20 Things I'm Glad I Did in my 20s

Today, at exactly the time this is posted, I will have turned 30. It's been interesting the past few months as I have thought about turning 30 and what that means and how I feel about it. It's kind of a rollercoaster thing--sometimes I didn't care, other times it freaked me out, sometimes it was exciting. In turning 30, I'm reminded of all the things I though I would have done by now or the place in my life I would be. I think these things are what make it hard for me. I thought I'd be married and have at least one child. I thought I'd be in a different place in my career. I thought I'd feel older, be more mature, act more confident . . .

But, instead of focusing on the things I didn't do in my 20s, I think I should talk about the things I did do. So, in no particular order, here are the 20 things I'm glad I did in my 20s:

1. Went on a study abroad.
 I started off with a bang by going to England for 8 weeks just two weeks after I entered my 20s. I had never been anywhere really and it was such an amazing opportunity and I learned so much and grew a lot and fell in love with England.

2. Applied for promotions at work.
I think that maybe in my early 20s I wasn't as timid or something, because I applied for 2 promotions and got both of them. I learned a lot of things as a manager of the on campus grocery I worked at, mostly about how customers of different ages will generally treat people working in that kind of position. I learned to treat every worker I come across with kindness and respect, because they are working hard.

3. Finished my undergraduate.
I know a lot of people who are still trying to get their bachelor's degree. Maybe they couldn't afford to go to school or it needed to be put on hold because of family or other reasons. I'm glad that I was able to go to go to university and get my degree in the field I wanted.

4. Did internships.
I don't know if I would be the editor and employee I am if it wasn't for the three internships I was able to participate in. I met many different people, learned about editing in a variety of industries, and just learned a little more about the world.

5. Went to the temple.
I went to the temple early, especially for a single woman in the church, but it has been such a blessing as life went through all its ups and downs.

6. Moved into my first post-college apartment.
After I graduated from college, I moved back with my parents for a couple of years while I was completing my internships. Then my best friend got home from her mission and we chose an apartment together. Living with her was like having sleepovers all the time. I still remember us laying on the floor that first night because we didn't have a couch yet and looking up at the ceiling of our very own place. We weren't very wild, but that apartment definitely has some fun memories.

7. Vacationed by myself.
I think everyone should take at least one vacation by themselves. When I was 25, I went to Prince Edward Island, Canada, by myself. I was tired of thinking "Oh, I'll go when I have someone to go with," so I saved up the money and planned it. The best part of traveling by yourself is that you aren't worrying if the other person is having a good time, or having to do things you don't want to do because your travel companions want to do them. I got to stay in a nice hotel that I probably wouldn't have if others went with me and I learned how to enjoy my own company.

8. Became an aunt.
I mean, it's not like I really got to CHOOSE to do this, but I'm so glad that I became one in my 20s! I love those two little girls so much.

9. Received help for my mental health.
I thought I could work through it myself. I thought that I didn't need any help. But we all need help, whatever form it is in, and I'm glad that I chose to get help in the form I thought would help me. If I think of how I was 5 years ago compared to now, I'm much better than I was then.

10. Cut my hair and grew it back.
I have gone from halfway down my back to my ears, or chin. I'm not adventurous with a lot of things, but I can be when it comes to trying out new hairstyles. I know a lot of people wouldn't be able to cut off 13 inches of hair at once, but I did it several times over my 20s and it's a good way to learn what you like, to make a difference in your life. If you don't like it, hair grows!

11. Embraced my geekiness.
As a preteen and teenager, I tried really hard to be something I wasn't. I wanted to be "cool" and popular, but I just wasn't that way. Once I started slowly embracing my geekery I've been happier with myself and have met some really cool, geeky people.

12. Learned to be okay doing things by myself.
If I want to see a movie, go to a play, or see a concert, I can, even if I don't have anyone to go with. Having someone to share experiences with is great, but you don't need someone to enjoy something. And sometimes it's nice not having someone there to distract you.

