So... have I been living up to my new years resolutions so far? And not just that- have I just had a good month?
I think so. I haven't done much. I've been spending a lot of time relaxing, and enjoying the freedom of being a graduate. My social life has slowed down, as my friends are busy with HW and aren't as free as me. Plus I only have a handful of friends up here that I hang out with, which doesn't help. I knew that this life style couldn't last forever. I've really enjoyed just playing with my laptop, doing nothing, being lazy. It's good for a bit. But I knew there would be an end point. The beginning of the end is coming. I'm not yet completely fed up, but I am feeling a very strong desire to do more!
So, places that I did well: I'm still doing well health wise! I'm making good eating choices, and I'm working out at least a little each day. I've done a little bit of cleaning, and I'm even considering rearranging my room some! I feel like this is a constant cycle - even if I do a little cleaning, the mess will just come back. Especially since I don't clean all the way. I really still need to work on this. And lastly, I have done some yummy cooking! Lots of different types of Mexican food this last week trying to incorporate all the avocados I bought (I ate 4 avocados in about 5 days....). Today I made a delicious grilled cheese, avocado and roasted tomato sandwich. It was AMAZING. And as you know I'm making a yummy dinner tonight. So definitely doing ok in the food realm, so far.
Things I still need to work on: everything. :) I am really really really really excited about one thing in particular, one thing that only Rachael knows about right now. One thing that I will tell everyone else once I know more about it. Meaning, hopefully, I can update you guys in a week or two.
Also, I've been looking into places to volunteer. I've done this before, I've said this before. I really need to make sure that I'm not all talk and no action. I'm hoping that I'll eventually get so antsy that I'll just have to actually act, and not just talk. It would probably help if I didn't write about all that talk, and only wrote about all that action. Therefore if I want something to write about, I have to act, not just talk. That is my new goal!
So ... today I was good and went on a nice leisurely (albeit freezing cold) walk to campus, where I sat and wrote and pondered before walking back. It was a very nice Sunday afternoon!
Now that I am thoroughly hungry and looking forward to dinner, I leave on my last thought for the month of January. It has been a good month, but next month will be even better. I am going to act, and not just think. I will only update on here when I have done something, not when I decide that I want to do something. Wish me luck! I am realllllly good about thinking about all that I want to do.... :/
Sunday, January 30, 2011
My Car
Hey not bad! I got a whole post out without giving up, and here I am starting post number 2! I am getting hungry. Stir fry, yakisoba noodles and yummy yummy sauce is calling my name... but alas, I wait....
As I actually try to write about my car, I realize that I don't have much to say. This subject has been on my mental list since I had car troubles, but now that they're resolved it doesn't seem that important. It probably would have been a lot more interesting if there was a live update on my car, so you could feel the suspense and wonder "What's next?" like the rest of us.
Brief summary - my car lost its umph - ie it couldn't really change through second gear. It could go up to 10 or 15 miles per hour, but it took a loooooooooong time to accelerate past that. Once it hit 30 or so though, it was fine. I took it to the mechanic and spent a couple hundred dollars on it to make it healthy again. I realized just how emotionally tied to that car I am. I love it! Also, I realized just how convenient it is to have the car up here. I can go home whenever I want! But it also made me examine a reality without a car. I could easily do it. Besides not being able to drive down to Edmonds whenever I want, really my life wouldn't change. My car doesn't get driven much. I actually feel kind of bad for it.
I haven't had a chance to go home and pick up my car since it had all of these issues fixed (luckily the problems happened while in Edmonds so my Dad could take control in getting it fixed, though I paid of course!). I'll probably go back home in a week or two and get that car back where it belongs! It is weird owning a car, having to make expensive decisions when you're not sure how long the car will last, or what the right decision is. I wish that I liked to drive more, and used it more frequently. It would make the decision easier! Though obviously I decided to heal it, because *knock on wood*, it should last a few more good years.
As I actually try to write about my car, I realize that I don't have much to say. This subject has been on my mental list since I had car troubles, but now that they're resolved it doesn't seem that important. It probably would have been a lot more interesting if there was a live update on my car, so you could feel the suspense and wonder "What's next?" like the rest of us.
Brief summary - my car lost its umph - ie it couldn't really change through second gear. It could go up to 10 or 15 miles per hour, but it took a loooooooooong time to accelerate past that. Once it hit 30 or so though, it was fine. I took it to the mechanic and spent a couple hundred dollars on it to make it healthy again. I realized just how emotionally tied to that car I am. I love it! Also, I realized just how convenient it is to have the car up here. I can go home whenever I want! But it also made me examine a reality without a car. I could easily do it. Besides not being able to drive down to Edmonds whenever I want, really my life wouldn't change. My car doesn't get driven much. I actually feel kind of bad for it.
I haven't had a chance to go home and pick up my car since it had all of these issues fixed (luckily the problems happened while in Edmonds so my Dad could take control in getting it fixed, though I paid of course!). I'll probably go back home in a week or two and get that car back where it belongs! It is weird owning a car, having to make expensive decisions when you're not sure how long the car will last, or what the right decision is. I wish that I liked to drive more, and used it more frequently. It would make the decision easier! Though obviously I decided to heal it, because *knock on wood*, it should last a few more good years.
My Job
As all of you know (though I don't believe anyone actually reads this blog), I got a "new" job. I am working in the same office that I did as a student, and I am doing pretty much the same work. The main difference - I am incorporating more and more into my daily routine, and I am now the supervisor to the 5 other students.
I love learning more and doing more! I love being busy, and I feel accomplished after a busy and stressful day. There are downsides to this - I am a true member of my family, and I get anxiety. I fear making mistakes, I fear being slow, I fear saying something stupid or seeming immature. Every time something slips out of my mouth I beat myself up over it. Luckily the sane side of me tries to reason, pointing out that what is done is done and I can only try and sound more mature and "perfect" next time.
I am learning a lot more at my job. There are constantly new projects getting started that I either take on myself, or I find someone else to take them on, then check back to make sure the work is being done. I love the variety that lots of different projects bring, you can't get bored when you're changing between projects constantly.
