Life is in the Moments

So, I have not blogged since December for two reasons. First, my life really wasn't overly interesting and second, with finishing a masters & job searching my spare time was used for sleep and other necessary activities. However, as many of you know I have recently moved to Blacksburg, VA to start a new job in the Career Services Office at Virginia Tech, and I thought what better time to start blogging again then this new phase of my life. Now let me preface, this will probably not be nearly as exciting as my blog while in California, but none the less I'll give it my best shot.

With moving and starting my new job comes a lot of excitement! I have a job, I get to explore a new city, I have a new roommate, I get to be a professional in my field and I get to be only two hours from my sister! However, with all of these new and exciting changes came a lot of goodbyes. I left people that two years ago I barely knew, and now I couldn't imagine my life without. I say that it's not goodbye, it's see ya later, but its still a change. My roommate April the other day told me that she has never seem someone keep in better touch with people then me, and that to me was a huge compliment, and something that I hope to continue doing as I now have friends from high school, undergrad, grad school, my summer internship and childhood!

Though if this transition has taught me anything it is that life is in the moments. When I think of the things I remember most they are small moments, not large events. For example, coming home to a housewarming card or getting a text message from a friend that says "you are going to rock today". When I think back to the past few years, of course I remember the trip to Savannah my friends and I took, but more importantly I remember the nights me and my roommates had a 90's dance party, when I had a bad day and a friend brought me ice cream, or when I opened my email to a random thank you from a student. My mom and I were talking not too long again and we were discussing how in our opinions its the random days that mean the most. Anyone can show up for Christmas, remember to send a birthday card, and be fun on a vacation. However, being there when things are tough, when there is really nothing fun to do, and saying hi on a random day, well thats what makes life. Think of if this way, sure I remember going to Disney World when I was a little kid (and it was awesome) but really I remember swinging on the green swing, or getting to make home made pladoo more. Life to me is really in the moments. So thank you to everyone who has given me a moment in the past few weeks.

Oh, and in regards to my move. I have completed two days of work and not only survived, but I am excited to go back! Minus not having any furniture yet, my apartment is coming along. I have discovered a running path behind my complex, and the new roommate (Zara) and I seem to be getting along well. I'll keep you updated as things go along! Off to watch the Gamecocks hopefully clench the College World Series ::knock on wood:: Oh, and some pictures for your viewing!

Hilton Head Island, a weekend of sun, seafood and relaxation

Shan & I on the VT campus when her and my mom so gratefully came to help me find a place to live

Mom, Shan & I for our first legal drink together

Laura, Me and Hannah and Nich's high school graduation

Lauren & I at breakfast with mom & aunt jean. Lauren came to help me move more stuff to my new apt, now that is a good friend!

Paul & I at a wedding

One of the hearts in Union Square in San Francisco

2010 is a wrap, here's to 2011

So 2010 has come and gone, and when I think of it, where did the year go? I feel like it was just yesterday I was ringing in 2010 in Baltimore, then I blinked and rang in 2011 in my basement with my sister (both equally as fun). So what are some themes of my life in 2010, well lets see. It was a year of southern experiences: attending Carolina Cup, visiting Savannah with my family, experience snow in the south (a nightmare), football tailgates (we had a good season) and of course another 12  months of living in the south.

Being a souther bell at Carolina Cup

Family in Savannah

Lauren and I in the "blizzard of 2010 Columbia, SC"

It was a year of travel: Orlando for business where Johanna joined me, Baton Rogue to visit Kelly, California of course for pleasure and work, and the Bahamas on my first cruise. Then of course those who visited me: my mom and sister and Meghan in California, Johanna and my dad in South Carolina, and my friends from PA who came to Jersey to visit! So much travel that I have recently decided to open a credit card where I get milage points, yes I know something I should have thought of a little while ago. Better late than never.

with Kell in Baton Rogue

At an ice bar in Orlando with Jo

Rodeo Drive in Hollywood with Krista

Trolly ride in San Francisco with Shan and Mom

Cruise with Lauren

It was a year of professional development. New experiences both this summer with my internship and this semester with my new assistantship. This paired with my education and assistantship from last year has really allowed me to A)confirm that this a profession I want and B) feel prepared to be a professional in the field.