13. Went to comic con.
Salt Lake started it's comic con a few years ago. The first time I went with a friend and we were both kind of nervous about it. But we both had a great time and now I love going every year and getting to dress up and meet amazing people.

14. Not bending my morals.
When you try to be someone else to appeal to people who wouldn't like you for you, you end up unhappy. Don't ever change who you are and what you believe in for someone else. I'm glad that I have stuck to my beliefs.

15. Laughed.
Laughing is a must. Having private jokes with people, being surprised by something someone said, laughing over something that isn't funny . . . never be afraid to laugh. Laugh long and loud.

16. Cried.
Looking back at some of the things I cried about in my 20s really makes me cringe. But the thing is, they were important enough for my tears back then. Crying can be cleansing and freeing. It's letting out pent up emotions and allowing yourself to feel sad. It's okay to be sad.

17. Became closer to Sis.
I think that since I entered my 20s, my relationship with my sister has become stronger. We were close as kids, but I don't know if it was the four years between us or what, but I have always been closer to my brother than her. I've spent more time talking to her about things in my life and things in her life, and I've started to see how our similarities and differences complement each other and how we can learn from each other.

18. Continued to learn.
Whether it was taking classes or independently learning something on my own through podcasts, books, and the internet, I made sure I was always learning and growing. Even if the things I learned were just trivia.

19. Learned the value of experiences.
Some people never learn how experiences can be so much more rewarding than objects. Yes, I have objects and continue to buy objects of different sorts, but I find myself want to have more experiences now.

20. Got my master's degree.
I'm glad that I went back to school and completed it while I was in my 20s and single. It's hard to do anyway, I can't imagine doing it when there are more things in my life that require my time.

30 before 30: Learn to do make up/hair

So I think over the past 2 1/2 years since I made my 30 before 30, I've definitely become better at doing my make up and hair. I watched tutorials and pinned pins and tried things out. However, for every day, I'm also lazy.

However, I do enjoy trying different things and making myself up for Sundays and special occasions.

30 before 30: Begin the Process of Buying a Home

This last month I started the process of buying a home. I talked to a mortgage lender and a realtor. However, it's a competitive market right now and out of about 10 homes I have wanted to look at, I have only been able to actually see 1 because with a day they have already gone under contract.

There is a lot I don't know about the whole process. It's kind of "scary exciting" when I think of it.

The fortunate thing is that I can take my time to find the place that is right for me and where I am supposed to be. Which, because it's been hard getting a house, is good to remember.

30 Before 30: Apply to Grad School Again

Several years ago, I applied to grad school and was brokenhearted when I didn't get in. Now, I work at a university, so I get a good chunk of my tuition paid for by work, which I have to admit is a huge incentive to me getting my master's through there.

I just finished filling out my application and I will be starting May or June on my Master's of Education degree in Instructional Design.

It's a little scary, but I'm pretty excited to finally be able to say I have a master's degree (well, that I'm working toward one).

30 Before 30: Make a Video and Post it to YouTube

So, this seems like a silly little thing, but it was something I kind of wanted to do. At first, I thought that I would make some big video and learn editing or whatever, but this is what happened instead!

You can find the video here.

30 Before 30: Finish Writing a Book

In 2011 I started writing a novel, the idea of which came while listening to an audio of a fairytale. Today, I finished it!

Five years of on and off writing, of struggling with plot and characters, of wondering if this would be the one that I actually completed--and I did it!!

I did a mini celebratory dance when I finished it and then I went and got Chipotle, sprung for the chips, and paid for it all with a gift card I got from a company thing a couple of weeks ago.

I can't believe it! I actually finished writing a novel! (Well, the first draft anyway.)