I like being a supervisor as well. Since my old boss left the office, I kind of filled in that void. I trained the new students, answered their questions, and made sure they had work to do. I feel like I have already explained this here...oops! Regardless, I am still enjoying this aspect. I feel like it will be good for my resume, but also just good for me. The hard parts are knowing when to intervene. If there is an error made - how do I approach the student? Was this a one time error? Or will they make it again? Am I being so repetitive that nothing will reach them? Or am I not showing them their mistakes enough? It is hard when someone else's performance reflects upon you.
Anyway, that was a lot of rambling just to say - I like my job, I like that I am getting more and more responsibilities every day, but as expected, there are stresses that come with it as well. I do wonder if I had the option to stay working there what I would decide. As it is now, I have to leave, and even if I were to try to stay I wouldn't do the exact same work. I wonder if I could keep doing what I do there forever if I would want to stay. Most everyone in the office has made a career out of their work. Those who don't know that I have only a temporary position comment on how I will be at 5 years, 10 years, 25 years, etc before I know it. How weird it would be, to think that I'd do the same thing for my whole life... Makes me feel old.
I love learning more and doing more! I love being busy, and I feel accomplished after a busy and stressful day. There are downsides to this - I am a true member of my family, and I get anxiety. I fear making mistakes, I fear being slow, I fear saying something stupid or seeming immature. Every time something slips out of my mouth I beat myself up over it. Luckily the sane side of me tries to reason, pointing out that what is done is done and I can only try and sound more mature and "perfect" next time.
I am learning a lot more at my job. There are constantly new projects getting started that I either take on myself, or I find someone else to take them on, then check back to make sure the work is being done. I love the variety that lots of different projects bring, you can't get bored when you're changing between projects constantly.
I like being a supervisor as well. Since my old boss left the office, I kind of filled in that void. I trained the new students, answered their questions, and made sure they had work to do. I feel like I have already explained this here...oops! Regardless, I am still enjoying this aspect. I feel like it will be good for my resume, but also just good for me. The hard parts are knowing when to intervene. If there is an error made - how do I approach the student? Was this a one time error? Or will they make it again? Am I being so repetitive that nothing will reach them? Or am I not showing them their mistakes enough? It is hard when someone else's performance reflects upon you.
Anyway, that was a lot of rambling just to say - I like my job, I like that I am getting more and more responsibilities every day, but as expected, there are stresses that come with it as well. I do wonder if I had the option to stay working there what I would decide. As it is now, I have to leave, and even if I were to try to stay I wouldn't do the exact same work. I wonder if I could keep doing what I do there forever if I would want to stay. Most everyone in the office has made a career out of their work. Those who don't know that I have only a temporary position comment on how I will be at 5 years, 10 years, 25 years, etc before I know it. How weird it would be, to think that I'd do the same thing for my whole life... Makes me feel old.
Long time!
It's been awhile! I have a lot of things that I want to talk about, but I just haven't found the time to write them out. It's not for lack of time - I have a lot of free time. However, during those endless hours of nothing, full of TV, movies and video games, writing on this blog never appeals to me. Even right now, where I clearly have the time to sign in and write - I write about my lack of writing, instead of actually updating you on my life!
I want to tell you about my job.
I want to tell you about my car.
And I want to take a moment and reflect on the first month of the year. Reflection is good, afterall?
So... I'm going to try and write those three posts. Right now, if I can. Though I have to be honest, my stomach is starting to tell me dinner is a good idea, and my mind is aching to read Pride and Prejudice. Alas, we will together see if there are other posts to follow this one!
I want to tell you about my job.
I want to tell you about my car.
And I want to take a moment and reflect on the first month of the year. Reflection is good, afterall?
So... I'm going to try and write those three posts. Right now, if I can. Though I have to be honest, my stomach is starting to tell me dinner is a good idea, and my mind is aching to read Pride and Prejudice. Alas, we will together see if there are other posts to follow this one!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
A night owl!
All week long I have failed to go to bed at a reasonable hour! I blame my laptop and the simplicity of watching a movie while in bed. In the past, if I want to get comfy, I have to go to sleep... not anymore!
So, my new goal this week: Go to bed before midnight! I want to be able to enjoy my coffee, eat breakfast and get myself dolled up for work... I cannot do that when I hit snooze over and over and over!
I'll let you know how I do!
So, my new goal this week: Go to bed before midnight! I want to be able to enjoy my coffee, eat breakfast and get myself dolled up for work... I cannot do that when I hit snooze over and over and over!
I'll let you know how I do!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
New Years Resolutions
New Years 2011 is the 1 year anniversary for my blog. I started writing here as a fulfillment of one of my resolutions, and I am happy to say I am sticking with it. It is not unlike me to forget about or move on from a project, but besides a summer break hiatus, I am still blogging regularly. In fact, this is my 86th entry, which is a pretty good number in my opinion!
Before I describe my resolutions for this new year, I think I will first discuss the success of last years.
New Years Resolutions 2010
Resolution 1: Start a blog ............ success!
Resolution 2: Read more ........... moderate success! Over the summer a read some, but during the quarters I have been too busy. One of the first things I did on my laptop was download Kindle for PC, and I already have downloaded a lot of free books. Therefore I consider this a moderate success - I did well but I can always do better this year.
Resolution 3: Do more arts and crafts ............. moderate failure. At the beginning of winter break (for the week where I was still in Bellingham) I did do a little bit of arts and crafts. Really, I think that is it for the year. The reason that I am not rating this as an extreme failure is that my attitude towards the resolution has changed. It is a failure because I did not act as my resolution asked - however due to a current lack of desire to do arts and crafts, I am very lenient here.
Resolution 4: Clean and decorate my apartment..... moderate success! I am very happy with the way Rachael's and my belongings blended this summer. The apartment is crammed, and not always perfectly tidy, however it feels like home and has been amazingly clean over the last month. My room is still a work in progress - I did decorate the walls which makes a big difference. In December I had planned to do a deep cleaning of my room - the only way to actually clean it because I just own way too much stuff for my space. I was able to get rid of bags of clothes and junk, and completely cleaned under my bed. Before I got to my closet, the next biggest hassle, the "drama" happened. Therefore, I still have work to do, but I don't feel like I live in a pig sty and instead just see a good project.
