Helloooo again!

Wow, it has been a bit since I've been on here huh? I tried to determine what it is that drives me to write and why other times it is more difficult to do. And yet I'm still not sure. I have gone through some changes recently, but what else is new right? Where to begin...

I found a new, rewarding job that I love. It is amazing how much time we spend working in our lives, we might as well love it right? It also is interesting how much having a job that you are content with completely affects every aspect of your life. I am less stressed and overall, happier, and for that I am very thankful. It has become a large point of focus for me.

My roommate recently moved out (back in with the boyfriend), so it's just me again! Not so bad really, can be nice at times. More blogging probably now :) My sister is pregnant, due next month, I can't wait to be a first time aunt. She is a year and a half older than me - I still find it interesting how we are in such different places in our lives right now, I can't imagine having a child at this time. It's amazing how she is so very pregnant - likely going through all kinds of mood swings and uncomfortable moments, and yet she always has time to give me advice/listen about the latest guy story or whatever. Ha, seems kind of minor in comparison, eh? And I absolutely love her for it.

Ahh....and the single life. Now there is always something interesting to talk about right? I have now been single for the past 8 months - a new record for me! We are a fleeting race I tell you, less and less of us. I'm good with being single but seriously, they are dropping like flies. Running shorter on 'girls night' options, but we stick together. It's kind of funny really, I've noticed that you hang out with some people that you maybe wouldn't have before, as you are drawn together based on such a common thread. Oh and something that cracks me up that I never really realized was how much everyone wants to hook you up with someone (their brother, friend's friend, coworker, chiropractor, uncle, whatever!) Which, don't get me wrong, if he's good looking I may think twice about turning down the offer, not gonna lie. I do like how much more connected I feel with my friends when you are on your own, and how much more open I am to meeting new people and experiencing new things. But I am getting closer to being ready for what's next in a healthy, committed, compatible relationship. Nooooooo settling for me. May be a long road of girls nights, trips, wine and movie nights, but I won't have it any other way.

Farewell Summer

So with the start of September here, I wanted to reflect on the past few months. I've done a lot of fun and exciting things and by far have lived more than I have in a long time. But I think that what I will take away the most is how very much I have learned about myself. It's funny when you think that you know yourself so well and you've already grown up so much. And then you realize that even at 27 there is so much more to learn and that even the most uncomfortable or difficult situations can teach you something that you were meant to learn. 

I have a newfound appreciation for things that I took for granted in the past. I'm more resilient and realize that I truly am capable of anything, and that there is nothing stopping me but me. I'm more vulnerable than I thought I was, or that I allowed myself to be. And I know that nothing good really does come easily. But not because it's a cheesy line that I always hear but because you truly change when you go through the not so pleasant times. They are a necessary and critical part of the people we are all meant to be and I feel like the more I can understand and embrace that idea that the sooner I will find whatever it is I'm searching for in life.

This has been a very challenging summer for me, but also the best I've probably ever had, and I'm truly grateful. Looking forward to what comes next...

Where to??

I have found my newest passion...traveling. I have never been one to travel too much or often (I mean, I've only been on a plane maybe like 5 times??) typically because of the cost. But, I'm now at a time and place where I can do much more of it and dammit, I'm going to! :)

So, the goal is 1 destination a month. I know, I know, that's crazy right? Maybe. But I'm going to try. The key is to be thifty, flexible and creative. I will be open to where I want to go and look for the best deals I can find. We also are going to hit up all the major cities within 5 hours driving distance: Chicago, Kansas City, Nashville, Memphis, Indianapolis, etc. So far we've made it to Miami in July and Chicago in August. I'm thinking it's going to be New York in September. Fun, right? Ha, I may regret this decision when I'm completely broke, but for now I'm super excited about the idea of seeing so many different people and places. Eventually I'd like to make it out of the country, but in order to go on as many weekend trips as I would like, we're going to have to stay fairly close to home. 

I like how traveling breaks up the monotony of doing the same things in St. Louis every weekend and how I appreciate home more every time I return. Looking forward to planning my next trip already...

