Do you hear what I hear?

Silence. Silence is what I hear in our apartment this cozy winter night. Aside from the hum of the dryer it is completely silent. It seems this is my new "grown up" Sunday night ritual, with a cup of tea in hand I'm always the last roomate up left to ponder my thoughts, do laundry, and even clean... I simply cannot sleep on Sunday nights, as a result I end up being quite productive.

Right now I am sitting at the kitchen table staring at my first grown-up Christmas tree. Doesn't seem like it should be that big of a deal but as I sit here I realize just how much has happened since last Christmas. It's been a busy year! I've owned my first car, graduated college, rented my first apartment, moved to a new town, gotten my first job... It's been a whirlwind, truly.

2009 has been a year of many firsts for me, and I'll never forget it. Everyday there is some new "first" from registering for new tax forms in Taney county to my first time changing our porch light on a cold, cold night. (Much to my happy surprise there were no tools necessary for this adventure) They may seem like small things, but all those small firsts sure do add up.

2010 will bring another first for me now. I've never been to Virginia but will be traveling there in March for the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Summit, CLT2. It stands for "Campus leaders today, community leaders tomorrow." http://odk.org/news_and_events/news?mitem_uid=49 It is a real honor to be chosen and I cannot wait for March to get here now. This definitley gave me the boost of energy I needed right before our off-season and something to look forward to. I should be getting my text in the next few weeks and although it sounds geeky I am SO EXICTED. At first I got slightly nervous about studying since I am a little rusty, but now I cannot wait to crack open the book again and feel like I have a purpose again!

As I was telling my Mom this news she was very proud (of course) but made a very funny observation. Last year at that time I was "following the civil rights trail" with woods around the world program. http://wwuwatw.wordpress.com/ While both are very nice things to do it is not your "typical" spring break type of activity. Guess this confirms my true geekiness. Oh well, I'd rather be doing these things anyday. I simply cannot wait.

This was really a great Christmas present to me so my Christmas has started early this year. I hope you [my mystery reader] have a wonderful Christmas. Tomorrow I am actually finishing my Christmas cards... anything postmarked by December 24th counts, right?

Loyally,

Kristin

Good Advice: Never Make Anyone/thing A Priority If You Are Only An Option.

It's been a rough/long couple of weeks- I'd be lying if I said it hasn't. On top of everything I've been sick, had to miss work which makes me feel automatically behind, and am only halfway done with my Christmas shopping and barely started on Christmas cards. Wow- feels good to get that off my chest.

Speaking of getting things off my chest, thanks for taking the time to read my blog. Even if you just read it because you have nothing better to do- it means something. A few posts ago I put up some pictures for my Mom- since she doesn't "do facebook". I was thinking she was the only one who reads this and actually thinking of stopping updating it and just sending email updates to friends/family instead then over the last 2-3 weeks I've been getting so many kind comments about my writing. Thank you to those in my life who took the time to say something- the confidence boost couldn't have come at a better time.

"I read some of your blog the other day... I really enjoyed it, you have a very thoughtful, conversational style of writing that makes it all flow nicely. You are also my inspiration, as you seem to be fearlessly mastering 'the real world' while I hide in my dorm room, hoping to never leave the security of college." This comment about my blog actually made me cry. For one because it came from someone whom I'm not necessarily close with but who I respect very much who did NOT have to take the time to say anything and two because this is just what I wanted to do with this blog- show people my age there IS life after college (and also keep people updated on my escapades- of course). To this fabulous and strong woman- if you are reading my blog- I have no doubt you will do amazing things after college, you will have to leave your dorm room at some point though- haha!

About the photo- I was feeling particularly grown-up one day at work last week. Wearing my cable knit sweater and coordinating polo with peals. Those are-of course- my pink folders in the background. Although I enjoy the challenge that my job brings daily and the line of work- I was finding myself missing school and learning a lot. Then I realized, I'm learning things everyday. My current challenge is an exciting one- social media and non-traditional revenue, we (as a company) are just on the cusp of these topics and I'm excited to be there for it.

Well, the real reason I wrote this post wasn't to ramble for a few paragraphs and toot my own writing horn. It was to make a big announcement in my own life. Most of you know I love to write almost anything. For about four months now I have been writing a book, yes- a book. Strange, you bet- but also not totally uncharacteristic of me. One night I just had a glimmer of an idea and took off with it. I've been having a LOT of fun writing it (especially chapter names) and it's a great de-stressor. I feel like by making this announcement public it will MAKE me finish it in a timely manner, I always seem to have trouble with endings (eesh, too true). I may never even send it anywhere but finishing it will be one of the biggest accomplishments of my life and I'm learning alot about myself through the process.

So, to re-cap it's 2 weeks to Christmas and instead of writing my cards I've been writing a book... ouch, don't feel bad it's nothing personal. I will get more motivated this week- so long as I can find the time! Time is winding down here in B-town, only 3 real weeks of the tourist season left.... I'm a little afraid of just how desolate it will become.

Loyally,

Kristin