The Journey of a Thousand Miles...

It's late (somewhat) and I'm tired (somewhat), but this blog has to start at some point, so here we go. I find myself returning to writing every time there is, or about to be, a big change in my life. And, the next big change is about 6 months away. I'm planning to move to New York City. That's right, a small town girl taking a bite out of the big apple (I promise that is the last time I'll use that expression within this blog).

So how did this opportunity come about? That would be the result of dating a boy. This boy, driven and determined, was very recently accepted into Columbia University next fall for graduate school. This boy, named Rob, is also currently a captain in the United States Marine Corps and has a few months (can you guess? six) left of service. So, I've been presented with this opportunity. I can either stay in beautiful San Diego in a job that gives me a lot of anxiety where most of my friends have moved away since college, or I can move with Rob, whom I love with a crazy passion, and take my chances at a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience (and afford!) New York City.

Some people might think it's a little risky to move across the county with your boyfriend. And they're absolutely right! But if you live safe and comfortably your entire life, how will you ever find the thrill and excitement of the unknown? I like a challenge, and so I plan to take it on. Whether it all turns out in the long run, its my life, and I only get one shot at it- unless I'm reincarnated. But that's an entirely separate blog. :)

Has living in New York City always been a dream of mine? Not exactly. Well not at all. I'm not really a big city girl. But, in a way, I feel it's a challenge for me. And really, it's only two years (hopefully) of my life. Or maybe I'll end up loving it more than I think I will. Who knows?

So, finally, what is the purpose of this blog? Being a planner, writer and having slight (undiagnosed) OCD, I've decided to document the planning, questions, fears, hopes, dreams, problems and thrills of this entire journey. From the planning process, to the reality of it all, you'll find it in this blog. Hopefully, this can also be a road map to young couples, singles, or anyone planning to make the move to New York City.

Got it

My, how time flies by when you are WORKING! That's right! I got the job at Chemistry PR!! I trained for about two weeks, and last week was my first official start and I jumped right into everything.

Like a nightmare, the morning of my first day, I walked out early to my car, only to find out that it did not want to start... Yes, like a fool I left my interior lights on the entire night, draining my battery. Fortunately, Andrew has just left minutes before, and like my night in shining armor, he turned around and gave me a ride to work. I knew I had a meeting that day for my client (yes, I have my own client!) and it was the Government Affairs meeting (presumably the scariest meeting I will have to attend according to Danielle who trained me and whose position I am taking over) but fortunately it was minutes from the office... still I was scared and it didn't put me in the right mind for my first day. Let's just say, it didn't go as smooth as possible but I made it through the day, and now I have made it through the week.

Friday I actually worked a 12 hour day because we had the "BOMA Summer Annual Golf Tournament" and so it was a busy but fun day... now it is Sunday, and my weekend just feels so much shorter than it used to. Maybe because it is no longer four days long.

I am very happy about getting the job, but there are times that I feel like I am in way over my head. A full time job, right out of college? It makes me wonder when I will really get the chance to LIVE... then again, the living I want to do, (traveling the world) requires money, and I guess working with a salary is the best way to get that, eh? I'll give the job longer than a week to tell you whether I'm comfortable. I am just so afraid to mess this one up.

But yeah... now my life has direction. That's what I wanted, right?

Life goes on...

Having nothing to do should be a luxury, but it is driving my absolutely nuts! A week after my interviews, I am finally coming back in to Chemistry tomorrow for that writing and editing test...

I go from highs to lows every other hour. I think I am perfect for the job, then I think, I will never be hired. It is very frustrating. I guess I will know by next week.

For now, my plan is... wait. 

If I don't get this job, I'm going home on June 11th... then maybe Hawaii with Hales, then eventually come back to Diego and if Andrew let's me, I will live with him temporarily till I can get a job and get on my feet. That would make a free summer, maybe the last in my life until I retire or have kids or whatever nonsense life harnesses me to.

Anyway, I'll let you know.

Life, what now

This will be short.

Tis' true, I have graduated.

Thursday I had two interviews, however the job with San Diego Unified School District told me, they no longer know if the position exists due to the recent budget cuts . Sigh. I thought it was hopeful.

My interview with Chemistry PR went well, I thought, and I left excited and, once again, hopeful. I do have a lot of competition. Today I was supposed to be contacted for a writing and editing test... no call, no email. I'm worried.

Maybe I'll get to go home after all.

Boo

Once upon an optimistic day

Freshman year...

Some sappy thoughts for you from me, Steph, that I thought I would share. Here goes... Think about your life...(pause to really give you time to) really just think about it, and you will realize how good it really is. We all have so much to be thankful for (truly!), the beauty and brevity of life is ASTOUNDING, and should NEVER be taken for granted, though it frequently is. Its so hard to make the most of every day we are given, everyone says you should, there are thousands of quotes about it; Live like its your last, Live like its brand new, but it is rather hard to get it into your head in a way that makes sense, in a way that will drive you. Maybe today you can wake up and actually TRY, try something different?. . . and see where it gets you? Don’t go through the motions, and just do something unplanned.

Most won't take these words seriously, this won’t be read as a call to action, but in case anyone does, its not that hard to make a real great change to your life, if you really truly want it. Your character, your attitude, its not that difficult to be who you want to be, its all a matter of changing your heart and mind and getting the both of those wonderful parts in sync!! I'm taking steps in that direction, so that’s my message to anyone who wants to follow me. These seem like just words, right, words that are trying to come off as inspirational. That’s not what I'm aiming for, (unless it works out that way!) But hey! Seriously, just give it a thought.

Life is good, find good people, and share it with them. Doing simple things like sharing, teaching, smiling more, having patience for people, ACCEPTING others for who they really are, their quirks and habits, saying bless you, hey, it helps. I’ve been finding that out. I’ve read things like this all the time, and I always think, being nice, helping others, loving life, wow, that’s touching, then forget about it, and go through another day grumbling about homework and being mad that Grey’s wasn’t new tonight.... It wasn’t too long ago that I took a second look at how I was acting and thought, WTF is wrong with me? Lol, no really, I don’t swear but I think I might have thought that. But if you put words to action you'll find its a whole other ball game and you are winning, and so is everyone else (What?! Yeah, really!).

All I’m saying is, give this life of yours a second chance, if you don’t agree with me now about how good it really is, make some changes. I don't know exactly what to tell you individually about getting to the place I'm at right now, how happy I am, but when you figure out your own path, you'll find like I did that there's no where else you'll want to be.