I'm really sad that I haven't been able to keep up with Gwen Bell's Best of 2009 Blog Challenge. My 3 jobs, none of which are at a computer, have taken me away from all things online. I'm grateful for the work I have, but it still aches a little when I must set priorities and let some other things slide.
That said. I've decided to pick one of the "topics" that I've missed in the past couple of weeks, and for me, that's my best place.
There's nothing better than sitting in front of my parent's fireplace in the winter. Everything about it is home to me. The crackling wood, the comforting smell, the heat on my back or hands. I love watching it burn, seeing it rise and fall and turning the logs when needed.
When I think about it more closely though what I love about having fires at my parent's is really about the relaxing and decompressing that goes on. Lounging on the couch, talking to family, watching a movie. The holidays may be crazy at times, but at night when all is said and done, curling up by the fire makes me realize how much I love home.
December 22, 2009
December 10, 2009
dark night of the soul.
Gwen Bell's Best of 2009 Blog Challenge
*****
December 10: Favorite Album.
Dark Night of the Soul, a musical collaboration between Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse, partnered with David Lynch, immediately got under my skin. The beginning lyrics - pain, I guess it's a matter of sensation - hooked me. What can I say? I love a dark song. The thing is. This album takes you for a ride. Church bells. Old record player. Mellow. Harsh.
The varied tempos, the storied lyrics, the different artists. The element of surprise. I just keep coming back to it.
I first heard about it on NPR's First Listen. I was so excited to find an album that I loved front to back. And then the bomb was dropped: it's not being released. "Due to an ongoing dispute with EMI." Yeah.
This sent me into a musical tailspin.
But thankfully Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse found an avenue for it. Or maybe it was David Lynch. I don't know who actually, but I'm thankful for the decision. I hope NPR keeps in on its site forever.
You can hear it here. I suggest you do.
*****
December 10: Favorite Album.
The varied tempos, the storied lyrics, the different artists. The element of surprise. I just keep coming back to it.
I first heard about it on NPR's First Listen. I was so excited to find an album that I loved front to back. And then the bomb was dropped: it's not being released. "Due to an ongoing dispute with EMI." Yeah.
This sent me into a musical tailspin.
But thankfully Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse found an avenue for it. Or maybe it was David Lynch. I don't know who actually, but I'm thankful for the decision. I hope NPR keeps in on its site forever.
You can hear it here. I suggest you do.
December 9, 2009
j-o-b.
Gwen Bell's Best of 2009 Challenge continues...
*****
December 9: Challenge. Something that really made you grow this year.
That last time I had a FT job was May 2008. Yes. You read that right. 2008.
While I haven't been looking for a job that entire time - spent a good chunk of 2008 traveling - I definitely have spent the whole of 2009 searching for one, and then some. Part of me feels like I've tried everything. Meeting with fellow librarians, going to a national library conference, applying to jobs every week, networking. But for some reason it just hasn't happened yet.
It definitely has been a huge challenge, one I'm actually still battling. Yes, I've had some PT jobs throughout this year. I'm actually scared to do my taxes for this year because of the amount of them. But it's left me wondering over and over when my time will come. What is out there for me? Where will I end up? I still don't know, and it's a bit disconcerting.
And you know what? I'm tired of telling people "I'm looking for a job." Yes, there are many others in the same position. I get it. But somehow I jump to the conclusion that people must think I'm not doing enough. Not working hard enough. Not talking to enough people. And I hate that feeling because I believe I'm doing all that I physically can right now.
It's come to a point where I need work of any kind, and I have finally come to accept it for right now. I need to eat. I need to pay bills. I need to pay rent. These have become my top priorities. It's hard to accept because there's so much I want to do, but it's come down to making money or moving back in with my parents.
This challenge has definitely pushed me more outside of my box though, so I get it. It needed to happen. I needed to be more comfortable with promoting myself and making things happen. And I am. Just at a different pace then planned.
*****
December 9: Challenge. Something that really made you grow this year.
That last time I had a FT job was May 2008. Yes. You read that right. 2008.
While I haven't been looking for a job that entire time - spent a good chunk of 2008 traveling - I definitely have spent the whole of 2009 searching for one, and then some. Part of me feels like I've tried everything. Meeting with fellow librarians, going to a national library conference, applying to jobs every week, networking. But for some reason it just hasn't happened yet.
It definitely has been a huge challenge, one I'm actually still battling. Yes, I've had some PT jobs throughout this year. I'm actually scared to do my taxes for this year because of the amount of them. But it's left me wondering over and over when my time will come. What is out there for me? Where will I end up? I still don't know, and it's a bit disconcerting.