Orientation at SJSU

Two of my co-workers and I with Cocky

It was another year of family and friends. I again realized how lucky I am that I got stuck with the family I got stuck with. Not many people can say then have two supporting parents, family who is willing to visit them where ever they may be, and family who by and large get along. I am also blessed with extended family - two aunts who are my second biggest cheerleaders (second to my parents) and a family in Charlotte that treats me just like I was one of them, creating a home away from home! My sister moved to her apartment, my brother went away to college, and my parents became empty nesters. As far as friends go, well it was a year or reconfirming old friendships, growing friendships that had started, and creating brand new ones. Now being away from home for 6 ish years, you learn how to be friends when you are not always around each other (you look to models like my mom and her best friend Marie), and then you cherish the time you are together even more, because there is something about an old friend that you just can't explain. You continue to sustain college friendships, because really that is where you became who you are - so you put in the effort to see those people. I continued to grow my friendships in Columbia, realizing how much I really love the people down there. Both those who I have been friends from the start with, and those who somewhere along the way became some of my best friends. Then there was new friends in California, where I met my soulmate / roommate / coworker  / travel partner Denica (I could not have asked for a better person to be paired with), and had the blessing of making friends with other co-workers and mentors. Then of course, the first year HESA students arrived, and well yet again more friendships were formed.

At my 23rd SURPRISE party, I have great friends in Columbia, SC

Denica and I, this explains us

Joy and Amanda visiting me in Jersey

Family, Christmas 2010

Family Reunion 2010

Lastly, 2010 was the year of hair color. I had never dyed my hair before, but 2010 the itch to dye it occurred. Starting with naturally dirty blonde hair, I went light brown, than blonde, than blonder, than blondest. Than I went a nice chocolate brown, that turned into a not so nice orange, to my current color which thanks to my sister is now a nice brown with some natural highlights.

But, like I said 2010 has come and gone and here we are day two into 2011. So what does 2011 bring, well isn't that a question we all wish he had the answer too. I'm nixing resolutions, because lets face it they never stick. However, these are some things I am hoping for, striving for, and attempting to accomplish.

1. The ability to smoothly transition from graduate school to the "real world", both emotionally and logistically. This means once again parting ways with people I spend 435734 hours a week with, and being okay with that and of course finding a job. Preferably a job that I really like, in a location that I would like, with an income that will sustain my comfortably.
2. Living a healthier life style - from taking my calcium and other supplements, to running a half marathon (any takers of someone wanting to do it with me?), to resting, breathing and taking me time.
3. To travel more, where the wind will take me I'm not sure. But I would be lying if I didn't say that Greece, California, Seattle, and the Dominican Republic weren't at the top of my list.

Here's to 2011, a year full of possibility for everyone. Here are two quotes (credited to Mel) to lead you into the new years.

"Convinced she can do everything she's ever dreamed of with just a little more space."

- Brian Andreas -

"She didn't know it couldn't be done, so she went ahead and did it."

- Mary S. Almanac -

Home, Health and Holidays

Pete, Donny, Samantha, Kelly, Sam, Brent, Ashley, me, Danielle, Paul, Allie

Donny and Me

 As I look at a calendar I realize it has been almost a month since I wrote my last blog, not because my life is not interesting (but it's really not that interesting), but because I have just been busy. I guess I could call the past month the month of home, health and holidays, as I have been in the tri-state area since December 5th. I know what you are all thinking - that is a long time home, yes yes it is. The longest time I have been home in a long time actually, but while this much togetherness for my mother and I could have been disastrous, thus far it has been good (knock on wood). So what have I been up to the past month? I started the holiday season before leaving South Carolina, 

having a holiday party with some friends! Then the festivities followed with a goodbye dinner and going away party for Donny. Donny is graduating a semester early, as he as decided that Higher Education isn't what he wants to do, instead he wants to be a high school science teacher. While all of my friends support his decision, I would be lying if I didn't say it was hard for me to see him leave. He was my first friend in South Carolina my roommates a side, and we treat each other like brother and sister. Leaving South Carolina I headed to North Carolina for Hannah and Laura's confirmation. I was honored and blessed to be Hannah's confirmation sponsor, and we enjoyed a beautiful ceremony, followed by a delicious italian meal and some family time.

