Disappearing Act

Hello?....

....Is anybody out there?....

So, I have to apologize for disappearing for, oh, FOUR MONTHS.

Yikes.

Although I doubt anyone still reads this blog, as there isn't much to read lately, I wanted to come back and give an update on my life.

It's been BUSY. Really, super, incredibly busy.

This winter in Baltimore has been horrible. It snowed on April 15th. Can we just take a moment of silence???

I got a new job at work (somewhat of a promotion) that has me simultaneously thanking my lucky stars and pulling my hair out with stress all at the same time!

Wedding planning quite honestly came to a halt the past month or two--Sean & I have been hit with some HUGE unexpected costs (let's just say CAR, medical bills, wedding expenses, things at our house breaking, etc) and we have been a little "down" lately. We really wanted to be able to move into a new house before our wedding--which is less than 6 months away, HOW DID THAT HAPPEN OMG--but it is looking more and more like that isn't going to be feasible.

Also, my brother is currently deployed...again. He may not be back in time for the wedding, which has me even more upset, on top of the fact that I worry about his safety over there every day.

Our secret handshake, the night before he left 

But, along with the bad comes the good. I wake up every day next to my best friend who also happens to be a huge hunk, so I can't complain. I have a loving and caring family, and wonderful friends. In fact, my best friend/maid of honor is PREGNANT!! She is having a little one in July (sex is a surprise!) and I couldn't be more excited for her and her husband.

We have some exciting events coming up: weddings, baby showers, weekend festivals, and Orioles games! We got season tickets this year with my parents, and it has been awesome!

Also, we booked our honeymoon!!!

We are heading to MAUI, HAWAII!!! 

We also have a one-night layover in Seattle, so if anyone has recommendations for either location, let us know :)

And now, I'll leave you with some engagement photos my friend from high school took for us for free, which was so sweet of her:

I think she did a great job. Don't you?

In my next post: A sangria review, just in time for Spring!

Slow Down!

It’s been an insanely long time since I dropped in.

Life is funny like that. I’m so busy living my life that I don’t have time to share my life on this blog. I know no one reads it. But I do enjoy going back and reading my old posts. So, I am going to *try* to post more often.

Although, I doubt I’ll be too successful with my job, Master’s Degree, wedding planning  (less than 10 months to go and SO MUCH TO DO – eeeek!), and social events always going on. But, I am going to at least try.

I was thinking recently about time. The older I get, the faster time seems to rush by, and the more I want to press the "pause" button. Sean turned 28 a couple weeks ago, and I was reminiscing on the fact that when we met, I was 22 – about to be 23 – and he was 25, which is the age I am now.

In a few short years, I have grown so very much. And it’s not just about the big “life step” of getting engaged this year. It’s about way more than that. In the last 3 or so years, I have graduated undergrad, am on my 3^rd “real world” job, started paying ALL of my bills, bought my first new car (that happened about a month ago and is a story for another day…), moved 3 times, started grad school, and have seen 2 beautiful nieces come into this world…and now one of them is talking and walking and running and playing.

Life is so very, very fast. I know that lately, I have been stressed. Worried about things at work, wedding to-dos, what to buy everyone for Christmas, how I’m going to afford my car payments, looking for houses with Sean and realizing we aren't even close to having enough saved up….I need to just stop. Pause. Reflect. Live. Enjoy.

I’m so busy living life that I’m not even present in it. Has anyone else ever felt this way? I picture my wedding day, and then I picture it being over in the blink of an eye, and I don’t want that to happen. I want to wake up that morning, and just…take a few moments. Alone. I want to walk SLOWLY down that aisle, staring into the face of the man I love, and just pause, and take in his smile, and the way his eyes get green when he is teary-eyed, and etch that moment into my brain for the rest of my life.

