I'm 13 days into the new year, and so far, I'm off to a pretty awesome start.
I had New Years Eve and Day off so I got to celebrate and ring in the New Year and then relax and enjoy having survived another year on the 1st.
The world didn't end, so I'd say that's pretty good.
Early on in the month I received news of my promotion at work, which is fabulous. Especially because I spent the last quarter of 2012 waiting to find out how I'd fared. That and because it is a huge step in a great direction for me career wise. Not necessarily along the lines of what I'd originally had planned but definitely something that I want and am fairly certain I would like :) It's my first REAL big girl job with a big girl salary and all. So, needless to say, this is probably one of the best things the new year has brought me thus far.
Yesterday, I officially finished the first draft of my novel. :) Quite an accomplishment I'd say. It's been underway for 2 years now and an entire draft is 100 percent complete. I'm very proud of myself for that one. Now I just have to edit and add and edit and revamp and fix and correct and rethink and edit and everything that comes with making a first draft into a first completed novel that is ready for publishing. Plus I have to start putting together my outline for the second book. Sigh. A writer's work is never done. But, I'm still very excited to see all my hard work pay off with a completed story. My first completed novel length work :)
I think, considering that the new year isn't even two weeks in, I'm doing pretty well :) And I plan to continue on this trend. I haven't really made any resolutions, but I do intend to continue working out and eating healthy. I plan on pushing myself even harder this year. I also plan to do everything I can to be the very best I can be in my new position. I impressed them enough to land the job, now I just have to prove myself, and I fully intend on doing so. I also want to strive to be a better person, do more for others, and just push myself to be the best version of me that I can be.
2013 has a lot in store for me, and I plan to make the most and the best of it. Here's to a year of successes. Here's to a year of hard work to get there! :)
Happy New Year everyone. May your year be prosperous and kind.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Life's Full of Tough Choices, isn't it?
When you graduate college and get started on your life, there are so many choices you have to make in order to direct your life into the direction you want it to go. Jobs, relationships, housing, where to move, where to move again, family, friends, spontaneity, risks, love, life, the whole lot! It's crazy and exhausting at times.
But, every choice that is made at this point in life is going to have a huge effect on the path and direction your life takes. Where you end up and where you want to end up could be two totally different places. And where you thought you wanted to end up might change.
I've been struggling with some if these decisions myself over the past year since I've graduated. Should I apply for this job or that job? Should I stay here or move there, should I wait till my boyfriend graduates or leave without him? Will we be able to handle long distance - no, will I be able to handle long distance?
I decided a few months ago to put my fears aside and take a chance. I applied for a really great position that would be an amazing opportunity for me, but would also require me, not only to move, but to move to a town that I know my boyfriend would never move to. It was scary, because it was something that I wanted, but would come with a price. It was scary because it would be a big step and it would be challenging. It was scary because it would be my first real professional position. But I did it. I applied despite all my fears.
I applied and I got it.
And now, all my fears are manifesting into reality. The only thing I can do is give it everything I've got. Try my best. Succeed!
That's what I have to do, and that is what I will do.
But, every choice that is made at this point in life is going to have a huge effect on the path and direction your life takes. Where you end up and where you want to end up could be two totally different places. And where you thought you wanted to end up might change.
I've been struggling with some if these decisions myself over the past year since I've graduated. Should I apply for this job or that job? Should I stay here or move there, should I wait till my boyfriend graduates or leave without him? Will we be able to handle long distance - no, will I be able to handle long distance?
I decided a few months ago to put my fears aside and take a chance. I applied for a really great position that would be an amazing opportunity for me, but would also require me, not only to move, but to move to a town that I know my boyfriend would never move to. It was scary, because it was something that I wanted, but would come with a price. It was scary because it would be a big step and it would be challenging. It was scary because it would be my first real professional position. But I did it. I applied despite all my fears.
I applied and I got it.
And now, all my fears are manifesting into reality. The only thing I can do is give it everything I've got. Try my best. Succeed!
