New Year's Resolutions

I don't often post on this blog, but I do like to make an appearance every now and again. With 2011 coming to a close, I thought it would be a great time to pop up and discuss New Year's resolutions.

Every year I try to at least make one resolution and stick to it for about 6 months. Last year my resolutions were probably formed around healthy eating, finding a job and travel. I can safely say that my diet has gotten better since 2010 -- a LOT less PB&J happening and a lot more of kale, beets and quinoa. I have added some dairy back into my diet, but I need to decide how to proceed with that. This will call for some research on how much dairy affects one's heart.

I also succeeded at finding a job--I was actually hired 3 times this year and was offered another job, but declined. Now, they are by no means high paying jobs, but they are in fields related to my interests. Score! I am at least somewhat marketable.

Finally, I did a little bit of travel this year. For one, I moved myself down to West Virginia mid-year. I've also been lucky enough to take a trip to Vegas & Tucson, AZ; as well as travel around the Maryland, West Virginia & Virginia area. This was definitely scaled down from the epic road trip that occurred in 2010, but they were all still wonderful experiences.

So, what's up next for 2012?

My resolutions for the New Year are:

• Save up for grad school, a new camera, & a road bike
• Eat healthier (and on a more consistent schedule)
• Travel to another country (I have yet to make it to England...)

I know it is not for another day or so, but...

Happy New Year! :)

What I'm Thankful For...

Thanksgiving is coming up soon and although this is a time for food and family, it is also a time to reflect on what we are thankful for in our lives.

So, what am I thankful for? I should start with food and family. Even though I may be able to afford food and gather together with family to share a large meal this Thursday; many people do not have the access or resources to purchase and prepare a healthy and bountiful Thanksgiving meal.

Just having a supportive family to get together with is something to be thankful for. My family is so adamant about me coming to Thanksgiving and Christmas that I sometimes forget they do it out of love. And it is this love that shows they will be there for me if times get hard; financially, mentally, whatever the case may be. That is a big deal and should be cherished.

I'm also thankful for the opportunities I have been afforded in my life. I have been lucky enough to go to college and graduate. After graduating, I have been able to attain jobs that interest me. AmeriCorps has been a fantastic experience and has allowed me to meet people from all walks of life. NCCC was a fantastic learning experience and I hope to make every moment of my VISTA year of service count.

I could go on and on.

So, what do we do after we recognize all the things we are thankful for? Well, if you have some time in your life, get out there and give back! There are so many great organizations and programs that could use your help. Love animals? Volunteer with your local humane society or rescue group. Interested in mentoring? Become a big brother or big sister! The possibilities are endless. Get on your preferred search engine and find something that fits your interests. Simple as that.

You don't need to quit your job and dedicate your whole year to service; but whatever time you can give is much appreciated by your community.

I have truly inspirational friends.

My friend Pam will be traveling to Tanzania in October to work for FAME (Foundation for African Medicine & Education) as the volunteer coordinator and administrative support. Ever since I met Pam in college at the University of Tennessee, she has said she will move to Tanzania to work one day. Guess what --mission accomplished! :)

Now, if only she can convince me to move there with her.

For more information on Pam and her journey -- and to donate if you are feeling generous--please visit her website: Pam in Tanzania.

Oh, Happy (belated) Birthday to me!

Yesterday I turned 23! It's so strange how a birthday can lift so many burdens. I treat my birthday like most people treat New Years Day. It is a new year and I can "start over" in a sense. Today at work I felt like I had a huge burden lifted off my shoulders and I could finally relax and get into my job. :)

Thanks to my sister, I will now be the owner of a new pair of flat sandals. She knew I am always looking for shoes--I go through sneakers like no bodies business. I also received some cute little gifts from my dad and his wife and a fantastic birthday card from my birthday twin, J.

I bought myself the cutest blue skirt in Morgantown, WV when I was there for a conference (yes, on my birthday) and paired it with my favorite shoesies to create my new favorite outfit. Its amazing how a cute outfit can change your attitude.

My friend E made me some "fudgie wudgie" VEGAN brownies...and I will now become fudgie the whale from eating all of them. And I will relish every moment of it.

Cheers to the 23rd year of my life! :)

I've officially moved to West Virginia!

My car seems to be protesting the move with a dead battery and my bumper almost falling off, but otherwise I am enjoying it. I am especially enjoying the freedom of living on my own.

I will say that I have met some truly kind people in the past week. When my car battery died, I was fortunate enough to meet wonderful people who were willing to help me out; including a mechanic who tried his best to fix my problem before leaving for an urgent doctor's appointment. In the end, he did not have a new battery that would fit my car, but we swapped stories and jokes until the tow truck showed up. He didn't even charge me for his time, instead saying that I will have to stop by and say hello every once in a while.

This year will definitely be an education. I can't wait and I embrace the challenges ahead, in both work and everyday life.

Hello! Today has been wonderfully warm and sunny. After taking care of some business in Cambridge, I decided it was time to head to the beach. I've been asking EVERYONE I know if they wanted to go to the beach at some point--day or night (preferably day)--I needed to go before moving to West Virginia. Today I decided I waited long enough on other people and headed out on my own.

I usually drive up and down 1A in New Hampshire, scouting out the best beach spot. Today there was a thick fog that hung low over the beach and ocean, but Hampton beach (which is further south) had some patches where the sun was shining, so I stopped there.

Most beach-goers were high school students who seemed to have either skipped school or got out early to take advantage of today's weather. Smart kids.

The fog cleared up after 15 or so minutes and I laid out and soaked it in. I did not get to go swimming, which was disappointing, but I did dip my feet in. Swimming is something that I love and any time I can swim, I like to jump at the chance. Sadly, I was weighed down with my wallet, keys, and cell phone and didn't feel comfortable abandoning them beachside, but there is always next time.

I've decided that I want to live by the ocean at some point in my life. I feel refreshed after letting the salt air seep into my skin and having the sand exfoliate my feet. I would love to own a house by the ocean and be able to enjoy the salty air and swim daily.

Someday...

I will say that I need to perfect my sunscreen application. Today I put on some really crappy sunscreen, which did work well, but the spots I missed are now bright red. Luckily, I always keep aloe vera on hand. However, I now have a red spot right between my boobs and a stripe on my shoulder. Some day I will learn -- or at least invest in the sunscreen that changes colors before you rub it in.

:)

Sorry I've been busy lately. I haven't been able to make a post because I'm getting ready to move down to West Virginia for a job. Hooray!

So in the meantime, check out my Tumblr a random assortment of photos, sayings, etc that interest me or catch my eye.

And remember....

:)