Step into my office...

As per the usual, I have shirked my blogging duties...but it's ok because disappointing my 3 readers doesn't really seem like THAT big of a deal (there's only 3, right?). I tell you what, life has been out of control recently and I mean that in the most positive exciting way. Parties, car woes, applications, acceptances, vacations, birthdays, holidays, Wednesdays, weddings, yard sales, late nights, early nights, fireflies, laundry, jazz, heat waves, oil spills...and it continues well into August.

A couple of big things. I have perfected the shrimp scampi and will be sharing the recipe. Adam was hired! And, I am leaving my job. Most people have a set plan when they leave one employment and move on to different things...but, I have multiple. In addition to all of the life that has been going on, I have been juggling a handful of different opportunities, each unique and more wonderful than the others. I am beyond myself with enthusiasm, up for the hard work that will ensue and hopeful.

I have a list of things to blog about...and I will definitely get to them by the end of this year :)

Charleston...

River Dogs Game

Oz on the Beach

Addy in disguise

Tearing it UP

Addy and I at the Water Front Park

Haterade

"There is a victory ahead with your name on it. Claim it."

I do!

I'm so desperately trying to find my passion.

It's becoming increasingly clear to me that the saying "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life."

And so, it is with slow steps that I take the steps to define and nurture my passions and turn it into a career.

The economy/recession has really changed the game. Instead of landing that dream job or holding out for a position that is right...it's about grabbing the first thing that is offered to you, the first thing that will pay your bills...leaving dreams by the wayside. In a way, I kind of like the way it is making our generation think...it is a very 50's-esque mentality. "I'll do what ever it takes to keep the puggle and I fed."

But, it is also very difficult. From experience, I can attest that it's challenging to get up in the morning not particularly excited about the day. It's terrifying to imagine a life time like that.

I've begun my process. I don't want to reveal too much (to the 2 of you that read)...in case I have an epiphany or win the lottery (ha ha)...but it involves a little more schooling, a mac, perseverance, a lot of choice advertisements, sweat, volunteerism, something borrowed, something blue and (hopefully) a whole lot of different "I do's".

Wish me luck.

2010 Lifestyle Adaptations

With such a “Debbie Downer” post yesterday…thought I would publically (and therefore also hopefully adding accountability) announce my 2010 goals and action plan for meaningful living.

1. Fitness- college, holidays and excuses have gotten me out of shape and more cushy than I’d like to admit. I am making a commitment to fitness. I’d like to restart Bikram Yoga…however, due to a 8-5 work schedule, budget and dogs that need to see the light of day…it will probably have to be a weekend thing. So long walks and slowly, pick up running again. This also means saying goodbye to my Camels. Doctors appointment for Chantix.

2. Food- in general, less of it. This one clearly goes hand in hand with the fitness. Adam and I will be going back on a low carb, high veggie, high H2O diet. This will mean that we will have to cut out Little Caesar’s nights, Chinese Movie Nights, popcorn, cookie making and pretty much all of our fatty habits(we are both fat kids at heart). He and I have both done it before and we rise victorious again! I foresee a reset in my calorie calculator app on my iPhone.

3. Devil’s Water- putting it all away. Plain and simple. Time to find enriching ways to spend time…not destructive.

4. Intellectual- plans to invest in some graphic design classes. I’m tired of conception without creation. I have the $$ (thanks to graduation!) for a Mac. I want this one. New job offered to pay for some training. I just graduated but need to continue my skill set, so someday I can strike it rich (or at least strike it totally off of mom’s tab). More frequent blogs…to continue my online presence and keep me in the mix. Also, must play around with Google Wave. Reading! I have already, but must get back into books.

5. Spirituality- this one is a little more personal. I have been slowly searching of something to speak to my soul. I believe I am close but want to continue seeking.

Reflecting on the year was a downer. Looking at accomplishable goals makes me enthused and energized. New Year’s will go out with a bang up in the mountains…lots of friends, laughter, food, drink and fun. Then it’s business time literally and figuratively!

Swan Song:2009

With a New Year quickly approaching, it seems fitting to reflect upon the last year and oneself. I don’t believe that I am alone in saying that 2009 was a difficult, trying year.

Clearly, the economy was a huge downer. There were many that struggled far more than I and it was heartbreaking to hear the hardships of the people I know and love in addition to millions of Americans suffering.

I can’t say that I am really reflecting on the weight of the world right now…more of the weight of my world. It seems like such a long year, one that that has dragged on. Last winter seems like decades ago, even though it wasn’t. I feel as though I have been spending this whole year in limbo…waiting for my life to change. Waiting to graduate college, waiting to land a job, waiting for everything to fall into place.

In that time of limbo, I believe that I have settled, made excuses for myself and given myself contingencies… “ when this happens…then I will do that.” It is no way to spend a year. It is no way to spend a life. I do not look fondly upon this year in terms of my own action and growth. I have not grown as a person. There were certainly things beyond my control in 2009 but many within…

There were many positive things. I became a dog owner, I saw a close childhood friend get married, loved my family, made new friends, explored Greece, graduated college and found that job. However, I would like to feel overall positive instead of only being able to highlight positives.

I’m determined to change in 2010. I’ve spent all of December thinking of it. I am determined to regain control and live a life I’m proud of. Right now, I don’t feel like I’m living it right…and that is my greatest fear—to waste life away.

I’m scared. I’m terrified of failure. I just know, deep down inside, that I this is the year I become an adult. This is the year I take control.