Hannah & me

Once home I got a glimpse of what it was like to be an only child, as Shan and Trav were still at school for two weeks. (while it was fun, it made me appreciate my siblings even more) I visited Trav at Bloomsburg, filled my time with doctor's appointments and a lot of doing nothing (which was fine by me). I also went into NYC for the weekend, and than again with my parents for a night! The weekend was spent at a holiday party and Santacon, a Santa convention mixed with a bar crawl. This event was a mix of home friends with South Carolina friends, as Kelly and Danielle two friends from South Carolina came, and they brought their best friends from home and I brought mine! The santa convention was an interesting experience to say the least. Then my parents and I went back into the city to see "Next to Normal" on broadway (which was fabulous), ate at Dos Caminos (which had delicious guacamole and margaritas) and saw the tree and all of the store displays, it was a wonderful evening! Come Tuesday I had mentioned to develop torticollis (extremely painful back and neck spasms), so I spent the next three days on steroids, valium, cough depressants and muscle relaxers doing a lot of laying still. Thankfully I was home and had my mom to take care of me, funny how things work out like that.

Kelly, me, Jo, Danielle and Sam

Daddy and me

Mom and me

I then went to Wilmington, DE to see my friend Amee, her new house and her new dog Annie. I have not seen Amee since her wedding in August 09, so it was nice to sit down and catch up. I then went to Philadelphia to see my friend Meghan who was having a holiday party at her apartment.

Meghan and I at the holiday party

My baby brother turned 19! (Dad, Trav, Mom)

Then came the holidays. We spent Christmas Eve with family friends, and had Christmas day at our house, and open house of family, friends, and neighbors! This was by far our latest Christmas morning, not waking up and opening presents till 10:30, and I was the first sibling up at 8:45, that I don't think has ever happened. 

my mom's reaction when she got our present

Christmas morning - Trav's new Knicks jersey, my yellow cardigan and Shan's rain jacket

all the "kids" Shan, Brieanna, Zach, Trav, me

Family

They have been friends for forty years, may everybody be blessed with that kind of friendship (my mom and Marie)

Jackie, me and Johanna

Mom, Dad, Monica and Lenny

I'll quote my 19 year old brother who said "this was the best Christmas since I was 7". I don't know what made it that way, but it was nice. I can only hope my next nine days at home are just as fabulous. 

A lot to be thankful for

This thanksgiving season I realized that I have a lot to be thankful for. First, I am thankful that I have a family that loves and supports me, and is willing to visit me where ever I go. Two weekends ago my dad came to visit me for a father daughter weekend in Columbia. Now, if you have met my father, he is really an oversized child so putting him on an airplane, well terrified my mother and I. However, he made it safely and we had a fabulous weekend, including: dinner at Paulie's with my roommates, tailgating, the South Carolina vs. Troy game, the Columbia Zoo, dinner with the Ward's and oh, a clean and functioning car! I hadn't spent more than two days with my dad since May, and as a Daddy's girl (yes I'll admit I am) it was good to spend time with him!

Daddy and I at the tailgate

Last tailgate

Michelle, Kelly, Pete, Viki (our co-worker) and me at Viki's tailgate

This past weekend I realized how thankful I am for also having family away from home. I spent Thanksgiving in Charlotte with the Ward's and Petrini's, where we had a delicious Thanksgiving meal and quality family time. I realize how lucky I am to a) have family extended family I am close with, and b) to be so close with my cousins. Coming back to Columbia on Friday, I became thankful for alone time and quietness. I spent the weekend being productive, relaxing, and enjoying everyone else still being away for the weekend.

Laura, me, Hannah (the only picture I took at Thanksgiving, oops)

My family celebrating Thanksgiving in New Jersey (while I missed them, Aunt Maurren & Aunt Peggy are really good cooks)

Some other things that I am thankful for this holiday season: my education, the roof over my head, the economic ability to afford what I need, my siblings, my parents, my friends (both here in Columbia, home in New Jersey, from this summer and from West Chester, and all others in between), my health, my job, my experiences (both good and bad) and turkey noodle soup (thank you Aunt Peg). Take a second to look around and realize what you are thankful for.

Now one more week to get through, than off to Charlotte, and home for a month!

You are never too old to celebrate your birthday

Kyle, Amy, Lauren & I dressed in our 80's gear

Birthdays, who doesn't love them? While the older I get the more I realize not everyone enjoys their birthday (what a shame). Luckily, I am surrounded with people who still enjoy a good birthday celebration. Over the past two weeks I have had a lot of people in my life have birthdays, and my second favorite things to birthdays, well that's sending birthday cards of course. However, two of the birthdays have been two of my good friends in my masters program! The first was my friend Kelly (she is a first year in the program, and works in the career center with me. Another fun fact she went to JMU and knows my sister), and we celebrated her birthday with a decades party. You could pick any decade of your choice, but I mean really what is more fun than dressing for the 80's? Lots of color, no need to match, big hair and leg warmers - yea I'm sold. Plus, my roommate Lauren and I love little more than shopping for a good costume.

