a glimpse.

Lots of noise around my desk, bustling, moving. It’s a little distracting. Someone says something to me that really, I don’t find humorous at all. But I remember my new mantra: I love my life.

I read a thoughtful post about the beauty of living in New York City, of finding worship in odd places. And I get a little jealous. But I remember my new mantra: I love my life.

My paycheck appears to be smaller than normal. Then I realize that technically, it was a shorter month, so not as many work days. Not as many work days = not as much money. My dreams of a May-time MacBook begin to fade. I remember my new mantra: I love my life.

I begin to daydream about our road trip—we leave in just one week!—and then it hits me that driving to Arkansas is going to cost some serious gas money. Gas money that has to come from a smaller paycheck. And my husband isn’t working this month. You know, finals. But I remember my new mantra: I love my life.

A coworker comes in with a nice warm breakfast in a bag, and my stomach growls. I call my husband to see if I can convince him that I too, need greasy breakfast from a brown paper bag. He’s still in bed. Then I remember my new mantra: I love my life.

At 11:15, my husband comes, breakfast bag in hand. He said he was sorry, that everything would be cold. He’d spent the past hour and a half eating breakfast with a homeless man.

Did I mention I love my life? Because, really. I do.

happiness is...

{Pretty party via Jordan at Oh Happy Day!}

happiness is...

a week at the beach
family dinners
saving almost enough for a Macbook
Gold Medal ribbon ice cream
creative inspiration
walks with the husband
drives with the husband
kickball with my cousins
a new pair of shoes (on sale)
trips to Target
blog comments
TV on DVD
school supplies
lunches out
rolled-down windows
emails from friends

happiness is my life.

*post inspired by Naomi and her list of happy things

blogging business.

So I was tagged to play this random little blogging game by Jenna. I’ve seen this before, and think it’s fun, so I thought I’d play along.

All you have to do is:
1. Take a pic of yourself right now.
2. No primping or preparing.
3. Just snap a picture.
4. Load the picture onto your blog.
5. Tag some people to play along.

Here I am in all my early morning glory:

This is at about 8:30 this morning, so if I look tired… I am.

I tag: Brooke, Betsy, Cory, and Robyn.

(I also was awarded a “Kreavite Blogger” award recently… Thank you, Jenna and Katie! I love my blog—and real life—friends!)

c/o: miss montana

Dear Hannah:

You and I. We’re more alike than I thought.

In fact, I’m ashamed to say that until this weekend, I kind of brushed you aside.

But now I want to buy your music and blare it on my iPod.

Because, I kind of relate.

The whole best of both worlds thing resonates with me.

I bet a lot of people recognize the feeling.

The wanting the best of both worlds feeling.

Of course, I don’t mean being a celebrity.

I actually don’t want that at all. Yuck. Just thinking about it makes me sick. In the spotlight all the time? No thanks.

I mean, that’s great for you and all. But not me.

But the best of both worlds isn’t just about being torn between celebrity and normal.

Is it?

I didn’t think so.

It’s just about being torn.

Which is what I am, oh, about 99% of the time.

That sounds bad.

But it’s not.

I just have an imagination, so I think a lot.

Plus I happen to like a lot of things.

Like traveling.

And big cities.

But also farms.

And quiet.

Design.

And writing.

But also helping people.

And organizing.

So you can see why I am torn so much.

Why I want the best of both worlds.

The villa in Italy and the farm in Kentucky.

The loft in NYC and the cottage in Tallahassee.


The own-my-own-business and the non-profit organization.


The design and the writing and the grad degree.

And the truth is, I haven’t had to choose between too many things.

But when I have had to choose… it’s been rather painful.

So I get what you’re saying. I understand your pain.

In about a year, I have a feeling I’ll be in the midst of another life-changing decision.

When I might have to choose between two worlds.

Because some people say you can’t have your cake and eat it too.

(Although, that’s never made much sense to me. So…)

But the point is, in a year, things might be changing.

And I’ve been doing a lot of complaining lately.

