One Year or 52 Weeks

HELLO!!!!!

So I do WeVerb 11 and then drop off of the face of the earth. To be quite honest, 2012 has been one big blur. It has gone so quickly that even I am amazed that the year is almost half over.

I decided that I wanted to do a 101 things in 1001 days list starting on January 1 of this year. One of my goals was to write on this blog once per week every week for a year. I figure that's 52 weeks, right? I thought I would start at a nice easy date, but why wait? Why not start now? I've been loving having a 101 in 1,001 days list because it's kept me honest and really given me things to think about and strive for.

This blog has often been hard for me to keep up because I am a fairly private person. I am also the most "Never let them see you sweat" type. Depending on who you are, I'd rather die then let you know that I am not doing well. I think that it comes from the fact that I inherently don't trust most people to be kind. I guess that's for another post.

The past TWO (I want to cry just writing that) years have had a lots of ups and mostly downs in the area of career and personal development for me. This blog will still mostly focus on that as well as other things that affect career and personal growth in one's 30's.

I may not always have a topical post and it might just be things I'm spewing, but I am going to make sure to write things here.

So far 2012 has meant the following:

-toying with starting my own project/business. I'll  be the first to say that I am not really into this idea, but I think I may need another post as to why I think this way. I'm not sure if I don't like the idea because I am afraid or because I really don't like the idea. Part of me thinks I lack the vision that an entrepreneur really needs.

-lots of travel. When I contemplate major life changes I like to run away. Jim, my husband (not his real name) has been pretty supportive about everything including this.

Here's to hoping that I can keep up with my goal. Yay for Week #1!

WeVerb Day 31 - Foresee

#31: Foresee

Where do you hope to be on Jan 1, 2013?

Being happily married

Another wonderful year of travel and exploration behind me

Having made clear progress towards what I want my professional life to be

Knowing a little more about the future of my family.

Bring on 2012! :)

WeVerb Day 30 - Meditate

Day 30

Were you happy with who you were in 2011? Who do you want to be in 2012 and beyond?

No. I don't like who I was in 2011.

I am struggling.

I was stressed out by the poor decisions of others.

I feel like I wasted a lot of time.

I feel like I didn't accomplish many of the goals or things that could have.

I am pretty beaten down by my career transition process and perhaps beating myself up about it too much.

In 2012, I hope to

proactive about my own profession future and understand that building it will come with hard work and success or improvement will not happen overnight.

begin to understand and be comfortable with what family means to me and what having my own family will look like.

not answer to others and be willing to tell them about themselves.

to take advantage of this time in my life.

WeVerb Day 29 - Gush

#29: Gush

Begin to create a plan for “My friends day out 2012″ – tell us what you envision.

I have to admit that I don't get what this prompt means. Am I supposed to be planning a day for me and my friends? Does it have to be realistic?

I think we would have a fabulous lunch somewhere chatting and laughing over lots of wine. Of course in this vision, we are in a seaside town in Portugal. Don't ask me how I'd transport my friends there. :)

WeVerb11 - Days 25 - 28

More WeVerb.....

Day 25

Celebrate.

What did you celebrate in 2011? Are you looking forward to any celebrations in 2012?

I don't remember celebrating much this year of note other than my 2nd wedding anniversary. That is always a happy moment. I'm looking forward to next year.

Day 26

Revive.

Share a favorite photo from the past year. What was happening behind the scenes? What were you thinking or feeling? What could you smell, taste, see, hear at that moment?

This pic was taken at the Ephesus ruins in Turkey. Jim, my husband (not his real name) and I were roaming through the ruins. We decided to kill a little time by taking pics. It was the first sunny day we'd had since we arrived in Turkey. We had just gotten to Turkey's Mediterranean coast after spending a lot of time in the center of the country in the Cappadocia region. I was enjoying feeling the warm sun. Turkey was really one of the highlights, if not THE highlight, of my year.

Day 27

#27: Spend Where did your money go this year? Where do you want it to go in 2012? I chuckled when I read this prompt. My/our money went to food and travel this year. Unfortunately, I didn't really EARN any money. That's been the issue. I hope that can change for next year. #28: Pay It Forward Describe a random act of kindness that you benefited from in 2011. How will you pay it forward in 2012? Random act of kindness? Hmmm...well, this older man paid for my lunch. I think he thought my friendliness was flirtation. I just make simple conversation. He's older than my dad and well, I'm married. I felt bad and tried to pay, but he wouldn't let me. Sigh... Maybe I need to pay for someone's lunch in 2012?

WeVerb 11, Days 23 & 24

We Verb, Day 23

Describe something that you actively engaged in learning to do this year.

Well, I did try to learn more skills for my secret project, which I could reveal. It has a lot to do woth pib;ic speaking and thinkinf on your feet. I also learn how to edit video. I'm far from an expert, but at least I can do some basic stuff on a Mac with raw footage.