30 Before 30: Buy Something from Tiffany

Today while I was in Salt Lake I headed over to Tiffany and Co. I've had the money for a little while, but going into the store kind of intimidated me. It's so fancy, you know? I mean, it's Tiffany. That's basically synonymous with class. But, since I was in Salt Lake anyway and I was dressed nice, I decided to go in.

It was a great experience! The salesman that helped me was really nice. When he asked why I was there, I told him that I was treating myself. I gave him my budget and he showed me what would fit in that budget. Then I mentioned a certain collection I liked, he moved over there and talked about some of the designs in it. He asked if I was celebrating anything, and I said no, just that I wanted to get something. He said that he thought that was great and he thought more women should do it--that a lot of women think they can only get jewelry if it's a gift.

Anyway, I tried on four rings, but I kept going back to the first one I tried on. It was just more me, simple and delicate but elegant. And it was far below budget. Win!

The bag!

The box!

I felt really bad about undoing the bow when he had done such a good job tying it.

The ring!

30 before 30: Finish the Book of Mormon

I'm not the best at reading the scriptures, but in the past year I've tried to get better at it. I definitely see an improvement in my life when I do read them. 

Even if you don't believe that the Book of Mormon, like the Bible, is the word of God, there are good things written in it. It is full of stories of good people trying their best to do God's work. 

This wasn't the first time I've read it all the way through, but every time there is something new, especially as I mature and my life changes. 

30 before 30: Have Professional Photos Taken

I had never have a real professional photo taken of me. At one time I had a roommate who wanted to be a photographer and she used me for her portfolio, but I wasn't that impressed with them and her attention to detail left some things lacking. I think it was one of those cases where nice cameras are so available, everyone thinks they can be a photographer.

Last weekend I went out with a friend and the experience was completely different. He and his wife pay a great attention to detail, and he made me feel more comfortable about the whole process. I really think that's what makes a good photographer. 

Here are a few of my favorites:

30 by 30: Get a Pen Pal

This one took some research. I looked at adopting a soldier, but while I think that's an amazing thing, it wouldn't give me the back and forth I was looking for. Then I looked at a lot of different pen pal sites, but it just seemed . . . suspicious. So, finally, I went to Facebook. I asked my friends if they knew of anyone willing to have a pen pal, to write "old fashioned" hand written letters to each other. What I wanted was to have someone who lived in a culture different from my own, so I could learn about it. I've lived in the same state my whole life, so I thought that would be good for me.

One of Sis's old roommates (who had lived a lot of places) knew someone whose wife was willing to write me. Which is how I met Pen Pal! She lives in Switzerland and it's been interesting to learn about a different part of the world and a completely different person than what I'm used to. It's been great. I love getting her letters and she's a fun writer. I hope she thinks I am in return . . .

Swiss stamps!

30 before 30: See a Ballet

Last night I went to Capitol Theatre to see "Beauty and the Beast," performed by Ballet West.

It wasn't quite what I was expecting, since it seemed to be geared toward kids/families. There was narration and dialogue, and it was only about 1.5 hours (including the intermission). So maybe it doesn't really count, but I'm going to count it--though I may try to go to another ballet later.

I love going to shows and performances. The moment I walked into the theater, I was filled with happiness. The murmur of the audience, the red curtains, gold leaf, and chandeliers, everything adds to the experience. It made me glad to see so many little girls there--some with their dads, some with their moms, some with both parents--wearing sparkly or poofy dresses.

The costumes were beautiful--especially the good fairy's, which looked like rose petals. The dancing was beautiful.

The Beast was so dramatic, reminding me of Prince Edward from Enchanted. However it was, I liked having a night out, seeing an interpretation of one of my favorite fairy tales.

The stage, from my seat. 

The main chandelier.

30 before 30: Get Henna

Last weekend was Salt Lake Comic Con FanX. I was walking around the vendor with Kid K while Sis fed Baby B when I saw a big sign proclaiming "HENNA". What a great opportunity to check something off my list! So on Saturday I went and got henna.