So it’s time to stop. The complaining, I mean.

Because, like you said, it’s all about the climb.

So I’m going to enjoy this little life I have here, this little world I’ve been given.

And when the time comes, I might choose something else.

But for now, I like what I’ve got.

Thanks for opening my eyes to that.

Sincerely,
ASBJ

monday daydreams.

I did a lot over the weekend.

So much so, that I’m still in recovery mode. It has been a s-l-o-w Monday, filled with thoughts and lists like these:

Can you tell what I’m dreaming of lately (besides a shiny white new computer)?

A road trip, you say? Quite right. As a reward for Jordan’s hard work and my patience, we’ll be headed out to Arkansas to visit my cousin and her husband the day finals are over. We can’t wait for our vacation!

Until the actual date arrives, I’m daydreaming of rolled-down windows, tan legs, and feet on the dashboard.

the mod.

happy birthday, mother o' mine.

top ten things i love about my mom:

1. she loves God and taught me how to pray.

2. she gives good, sound advice.

3. she raised me to think for myself, to form my own opinions.

4. she taught me to appreciate beauty.

5. i look like her.

6. she is multi-talented and resourceful.

7. she loves my dad.

8. she's a great teacher.

9. her hippie-nature has been past down to me and chet in various forms.

10. she loves me unconditionally.

it's weekend time again.

Photo via Life magazine.

I’m feeling better after last night’s post thanks to dear family and friends, and I’m ready to embark on weekend adventures. Check out these web findings from the week:

--

This story reminding me of the blessings that come with recession (namely, simple living and… nicer rental homes! Who knew?). {via simple lovely}

The cutest shoes I’ve ever seen.

A great deal on a MacBook (yes, I’m leaning that direction…). Too bad no store locations in Florida!

A friend’s passion for exciting new endeavors. (Anyone know where I can take a letterpress class in Tallahassee?)

The beautiful photography and photo-editing seen here.

These calling cards that have me waffling about designing my own. {via cup of joe}

I can’t believe the fun freebies and useful coupons found at this site.

--

Jordan’s going to be doing some serious studying while I help renovate our young professionals’ classroom this weekend. Plus I’ll be celebrating two birthdays (including my mom’s… touching tribute to come) and a bridal shower. Whew!

Happy weekending!

where do i belong?

On nights like this, I wonder:

Did I hit my peak in college?

I realize this probably sounds ridiculous and overly-dramatic, but I'm being quite serious.

For three and a half years, I was on a roll. I had friends, a busy but doable schedule, classes I loved. I enjoyed writing papers, doing homework. I spent many pleasant hours in libraries and newspaper labs. I participated in countless meaningful discussions. And you know what? I was good at all of those things.

Then, I had to leave the bubble. And ever since, it's been kind of a rocky ride.

This evening I spent three hours of my life at an event for public relations professionals, thinking it would provide me with insight into a world I might one day (with master's degree in hand) belong.

Instead, I learned that I just don't fit.

I don't look like I just stepped out of a J.Crew catalog. I can't even pretend to. I can't afford it.

I don't like hor d'oeuvres. When it's 7:00, I want a real meal. Not cheese and wine.

I can't schmooze or network. I try, but I'm just not good at it. Small talk? That's not where I shine.

And so I sit here, much more comfortable after eating a Wendy's kids' meal and changing into my pajamas (just like college), contemplating my existence. What's out there for me? Where do I fit in?

What job am I going to find that suits me, that helps me shine like I did in school? I know it sounds lame, but it's true.

On nights like these, when I feel like I just don't belong, I do wonder if there's something spiritually deeper going on. If the reason I don't fit in is tied to the core reason for my existence. If C.S. Lewis' quote has the answer: "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." Or, as my aunt Lisa says, "If you feel like you belong, something's wrong."

They're both right. I know this. But this pit in my stomach remains.

I know I'm made for something greater, bigger, something this world may not give me. But until I get there, until I reach that goal...

What do I do down here?

didn't He* do a good job?

