A Monarch

I would normally title this post something like "Changes." However, both David Bowe and Tupac  may have something to say about that.

I feel that every time I write a post, it is about all the changes in my life. I think I am a regular chameleon when it comes to apartments, computers, and cable companies.

I am completely aware that I sound like a Frosted FLAKE, but I promise my moves have been ones of both necessity and opportunity.

Yet again, I am undergoing a metamorphosis. I have learned that under the right circumstances, change can be a stimulus for growth.

I have a new job (or more likely career-fingers crossed), and despite the anxiety that comes with a learning curve, I am excited for the opportunity for a new professional experience.

It has been 3 years since I was a practicing attorney at a law firm. Likewise, it has been 3 years since I have been in a corporate environment. I have been working at a CrossFit box, so the trade from Reeboks to heels has been one of unforgettable foot stamina.

I have blisters to prove.

Really. Heel savers do not help.

Enough about me, what are you up to, friends?

30 years, 16 days late

And just like that, as of Feb. 4th at 10:18 AM, I was on this earth for 30 years!  I am not one of those people who freaks out about turning a year older, but (abundantly aware that anyone over 30 is rolling her eyes as I type this) I cannot believe I am thirty.

The sound of it- it seems so established. I am so under construction.

I know 30 is not old, but try and explain that to your Pop Pop as he marvels that he is actually old enough to have a 30-yr-old grandchild. I am pretty sure he still sees me in diapers.

The best part is that my 30th birthday celebration consisted of Bananagrams and bowling. Just 5 years ago, I was a crazy lady on a stage, singing into a fake microphone. This year, I spent the evening with family. They did a pretty solid job of making me feel like a princess.

at work:

at T&G's:

Although most of my friends now live out of state, I felt the love across the miles. Jenna, Kimmy, Megan, Kim, Stephanie, and Jackie surprised me with a beautiful ring.

Please don't judge my poor lighting/Samsung Galaxy photog skills.


The olive branch symbolizes peace and abundance. So on point. I just absolutely LOVE it.

I would say that I am noticing new wrinkles on my hands as I type this blog post, but that would be in the spirit of dramatics. I think 30 is going to be a great thing. And to be honest, I am going to choose to embrace it because accepted or not, my birth certificate remains the same.

 What would you do for a milestone birthday?

READ: You must read

You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend. ~Paul Sweeney

It has been a solid year, and that is generous, since I have found an I-don't-care-how-late-it-is-because-I-need-to-finish-this-chapter type of book. Folks, this book was worth the wait.

~amateur excited Austin airport read phone photography~

I wouldn't say I am an avid Dateline watcher, but my eyes were glued to the television during Amanda Lindhout's story, aired Sept. 6, 2013.

Find it here.

 

~photo cred~

As a freelance journalist, Amanda was kidnapped and held for ransom in Mogadishu for 15 months.  The details of her captivity are artfully described in her memoir, A House in the Sky.

The book is certainly a page-turner, but even more than the story surrounding her hellish experience in Somali, I think we can all learn something from her he faith, focus, and forgiveness.  When questioned about her perseverance during the brutal days as a hostage, she reflects on how she found her safe place in her mind- her own house in the sky.

She also looks like Kate Middleton's taller, Canadian twin. There. I said it. 

Do yourself a favor, and read her book. Then, do yourself an extra special favor, and read about her foundation. They are equally amazing!

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Battle of the High Tests

My coffee drinking friends: Every wonder how much caffeine you are putting into your body? Well, not all cups of joe are created equal. Although we Americans tend to drink weaker brews, I thought this chart was pretty interesting: 

image credit

What the heck is Deathwish Coffee anyway? Hmm...

I am ashamed (ok, not that ashamed) to admit I drink a lot of coffee. I am close to constantly having a cup in my hand all throughout the day (even at night-a little too close to laying my head on a pillow). See this past week below:

I tend to think that caffeine no longer has an effect on me because I could take a nap right after a double shot of espresso. Really. My doctor seems to agree. She suggested I start drinking half caf and only decaf at night. I started a few days ago with my daily Dunkin. Anyone else have this problem?

A Quickie in 8 Megapixels

I have been meaning to post some photo highlights of the past few weeks, but Instagram is a very jealous mistress. At the risk of redundancy, here are some smart phone captured moments.

Some of my besties and I met up for a tapas-style dinner at The Rebel House. I have been friends with these ladies since the days of (the original) 90210 trading cards.

 

I have been spending my days off at the beach. I love laying in the sun, but after 20ish minutes, I start to feel like I have ants in my bikini bottoms. My favorite antidote is shelling/shark toothing.  I found this little guy on one of my beach excursions. I wonder what the tooth fairy would leave for this bad boy?

 

I could (and will) write an entire blog post on my new found love, CrossFit. This is a photo from one of our Saturday workouts. That's me getting my row on in the bottom photo- all the way to the right.

I hope everyone is well. I will be back to check in soon. 

A Quote Post: On Dreams

"If you don't build your dream, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs."

— Dhirubhai Ambani: Indian business tycoon who founded Reliance Industries

A very special person in my life sent this quote to me yesterday, and I had one of those "ah-ha" moments. I embrace these moments when they come because not only are they are few and far between, but they are also very short-lived.

To me, this quote is not about unionizing or boss bashing. It isn't about quitting my job(s) and starting an at-home toothpick manufacturing business. [Although, my entrepreneurial-minded aunt more than doubled her weekly allowance selling cinnamon toothpicks to fellow 4th graders, despite harsh criticism from the Catholic school faculty.]

Truthfully, I love where I work.  I also love my bosses. And I am not saying that to CYA. Only one of them reads my blog, and she is the one that emailed this quote to me.

I am talking big picture, goal setting, what do I want my life to look like, in say, ten years?

This question sounds vaguely familiar, maybe reminiscent of an assignment that was on my fifth grade syllabus.

I have kicked around this very question quite a few more times since my elementary school days. And I am not as naive as I sound. In my short 29 years on this earth, I have certainly learned that life happens and sometimes the grand plans that I make don't. But that doesn't mean I can't make plans, or have dreams, or make plans for my dreams. Right?

Maybe my prescription glasses are rose-colored after all, but my day is much more enjoyable when I feel I am working towards something fulfilling, call it a goal or a dream. So I think I will do it again tomorrow.