I did an "artist's special"--I paid the money and just told the artist that I liked lotus flowers and she made up this design right on the spot.

This was taken right after it was done.

After I peeled off the paste that night. It has since darkened.

Didn't she do such a beautiful job? I also liked the smell of the henna--like a mix between turmeric and nutmeg.

I'd most definitely get henna again.

30 before 30: Learn to Oil Paint

Now, I can't say that this is finished, since I feel that learning an art skill is a life long endeavor--something I've learned from my 24 years of playing the piano. But I have learned a lot since I started in January and I want to mark something off my list. :)

For most of my life, I thought that art was not for me. I thought it took a talent that I wasn't born with and so, as much as I love art, I never tried to really learn. About 8 years ago when I was on my study abroad, I took a drawing class, because I needed at least 2 classes and that one seemed better than the other. That class was the first time that I realized that I could draw something somewhat well. There were a lot of things I didn't understand and no matter how many times it was explained to me and how I tried, apparently it was never right (looked right to me though!). When it came to "figure drawing" and we were sent out to the museum to pick a statue to draw, I drew something I could be proud of.

I wasn't the only one who chose that statue (to be fair, it was probably the easiest statue to draw, so it's not surprising), and I think it's interesting that each person drew the statue differently. We unconsciously inserted our own perceptions of beauty and women (the statue is of Eve), and I think art, in a way, shows how each individual views the world, even if we are all drawing/painting/whatever the same thing.

That was a long winded introduction into my painting. I have seen myself improve these past couple of months. The way I look at the world is different; I find myself looking at colors, shadows, shapes, etc. I bought a sketchbook. After viewing a lot of different tutorials online, I have become encouraged by how positive and helpful these people are--people who believe that anyone can do art. They explain sketching things out in a way that I can follow--even simple human figures. They are teaching me different ways of interpreting the literal world into something that resembles it, but doesn't at the same time. Something that tells a story.

I know that I'm never going to be a great artist. I'm not going to be paid thousands of dollars for a painting. But I've found something that calms me, that gives me joy in creation. Creating something that I can look at, that I can give to someone else to show my love for them, that's pretty amazing.

One thing I would like to learn is how not to get messy. I watch these artists on YouTube and they may get a little paint on their hands. For me, it's like paint is just drawn to my hands the moment I open my pallet. And then I get paint all up my arm. It's a good thing I have an outfit specifically for painting, but those are also covered in paint. (There is something about the fact that you can tell that I'm right handed by where most of the paint is on my clothes. Like, if I were arrested of murder or something and the person was killed by someone left handed, these clothes would prove me innocent)

Here are some samples of my paintings:

The first painting I ever did. Still makes me laugh.
 I was trying to follow a Bob Ross video.

My second painting. It was slightly better. 

After this point, I got some advice on better paints, which made a big difference.

This is the first painting I was truly proud of.

Another attempt at mountains. Look how much better they are!

My latest (finished) painting. "Second Star to the Right"
In my sketch book I have a lot of plans for paintings
based on my favorite movies and books. 

30 before 30: Change My Job Situation

Last month I applied to another job. For nearly the past two years, I had been looking for and applying for jobs off and on. I had started to become discouraged. I'd apply for a job and either never hear from them or get an interview and then never hear from them. 

It's a hard cycle to constantly be in.

So when I applied to this job, I was like, "Well, I did what I could do, time to move on." 

Then I received an email requesting a phone interview. That seemed to go pretty well. That night I got called to set up an in person interview. Two days later--nervous as all getout--I had my in person interview.

And I totally bombed it. Seriously. I started my interview with "I'm just really nervous . . ." which I'm pretty sure is number 2 on the list of interview don'ts, closely following "Don't wear sweatpants". And I felt that every answer I gave was wandering and tangential, and worst of all, WAY too long. I found myself thinking "Shut up. Stop talking now." This all means that I left the interview feeling pretty sure I wasn't going to get the job. And completely exhausted because of how nervous I had been all day.

