I'm Back! And I'm Another Year Older...

Another year wiser...hopefully. Yesterday was my birthday. So in all of my birthday spirit, I am reminiscing. There were some major milestones and goals that I accomplished this past year. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, I started along the path of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"... Or in other words the "American Dream." In case you didn't know, I LOVE making lists. And this post is much of the same, a list of what this last year has brought me, and what I hope to do in the coming 12 months.

Life: I started a new chapter in my life this year with some key milestones. First, I graduated from college and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Communication. (Yippie!) I was offered, and took, my first job in the Communication industry. (Whoop!) Second, I found love. Real love for the first time in my life. (aww...) Phil and I have been together for eleven months. For both of us, it is our first real relationship. There are major learning curves, but I finally know what it feels like to have someone love my strengths and my weaknesses. I know what it feels like to put someone else above my independence. It's not hard, but I'm working at it... And last but not least, as of last week I got my first place. (FREEDOM!) I will be renting an apartment with two of my best friends from college, Michelle and Emma! It's in a great location and it is some place that I can call my own. It feels good to know that I will be starting my own life...Leading me to liberty.

Liberty: This past year, I have taken control of many aspects of my life. I found my own job that I would not have been offered if I didn't pursue an internship with them the year before. I have found my own way to get to this job, which is located 50 miles from my house right now. I took over payments for my cellphone, car insurance, credit card, and student loans. And I have found my own place to live, like I said before. But, at the risk of sounding cliché at using this quote to describe my humble situation, "with freedom comes responsibly" (I can't help myself...I'm a sucker for Eleanor). And this concept scares me to no end. I'm a planner and this is something I can't plan. I am going to have to relax, let go, and carry on. Above all, I have to be positive about what lies ahead, knowing that this is going to make me happy...

Pursuit of Happiness: All of these decisions, milestones, and goals all mean nothing if I'm not happy. I have never been a money hog; it is not what drives my decisions. It is an important part of my life, but it is not the only part of my life. I am not driven by popularity. I have opinions and as many of my closest friends and family know, I am not afraid to share them respectfully, whether or not this is the majority's opinion. I am driven by a need to do what I think is right. I want to make myself happy, but I also feel that it is important to not make others miserable. I feel that I was put here to help others and make a difference, which is why I am working at a local non-profit raising money to fund local programming providing life saving breast cancer screenings, education services, and follow-up care. I am moving to a Boston neighborhood to satisfy my love affair with the old historic city.

My beautiful cupcake from Crumbs Bakery
 

So I will keep you updated on my life...I'm sure I will have many ups and downs which I will love writing about. Stay tuned, adapting is soon to come!

Working Hard...

I know I haven't blogged in almost two weeks. You can call me a slacker. But considering that I work at a nonprofit promoting breast cancer research and proper breast health during the official breast cancer awareness month (October), I am BUSY. All I have time for right now is this explanation .. But just think about everything I will have to say when my work load slows down...

In the mean time, this quote from the great St. Francis Assisi will have to suffice. To accompany this quote, I included a photo taken by yours truly. One of the events I worked last week was at the State House in Boston. When the run of show concluded, I took a walk. In all of the years that I lived so close to the State House, I had never been inside. If you are ever in Boston, be sure to check it out. The architecture is unimaginable. And I have a feeling Assisi's quote may have subconsciously manifested:

“Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

The stained glass ceiling at the Boston State House