So I was inspired by N's recent post and decided to reply my own.
Desired descriptive word for 2011: Experiences. I've definitely had a ton of experiences (both good and bad - another post to come on that later) this year and I've grown because of them.
11 things my life doesn't need in 2011: The 11 things I wanted to get rid of in 2011 were: "Feeling guilty, not recycling, feeling self conscious, fear of confrontations, caring too much about other's opinions, not taking vitamins, not taking off my makeup, wearing heals, worrying about things outside my control, not calling people back in a timely fashion and addiction to online shopping." Well, I'm happy to say that I've done some of these things...in fact, I bought my first pair of flats this year and have REALLY enjoyed wearing them. I have also started to take my vitamins due to a couple of health conditions. I still have some work to do, like feeling self conscious at the gym and taking off my makeup.
Thing to try in 2011: Last year, I wrote that I wanted to eat at the dining room table. Well, we did buy a new dining room table this year and we have yet to use it nightly. OOOPS!
Places to travel in 2011: Last year, I wrote: "Next year, I'm hoping for ULC reunion in Sonoma, trips to ATL and Raleigh (which are constant), a trip to Spain with G$, and a R/N adventure :)." Well, we did have a mini ULC reunion (minus Miss J) in Sonoma for my birthday, and G$ and I did get a great trip to Portugal/Spain in 2011 - a trip I'll remember forever. I didn't go to ATL as much as I expected to - there's just not as much there for me anymore. I did do one last trip to Raleigh before Miss N moved, and a couple of trips to Vtown, a couple of trips to Palm Springs. And then there was a good amount of work travel this year - all in all, a successful travel year.
Thing to achieve in 2011: Last year I wrote that I wanted to complete my 30 before 30 list in 2011. Well, I may not have completed "those exact 30 things," but I have had many new experiences that took me out of my comfort zone. I hope to continue to push myself in 2012.
Showing posts with label Reverb 10. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reverb 10. Show all posts
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Looking Back at Reverb 10
Judging from the empty desks and quiet facebook world, I must be one of the only fools at work today. So to cure my boredom I'm reading old Reverb 10 posts to see what goals I had set for this year.
- Desired descriptive word for 2011: Answers. I ended last year searching for a change (personally, professionally, or geographically) and wasn't sure what would happen. I got one huge answer in the form of a job offer here in the Bay Area. The professional and geographical changes happened, and personal changes inevitably come along with those.
- 11 things my life doesn't need in 2011: long PJ pants (partial success, partial fail); procrastination (fail); dehydration (fail); avoidance of confrontation (success-ish); grazing (fail); a pushover personality (success-ish); disconnects (success); lack of go-to items (success); timidity (success?); lack of skin care (success); uncertainty (success-ish). Wow, not such a great record there.
- Lesson to apply to 2011: I have a voice. I wanted to apply this to my career by being more vocal and visible. Luckily, my job is forcing me to do this because I'm paving my own way through a newly-created role. Slowly but surely, I'm getting the word out!
- Thing to heal in 2011: fear of the unknown. I haven't always dealt well with the unknown this year, but I definitely faced the fear. "Starting over" has proven to be harder at age 31 than it was at age 24; however, it turns out that some of the unknowns aren't so scary after all. :)
- Thing to try in 2011: everything. By my standards, I've done a good job at taking every opportunity that's floated my way this year. Rarely have I said "no" to social interactions, and I've gone on many bad dates because I thought I should at least try to seize the opportunities!
- Places to travel in 2011: ATL, Sonoma, and somewhere exotic. Haha. Well, I was in ATL (and will be there briefly tomorrow), but I didn't have the "normal" trips as expected since I moved a wee bit farther away. I made it to Sonoma twice since it's right next door now. The most exotic place I went was Puerto Vallarta - does that count?
- Thing to achieve in 2011: regain a good body image. The holiday season is not the best time to review this one...although does eating every cookie that's come my way count as "taking advantage of every opportunity" (see above)? I must say, I have accepted the annoying body changes that came about with turning 30 and no longer freak out when I have to buy a more curvy cut in pants.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Reverb 10 : Day 31 for R (Sorry for the delay!)
Day 31 Prompt: Core Story. What central story is the core of you, and how do you share it with the world?
Does a story of "always do the right thing" count has a central story that is the core of you? Because if it does, then I think that's my core story. Doing the right thing in situations is something I've allowed to take over my life and behavior. I allow myself to easily be guilted if I'm ever not doing the "right" thing.