"First this: God created the Heavens and Earth—all you see, all you don't see. Earth was a soup of nothingness, a bottomless emptiness, an inky blackness. God's Spirit brooded like a bird above the watery abyss."

"God spoke: 'Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature, so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.'"

Genesis 1:1-2, 26-28 MSG

*Just to clarify, I do mean my Creator... Not Walt Disney or James Earl Jones.

becoming a lawyer's wife.

The lawyer's wife and the lawyer. Both semi-uncomfortable in their roles.

The past several days have brought plenty of milestones to my life: my first paid speaking gig, my first corporate credit card (!), and my first professional public recognition, just to name a few. But all of these pale in comparison to the bridge I crossed last night: the bridge to becoming a lawyer’s wife.

It hasn’t really ever been a dream of mine to be so closely associated with a career much disdained by the rest of the world, but when I married Jordan, I knew it was coming with the territory. Still, nothing could have prepared me for my abrupt initiation into Jordan’s world this week.

See, my oh-so-talented husband made the moot* court team, which is a pretty great honor (as I was reminded multiple times last night—never by my humble husband, of course).

Jordan’s newfound glory meant a whirlwind of events, including a moot court banquet. And boy, did I learn fast that this whole “lawyer’s wife” thing is going to take some serious practice. Some lessons learned:

LESSON #1: Lawyers and law students marry each other. Jordan and I are the exception to the rule, making small talk pretty… small. Solution for next year: Become a law student. Or brush up on law school terminology.

LESSON #2: In a friend’s eloquent words, most law students are “social climbers.” I prefer the term snooty. Or snotty. Either applies. Solution for next year: None.

LESSON #3: Law students really enjoy talking about themselves and their own accomplishments, even if they know you have no idea what they’re talking about. Solution for next year: Perfect the nod and smile. It works better than the eye roll.

LESSON #4: Around these here parts, an Alabama accent sounds just like a Tennessee accent, a Tennessee accent just like a Texas accent, etc. So Jordan’s new nickname, “The Texan” makes perfect sense (to everyone except me). Solution for next year: Ask Jordan for his nicknames in advance to avoid confusion, or use a personal nickname to drive everyone else crazy, i.e., "Billy Joe, you are so funny."

LESSON #5: Dragging your spouse from group to group is an art form. One at which Jordan and I are both terrible. Solution for next year: Practice holding two minute conversations and a more subtle “drag and pull.”

LESSON #6: In the law school world, continuing your education is more respected than finding a job. You can imagine the looks I got. Solution for next year: Determine just how much money we’ll have saved by taking turns at receiving our respective educations, then shove it in everyone’s faces.

LESSON #7: My husband is not a typical law student and will not make a typical lawyer (praise the Lord). Solution for next year: None. Except pray that it stays this way forever.

--

And just to give you a taste of law school students' perspective, here's a glimpse into a conversation that actually took place at our table:

Law Student #1: “I mean, when you’re a law student, people say you’re smart. When you’re a lawyer, people say you’re a butthead.** What happens?"

Law Student #2: “I know! I mean, excuse me for getting criminals off the streets and making your city safer!”

Um, right. Because I’m sure you all are going to become district attorneys. Not to mention the fact that I’m pretty sure our underpaid police force does most of the “cleaning up” you're referring to. It’s nice, though, that you’re so confident in your skills.

At least I've already perfected a valuable lesson: keep your mouth shut. But, oh... I have a lot to learn.


* Fake.

** Language censored to protect the innocent.

i like this.

I know. It's a Cotton commercial. And I'm a little surprised to see Zooey Deschanel on something so... mainstream. But isn't it lovely?



For more of the talented Zooey, check out the She & Him website. They're definitely on the top of my "must download soon" list.

second thoughts.

After pining away for months over a MacBook, I’m having second thoughts.

I’ve raised approximately 1/3 of the sum I’ll need to purchase my dream machine, but I’m wondering… is it worth it?

