Chateau de Victoria: adventure

Showing posts with label adventure. Show all posts

Saturday, February 16, 2013

{MY BIG MOVE!}

Today, I am celebrating...

MY BIG MOVE!

Can you guess the city?

Let me fill you in on what's been going on lately! As some of you know, it has been my dream to move to California for a little while now. Ever since my last trip to the West Coast, I have been mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially preparing for "the big move". It finally hit me one morning this past summer; I decided I would take a road trip across country and start a new beginning in California the following spring. (It's true, just ask my mother.) Well, get this...

Golden Gate Bridge

On that trip to California, I made an effort to visit my federal agency's office in San Francisco and meet with some of the staff. Fast forward a few months and you'd find me starting to apply to several federal positions...all located in the sunny state. Well, needless to say, the amount of government job postings that are cancelled, postponed or for internal promotion only are many...and I wasn't having much luck. Being continually promoted at my current agency has been wonderful, but my desire to move outweighed my desire to stay. So, I kept trying. And trying. And trying some more. And all the while believing that my dream would one day turn to reality. Right? The truth is, I wanted to exhaust all of my government opportunities before looking elsewhere...

Alcatraz

Well, by the time the recent holiday season hit I started thinking it was time to switch up my game plan. I began networking outside of the government, talking with family, looking into the Peace Corps...and seriously entertaining the idea of traveling full-time for a few months. You see, sometimes you just have this desire to keep moving, keep going, keep living in a new way. I promised myself I would at least meet my 3-year mark with the government for better reinstatement purposes down the road (if need be). Then I could pursue whatever path I wanted...

Muni

So I submitted my last government application...and it just so happened to be for a position within my agency's San Francisco office. Since this kind of opportunity is rare, I didn't think much of it...and was more focused on making travel plans than anything else. A few days later, I sat down with a coworker and asked her what I needed to know about leaving the federal government and what the protocols were for reinstatement, if I chose to come back later on. She told me what she thought and asked for my resume. She said she didn't personally know anyone in our SF office, but figured it couldn't hurt to relay my information anyway. The next day was my 3-year workaversary...and I had an email request for a phone interview with two of the men I'd met when I visited the SF office!

Boardwalk

Timing is everything. Who knew that I would apply for a position working directly under people I had already met...and that they would recognize my name and immediately get in touch with me?! We had a splendid phone interview that day (I technically already had an in-person interview) and I was offered the job two days later. Within one week, everything I was hoping for became a reality...and even better than I could have imagined! The location, the job, the time frame...all came to be. And now I'm in the process of relocating my life to the West Coast via road trip! Sometimes when God opens a door, he pushes you through it!

My new car?

I am ecstatic to begin this new chapter in my life. There is so much to look forward to! A fabulous city, new relationships, career exploration, plenty of travel opportunities, etc. I have A LOT of planning to do and, while a little overwhelmed, trust that everything will fall into place. It's amazing how when something is right...even the small details play a big part in the process! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I plan, travel & begin this new adventure. Not only do I have a lot to 'wrap up' over the next few weeks, I also have plans to travel abroad! Talk about a packed schedule!

Chinatown

It's not going to be easy saying goodbye to friends and family (or my pups!), but I'm lucky to have such a huge support system on the East Coast. I just hope I can keep it together until I leave! Regardless...

Life is a beautiful adventure.

Here's to following your dreams :)

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

{New Year, New Goals}

Indulge in...

A New Year(ning)

So far, this year has been marked by a lot of relaxing and spending time with family, working on a few DIY projects (coming soon), dealing with some health issues and easing back into my normal groove. That said, I'm really excited for what 2013 has to offer! Not one to typically write a list of resolutions at the beginning of a new year, I did make myself stick to one specific "new year intention" for 2012: accept as many social invitations as possible in order to meet new people, expand my horizons and get to know myself better. I think I did a pretty darn good job! And while I would like to "go with the flow" and see where life takes me throughout the upcoming months, I do have a few more clearly-defined intentions for 2013:

1. Continue to put less importance on social networking. I've been without Facebook for almost three months and it's amazing how much extra time I put into more useful things. I like taking a break now and then to remind myself that Facebook doesn't take the place of having real relationships, having a real life (not just an awesome, virtual one) and shouldn't be a necessary way of receiving affirmation from others. I've even been debating whether to take a break from other forms of social networking, such as Instagram, but only if it becomes a source of distraction for me. Everything in moderation.