Does a story of "always do the right thing" count has a central story that is the core of you? Because if it does, then I think that's my core story. Doing the right thing in situations is something I've allowed to take over my life and behavior. I allow myself to easily be guilted if I'm ever not doing the "right" thing.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Reverb 10: Days 25-31 for N
Day 31 Prompt: Core Story. What central story is the core of you, and how do you share it with the world?
This, the final day, is the hardest. I Googled a bit to see what kind of answers other people gave, and there is one common statement: I have no core story. I agree. That doesn't mean I have no life, it just means that there is no way to sum myself up. Actually, R and I were kind of discussing this last weekend after I said I'm just a normal person and don't have that one single attribute that makes people want to get to know me. We decided that no one really does - it's the sum of all parts that matters. If you play a lot of roles such as daughter and sister and friend and engineer and single woman, each one contains a completely different core story of yourself and is shared with the world in its own way.
Day 30 Prompt: Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What's the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?
I received four especially memorable gifts this year, all for my birthday, and they are significant to different phases of my life.
Day 29 Prompt: Defining moment. Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year.
There was a period early in 2010 when I had a series of first dates. That's not a big deal in most people's lives, but it was a bit of a whirlwind for me. The rollercoaster of being excited and nervous and wary, having to decide what to wear and what to say and what to eat, figuring out how many chances to give them before I end things (because, let's face it, I almost always want to end it)...it was pretty taxing but oh so much fun.
Day 28 Prompt: Achieve. What's the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you'll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do or 10 new thoughts you can think in order to experience that feeling today.
As much as I hate to say this because it's cliche and not "me", I'd like to regain a good body image. I'm not setting any measurable goals, but I just want to manage all of the changes that randomly came about, with no warning, as I turned 30. Hopefully this slow process will allow me to feel more confident in my appearance.
Day 27 Prompt: Ordinary joy. Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?
Whenever my family gets together, we spend a good chunk of each morning sitting around the kitchen drinking chai and doing nothing. It's my favorite part of our reunions, the cozy part of the day before people go off in their separate ways.
Day 26 Prompt: Soul food. What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth and touched your soul?
In Athens, we ate at Erato like 3 times. We made friends with owners of the restaurant and they treated us like family, bringing dish after dish of things we might like, letting us taste their own meals, and literally spoon-feeding us fresh veggies and fruits from their garden. The best thing about the food was that it was so simple and fresh...homemade bread, olive oil, hummus, tzaziki, feta, souvlaki, watermelon...heaven.
Day 25 Prompt: Photo - a present to yourself. Sift through all the photos of yourself from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.
Sorry, I have to refer to Greece again. This may not really capture who I am, but isn't it a cool photo? It was taken in Santorini by one of my traveling companions. I can easily come up with all sorts of symbolism about being in my natural state, looking up towards the mountains, and having the sun's rays beaming up, but I'll just let it speak for itself.
This, the final day, is the hardest. I Googled a bit to see what kind of answers other people gave, and there is one common statement: I have no core story. I agree. That doesn't mean I have no life, it just means that there is no way to sum myself up. Actually, R and I were kind of discussing this last weekend after I said I'm just a normal person and don't have that one single attribute that makes people want to get to know me. We decided that no one really does - it's the sum of all parts that matters. If you play a lot of roles such as daughter and sister and friend and engineer and single woman, each one contains a completely different core story of yourself and is shared with the world in its own way.
Day 30 Prompt: Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What's the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?
I received four especially memorable gifts this year, all for my birthday, and they are significant to different phases of my life.
- The Past: my photo book
- The Present: a new phone from Ree & C and the matching right hand ring that R & I got
- The Future: a gift card from my parents to fly wherever my next adventure takes me
Day 29 Prompt: Defining moment. Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year.
There was a period early in 2010 when I had a series of first dates. That's not a big deal in most people's lives, but it was a bit of a whirlwind for me. The rollercoaster of being excited and nervous and wary, having to decide what to wear and what to say and what to eat, figuring out how many chances to give them before I end things (because, let's face it, I almost always want to end it)...it was pretty taxing but oh so much fun.
Day 28 Prompt: Achieve. What's the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you'll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do or 10 new thoughts you can think in order to experience that feeling today.
As much as I hate to say this because it's cliche and not "me", I'd like to regain a good body image. I'm not setting any measurable goals, but I just want to manage all of the changes that randomly came about, with no warning, as I turned 30. Hopefully this slow process will allow me to feel more confident in my appearance.
Day 27 Prompt: Ordinary joy. Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?
