I am especially loving this song, as it transitions from the holidays into the New Year. I've been listening to all my Christmas music before New Year's Eve. Luckily I've been pretty much home alone, so I haven't had to annoy roommates by still playing Christmas music. :)
http://heyitschristmas.bandcamp.com/track/all-year-long
beck
Okay, let's not rule out sympathy just yet as beneficial to mankind. But this video does make a pretty good argument for why empathy reigns supreme. (the full TED talk is pretty good too.) And apparently you'll be a better person for watching. Good luck!
http://failblog.cheezburger.com/share/56915969
beck
I've been thinking about and wondering what happens to my deceased friends' social media accounts. There's nothing quite so haunting as seeing some of my deceased friends tagged in posts on facebook. They're long since gone, but they still get tagged in posts and photos in memoriam. Sometimes, I'm sad to say, I get a little excited only to remember the sad truth of their loss. And every time I log in to Skype I see my friend's name who passed away this year. I know that I can remove it, but I can't bring myself to do it. I guess I like the reminder that they once were there. I probably like it for the same reason I like wearing my grandmother's ring and necklace: I don't want to forget. And the more I remind myself, the more recent the memories feel to me.
Coincidentally, someone else was thinking about this topic with me yesterday. Spooky. And they wrote this post on the subject. It's kind of morbid to think about writing down usernames and email addresses in case you die. But now I think I might do it. That's what journals are for, right?
beck
I made my way back to The Oatmeal yesterday and came across this awesome comic about running.
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running
It's perfect timing as I'm just beginning to train for my first half marathon. I'm doing the Nike Women's Half Marathon in April!!!
beck
What do you do when you have an opportunity to do something you really want, but the details don't really add up? E.g., the timing is off, the finances don't add up, it's not actually the job you wanted, or it conflicts with other really cool opportunities.
I'll share with you what I do. Don't get too excited though, because it's not a perfect formula.
I mull.it.over. in my mind. I try to work out all the details and make all the pieces fit. That logical approach doesn't always work--that would be too easy.
So then I talk to my family. Then I talk to my friends about it, with varying degrees of detail.
After I feel like I've done all my own "research," then I pray, fast, or do whatever is needed to give me spiritual confirmation.
But in the end, I usually do what I had wanted to do from the start. However, in the meantime I hesitate and wait until I'm absolutely certain that I'm making the right decision.
The thing that bothers me about my decision-making process is that I've rarely ever received a big YES from Heavenly Father, and even more rarely have I received a big NO. Perhaps that says something about the decisions I'm making. Perhaps in choosing between two goods most of the time (which I hope is the case) that it's really just up to me to choose what I want. I know Heavenly Father knows me and loves me. I know he wants me to be happy. I feel that I've been given abundant freedom to live a happy and free life. Sometimes I just want a big arrow every step of the way.
So this post was brought on by a big decision I had to make a few weeks ago. An opportunity came up for me to work out of our NY office for the next few months...and I turned it down! The timing wasn't right and there were some better opportunities for me here in DC that I wasn't ready to give up yet. AND my sister Rach is going to fly out and spend time with me here (if she can get a job) while she's on her break from school.
Though I still wonder about whether I made the right choice, I'm determined to make my choice the right one. I hope that someday I will be able to recognize all the fruits of my decision.
beck
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| sorry, it's a lil blurry! |
"Don't you just love New York City in the fall?" Why, yes. Yes, I do.
I am in NYC for work again! Work will be fruitful. However, I'm really looking forward to doing a few things in my free time before I head home tomorrow.
First priority is to visit the High Line.
At some point today or tomorrow I will take a bunch of photos of the activity buzzing around the UN General Assembly. Our office is right across the street. Access to the area is restricted and surrounded by police officers. I am certain I will get some photos of those men in blue too.
A couple friends encouraged me to visit Momofuku the last time I was here...and it's been on my mind ever since. Magnolia Bakery is on my food list too. Both places are dangerous for a girl with a sweet tooth. But I have been practicing so much self control lately. I think I am up for the challenge.
If I can get a decently priced ticket on this trip, I want to see Eugene Onegin at the Met tonight. Rush tickets for $20 go on sale in an hour. Here's for hoping.
beck
One of the reasons I was excited about my new job was the opportunity to travel more frequently to New York. I'm now seeing the cons to work travel. I'm going to have to be in NY for several nights for work next week--not pleasure. I'll be missing events back here in DC, including an opp to babysit and earn more mulah. And then I'll have to fly straight from NY to Fresno for a friend's wedding. It's really fun to go to the big apple, but not so much when you can't control any of the circumstances of being there.
I know that this is not really a bad thing to happen to anyone, but it's not necessarily good either. However, I'm sure I'll make the most of it. ;)
beck
My birthday is this week!!! As my age number gets larger, I'm starting to realize why people dread their birthdays. Back when I was 18/19 and dating guys 10+ years older, I would tell people that age is just a number. Well, I still say that age is just a number. I'm fighting really hard to convince myself that the principle still holds true when it comes to my own age and birthday.