We Verb, Day 24

What did you finally let go of in 2011? What will you let go of in 2012? Good question. Not much. :) I'd like to let go of more in 2012. I think in particular I'd like to let myself go to feel creative enough to think of how I can make a contribution to this world. I have been taught to to take a certain path. perhaps all of my hard charging would be better spent letting go and of seeing what the God/Universe has in store for me.

WeVerb 11, Days 19-22

I answered Day 18 in the last post.

Day 19

Laugh.

Tell us about your biggest belly laugh in 2011.

Uhhh..I don't think I can recall this one. It was probably something that Jim, my husband (not his real name) said. He makes me laugh all the time.

Day 20

Plug In/Unplug.

How has technology affected your life (positively or negatively) in 2011? Do you want this to continue for 2012?

Technology has definitely been great to me. Blogging has been one of the highlights of my year. I've gotten a lot of great opportunities from blogging this year, and I hope that they will only continue to grow. One of my career possibilities for the future may include a social media element. I'm not sure yet.

While my relationship to technology has been good overall, I also feel like I've wasted a lot of time on technology this year. By spending too much time on certain sites, I feel like I waste valuable time that I could spend in a more productive way. I'm hoping that my online time will produce more fruit for me instead of just being something that I occasionally do passively.

Day 21

Ripple.

The butterfly effect posits that a small change can ripple across whole ecosystems. Who do you credit for the small action that made all the difference in your life this year?

Is this bad that I can't think of anyone? Ouch! Perhaps it was Jim's continued love and support?Perhaps it was my friends rallying to help me with professional contacts? In general, I don't think there has really been anyone that made a specific difference (for the better anyway) in my life this year other than these people (but especially Jim).

Day 22

#22: Accomplish

What is one thing you want to do before you bid adieu to 2011? How will you make it happen?

Planning. I want to go into 2012 with some semblance of a plan. I waffle a lot this year. I don't want to do that next year. Next week will be about planning and organizing for 2012.

WeVerb 11 - Days 15-17

Catching up with WeVerb....

WeVerb, Day 15

Surprise.

What event of 2011 affected you in an unexpected way?

Yeah. I think when I saw this WeVerb prompt, I clammed up. I was recently surprised by a family member's news and decisions about their future. It's been a really crazy year in terms of my relationship with that person, and this news will change our relationship going forward. I've been trying to come to terms, and it has been very hard. This "surprise" angered me, then frustrated me. Yet in the past week, I've let go. People in your life are not always going to make the decisions that you think they should. They will ultimately have to make peace with the consequences of their actions.

WeVerb, Day 16

Persevere.

Describe something that disappointed you in 2011 and how you persevered.

Well, the continued search for my new professional space is continually frustrating. At the same time, I am considering the fact that this may be partly my own fault. I'll get into in the coming weeks. It's been a major form of stress for me, but I have no choice but to keep going. When opportunities don't work out, I just say that it wasn't where I was supposed to be. That's all that I can do really.

WeVerb, Day 17

Discover.

What did you discover (big or small) in 2011?

That my professional space that I need may come from something that I might need to create. That people can really surprise you. The Highline. The Staten Island Ferry. Robicelli's Cupcakes.

WeVerb, Day 18

Teach.

What lesson or advice were you able to pass on to others this year? Why was it important to share this information? (Or… what lesson would you like to pass on to others that read this?)

I've been waxing poetic about the power of Twitter. I've gotten so many opportunities through it in the past year, and I've been helping folks understand how it can help them. I've also taught my BFF that she deserves to be where she is right now. I'm proud of her.

WeVerb Day 14 - Breathe

WeVerb Day 14

#14: Breathe.

How did you make space + peace for yourself in 2011?

As much as I am not always thankful for it, I am in a space right now in my life where I can reflect and be alone quite often. I will say that sometimes I felt as if I let technology enter into my space a little too much this year. When you blog or are into social media in any way, it can be hard to not have it be ever-present. I am hoping that I can cut out more TV and also be more strategic about my computer usage. I am hoping that I will continue to take advantage of the fact that I do have time for myself even more next year. I am hoping to be reflective in a more purposeful way in 2012.

WeVerb Day 13 - Read

WeVerb Day 13

#13: Read.

What article or book changed your outlook on an issue or life?

Hmmm...I don't really think I read anything in 2011 that was particularly earth shattering or life changing other than what I would normally read. I usually read something spiritually based in the mornings before I begin my day. Those are always helpful to me in focusing and making sure that my mind is right for that day. It's something that I've always done and that I'll continue to do.

I will say that I did start to read books again. I read a lot of blogs, magazines and so on, but I felt that books were missing in my life. After getting a Kindle last year, I've started to enjoy reading and exploring what's out there. I wrote a little about my Jane Austen book project for this past year here. I'm hoping to do another book reading project for 2012.

WeVerb Day 12 - Thrive

WeVerb Day 12

#12: Thrive.

What was your healthiest habit of 2011? What would you like to change or do differently in 2012?

I think there are a few things that I've started doing this year. I run now. I'm not going to finish the NYC Marathon in under four hours or anything, but I am glad that I now have this new aspect to my workout regimen. It's given me something that I can set goals for in terms of exercise.