Whenever my family gets together, we spend a good chunk of each morning sitting around the kitchen drinking chai and doing nothing. It's my favorite part of our reunions, the cozy part of the day before people go off in their separate ways.
Day 26 Prompt: Soul food. What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth and touched your soul?
In Athens, we ate at Erato like 3 times. We made friends with owners of the restaurant and they treated us like family, bringing dish after dish of things we might like, letting us taste their own meals, and literally spoon-feeding us fresh veggies and fruits from their garden. The best thing about the food was that it was so simple and fresh...homemade bread, olive oil, hummus, tzaziki, feta, souvlaki, watermelon...heaven.
Day 25 Prompt: Photo - a present to yourself. Sift through all the photos of yourself from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.
Sorry, I have to refer to Greece again. This may not really capture who I am, but isn't it a cool photo? It was taken in Santorini by one of my traveling companions. I can easily come up with all sorts of symbolism about being in my natural state, looking up towards the mountains, and having the sun's rays beaming up, but I'll just let it speak for itself.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Reverb 10 : Day 30 for R
Prompt: Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What's the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?
I know this may seem a bit silly. G$ has given me lots of presents, but this may rank as one of my favorites. He lefts this on the counter for me on Husband's Day. I was genuinely shocked that he got a card and my favorite chocolate.
I know this may seem a bit silly. G$ has given me lots of presents, but this may rank as one of my favorites. He lefts this on the counter for me on Husband's Day. I was genuinely shocked that he got a card and my favorite chocolate.
Reverb 10 : Day 29 for R
Prompt: Defining moment. Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year.
Hmm...I guess changing jobs really affected my life this year. I went from working all the time, stressed out to the nth degree, and being in a constant bad mood to a job that allows me to work smarter and more effectively.
Now I work hard, am happy at work and am a good friend/wife in my personal life.
Hmm...I guess changing jobs really affected my life this year. I went from working all the time, stressed out to the nth degree, and being in a constant bad mood to a job that allows me to work smarter and more effectively.
Now I work hard, am happy at work and am a good friend/wife in my personal life.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Reverb 10 : Day 28 for R
Prompt: Achieve. What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today.
This is a hard one. I'm not one to ever be happy with achieving one thing without thinking about what the next one will be...So I'm really struggling with this topic. Its easy to say you want to achieve "peace" or some sort of intangible feeling...but how do you know when you have it, and feelings of that sort aren't there to stay forever. So a feeling that I want to achieve...that's hard.
Maybe a state of mind..? I guess that's a bit more doable. I recently had lunch with a friend, and she's adjusted to a new state of mind, and in that seems to have some mental peace. But I struggle with a state of mind that I'd want to achieve that wouldn't change with how I look at the world.
Maybe, a task? Does traveling to a new country, losing 10 pounds, or learning how to make wine - do those things count?
I think I'll just say that I want to achieve 30 new experiences (courtesy of the 30 things list). I've gotten a handful under my belt. I think after the 30 new experiences, I'll learn more about myself and my courage (which I never think I have).
As I sit and think of new things I want to try, I'll simply add them to my list so that it continues to challenge me.
This is a hard one. I'm not one to ever be happy with achieving one thing without thinking about what the next one will be...So I'm really struggling with this topic. Its easy to say you want to achieve "peace" or some sort of intangible feeling...but how do you know when you have it, and feelings of that sort aren't there to stay forever. So a feeling that I want to achieve...that's hard.
Maybe a state of mind..? I guess that's a bit more doable. I recently had lunch with a friend, and she's adjusted to a new state of mind, and in that seems to have some mental peace. But I struggle with a state of mind that I'd want to achieve that wouldn't change with how I look at the world.
Maybe, a task? Does traveling to a new country, losing 10 pounds, or learning how to make wine - do those things count?
I think I'll just say that I want to achieve 30 new experiences (courtesy of the 30 things list). I've gotten a handful under my belt. I think after the 30 new experiences, I'll learn more about myself and my courage (which I never think I have).
As I sit and think of new things I want to try, I'll simply add them to my list so that it continues to challenge me.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Reverb 10 : Day 27 for R
Prompt: Ordinary joy. Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?
Profound joy in ordinary moments. I think I find an extreme amount of joy cooking and having a nice evening at home. On Christmas Eve, G$ and I just did what we do best: have a movie marathon, make an amazing meal, and just sit in our jammies. Don't get me wrong, we both love to go out and are truly a social couple. But I love nothing more than staying in with good movies, great food and yummy wine.
