It's been a couple months, hasn't it? Whoops. My parents suckered me into helping them clean all the damn leaves off their lawn. After some hard eye rolling, I agreed. It's not like I can say no. Well when you are essentially walking around a yard for three hours, your mind wanders and you think about a lot of things. So I thought it would be a good chance to make another post before the year is out. I'm sure all three of you were wondering where I had gone off to.
2012: The Year of Me
Once again we are rapidly coming down the home stretch to a fresh new year. I'd probably have to say that 2012 hasn't been a terribly thrilling year, but it was definitely a good one for me. Well that's not true (not being thrilling part)... I have been enjoying myself since the summer ended. I'll get to that.
For the better part of the year I was finishing school. With school done, my job has pretty much taken a front seat. In turn, responsibilities and opportunities just continue to grow at work. Professionally, it is extremely satisfying. It's hard to believe that is has already been about 2 1/2 years since I stopped waiting tables. Towards to the end of my serving career, I really fucking hated waiting tables and was freaking out because I was still doing it. So it really is rewarding to have that behind me and be where I am now. I really do have a lot to be thankful for.
Basically when I finished school (end of August) is when my year began. Work, School, sleep wasn't my schedule any longer. I've been able to travel, see friends and just enjoy myself with my new found free time. With more time for myself, I have been able to start working out again. Getting healthy and feeling good about yourself and your body has to be one of the top rewarding feelings in life. Getting on the scale and not have springs burst out of it, clothes fit again, surpassing previous workout struggles... they all just give you more drive and dedication.
One of the workout routines I have been doing is yoga. I did a little bit in the past and it was incredibly awkward. But like any new thing, stick with it and it starts to become easier. This time around I have been doing it a lot more. It is weird to say that I practice yoga. Let's get something straight, though. Me saying that I practice yoga is like an infant saying they can read, write and do arithmetic. It's seriously hard as balls. Not being flexible does not help. Once you get over the fact that you look like a fucking total moron trying to do these moves and remind yourself that no one else is around, you push on. Eventually you are able to hold these poses for 7 seconds instead one 1.5. I've noticed increased flexibility and development and in turn it benefits all your other workouts. I try to recommend it but yoga gets a lot of push back from guys. Understandably so, but some people act as if it questions their masculinity because they would even considering doing such an exercise. Think outside the box from time to time. There is no other workout that I've done so far where I am holding a position, not moving and profusely sweating. It's great.
What's the next big thing? Pay off student loan debt? Travel far away? Move out of the area? I don't know. That's what's great about it... Not knowing and trying to figure it out.
So a degree, a job that will help me open many doors in the future and working towards good health? I really can't complain. 2012 has been good to me.
Shenandoah
I really don't do this enough and I should. Besides a nice little kick in the pants of a workout, it's fun and offers a gorgeous view.
High School Reunion
Officially, the tens years since high school mark was in June. I've had some time for my mind to heal itself from being blown that it has been ten years and I'm almost 30. Jesus, just saying (typing) that gives me the chills... 30.
We had a high school reunion in the summer and it was complete and utter dog shit. So people were good enough to redo it again. It really was a good time. I got to see the usual great friends, friends I hadn't seen in a long time and meet brand new ones. It's always amazing, interesting, scary, sad, great, etc, how people's paths crisscross with yours. You just always wonder how long it will be for.
A Year in Review
If I don't become lazy again before the year ends, I want to do a little year in review. Things that stood out to me this year. I'll probably mainly mention movies that stood out to me this year. I'll see ya when I see ya.