56 posts tagged “nablopomo”
*Sigh* I wish I could say I'm feeling a little bummed that this month of daily blogging is coming to a close with this final post...
But I'm actually incredibly relieved. It was quite difficult. And yes, I feel successful, and I feel mildly enlightened, and inspired to strive toward this daily habit more long-term. But I gotta admit it wasn't as mind-blowing or epiphanic as I had hoped or expected it would be. 'Twas fun, nevertheless. And yes, epiphanic is totally a word! I was really excited to discover that...but I would've used it even if it wasn't.
So here I am, at the tail end of this month-long journaling journey. And, appropriately, it's also the last day of 2008. It was a great year, overall. And I'm glad I will have a good chunk more documentation of this year (though the majority of it has been toward the end, but I did write more regularly this year than in years past). And I'm really, really glad that I've gotten to spend the second half of this year with Joe, and that we are embarking on the new year together and happy as can be. Yes, I'm smitten. And I'm really looking forward to what 2009 will bring. All the surprises, memories to be made, lessons to learn, trials, time shared with friends and loved ones, successes and failures...all of it. It's going to be a good year. And I have a sneaking suspicion that 2010 will start off EVEN BETTER. *sneaky grin* Oh yeah...life is good.
Anyway, in the more immediate future...I just talked to Ashton, who's home from Texas for a few weeks, and found out she was gonna surprise me tonight and show up with her boyfriend Robert and take Joe and me out to Montana's! But Robert had to go and get all sick, so they're taking it easy in the desert, which I totally understand. Major bummer, though, since I only got to see her for one night during this WHOLE time she's been home! Buuuuut that's life, and we'll make it. That's the true test of best-friend-dom, right? Or something. :-P
In the slightly later immediate future, I get to hang out with Megan this weekend! Yessssss...you don't even know how excited I am. I think we'll go out Friday night, dance a little, laugh a lot, and then Saturday we are going to do what girls do best (when they don't have money to blow on shopping or spa days): totally veg out! Of course, we have to get pedicures at some point that day, but I'm all over the idea of just lounging around my house (which she hasn't seen yet!) and watching chick flicks (which I'm sorely in need of doing, since Joe won't watch them with me...lol), and maybe make some cookies or just eat lots of Ben & Jerry's and talk about girly stuff like boys and dresses and rings and...er...I mean...what? Boys. Just boys. Hehe. So that should be fun. I'll let you know how it goes...if I feel like it, since I'm not gonna be obligated to post every single day anymore! Wooooooot!
Aiight...I'm done. Happy New Year, everyone, and thanks for joining me on this 31-day adventure. Stick around, cuz I'm sure there will be plenty more musings to come, only possibly more sporadic and probably more ridiculous, weird, funny, or just plain silly.
Over the last week or so, I think both Joe and I have come to recognize a sort of trend that occurs when I get together with my family: I get weird. No, seriously...I just turn into a big goofball (when it's a relaxed, fun environment, that is...not so much when it's strained or tense, of course). Spending Christmas Eve with my family, Joe's patience with my silly, totally un-sophisticated side was definitely tested. Fortunately, he's pretty weird too, and I think he might've previously thought that he was a LOT weirder than me...until this last week in seeing me interact with family. I guess this particular week has been a real treat for me, getting a nice chunk of days off of work and being all proper and cool, and just being able to loosen up and use up some energy and weirdness I had apparently been hanging onto for awhile. I mean, nothing extreme really...I was just a bit kookier around my family that day. And then again, tonight, we got to hang out with my cousin Sarah and her husband, and the goof in me came out all over again. Sarah and I have always been that way. We have our ongoing, totally ridiculous anecdotes and inside jokes that don't make much sense or just don't seem that funny to anyone else, but we still crack up at the thought of them. Do you have any friends or family like that? I just love it. I love being around people who make it easy to be "me" around them, whether "me" in that moment is a goofball, a hopeless romantic, a person with a specific passion or hobby, or whatever. I mean, I'm generally pretty comfortable with myself, and have in recent years learned (slowly but surely) that I can be confident in who I am, in most any situation, and not try to alter or change myself into something not quite genuinely "me." But as I'm becoming a part of a new family with much different personalities, tastes, upbringings, etc., I do find myself, on occasion, feeling a little out of place, or unlearned, or simply nervous and a tad uncomfortable in a new and less familiar environment. Don't get me wrong, I am absolutely loving spending time with Joe's family, getting to know them, and I do feel very welcomed and at home around them. But there is also something to be said about spending time around my own family, my blood, that is soothing...freeing...invigorating. I am just all-around blessed with great people in my life, both related and maybe-someday-soon-to-be related. :-) I think the greatest discovery I've made recently is that with Joe, I feel very nearly just