Another joyful moment was (and I've written about this already) a couple of moments from N's 30th weekend:
Profound joy in ordinary moments. I think I find an extreme amount of joy cooking and having a nice evening at home. On Christmas Eve, G$ and I just did what we do best: have a movie marathon, make an amazing meal, and just sit in our jammies. Don't get me wrong, we both love to go out and are truly a social couple. But I love nothing more than staying in with good movies, great food and yummy wine.
Another joyful moment was (and I've written about this already) a couple of moments from N's 30th weekend:
- Bumming around N's house with the girls
- High tea with the ladies
Reverb 10 : Day 26 for R
Prompt: Soul food. What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul?
I think the one thing I ate this year that I will never forget is the "Oysters and Pearls" at The French Laundry:
I think the one thing I ate this year that I will never forget is the "Oysters and Pearls" at The French Laundry:
It was probably one of the most decadent things I've eaten, and one thing I will always remember.
Reverb 10 : Day 25 for R
Prompt: Photo - a present to yourself. Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.
Taken at AA's wedding in July 2010 with CorkPopper
Reveals: My fun, playful, mischevious side :) (that I strive to show more often)
Reverb 10 : Day 24 for R
Prompt: Everything's OK. What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?
Will anything ever be ok? And when can you stop holding your breath for the other shoe to drop? Unfortunately, I feel like I'm always waiting for that shoe to drop...for things to not be ok. I think there are moments this year that have shown that some things don't matter as much as others - but even then, those moments didn't take away my constant fear of the other shoe dropping.
I'm always worrying about my work, G$'s work, illnesses (I am a classic hypochondriac), deaths, relationships ending, etc.
If I had to pick a moment that I felt like I'd be ok even if everything I hold dear to me disappeared...I would have to pick the second week of November. It had been an intense week and I remember laying down and thinking - as much as this all sucks, I'll pick myself up and survive.
Will anything ever be ok? And when can you stop holding your breath for the other shoe to drop? Unfortunately, I feel like I'm always waiting for that shoe to drop...for things to not be ok. I think there are moments this year that have shown that some things don't matter as much as others - but even then, those moments didn't take away my constant fear of the other shoe dropping.
I'm always worrying about my work, G$'s work, illnesses (I am a classic hypochondriac), deaths, relationships ending, etc.
If I had to pick a moment that I felt like I'd be ok even if everything I hold dear to me disappeared...I would have to pick the second week of November. It had been an intense week and I remember laying down and thinking - as much as this all sucks, I'll pick myself up and survive.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Have a Jolly Holiday!
I don't really celebrate Christmas in a huge way, but I'm such a sucker for the holiday and everything leading up to it. I mean, I was seriously annoyed when I got a white cup at Starbucks yesterday instead of a red one.
and spend weeks wrapping presents like this:
So while I'm off to see this for the first time ever:
and then to enjoy this with R:
I'll be taking a break from this Reverb 10 thing and then catching up on ALL of them. Have a fabulous, food-filled, fun-filled, and booze-filled couple of weeks!
Reverb 10: Day 24 for N
Day 24 Prompt: Everything's OK. What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?
I really can't pinpoint an exact moment, but I do remember the exact time this year when I thought everything wasn't going to be alright. That pity party did the trick - things can only look up afterwards. I refuse to be one of those women who complains about everything in her life when it's actually a pretty great life. Anyway, everything is alright and will continue to be alright, and I'll keep reminding myself of that next year as I'm doing now.
I really can't pinpoint an exact moment, but I do remember the exact time this year when I thought everything wasn't going to be alright. That pity party did the trick - things can only look up afterwards. I refuse to be one of those women who complains about everything in her life when it's actually a pretty great life. Anyway, everything is alright and will continue to be alright, and I'll keep reminding myself of that next year as I'm doing now.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Reverb 10: Day 23 for N
Day 23 Prompt: New name. Let's meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?
The fake name that I usually give to unwelcome friends in bars is Anita. I'm not sure why, since I'm not a huge fan of that name (no offense to the Anitas out there). In general, I'm content with my current name. If the new name would be just for a day, I'd choose one that's pretty but surprising to catch people off guard...like Saffron or Luna or Athena or something. Not Princess Consuela Bananahammock. :)
The fake name that I usually give to unwelcome friends in bars is Anita. I'm not sure why, since I'm not a huge fan of that name (no offense to the Anitas out there). In general, I'm content with my current name. If the new name would be just for a day, I'd choose one that's pretty but surprising to catch people off guard...like Saffron or Luna or Athena or something. Not Princess Consuela Bananahammock. :)
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Reverb 10 : Day 22 for R
Day 22 Prompt: Travel. How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?