Resolution 5: Write ..... moderate failure. I never actually wrote anything this year, though I did think about stories a lot. That is the problem for me - I have the ideas, relatively complex ideas that I think about a lot. Getting it out on paper? That's another story. In all I probably wrote 10 pages worth of a book. I've spent the last couple weeks producing outlines and background information for a new book idea. When I went to go write right now, I ended up coming here instead. We'll see if this resolution has hope to be fulfilled in this new year.
Resolution 6: Cook more.... moderate success! Sandy and I would cook the occasional meal together, and Rachael and I had the same routine when she first moved in. In addition, Karisa and Lindsay come over and make dinner occasionally as well. I won't deny that I eat out of a box the majority of the time and still love a simple meal, but I have cooked a lot more in the last year than years past, and that was the goal of the resolution. Just the fact that I have made Brian's stir fry multiple times is saying something! I want to improve even more, but I am very happy with the effort so far.
Resolution 7: Become accomplished... this one is hard to rate. I haven't played the piano much (albeit a handful of times before Christmas, just so I could play carols), I've only played the flute a few times in the last few months, I've already discussed the success of the other realms within accomplishment... so really there isn't tons here. However - the idea that this resolution represented has morphed. In its origin, it was a desire to do more and be more. I did do a lot this year (like graduating from college), so I want to give myself credit for that. However- this goal will still be on my list this year, and should really be on my list every year. So I didn't do what was intended in making this resolution.... but I was accomplished.... but I still want to be even more accomplished...
Resolution 8: Though only mentioned briefly last year, being healthy was a goal over the year. I think I succeeded at this goal. I walked to and from work everyday for the summer, and I believe that was the biggest factor in making me feel healthier. In addition, I cut out unnecessary treats and desserts, though didn't restrict myself from the occasional yummy food. Also, I tried to incorporate more fruits and veggies, and eat better food, but didn't stop myself from the occasional grease. Basically, I didn't diet, but I just made healthier options. I am very pleased with this method, for I lost about 20 pounds over the year (though I don't keep close record - I just know I lost 20 pounds from my highest weight ever weighed).
One reason that Resolution 8 is on my mind is because I feel like I must have gained at least 10 pounds in the last month. With Thanksgiving, dinner, candy and snacks, I gained more bit by bit. I am okay with that though, as long as it doesn't stay with me forever. Treats are an important part of the holidays, and though I never gorged myself, I didn't deny myself either. Since I had no idea how much weight I had lost this year until half way through vacation when I happened to use my parent's bathroom instead the "kid's" bathroom, I may have lost even more than that (I was already feeling bigger by then).
Losing weight has never seemed so feasible to me in the past. My weight has always fluctuated a bit, and I never really bothered to keep close tabs on it. Sometimes I felt bigger, sometimes smaller, and I never knew if it was real or in my head. I have always rested just above the borderline between "ideal weight" and "overweight" on the BMI chart. Seeing how I could lose so much weight without dieting, crossing that line seems easier than ever. Therefore, that is my first resolution of the new year.
New Years Resolutions 2011
Resolution 1: Shed a few pounds.... It is important to note that I don't believe in dieting or restricting oneself to unrealistic standards, because that just can't last. However, through choosing to walk more and making wise choices, I have hope for a general trend. I never have really mentioned this sort of resolution before, because I fear admitting defeat - so I am going to make a note here: even if I "fail" at this resolution, I am happy where I am now. No, I may not want to gain weight - however where I am - right on the borderline of overweight... it works for me. Having a friend struggle with her health and anorexia makes me realize it even more - I am happy and comfortable in my skin (most of the time).
Resolution 2: Become more accomplished, in a non-pride and prejudice sense..... I want to do more, be more, see more and think more. I want to live a more "real" life. I can become a hermit, staying in my room using my computer. Though I love that as a source of entertainment, and am social through electronic means, I want more. This is a general resolution, and may be addressed again later in more specific resolutions, but the idea is simple. While working at my current job, I want to do a lot, see a lot and be a lot. After I finish here, I want to go have another great adventure in another city and be an even better me.
Resolution 3: Be more social.... In general, I am more of a few close friends kind of person, instead of a lot of acquintances. Therefore, I want to make an effort to hang out with my friends more formally and regularly (that means you too Rachael, even though we live together I want to hang out more!). I want to invite friends over to dinner more (though this is probably where I do best), come spring I want to be out and about, doing things and seeing people.
Resolution 4: Read and write more.... I combined these into one because neither are as important to me as they have been in the past. One thing that I really want to do is take these two ordinary tasks - that could be done by myself in my room - and expand them. On a Saturday afternoon, I want to take a book or my laptop and go to starbucks, and spend a couple hours sipping coffee and reading and writing. I may be doing the same thing I would be doing in my apartment, but I think it will just feel like more if I'm doing it while out and about.
Resolution 5: Cook more... as I suggested, even though I am happy that I'm cooking more than in the past, I could cook even more. It doesn't help that I live with a cooking/baking queen, who is making a gourmet meal every 5 minutes.... :)
Resolution 6: Since I haven't really held anything in in this post (note - weight discussion), I figure I may as well go one step further. I want to put myself out there more - in terms of meeting new people as friends and as more than that. Not to say I want to find a man and fall in love... no, I just want to meet new people. I realize that with my job and my routine, I am just never exposed to new people or new things. Work during the day, come home, maybe hangout with Rachael for a bit, maybe have a friend over, but most likely I just get online and watch movies, play games, read random crap and skype. So, I am finally admitting to the world that I want to meet new people - men and women.
Ok, so once again this is a long post, and I think I will end it here. I had hoped to write before bed (and maybe I still will), but since I've been sleeping in and running to the bus in the morning, maybe I should try and get to sleep before tomorrow starts.