This Christmas, I want to sit on the couch and stare at the Christmas tree, snow falling softly outside, and just enjoy those little moments. Christmas is a week from today, and I feel like I’ve been so busy going to holiday parties and shopping for gifts and working 45 hours a week that I haven’t actually enjoyed Christmas itself. It's not about the gifts, yet every year I catch myself obsessing over giving every single person on my list (and it's a looong list) the "perfect" gift. But in reality, the greatest gift of all is life, and love, and family. Without that, we are nothing.

I'm not really sure what the purpose of this post is, other than I realize I need to slow down a little. 

I have a work party today, a birthday party tomorrow, a gift exchange Friday, and another birthday party Saturday…my plan for this Sunday is to relax. To do nothing but enjoy life. No plans. Maybe lounge on the couch with a book. Play a board game with Sean. Just be present and have fun.

The Christmas wrapping can wait. The grocery shopping can wait. The laundry can wait. The wedding to-dos can wait. It can all wait for one more day.

I’ll check in on Monday and let you know how it goes!

Happy Holidays, to anyone who actually reads this, and enjoy this photo of last week's snow in Baltimore J

I Said "Yes!" to the Dress...and a New Job!

So, I'm sure hardly anyone reads this blog these days, but I still like to update my thoughts from time to time for my own sake. It will be nice to go back and read about these moments in the future.

First, I said yes to the dress!!!

About 3 weeks ago, my mom, Sean's mom, and 2 of my bridesmaids went to some bridal shops. Now, I had already seen "the" dress at a previous shopping trip with my mom, and AGAIN when I went to "visit" it with Sean's mom. But, I am a very indecisive person, and if I can barely decide what to order for dinner, how am I going to decide on a wedding dress?

I decided to take my two bridesmaids to a few more bridal shops (I went to a total of 5 I think?!) to try more dresses. Some were definite "No's", some were "Maybes", and some were even on the "A" list. But none compared to "the" dress.

So, on that Saturday afternoon, I called the bridal shop (and my salesgirl, who now knows me personally haha) and asked if I could come "visit" my dress. As soon as I put it on, my friends were speechless. Most importantly, I was speechless. All I could do was stare in the mirror at myself and hold back tears. I pictured myself walking down the dock (since we are getting married outside on a dock overlooking Baltimore -- sigh) towards Sean, and I couldn't see myself wearing anything else. That was it. I was sold. It was such a special moment, and I'm so glad I could share it with my friends and my two "moms". I can't wait until it comes in about 4-6 months from now!

Maid of honor, Me, Bridesmaid

So now, onto the new job!

Over the summer, I was barely nannying because the family I work for didn't need me very often. I wasn't making any money, and I knew the whole "hanging with the kids" thing wouldn't last forever. So, I casually started looking at HR jobs online (Human Resources Management is what my Master's program is). After applying to several jobs online and not hearing back, I decided to contact some friends from previous Grad School classes who already have good HR jobs. One girl immediately sent my resume to another girl who had a position open...and it turns out, I had a class with that girl as well! Double win!

I interviewed on the phone, in person the next day, and got a job offer the following day. 2 weeks later, I said my farewells to the children (which was--and still is--tough, believe me) and began my journey as Human Resources Coordinator at Bon Secours Health Systems, Inc. So far, in these first 2 weeks, the job has been an absolute whirlwind, but also a blast. The organization itself is incredible. They are Catholic-based, and were founded by Sisters. They are all about service, helping others, and wellness and good health. One of my main projects I am working on is the Wellness Committee--I am in charge of health and wellness initiatives, events, and seminars. I am also in charge of new employee orientation and a slew of other projects. It's a lot on my plate, but everyone is so friendly and helpful, and I hope I will be a part of this organization for a long time.

The only con? The commute! I was always spoiled by very short commutes, so now, driving in Baltimore traffic is killing me. It's only 25 miles away, but takes anywhere from 35 minutes to over an hour, depending on the day. I'm sure I will adjust, but boy am I pooped at the end of the day!

Q: How long is your daily commute? Any tips on how to cope?

Where the hello have I been?!

Ok, ok, so I doubt very many people keep up with my blog anymore since it has been so sporadic and  inconsistent for the past year or so.

