Imagine Dragons

"It's Time" Lyrics

So this is what you meant
When you said that you were spent?
And now its time to build from the bottom of the pit right to the top
Don’t hold back
Packing my bags and giving the Academy a rain check

I don’t ever wanna let you down
I don’t ever wanna leave this town
‘Cause after all this city never sleeps at night

Chorus
It’s time to begin, isn’t it?
I get a little bit bigger but then I’ll admit
I’m just the same as I was
Now don’t you understand?
I’m never changing who I am

So this is where you fell
And I am left to sell
The path to Heaven runs through miles of clouded Hell right to the top
Don’t look back
Turning to rags and giving the commodities a rain check

I don’t ever wanna let you down
I don’t ever wanna leave this town
‘Cause after all this city never sleeps at night

Chorus
Repeat

This road never looked so lonely
This house doesn’t burn down slowly
To ashes!
To ashes!

Free Will Astrology: Synergetic Whole

Aries Horoscope for week of July 19, 2012

 

Acro-Yoga is a relatively new physical discipline. According to a description I read on a flyer in Santa Cruz, it "blends the spiritual wisdom of yoga, the loving kindness of massage, and the dynamic power of acrobatics." I'd love to see you work on creating a comparable hybrid in the coming months, Aries -- some practice or system or approach that would allow you to weave together your various specialties into a synergetic whole. Start brainstorming about that impossible dream now, and soon it won't seem so impossible.


No reflection on this one, folks. I have no idea what it means!

Delicate Fine Lace

I only wish I had some interesting updates or life tidbits to share with y'all. I've been at my job for almost two weeks, been in my city for almost three, and got incredibly lost in both said city and Charlotte. Here is a brief, hopefully not entirely boring post that may only include a picture or two.

Apartment-related:

• I finally ordered a bed! It only weighs 40lbs., fits into a medium sized box and has no box spring. Intrigued? Yeah I am, too. I will do a full detailed post on that one. 
• Craigslist is the bane of my existence. People in Columbia sell really old couches and think they can price them for hundreds of dollars because they weren't really sat on or sat in the basement for the past decade. Um, sir or ma'am, that couch is clearly from the 70's and that flower print hurts my eyes. I shall not pay your $300! (This means I haven't had luck in the furniture department). 
• The main reason for the trip to Charlotte was to hit up IKEA and Trader Joe's. I bought these shelves (2), this TV stand, a rug (total splurge, in white) and a few other do-dads. That shelving unit was the biggest pain in my ass.
• Finally got a shower curtain from Ross. I am picky about the oddest things; couches, shelves, side tables, and the like I am pretty open to. If we are talking about shower curtains, rugs, lamps, and bedspreads then holy heck, I am incredibly specific about what I like and don't like. I do believe this is why I like thrift stores--no having to decide among the massive shelves just if I like it, I buy it. Simple. 
• I also finally (the last one) made dinner in my kitchen! I love my kitchen but haven't really felt like it was mine just yet. I made my signature frittata and a farmer's market vegetable quinoa salad. Both were healthy, delicious, and eaten over the course of four days. Tomorrow is veggie pizza!

The City:

•  The picture above is the state house. I see the back of the state house each day on my way to work and Williams Brice Stadium in the other direction. 
• I get lost a lot. I know it is how I learn a new city but damn is it frustrating. 
• Moved all of my information over to South Carolina last week. License, bank account, staff member ID, and insurance. I was a little sad to lose my Oregon license, I won't lie. Tears may have been welled in an eye or two. 

The (attempt) to meet new people:

• Going to be a challenge, probably the biggest. I'll document a few little things on here in case anyone is reading but this will be...interesting. 
• Online dating is really, really just not going to work. People who are over the age of 18 really shouldn't be having profiles that use words like "4ever" and "c u in da wknd." I mean really, if you are already typing an entire profile, why not spell the ENTIRE word AND do spell check? Eh? If you could only see my face as I read some of these...it really is a sight to behold. 
• I might just need to get a cat now. 
• Going to start working out again next week to get into a routine. I thought about doing Couch 2 5K since I live in a really nice neighborhood and could actually just run near home. The only problem I see with that is the intense heat (August is suppose to be the worst) and humidity. My lungs aren't really up to par just yet! My co-worker and I were thinking about doing a 5k in September which sounds like a lot of fun and it could be good to have some moral support. 

The Random: 

• I found the best cereal ever. Cinnamon Chex. It's gluten free, relatively decent in calories, apparently contains some sort of whole grain AND tastes like the cinnamon twists from Taco Bell. Oh yes!
• I fell in love with a sandwich last week. There are two cute coffee/lunch places near my office and last week when I wasn't quite in the swing of things, I went out to eat a lot. I discovered this amazing veggie sandwich that has sprouts, two kinds of olives (!!), cucumbers, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and spinach cream cheese (!!!). It looks so simple but tastes heavenly. There is also an amazing black bean wrap that I plan to remake at home soon. Mmm...

•  What is the point of a fruit fly? 
• I love farmer's markets. 