as comfortable and at ease as I do with my flesh-and-blood family. I can be that weird, goofy girl that my family knows so well, around Joe, and he still loves me. He gets me. It's awesome. And somewhat terrifying. Terrifying, because I know that being completely comfortable with people, to the extent that I am with my family, means I am also capable of being quite insensitive and thoughtless toward them as well. It's a sad confession, but an honest one. I can go from being at my very best to my absolute worst, in a matter of an hour or even a minute when I'm around my loved ones. I guess it's because "home" is the place where you get to unwind, to destress from the busy, hustle-and-bustle, people-pleasing daily life that goes on outside, and it's also where you're able to (if you're lucky) be 100% yourself -- for better or for worse -- because you know you will always be loved and accepted by these people. So, I have never really feared losing my family's love if I should ever be in a snappy mood some day, or make a rude comment in passing, or anything like that. They know me, and they understand my many moods...but it's all too easy to take that unconditional love for granted and just get downright mean sometimes. I can't tell you how awful I still feel when I think back on times when I told my mom that I hated her, or yelled at my little sister or brother just because I was upset about something that had nothing to do with them at all. Anyway, all this to say, I worry from time to time that my being so comfortable with Joe will lead to one of these insensitive comments, or displaced anger, or just a foul mood turning into an unnecessary fight. So yes...a little terrifying. But hey, how great is God's timing? We're about to start a class all about learning to deal with this kind of stuff together, and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm scared as heck, just because of my semi-former (meaning, I'm still working on it) tendency to run at the first sign of significant conflict or the first roadblock that seems, at first glance, insurmountable. And I honestly don't doubt that we will encounter at least one issue like this during these classes, because I think that's kind of the whole point. They want to open up discussion about things that we might never have thought about without the guidance of older married couples who have been through it all, and they want to help us address it now, so that we can potentially start a marriage together with a much stronger foundation and a better understanding of each other. Yay! And also...eek! If you feel like it, pray for us these next 12 weeks! (Thanks!) It's going to be interesting. And wonderful. And painful, stressful, emotional, exciting, exhausting...you get the idea. It'll be intense.
Ahhhhh...that felt good. And there you have it. A REAL stinkin' update of sorts. And it's 30 down, ONE TO GO for this December post-a-day challenge. I knew I could do it. (Not really...I actually honestly thought I'd fail within the first two weeks. So, go me!)
So this morning I stayed in bed until almost noon. And I almost felt bad about it. But then I remembered that this week is my only "vacation" time, so I'm milking it.
And on that note, rather than try to make a long, profound, or otherwise awesome post...tonight I say, "Mythbusters and snuggling on the couch with Joe!" Yay! And then sleep. And then a shopping excursion extravaganza tomorrow with Joe's mom...during which I will probably spend almost no money, and just gawk at stuff. Double yay!
I promise I will try to maybe, possibly get a REAL post written in the next two days of NaBloPoMo...and then I'm definitely not making any promises to do it daily again in January. But you never know...I might just manage to do it without a commitment.
Bahahahaha! Right.
So, one of Joe's Christmas presents to me was the board game Ticket to Ride (Europe edition), which I absolutely loooooooove. Josh and Serena stopped by on their way up north for their vacation, and the four of us broke it in a little (Joe won). Then tonight, when Joe and I got BACK to his parents' (after a brief time back in SB to sing in church today), we played Ticket to Ride again with Joe's parents! And Joe's dad totally swindled us...he was all doped up on pain meds and said he'd probably duck out of the game before we even finished, so he and Joe's mom teamed up...and kicked our butts! We'll call it beginners' luck this time...but revenge is mine!
Anyway, it's been a good day. It was really fun to sing in the worship team at church, and I felt like we really "gelled" well together. Kind of a bummer, since we're not gonna be able to do it again for several months (see prior entry about our every-weekend-for-three-months plans starting next weekend). But, that aside, I am really looking forward to these next 12 weeks. I'll admit I'm a little nervous about it...starting to really delve deep into all the potential issues that arise when you decide to marry someone. It's going to be pretty heavy stuff, I reckon, and, as Joe's mom's friend B put it, "[We]'ll never fight so much." That is to say, these pre-married sessions are going to require a lot of openness, honesty, and willingness to get all our dirt dug up and dealt with. The great news is that, Lord willing, we can dig up and deal with all that crap before we say "I do" and then start off our marriage a lot more healthy and happy than we would be if we went into it blindly or naively. Woot!
There. That's a bit better (read: more substantial) of an update than the last few...granted, still a little short. But gimme a break, it's supposed to be my vacation!