I always prooomise that I am going to post X amount of times per week, and I even make a "blogging schedule" for myself...and then life gets in the way.

So, I wanted to at least pop in to say that I haven't been blogging much because I've been going through a LOT of changes in my personal and professional life.

Such as...

-Moving into a new apartment in a new town (but with the same guy, of course--he's here for the long haul)

-Quitting my job (That post was written when I first got the position...but it started to really wear on my emotionally and I was downright unhappy towards the end. I have no ill will for any of my coworkers or supervisors--they were all incredible!--and I learned so much there. However, it was time to move on).

-Instead, I am now a full-time nanny. Wait...what? How is this a "professional" career change, you ask? Well, quite frankly...it's sort of not. But the right position with a fantastic family fell into my lap, in a gorgeous area and decent pay, and I went for it. Why am I doing this, you ask? Because...

-I applied and have been accepted into Graduate School! Beginning in the Spring 2013 semester, I will be studying at Towson University for my Master of Science in Human Resources Development. I am really excited about it. I will be taking two night classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, and the great thing about my new nanny job is the flexibility with my hours (generally work 8-4 M-F) which allows me enough time to make it to evening classes, and also allows me to study during the day (while the babies are napping).

That is pretty much the big stuff. I've had a lot of family visits, including to visit my grandparents who are old and sick, and I've been more concerned with real life than with the blog.

However, I really am going to try to blog more...even if no one is reading but myself! Haha. I won't make any promises or force myself to stick to a "schedule", but I will try (at first) to blog once a week. Right now it is naptime for the kids, so I am thinking it will be easier to blog during the afternoon than at my previous job.

I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season! I'll be back soon with a couple of recipes to share--some cookies and some crock pot wonders!

And I'll leave you with a photo of Sean and I when we visited the lights on 34th street in Hampden this past Saturday:

What's your favorite holiday?

Change

Things are changing a lot around here, and I think that with the changes in my life should come some changes (mainly updates!) with my blog. I'm going to be working on some new pages, and my blog may change focus a bit in the coming months. I hope you all keep reading, and any ideas or feedback would be greatly appreciated!

So, here are a few major updates:

1. I turn 24 in 6 days. Twenty-four. When the hell did that happen?!

2. I know I have spoken briefly about wanting to possibly change career paths...and now is the time. We had an emergency staff meeting last week and learned that our government funding is being significantly cut...resulting in inevitable layoffs. I have kicked my job hunt into high gear, and I am researching graduate school options as well.

3. With the changes in career/school also come changes in my living situation. Of course I will still be living with Sean. He and I are rock solid and plan to continue our lives together for as long as...well, forever, to be quite honest. And I couldn't be happier. However, we are losing money by paying to live in the city. Is city life fun? Yes, of course. But it is expensive so we may move to a suburb of Baltimore to a smaller apartment to save money for awhile...especially if I'm out of a job soon.

4. My niece (also my goddaughter) is now 7 months old. Where has the time gone?! Can't wait to hold her in my arms again when my family visits in August.

5. My life in terms of Eating Disorder Recovery is worlds apart from where it was when I started this blog in Spring of 2009. At that time, I was miserable and scared and embarking on the journey of recovery alone. My family didn't know what was going on, and frankly, neither did I. Through a community of other bloggers, I was able to gain support that was crucial to me, and I will never be able to express to this community how grateful I am.

But, I am now in a different place. With many ups, downs, and side to sides, I think I am finally feeling "recovered". Am I totally in the clear? I don't know. Maybe, maybe not. But I have finally gotten to a point where, with the help of therapists, treatment centers, family, friends, and my amazing boyfriend, I accept myself. I like my body--and I weigh more now than I did BEFORE I ever had the eating disorder. I am able to work out sometimes because I want to and because it makes me feel good--not because I feel I have to. I am able to eat moderately healthy while still indulging in sweets, french fries, and lots of alcoholic beverages. I try to eat well because it makes my body feel good and gives me energy...but I don't beat myself up when I indulge because indulgences are supposed to be fun.