2. Make investing a priority. I've received a lot of great advice on investing and, while I want to share it with all of you, I want to first put my money where my mouth is (ha ha) and see what happens. I reached my financial savings goal for 2012 (yay!) and feel very confident in my ability to make big decisions if I choose to do so. However, I must note that the act of investing (to me) extends beyond just making a monetary commitment!

3. Switch professional gears. I am about to celebrate my 3-year workaversary with the federal government (crazy!) at the end of January and, while I have developed so much as both a person and a professional in my current position, I feel it is time to start looking into new opportunities. I'm not quite sure what that means yet or when it will happen, but I do know that my bold heart is speaking loud and clear. I do not take for granted the blessing of a stable job with good pay, benefits, flexibility, etc...but I also know that complacency can hold us back from pursuing our true desires. Life's too short for that. Here's to seeing what the future brings!

4. Volunteer more. I've realized that I want volunteering to be a larger part of my life. Not just volunteering for the sake of it, but seizing opportunities that I actually care about and believe in. I think we need to build into others just as much as we need others to build into us. While serving dinner at a homeless shelter the other night, I had a moment of clarity; that no matter who we are or what walk of life we find ourselves in...we're all humans who crave love in whatever shape or form we can receive it. For me, that makes life a little more precious.

5. Be content. I'm going to be very honest with all of you and admit something quite personal: that despite everything I do and have done, I seem to always crave more out of life. Shocker. Now, I don't think it's a bad thing to want more or continuously strive toward goals...but contentment can be a struggle for me at times (ya feel me?). My current back issues brought this to light recently since I've been forced to take a break from my typical routine. What I'm realizing is that I need to spend more energy into being thankful and appreciative and less energy into being anxious, worrisome and comparative. I seem to forget that God is an unparalleled source of peace and that He knows the real desires of my heart...all while providing me with the right opportunities at the right time. Note to self: re-read this last line (er, paragraph) every day for the rest of ~~the year~~ my life.

I think it's wonderful to have positive and self-improving intentions when entering a new year, as well as continuing those goals already set in motion. For me, 2012 was a year of transition & discovery: being single & independent after many years in a relationship, distancing myself from lousy friendships and embracing new, healthier ones, seeking out awesome opportunities and adventures to enrich my life, putting my personal happiness first...it was an at-times-challenging yet epic year (and the one that I will always treasure). So what about 2013? Oh friends...just you wait!

Images via Pinterest

Friday, December 28, 2012

{Cheers to 2012!}

Today, I am loving...

My Recap of 2012

Where do I begin? This year has been incredible! So much so that I've been spending the last couple of weeks in semi-hibernation mode, taking in all that has happened and appreciating just how blessed I've been. I cannot thank my friends enough for including me in so many fun activities and for joining me in my adventures. My family has been super supportive in all that I've sought out to do and accomplish, and I am all the better because of it! Thank you guys. So in honor of the best year yet, here are a few of my favorite 2012 highlights:

Mardi Gras

Enjoyed: the Endymion ball, beignets & coffee, bead catching during parades, drinking Hurricanes and Grenades on Bourbon Street, meeting my first Brazilian love of the year, dancing along Frenchmen Street, visiting Oak Alley Plantation, taking a cocktail tour around NOLA, shopping on Magazine Street, being "adopted" by friends Mary & Tom, river-riding on the Steamboat Natchez

New Hobbies

As most of you may already know, one of the things I've taken up this year is indoor rock climbing. It's awesome! I've also dabbled in pursuing new things (that's what bucket lists are for) and have tried new ventures, such as archery and shooting.

Prague

Liked: walking around Old Town, writing on the Lennon Wall, seeing street performers on the Charles Bridge, clubbing at Karlovy Lazne, going on a comical guided city tour, checking out Prague castle, joining in a city-wide bar crawl, visiting the "Dancing House"

Bratislava

Fond of: seeing the President's palace, walking to the top of Castle Hill for a view of the city, eating Slovak dumplings with our friend Matus

Budapest

Loved: enjoying some R&R at the Szecheny bath house, walking along the Danube, photographing Castle District and St. Stephen's Square, forming a large group of friends - made up of Americans, Dutchmen and Germans - at Szimpla, satisfying my inner "foodie" at Central Market Hall, touring the Human Body exhibit, being convinced by our roommates that staying out all night at Morrison's until our flight the next morning was an excellent choice