Oh, I'm sooooo close! I'm gonna make it. Three more days of NaBloPoMo!!!
What was the bravest thing you did in 2008?
Submitted by TheFiercestCalm.
Hmm...that would probably be the time I went bungee jumping off the Empire State Building. That was pretty awesome.
Oh wait...did you say the bravest thing I did? I thought you said the bravest thing I didn't...lol.
I'm silly.
Today has been so great. I've done absolutely nothing productive, unless you consider doing about 14 logic puzzles productive...hehe. Anyway, Christmas was really great this year. I got to spend it with both my family and Joe's (on separate days), and it was chock full of fun times, great food and fellowship, laughter, good music, and of course the great gift exchange extravaganza. My favorite part of present-time is getting to see people open the gifts I got for them, because I love to be able to surprise people, or just make them smile, give them something fun to play with or wear or whatever. I made my mom a bead necklace, got my dad and little brother little metal puzzle things, and other various stuff for each person in my family and Joe's. It seemed like everyone was happy with what I gave them, and I just love that feeling. I'm a giver. :-) Of course, I also loved the excitement and anticipation of opening my own presents, and let me tell you I feel like I hit the jackpot this year! Maybe it's just that I was getting presents from two whole families, but not even considering the quantity of things I got, I was just thrilled with the thoughtfulness that was apparent in every gift I opened. To name a few, I got a beautiful hand-made ornament from Serena and Josh, a crock pot and a waffle maker from my parents, a gorgeous black coat from John and Kelly, REAL diamond earrings from Joe (wow!! SO great!!), a stunning heart-shaped necklace from Joe's parents, and a bunch of other stuff, ranging from little toys and trinkets to books to clothes and accessories...just...wow. I know Christmas isn't all about presents, and I am sure I would've had just as much fun and enjoyment with Joe's and my families without any of the material "stuff" I got. Nevertheless, each of the things I received this year will, I feel, serve as a reminder of the great time I was able to share with my loved ones during the Christmas 2008 festivities. Yay! So, anyway, all that said...Christmas was also EXHAUSTING! We did so much driving...I think that was the most draining thing. And I suppose being around people pretty much 24/7 for several days has taken its toll on me as well, considering today I could've been perfectly content just sitting in my room reading or doing logic puzzles allllllll day. Anyway...dinner time! Must sign off.
So it's Christmas morning. It's 8:30 Christmas morning. It's 8:30 Christmas morning and NO ONE in my house is awake! (Well, I'm awake, obviously. I'm not a sleep-blogger, after all.) I feel like a little kid, wanting to go jump on my parents and say, "Waaaake uuuuppp, it's Christmas!" Do you think it'd be bad of me to do that at 23 years old? I mean, besides the fun of it, I also have to try to get on the road with Joe to go to his parents' today, and we're supposed to leave at 9:30. That's an hour from now, and we still have one last present to open, and hopefully some breakfast to eat. Eeeek! I think I'd better go do some wake-up calls, eh?
Loving, gentle wake-up calls, of course. *sneaky grin*
Merry Christmas!!
'Twas the night before Christmas... How are you spending this Christmas Eve? Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions you're excited about?
Joe and I are in the desert with my family today, and we're going to be doing the following (not necessarily in this order): presents, dinner, Christmas Eve service at Southwest, and going to see Candy Cane Lane and all the wonderful Christmas lights! I might take a nap, too. Anyway, our family's traditions are pretty low-key...basically, we open all of our gifts except the big "Santa" gift which we open on Christmas morning. Our extended family has this duppe gratta tradition, which is this soup-type dish that we all gather around (it's usually in a HUGE pot) and dip bread in together. It's mostly a communal, fellowship thing, but also a tasty tradition. But our immediate family doesn't always do that when we're not with the whole group... Let's see, I can't think of any other defined traditions... But anyway, I'm excited about today. It's Joe's and my first Christmas together (not to mention my first Christmas EVER having a boyfriend!), and I haven't been home to the desert in awhile, so it's nice to be here. Tomorrow morning, after we open our big gifts and pig out on all the candy in our stockings, we'll head up to LA to do Christmas Day with Joe's family, which I'm also very excited about!
Sorry this is kind of a weak post...but come on, it's Christmas! I've got better things to do than sit around on my computer all day...(says the girl who's about to play the dot game on facebook for the next 27 hours.)
Merry Christmas, Wilbur!
Five years ago on this day, I did a year-in-review-type survey on my livejournal. Some of it is pretty funny stuff, some I barely even remember. Anyway, I thought it'd be fun to do the same survey for 2008 and kinda compare answers. Feel free to check out the original 2003 survey first, if you're so inclined. Oh, and just to help you get your bearings, 2003 was my senior year of high school and first semester freshman year of college. Okay...here goes nothin'!