Do I still get those guilty thoughts now and again after skipping a run or eating one too many donuts? Sure. I'm only human. But it doesn't eat me up inside like it used to (no pun intended).

So, with this all being said, my growth has obviously warranted some personal growth on the blog. I am still going to do some Recovery-oriented posts now and then, but for the most part, I want this blog to be a reflection of my life now. I will be posting about job searching and the grad school hunt. Date ideas and mushy love stuff. Family and friends. Recipes I like. Drinks I enjoy. Workouts that make me sweat so good. Recaps of cool places I go.

I hope to blog more than once a month like I've been doing lately. My hope is that I will be able to retain readership from you guys by posting things that we all care about and can relate to. If you have any ideas on things you'd like to see/not see, topics you find interesting, or any random (constructive--be nice!) comments, please let me know here or email me.

Thanks, and if you made it through this mountain of a post, I applaud you!

Everybody's Workin' for the Weekend...

This past Saturday and Sunday, I had to work. Boooo.

The plus side? It ended up thunderstorming and raining like crazy allll day, so being inside wasn't such a bad thing. And since I am really only there on the weekend "just in case" an emergency might happen, I was able to get 150 pages into Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides. Anyone else read this book? I am about a third of the way finished, and I am really fascinated by it so far.

In exchange for my rainy weekend hours, I was able to take a day off. I took Friday off, which ended up being a smart choice--the weather was PERFECT. Mid-80's, breezy, and sunny. I decided to run some errands, then stop by the harbor for some shopping and general people-watching. Check out this view:

*Sigh*.

I love Baltimore.

Friday night, my roommate left for a 2-week trip to Europe (jealous!!!), so we celebrated with a bon voyage drink...or 4.

The rest of the weekend was spent with my boy toy. We had no set plans but ended up going to TEN BARS in 4 days (Thursday--Sunday). It was a lot fo fun--we tried out some places I had never been before.

***

This week, in addition to working full-time (which involves dealing with irate patients, leading group therapy, and doing treatment plans and other paperwork), I am prepping for my best friend's BACHELORETTE PARTY this coming Saturday! I am hosting it at my house since I am the Maid of Honor, and we will be playing games and having lots of food and beverages, and then going out on the town. Everyone will be crashing at my place. I am a little stressed about being a hostess, but mostly just super excited!

*

Any good Bachelorette party stories to share? Any wacky, zany party ideas are welcomed....minus male strippers. Bride's orders!

Sunshine & Words to Live By

Greetings, Friends!

It's a gorgeous day in Baltimore.

(view from my office window)

*************

A few quick updates:

1. The job is busy & stressful but is going very well. I honestly can say I LOVE MY JOB, which I am SO grateful for because that isn't common these days.

2. My roommate and I have gotten very close and I am so glad my living situation worked out so incredibly well.

3. I have a new "Man Friend"--B is a piece of the past. I realized that I was making him out to be more perfect than he really was. I gave him a few more chances to prove himself to me, but he failed miserably. And you know what I say--on to the next one! (I'm kidding...sort of.) In all seriousness though, I met a guy who is really great, and I'm excited to see where things go.

4. This weekend I am returning to SU to officially "walk across the stage" and graduate--even though I already have my diploma and my degree! Still, I haven't been back there since March and it will be really wonderful to reconnect with old friends again.

5. My brother and his wife are expecting their first child! They are due November 1st. I can't wait to become an aunt :-)

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Words to live by:

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”—Mother Theresa

What Keeps Me Going at Work

As you all probably know by now, I recently started a new full-time job as a Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Counselor at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. We are a 7-day-a-week clinic working with patients with severe opiate addictions. As you can imagine, most of my days end up being exhausting, fast-paced, and overwhelming. With my clientele, no two days are alike, and it can be an emotional roller coaster. However, I am thoroughly enjoying my position thus far, as most of the patients and staff I work with are truly extraordinary human beings. I leave work each day feeling like I have done something worthwhile, which makes me feel very lucky and blessed to have found such a great career so soon after college.

