A New Home

There has been a slight change in plans. I've moved! If you'd like read about my wonderfully delightful moments this week, go ahead and email me and I can re-direct you-- aliciamtemple@gmail.com. See you at my new home :)

Putting A Blog To Good Use

Blogs are kind of a silly thing. Sometimes I wonder, why is it that I keep this? I'm not in VN anymore--I dont need to keep people updated on the life that is happening far away. Maybe I just like the sound of my own words? Maybe it's just egotistical nonsense? Quite possibly. For a while I didn't write very much. Recently I have been more. Its a nice thing to fill the spaces I have between various activities; I enjoy brainstorming ideas for it during the day despite the fact that the majority of the time I dont write anything worth while. But I don't know, I like having it. I like remembering through my past blogs. I like tracking when I write and what I feel compelled to actually post. So for now, I'll keep it.

And if I'm going to keep it, I might as well put it to good use. I was inspired by the blog of a beautiful friend who excells at dwelling on happy things. Once upon a time, she encouraged me to write a tangible list of things that make me smile. It was one of the greatest things I've ever done--I started and just couldn't stop. I had that notebook of things that made me happy for years. I mean, who doesn't love lists?! And lists of completely random and ridiculous, as well as sincere, things that bring you joy? Well now, if that isn't just the simpliest and greatest idea ever. Unfortunately I then had this brillant idea to make my list more "creative" and through an attempt at making it cool completely ruined it. Conveniently, lists are easily rewritten.

So for a week, my blog will be my list. Well, my one a day list. You will get to hear whatever it is that brings me complete and utter joy each day. Maybe even some music. Because...well...why not!? Technically it's Sunday now, so today will probably have another post to serve as my first installment of the list of pure joy. You're excited, I just know it ;)

Ok, actually, I can't wait. Today this song is bringing me A LOT of joy. I'm months and months behind, but it makes me think of August and being in Akron, PA and it just..well, it just makes me smile:

Catching Up

I have this pretty sticker chart to document my training for a 15k run I'm doing in March and, unfortunately, it is missng a few stickers from this last week. I had a few personal set backs, including a vicious cold, and just didn't make it to the gym this week. But falling behind in the schedule is not a choice! So today I jumped right back in and joined a friend on her five mile run on the path near my house. Now, 5 miles really isn't that bad. But after stopping for a while and then adding a mile to what I'd been doing...man...I'm sore and its only 2 hours later! And tomorrow I'm attempting a new trail that I hear is, contrary to the ideas of geographical possibilities, uphill both ways. Nothing gets a person caught up like just doing it, right?! And my training team--a pretty serious group of two :)-- decided we can retroactively apply stickers to missed runs if we make up for them. So do not worry, my elementary chart will look complete by March!

Part 2

Hello Again, Temp Job,

I'm so glad the feeling is mutual! I'm sorry your usual receptionist will be trapped in the HR office tackling files for longer, but I would be honored to come back one more day. And I will even consider coming again to cover the desk during your staff conference in a few weeks. I apologize that the mailing labels project required me to use the laminator so often and cause you to think things were burning down/melting multiple times a day but I promise, as long as you don't have more turn over in the next few days, those labels will last and...they look gooood. I would be proud to tackle another such project during my time with you on Monday.

See you soon!
amt

Dear Temp Job,

Thank you for the delightful reprieve from the monotony of unemployment. Answering the phone is a welcome change from constantly checking my own phone. I enjoy reading the emails from your CEO and learning about your yearly profits. While I might not recognize faces of your permanent employees, I can recite the names of almost all of them after my lovely mail box labels project. The ones I do recognize have been exceedingly friendly and I am loving the new interactions. Now, if only you would last longer than 5 days. Or, you know, tell your temp job friends about the great job I've done this week. I'm open to new friendships.

Sincerely,
amt

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Roe v. Wade Anniversary!!

Ok, well it was actually 38 years ago yesterday that the Roe v. Wade decision was made and the privacy laws were extended, allowing woman to have access to safe abortions and disallowing many state restrictions on women's reproductive rights at the time. Interning with Planned Parenthood has given me a shiny new perspective on what that actually means. Last month when I was making fundraising calls, a woman on the phone said she remembered the day Roe v. Wade happened and she is dismayed at how much work there is left to be done to protect women's rights. And, unfortunately, she's right. Oregon is one of only six states that doesn't have abortion restrictions. Only six!

