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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 Week

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

Party Prep

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

Busy Days of Summer

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

Babysitting like a friend

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

Songs on my mind

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

Spring Adventures

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