That being said, there are still many moments (and hours...and days...) where I am so stressed and frazzled I want to pull my hair out!

But there are a few things that have been keeping me going, even on the craziest of days......

America, and Coco, runs on Dunkin.

My workspace can get sort of cluttered, but at least I can sneak onto my blog reader from time to time...

...and I have some pretty (fake) flowers to brighten my days.

I try to wear cute outfits so I at least look good, even if I feel exhausted:

And my patients and I can all benefit from a little inspiration...

At the end of the day, before I head home, I always press this nifty little button...

...and then I have one of these:

(Ok, ok, so I wait until I get home for that last one, but still).

So there you have it. It's the little things (like staff meeting pizza parties or birthday luncheons) that get me through my hectic days.

Do you enjoy your job?

What gets you through your workdays?

Bootylicious Easter

Thank you to the wonderful Jess for the Bootylicious award! :-)

Here are the rules for accepting the award:

1. Post this award with the picture and name whoever tagged you in it

2. Do the STUFF

3. Award to 7 others and tell them you did so!

THE STUFF:

1. Name 3 things that are lying right next to you

-high heels (for work tomorrow!)

-computer charger (yeah, i'm blogging from the floor...)

-cell phone

2. Name 2 foods you cannot live without

-oatmeal

-beer (yes, it is a food group in my mind)

3. Name 1 thing you did today

Went to Easter Mass, had a delightful Brunch with extended family, and then drove 5 hours back to Baltimore because I have to work at 7:30 tomorrow morning! (Oh, the joys of adulthood...)

7 lovely bloggers:

Hmmm...I can't decide...I want EVERYONE to do this one! :-) (Yeah I know, I'm taking the lame easy way out on this one)

Thanks Jess!

**********************

Anyway, sorry it's been FOREVER since I've updated you all. Life is busy busy busy...I started my new full-time job as a Drug & Alcohol Rehab Therapist, and let's just say it is not your ordinary desk job, that's for sure (although I do have a desk...and my own office!)

I am stressed and busy, but I promise I have still been reading your blogs. It's just hard for me to find time to post...promise I will soon though!

City Life

Thank you all for your lovely responses on my last post! I really appreciate your kind words!!!

APARTMENT UPDATE:

So, I've been "moved in" to my apartment since Saturday! I've spent most of my time organizing/unpacking, exploring my neighborhood, and relaxing with Bailey the beagle and Amanda, my awesome roommate. We get along really well!

Yesterday, I took a visit to the Whole Foods by the Inner Harbor, and although it was depressingly expensive and I couldn't really afford anything, it was amazing. I also walked through Little Italy, and through my neighborhood to see which bars I'll probably be hitting up this weekend! ;-) It all still feels so surreal to me. It's only been a couple of days, so I guess that makes sense. But honestly, I love my new home, and I really think I will stay in Baltimore for awhile. I love it here. I am super close to my parents, but I am still far enough away that I can be completely independent. Also, I love the city! The water, the air, the sounds, the smells...all of it!

JOB UPDATE:

I just got a call from my boss today, and due to some issues with the HR department, I may not be starting my job until April 4th. I'm a little bummed, to be honest. My brother and my friends and roommate were like "oh that's so awesome, you'll have more time to just chill out and do whatever!", but I am ready to go! I need to make money to pay the bills, first of all. But I'm also genuinely excited to get started in my career. I'm sure once I start, I'll look back and realize how great it was to sit around doing nothing, though....

I am trying to keep myself busy with social plans, and also to keep myself accountable. I know I haven't really talked candidly about my eating disorder on here in awhile, mostly because things have been fairly stable. However, it is definitely true that moving out on your own makes it hard to stick to a meal plan, or at least a general schedule. I think it's hard for any person, but especially someone with my history. My roommate works nights, so dinners have been on my own. I stocked up on cheap/quick/easy to make foods that I also enjoy, like chicken breasts, lots of frozen and canned veggies, and rice or pasta dishes. So far, so good.

