Movin' On Up

To....

A new home!!! 

That's right--we bought a house!!!

We settle and move in less than a month from now! I feel like it all happened so fast, but also so slow. We've been browsing the internet for 6+ months, then found a real estate agent and looked at several homes over the course of a month or two. Then there are contracts, counter-offers, inspections, loan applications, home insurance quotes, and the list goes on. I knew buying a house was complicated, but I didn't realize just how complicated--and stressful--it would be.

Either way, it is all worth it. We are moving back to the town where I grew up. We will be about 15 minutes from my parents (about an hour from Sean's mom, which will be an adjustment since we used to be close to her house) and 5 minutes from my best friend's house! I am very very excited to start our life together in our very first home! (Well, Sean owns a rental house in Baltimore City, but this is my first home purchase and our first major joint purchase, so it's exciting nonetheless).

The house is a bit outdated in terms of fixtures and appliances, but it's in great shape, is spacious, and has an awesome covered deck and yard out back. We love the neighborhood and can picture living there for years to come with our children (if we are blessed with children, that is). And maybe a puppy first...just to see how it goes.

In other news, my best friend since birth is HAVING A BABY today. Talk about things coming full circle. I'll be sure to post an update once the baby is born (and of course, not without her permission!).

Have a fantastic weekend, friends!

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?

25 Things I've Learned in 25 Years {Birthday Post}

So. Tomorrow I turn 25. 

One quarter century of life. It boggles my mind how much I have grown, and how much I still have yet to grow. I can't believe I was just shy of 21 when I started this blog. Time passes so quickly. 

I know this is totally cliché, and is pretty much a carbon copy of every Thought Catalog

article that exists. But, I mostly did this for myself. To reflect on what is important to me at age 25, and what I have learned in these 25 years, and what I have yet to learn. I'm not trying to say that I'm expert on these 25 things. Most of these are simply things I have realized are important to me that I am constantly trying to work on. I’m sure 5 or 10 years from now, my older, wiser self might read this blog post and cringe. But, that’s the beauty of life—we are forever evolving, learning, and growing. So, without further ado, here are 25 things I have learned in 25 years:

25 Things I've Learned in 25 Years of Life:

1. Give hugs freely. They are an instant mood booster.

2. Sleep. It is not only essential, it feels like heaven to hit the sheets after a long day.

3. That problem you have that seems like a huge deal? It won't matter in 5 years (or even in 5 days!).

4. Be assertive. Tell people how you feel. Stand up for yourself when necessary.

5. Do NOT be afraid to say no. You cannot please everyone, and you shouldn't waste your time trying to.

6. Work hard. Suck it up. Take a job that you think is "below" you. These are tough economic times. Tough it up and work hard.

7. That being said, if you are absolutely miserable in your job (or relationship, or any part of your life), DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Go to grad school. Dump the jerk. Go into a place of business and hand someone your resume in person. And call to follow up. Over and over again.

8. Take a time out from social media every now and again. Yes, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are awesome. They allow us to meet new people and learn new things. Just don't forget to spend time with the people you love--without a screen in front of your face. Play a board game. Go for a walk outside. Be one with nature. Remember there is a whole world out there!

9. Stop comparing your life milestones to someone else's. At 25, some of my friends are married with 4 kids. Some are lawyers making six figures. Some are still living in Mom & Dad's basement playing guitar hero and working part-time at Costco. You know what? Who cares?! Do what makes you happy, and don't feel pressured to get married/move in with your boyfriend/have a kid/go to law school if you aren't ready, or if you just plain don’t want to, ever.

10. Avoid drama. You’d think it would go away with puberty, but it doesn’t. In some cases, it gets even worse. But you know what? It's not worth it. Leave it alone. Women need to stop hating on other women. We face enough adversity as a gender to begin with—why add to the problem by tearing each other down?

11. Quit comparing yourselves to other women. There will ALWAYS be someone skinnier/prettier/smarter/more fun/more successful than you. Find what you love about yourself and embrace it. Learn to deal with those things you can't change (I used to hate my freckles. Now? They're bad ass).

12. Take good care of your body. I learned this the hard way, through many years of starving myself, running myself ragged, and being hospitalized with a conglomeration of health problems. I WAS the skinniest girl in the room back then, and you know what? It f***ing sucked. I was miserable. Remember, the next time you find yourself "jealous" of another woman's “success”, that you have no idea what is going on under the surface.

13. More important than your body, take care of your soul. Find your passion. Read, sing, dance, explore, create. LIVE.

14. Stop trying to change people. It's not going to work. The older I get, the clearer it becomes that some people just plain suck, and they always will. Don't dwell on it. Find good, decent human beings who make you happy, and surround yourself with them instead.

15. Learn about the world. Learn about world issues. Look at both sides of the story. Learn the facts before you assume anything. Start becoming a citizen of the world.

16. Be careful what you post online. Those pictures of you and your bestie taking body shots off of a hairy man's chest might seem awesome at 21, but at 25 you will be cringing with embarrassment--as will future employers, future husbands, and your future children. Even a picture that is "untagged" or “deleted” is likely still floating in cyberspace somewhere, so please--use discretion.

17. However, it's ok to let loose sometimes. Tequila shots on a Wednesday when you had a bad day at work? Sure, go for it--as long as it isn't a daily habit. Sometimes, you just need that second (or third) glass of wine.

18. Read the fine print. Whether it's a lease for a home or car, some other major purchase, or even just some random toaster you found on Amazon, do your research. Read reviews. Ask around. You'll be glad you did later.

19. Step outside your comfort zone. It could be as small as trying a new cuisine, or as extreme as flying solo to a new country. Stretch yourself.

20. Work on the relationships that matter--and know when to let go of the ones that don't. My mom and I have had quite a rocky past. But, you know what? She's my mom, I love her, she birthed me and has provided for me, and I want her to have a relationship with her future grandkids. So, we worked it out. (Are things perfect? Of course not. But we are better than we have ever been before). It took years of therapy, arguments, and awkward conversations for us to get to such a happy point. That being said, know when to cut ties. If someone is harming your wellbeing to a damaging point and nothing seems to work to change that, it might be time to let go.

21. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether it is from a trained therapist or from a friend or family member, swallow your pride and ask for help when necessary. Part of being an adult is realizing when you just can't do it all by yourself. That's ok.

22. Treat yourself. Life is too short to never splurge on that fancy dinner out, that designer handbag, that spa treatment, or that saucy pair of shoes. Just make sure it is within reason, and only once in awhile. The novelty wears off if you keep doing it!

23. Stop worrying (so much) about what other people think. Of course, you want your boss to respect you, and you want your significant other's parents to like you. But guess what? Not everyone is going to like you. And that's ok. After all, do you like every single person you meet? Of course not. As long as you impress the people that matter, you're golden. (And if not, to hell with them.)

24. Say you're sorry. Life is too short to be a stubborn asshole. Admit when you're wrong. Stand up for yourself when you're right, but please...choose your battles wisely. Sometimes, it's just not worth it.

25. Love is the most important thing. Always.

I'll be back with a recap of my birthday weekend! :)