I blame the new PC commercials. They make my skin crawl. Immediately questions pop into my head: “What if I’m a poser? What if I just want a Mac because all the “cool” people have Macs?” The thought process goes downhill from there.

Then, while reading Newsweek in bed, I came across this article. Now I’m really tormented.

Does it look stupid to buy a Mac during this economy (especially since Jordan and I are running on one income)? Will their prices ever go down? My Dell has lasted me five good years; will I be satisfied with a Mac for that long? And although I’ve heard terrible things about Vista, Windows 7 is on the horizon; would it be more profitable to wait and get a PC for a whole lot less?

These are the questions that keep me up at night.

So, I’d like to know what you guys think. Are you a Mac or a PC? Is an Apple computer really better for an editor/designer? Or is that all talk? In this economy, would you shell out $950 for a computer? Seriously, people. I need opinions. We all know I can’t make a decision. Help!

the facebook fast.

My 40 days and 40 nights are up.

After removing myself from the realm of Facebook for the season of Lent, I have a startling observation: I have no desire to get back on.

I'll admit, at first it was tough. I wasn't a Facebook addict, but I enjoyed viewing friends' statuses, glancing at photos, and checking for others' employment updates. Let's be honest, Facebook is just a nice way to kill time.

But after a 40 day fast of all things Facebook, I've discovered that I have better things to do with that spare time. I've got a husband. A family. A website to work on. A blog to update. Freelance design to do. An event to plan. Friends to keep up with (in more personal ways than a wall post).

My days away from social networking reminded me of the benefits of "old-fashioned" communication. You know. Like email.

I actually had to make a real effort to keep in touch with my friends, no Facebook stalking or brief posts to a wall allowed. Was it hard to sit around with my friends while they talked about the Facebook redesign? Yes. Was it harder to RSVP for events in person than with the single click of a mouse? You bet. Was it tough to rely on my husband for March Madness bracket updates? You have no idea.

But I think I realized that although Facebook can be a great tool, there's really no need to be on it, even in my spare time. Communication is still possibe. Facebook just makes it easier. And, is easier really always better? After my 40 day fast, I'm not so sure.

Of course, I guess the real question remains: did I accomplish my goal of drawing nearer to my Father during this season of Lent? Did I accomplish this goal by sacrificing a little bit of my self?

It's hard to say. The time I would have spent on Facebook was not always spent in the Word or with my Father. But I do feel like I lived a little more simply. Like I drew near to people the way God intended us to (with human touch, the spoken word, a smile).

Lent may not have brought me the results I thought, but I still think I can label it a success. And you know what? I don't even have to update my Facebook status to say so.

the blog world.

I’ve been doing some blog remodeling today, so if you’re a Google Reader or email subscriber, come check it out. I even came this close to changing blog names, but every cute, creative name I could think of was taken. Ridiculous, really. Anyway, let me know what you think of the “redesign.” Opinions are always welcome (encouraged, even!).

Speaking of the blogging world, my subscriptions in Google Reader have been growing exponentially. There are so many blogs I’ve grown to love (you can check out some in my sidebar), but I’m feeling especially fond of this bold blogger. Why, you ask? Um, because I won her blog giveaway. That’s right. Leaving a comment sometimes pays off, ladies and gents. In my case, it pays off in the form of a $40 clutch. Pretty exciting, especially since the last thing I won was a year’s supply of Keds tennis shoes (thank you, American Girl magazine). Needless to say, I wore Keds for years. I’ll probably do the same with this bag.

the things people say.

Happy Easter from us to you!

---

Speaking of Easter, here's a fun story for you:

Today, as I'm standing beside a dear friend of mine, an older (and not old, like senile old; then what I'm about to say might be excusable) woman comes up and begins to compliment my friend on her beautiful dress, hair, skin, etc. I stand there smiling in agreement, because I, too, think my friend is just lovely. As I'm nodding and smiling, the woman turns to me apologetically. "Oh, honey, you're pretty too. Just in your own way."

Um. Thank you?

Seriously. And people wonder why women have image issues.

i miss her + happy easter.

