Let the Countdowns Begin!!

I am beyond excited right now.  In T-like 2 hours we will be having our last staff dinner at Fogo De Chao.  There is nothing I love more than food.  Seriously.  And meat, even yummier.  I don’t think I could ever be vegan or a vegetarian.  And we are having our first and last, White Elephant gift exchange.  It’s funny to see everyone’s wrapping skills, or lack there of.  So that makes 1 countdown.

Countdown #2-3 days and it will be 2 years since my dad passed away.  I know this isn’t a happy countdown but none the less December 22nd is a day that will have a significance for the rest of my life, whether I want it to or not.  I can’t believe it’s been 2 years already.  So much has changed since then and I only think that, no matter what my choices have been these last 2 years,  I feel his guidance and love in my heart everyday and that he would be proud of me. 

Countdown #3-5 days from now I will be in the great state of Texas for a 9 day trip for the Holidays.  It’s a bit bittersweet of course since this time bring up a lot of emotions but I’m happy to spend some much-needed time with my mom.  But the best part is that little Bailey will be traveling with me!!  I got her a very cute carrier that she, of course, hates.  My trip will include several food comas, wonderful visits with friends, a play with my amazing mother, running around with my nephew Nyk, and maybe even some shenanigans.

Countdown #4-13 days until the end of 2011!!  Like I’ve said before, this was a tough year, for just about everyone I know.  But though its been a roller coaster, I can’t believe it’s coming to an end.  I feel like it went by so fast and that in another blink of an eye, another chapter ends.  So here’s to 2012 being a better one!!

Countdown #5-39 days until I’ll be in sunny Miami with Ms. Ashley for her birthday.  Now this, is the vacation I’m really looking forward to.  New city, old friend, and fun times are just around the bend.  Hurry up and get here January!!!

Countdown #6-XX days until I get a new job.  Haha, so this one is a bit unknown.  I know that in the next few months, I’ll be putting the job search into full force hoping I find something I (a) would like to do, (b) have room to grow in, and (c) in DC or the surrounding area.

I love countdowns.  They keep you focused and looking ahead on what’s on the horizon, and obviously, I have quite a few things.

End of the Year and Start of Something New

I think everyone can agree that 2011 was one hell of a year, both in a good and bad way.  Yes, many important global events shaped the history books like the Arizona shooting, the earthquake and nuclear meltdown in Japan, death of Osama Bin Laden, and the Occupy Wall Street movement. 

But in the end, personally, this year was a whirlwind.  There has been a lot of ups and down in the road from breakups to vacations to fights with family to getting back in the dating game to finding out that my boss is retiring from his tenure in Congress and I will be out of a job in less than 12 months.  Whirlwind, seriously.  (I actually have a few other choice words for this year but will save that for myself.)

At the end of the year, we have a tendency of assessing our lives and the decisions we’ve made over the last year.  We come to terms with some, vow to never do other, and continue to make the ones that make us happy, whatever they may be.  We become closer with people who were only strangers or unknowns a year ago and fall apart from people who thought would always be there for us.  We live, learn, laugh, and love.

I don’t like to be one of those people who thinks that just because it’s the start of a new year, month, week, day, etc, that it’s going to different.  But I think that with the start of a new year, month, week, day, etc, hope for the start of a new job, love, friend, hobby, etc, resonates in people.  New brings new ambition, dreams, and goals.  It brings out optimism in all of us.  It makes us hope for something better and the idea of humanity.

So with this new year I’ve made a few promises, not resolutions…

I promise to do something I love at least once a week, whether that be cooking or baking or going for a long run.

I promise to make a better effort about keeping in touch with my friends that do not live close by.

I promise to find peace and solace within myself.

I promise to do more things for other that are less fortunate by volunteering at Habitat for Humanity and other organizations I agree with.

I promise to work on my relationship with my brother because one day he will be the only family I have.

I promise to not be so bitchy, selfish, shallow, and a liar.

I promise to be a better person then the one I am right now.

And with that, I will end one year and start something new.  Best of luck to all!!

Dear Rain

Dear Rain,

I greatly appreciate you very much.  I like to be indoors though then you fall from the sky.  I think you are beautiful.  I know places like Texas need you very much, not so much the soaked mid-Atlantic.

I don’t appreciate getting caught in the rain during my morning run.  You burn my eyes.  I wouldn’t have minded so much if I would have worn a cap like I usually do.  But it is a bit fun running in you.  I think I run faster, probably not.

Love a very soaked,

Sophie