This year there were no super exotic foreign locations in my future. However, I did travel to:
Las Vegas (twice); Bozeman, MT; Valdosta, GA (twice); Wine Country (3 times if that counts); Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA (7 times); Salt Lake City, UT; Seattle, WA; Santa Barbara, CA (twice); San Luis Obispo, CA; Atlanta, GA (twice); Raleigh, NC; Boulder / Colorado Springs, CO; Austin, TX.
Lots of new domestic adventures...and a ton of fun. :)
Next year, I'm hoping for ULC reunion in Sonoma, trips to ATL and Raleigh (which are constant), a trip to Spain with G$, and a R/N adventure :)
This year there were no super exotic foreign locations in my future. However, I did travel to:
Las Vegas (twice); Bozeman, MT; Valdosta, GA (twice); Wine Country (3 times if that counts); Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA (7 times); Salt Lake City, UT; Seattle, WA; Santa Barbara, CA (twice); San Luis Obispo, CA; Atlanta, GA (twice); Raleigh, NC; Boulder / Colorado Springs, CO; Austin, TX.
Lots of new domestic adventures...and a ton of fun. :)
Next year, I'm hoping for ULC reunion in Sonoma, trips to ATL and Raleigh (which are constant), a trip to Spain with G$, and a R/N adventure :)
Reverb 10: Day 22 for N
Day 22 Prompt: Travel. How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?
How did I travel? As in, plane vs car? Planned vs spontaneous? Alone vs not alone? I'm not sure what that question is asking. I didn't visit a ton of exotic places but it was still a great year, travel-wise. Some of my trips were planned based on specific occasions, a couple were for work, and some were just random for fun. All of them, except for Greece, were with the intent of visiting family or friends. This year I went to Savannah, the Bay Area, Memphis, Philly, DC, Santa Barbara, Greece, Albany, Valdosta, and Atlanta (6 times - wow). Between now and 2011, I'll also visit Long Island and hop back to the Bay Area.
I hope next year's travel is just as unexpected and random. I'm definitely planning on the normal trips to ATL, hopefully Sonoma with the girls, and hopefully somewhere exotic with R (Indonesia? Croatia? South Pacific?). Anywhere that offers some version of this:
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Reverb 10: Day 21 for N
Day 21 Prompt: Future self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?)
I have absolutely no idea where I'll be or what I'll be doing five years from now, and I'm really excited about that. The advice I'd give my future self involves the same things I've been blogging about almost every day now:
Don't stand in your own way. Take advantage of every opportunity and the freedom that you currently have. If you make a wrong choice, learn from it rather than kicking yourself. Be bold and brave while staying true to yourself. Live your life by your own timeline rather than society's.
As for what I'd tell 20-year-old N:
After college, it won't matter what grades you made or what classes you took. Experiences, both in work and in life, teach you the majority of what you need to learn. Don't let anyone convince you that you need to act a certain way or that there is something wrong with you. Don't be so afraid of telling people things they don't want to hear that it takes a toll on your own life. Cut the wrong people out, and let the right people in. If you let the wrong people in, don't let the bad experiences taint your future, because not everyone is the same. Make sure you read firsthand the ingredients on all packaged food in case someone's trying to sneak you some walnuts. Don't drink an Irish car bomb after the Bailey's has curdled in the Guinness.
I also have one piece of advice for the R of 2000: Put anti-frizz serum in your hair if you know you're about to be caught in a drama-fest on the side of the street all night.
Reverb 10 : Day 21 for R
Prompt: Future self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?)
YIPPPEEEE! I love these sort of posts and thought provoking questions. Back in 2004 on New Years Eve, N and I made a predictions list for each other one year out and 5 years out.
So, I'll do this backwards and start with the bonus question first.
If I was writing a note to myself ten years ago...let's see where I was then. It was 2000 (about to be 2001). N and I were going to spend New Years in Florida with some friends and were in our sophomore year of college. In 2001, I would start dating someone who would tarnish most of my college experience. So here's what it would say:
To R,
Rather than trying to control each situation, take a big deep breath and relax. College is supposed to be an educational experience, with some fun mixed in. An experience where you will enjoy living with friends, and building friendships that will last a lifetime (shoutout to J and L-Woww!). Your main three priorities should be: school, family, and friends. Boys can wait. A boy that doesn't treat you well, one that tries to control you, one who puts you down every day until you stop enjoying activities (like food!), one that tries to keep you away from your friend - this is not one that you want to keep in your life. Letting him do that to you for 3+ years will only break you down, and it takes serious time to build yourself back up again.