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Bought a car! (Unless you count my first car, which was given to me but technically, for the signing-over process, I paid $1 for...)
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't think I really made any specific resolutions this year...but I certainly intended to try to commit to maybe possibly reading my Bible more than once a millennium. And I sucked at it. Next year...I think my "resolution" will be something along the lines of pursuing knowledge more actively. Whether that's in the form of taking adult ed classes at SBCC or actually applying for a grad program of some sort, or even just kind of assigning myself new things to learn about and research...I dunno. I just know I want to keep learning and expanding my horizons and opportunities.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yeah a bunch of people. --> I'm keeping the same answer as 2003!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
I think Dick E. from APC was the only one I knew who passed away this year, but we weren't especially close. He was a very nice, genine man.
5. What countries did you visit?
Romania.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Hmm...how about a pony? Just kidding...I dunno, I don't really feel lacking in anything right now. I'm blessed!
7. What dates/events from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory?
Jan. 5 - Kim's wedding
Jan. 25 - Garth Brooks concert with Ashton
Feb. 14 - Felicity was born! (my cousin's beautiful baby)
March-ish - Lots of ups and downs (more downs) with my two best friends
May - Met Joe, had our first dates, Scottish festival, personal training at 24 Hour kicked my butt...it was an intense month!
June 15 - Joe "officially" became my boyfriend
June 19/20 - Joe said he loved me
June 28 - In Romania, realizing/deciding I loved Joe, too
Aug. - Moving to Santa Barbara, starting a new job
Oct. - Started running with Joe
Nov. 13 - Tea Fire began, our house was in danger of being destroyed
Nov. 23 - Jessica's wedding
Nov. 27 - Thanksgiving at Joe's parents' - delightful!
Nov. 30 - "Moved" back into the house, after it withstood the fire and only incurred minor damages - PTL
Dec. 13 - Dickens Fair -- SO fun! Really, that whole weekend was memorable; San Fran and Monterey fun with Joe
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I guess it was pretty great getting my new/current job, since it pays so well and all.
9. What was your biggest failure?
More of a sequence of little failures that led up to losing my friendship with Erin.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes and yes. The worst was coming home from Romania and getting a nasty virus that lasted like two months. Bleh!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My car, Henry. Such a steal, and a great car! I think I love Hondas.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Ashton's! (Well, after we both totally sucked at being good friends, that is, when we got a clue and made up.)
12b. Definitely worth taking a gander at:
Joseph, love of my life. :-)
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Hmm...I don't think anyone (except maybe me) did anything both appalling and depressing this year...
14. Where did most of your money go?
Debt/loan payoff and bills.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Romania, Dickens, Joe, Santa Barbara.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
Much, much happier.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Reading. --> Keeping my answer from 2003!
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With my family one day, and Joe's the next!
21. How will you be spending New Year's?
With Joe's family, maybe finding something else to do, too.
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yep.
23. How many one night stands?
Zero.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Chuck, Heroes, The Office, Biggest Loser. All on Hulu.com!
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't hate anyone.
26. What was the best book you read?
I don't remember if I read P.S. I Love You in late '07 or in '08, but it was really good. That, or Dickens.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I guess I've kinda gotten into a couple new genres thanks to Joe -- swing and Irish/Scottish/Celtic music. Good stuff!
28. What did you want and get?
My own car.
29. What did you want and not get?
Hrm...well, there's something I want that I'm patiently waiting for... :-P
30. What was your favorite movie of this year?
I really liked Iron Man and The Dark Knight.
31. What did you do on your birthday?
I honestly can't remember...maybe I went home for the weekend?
32. What would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Probably just NOT getting involved with a couple of people early in the year who influenced me poorly and kinda sparked the whole chain of events leading to the end of my friendship with Erin.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Gradually improving?
34. What kept you sane?
Am I? --> Haha, keeping my answer from 2003.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I think I'll have to say Chuck Bartowski...lol.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Meh. Politics confuse me.
37. Who did you miss?
Kim, Rachel and Erin.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Joe and a bunch of his friends from up here (Josh & Margie, Justin, Chris & Ronee), Leah, Erin from work. Good people. :-)
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (Seriously, most valuable lesson ever!)
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Suddenly I see: this is what I wanna be!" -KT Tunstall
I came in to work this morning, sneezed about 13 times in 30 seconds, and got a nosebleed.
Way to start my Monday, eh? And the Monday of Christmas week, no less. Oh, but it's only gotten sooooo much better. *note sarcasm*
I just can't even think straight right now.
