It's been a busy past few months. In fact, I can't believe it's almost summer.
Some new and exciting things have happened so far this year:
- I tried snowboarding (twice). I fell a lot (a LOT), but I had a BLAST. I can't wait until next winter when I can do it again.
- I finally ate my first oyster. It was baked with delicious things on top. So good.
- I've maintained a dating relationship with a guy in the same city as me for more than 5 months. Yes, that's a first. Like I said, I'm learning a lot about myself.
- Having said that, I also have worked to get over being totally crazy about a guy from last year. It's been difficult, mostly because I idealized him and the situation. But it's been an important thing to work through.
- I went to New Orleans as an adult without my parents for the first time. I was there for a work conference and invited a friend to join me. We had a great time. I love that city.
- I joined a softball team for the summer. We won our game this week (my first game)!
- I recorded and edited my first ever podcast (for work)! I loved doing it, and have since recorded two more and put one up on the web.
- I recently had an INCREDIBLE trip to Texas where I finally met my new nephew and got to have lots of special play time with my niece (who is almost 4 now, unbelievable!)
I remember back in 2010 reading some astrological forecast for me for 2011. It warned of lots of difficult changes to deal with this year. They centered around work and relationships. Well, lately I have definitely been witnessing these difficult transitions and learning periods. Being in this relationship is really fun, and I really enjoy and value the guy. But this is the first time I've gotten to that point where you really have to acknowledge your own insecurities and faults and work on them in order to make something work. I can really tell a difference in our interactions when I actively try to be open as opposed to when I clam up and think inwardly. Even though I'm pushing my comfort zones, the positive reinforcements I get are really rewarding. I'm truly seeing how my actions and words -- and especially those actions and words that go undone and unsaid -- can affect another person and my relationship with them, whether it be positively or negatively
While lots of fun and exciting things have been happening at work, recently things have gotten more difficult for me. My first friend in Oregon and amazing boss/team leader has recently resigned. I think this decision was a great one for her, and I'm proud of her. I just wish it didn't have to be this way, and I'm very much going to miss having her here at the office. I can already pinpoint ways the office dynamic is going to change, but I expect it will fully come to light once she is gone. Both professionally and personally, she has been a true guide, or "way shower." I need to figure out how I can best honor her influence on me and time here at my work. Her resignation hasn't necessarily started a series of events of change at work, but it has made the inevitable closer and more realistic, sadly.
Amidst all of this, I am eagerly working on my application for Oregon State University's Master's in Public Health program with a focus on Gerontology. I've been scared to admit this publicly, for fear I won't be accepted into the program. But I'm growing confident in my decision and ability to get into the school.
Also, not surprisingly, I'm moving again. Next week. I really need to pack.