That's what I have to do, and that is what I will do.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Something vs Someone
If there is one thing I've learned through past experiences, it's that, while people can ADD TO your happiness, you can't rely on people TO MAKE you happy. Your happiness has to come from you, from your life, the things you do, have done, made and achieve/achieved.
The people in your life are a great additive and certainly make things better at times,
and they are necessary for a healthy balance in life, but if you expect all of your happiness to come from people, or one person, your going to find yourself unhappy, really fast, and your relationship doomed from the pressure and expectation.
Of course the people you love make you happy, but if that's the only source of happiness in your life, then I suggest you find a hobby fast.
Sometimes, in life there comes a point where you have to chose between doing something that makes you happy and being close to someone that makes you happy. It's tough. But ultimately, if you don't do the things that make you happy, then you've chosen against both, because one day, you might resent the someone you chose over the something.
If you love that someone and they love you back, that's not going to change and you should support each other in your endeavors. Just because your paths separate for a while, doesn't mean they won't come back together again, or even have little paths that connect them throughout the separation.
I'm working towards something that I need and want to do for me. I'm sad that if all goes well I'll have to move away from my life up here, but I can't abandon something that I want just because its going to put strain on my life and relationship. I'm not going to lie, I'm scared, but I have to try.
So, to answer the question that everyone keeps asking - the question that keeps making me doubt my decision - Joe and I will make it work. Long distance. Duh.
If all goes according to plan anyway. I can't get ahead f myself here ;)
The people in your life are a great additive and certainly make things better at times,
and they are necessary for a healthy balance in life, but if you expect all of your happiness to come from people, or one person, your going to find yourself unhappy, really fast, and your relationship doomed from the pressure and expectation.
Of course the people you love make you happy, but if that's the only source of happiness in your life, then I suggest you find a hobby fast.
Sometimes, in life there comes a point where you have to chose between doing something that makes you happy and being close to someone that makes you happy. It's tough. But ultimately, if you don't do the things that make you happy, then you've chosen against both, because one day, you might resent the someone you chose over the something.
If you love that someone and they love you back, that's not going to change and you should support each other in your endeavors. Just because your paths separate for a while, doesn't mean they won't come back together again, or even have little paths that connect them throughout the separation.
I'm working towards something that I need and want to do for me. I'm sad that if all goes well I'll have to move away from my life up here, but I can't abandon something that I want just because its going to put strain on my life and relationship. I'm not going to lie, I'm scared, but I have to try.
So, to answer the question that everyone keeps asking - the question that keeps making me doubt my decision - Joe and I will make it work. Long distance. Duh.
If all goes according to plan anyway. I can't get ahead f myself here ;)
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
I want a day job... sometimes
Sometimes, I really love that I work at night because it gives me time to get things done.
I'm a healthier person now because I can never go out to eat. I cook all my own meals and I even started a clean diet... Mostly.
I work out 6 days a week because I have the time and energy.
I wake by the sound of my own internal alarm clock and let me tell you, there is nothing sweeter. I'm ALWAYS well rested. It's great
Most importantly, I feel great. I've never been as healthy, gotten as much needed sleep, or felt as great as I do now with my steady night job schedule.
But, my social life is incredibly scarce and some times it really gets to me. I rarely go anywhere other than work and to the grocery store. I miss out on soooo many things and it really makes me sad. People talk about getting together some nights and all I can do is pretend like I don't care that I can't go.
It's also frustrating that I can't really relate to people who work days. they're tired when I'm awake. They're awake when I'm sleeping. They want to go home when I'm ready to go out. And they go out when it's time for me to go to work.
That's really it. Those are the only bad things that I can think of at the moment. I don't know if I would want to trade my new lifestyle for a social life though.
I mean, there are two nights a week that I'm able to join everyone, so it's not like I never get to go out or be social. And I save money by not doing it as much.
I guess I really don't know what I want.
I'm a healthier person now because I can never go out to eat. I cook all my own meals and I even started a clean diet... Mostly.
I work out 6 days a week because I have the time and energy.