Mont Saint-Michel

Adored: staying at a B&B on the rock, touring the monastery, eating crepes and homemade strawberry ice cream, seeing everything lit up at night, being the subject of pictures for a bachelor party (they were older, but hilarious!), shopping in the alleys

Nice, Cannes, Monaco

Relished: (Nice) staying in a fabulous apartment in Old Town, sunbathing on the beaches, dancing on tables at Wayne's with new friends almost every night (it's a must!), buying new sundresses, eating ridiculously good food, (Monaco) walking the Grand Prix track, watching the changing of the royal guard, admiring fast cars, seeing the Monte Carlo casino, (Cannes) checking out the red carpet for the Cannes Film Festival, relaxing on one of the only sandy beaches in Southern France

London

Appreciated: visiting the Tower of London, watching the changing of the guard outside of Buckingham Palace, goofing around in Diana's playground, checking out Westminster Abbey, patiently waiting next to Parliament for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee boat parade (we saw her!), going on an adventurous 'Jack the Ripper' street tour, walking around Olympic Park, meeting up with our English friends for a pub crawl, window shopping in Notting Hill

Canada

Savored: (Toronto) going to the top of the CN Tower, walking around the Distillery District, stumbling upon a music festival near our hotel, touring the Bata Shoe Museum, visiting Casa Loma, biking around the Toronto islands, (Niagara) wine tasting at Trius, overlooking Niagara Falls, shopping at Niagara-on-the-Lake

Beach Trips

Over the summer, I went on a few beach trips with family and friends to both North Carolina and the Eastern Shore. I enjoyed reading, eating crabs, going on long walks, drinking sangria, dancing the night away, people-watching on the boardwalk & relaxing in the sun.

Outdoor Adventures

Among my summer to-do items were jumping out of an airplane and organizing a tubing trip to Harpers Ferry. Both turned out to be extraordinarily fun!

Wine Tastings

Being the wine lover that I am, I planned a few girls-day-out trips to local wine festivals for the fall season. Sun, live music, wine, cheese, bread, olive tapenade, good company...I can't think of anything more enjoyable! And it was.

Concerts & Festivals

There is something magical about live music. Starting off the year with lots of jazz in New Orleans, I enjoyed attending many concerts & festivals such as Sweetlife, Augustana, Buckethead, The Flaming Lips, Idina Menzel, Florence + The Machine, VirginFest and the Trans Siberian Orchestra.

Football

Maryland, Virginia Tech, Ravens...I was brought along to many fun tailgates & football games this year! We had pretty amazing weather this past fall, not to mention an abundance of awesome seats ;)

Wooded Escapes

Planning a camping trip for 12 people was interesting at first, but certainly worth it! Green Ridge is a great location and our group was a blast; we ate like kings, had a marine on hand for any potential crisis, went on nature walks and laughed for hours. Additionally, my family decided to get together for a long weekend at Massanutten Resort; hiking, playing basketball, competing in air hockey, spending evenings in the hot tub and going zip-lining were all part of our agenda!

Turning 25

For my birthday, I was joined by 15 of my closest friends for dinner at one of my favorite Baltimore restaurants, Pazo, and then ventured out to Fells Point to drink & dance with a few more friends and coworkers. The entire day and evening was extremely special, and I cannot thank my parents enough for being so thoughtful!

Holiday Celebrations

I enjoy holiday-related activities, like going on a pub crawl for St. Patrick's Day and watching Fourth of July fireworks with a myriad of friends dressed in red, white & blue. To celebrate the holidays & beginning of a new year, I always get a group of friends together for dinner at a local Japanese steakhouse. This past Easter, I hosted an "adult" egg hunt; it was a hit! For my sister's 21st birthday, we threw an Olympic-themed party and really got into it (outfits and all). I decided to glam it up as Cleopatra for Halloween and rally friends for a couple of fun events. Of course, I also had to find my inner 80-year old and get into the Christmas spirit via an ugly sweater party!

Cheers to Another Year!

And last but not least, THANK YOU for supporting my blog. It really means a lot! I wish you all a wonderful 2013 :)

Monday, December 17, 2012

{Favorite Things of 2012}

Today, I am loving...

Favorite Things of 2012

Last year at this time, I began a tradition of writing down my favorite things and happiest memories from the previous 11 months. I consider it a great way to reflect and appreciate all that has happened, and serves as a reminder that life is what you make it. This year was especially adventurous, and I cannot wait to share my 2012 recap with all of you! But until then, I'd like to channel my inner Oprah and reveal a few of my favorite things:

Hair & Skin