Other than posting the highlight post from my trip (last night, ha!) that was meant to be posted months ago...things have been pretty quiet on my side. I have not been keeping up with this blog the way I originally intended to. In the honor of it being a new year, I'd like to welcome 2014 by sort of starting over with my attempt at this whole blog thing.
2013 was an amazing year for me. Here's a little re-cap at some of the major things that happened:
1) Graduated college---I will update you all about how things are going shortly, but let's just say it was a long time coming. I have never felt so proud of anything else in my life, so that's pretty big.
2) Applied and got accepted for the study abroad trip---this was sort of a long drawn out process but I was so lucky to have had the opportunity I did. I'm glad that I did it, and it's something I can sort of cross off the bucket list...although I would't say I'm done exploring or traveling. I feel like this is just the beginning.
3) Lived in France for the summer---yeah, sort of goes with #2, but it still feels surreal that it even happened.
4) Got to see Meike on her stomping grounds---Holland was amazing. Can't wait to go back.
5) Lady Victoria in England---the first time I've seen Lady Victoria in her natural habitat. A memory that can't be traded for anything.
6) Grew a backbone---I'm still learning how to use it, and sometimes I make mistakes...but hey, I've sort of reached the point where I'm not scared to stick up for myself, others, and what I feel is right. Not to say that I was ever a push over, but there's something to be said for going to sleep at night unhappy about a situation because you didn't know how to confront it vs. having the peace of mind that you don't have to tiptoe around anything. That's a pretty big accomplishment I think. I've always been strong willed and a sort of independent thinker...but I look back at myself a year ago and see a real evolution. Still lots to work on, but let's call the new me Taylor 2.0.
There have been a lot of memories made this year, a lot of hard things, and a lot of really amazing things. I turned 26 this year. I'm not exactly where I want to be yet, but I can feel myself getting closer and closer to that person I have in my head. I've been lucky to be surrounded by some great people, new and old, that have sort of helped me out in different ways along the way. I've come a long way from the sort of mess of a person I was in my late teens/early 20s. I've got a ways to go, but I feel like this is going to be the year that everything comes together for me.
My goal is to make this year better than last. It's a heavy order, but I'll just have to make sure it happens. I always love the idea of New Years resolutions. It's refreshing to be able to start over and try to make improvements. I have quite a few this year. Most are pretty general...but some are a bit out there. 2014 resolutions:
1) Listen to more music---not just the stuff on the radio. A few years back, I went through a phase where I was really exploring new music. That was a lot of fun. There's so much amazing stuff that's just out there waiting to be heard.
3) Read my bible more/get more involved with church---This is something that is important to me. I'm not the perfect christian, but I love being around believers that believe so fully and make me question my own faith.
4) Learn something new---I'm taking a photography class now. I'm also learning Italian. I guess this resolution is already finished, but I'm going to keep it going. I've got a guitar, maybe I should pick it up.
5) Finish things I start---I get very restless and easily bored with projects. In a work/academic setting, I'm great at finishing tasks. For hobbies, not so much. I just have to many interests than I can keep up with I guess. For example, I'm notorious for starting a knitting project and not quite finishing it. I will start a book sometimes, but switch to another project and not get back to it. This blog is another perfect example of my project ADD. I will get better at this!
6) Call my dad more---I am an adult now, and should work harder to have a better relationship. I know it's not all me, but I'd feel a lot better if I was doing what I can on my side.
7) Let go of unhealthy things---this means people, ideas, etc.
8) Eat healthier---self explanatory.
9) Dance---take a class, any style. I just miss it and need to get back into it.
10) Go on a mother-daughter trip---We haven't ever gone just the two of us. It'd be about time for something of this nature.
11) Get a new stamp in my passport---yes, please!
12) Save those dollars---or else I'll never be able to retire one day! (That is after I finally start working!)
13) Get a big girl job---start my career that is.
14) French---speak or read a little french every day. I've worked so hard to get to where I'm at with my French. I don't want to lose it while I'm in this transition period.
15) Look presentable every day---(weekends don't count!) but it's a lot easier to stay motivated when you actually get up, get dressed and make yourself look nice. In college, it's easy to get by wearing sweat pants every day. I'm going to try to move away from that. My inspiration---Melanny. This girl used to come to class every day with her hair done, some cute outfit on, etc. I won't be hearing the heels she does, but I will take a few fashion tips for sure.
This list is a bit long, but nothing is impossible. I'll keep you all posted on my resolution progress. :)
General life update---
I've been applying for jobs. Haven't found the right one yet, but I'm still optimistic. It's hard finding a job where I can use my French in Oklahoma. I've applied for a couple of positions I'd really love to get. Still in the process of all of that though. We'll see how it goes. Fingers crossed!! I'm going to give it a bit more time. I'm working and saving money at the moment. If I don't have any luck a bit down the road, I'll have to just take a look at what I need to do next. I'm trying to be smart and not just sit around forever, but it's just hard to find a job right now. I know I'm not the first recent grad who's going through this. I'm interested in teaching, and have applied for a program that would be a great experience. Things are just sort of moving along though. I will just see where things go here. I know I'm a dreamer, but I'm not one to give up. Other than job stuff, my life has been pretty boring.
I will definitely be keeping this thing updated on a more regular basis. I hope you all are doing well and having a great 2014 so far.
Bisous!
-Taylor
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