Do you have those friends you just really like? I do. I have a lot, actually. But there's this one. I met her in 2004 as a freshman at Faulkner University. Her name was Amanda, and she kept me sane when life at good ol' F.U. could get a little ridiculous. She's still one of my nearest and dearest friends, and today... I just miss her. I miss her calming presence, her mature advice, her sarcastic sense of humor. We watched movies and visited each other's families. She's just a good friend, and at this particular moment, I wish she didn't live 4 hours away. But, ahem, I'm getting sappy. So, enough of that.

(But seriously, I LOVE AMANDA. And I'm going to see if she'll comment on this post since it's almost all about her.)

In other news, tomorrow I will celebrate my Savior. The One who died for me. For my selfishness, my impatience, my bossiness, my judgmental behavior. The One who willingly laid it on the line for me. Tomorrow is Easter, and while bunnies are fun and dyed eggs are pretty... It's my Savior who will have my attention. Because my Savior didn't just die-- although that in itself would have been pretty amazing. But see, my Savior, He rose again. And because He lives, I do too. So I will celebrate Him-- my risen Lord-- tomorrow.

Happy Easter, world. May you find the One who died and rose for you.

a word from the [worldly] wise

I traveled for work this week. Here's what I learned:

1. Look before you leap. If you find yourself at dinner with a large group of people and an unidentified food item—for the whole table to share! ‘cause now you’re best friends who eat the same thing!—watch and learn. Let someone else take a bit first, then follow their lead. Of course, if you’re the only female at the table with polite males, they’ll wait for you to go first. And you’ll wind up eating an entire artichoke leaf, chewy bite after chewy bite.*

2. Do your research. Awkward silences seem to abound on business trips, even with people you think you know well. To prevent having to insert your foot in your mouth, take a moment before catching your flight to Google your companions. It is 2009, after all. Had I participated in this little exercise prior to my departure, I would have known my travel buddy worked for the New York Times and the Washington Post. As a journalism major, this would have been good to know in advance. Luckily I rescued myself on day 2. But more on that later.

3. Stay true to your school. So, I attended a university named after a preacher. In southern Alabama. With 500 on-campus students. I doubt you had the same school experience, but I’m sure we all can agree: others’ alma maters can be intimidating (because let’s face it: in the working world, people throw around their credentials like a MLB pitcher). So milk your own experiences for all they’re worth. My story can easily sound impressive: “I attended a small private university not far from Birmingham, Alabama” sounds a lot better than “I attended a Christian school the size of a pinhead in a place known as The Gump.” I’m not saying lie, but don’t belittle your place of study or your life experience. It just makes you look dumb for choosing it/them in the first place.

4. Get over yourself. So, let’s say you go out of town for work and make a fool of yourself. Oh well. Do what I do, and move on. Chances are, you aren’t nearly as memorable as you think. (P.S.~ This advice is really the best ever. It's the following it that's tricky. We all tend to think we're more important than we really are.)

5. Make up your mind. So, I may have mentioned before, but I don’t drink anything of the alcoholic variety. For personal moral reasons, yes, but I also just don’t like the stuff. I’ve had a sip or two of wine, and I thought I might throw up. I’m sure it’s an acquired taste, but I don’t want to make the effort to acquire it. (I don’t drink coffee either.) Anyway, the point is that while “just say no [thank you]” may have worked while I was growing up, the phrase has no place in the working world. People just don’t get it. You’d think asking for water when everyone else asks for an alcoholic beverage would be hint enough for people. But no. Peer pressure is alive and well at 23. Better to decide before you travel with the office when you plan to stand your ground.