MAN UPDATE:

The man and I have a date tomorrow night! I offered to drive to him since he drove to me last time. Plus, he's a teacher and works early in the morning, so we can't stay out too late. I'm going to meet up with him at his house around 5:30 tomorrow evening, and then we're going to go out to dinner somewhere and then probably for a drink or two somewhere as well. I am so nervous every time I hang out with him because I honestly have never felt this intensely about a guy before. I want things to work out so badly, but I don't want to hold my expectations too high in case it doesn't work out. Can anyone relate? I know I should stop overanalyzing everything and just enjoy our time spent together, but it's hard not to wonder where it will end up going.

*************************

So, that's pretty much all for now. I am exhausted so I am going to head to bed!

What is your favorite city and why?

My "home" city of Baltimore is great, but of all the cities I've been to in the world, PARIS is my favorite. Hands down. No competition.

From College Grad to Career Woman!

Ladies & Gentleman, boys & girls, it's official!

I am a WORKING WOMAN!

After being a member of the college crowd, to a proud grad, to an unemployed mess, I am now finally transitioning into a working woman!

A "young professional", if you will.

I got a call TODAY from Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. I am going to be a Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Counselor in their Addiction Treatment Services Program.

This is a legit job with a salary and benefits like healthcare, paid vacation, and tuition reimbursement for graduate school!

I am officially a REAL person. My start date is in 2 weeks--Monday, March 28th!!!

I am beyond excited...and also nervous and scared. I have ZERO experience actually counseling people, let alone heroine addicts, so this is definitely going to be a learning experience. I am going to be responsible for a caseload of about 40 patients, and I will be conducting both individual and group therapy sessions. I am really excited though. This is a dream job for me because I am directly interacting with patients and making a positive impact, which is important to me.

*********

So, this job means I need to MOVE into an apartment in downtown Baltimore--pronto! Anyone have any recommendations? So far I have been scouring craigslist and have already found quite a few affordable places in the Fed Hill, Fells Point, and Canton.

I'm nervous to move into a new place--especially dealing with roommates and being on my own (aka NOT with my parents). Plus, I am going to have to deal with rent, utilities, food, social/extra costs, gas, insurance...I guess I really am an adult now.

***********

SOOOOO......

I went on date #2 with The Amazing Man on Sunday night. He is wonderful. We have been talking on the phone frequently. Sunday night, I met him in Gettysburg at his house, and then we went to dinner AND drinks. The date lasted 4.5 hours, and would have lasted longer if he had been able to stay out later (he works full-time as a permanent substitute teacher at a middle school so he had to cut the night short).

Tonight, we talked on the phone for an hour. He works all weekend as a waiter/bartender, but we may get together later in the week.

I really like this guy (or should I say MAN?! After all, he is 27!). He is sweet, kind, caring, intelligent, and hilariously funny. Our conversations flow and we have a lot in common while still bringing different opinions and perspectives to the table. I know it's only been 2 dates, but there is something about this man that is different from anything I've felt before.

I don't want to jinx anything, but I could totally see this being "the one". I never even used to believe in that romantic cheesy stuff, but now I'm not so sure. We "click" and everything is falling into place so well!!!

**********

Ok, well, I'm headed to bed, but I thought I'd share the news! :-)

Falling Into Place

Hello, loves!

Sorry my last post was so...brief. And cryptic.

Basically, I met the most amazing man ever (we'll call him B) and we had a fantastic first date last Friday night. I met him in a very funny and random way--he was the bartender at my brother and sister-in-law's rehearsal dinner in Gettysburg! We talked for awhile there, and then saw each other at the bar the next night (I went out after the wedding), and then we became Facebook friends, exchanged some private messages, exchanged phone numbers, and finally last Friday our schedules coincided so we could meet!

He picked me up at my house (yes--he drove 50 minutes from Gettysburg to MD just to take me out hehe) around 6:45, and our date lasted until...midnight. And probably would've lasted longer but he had to work the next day. We talked, and talked, and talked, and drank, and ate, and talked, and drank, and talked some more.