I sleepwalked through the weekend, trying to forget, but having to relive it whenever someone asked how my interview had gone. And then Monday I was asked to come in for a third interview. That completely blew the socks off me. 

Tuesday I went in, and left with an unofficial job offer! What the what?!

In two days time, I will start my new job as an Editor, course of study for the College of Healthcare Professionals at Western Governors University.

ACK!

:)

30 before 30: Climb a Tree

Yesterday I went to my brother's house to help him plant some stuff. While I was there I thought that I could mark something off of my list and climb one of his trees!

After giving me a boost (because I'm short), I crouched in the tree looking for the next place to go, Bro coaching me from the ground. Then I remembered something--I have a big fear of falling. I went to a place about 6 inches higher than I was, wrapped my arms around it and asked, "Does this count?"

Bro: "Do you think it counts?"

Me: "Yes! Take the picture!"

Getting down was even scarier, and involved Bro laughing at me and telling me that he had me and to move my other leg, and now my arm.

So, I don't think I'm going to be trying that again (however romantic climbing trees sounds in my head).

30 before 30

So, I know that it's a little cliche or whatever, but I decided to make a list of things I want to do before I turn 30. That gives me 2 1/2 years to complete the list, which I am definitely going to need for some of these items. :) The reason I thought about doing a 30 before 30 list is because there are things that I keep saying I want to do, but I never do them, so I'm giving myself a deadline. And also, I was just starting to feel like I haven't done a lot lately.

I tried to pick a wide variety of items that would improve me spiritually, physically, and mentally, and that would hopefully teach me something. There are also a few things that will hopefully help me get closer to my family.

So here's the list:

Learn to ride a motorcycle
I've wanted to do this for a while, but I'm kind of a scaredy cat. I'm thinking that maybe I can convince my brother to take the class with me.

Finish writing a book
I'm great at starting them, not so great at finishing them.

Go back to England
When I turn 30 it will have been 10 years since I went. This is the next trip I'm going to save up for.

Learn to do my own make-up/hair
To be honest, I just fake it and hope it doesn't look horrible.

See the Northern Lights
Apparently there's a place in Colorado where you can see them in January.

Learn to oil paint
Sis is gonna help with this. :)

Have my first kiss
Yes, I realize how lame it is to be 27 and never been kissed. And I also realize that this is dependent on another person.

Catch fireflies
I have never seen fireflies. We don't have them in Utah. I may have to go visit a friend somewhere.

Have professional pictures taken
Other than school photos, I have never had this done.

Enter something in a contest
Don't know what at this moment, or what contest, but something.

Buy something from Tiffany
They have a whole section of things for under $250. And since I don't think anyone will ever buy me something from Tiffany, I'm gonna give the blue box to myself.

Create a "work of art" by throwing balloons full of paint at a canvas

OH YEAH! This is gonna be freaking awesome. Sis already said that she would do it with me and maybe we can have Kid K (who was once Baby E) help with it.

Change my job situation

Successfully make a soufflé

When I was unemployed, I bought all the stuff to make a chocolate soufflé, but then I chickened out because it seemed too involved. 

Make a video and post it on YouTube

Have a hand-made Christmas

Surprise, family!

Apply to grad school, again

I have three more years before my GRE scores become invalid and I have to take it again.

Get henna

A lot of lists say something about getting a tattoos. I don't want anything permanent, but henna is beautiful.

Buy an awesome costume for comic con

See a ballet

The last (and only, I think) ballet I saw was The Nutcracker when I was pretty young. I don't think I appreciated it.

Climb a tree

My bro just moved into his house and it has some trees that look very climbable.

Get a bull's eye

I've gotten an interest in archery lately, so this will make me go more often.

Finish David Copperfield

I started this 3? years ago. It's time to finish it.