And you know what? I'm tired of telling people "I'm looking for a job." Yes, there are many others in the same position. I get it. But somehow I jump to the conclusion that people must think I'm not doing enough. Not working hard enough. Not talking to enough people. And I hate that feeling because I believe I'm doing all that I physically can right now.
It's come to a point where I need work of any kind, and I have finally come to accept it for right now. I need to eat. I need to pay bills. I need to pay rent. These have become my top priorities. It's hard to accept because there's so much I want to do, but it's come down to making money or moving back in with my parents.
This challenge has definitely pushed me more outside of my box though, so I get it. It needed to happen. I needed to be more comfortable with promoting myself and making things happen. And I am. Just at a different pace then planned.
December 8, 2009
sweet yoga.
If you don't yet know about Gwen Bell and her Best of 2009 Blog Challenge I suggest you click here.
*****
December 8: Moment of peace.
Since 2002 I have been practicing yoga. While the frequency has varied, it has been a constant in my life for the past 7 years. I adore it.
I have had many peaceful yoga moments during almost every class, but one class stuck out for me this year. It was in a new setting, one I had not visited before. I did not want to go. I was a little hungover. I had to walk there. I had little sleep. All these excuses ran through my head as I continued to snooze by the minutes.
But I still went. And it was one of the best feelings I've felt all year.
The aspect of yoga that always amazes me is how it has the potential to literally take me out of funks. Sure some days are better than others. That's true of anything. But the revelation days are the best. The days where you walk in heavy hearted and walk out floating on air.
This specific class turned out to be one of those days. The walk home was refreshing. I didn't feel the need to buy coffee; I was energized. My breath felt clean. My pace, leisurely. My pulse, steady. And my mind, calm.
*****
December 8: Moment of peace.
Since 2002 I have been practicing yoga. While the frequency has varied, it has been a constant in my life for the past 7 years. I adore it.
I have had many peaceful yoga moments during almost every class, but one class stuck out for me this year. It was in a new setting, one I had not visited before. I did not want to go. I was a little hungover. I had to walk there. I had little sleep. All these excuses ran through my head as I continued to snooze by the minutes.
But I still went. And it was one of the best feelings I've felt all year.
The aspect of yoga that always amazes me is how it has the potential to literally take me out of funks. Sure some days are better than others. That's true of anything. But the revelation days are the best. The days where you walk in heavy hearted and walk out floating on air.
This specific class turned out to be one of those days. The walk home was refreshing. I didn't feel the need to buy coffee; I was energized. My breath felt clean. My pace, leisurely. My pulse, steady. And my mind, calm.
December 7, 2009
yes i went there.
Gwen Bell's awesome Best of 2009 Blog Challenge continues...
*****
December 7: Blog find of the year.
Warning: this is going to sound really selfish and inappropriate, but my favorite blog find of the year is my own: Blah Blah Blah.
No, I'm not that vain to think it's anything spectacular, but the miraculous part of it all is that I began blogging in February of this year. And since then I've met amazing people, and it's really helped me to expand my horizons (as cliche as that sounds) and I couldn't be more thankful for it.
It's made me think more, write more, read more and believe more.
It couldn't have happened at a better time.
I don't think that is a coincidence.
*****
December 7: Blog find of the year.
Warning: this is going to sound really selfish and inappropriate, but my favorite blog find of the year is my own: Blah Blah Blah.
No, I'm not that vain to think it's anything spectacular, but the miraculous part of it all is that I began blogging in February of this year. And since then I've met amazing people, and it's really helped me to expand my horizons (as cliche as that sounds) and I couldn't be more thankful for it.
It's made me think more, write more, read more and believe more.
It couldn't have happened at a better time.
I don't think that is a coincidence.
December 6, 2009
molly the librarian.
Day 6 of Gwen Bell's awesome Best of 2009 Blog Challenge!
*****
During the first full week of July, I attended my first professional library association conference in Chicago. The American Library Association (ALA) has an annual conference and being a newly minted librarian, I was glad to have the conference in my hometown. (These conferences can get expensive!)
What I really took away from this conference though was the fact that I truly believe that I have found my passion: public libraries. Not only do I love helping people, but I also believe in the freedom of information and the importance of privacy.
It is hard to sum up a conference; there were highs and lows. But after spending a few days in Chicago surrounded by all things library, I truly felt like I had found a profession that I believe in and that's what made it so special to me.
Now, if only I could find that first library job to be fully deserved of the title librarian. That's taking a little bit longer than anticipated. But when the time is right, I know it'll happen.
*****
December 6: Workshop or conference. Was there a conference or workshop you attended that was especially beneficial?