It's going to be a good week--no matter how old I'm turning. Here's the rundown of my exciting fun-filled week:
Sunday:
I rehearsed and performed musical numbers, attended Church meetings, attended a fireside about the Sacrament, ate delicious Asian cuisine and finished the night with sister talk and roommate pillow talk.
Monday/Today:
Woke up on time. Woot! Gave a presentation to my org and things are moving along with my project--finally! Going to a navy band concert tonight on the National Mall. Might run down to the Mall from my house. I think I can do it!
Tuesday:
More exciting work meetings. No really, it's awesome. I was doing bare bones busy work for a couple of months. I love being busy! In the evening, I'm babysitting for "The Family I Babysit For." I'm so glad they're back in town. I love them so much.
Wednesday:
More work meetings. Can't wait! I have a PT session with my trainer. (I've been going to a trainer at my gym and I love it.) Then canoeing on the Potomac. Still not sure if it's a date or not, but at least it's with a boy. My mom would be proud.
Thursday:
More meetings. Whaaaat? Yes. All day every day this week. Then I'm getting a haircut--something I always look forward to. Always. I get to pickup my CSA produce. Then...I have another maybe date. Two in one week? Yes, that's right. In case you're wondering, two maybe dates do not make a date. However, I still think they will be fun.
Friday:
MY BIRTHDAY! I'm not going into work. I will definitely eat birthday waffles. I may do a little tie-dying. I will definitely eat a Georgetown Cupcake. I will definitely exercise. (I love that I'm back to prioritizing working out. It feels so good!) Then I'm off to Charlottesville with a couple close girlfriends to stay at a resort. We'll enjoy pool time, maybe do some biking and then have dinner in the restaurant where a jacket is required. Maybe I splurged and booked a suite. And maybe I've already ordered in-room amenities.
Saturday:
No time for a birthday hangover. We'll enjoy the resort as long as possible (check-out is at noon). Then head over to the BYU vs. UVA game. A friend and I organized a group of 20 friends to go to the game. There should be a good showing of True Blue fans at Scott Stadium. I really hope we win. I always hope BYU will win, but I especially hope it this time, because it would be sad to lose to UVA.
Then I'll come back and enjoy the rest of the weekend in DC. I love that my birthday falls at the end of the summer. It's a time of transition and change for a lot of people. People get excited about turning a new leaf. It's different (in a good way) from New Year's Resolutions, because the things people start when school starts are usually, well, school. And going to school means a longer commitment not to accomplishing random goals, but a commitment to pursue education. I think pursuing an education is a noble feat. I also happen to love when the temperature starts cooling, the humidity changes and the leaves take on glorious deep and golden hues. It makes me want to give someone a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils.
beck
Guys, we're partying it up at our house again this weekend. It's going to be a total summer bash. BBQ, firepit for s'mores, outdoor movie, dancing, and of course other delicious food.
So me and my roomies have been prepping our house. Well, mostly our yard because it was out of control. I pretty much plan to come home every day this week and work in the yard. I already cut down a bunch of branches with my handy dandy chainsaw and now we're disposing of all the branches. We'll be ready, come Saturday.
It's gonna be great.
beck
Something happened to me a couple of months ago. I decided that I couldn't afford to be lazy or tired any more. I couldn't afford to waste time on...inactivity. I don't think I've ever been lacking in the "busy schedule" category. But I found that it was pretty extreme between scheduled activities and free time or veg time. Now I try to use my time and do something productive--all the time.
At this moment it makes me anxious just to think about the last few years when I would often, too regularly, spend a weekend or down time on my laptop watching all the episodes of a TV show or catching up on movies on Netflix. Or I would be absolutely content to sleep in until noon.
Somehow I got into a terrible rut of inactivity. I feel like it's such a blessing that I've been able to break away from that (though there have been some exceptions.) On Saturdays, I usually get out of bed (happily) by 9 am. Then I feel like making a real breakfast. Then I do as much as is physically possible in the yard or around the house before I'm obligated to clean myself up and go to an event. That's on a Saturday! I've been able to accomplish tasks that have been listed too often in the to-do category. I got motivated to get back to the gym and I've been pretty regular about working out for a few months now.
The best part of all of this change is that my body feels good. I have energy. I want to continue to do things that will not only fill my time, but fulfill my physical, spiritual and emotional needs.
So here's to my busy days of summer. I've been able to accomplish a lot and I still have several weeks to go before ushering in the autumn season and all its glory.
beck
I've been a babysitting fool over the last six months. The Family I Babysit For (this is how I refer to them most often, so I feel like I've named them that) had their fourth baby about six months ago. So during these last several months I've babysat at least twice a week for them. My roommate babysits for them too--on top of grad school. So basically she's a rock star. Basically I haven't had much of a social life. (My mom laments my lack of dating every day.)
Finally, it looks like babysitting is going to slow down a bit for some summer travels. Can I say it's bittersweet? The Family I Babysit For is arguably my closest family in DC. I know their house almost as well as my own. I know their kids better than my nieces and nephew. I'm going to really miss them while they're away!