Get a pen pal

I like getting letters. I may adopt a soldier or something. 

Learn more about being a bone marrow donor and sign-up on bethematch.org

Have my dad teach me to turn

My grandpa taught Sis and Bro how to turn wooden bowls on a lathe. I never really wanted to because tools scare me, which I think is the reason why I should.

Attend the temple once a month

I should really be better about this, so I'm giving myself a goal.

Go to my 10 year high school reunion

Next year, guys. It's gonna be weird. Also, I didn't even get invited to my 5 year, so we'll see what happens this time around.

Finish the Book of Mormon

Begin the process of buying a house

This is contingent on finding a different, more stable job. But it's always been part of what I called my "alternate life plan" (which is starting to become just my life plan), which was to first have my own home by the time I was 30. We'll see what happens.

So, there it is! I'm going to print it out and put it somewhere where I can see it everyday to motivate me to do it. I'll keep you updated.

On Being Happy

I know it's been a LONG time since I've written on this blog. With my book review blog, work, and other writing, I haven't been keeping up with this as well as I used to do.

The last month or so has been filled with some really hard things, personally. I've been angrier than I have been in a while, and sadder, too. This has all just added to my stress. So about two weeks ago, I decided to start exercising again.

Those who know me, know that I do not like exercising. Yeah yeah, it's good for you, blah blah blah, but the act of doing it? Nope. I don't like it. But since I decided too start, I've been working out 6 days a week. It's just a little bit, but it's something and I've been lengthening how long each week.

Then something happened this week.

I've worked out everyday after work (just at home with the help of apps and a Wii). Every morning I've been reading my scriptures as I eat breakfast. And on Wednesday I went to the temple after work. Then on Thursday, I realized something. I was getting my breakfast ready and I stopped because something felt different. I took stock of my body and my mind and I realized what it was: I felt good. I felt less stressed and a little happier. And that is a big deal for me. Especially at 6:45 in the morning.

I learned something that I had been hearing all along. If you take care of your physical and spiritual health, your mental health will benefit. Which is why I'm determined to keep exercising, going to church, reading my scriptures, and attending the temple. Because the blessings of them far outweigh any inconvenience I might think they create.

Update: Timing

Timing sucks.

The past couple of years I have felt like I've been on a different clock than everyone else. Like, I'm off Daylight Savings while everyone else is on so I'm always running an hour behind. And then I'm on it when everyone is off, so I'm always an hour ahead (or would it be the other way around?). This isn't always a bad thing, not at all, but it's more strongly felt when it is.

You know all the stuff I've been through the past year--well, up until I just seemed to drop off the face of the planet and never wrote an update. You know about the bad timing that came with applying to grad school, and the bad timing with my previous job. You also know about my good timing when it came to finding a job after only a month of being unemployed--I had been expecting being unemployed for at least three months.

The four months that I've been working have been good timing. I came in at the right time, just when things started to build in the company, and just in time to prove my worth in order to start getting more responsibility and maybe move up.

I moved last month and that was good timing. It's a little cheaper, and in a house, which is nice.

I had bad timing a couple of weeks ago when I rushed out of the house to get to work and ended up getting in a car accident that totaled Perry. It wasn't my fault, and there were no injuries, but one of my first thoughts was that if I hadn't rushed so much, if I had left the house even a few seconds later, I would have gotten to work fine. And I wouldn't have had to deal with all the stress of talking to insurance and getting a new car (and getting things fixed on the new car). I wouldn't have dealt with the physical manifestations of that stress like sore muscles and a clenched jaw. I think for the moment I'm done though--once I get it registered. It started off pretty rocky, but I think Alfie's and mine relationship will get stronger as we go on.

I've had good timing when it comes to Baby E. Sis, Bro-in-law, and Baby E just moved back here, and I've been able to see Baby E's curiosity and her growth. She's a little mimic, and catches on to things so quickly that it seems like she's changing all the time. I'm glad that I get to spend this time with her.