And..I should probably be asleep right now! I haven't been sleeping well lately so my coffee dependence has significantly increased and I am a little more spacey than normal. One more day to get through then the whole weekend to realign. Here's hoping!

Murkey Waters

Get this, a guy seriously put in his dating profile "Good country boy. Like Flinstone, I'll make your bedrock lol."

This guy is 30 years old, folks.
Pray for me as I dive into dating. Oy.
I may need to buy some mace.

P.S. Apparently I have a knack for identifying those Californians!
P.S.S. I may need to learn how to swim. Really swim, in the water, without drowning.

Two Years Time

It is really interesting (to me, at least) how much has happened in the past two years. This is a picture of me driving from Oregon to Michigan in 2010 and then a picture of me driving from Michigan to South Carolina: 

Not only have I physically changed (just a little), but I have also grow more confident in my profession and learned to be okay with my awkwardness. Seriously though, so awkward! (especially after two days in a car by myself)

When I set out to attend grad school in Michigan, I made a promise to myself to make the most of it and take advantage of every opportunity. 

Successfully complete grad school. Check.

Make strong friendships. Check.

Complete an internship outside of Michigan. Check. Florida! Also did an additional internship with a single parent program

Be involved in my program. Check. Secretary/Semi-Leader of student organization

Do more than required. Check. Volunteered, taught freshman course, additional internships, job responsibilities.

Get a career position on the east coast, preferably in the Carolinas or the Northeast. Check.

I have a very, very hard time taking compliments but on my last day of work, I had co-workers that offered me congratulations but also gave me such praise for being so positive and also being a good academic advisor. It was nice to know that they noticed the hard work that I put into my job despite some of the occasional office politics that got all of us down. I became a mentor (not my word) to the new graduate assistants who were sure of their responsibilities or position. I love the fact that I became a resource for people in my program since I really just learned as I went.  I have become incredibly independent and self-sufficient in this life so when I know things or figure something out, it is mostly trial and error or just a little bit of research. I tell you, anything can be done, obtained, or explained in a simple search on Google.

Now that I am making this huge transition and am completely unsettled, I have no idea what to expect. I have things I would “like” to happen but life is what happens when you make plans, right? The only thing I expect from myself now is to embrace my new city and job and work to make myself a better person both inside and out. 

This time in 2010:

Living with my mom. Ready to make the transition to Michigan. Finishing up my Americorps position in a non-profit organization. Dealing with a crazy ex-boyfriend. Unhealthy and dealing with some medical issues.

This time in 2011:

On vacation in Miami, Florida in between my internship in orientation. Started to become more aware of my body and the need to be healthier and more active increased drastically. Pushed myself outside my comfort zone and was embraced by amazing people.

Now, 2012:

New city. New job. New apartment. AIR CONDITIONING. Oh. It’s important though.  

And now what do the next two years hold for me? No idea! But I guess that is what makes life exciting, right?

Simple Things

I decided to hop on this bandwagon and list A-Z some of the simple things in life that I love. I am especially in need right now when I am (reluctantly admitting this) having a difficult introduction to my new city. There is always a getting-to-know-you period and an acclimation period but I am not known for my patience so.....let's focus on the good stuff, shall we?

*****

A-Airports. Weird, right? But I love, love people watching. As long as I'm not rushing to catch a plane at 6am without a Starbucks near my gate, I am in heaven. I had a three hour layover in Charlotte a few months ago and got a kick out of people watching and listening to the final boarding calls.
B-Brunch (stealing this one from Janetha). I love brunch and all the breakfast/lunch items. I have a Pinterest board dedicated to it and think that it is the best meal, ever.
C-Coffee. Oh, how I love you. I didn't use to have the addiction and instead treated coffee as an occasional treat. One cross-country solo road trip turned me into a dependent.
D-Dogs. I love dogs....well, I call them all puppies,technically. I also squeal like a 3-year-old when I see one.

E-Elephant ears. The food kind, obviously.
F-French fries. My love of the french fry is well-known to my friends and co-workers in Michigan. Red Robin specifically has a special place in my heart.
G-Greek food. Pegasus in Greektown, Detroit, Michigan, says it all. So freakin' good!
H-Happy hour. I love being able to go grab a cheap drink and some noshes with friends. One of the greatest things about being over 21, I swear!
I-Imagination. Never stop considering the possibilities.
J-Jokes of the corniest kind. Example: What does a nosey pepper do? (answer at end)
K-Kind smiles.

L-Live sports. There is nothing better than the rush of sitting in a crowded stadium/field with a bunch of intense, excited fans. One of the best things I did in Detroit was attend a Red Wings game. Totally worth the money!
M-Movies. I love, love going to the movies and I have no favorite genre. It is such a great way to escape and enter into a world with rich characters and action. I just saw "Magic Mike" today, for example, and I am still reeling from the effects of a whole lot of crotch grabbing and weird acting.
N-Nail polish. I blame Pinterest for this trend as it continues to show all the cool things you can do with nail polish if you have cool colors, a toothpick, a steady hand, and the patience of Mother Theresa.
O-Oregon. As I have traveled, there are definitely things in Oregon that I miss and took for granted. Mild summers. Green city spaces. Thrift stores. Insane farmer's markets.
P-Peanut Butter. I have a friend who is incredibly allergic to peanuts and it makes me so sad for her. She's okay with it but I think of what she is missing out on!
Q-Queen sized beds. Pillow top, preferred.