And then kissed.

It was perfect. Sublime.

And guess what?!?! We have plans to see each other this weekend! We actually aren't going out until Sunday, which sounds kind of weird, but I am going out of town for a psychology conference in BOSTON (super pumped!!!) and don't get back until 11pm Saturday night. So, he said how about Sunday because he "definitely wants to see me again" and I said um YES PLEASE! hehe.

OH! And other things are falling into place as well.....

I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!

Well, it's not official yet, exactly. I can't go into too much detail, but basically, I got hired by one of the TOP hospitals in the nation to work as a Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Counselor. I am beyond thrilled. Seriously, this is a dream come true. My mom and I have already started looking online at APARTMENTS in Baltimore (right now the commute is anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic). I can't believe things are falling into place so perfectly!

Anyway, cross your fingers that it all works out for me!

P.S. Has anyone been to Boston? Any ideas for places to go and things to see???

Interview

First things first:

This weekend was so much fun. I got to see my roomies again after more than a month apart. I caught up with old friends, drank some alcohol, and danced my little patootie off.

I also realized that I felt "normal" for the first time in awhile. As in, pizza for dinner, and shots of vodka, and not even worrying about the calories. It was great. My hangover on Sunday wasn't so great, but it was worth it.

So, tomorrow morning, I have a really big JOB INTERVIEW!

I don't want to disclose too much (you never know who might find you on the internet, know what I mean?), but basically, this job is in my field (Psychology), and it is a great opportunity. If I get hired, I will have a "real person" full-time job, and I'll be working in an area I have always been interested in. This really could be a dream come true for me.

I admit, I am super nervous. Like, insanely nervous. I know that's normal for big interviews, but I sometimes let my anxiety take hold more than I should. I am trying to keep up with my eating and I've been doing yoga to relax, but I am still freaking out!

Anyway, I'm off to try on my business suit for the umpteenth time, practice interviewing in front of the mirror, and doing a few cat-cow poses to help me relax.

(...And maybe eating some chocolate.)

Do you have any tips or advice for a professional interview?

A Workin' Girl!

Good afternoon, bloggies!

My oh my, I feel like it has been forever since my last post! Or maybe it's just that it seems like a lot of exciting stuff has happened.

As the title of my post suggests, I have started working at my new job as an Enumerator for the U.S. Census Bureau for the 2010 Census! Well--so far I have just done training, which is this week from 3:30 to 9:30 at night. Exhausting, but kind of fun, and I am getting paid a decent sum PLUS gas mileage/travel time, so I really can't complain! I was also chosen to be trained as a fingerprinter, and I fingerprinted my fellow Enumerators on Monday. I felt so official, and I was really proud of myself!

The only drawback to the night training, besides the fact that I'm missing some of my TV shows, is that I have to eat dinner at training. We only get 30 mins (sometimes even less!), so most people pack their meals. However, there is NO fridge OR microwave. Therefore, I have been trying to stick to my weight-gain goals by packing high-cal options that are easy to transport and won't spoil in my lunchbox--PB & J, granola bars, juice boxes, etc.

So this morning I had another weigh-in, and I am only up one more pound. I am a bit disappointed because I know that part of it is my eating disorder holding me back. I know I could be challenging myself more, but sometimes in the moment, ED holds me back. But I am still trying to keep my goals in mind. I'm afraid that I won't gain enough weight by the middle of May and therefore won't be able to take my trip to visit my brother in San Diego. I really am going to work even harder this week to make it happen!

This weekend, I am heading to SU for Spring Weekend, which is basically a fun free event on campus with blow-up obstacle courses, free t-shirts and goodies, an outdoor barbecue, and live music. I am excited but also nervous to see people again. I always feel like I'm an intruder in my own apartment when I'm there, mostly because I think it's awkward for everyone! But I will be seeing the boy, which I am super stoked about!

Have a lovely rest of the week and weekend, and I'll post again as soon as time allows :-)