And then there's bad timing when I finally get to the point when I can put myself out there and want to reconnect with someone and try to give it another go, but I missed the opportunity. Or maybe the timing was always off for us. It's hard when someone being happy means losing a friend and a hope.

I know that the way I plan things, or the timing I want to have, doesn't really matter in this huge plan that God has for me. But it's hard to put trust in Him and not just think that I'm the one that's messing everything up. Because I truly believe that if I keep on trying to do all the things I'm supposed to, and if I keep following the good thoughts that come into my head (even if they seem to turn out badly . . .) then God won't forsake me. He would never leave me on my own. His strength is the strength that I need most in my life, especially when I feel my strength leaving me.

There is nothing wrong with my timing being off. It just means that my life is part of this clock of humankind, the clock that really keeps the whole world turning and going.

New Job, a Week in Review

I'm so tired. What is it about starting something new that makes one exhausted?

I started my new job on Tuesday. Leading up to that day I was starting to have serious doubts about my ability to actually do the job I was hired to do. Does anyone else feel like that before starting a job? That you are going to completely fail? I had to remind myself of several things, including: that I'm a college graduate, I have three and a half years experience in my field, and I'm an intelligent person who can learn new things.

Everything was fine, once I got to work. As it always is. I spent the morning going through company standard operating procedures, then I got to work in the afternoon! The rest of the week has been me continuing on that work and basically settling in. The work is consuming, but to tell the truth, it can be a little boring. The company I work for is an e-learning website, and I've been going through the questions at the end of a computer certification course. There's nothing that makes you feel more stupid than editing something you don't understand. The thing is, you don't necessarily have to understand what you're reading in order to edit, but it's more interesting if you do. I have started picking up what certain words mean, etc., but it's not the most riveting of reads. But it's work, and it's in my field, and who knows, maybe I'll actually learn something.

At first I felt a little bit awkward. There are only four of us on the team, and it seemed strange to suddenly join such a small group of people--I wasn't quite sure how I would fit in. And then it was so quiet! It amazed me that no one took even ten minutes to have a conversation that wasn't about work. It blew my mind that someone could go eight hours, five days a week, and not ever have a conversation. My mind changed today when I had a pretty good conversation with two of my coworkers. I think I'm going to be okay. I guess I'll see in the coming weeks. It's good work, honest work, and I think I'm going to be able to do it just fine.

I just need some sleep first . . .

The Adventure of Getting a New Job

It's no secret that I've been needing to find a new job. I found out a year ago that my position was going to be downsized at my last job, and I've been looking on and off since then. Off because of the time needed to study for the GRE and apply to grad school (which, if you'll remember, I wasn't accepted too) and for general mental health. Looking for a job is a tiring and emotional process full of a lot of downs and not very many ups.

In this year I had only had one interview. One. In twelve months. I had also been invited to take two tests. So last Wednesday when I applied for two jobs that were miraculously in my field, I wasn't expecting to hear anything for a couple of days, if ever. Two hours after hitting "submit" on one of those jobs, I got a phone call. Which led to an interview the next day. At the end of which I was offered the position and asked to come back that afternoon to work for a few hours. 

I'm pretty sure I was in shock the entire weekend. 

I'm working on the production team of a company based in another state that makes training videos and materials. There are about four of us in the office--it's pretty tiny. When I officially start next week I will be an editorial assistant, mostly working with the questions at the end of the courses. I think. I totally understood it when it was explained to me but now I'm not so sure. 

What I'm doing for a few days this week is helping with the filming of some of the videos. This means I push the record button on the camera. College degrees, people! They come in handy!

Just kidding. I'm glad to be working in my field and having some money coming in instead having to use all my savings. That's a blessing. And you never know! I might actually like it here. Time will tell. 

I just want to thank everyone who have been supportive during the last year, who prayed for me, and helped me along my winding path.