New Things

So, in the spirit of a new job and some new life arrangements, I thought I would take the opportunity to inject some of that new inspiration into other elements of my being. Starting with this blog. Now, I'm not a computer whiz by any means, but it turns out if you take the time to play around with a website, you can discover some pretty neat things, thus the birth of the new visual arrangement of this blog. It's much more appealing, I think, and gives me room to add some more little tidbits which I like. Since the blog has a new look, it should probably have some new content. When I started blogging, I didn't really have a "theme" for the content other than "this is my life after college and it kind of sucks". Not super inspiring or even that interesting for anyone other than myself. That being said, I'm going to try to write about things with a little more depth and maybe a bit less self-indulgent. I will likely still use this as a journal-type venue in which to whine about things, but since I currently have a little stability, perhaps I can redirect some of that negative energy into something more positive or even just a little more thoughtful. But no promises. So in the spirit of renewal, here are some other "new" things:

I have been back in my hometown for a little over a month now and things are going well. My relationship with my parents is different than it used to be which is good since I don't really need the watchful parental eyes that my youth once demanded. Instead, we hang out and they invite me out with their friends since my social life isn't exactly hopping, and they let me come and go as I please. Of course, they are still my parents, so we have a squabble here and there mostly related to why I forgot to empty the dishwasher and what my future life plans are. My only big concern is that I feel a little guilty for intruding on their lives. I know my mom had a hard time with the "empty nest" thing when I first left for college, and I'm afraid that the longer I stay here, the more difficult it will be for her when I leave again. Also, the guilt thing extends to the financial support they offer me. I know it's probably unwarranted guilt, but I feel that I am old enough to be able to support myself and I feel bad that I'm not there yet. Still, they are amazing and I am blessed everyday that I have parents who support me no matter what.

The second new thing that I am THRILLED about is my physical well-being. In the month that I have been home, I have worked out 4-5 times a week and have never felt better. I've only lost about 5 pounds and 4 total inches, but I am rebuilding some long lost muscles and getting back into shape. I forgot what a good workout can do for the mindset. Gotta love those endorphins! My goal is to get back into running and hopefully run a few races this spring/summer.

Because I will be staying put at least for the foreseeable future, my other goal is to get involved with things that make me happy. I will be starting my new job in two days, so I'm sure that will keep me busy and lead me to a few extracurriculars, but I'd like to do some stuff that's just for me. Like skating. Figure skating season is starting and I am desperate to get back on the ice. Hopefully I can teach lessons or something just to get back to an activity that puts my mind completely at ease. I read an article once that the happiest people in life are the ones who balance work, family, social lives, and activities in equal parts. I'd like to be one of those people or at least have some representation of all of those things. The trick is to try new things in order to figure out what makes me happy, so I'm going to need to discover some courage in a hurry! Wish me luck!