6. Be proud of your poverty. No, I don’t get email on my phone. Sorry, I don’t have a Blackberry or iPhone. No, I didn’t travel with my personal laptop. It weighs 20 pounds and I share it with my husband. Did I mention he’s in law school? I know I work in design, but I just can’t afford a MacBook right now. Yes, I’m afraid the battery is running low on my flip phone so I may not answer every one of your 20 calls. No, I don’t have two cell phones. How many ways do I have to spell it out for you? I am poor right now. Not by African standards, but by American high-power executive standards, I am living the low-life. Well, I’m dealing and you should too. It’s a recession, people. May all the entry-level employees of the world unite (if you’re underappreciated middle-to-upper management, you can join in). Be proud of the fact that you only have one cell phone circa 2002. Celebrate the joys that come with an ancient laptop or desktop computer (it’s like a free weightlifting class!). Don’t be insecure. Embrace your way of life. You’re probably happier than they are anyway.

7. Network, schmetwork. All while I was interning (at a magazine company that has since seen its demise), I heard one word: network. “It’s what will help you survive this industry!” (How’s that working for you, part-time editor/freelance writer with no health benefits?) Now, it’s true that you should get your name out there, meet people. (Remember, I’m printing my own business cards.) But I’m also learning that sometimes, the truly best I can do is… do my job. I’ve discovered that networking is exhausting. Instead, use your friends to help you broadcast your skills. And when I say friends, I really mean friends. Not the fake friends you have from networking.

8. Keep your ears/eyes open and your mouth closed. Don’t pretend to be an expert at something you’re not—even if you’re trying to network (which, as I’ve already mentioned, often proves to be fruitless anyway). Do your own job to the best of your ability, and observe what’s going on around you. In the grand scheme, I think you learn more that way—and probably are more impressive to people. Let’s face it, there aren’t very many people in this world who can keep their mouths shut.

That’s all I’ve got. Eight little tips from a girl trying to scrape by in the working world. Now, do you have any tips to share? One working girl to another?

*How was I supposed to know this was a vegetable you scraped with your teeth? In my house, we ate our vegetables in their entirety. For tips on how to eat an artichoke and not look like an idiot, check this helpful article out (complete with photos!).

the unlovely.

What I need today is an attitude adjustment. Because if this is all a test of my patience, I am failing miserably. 

I feel like I am surrounded by difficult people at absolutely every turn. People who it is a struggle  to treat with love and respect. 

Maybe this is all just a terrible case of the Mondays, but it feels deeper. It's like I've reached my breaking point, and if one moe person tries to get under my skin, I will blow. 

As I think about all this, I can't help but realize: this is about as un-Christ-like as it gets. 

He didn't just treat his friends with love. He reached out to the broken, the weary. The cruel and unjust. The immature. The incompetent. Those who didn't get His mission or His ministry. He loved them all. Why can't I? 

I am made in His image. I am bought with His blood. I am saved by His neverending grace. 

It's time for me admit: so are they. 

The unlovely are made in His image. They are bought with His blood. They are offered His neverending grace. 

The unlovely and I have a lot in common. We are immature and incompetent. We are hurtful and cruel. 

And we are loved by Someone who chooses to look past it all, who instead chooses to see our greatness. What we can become with Him. 

May I be more like that. 

May I love the unlovely. 

Because He loves me.

some weekly finds.

Thank you all for making my day on Wednesday by voting on a new business card design. I think I’m going to go with the consensus and try out option 1… It depends on how all that brown ink winds up printing! I’ll definitely let you see the final results.

A little round-up of what I’ve found fascinating this week:

This article that proves what I’ve been trying to tell my friends all along: voicemail is becoming obsolete.

The sunshine in these rooms that made Tallahassee’s Seattle-like weather more bearable. (I collected these throughout the week and cannot remember where they are from! Maybe Design*Sponge?)

A widget that allows me to color my labels in Gmail... Maybe this is old news, but it thrills me to no end.

An idea to cover my disgusting-looking refrigerator with wallpaper. Genius!

These helpful “start-your-own” business tips.

This cute apron that I could get for about $12 bucks thanks to this discount.

A website that reignites my love for words by pairing them with beautiful photography.

What is it I love about these address labels? I’m not quite sure, but I downloaded and used them anyway. Other cute options found here. (I heart free downloads, don't you?)