During the first full week of July, I attended my first professional library association conference in Chicago. The American Library Association (ALA) has an annual conference and being a newly minted librarian, I was glad to have the conference in my hometown. (These conferences can get expensive!)
What I really took away from this conference though was the fact that I truly believe that I have found my passion: public libraries. Not only do I love helping people, but I also believe in the freedom of information and the importance of privacy.
It is hard to sum up a conference; there were highs and lows. But after spending a few days in Chicago surrounded by all things library, I truly felt like I had found a profession that I believe in and that's what made it so special to me.
Now, if only I could find that first library job to be fully deserved of the title librarian. That's taking a little bit longer than anticipated. But when the time is right, I know it'll happen.
December 5, 2009
dancing fool.
Day 5 of Gwen Bell's awesome Best of 2009 Blog Challenge!
*****
December 5: Night out. Did you have a night out with friends or a loved one that rocked your world?
Have you ever had a night where you dance until the sun comes up? I have. And I can honestly say it was one of my favorite nights in 2009 because not only was it part of the awesome 20sb Meet-up in Chicago, but it was a night where I let the music take me where I wanted to go. Sure, libations may have been somewhat involved, but when it comes down to it, I danced my little heart out. And for those who were lucky enough to see it, that's one of the truest sides of me, the side of pure happiness in the enjoyment of doing what I love to do: dance.
While this picture is not of me dancing, it was taken during the weekend. I think it sums up the indescribable feeling I feel when dancing. Not knowing up from down, left from right, but beaming all the way.
*****
December 5: Night out. Did you have a night out with friends or a loved one that rocked your world?
Have you ever had a night where you dance until the sun comes up? I have. And I can honestly say it was one of my favorite nights in 2009 because not only was it part of the awesome 20sb Meet-up in Chicago, but it was a night where I let the music take me where I wanted to go. Sure, libations may have been somewhat involved, but when it comes down to it, I danced my little heart out. And for those who were lucky enough to see it, that's one of the truest sides of me, the side of pure happiness in the enjoyment of doing what I love to do: dance.
While this picture is not of me dancing, it was taken during the weekend. I think it sums up the indescribable feeling I feel when dancing. Not knowing up from down, left from right, but beaming all the way.
December 4, 2009
book.
Day 4: Best of 2009 Blog Challenge created by Gwen Bell. Check it out!
*****
December 4: Book. What book touched you?
Reading is a passion of mine. I'm always adding books to my "to-read" list while tearing through as many as possible a year. The thing is I've never had a book made me cry until this year. And this kinda blows my mind because anyone who knows me knows I'm a sensitive person. Very emotional. Love anything along the lines of intuition and being aware of myself and others. So when I would hear of someone crying their eyes out while reading a book, I of course thought: what's wrong with me.
Well, that all changed this year. I am a listener, so I was naturally drawn to Listening is an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the Storycorps Project. Not only do I love to listen, but I love people. I love hearing people's stories. I love the fact that the variety of people's personalities is endless.
Many times while listening to Storycorps on NPR my eyes would fill up with tears. I guess it shouldn't be a surprise that the first book to move me to tears was this one. The thing that touched me so deeply is that all these stories people tell are ones that involve people they love in their lives. Or stories when people become self-aware. Or stories that change people's life paths. But no matter what the occasion, these stories are filled with a love that is palpable. I love that. Enough to bring me to tears apparently.
*****
December 4: Book. What book touched you?
Reading is a passion of mine. I'm always adding books to my "to-read" list while tearing through as many as possible a year. The thing is I've never had a book made me cry until this year. And this kinda blows my mind because anyone who knows me knows I'm a sensitive person. Very emotional. Love anything along the lines of intuition and being aware of myself and others. So when I would hear of someone crying their eyes out while reading a book, I of course thought: what's wrong with me.
Well, that all changed this year. I am a listener, so I was naturally drawn to Listening is an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the Storycorps Project. Not only do I love to listen, but I love people. I love hearing people's stories. I love the fact that the variety of people's personalities is endless.
Many times while listening to Storycorps on NPR my eyes would fill up with tears. I guess it shouldn't be a surprise that the first book to move me to tears was this one. The thing that touched me so deeply is that all these stories people tell are ones that involve people they love in their lives. Or stories when people become self-aware. Or stories that change people's life paths. But no matter what the occasion, these stories are filled with a love that is palpable. I love that. Enough to bring me to tears apparently.
December 3, 2009
an article.
Day 3 of The Best of 09 Blog Challenge awesomely created by Gwen Bell.
*****
December 3: An article. What's an article that you read that blew you away?