Everybody at Kelly's Decade themed 23rd birthday

The second birthday was my roommate April's. April turned a quarter of a century in stride. However, her celebration was a little low key - we decorated her room, celebrated with dinner & cupcakes from cupcake on her actual birthday, and than had people over for some drinks and board games on the weekend! I give April credit as one of the most passionate people I know, I'm convinced her and Mary Ellen put together would be a non-profit power house.

Another birthday thing that has fallen into my lap, is a birthday book. Borrowed from a peer, the book "The Secret Language of Birthdays" breaks down every birthday day-by-day. I read mine along with some friends and families, while everyone's had something that related to them, mine and my brother's were so on point it was scary. My birthday is January 26th making me "The day of striking deeds". Those born on this day are highly controversial individuals, bold and aggressive. Their determination in reaching their goals is limitless, and their faith in doing so is unbounded. The downfall, they tend to hurt others and not be considerate of feelings, as they act quick and decisively. I think the part that is most relevant to my current life is "because they are so active and externally oriented, it is incumbent at some point in their lives to get to know themselves better, or their personal development could stagnate. They need to discover their deeper desires and motivations". My strengths: active, dramatic, confident. My weaknesses (or areas of improvement as we tell our students): destructive, dictatorial and driven. I am not saying that everything said is perfect, but I think it is key to be self-aware and sometimes this helps one to do so. I find this kind of stuff interesting, it also explains advice and health issues associated with your birthday. If anyone wants to know theirs please let me know!

Erin, Me, Kim (my spuddies: first year student's in the program)

What have I been up to with the rest of my life? Work, I am serving on a search committee and transitionting for the spring as my boss will be out on maternity leave. School, which even though I consider myself a life-long learner I am ready to be done with. and other activities, including: seeing Legally Blonde the musical (amazing!), learning the ropes of human resources pages so I'm familiar when job applications start, Carolina Football (we won the SEC east if you haven't heard!), participating in the USC vs. Clemson blood drive, and being a cheerleader for my friends who ran a half marathon (please note this is now on my bucket list, I am my mother's daughter in the sense that I was crying form happiness at the race).

Half Marathon (13.1 mile) runners: David, Katie, Brent, Samantha. So proud of them!

Things to look forward too - my dad is visiting this weekend!!!, Charlotte for Thanksgiving with some family, and home for a month in December! My current quote or motto, "count your blessings" because even when you are having a bad day, chances are their is someone else having a worse one. Realize what you have to be grateful for. For example I have a wonderful support system of family and friends, and that alone is wonderful.

Halloween Weekend

So halloween has never really been my holiday. I was the kid who saved my halloween candy (and than eventually forgot about it). I always remember having to put a turtleneck under my costume to stay warm. Really, the only two Halloween memories I have are my homemade mouse costume (which came with a wooden block of cheese) and Brieanna coming to trick-or-treat with us (we have a picture of us in front of the fire place). Now let me say it was never a bad holiday, just not a favorite.

However, with that being said this weekend was full of Halloween like activities. Thursday we went to see Dracula the ballet (my first one), Friday we hosted a Halloween party, and Saturday we went to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Wrapping the weekend up we had a falg football game on Sunday, in crisp fall weather. Now let me say I consider myself a pretty athletic person, and I am awful at flag football, but none the less it is fun with friends. All in all it was a fabulous in the spirit fall weekend.

Having a photo shoot with April. I was Jessie from Saved by the Bell, & I am now convinved I was made for the 90's

Saved by the Bell: Screech (Pete), Slater (Brent), Lisa (Samantha),

Jessie (me), Kelly (Sam), Zac (Mike) and the principal (Drew)

Roommates: Audrey Hepburn (Apri), Lady Bug (Danielle), Suki from True Blood(Lauren), Jessie (me)

Team Huddle

Back Row: Mike, Brent, Megan, me, Pete, Steven

Front Row: Ashley, Cory, Sam

In action

Clockwise from me: me, Ashley, Megan, Brent, Mike, Steven, Cory, Pete, Sam

and than today I woke up to 57 degree weather, so maybe fall really is here. My day by day calendar said "Whatever you are, be a good one" by Abraham Lincoln and that is my motto for the week!