I wake by the sound of my own internal alarm clock and let me tell you, there is nothing sweeter. I'm ALWAYS well rested. It's great
Most importantly, I feel great. I've never been as healthy, gotten as much needed sleep, or felt as great as I do now with my steady night job schedule.
But, my social life is incredibly scarce and some times it really gets to me. I rarely go anywhere other than work and to the grocery store. I miss out on soooo many things and it really makes me sad. People talk about getting together some nights and all I can do is pretend like I don't care that I can't go.
It's also frustrating that I can't really relate to people who work days. they're tired when I'm awake. They're awake when I'm sleeping. They want to go home when I'm ready to go out. And they go out when it's time for me to go to work.
That's really it. Those are the only bad things that I can think of at the moment. I don't know if I would want to trade my new lifestyle for a social life though.
I mean, there are two nights a week that I'm able to join everyone, so it's not like I never get to go out or be social. And I save money by not doing it as much.
I guess I really don't know what I want.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
The Dangers of Getting Comfortable
I really love the non-profit organization that I work for and I really wouldn't mind working there for a while...
Unfortunately, my current position doesn't allow me to put to use the piece of paper that says I'm awesome for going through 4 years of higher education. So Naturally, I want to grow within the company and advance to a position that does require that degree. It's a desire that I have, but one that I've come to find I'm skeptical about acting upon.
How do you know whether or not it's too soon to apply for a different position within a company? How do you know when you've waited too long and stayed in a position longer than you should have. How do you know it wont be challenging, or time consuming? What if you don't like it?
All of these questions come to mind when seriously considering a move like this.
I've seen a couple of open positions that I could have applied for (and while none of them required a degree, they did all have the potential for advancement), but I haven't applied for any. I've come up with excuses like, it's too soon to try and move up already, or But how will I have time for grad school if I'm working a full time job with normal and sometimes extended hours? Well here's what I ask myself now. If there's an opportunity for something better now, why wait? Everything will fall into place right?
There is a position now that I really want, and it DOES require a college degree, which to be honest, scares the crap out of me. My job now is easy and doesn't require much of me. I have to be friendly, quick, efficient and have a pretty good memory. That's it. Sometimes I have to think on my toes, but there's always someone there to help me when I don't know what to do. So obviously, holding a position that would require a lot more out of me, that would require me to figure things out on my own, that would require me to use my education! It scares me senseless.
But I can't let my life be run by fear. I can't let fear stop me from advancing and achieving and excelling. I can't not do something because I'm afraid I'll fail. I just have to try and give it all I've got without letting comfort or fear get in my way.
Hello world. Here comes, Alex.
Unfortunately, my current position doesn't allow me to put to use the piece of paper that says I'm awesome for going through 4 years of higher education. So Naturally, I want to grow within the company and advance to a position that does require that degree. It's a desire that I have, but one that I've come to find I'm skeptical about acting upon.
How do you know whether or not it's too soon to apply for a different position within a company? How do you know when you've waited too long and stayed in a position longer than you should have. How do you know it wont be challenging, or time consuming? What if you don't like it?
All of these questions come to mind when seriously considering a move like this.
I've seen a couple of open positions that I could have applied for (and while none of them required a degree, they did all have the potential for advancement), but I haven't applied for any. I've come up with excuses like, it's too soon to try and move up already, or But how will I have time for grad school if I'm working a full time job with normal and sometimes extended hours? Well here's what I ask myself now. If there's an opportunity for something better now, why wait? Everything will fall into place right?
There is a position now that I really want, and it DOES require a college degree, which to be honest, scares the crap out of me. My job now is easy and doesn't require much of me. I have to be friendly, quick, efficient and have a pretty good memory. That's it. Sometimes I have to think on my toes, but there's always someone there to help me when I don't know what to do. So obviously, holding a position that would require a lot more out of me, that would require me to figure things out on my own, that would require me to use my education! It scares me senseless.
But I can't let my life be run by fear. I can't let fear stop me from advancing and achieving and excelling. I can't not do something because I'm afraid I'll fail. I just have to try and give it all I've got without letting comfort or fear get in my way.