I still have to update you on what it is like to have a JOB and no SCHOOL! Clearly, I have enough time to dabble away on the internet, be introspective, and write really really long posts on a blog no one reads.
Before I describe my resolutions for this new year, I think I will first discuss the success of last years.
New Years Resolutions 2010
Resolution 1: Start a blog ............ success!
Resolution 2: Read more ........... moderate success! Over the summer a read some, but during the quarters I have been too busy. One of the first things I did on my laptop was download Kindle for PC, and I already have downloaded a lot of free books. Therefore I consider this a moderate success - I did well but I can always do better this year.
Resolution 3: Do more arts and crafts ............. moderate failure. At the beginning of winter break (for the week where I was still in Bellingham) I did do a little bit of arts and crafts. Really, I think that is it for the year. The reason that I am not rating this as an extreme failure is that my attitude towards the resolution has changed. It is a failure because I did not act as my resolution asked - however due to a current lack of desire to do arts and crafts, I am very lenient here.
Resolution 4: Clean and decorate my apartment..... moderate success! I am very happy with the way Rachael's and my belongings blended this summer. The apartment is crammed, and not always perfectly tidy, however it feels like home and has been amazingly clean over the last month. My room is still a work in progress - I did decorate the walls which makes a big difference. In December I had planned to do a deep cleaning of my room - the only way to actually clean it because I just own way too much stuff for my space. I was able to get rid of bags of clothes and junk, and completely cleaned under my bed. Before I got to my closet, the next biggest hassle, the "drama" happened. Therefore, I still have work to do, but I don't feel like I live in a pig sty and instead just see a good project.
Resolution 5: Write ..... moderate failure. I never actually wrote anything this year, though I did think about stories a lot. That is the problem for me - I have the ideas, relatively complex ideas that I think about a lot. Getting it out on paper? That's another story. In all I probably wrote 10 pages worth of a book. I've spent the last couple weeks producing outlines and background information for a new book idea. When I went to go write right now, I ended up coming here instead. We'll see if this resolution has hope to be fulfilled in this new year.
Resolution 6: Cook more.... moderate success! Sandy and I would cook the occasional meal together, and Rachael and I had the same routine when she first moved in. In addition, Karisa and Lindsay come over and make dinner occasionally as well. I won't deny that I eat out of a box the majority of the time and still love a simple meal, but I have cooked a lot more in the last year than years past, and that was the goal of the resolution. Just the fact that I have made Brian's stir fry multiple times is saying something! I want to improve even more, but I am very happy with the effort so far.
Resolution 7: Become accomplished... this one is hard to rate. I haven't played the piano much (albeit a handful of times before Christmas, just so I could play carols), I've only played the flute a few times in the last few months, I've already discussed the success of the other realms within accomplishment... so really there isn't tons here. However - the idea that this resolution represented has morphed. In its origin, it was a desire to do more and be more. I did do a lot this year (like graduating from college), so I want to give myself credit for that. However- this goal will still be on my list this year, and should really be on my list every year. So I didn't do what was intended in making this resolution.... but I was accomplished.... but I still want to be even more accomplished...
Resolution 8: Though only mentioned briefly last year, being healthy was a goal over the year. I think I succeeded at this goal. I walked to and from work everyday for the summer, and I believe that was the biggest factor in making me feel healthier. In addition, I cut out unnecessary treats and desserts, though didn't restrict myself from the occasional yummy food. Also, I tried to incorporate more fruits and veggies, and eat better food, but didn't stop myself from the occasional grease. Basically, I didn't diet, but I just made healthier options. I am very pleased with this method, for I lost about 20 pounds over the year (though I don't keep close record - I just know I lost 20 pounds from my highest weight ever weighed).
One reason that Resolution 8 is on my mind is because I feel like I must have gained at least 10 pounds in the last month. With Thanksgiving, dinner, candy and snacks, I gained more bit by bit. I am okay with that though, as long as it doesn't stay with me forever. Treats are an important part of the holidays, and though I never gorged myself, I didn't deny myself either. Since I had no idea how much weight I had lost this year until half way through vacation when I happened to use my parent's bathroom instead the "kid's" bathroom, I may have lost even more than that (I was already feeling bigger by then).
Losing weight has never seemed so feasible to me in the past. My weight has always fluctuated a bit, and I never really bothered to keep close tabs on it. Sometimes I felt bigger, sometimes smaller, and I never knew if it was real or in my head. I have always rested just above the borderline between "ideal weight" and "overweight" on the BMI chart. Seeing how I could lose so much weight without dieting, crossing that line seems easier than ever. Therefore, that is my first resolution of the new year.
New Years Resolutions 2011
Resolution 1: Shed a few pounds.... It is important to note that I don't believe in dieting or restricting oneself to unrealistic standards, because that just can't last. However, through choosing to walk more and making wise choices, I have hope for a general trend. I never have really mentioned this sort of resolution before, because I fear admitting defeat - so I am going to make a note here: even if I "fail" at this resolution, I am happy where I am now. No, I may not want to gain weight - however where I am - right on the borderline of overweight... it works for me. Having a friend struggle with her health and anorexia makes me realize it even more - I am happy and comfortable in my skin (most of the time).
Resolution 2: Become more accomplished, in a non-pride and prejudice sense..... I want to do more, be more, see more and think more. I want to live a more "real" life. I can become a hermit, staying in my room using my computer. Though I love that as a source of entertainment, and am social through electronic means, I want more. This is a general resolution, and may be addressed again later in more specific resolutions, but the idea is simple. While working at my current job, I want to do a lot, see a lot and be a lot. After I finish here, I want to go have another great adventure in another city and be an even better me.
Resolution 3: Be more social.... In general, I am more of a few close friends kind of person, instead of a lot of acquintances. Therefore, I want to make an effort to hang out with my friends more formally and regularly (that means you too Rachael, even though we live together I want to hang out more!). I want to invite friends over to dinner more (though this is probably where I do best), come spring I want to be out and about, doing things and seeing people.
