Many of the blogs I enjoy reading are written by people who say they have met some of their best friends through blogging. While I already wish my dearest friends lived closer to me, I would love to belong to that special blogger community. Of course if I don't actually keep up with my blog, there's no way for me to make those connections :) I also could use a place to vent my frustrations and remind myself of all the positives in life. Even if no one but me reads this, it will be nice to have the record.
My campus had a pretty serious string of bad luck this fall- we lost a significant number of people from our community (all unrelated incidents involving current students, alums & faculty) in a very short time. While it was heartbreaking to learn of loss after loss, there was also something gratifying about seeing the community pull together. We pride ourselves on being tight-knit, despite our growing size. This fall, that was really put to the test. Social networking helped spread the bad news but it also allowed us to remember that we are always part of the school. I personally heard from people I had not talked to in years. The only thing we really have in common is our alma matter, yet that's enough.
I may have finally reached a point in life where I do not want to live with a roommate anymore. My current roommate is a nice person, but we are at different stages in life. He went straight to grad school from undergrad and is now in his first year as a professional. I have been out of school for 5 years and think of this house as my home, not just a space I am renting. I travel a lot for work, so we haven't had much time in the house together, to work through some of the normal growing pains. I know most of my frustrations are little things...but little things add up and turn into big things! I do love the house I live in and its location. I purchased more grown-up furniture this summer (my first dining table and a PURPLE couch) specifically for this house, so I hope I can stay here a while longer. Walking to work is a definite plus, especially now that we're in hot chocolate season :)
My family also has gone through some tough times. In the span of 8 days, I unexpectedly lost two uncles. They were unrelated situations, from different sides of my family. I was able to visit with both men just prior to their passing, leaving me with positive memories of each. That doesn't erase the sadness, but it makes it a little easier. I also have a cousin battling breast cancer. She was diagnosed near the end of her second pregnancy. The timing was fortunate, allowing her to give birth around the same time-frame and start treatment shortly there after. She is one of the strongest people I know, handling this with more grace than I could imagine. My nieces continue to grow into funny, smart, loving people. The love they share with me is better than I could have imagined.
Work is frustrating- I find myself feeling under-valued and unappreciated, but I am thankful to have a job. I know it is easier to find other options when you are not under pressure, so I am keeping my eyes and ears open for new opportunities. My primary job responsibilities allow me to travel extensively, both internationally and domestically. I am so lucky to have seen so much of this planet and I have met some of the best people in the process. Earning all those frequent flyer miles is a nice perk as well :) Outside of my office, I work with a number of groups, including serving as a faculty advisor for two student organizations. This allows me to work with some of the most amazing students who have so much to offer the school, the town and the world. (Corny, I know, but true!) I hold on to and cherish those experiences when my office life gets me down.
I'm still taking dance classes and I look forward to that time each week (even on the days I don't want to leave my house again!). I have met some of my best friends in those classes and the classes are a great physical outlet.
There are just 4 hours of work standing between me and a two week break. A friend who moved to London this summer will be here for a very short visit in less than 48 hours- I have missed her (and her husband) so much and can't wait to see them. Next week I'll be making my annual New Year's trip to Indiana to see two other dear friends. I'll also spend some time with my parents- my mom has a new cell phone that apparently is more than she can handle. Hopefully I can help her feel a bit more comfortable!
So that's my life in a nutshell. It's not perfect, but I have more to be grateful for than anything else. Hopefully future entries will be a bit more balanced, but I'm not making any promises!
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