Hello world. Here comes, Alex.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Big kid toys
So, now that I'm making enough money to comfortably sustain myself, of course, all I can think about is buying things that will make it hard.
I really want a new car and, theoretically, I can afford it. But, at the moment, it would make life a lot more financially challenging...
So, here's the plan:
1. Continue to work and save money.
2. Put time and money into fixing up my current car so that when the time comes to trade it in and buy a new one, I can get the most value out of it.
3. Buy myself other new things like clothes and shoes and makeup to keep me distracted :p
The point is, I can't get ahead if myself here. A new car can wait, especially since I already have a car that works well and that is completely paid off (thanks mom and dad). I should probably focus more on saving for now so that when I do need a new car and I can comfortable afford it, then I can easily get it.
My new grown up mentality seems to be overcoming my impulsive side (this morning I was fully prepared to go to a dealer ship and buy a car today, heh). Thank god I thought that one trough!
I really want a new car and, theoretically, I can afford it. But, at the moment, it would make life a lot more financially challenging...
So, here's the plan:
1. Continue to work and save money.
2. Put time and money into fixing up my current car so that when the time comes to trade it in and buy a new one, I can get the most value out of it.
3. Buy myself other new things like clothes and shoes and makeup to keep me distracted :p
The point is, I can't get ahead if myself here. A new car can wait, especially since I already have a car that works well and that is completely paid off (thanks mom and dad). I should probably focus more on saving for now so that when I do need a new car and I can comfortable afford it, then I can easily get it.
My new grown up mentality seems to be overcoming my impulsive side (this morning I was fully prepared to go to a dealer ship and buy a car today, heh). Thank god I thought that one trough!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Higher Education
I've always been conscious of the fact that to get to where I want to be, I'll probably need more educational training, but until now, I hadn't considered Grad school.
Now a days, while obtaining a bachelors degree is a monumental feat, it's still sometimes not good enough. There are hundreds of people out there who might be more qualified than me or you who are trying to do the same thing. That puts a damper on things -- therefore, I have decided to go to Grad school. Hey, it can only help, right?
I've picked out a few schools with the program I want to apply for and I've researched what I need to do in order to get in. Now I just have to do it. Step one, get a kick-ass score on the GRE to make up for my less than perfect GPA. As soon as I collect my GRE study book from the person I leant it to, I'm going to start working my ass off to get prepared to make a really awesome score when it finally comes time to take the test.
I've also already started working on my personal statement, but I'm going to wait till I actually start applying to start hunting down old professors for letters of recommendation. Thats going to be one of the hardest things I think. I didn't make a point to become a memorable student to any of my teachers because I never thought I would go to grad school. Luckily, there are a few whom I think will be able to help me out.
I really want to do this. I'm scared out of my mind because I know it's going to be a huge challenge for me, but, I know that I can achieve what I put my mind to.
Rock and Roll baby.
Now a days, while obtaining a bachelors degree is a monumental feat, it's still sometimes not good enough. There are hundreds of people out there who might be more qualified than me or you who are trying to do the same thing. That puts a damper on things -- therefore, I have decided to go to Grad school. Hey, it can only help, right?
I've picked out a few schools with the program I want to apply for and I've researched what I need to do in order to get in. Now I just have to do it. Step one, get a kick-ass score on the GRE to make up for my less than perfect GPA. As soon as I collect my GRE study book from the person I leant it to, I'm going to start working my ass off to get prepared to make a really awesome score when it finally comes time to take the test.
I've also already started working on my personal statement, but I'm going to wait till I actually start applying to start hunting down old professors for letters of recommendation. Thats going to be one of the hardest things I think. I didn't make a point to become a memorable student to any of my teachers because I never thought I would go to grad school. Luckily, there are a few whom I think will be able to help me out.
I really want to do this. I'm scared out of my mind because I know it's going to be a huge challenge for me, but, I know that I can achieve what I put my mind to.
Rock and Roll baby.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)