Resolution 4: Read and write more.... I combined these into one because neither are as important to me as they have been in the past. One thing that I really want to do is take these two ordinary tasks - that could be done by myself in my room - and expand them. On a Saturday afternoon, I want to take a book or my laptop and go to starbucks, and spend a couple hours sipping coffee and reading and writing. I may be doing the same thing I would be doing in my apartment, but I think it will just feel like more if I'm doing it while out and about.
Resolution 5: Cook more... as I suggested, even though I am happy that I'm cooking more than in the past, I could cook even more. It doesn't help that I live with a cooking/baking queen, who is making a gourmet meal every 5 minutes.... :)
Resolution 6: Since I haven't really held anything in in this post (note - weight discussion), I figure I may as well go one step further. I want to put myself out there more - in terms of meeting new people as friends and as more than that. Not to say I want to find a man and fall in love... no, I just want to meet new people. I realize that with my job and my routine, I am just never exposed to new people or new things. Work during the day, come home, maybe hangout with Rachael for a bit, maybe have a friend over, but most likely I just get online and watch movies, play games, read random crap and skype. So, I am finally admitting to the world that I want to meet new people - men and women.
Ok, so once again this is a long post, and I think I will end it here. I had hoped to write before bed (and maybe I still will), but since I've been sleeping in and running to the bus in the morning, maybe I should try and get to sleep before tomorrow starts.
I still have to update you on what it is like to have a JOB and no SCHOOL! Clearly, I have enough time to dabble away on the internet, be introspective, and write really really long posts on a blog no one reads.
Winter Break
Resolve
I'm not sure what did it exactly, but I got over all the drama, and was able to start my two week long winter break in a relatively good mood. Karisa and I wrote a nasty letter to C, and though I don't believe she'll ever send it, it just felt good to write it. My "healing", as I put it previously, helped me look forward to my vacation, and my vacation helped me finish healing. Though healing is such a weird term to use because really it was just getting over how angry I was...
Spokane
I started off my 2 week long vacation (the longest I've had in a year), by going over to Spokane. I arrived in Edmonds on Friday night, and spent the majority of Saturday hanging out with Brad/Brittney/Evan. They very kindly took me to the train station... I thought we were running late because I only had 10 minutes to spare... oh how wrong I was! Though they did follow me into the station, they told Evan they would have to leave if she played on the storage and that she did, so they followed through and left. A few minutes after that, I heard that the train would be at least an hour late. Then we heard that the train was getting work done on it in Seattle, and they didn't know when it would be ready - but since the work was on the brakes, I was willing to give them as much time as they needed. I got to know the other people in the train station - a family with two teenagers/preteens, who pointed out that it would have been faster to drive to their destination than to take the train; and also a really cute family with two little girls (half asian, half white) who were getting ready for a 52 hour train ride. There was also a college age boy who was going to Spokane, but he spent most of the time outside with the fathers of the two families. Three hours later, we got on the train. I was supposed to arrive in Spokane at 1am - late at night, but not unbearable. Instead, I arrived at 4 am. Clearly, this messed up Laura and Diana's sleep schedule but they oh so kindly napped and then came and got me.
Spokane was great! It was beautiful and snowy the whole time I was there. We walked through downtown and saw all the great architecture, we sledded, played games, ate yummy food and went shopping. I'm sure we did much more, because overall the trip was a perfect combination of leisure and activity.
It was the first time I have been to Spokane since I just drove through it as a kid, so it was much better than I was expecting. I get the impression that the city is nice, it's just the people who are lacking. Laura and Diana's apartment is gorgeous! They have a 4 bedroom apartment for a really cheap rate, and it is spacious and includes a humongous fireplace. All in all I am very impressed. Laura suggested that I should come live with her after I finish working this summer (since I have a big ??? for my future)... if she had asked me that just a week before I would have said no, but now I am definitely considering it. After returning to Edmonds, I started thinking about my future and I could see myself living in Spokane.
Christmas Time
On Wednesday, Laura and I drove home for Christmas. We were worried because we had to cross the state and go through the pass, but luckily snow wasn't an issue. It did snow while we were on the east, but the roads were still managable. You could really only feel the snow (or at least I could, as a passenger), when changing lanes. It made the ride across the state just gorgeous! Plus, we got Taco Bell on the way over -- something that I haven't had in a loooong time! I've had Taco Time, because it is so close by, but Taco Bell will always be my favorite.
Even though it was snowy in Eastern Washington, it was clear roads across the path. I was sad as we came onto the west side and the snow disappeared. If I do live in Spokane, I sure will love having the snow!
Jeffrey had already came into town, so the next few days were spent visiting. Christmas was amazing this year. Last year, I felt slightly disappointed at having to share Brian and Britt with so many other people. I understood it as a concept, but was still trying to adjust to the change. For example, it was weird for me to open presents in the afternoon instead of the morning, even if us kids did sleep in more. This year, however, I didn't feel any negative feelings in that regard. In fact, when Britt explained where they go Christmas Eve (last year we didn't see them at all), Christmas Morning (they don't come over until 12 or 1) and Christmas Afternoon (they leaves for a couple hours), I felt lucky for how much time we do have them!
It didn't hurt that we had Thanksgiving on Christmas Eve this year. I'm sure I wrote earlier about how Thanksgiving was cancelled because my Mom was sick. Our solution - eat all the delicious Thanksgiving food on Christmas Eve (also very convienently stealing Brian and Britt until 4 or 5ish in the evening!)... it made it so we didn't have to cook on Christmas at all and could just be lazy!
But as I said, Christmas was great this year. My Dad asked us what candy we wanted, so I got really yummy candy (I am really picky when it comes to sweets and not a fan of some of the tradition Christmas candy), played lots of game and had fun. My parents got me a laptop for Christmas (and my birthday and my graduation). I was kind of expecting it, but since I was hoping for it I was trying not to think about it so that I wouldn't get disappointed if I didn't find it. I got converse from Brian and Britt, which is amazing because all my shoes are falling apart. I didn't get boots, but I have plans to go boot shopping this week so it is ok. I got a DS game from Jeff. Did I mention on here that I found my DS? If not - man was that a joyous day. It was sitting on my living room floor behind my futon/chair (near the end table). Once I did some cleaning it was just right there! Not hiding or anything. I am really curious to know if it was always that open and I just didn't look well enough, or if it somehow walked there.
