March'in along

It's been about two weeks since my last 32X32 update. As March is rolling in I have approximately 10 weeks to wrap up the remaining items on my list. I am seeing progress which is exciting. Coincidence that the sun is shining on March 1st? I think not. Good riddance February!

Perhaps the biggest news relates to #2, obtain a paid marketing position/role. I was totally stoked to receive an offer for a SoMe (social media) internship with a reputable light and sound production company. It's not a permanent solution to the problems mentioned in the Heavy post, but it is definitely a step in the right direction. I believe it is going to be a great opportunity and I am anxious to get started.

Bake a pie from scratch, #8 ? Check. This was an interesting experience because I'm learning a lot as I'm trying to start a baking business. After my initial attempt...I'm not sure pie making is an area I would want to specialize in. I would like to keep practicing in the event a client requests a special pie but I didn't particularly enjoy it. Perhaps it's because I don't really like pie. Half of the thrill in baking, for me, is knowing how delicious it will taste when it's done. Pie just doesn't hold that anticipation for me. That aside, a coconut cream pie was made, tasted and served. Done and done.




Push ups. Ugh! While #13, do a set of 50 push ups is not yet complete; I did start a program suggested by a friend. Hundredpushups.com I've finished week one and if I stay on schedule I should be able to complete my goal of 50 push ups by May. If you have a similar goal and hate push ups as much as I do, I would recommend the site. I'll keep you updated on how it's progressing.

Exploring a new city, #6 is in the works as well. Mom and I will be exploring Buffalo, NY in April. It was challenging to choose a location that wasn't too far away, we haven't been to previously and still within our means of available resources. So...Buffalo it is. I'm intending on knocking out #32 as well on this trip. If you've been to Buffalo...any suggestions?

There are several other items from the list that are in progress. Starting a business, writing an article, learning a new language and the design software; these are all in the works. Looking at the list and how many things are left seems a little overwhelming but it keeps me motivated.

How are your new year resolutions coming along? Are you still maintaining? Have you succeeded already or given up?

32 X 32 Update

I'm two and half months into the new year and my list is getting longer. Okay, not really. It just seems that way to me. As of today (my least favorite day of the year), I officially have three months left to complete roughly 26 items on my list. There are several that are in progress and will hopefully be completed in time.

I figured since Valentines is generally a drag for me, I would find some way to make it more interesting. Seems like an ideal time to scratch something off my list. I can't think of a better way to humiliate myself than to put on the dreaded swim suit and take my winter white, pasty self to the pool for some water zumba. That's right...#4 is complete. Booyah! I'm not sure I would call it fun but, it was a good mix up to my work out. The best part is that my lack of coordination and dance ability is hidden under water. Awesome.

Other updates...

12. Start learning a new language. I selected Italian. I purchased a phrase book and cd to start learning some of the basics. Clearly I won't be able to speak or understand much by May, but hopefully I'll be able to toss around a few phrases. Maybe someday I'll be fortunate enough to actually go to Italy and use it.

13. A set of 50 push ups. So....what if they're all "girly" push ups? Does that count? At this point I'm not even close to doing 50 girl push ups so I'm thinking that may have to be the goal. 50 standard push ups, mmmm...unlikely.

14. Start a business. Although I can't officially cross this off my list as complete, I'm definitely getting closer and I do intend to have filed the name with state by May. A website is already in the works. Resources for other essentials are being researched. Many thanks to the friends that are supporting me in this venture. :)

15. Learning a design/software program. Ha! Okay, I've decided so far this stuff isn't cut out for me. I downloaded GIMP a free program to try to learn the basics on. I don't get it. I need some serious tutorials. I'm not sure if the Adobe software would be any easier. I do hope to have something to show for this.

28. Go on a blind date. Still need some help with this, peeps. ; )

29. Find a mentor. I think this one can be considered complete. I met with someone I respect and admire and she was kind enough to lend me a fresh perspective and get me in touch with some new contacts. I'm very fortunate to be surrounded by so many great individuals.

Okay, I think that about wraps up this update. Thanks for following. Now..I'm about to take myself out to meet a friend for an anti-V Day drink. Cheers!

Heavy

We've all seen the articles giving advice on how to prepare for the financially unexpected. They say you should have enough savings to support you for six months. They're right, you should. But what if you were struggling to make ends meet while you were employed, let alone save a little extra for a rainy day? Unfortunately, that time has come. It doesn't feel like a rainy day, it's more like torrential downpour.

The financial burden of losing a job is stressful, but no one talks about the emotional and psychological burden. Where are the 'how to' articles that coach us on what to say and do for our friends and family that lose their jobs? Where are the articles or books teaching us how to gracefully cope with the emotional roller coasters we're about to endure? I'm sure if you want to take this literally, there probably are books out there that share someones struggle with some helpful tips on what to say or do. The truth is....there really isn't anything anyone can say to make things better. No one can prepare you for the gnawing feeling in gut that is really the potential fear of losing your home or perhaps filing bankruptcy. No one can help you prioritize which possessions to start selling in order buy groceries that week. Those who are close to you will listen, be empathetic and tell you things will turn around. You may even believe them. I did, and hopefully still do.

I'm sure there's a point in time in everyone's life where they feel like they've hit bottom. I like to be the cup is half full person so if I'm at bottom that means it can only go up from here, right? It hit me hard when I came to a realization that two college degrees means nothing when times are tough. I grew up thinking if I worked hard and put myself through college I wouldn't have to struggle. Wrong. I've come to a point where it's time to swallow my pride and simply do what needs to be done.

My grandma, God love her, can be a bit difficult. She's been through many hard times, but she was able to overcome obstacles late in life. Later than most would imagine. Yes, she gets on my nerves at times *eye roll* but I know she's been through numerous hardships. She has accomplished some amazing feats. I look up to her for this. So, that comment I made earlier about college....so what. Degrees don't entitle me to anything in life. I have to do the dirty work and take out the trash. I feel like I'm in the middle of a horrible reality show about getting knocked down and everyone is watching to see if I'll get back up and come back even stronger. I'm trying. My mind is constantly swirling and every day is a struggle. So if I seem a little out of sorts, I really am.

Last night I was out with a group of friends and found myself in an extremely uncomfortable situation. It's hard to accept that I can't be the best friend or daughter right now. I want to be giving, sympathetic, empathetic or joyful...whatever the occasion calls for but it's just not in me right now. I realize that we're all going through something, or a rough patch. I know things could always be worse. Some people are going through job loss, others divorce. Some have medical conditions hindering them from living a "normal" life and others even have a terminal illness. Yes, I'm well aware that I still have blessings to be thankful for, and I AM. That doesn't mean my situation is any easier. I find myself feeling like I should apologize for my behavior. Maybe I should, maybe I shouldn't. Perhaps I'm making a bigger deal of things than they really are. (I usually do) Hopefully, the family and friends closest to me realize that these are the cards I've been dealt and I may be a little slow on making my next move but I'm doing the best I can, right now.

The F in February is not for Fun

Fun February? No....it's more like freezing and frigid. I know I'm not alone when I say the month of February is a drag. For me this month has always been cold and dismal. The weather stinks and with the crazy ice storm we received yesterday the month has already lived up to the expectation. *grumble* My month started off with failing internet service, a painful trip to the dentist, a nail in one of my front tires and some other disappointing news. Awesome. Boohoo, right. Everyone has problems and if you're reading this you most likely didn't come here to read or here about my woes. So I suppose that's enough for now. How about a little escape to Margaritaville? It always brings a smile to my face. : )




Wondering about an update on my 2011 project 32? It's coming soon.