Bar Flies

The bar scene. Going to the same places in St. Louis, seeing the same people, I am officially over it. The worst is when you go to a place filled with waaaasted people and, yep, you're quite possibly the only one sober. Which let me tell you, you see everything in such a different light...  Your feet get stepped on. Drinks get spilled on you. People are bumping into you left and right. And everyone looks ridiculous!? Ha, is that really how I look when I'm intoxicated, yikes! And I mean, it's not like you can really meet anyone at these places. The types of dudes that regularly go to the same bars every week are typically just NOT the people you want to date. Lots of gel in their hair, they think they are hot shit, and they have dated most of girls at the bar.  Where are all the normal, nice guys hiding?

But, I still do like to go out, but I think that I want to do it less...and that I don't want to go to the same places every time and see the same people. I am craving some more variety in my life, big time.

So, now what to do... So I think that this realization may have led me to the next phase. I think I'm ready for more. That was something that I really didn't appreciate when I was in a relationship...the ease of just doing nothing with someone and being completely satisfied. Watch a movie, go to a dive bar, a park, whatever. Everything is a little more relaxed and easy. I kind of miss the wholesomeness and comfort of when you are in a relationship and no matter what they are there, they get you, and they think the world of you. Just a little new insight that I had, that I much appreciated. Uh oh folks, I think that means I may be ready. Look out.  :)

The Bachelor/Bachelorette

Ok so, I have to comment on this show. I'm not gonna lie, I love it, I watch every season. But some things I think about it when I'm watching...

First of all, how do these people get away from their jobs for months at a time?? I know that the company I work for certainly doesn't offer a leave of absence to 'find love.' I really don't get it. Plus, no wonder these relationships don't last. They are developed in a fantasy land of perfect dates and no worries or real life issues. How do you know how that person is going to handle an argument? Or the normal drone of working of everyday? I'm sure it can work, what 6% of the time, but oh yes I am a skeptic. But, the funny thing is, I can't get enough of it. 

Another thing I wonder, are the guys on the show normal? I wonder if a good chunk of them are kinda toolbags?? I'm thinking they may be. Who knows though...  Well, the season ends next week so of course I'll be watching. What is with our generation and reality TV?!

Catching up

Wow, so it's been awhile since I've been on here, a lot has been going on!

So, I just got back from vacation. 11 days total, 1 week at home and 4 days in Miami. And wow, was it hard to come back to work!!  I truly had sooo much fun though, and now that I've had a taste of the good life, I want more! I'm thinking of what other trips I can plan, where else I would like to go. Do I want to move to another city? I think that I could... I love meeting new people and the unbelievable energy and excitement in amazing cities. But who knows, that is a huge step for me. Until I figure it out all out, I'm going to plan more small trips while exploring career options elsewhere. Now, of course, money is always an issue, so I'm looking for fun and creative ways to do so. #1-Going where you can stay with a friend #2-Keeping your eyes peeled for fabulous deals. So let the search begin...

What else? Well, I have a roommate now! Temporarily, at least. But still, it has been great. She is super clean and is an awesome cook. I mean really, how could I complain?! Plus it's really nice to just have relaxing nights at home again with dinner, wine, and a movie. Hopefully she'll keep me from going out and spending money!  :)  We've just been inviting friends over here and there and it really has been super easy and fun.  

Also, we're getting ready to start a 2nd sand volleyball session and we are going to change up the team a bit. Get a few more ringers on the team and hopefully we can pull in some more wins this time around. 

Plus, still no boys in my life and still loving it! I haven't really met anyone so far that I could even really see as a boyfriend, which makes me realize that wow, it really can be a long process to find the guy you know? Well, I'm going to have to find him when I'm not really looking, because I'm so not waiting around for a him. I'm thoroughly enjoying myself without one.

Hmm, I think that's it for now. Back to reality after the extended vacation is tough, so I'm sure I'll be chatting it up on here much more lately.

Random

Soo..I was thinking the other day. It is what, June 25th? And, I have not seen but a single Junebug yet. Not that I'm complaining, but isn't that kinda weird? 

Also, so I kind of accidentally blew up my coffee maker recently. I'm actually pretty thrilled that I didn't burn my house down in doing so, but u know what? I was kind of excited. Because that meant I was allowed to get a new coffee maker! Haha, I love how I talked myself out of it before when my previous one was perfectly fine. But since u know, I now NEEDED one (and trust me, I need my coffee), it was suddenly justified. So I of course I went out and bought the fanciest stainless steel coffee maker I could find. It's got all sorts of bells and whistles. I think I actually had an easier time getting out of bed the next morning b/c I was looking forward to using it. Wow, the things I get excited about...