I couldn't believe I found it, and instantly went to my wish list online and wrote a disclaimer *DS FOUND. You can buy me games now* or something along those lines. Luckily, Jeff hadn't gone shopping yet, so I got a game!
And last but not least, Laura gave me some really great clothes (a shirt of which I am wearing right now!). For work I am going to try and dress a little bit nicer (but not suit nice). Therefore, I will be wearing some of the sweaters/nice shirts that she got me frequently!
Before I move on from Christmas -can I just remark on how crazy it is that I own a laptop? This thing is my baby and I love it so much! I am working on it right now, in bed, comfy as can be. In the past I would have been sitting at my desk, getting really uncomfortable! :) I am very happy that I decided to ask for no gifts all year long just so that I could get this!!!
Holiday Party
Laura left town the Monday after Christmas :(. Therefore it became more of a friend time. I had plans to hang out with Brad and Brittney, but due to last minute traveling on their part that didn't work out. However, I did get to see all my HS friends for a holiday party! We played games, made lunch, made cookies and visited. After Rachael and Lindsay left, Shelley, Rachelle and I were able to plan for New Years!
Since Rachelle just got back from Italy, she got me a couple souvenirs. She got me a liquor thing of some sort (that I am looking forward to drinking) and a little portable wallet, perfect for a night on the town. Man, do I love that wallet! The wallet I use currently is one that I never planned to use regularly, in fact I just started using it for Europe because it was less likely to be stolen! But, since I'm me and I'm cheap and I normally don't like to shop, I still use it everyday. Well not anymore! Now I have a tight fitting little wallet that just has the necessities! Though I have to figure out how to fit my Group Health card and AAA card in there as well.... maybe I should still use my other wallet? :/
New Years Eve
Jeffrey left town New Years Eve, and about two hours later I headed down to Seattle with Shelley. Shelley, Rachelle and I made reservations for 6pm in Belltown, at a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurant. I was really excited because they had a lot of vegetarian options, and it is food that I like but eat rarely. We decided to dress up becasue we were going to a nice restaurant and we weren't sure where the night would take us. We found one bar in the area that had no cover - amazing when most places have special "parties" that are $75 entry. Needless to say, we didn't end up going to any of those places. (Next year though!)
Since I don't own many clothes, I ended up wearing Shelley's dress, Rachelle's Jacket, Laura's old nice shoes and I bought some tights. It ended up being a very nice outfit, albeit a little chilly. Also, Rachelle straigtened my hair, so I looked fancier than normal.
In our fancy outfits, we went out to dinner. When we first arrived the other patrons were wearing jeans, and I felt a little overdressed... however, as the night wore on, people got fancier and fancier until finally everyone was in a suit and a dress. The service was amazing - our waiter was attentive and nice, and made us feel welcome. Which is a good thing, because we were there for three hours! Originally, we were worried that we would be done eating so early that we would have too long of a night afterwards (since we started so early at 6pm)... wrong we were! Which was a good thing! The food was amaaaazing. The restaurant had a special New Years Eve dinner like everywhere in the city - $25 for a four course meal. An amazing deal! We got a big appetizer with pita and hummus and a lot of other really yummy things that I don't know how to spell. We then got a salad, entree and dessert. We were so full that we had to pace ourselves, and luckily we did because we were all able to eat dessert by the time it came around! Though we had a lot of leftovers from the entree.
After dinner, we walked a few blocks over to the space needle to walk around. I haven't been to the space needle in years, and haven't gone much at all in my life, so I was really excited to see the area again. Furthermore, every year I watch the space needle on the TV (per my family's tradition), and I have always wanted to be there. That said, it was cooolld! That and the fact that none of us wanted to be in a mob at midnight, we decided a tour of the space needle was good, but it wasn't where we would spend the New Year. So, after a nice little tour, we hopped a bus back to the apartment.
We were planning on just dropping off the food, and grabbing some comfy clothes and then driving closer to our destinations for later in the night. However, due to walking time, bussing time and how long we ate dinner, we ran out of time to go to the bars. So instead of just sticking comfy clothes in the car for after some bar hopping and before some park going-space needle viewing, we just got comfy right away. And man did that feel good! Our next destination of the night was to Kerry Park, which is on Queen Anne and has an amazing view of the Space Needle. A few of Rachelle's friends were there, so we met up with them and visited for about 20 minutes until the fireworks! The only downside was that there was one fellow fireworks viewer that decided that moaning and sighing and yelling random things was funny (mature much?)... it was annoying but didn't ruin it for me, luckily.
After the fireworks (we had the perfect vantage point!) we walked back to the car. Traffic was really backed up, because a lot more people had come up into that area than we realized! Instead of sitting in traffic, we sat in the car and listened to music for a bit. Our plan had been to go out to the bars after the fireworks, however we didn't get back into the u-district until 1ish. By then, we were beat. Though I loved the idea of going out partying after the fireworks (as a kid I was always disappointed when everyone left at 12:15. I thought the party was just getting started!)... coming home, hanging out, getting into pajamas and watching a movie sounded really good. So that is just what we did!
All in all it was an amazing NYE! And it didn't even include any alcohol! What kind of 21 year old am I? I guess Rachelle had wine at dinner, but I didn't! I consider this NYE to be a sampler, we saw a little of this and a little of that, saw a few different people and had time to ourselves. We had some time to be fancy and some time to be cozy, some time to spend money, and some time to just sit in a park and watch. I think it was amazing!!
Next year I do think I will want to stay in one place, not because this year wasn't amazing, but because the commute times made the night seem way too short. We're thinking about saving up money to go dancing next year, and I am really excited!