Even though I read this article* on the New York Times website only a week ago, it really resonated with me. I love the idea that we don't know where we're going or where we're headed. Yes, I can be thankful for everything I have - relationships, health, home - the staples, or my staples of life. But it kinda blows my mind that there are things I will be thankful for that I do not even know exist at this moment. New friendships, new travel, new experiences.
This editorial of course hit home because it was written at a time when I, as well as many other Americans, had been thinking about what I am thankful for.
But to be grateful for the unknown. What a novel idea.
*A friend of mine led me to it through Facebook. Thanks Amanda!
*****
December 3: An article. What's an article that you read that blew you away?
Even though I read this article* on the New York Times website only a week ago, it really resonated with me. I love the idea that we don't know where we're going or where we're headed. Yes, I can be thankful for everything I have - relationships, health, home - the staples, or my staples of life. But it kinda blows my mind that there are things I will be thankful for that I do not even know exist at this moment. New friendships, new travel, new experiences.
This editorial of course hit home because it was written at a time when I, as well as many other Americans, had been thinking about what I am thankful for.
But to be grateful for the unknown. What a novel idea.
*A friend of mine led me to it through Facebook. Thanks Amanda!
December 2, 2009
restaurant moment.
For the month of December I will be partaking in The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge brought to the interwebs by Gwen Bell. This will definitely be a challenge for me, but one well worth it. I can feel it already.
*****
December 2: Restaurant moment. Share the best restaurant experience you had this year.
A first date.
I met a guy from online dating.
We chatted in a familiar tone in a comfortable atmosphere.
I knew we were interested in each other. The conversation, easy.
The looks, charming.
I never knew a first date could be so nice, so fun.
But that is not why it was a favorite moment for me.
The reason: I believed I could find someone again.
Someone to love, to share stories, to make me laugh.
Someone who would walk me home.
Someone who I genuinely liked and was excited to see.
It had been years since I had that feeling.
It didn't work out between us,
but I'll never forget that date.
The one where we closed down the restaurant.
And the one where I started to feel again.
December 1, 2009
trip
For the month of December I will be partaking in The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge brought to the interwebs by Gwen Bell. This will definitely be a challenge for me, but one well worth it. I can feel it already.
***
December 1: Trip - What was your best trip in 2009?
Every March my small family takes a trip. It started out with my grandpa taking us places like Rome, Germany, France over what happened to be my mom and his birthdays. Even though my grandpa has since passed away, the tradition continues with my parents, my sister and me. I love these trips.
In 2009 we went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and it was fantastic! To me, there's really nothing like a beach or pool vacation where the week is spent sleeping outside during the day, drinking mudslides by the pool and reading to my little heart's content.
Yet one of my favorite parts of this trip also included body surfing. I absolutely LOVE playing in the ocean even if I do have mini freak outs about sharks when fish brush past my legs. There's really nothing like floating on top of the water and squealing with laughter.
The only downside to these beach vacations is the battle with the sun. I love it, but its hot rays love my white Irish skin a little too much. If only I could find a way to be sunkissed with freckles without getting burnt.
But really, what is so fantastic about these trips is the relaxation, the decompressing of life. The thinking during the day, the sleeping during the night. There's a certain rhythm to these vacations. And while I know I'm fortunate to take them, I can't help but wonder how different people might be if they, too, could watch the palms sway and listen to the ocean waves. Then
again, I know this is really my take on life. And I must say I do try to breathe in my life as such each day. But something about the lack of schedule and warm weather makes it a whole lot easier.
***
December 1: Trip - What was your best trip in 2009?
Every March my small family takes a trip. It started out with my grandpa taking us places like Rome, Germany, France over what happened to be my mom and his birthdays. Even though my grandpa has since passed away, the tradition continues with my parents, my sister and me. I love these trips.
In 2009 we went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and it was fantastic! To me, there's really nothing like a beach or pool vacation where the week is spent sleeping outside during the day, drinking mudslides by the pool and reading to my little heart's content.Yet one of my favorite parts of this trip also included body surfing. I absolutely LOVE playing in the ocean even if I do have mini freak outs about sharks when fish brush past my legs. There's really nothing like floating on top of the water and squealing with laughter.
The only downside to these beach vacations is the battle with the sun. I love it, but its hot rays love my white Irish skin a little too much. If only I could find a way to be sunkissed with freckles without getting burnt.
But really, what is so fantastic about these trips is the relaxation, the decompressing of life. The thinking during the day, the sleeping during the night. There's a certain rhythm to these vacations. And while I know I'm fortunate to take them, I can't help but wonder how different people might be if they, too, could watch the palms sway and listen to the ocean waves. Thenagain, I know this is really my take on life. And I must say I do try to breathe in my life as such each day. But something about the lack of schedule and warm weather makes it a whole lot easier.
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