snow, snow, snow + knee update.

photos via Just be spLendid

All together now, check your calendars!  What day is today?  That's right, it's April 26.  And what did I wake up to this morning?  Right again!  Snow.  And what did I wake up to for the past three days?  Snow.  Snow, snow, snow.  It's everywhere!  Now, I'm not a Wyoming native so this whole year round winter thing is still a bit foreign to me, but really, it's time for a reprieve!  Laramie summers are lovely.  I've spent two here thus far, and while they certainly don't make the winters bearable, they do help.  So let's get on with it mother nature, bring on summer (or at least spring)!  I'm ready to have fun in the sun (like in the above pictures)!

As for my knee, there are no visible tears!  Woohoo!  So while I'm still not able to do any hard labor, I'm not destined for surgery either.  What a relief. 

I've decided to implement a spending freeze.  What is a spending freeze, you ask?  Maybe you don't need to ask this, because it's quite obvious, but I'll explain just in case.  A spending freeze (my definition) is a period of time that you don't spend any unneccesary fundage on anything.  This means, no eating out, no drinking out, no frivolous shopping, no going to the movies, no sushi (say it ain't so), etc.  It's tough, but is a handy way to cut down on spending, especially when it's gotten a bit out of control.   I'll make more time to bike outside, go on hikes, go to the gym, take a picnic, and all sorts of fun free activities!  I'll let you know how it goes!

Have a great week!

which way to go.

photo by NKPhillips

Making the decision to go back to school is a tough one.  There's much to consider, and whichever decision I make will have far reaching implications.  One day, I think it's time, and the next day, I don't feel ready.  I'm nearly sure that I've decided what to go back to school for, if in fact I do go.  I have an information session at the school I'm looking at on April 9, and hopefully that will help in making a decision. 

Here are the two sides:

Side 1:
I really enjoy my life right now.  I'm young, I have a great group of friends, an awesome boyfriend, I live in a place where I can be very active and have access to lots of outdoor activities, I'm working in the field that I got my degree in, and for the most part I enjoy my job, right now.  Why mess up a good thing?

Side 2: 
I've known for a while that I don't want to continue doing this job for the rest of my life, which means that somewhere along the line there has to be a career change.  The field I'm looking at getting into is booming right now so if I don't get in now, will it be a saturated market by the time I go back to school?  There are many other places that have access to outdoor activities, and they'll also have great cultural happenings around town (like the town I'd have to move to for school). 

So I know I want a change eventually, but I'm not sure if it needs to be right now.  I suppose I'll go to the meeting, gather more information, discuss it with those close to me, and make the best decision I can.  Wish me luck!

life has a way of working out.

Photo from restartmyheart via justbesplendid

Last week I was feeling stressed out.  My work had asked me to take two Fridays off in a row because of a lack of projects to work on.  From this, I jumped to the conclusion that I would probably have to take every Friday off until my inevitable pink slip.  Dramatic?   Yes.  Did I think I was being dramatic at the time?  No sir, but I was.  Oh how I was.  So dramatic in fact that I started a search for new jobs,  researched school options and even cried to my thoroughly understanding bf who whilst being understanding, also gently told me I may be being a bit dramatic.  Did I believe him?  Nope. 

Of course then, today I get news that a project I've been waiting to start is in fact starting.  This means months of work.  I also was told that I'll be needed in the field for a week, if not more.  More work!  And so, my bout of drama-queen-itis was unnecessary.  Lesson learned.  Better lesson?  Even if it seems a situation warrents feeling dramatic, it doesn't!  Feeling/acting dramatic is a choice.  Instead, roll with the punches, go with the flow, choose to be happy no matter what, and life will work itself out for the better.  It's true.

just breathe.

photo by Anna Gay

Have you ever seen the movie "Ever After"?  This post's title is a quote from that movie and is one I repeat anytime things get a bit overwhelming.  It helps.  Try it. 

bubbles, bubbles.

photo by grazie, davvero

One of my favorite blogs to read is Not That Kind of Girl.  The writer is "on a quest to do 250 completely uncharacteristic things before August 23, 2010" and it's so fun to read about her journey.  I love all of her posts, but her post yesterday (link here) had the most magical effect on me!  After reading it, I was filled with glee and couldn't wait to follow in her footsteps. 

What did she do you ask?  To help her quit smoking, she's taken to blowing bubbles.  Now, I'm not a smoker, but blowing bubbles is certainly a habit I'd like to pick up!  Everywhere she went, hundreds of bubbles flowed after her and the people she came across on the streets all had positive reactions.  Bubbles are so cheery and magical; people can't help but smile around them!  I am in love with this.  How often do you come across such a simple (and unconventional) idea that can warm the hearts of so many? 

If you see bubbles on the streets of Laramie this Spring, I'll surely be close by!

mornings.

photo by Gabriela Camerotti

I'm not what you would call a morning person.  Not at all.  Given the opportunity, I'd probably lounge in bed all day (maybe not all day, but I'd only get up to make crepes, then I'd get back into bed).  As that usually isn't an option, I get up as late as time (and work) will allow.  A typical morning should have me waking at 7am and leaving the house by 7:45.  Do you think I follow that schedule though?  Of course not.  For each week, I probably only wake up at 7 once and am probably on time (8) to work only once.  It is lovely that my work schedule is remarkably flexible; technically 8 is just a guideline and as long as I get my hours in, nobody minds if I'm in at 8:30 or even 9, but I should be there at 8. 

This morning however, was different.  The bf had to be at work early so he woke up at 6:30.  I laid in bed until 6:45 promising my body that I'd go back to sleep and wake up at 7:30 or something.  Nope!  Once he got up (and started making lots-o-noise), there was no turning back; I was awake.  So I got up, took a shower, and I still had oodles of time!  I took my time making oatmeal for breakfast, made a lunch for the day, read a blog or two, blowdryed my hair and left for work.  And I arrived with time to spare.  It was amazing!  Today made me realize why morning people are morning people.  Whether it's a choice of theirs, that I don't know, but it may become a choice of mine.  But only sometimes...let's say once a week.