R-Rainbows. Nature's little "hello."
S-Serve yourself frozen yogurt shops. I began my addiction in Portland and while Michigan is just hopping on the bandwagon, my summer in Florida reignited my love for it. I have no favorite flavor but no matter what, I must have fruity pebbles. Oh, and mochi!
T-Travel. My little road trip from Michigan to South Carolina only furthered my interest to drive around the country more and take time to see the sights.
U-Umbrellas. Useful little things, especially when you get caught in a summer shower. Also, come in a variety of colors and patterns.
V-Vegetables. The more "v"ariety, the better! In a recent trip to my friend's house, she showed me all of her veggies from the CSA including some crazy things I had never seen before. Adventurous eating at its best!
W-Water. I have an intense fear of drowning, can't swim, and yet I feel so much more at ease when I am near water. Perhaps it is my crazy, wandering spirit but I need to be around some sort of lake, river, or ocean.

X-X-Men. Okay, this is really my excuse to include any and all comic book-related movies. X-Men being one of the best ones because Hugh Jackman is involved. The Avengers, Spiderman, Batman, Iron Man, etc.
Y-Yoga pants. Now, under the wrong circumstances, these pants are bad. They are not meant to be worn out to nice dinners or to work but in the house or on a quick trip to the grocery store, perfection.
Z-Z-Tile in the game of Scrabble. Once you know its power, you shall dominate the game! (Same goes for the Q)

*****

That was a lot harder than I thought it would be!

What are some of your simple things?


*Gets jalapeno business. Ha!

Arrival

 (Downtown Charleston, WV)

Finally arrived in South Carolina! The second leg of the drive wasn’t too bad and driving through West Virginia was definitely the highlight. I left Charleston WV in the early morning and even saw the beautiful sunrise. The mountains gave me a little run for my money but I safely glided through Virginia, North Carolina, and into South Carolina by the early afternoon. I stopped at a rest area right before SC to grab a few tourist brochures and stretch my legs. 

 

 Once I arrived, I went right over to my realtor’s office to sign the lease and grab the key. I forgot how long that whole process took!

The apartment is great - very spacious - it just wasn’t in the greatest condition. Let’s just say I spent most of my evening cleaning every nook, cranny, and wall in the place. It was worth it though to know that everything is in good shape and I can safely walk around barefoot. I only had enough energy to move about 65% of my stuff out of the car so that rest will be carried in small, manageable loads. 

 

 

Let's not ignore the big ol' factor in my exhaustion: heat. Most of the country is dealing with some crazy heat right  now and although it is summer time, I just don't think most of us are used to this! I tried to mentally prepare but I spent most of today inside in the cool air rather than getting into my hot car. Tomorrow is another day to try!

P.S. They don’t call SC “Famously Hot” for nothing. 

On the Road Again

No, that isn't just an excuse to use a song title as a blog post. I really am on the road again!

The weather over the last week has made moving complicated. I suppose the weather itself isn't the problem so much as the lack of air conditioning. On Thursday in Ypsilanti it reached 106 degrees. My apartment must have been at least 110-115 degrees. After work, I took a quick nap and then languished in the air conditioning at the laundromat. Had it not been for some peculiar characters, I probably would have just stayed the night. Instead, I headed out to see a movie, "Brave," to continue partaking in the free cool air. I contemplated seeing "Magic Mike"  but decided I needed to head home to get sleep for my last day of work.

Saturday was spent running around like a crazy person--Salvation Army, recycling, post office, car wash, Target--then packing the car. The packing was the worst. I have too much stuff despite the fact that I got rid of a lot! Sometime last night I looked around my living room (mind you my car was packed FULL by this point) and saw all of the stuff I still wanted to fit in there...and just cried. Really, I had a hissy fit. Then, I drank some water, ordered some dinner, and thought of ways to reconfigure what I already had packed.

After a short nap (night's sleep seems a little generous at this point), I woke up with a new plan, unpacked and then repacked everything. It didn't all fit but damnit, I did what I could! After a shower and quick vacuum, I was out this morning. Coffee was a top priority, clearly.

Ohio is a really big state apparently cause it seemed to go on FOREVER. I am old school and used Google maps directions and my Rand McNally Atlas. Thank goodness I have both! Ugh, I was so ready to get out of that state.

And now..West Virginia! I am staying in Charleston for the night and while I would love to go walk around and explore, there is no way that I am leaving the comfort of air condition and quiet. Ordering dinner soon and then an amazing sleep WILL HAPPEN.

No sleep, dehydration, and heat makes for a really unsavory April. Just take my word on that.