You are a kind, caring, compassionate friend, daughter, person. Know that many people love you.
Love,
Future R
Ok, now if I imagine myself five years ahead...I see that either G$ and I have decided if we'd like to have a family.
Enjoy life, enjoy experiences...work to live but don't live to work. Take the time needed to feed my marriage so it stays healthy, and the same with friendships. Try to see the world while you can.
YIPPPEEEE! I love these sort of posts and thought provoking questions. Back in 2004 on New Years Eve, N and I made a predictions list for each other one year out and 5 years out.
So, I'll do this backwards and start with the bonus question first.
If I was writing a note to myself ten years ago...let's see where I was then. It was 2000 (about to be 2001). N and I were going to spend New Years in Florida with some friends and were in our sophomore year of college. In 2001, I would start dating someone who would tarnish most of my college experience. So here's what it would say:
To R,
Rather than trying to control each situation, take a big deep breath and relax. College is supposed to be an educational experience, with some fun mixed in. An experience where you will enjoy living with friends, and building friendships that will last a lifetime (shoutout to J and L-Woww!). Your main three priorities should be: school, family, and friends. Boys can wait. A boy that doesn't treat you well, one that tries to control you, one who puts you down every day until you stop enjoying activities (like food!), one that tries to keep you away from your friend - this is not one that you want to keep in your life. Letting him do that to you for 3+ years will only break you down, and it takes serious time to build yourself back up again.
You are a kind, caring, compassionate friend, daughter, person. Know that many people love you.
Love,
Future R
Ok, now if I imagine myself five years ahead...I see that either G$ and I have decided if we'd like to have a family.
- If I go down the family route: I'd like to see myself with a small child (SCARY!), and working part time. I'd like to see that we've moved back to the dirrrrty south with a modest home. I'd like to see that G$ and I still enjoy good food, wine and each other's company. I'd also like to see that we've traveled to a new continent and explored it together.
- If I go down the no-family route: I have a hard time seeing where G$ and I would live. But here's what I do see: I've reached a status in my career where I'm managing a team and on track to become a VP. G$ and I attempt to travel together every 18 months, and also choose to travel with our individual friends (guys trips / girls trips) on the alternating schedule. My relationship with my family and friends continues to stay strong, and my marriage continues to be exciting.
Enjoy life, enjoy experiences...work to live but don't live to work. Take the time needed to feed my marriage so it stays healthy, and the same with friendships. Try to see the world while you can.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Reverb 10 : Day 20 for R
Prompt: Beyond avoidance. What should you have done this year but didn't because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?)
This year I should have confronted some people/situations head on. I've had some relationships change and new relationships enter my life in the past 2-3 years. Its no secret that I'm still trying to figure out how to communicate with my new family. There were times when I should have said "no" or voiced my opinion on things, or communicated better with G$ so that we were a united front (rather than just fighting with him).
In the past few weeks, G$ and I have done a better job of being a united front and saying "no." I can only hope that this continues next year and we do set some boundaries.
This year I should have confronted some people/situations head on. I've had some relationships change and new relationships enter my life in the past 2-3 years. Its no secret that I'm still trying to figure out how to communicate with my new family. There were times when I should have said "no" or voiced my opinion on things, or communicated better with G$ so that we were a united front (rather than just fighting with him).
In the past few weeks, G$ and I have done a better job of being a united front and saying "no." I can only hope that this continues next year and we do set some boundaries.
Reverb 10 : Day 19 for R
Prompt: Healing. What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution? How would you like to be healed in 2011?
Time. As I mentioned in an earlier post I had been harboring anger for most of the last two years. As time went by and my anger cooled, I started healing. This was definitely a drip by drip evolution. I'm finally at a point where those wounds have healed, and where I may not be at a point to forgive / forget, I'm definitely at a point to simply move on.
In 2011, I'm not really sure how I'd like to be healed. I guess we'll just have to see.
Time. As I mentioned in an earlier post I had been harboring anger for most of the last two years. As time went by and my anger cooled, I started healing. This was definitely a drip by drip evolution. I'm finally at a point where those wounds have healed, and where I may not be at a point to forgive / forget, I'm definitely at a point to simply move on.
In 2011, I'm not really sure how I'd like to be healed. I guess we'll just have to see.
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