And while we’re on the subject of address labels, I think being married and changing your name deserves a nice mailing address stamp for all those handwritten notes I send out (seriously, I do!). If I could, I'd choose between a couple of these options. Unfortunately, our address probably isn't really permanent enough to invest. Maybe one day...

Have a lovely weekend! I'm headed to Birmingham to see an old friend, spend time with the in-laws, and see Wicked at the BJCC. Hooray!

Dear Chinese Medicine Man...

Every time I enter your office, I begin to relax. The wind chimes, the music... I immediately Zen out. Of course, that changes if I have to wait and pull out my planner/newest book I'm reading/latest issue of Newsweek. Then I get lost in my to-do list/the plot/the recession, and I'm not really Zen-ing anymore. Plus, I think you might judge me. You know, since I can't sit for two minutes without doing something. I beg you, don't. We both know idle hands are the Devil's plaything.

I've come to notice some consistencies in my visits. Anytime a needle is placed in my hands, my nose begins to itch. You've told me to ring a bell if I ever need anything, but I'm not sure I'm comfortable with you scratching my nose, so I suffer.

In addition, I've realized that without fail, you will require me to lift my pant legs to above my knees. Of course, I won't have shaved in days. I used to be ashamed of the prickly hairs running up and down my legs. That shame is quickly fading. I apologize. When it's warm again, I'll try to shave more frequently. (For your sake and my husband's.)

Also, could you paint over the tiny brown spot in the ceiling that holds my attention each visit? I promise I won't be the only one who notices.

I'm curious, too, as to what hand sanitizer causes your hands to smell like syrup... Every time. I warn you, this is probably why my stomach growls each visit. I can't help that you remind me of iHop.

I wanted to apologize for any drool stains I may have left on the chair during my past few visits. I don't mean to fall asleep, but those nature noises just get me every time. In fact, I'm remembering that I used to listen to nature noises to do my homework by (I was/am a bit of a nerd); I had to stop because they made me sleepy back then too.

And if you ever think I'm embarrassed by having to answer questions about the consistency of my bowel movements or the timeliness of my period, don't worry. I teach your kid in Sunday school.

Anyway, thanks for what you're doing. I really do feel better. And unlike so many people, I really don't think this is all a hoax, this whole acupuncture thing. I actually think it's working.

Oh, I forgot. Just an FYI: if you catch me laughing to myself while you're with another patient, no worries. I'm just writing a blog post in my head.

Sincerely your patient,

Annie B. Jones

A milestone. {or, what your degree won't teach you.}

{Image found here.}

Today, after nearly two years in the working world, a breakthrough occurred.

See, at work, I am the quiet one, and it's a label I've grown accustomed to. (High school years with the same label gave me some experience.)

Don't get me wrong: I say what I think. But the thinking... That's the key. I think a lot before I say something-- on the job, anyway.

Others might perceive this silence-over-speech to mean that I am timid. I prefer prudent. Semantics, I guess.

Either way, I've struggled for a while now with whether prudence is always the best choice in a working environment.

Does it pay to keep your mouth shut? Or does the boss want your opinion to be voiced and heard?

I'm not sure, but I figure giving my opinion won't necessarily hurt.

So today, when I had the rare chance to make a point over something I was fairly passionate about, I did.

I even included a little language (of the crap variety) to express how seriously I felt on the issue.

What I said got reactions.

I made people listen.

I think I may have even earned a little bit of their respect.

I guess you could say I'm learning. Giving my opinion is important, and I think it may often be appreciated.

But I also believe that the reason my opinion often counts is because I rarely offer it.

My coworkers and employers realize that if I choose to give my thoughts on a subject, they must be important.

So, balance. Offer opinions? Absolutely. But choose wisely which opinions to share.

Oh, office life. You are teaching me so much.

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Aspects of the working world I have yet to figure out:

- Apologize for things I didn't do?
- Accept work I know isn't mine?
- Stick it out or try something new?

Why my professors didn't mention these issues in my classes is beyond me.