been there while I was at work. And picture this: Meredith and Darlene manuevering a giant U-Haul. Yep, it's ok to smile and laugh to yourself. We sure did!
And I just got a call from Daddy, who is in town for a conference. I'll update more about work and stuff this week!
Hope everyone is well! :)
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Once Upon a December
I'm alive and well!
It's been a crazy few weeks, hence the lack of updates. Work is going well. I'm getting more and more comfortable in my position and with JA. I'm preparing and running trainings by myself. Recruiting volunteers is finding a sort-of routine. The recruitment process will change with every year, but for now, I'm finding my niche with it and coming up with some out-of-the-box ideas to get people involved. This week I'm attending a training workshop in Atlanta. I had to purchase a coat because it's about 20-degrees colder there than FL, and I didn't have a nicer work coat. Oh, and when I say it's going to be colder, I mean it will be in the 40s and 50s. Sorry, Midwesterners, but it was 70-degrees all week last week. Considering how much I'm not in my office for my job, it's nice that I don't have to worry about icy temperatures and snow while I'm running around Osceola County.
I spent Thanksgiving here with my cousin and her family and friends. The friend who hosted Turkey Day is a Disney performer, same with just about everyone else who was there. It was a RIOT! It has been awhile since I've hung out with theatre folks, so it was a refreshing, entertaining evening. Complete with wine and frozen mojitos, of course! They made me feel so welcome. This was my first Thanksgiving away from my immediate family, but my new friends made me feel right at home.
I also have some exciting news! I bought a car! It's a 2008 Hyundai Tucsan. Her name is Snow White because it's a white car. I love it. I feel safe driving it and it has plenty of room to haul any and all JA materials when I'm out on the road. It's a comfortable ride and the gas mileage is good, especially since it's in the SUV family. We're getting along great and I think this will be a lasting relationship. :)
I'm excited to go home for Christmas. As many of you know, I was traveling abroad last Christmas, so it will be nice to be with my family this year. I'm doing Christmas shopping primarily online because my new favorite thing is carrying on my luggage at the airport. Hauling gifts would make that a bit difficult. I'm getting in on Christmas Eve morning (it is SO much cheaper to fly on Christmas Eve, I highly recommend it), so I'll spend some time wrapping presents before the family festivities begin. I'm hoping there's some snow when I'm home. I don't miss the snow now, but it would nice to have a white Christmas.
And even though my schedule has been a bit busy, I have watched Elf this season. Twice.
It's been a crazy few weeks, hence the lack of updates. Work is going well. I'm getting more and more comfortable in my position and with JA. I'm preparing and running trainings by myself. Recruiting volunteers is finding a sort-of routine. The recruitment process will change with every year, but for now, I'm finding my niche with it and coming up with some out-of-the-box ideas to get people involved. This week I'm attending a training workshop in Atlanta. I had to purchase a coat because it's about 20-degrees colder there than FL, and I didn't have a nicer work coat. Oh, and when I say it's going to be colder, I mean it will be in the 40s and 50s. Sorry, Midwesterners, but it was 70-degrees all week last week. Considering how much I'm not in my office for my job, it's nice that I don't have to worry about icy temperatures and snow while I'm running around Osceola County.
I spent Thanksgiving here with my cousin and her family and friends. The friend who hosted Turkey Day is a Disney performer, same with just about everyone else who was there. It was a RIOT! It has been awhile since I've hung out with theatre folks, so it was a refreshing, entertaining evening. Complete with wine and frozen mojitos, of course! They made me feel so welcome. This was my first Thanksgiving away from my immediate family, but my new friends made me feel right at home.
I also have some exciting news! I bought a car! It's a 2008 Hyundai Tucsan. Her name is Snow White because it's a white car. I love it. I feel safe driving it and it has plenty of room to haul any and all JA materials when I'm out on the road. It's a comfortable ride and the gas mileage is good, especially since it's in the SUV family. We're getting along great and I think this will be a lasting relationship. :)
I'm excited to go home for Christmas. As many of you know, I was traveling abroad last Christmas, so it will be nice to be with my family this year. I'm doing Christmas shopping primarily online because my new favorite thing is carrying on my luggage at the airport. Hauling gifts would make that a bit difficult. I'm getting in on Christmas Eve morning (it is SO much cheaper to fly on Christmas Eve, I highly recommend it), so I'll spend some time wrapping presents before the family festivities begin. I'm hoping there's some snow when I'm home. I don't miss the snow now, but it would nice to have a white Christmas.
And even though my schedule has been a bit busy, I have watched Elf this season. Twice.
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