26 and Counting

I've been avoiding this particular post like the plague, but it's time to have the talk. On June 10th I turned 26. I always look back on my journey and go over the life to do list. Long story short it hit me like a ton of bricks this is not where I thought I would be and it's not where I want to be either. Gulp. The bottom line is I'm 26, broke, and holding on to the thought that I have an IRA like that some how proves I use to be something, use to be. Again tough to swallow.

The other day I was sweeping the restaurant when I overheard two men talking about utilizing social media to gain more readers for a pacific northwest magazine. A thought popped into my head, I should be sitting at that table, not sweeping underneath it. It hurt my heart.

I also know in my heart I had to walk away from KREM, but my head still doesn't know that. I've always defined myself as news producer, career woman, independent. Now, at 26 none of those words describe me. I turned my own world upside down, I did this, but I still struggle with the aftermath. My mom tells me to remember that this is only temporary, my current situation, but walking away from KREM is irreversible. "What have I done?", I lay in bed thinking. The free fall fun is over. Reality is back and I'm not sure what to do about it. I still enjoy going to work everyday. I love spending time with my dogs. I love going to church, volunteering and being happy. BUT. There's a but. Can I ever have it all? All of those things plus a career I'm proud of? Will I ever have that again? The truth comes out.

I wanted to keep this blog the happy blog, the positive blog BUT I had to write the truth too. The truth will set you free the Bible tells us so I had to be honest with all of you. It helps me remember to be honest with myself. I love you all. Every. Single. Day.

Best Wedding Ever!

I've been to three weddings in the past nine months and I have to say this one was hands down the best! In fact, it's the best wedding I've ever been to, cake car accident and all. The ceremony was a traditional Catholic service at a beautiful parish. The priest gave a mini sermon dedicated to the couple that was heartfelt, cheery, and funny. Three words I would also used to describe the bride. There aren't a whole lot of people on the planet that make me laugh harder than Denise, and I sure don't have a better friend in this world. She also couldn't have looked any more beautiful and the groom had on the shiniest shoes I've ever seen on a man! The wedding was so beautiful I even cried a little and my face sure hurt from smiling.

The reception was equally as wonderful. Great food, plenty of booze, and lots of laughs with my other great friend Brian. We haven't seen each other in years but as soon as he pulled up it was like no time had passed at all. We laughed a lot, drank a lot, and danced a little. We took our three amigos pictures like always and enjoyed catching up. I might have left the business the three of us love so much, but I could never leave them. What can I say? I love my old friend and beautiful bride, Mrs. Denise Nelson. Every. Single. Day.

Adventures in Traveling

One of my best friends from college is getting married this weekend so I'm flying into Chicago. Right now I'm blogging from Denver International Airport. The best part about this wedding is not only do I get to see one of my favorite people, I also get to see my family. I haven't been home for Father's Day in four years so the timing couldn't be better! 

I've been lucky (knock on wood with one flight to go) I've had pretty smooth travels just about every time I've gone home. Last time I went home it was a bit of a nightmare getting off the ground, but six hours late is better than dead. That's another blog post for another day. This time the worst thing that's happened so far is Southwest's Wi-Fi wasn't so Wi-Fi after all. Good thing the airport is. 

I truly love when my connecting flight is in Denver. It's my favorite airport with Sea-Tac a close second. But unlike Sea-Tac, Denver marks the halfway point of my travels. It also has this great little bakery that I always stop at to get a tuna sandwich. Then I chow down and steal the Internet. So far, I've found that I really enjoy traveling in general. I carry on my luggage and navigate my way through airports as though I might actually know what I'm doing.  I wish I could actually spend sometime in Denver or anywhere else for that matter. Once I graduate, I want to take some time to travel more. My real dream is to go on the Amazing Race with my mom. We'd be hilarious. But for now, I'm loving the fact that I'm on my way home, and wish I could spend every single day with my mom. 

Too Cool for School

I think if I had a running theme for this year of my life it would be "always learning." I've learned a lot about myself and a lot at school, but now these two new jobs have taught me a lot also. For instance, this weekend I had to attend First Aid/CPR for infants, children, and adults. Cool! It was so neat. Our instructor was waaay over qualified to teach us CPR and first aid. We learned about real life scenarios and it helped put everything in perspective. And the best part is work paid for it. Now I can add CPR certified to the list of things to describe myself. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. 

I also have a food handler's permit and I took a blood borne pathogens class. I still need to take a class on HIV/Aids though. Even though some of those might not sound so cool, I think it's fun to learn new things. I've always enjoyed being a student and this gives me hope that I really can be a life long student even after I've completed my Master's Degree and I don't have to travel the world to do it! ((Although that would be nice)) I've learned so much just by taking advantage of every opportunity given to me. I love to learn. Every. Single. Day.