Putting Down Roots

After years of “City vs. ‘Burbs” discussions, Chris and I have finally decided to stay in Queens. Although this may seem like a pretty straightforward decision, it’s actually a huge deal for me because:

A) I’ve moved around my entire life. My family lived in multiple cities throughout my childhood, and I’ve relocated plenty of times as an adult. In fact, the address on my driver’s license is from six moves ago! While I’ve picked up an invaluable set of adaptive skills along the way, this nomadic lifestyle has left me longing for permanence and stability. The concept of staying in one place for the next 5-10 years sort of blows my mind - in a really great way.

B) I’m a small town girl at heart. I love driving to the supermarket and having trees above my head and grass beneath my feet. Having grown up in suburbia, it’s also a bit difficult for me to imagine raising children in a buzzing metropolis. But for now, it’s just us two and Wonka, and I am slowly warming up to the possibility of eventually starting a family in an urban environment. After all, this is where the majority of our friends and family live, and having a supportive community is way more important than having a driveway and big backyard.

C) This means we finally get to purchase our first home together!!

We’ve been spending our free summer nights and weekends looming in and out of countless open houses. Peeking into strangers’ living spaces has been rather interesting, to say the least. We’ve seen everything from neon green living rooms to antique dumbwaiters to stained glass showers. While certain apartments have been downright “eccentric”, it's refreshing and inspirational to see the thought and care that some owners have placed into personalizing their homes.

As home buying noobs, the entire process seems quite daunting. A million things need to happen before we get to plunk down that 20%, sign on the dotted line(s), and jingle some new keys in our pockets. But for now, we’re taking things one step at a time and enjoying the thrill of the hunt. I really can’t wait to find our new home. Hopefully I will have an update for you guys soon!

Pinch Me

First off, let me preface this post by stating how much I loathe job searches. I hate writing cover letters, editing resumes, interview anxiety, waiting by the phone like a schoolgirl, and most of all... the way I tend to overanalyze and second-guess everything I say and do throughout the entire process. It is utterly exhausting! I'd been contemplating career moves for over a year, and kept procrastinating for these exact reasons. However, I knew that taking risks was necessary in order to further my professional and personal growth, and finally started making moves about a month ago.

It's been a challenging process, but over weeks of stress, deliberation, and sleepless nights, I've learned to identify and overcome many things that used to scare me and hold me back (which mainly revolve around my fear of change, mistakes, failure, and rejection). I learned to force myself to see the positive and not just the negative in each situation, and to allow myself to believe in possibilities instead of instantly shooting them down in order to shield myself from potential disappointment. I learned to take discouragement and turn it into motivation. Most importantly, I learned to be kinder to myself and to stay true to my gifts, talents, and dreams.

It was all worth it! I just accepted a job offer at an amazing company that I never even dreamt of working at prior to this journey. Praise the Lord! I am over the moon and super excited for this new opportunity. It feels pretty surreal, but I have a feeling it's going to be incredible.

Throughout this process, my family and friends have been overwhelmingly generous with their cheer and encouragement, and it has meant the world to me. I am especially thankful for my husband, who has been unfaltering in his faith, love, and support along the way. He's just so wonderful.

Anyway, I've really missed blogging! This site actually played a role in helping me land my interview, and I am really looking forward to sharing all the exciting things that are headed our way. More later!

Twenty12

I have a gut feeling that some major surprises and changes are headed our way this upcoming year. This both excites and terrifies me at the same time. My single resolution for 2012 is to just let life be easy. I need to unclench my fists and stop worrying, picking, and obsessing. Instead of constantly focusing on making things happen, I want to learn to let things happen. To continue living a life filled with peace, joy, passion, and faith, no matter what.

Here's to replacing fear of the unknown with curiosity.

Let us celebrate all that is to come!

Happy New Year!

{Lo Bjurulf via Agent Bauer}