In honor of the day, I went with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon (PPAO) to a leadership training in Salem. PPAO has exciting legislation they are trying to pass this coming session and it was so fun to learn about. I love hearing about the political process from people who are actively engaged in it. I'm looking forward to being a part of it these next few months.

To Thrive

I've been listening to a bit of Nicki Minaj recently. Well, that and Taylor Swift--it's ok to be baffled by my music tastes, they really make no sense. But this Nicki song is currently my fav (sorry for the lack of interesting visuals, there isn't a video to go with it):



Mostly what gets me in this song is the word thrive. That is something I talked a lot about last year. Wanting to thrive. Wanting the people I care about to feel like they are thriving. Wanting to make choices that led to flourishing emotionally, relationally and mentally. Encouraging myself and the people around me to pursue things that make us thrive. I felt like I was thriving during my year in Vietnam, albeit in very unexpected ways. And I had big visions for what thriving would look like here. Nicki reminds me of that hope I had for myself and for the people I love: that we would all figure out how to thrive together.

In addition, its a pretty great song. I'm loving all the new music I've acquired over that last few months. Turns out, there is an upside to everything.

The End of a Book

Love finishing a good book and ending with thoughts like this:

"It makes you wonder. All the brilliant things we might have done with our lives if only we suspected we knew how."

Ann Patchett, Bel Canto

A Turning Point, I hope...

Last weekend I got the chance to spend some truly quality time with some of my wonderful Seattle folk. Saturday night we had what I consider to be a perfect evening, sitting around drinking wine and chatting about life. It was one of those conversations that sticks with you; one where someone who knows you so well can look you in the eyes, remind you about the things that you value and challenge you to start doing things differently. Between unemployment and current life transitions, I've been struggling for a little bit to remember what matters and what I'm doing and who I want to be. I'm not going to attempt to say I know all these things now, but instead that I am brought back to a place where I'm aware of these questions.

Then yesterday, I was given advice that summed up a lot of what I've been thinking: "Just worry about the things that are within your control and you'll be ok". It seems so simple, and yet, I find it to be so challenging. But in order to embrace this place that I'm in more fully, and live more contently, and truly take advantage of the wonderful time I have been given, I need to start with one controlable thing at a time, and let the rest take care of itself.

And so that is what I plan to do. This week is going to be a turning point for life in Portland, I feel sure of it. I have participated in four interviews this past week, and I have one scheduled for next week. I have a little bit more direction for my job search and feel like I have options to pursue. Relationships are changing and I'm attempting to embrace it. I am reminded of all the great reasons I came to Portland and all the wonderful people I am fortunate to have. The gym and I are becoming great friends; so great, in fact, that I might be signing up for a race to train for here soon. Transition may feel like it never ends, but for this moment, I'm going to make the best of it!

Oregon Duckies

Just a normal Monday night--obsessively watching college football? It not quite my usual routine, but I loved it! I was more into watching this game than maybe any sports game ever. It was fun! Hanging in Clackamas, with the fam, cheering on Oregon towards a national chamionship. Ok, maybe they didn't win. But it was a great night! And I'll stand by my Ducks :) Who knew I could like football so much!?

My Non-Resolutions

This year I decided to not do New Year's resolutions. I normally really enjoy making them, but I just wasn't feeling it. If I had to say I have a year goal though, I'd go with GET A JOB. But hey, that's really no big thing, right?!

That being said, I have been making use of my gym membership this week. Not spurred by the new year, but instead by the incredible boredom and job hopelessness that is taking over my days, it has been a really great thing! I'm definitely not a tread-mill convert, but being able to get in a good run not in the 30 degree weather has been a major bonus of this week. In fact, I might go again this afternoon just for something to do!

I also have decided that in my free time (which I have in abundance) I will make use of the fabulous cook books that I have. I have had the most colorful, veggie filled lunches this week! It makes me so happy to have a plate bursting with purples and reds and greens. Delightful.

hola!

I officially signed up for a Spanish class today. I'm so excited! I've been wanting to take it since getting back because:
1. it seems fun
2. attempting to learn Vietnamese made me want to study a language that is a little more manageable and,
3. it seems like a practical life choice for jobs and grad school and other productive life things that someday I might do.

So I officially signed up through Portland Community College. I start Thursday!! Just beginning my path to being a life-long learner :)