It's funny because at this moment I'm babysitting for a different family. I usually don't have time to babysit more than I already do, so it's amazing that I was able to take this job for a friend. As I sit here in a hotel room at the Tyson's Ritz Carlton (yep, pretty posh), I keep thinking of The Family I Babysit For. I can't help but compare the two families and their kids. There are definite pros to being a long-term sitter for a family. Familiarity is obviously a big help. However, I think kids are fun no matter who or where they are. I can be fast friends with kids. I just like it when I get to spend quality time with them and know them better.
Woa. I just realized something about myself. (Writing is amazing.) I realized that I crave that type of relationship with adults too. The kind that's deep, meaningful, and full of quality time. I crave it even if having more of the deep relationships means having less relationships overall.
beck
Loving this song, first introduced by Maggie . I love the lyrics--though the video is a lil trippy and maybe depressing.
And loving this song too
What can I say? I'm just feeling optimistic today. beck
My latest adventures are related by one thing only: the spring season.
I'm sure I've stated many times on this blog that I love my job. I do! I really love it! I love the organization that I work for, the work that I do and the people I work with. But I knew I couldn't spend my career in this position, so I've been looking (sort of) for a new position over the last year. Similar to what happened with my current job, a new opportunity recently fell into my lap. I know, I'm so blessed.
About a month ago I got a call from a coworker about a position opening up on a new finance team. I had heard about the project, but didn't think it would require new positions in our organization. I was thrilled to find out that I could even apply. Thankfully, I applied and was offered the position. (Just so you know, I did have to wait for about a week for an interview request and about a week before an offer was made. It's not always smooth sailing in my job searches, but I do think I'm pretty lucky overall.)
So on May 1, after 4 years and 8 months working on IVLP, I'll switch to a new position at IIE. I'm sure it will mean new tasks and challenges. It's bittersweet to leave the program I love so much. In my new position, I'll be able to make our whole organization run our finances more smoothly with reengineered processes and financial systems. I. can't. wait. It's my life's goal to make things more efficient.
My other springtime adventure this year is allergies. Ugh, ALLERGIES! It's the worst I've ever felt from allergies. I haven't been able to breathe for going on five days. I gave in yesterday and took the day off so I could see my doctor. I got nasal spray, eye drops and an inhaler. I almost asked for shots, but thought that I'd wait it out. I took some medicine last night before going to bed and could breathe a little easier this morning. Baby steps on the road to recovery.
beck
If you know me, you probably already know my stance on same-sex marriage. So I'm not going to write about my opinion or what I think should happen.
My friend posted this link on facebook to listen to the arguments from today's hearing. I'm certain I've never read any arguments from Supreme Court hearings. I'm also certain that I've never before listened to the most brilliant legal minds in our country argue a case.
It was AWESOME! The justices even joked (briefly and perhaps unintentionally) about the fertility of men over the age of 55. I was really so impressed to hear how they pointed out flaws in the arguments or even in the premises for the arguments.
For a split-second it made me rethink my career choices for the millionth time. But then I remembered that I would hate law school and would probably get tired of arguing other people's problems in court proceedings.
beck
I know it's been a few days since MLK day, but I've been holding onto this quote for months. I read Stewart Burns' To the Mountaintop back in October. It was a small attempt on my part to get to know the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.--the man and his vision. At some point I would like to read more of King's own words, but for now, I felt this biography was a good introduction.
"'We stand today between two worlds, the dying old and the emerging new,' King told the fiftieth-anniversary gathering of Alpha Phi Alpha, his college fraternity. 'The tensions which we witness in the world today are indicative of the fact that a new world is being born and an old world is passing away.' [King] saw that people of color more than whites, at home and abroad, were straddling the boundary of old world and new, wandering in the twilight between darkness and daybreak, navigating the complex ambiguities of a transition time from winter to spring, Good Friday to Easter. Between two worlds--a familiar stance for dark-skinned peoples. To prepare for entering the new world, he felt, black people needed to adopt a spirit of interdependence free from bitterness, open to forgiveness.
"This idea of personal and social rebirth was not an idea that King came up with out of thin air. He was interpreting what he was witnessing, doing what he did best, translating into eternal diction what the people were teaching him--leadership rising from the pews." [Burns, Stewart, To the Mountaintop, pp.112-113]
This is a quote that I loved, because I feel that it still rings true for this moment, our moment for growth. I also love the religious resonance in King's vision. It impressed me that despite his faults, King was a man of the cloth. He was brought into the work almost by happenstance, hand-picked to be the young, appealing face of the movement. What's more impressive to me is that Burns interprets King's ideas as reiterations of what he was seeing and hearing. He truly was a mouthpiece for the movement, "translating into eternal diction what the people were teaching him."
Now I have to say that though it is contreversial to think so, that I get frustrated with Black History Month. By keeping the labels on, we are not moving toward more equality. Having a month of events focused on Black History Month will not make up for the centuries of oppression. I believe it only furthers the gap between those who support equality and those who still choose to be racist. But I am white. So I fear that my thoughts on this will only ever be construed as racist.
beck