Nestor Dinner
On Saturday I came back up to Edmonds and had the Nestor family over for Dinner (meaning "Grandma", Janet, Brad, Brittney and Evan). We played games and had dinner, and had an overall good time. I spent most of my time entertaining Evan, which I always consider fun. My parents had a chance to play the games that I normally choose not to play, and Brad and Brittney had a chance to have fun without having to worry about Evan. I could write a whole other post about how cute Evan is and how I can't believe how old she is getting (it is very obvious how old she is when I see her so rarely!). Instead, I will move on because it is waaay past my bedtime (almost 2! I think I've been writing this novel for almost an hour!)....
Back to Bellingham
So, on Sunday I came back up to Bellingham to get back to my "real" life. The vacation was amazing in every way, and I am so thankful for my friends and family who made it that way!
There are other things to update on, however this post is clearly not where I should... But for a sneak preview:
-EdCC/Health Insurance
-1st day of work/700th day....
-New Years Resolutions
So, ta ta for now, until we meet again....
Amy
I'm not sure what did it exactly, but I got over all the drama, and was able to start my two week long winter break in a relatively good mood. Karisa and I wrote a nasty letter to C, and though I don't believe she'll ever send it, it just felt good to write it. My "healing", as I put it previously, helped me look forward to my vacation, and my vacation helped me finish healing. Though healing is such a weird term to use because really it was just getting over how angry I was...
Spokane
I started off my 2 week long vacation (the longest I've had in a year), by going over to Spokane. I arrived in Edmonds on Friday night, and spent the majority of Saturday hanging out with Brad/Brittney/Evan. They very kindly took me to the train station... I thought we were running late because I only had 10 minutes to spare... oh how wrong I was! Though they did follow me into the station, they told Evan they would have to leave if she played on the storage and that she did, so they followed through and left. A few minutes after that, I heard that the train would be at least an hour late. Then we heard that the train was getting work done on it in Seattle, and they didn't know when it would be ready - but since the work was on the brakes, I was willing to give them as much time as they needed. I got to know the other people in the train station - a family with two teenagers/preteens, who pointed out that it would have been faster to drive to their destination than to take the train; and also a really cute family with two little girls (half asian, half white) who were getting ready for a 52 hour train ride. There was also a college age boy who was going to Spokane, but he spent most of the time outside with the fathers of the two families. Three hours later, we got on the train. I was supposed to arrive in Spokane at 1am - late at night, but not unbearable. Instead, I arrived at 4 am. Clearly, this messed up Laura and Diana's sleep schedule but they oh so kindly napped and then came and got me.
Spokane was great! It was beautiful and snowy the whole time I was there. We walked through downtown and saw all the great architecture, we sledded, played games, ate yummy food and went shopping. I'm sure we did much more, because overall the trip was a perfect combination of leisure and activity.
It was the first time I have been to Spokane since I just drove through it as a kid, so it was much better than I was expecting. I get the impression that the city is nice, it's just the people who are lacking. Laura and Diana's apartment is gorgeous! They have a 4 bedroom apartment for a really cheap rate, and it is spacious and includes a humongous fireplace. All in all I am very impressed. Laura suggested that I should come live with her after I finish working this summer (since I have a big ??? for my future)... if she had asked me that just a week before I would have said no, but now I am definitely considering it. After returning to Edmonds, I started thinking about my future and I could see myself living in Spokane.
Christmas Time
On Wednesday, Laura and I drove home for Christmas. We were worried because we had to cross the state and go through the pass, but luckily snow wasn't an issue. It did snow while we were on the east, but the roads were still managable. You could really only feel the snow (or at least I could, as a passenger), when changing lanes. It made the ride across the state just gorgeous! Plus, we got Taco Bell on the way over -- something that I haven't had in a loooong time! I've had Taco Time, because it is so close by, but Taco Bell will always be my favorite.
Even though it was snowy in Eastern Washington, it was clear roads across the path. I was sad as we came onto the west side and the snow disappeared. If I do live in Spokane, I sure will love having the snow!
Jeffrey had already came into town, so the next few days were spent visiting. Christmas was amazing this year. Last year, I felt slightly disappointed at having to share Brian and Britt with so many other people. I understood it as a concept, but was still trying to adjust to the change. For example, it was weird for me to open presents in the afternoon instead of the morning, even if us kids did sleep in more. This year, however, I didn't feel any negative feelings in that regard. In fact, when Britt explained where they go Christmas Eve (last year we didn't see them at all), Christmas Morning (they don't come over until 12 or 1) and Christmas Afternoon (they leaves for a couple hours), I felt lucky for how much time we do have them!
It didn't hurt that we had Thanksgiving on Christmas Eve this year. I'm sure I wrote earlier about how Thanksgiving was cancelled because my Mom was sick. Our solution - eat all the delicious Thanksgiving food on Christmas Eve (also very convienently stealing Brian and Britt until 4 or 5ish in the evening!)... it made it so we didn't have to cook on Christmas at all and could just be lazy!
But as I said, Christmas was great this year. My Dad asked us what candy we wanted, so I got really yummy candy (I am really picky when it comes to sweets and not a fan of some of the tradition Christmas candy), played lots of game and had fun. My parents got me a laptop for Christmas (and my birthday and my graduation). I was kind of expecting it, but since I was hoping for it I was trying not to think about it so that I wouldn't get disappointed if I didn't find it. I got converse from Brian and Britt, which is amazing because all my shoes are falling apart. I didn't get boots, but I have plans to go boot shopping this week so it is ok. I got a DS game from Jeff. Did I mention on here that I found my DS? If not - man was that a joyous day. It was sitting on my living room floor behind my futon/chair (near the end table). Once I did some cleaning it was just right there! Not hiding or anything. I am really curious to know if it was always that open and I just didn't look well enough, or if it somehow walked there.
I couldn't believe I found it, and instantly went to my wish list online and wrote a disclaimer *DS FOUND. You can buy me games now* or something along those lines. Luckily, Jeff hadn't gone shopping yet, so I got a game!
And last but not least, Laura gave me some really great clothes (a shirt of which I am wearing right now!). For work I am going to try and dress a little bit nicer (but not suit nice). Therefore, I will be wearing some of the sweaters/nice shirts that she got me frequently!
Before I move on from Christmas -can I just remark on how crazy it is that I own a laptop? This thing is my baby and I love it so much! I am working on it right now, in bed, comfy as can be. In the past I would have been sitting at my desk, getting really uncomfortable! :) I am very happy that I decided to ask for no gifts all year long just so that I could get this!!!
Holiday Party
Laura left town the Monday after Christmas :(. Therefore it became more of a friend time. I had plans to hang out with Brad and Brittney, but due to last minute traveling on their part that didn't work out. However, I did get to see all my HS friends for a holiday party! We played games, made lunch, made cookies and visited. After Rachael and Lindsay left, Shelley, Rachelle and I were able to plan for New Years!
Since Rachelle just got back from Italy, she got me a couple souvenirs. She got me a liquor thing of some sort (that I am looking forward to drinking) and a little portable wallet, perfect for a night on the town. Man, do I love that wallet! The wallet I use currently is one that I never planned to use regularly, in fact I just started using it for Europe because it was less likely to be stolen! But, since I'm me and I'm cheap and I normally don't like to shop, I still use it everyday. Well not anymore! Now I have a tight fitting little wallet that just has the necessities! Though I have to figure out how to fit my Group Health card and AAA card in there as well.... maybe I should still use my other wallet? :/
New Years Eve
Jeffrey left town New Years Eve, and about two hours later I headed down to Seattle with Shelley. Shelley, Rachelle and I made reservations for 6pm in Belltown, at a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurant. I was really excited because they had a lot of vegetarian options, and it is food that I like but eat rarely. We decided to dress up becasue we were going to a nice restaurant and we weren't sure where the night would take us. We found one bar in the area that had no cover - amazing when most places have special "parties" that are $75 entry. Needless to say, we didn't end up going to any of those places. (Next year though!)
Since I don't own many clothes, I ended up wearing Shelley's dress, Rachelle's Jacket, Laura's old nice shoes and I bought some tights. It ended up being a very nice outfit, albeit a little chilly. Also, Rachelle straigtened my hair, so I looked fancier than normal.
In our fancy outfits, we went out to dinner. When we first arrived the other patrons were wearing jeans, and I felt a little overdressed... however, as the night wore on, people got fancier and fancier until finally everyone was in a suit and a dress. The service was amazing - our waiter was attentive and nice, and made us feel welcome. Which is a good thing, because we were there for three hours! Originally, we were worried that we would be done eating so early that we would have too long of a night afterwards (since we started so early at 6pm)... wrong we were! Which was a good thing! The food was amaaaazing. The restaurant had a special New Years Eve dinner like everywhere in the city - $25 for a four course meal. An amazing deal! We got a big appetizer with pita and hummus and a lot of other really yummy things that I don't know how to spell. We then got a salad, entree and dessert. We were so full that we had to pace ourselves, and luckily we did because we were all able to eat dessert by the time it came around! Though we had a lot of leftovers from the entree.
After dinner, we walked a few blocks over to the space needle to walk around. I haven't been to the space needle in years, and haven't gone much at all in my life, so I was really excited to see the area again. Furthermore, every year I watch the space needle on the TV (per my family's tradition), and I have always wanted to be there. That said, it was cooolld! That and the fact that none of us wanted to be in a mob at midnight, we decided a tour of the space needle was good, but it wasn't where we would spend the New Year. So, after a nice little tour, we hopped a bus back to the apartment.
We were planning on just dropping off the food, and grabbing some comfy clothes and then driving closer to our destinations for later in the night. However, due to walking time, bussing time and how long we ate dinner, we ran out of time to go to the bars. So instead of just sticking comfy clothes in the car for after some bar hopping and before some park going-space needle viewing, we just got comfy right away. And man did that feel good! Our next destination of the night was to Kerry Park, which is on Queen Anne and has an amazing view of the Space Needle. A few of Rachelle's friends were there, so we met up with them and visited for about 20 minutes until the fireworks! The only downside was that there was one fellow fireworks viewer that decided that moaning and sighing and yelling random things was funny (mature much?)... it was annoying but didn't ruin it for me, luckily.
After the fireworks (we had the perfect vantage point!) we walked back to the car. Traffic was really backed up, because a lot more people had come up into that area than we realized! Instead of sitting in traffic, we sat in the car and listened to music for a bit. Our plan had been to go out to the bars after the fireworks, however we didn't get back into the u-district until 1ish. By then, we were beat. Though I loved the idea of going out partying after the fireworks (as a kid I was always disappointed when everyone left at 12:15. I thought the party was just getting started!)... coming home, hanging out, getting into pajamas and watching a movie sounded really good. So that is just what we did!
All in all it was an amazing NYE! And it didn't even include any alcohol! What kind of 21 year old am I? I guess Rachelle had wine at dinner, but I didn't! I consider this NYE to be a sampler, we saw a little of this and a little of that, saw a few different people and had time to ourselves. We had some time to be fancy and some time to be cozy, some time to spend money, and some time to just sit in a park and watch. I think it was amazing!!
Next year I do think I will want to stay in one place, not because this year wasn't amazing, but because the commute times made the night seem way too short. We're thinking about saving up money to go dancing next year, and I am really excited!
Nestor Dinner
On Saturday I came back up to Edmonds and had the Nestor family over for Dinner (meaning "Grandma", Janet, Brad, Brittney and Evan). We played games and had dinner, and had an overall good time. I spent most of my time entertaining Evan, which I always consider fun. My parents had a chance to play the games that I normally choose not to play, and Brad and Brittney had a chance to have fun without having to worry about Evan. I could write a whole other post about how cute Evan is and how I can't believe how old she is getting (it is very obvious how old she is when I see her so rarely!). Instead, I will move on because it is waaay past my bedtime (almost 2! I think I've been writing this novel for almost an hour!)....
Back to Bellingham
So, on Sunday I came back up to Bellingham to get back to my "real" life. The vacation was amazing in every way, and I am so thankful for my friends and family who made it that way!
There are other things to update on, however this post is clearly not where I should... But for a sneak preview:
-EdCC/Health Insurance
-1st day of work/700th day....
-New Years Resolutions
So, ta ta for now, until we meet again....
Amy
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