I've actually started to take vitamins on a rather consistent basis. I hate taking vitamins, and I tend to forget to. One of my doctors pretty much got preachy on me/scared me a bit and told me that I am not getting enough iron. I am now at the Vitamin Shoppe at regular intervals and have even started taking an iron supplement.

Finally, I've been doing something called a Reset Week. For five days, I cut out meat or poultry, dairy, sweets, alcohol and probably a few other things that I can't remember. I know that there are people who eat like this all the time, but when you write a food blog that can be kinda hard. :) While it may not be a big deal, I think it helps me refocus on what I've been consuming and gets me back into a good mindset about my diet.

Nothing super ground breaking here, but good habits can be hard to establish. I get happy when I make an effort to be healthier.

For 2012, I'd like to increase my fitness levels and consistency even more.

WeVerb Day 11 - Try

WeVerb 11 - Day 11

Try.

What 12 new things do you want to do/accomplish in 2012?

I actually am hoping to start a 101 things in 1,001 days list, but here are a 12 things that I'd like to do or try in 2012.

1. Learn to knit

2. Learn Pilates technique and incorporate it into my workout

3. Write a handwritten letter to a friend just because

4. Travel internationally alone

5. Run a mile in under 10 minutes

6. Eat a meal in each of NYC's five boroughs

7. Start and run my own fantasy football league

8. Do a book reading project with at least 5 assigned books of a particular author

9. Do something special on 12/12/12

10. Go on a ski weekend

11. No internet for one weekend

12. Write a personal mission statement

If anyone's reading this :), what are you hoping to try in 2012? Anyone accomplish anything significant through a 101 in 1,001 days list?

WeVerb Day 10 - Create

WeVerb 11, Day 10 - Create

Share a creative project you undertook this year (art, writing, DIY, cooking, home decoration, crafts, photography … whatever comes to mind). How do you use your creativity to express yourself?

I think I failed this one. Can I fail a WeVerb prompt? I didn't have any particular creative project this year. I've been wanting to learn how to knit. I have been procrastinating for a whole year. I'd also like to learn how to bake as well as get back into dance. Those things are definitely on the list for next year. I did have a reading project for this year, but as for something that I created other than my other blog?

Wait a minute! I'm wrong! Well, I did have somewhat of a creative project this year. I learned how to edit video, and I did quite a few on-location vlogs for my blog. I really wanted to incorporate video to my blog to take it to a higher level and to verbally communicate more with my readers. While I am not ready for an Oscar, I know my way around IMovie now. You can check out some of my vlogs and edited video.

I have to admit that I feel a little better about myself now that I realize that I did do something "creative" this year. :)

Here's hoping for a more creative 2012!

WeVerb Day 9 - Appreciate

WeVerb Day 9

Appreciate.

In which moment did you find yourself flooded with gratitude? How will you rally around gratitude in 2012?

Honestly, I would not have gotten through this year without practicing gratitude. Amid much of the stress and much of the lows and questioning this year, I was still so thankful. I can't say that it was any one moment, but it was a continuous stream of being very appreciative of all that I do have. I appreciated my health, my marriage, all of the physical trappings and good things that I am fortunate to have. In a time, when so many people are struggling financially, we are not. I am muddling through life right now, but I muddle through a very good one.

A lot of this I attribute to my faith orientation. I personally believe that without it, I may not have been able to see the good I have around me. I am thankful and appreciative for that, too.

I hope that I will have an even deeper attitude of gratitude in 2012.

WeVerb Day 8 - Choice

WeVerb Day 8 - Choice

What was the biggest choice you made in 2011? What caused you to choose what you chose?

Oy! I don't like this prompt because it means that I have to get personal. :) I really racked my brain for this one, but I would say that the biggest decision might have been choosing not to try to have a child in 2011.

Lots of people on the internet like to tell me that I am old regarding children, pregnancy, etc.. I'm fine with that. However, they don't live in my world. In my world this year, we had to deal with major emotional and financial strains as it relates to other people in our lives. Supporting others AND possibly a baby just wasn't in the cards for us. I know the old adage that "There will never be a right time to have a child," but I assure you this wasn't the time for us.

Also I'm still working out some kinks career-wise in my camp, and I'd like to have those settled a bit more before we go down this road. How settled I need to be is really the question for 2012.

WeVerb Day 7 - Travel

Okay, it seems that the travel day was supposed to be today. Whatever I said yesterday for the WeVerb 11 prompt about travel gets a big ditto. :) I will say that my travel (and food) blog has been such a great part of my life this year. While I don't have this humungous following, I have enjoyed sharing my curiosity about the world and my experiences with others. My blog has given me a lot of joy. I'm not crafty or visually creative (I love to dance, which I guess you could share on a blog...sorta), so the blog is my outlet in that respect. It's also been my happy space where I can share the fun aspect of my life. I'm grateful that there are people out there who even want to read my stuff. I've also "met" some people (virtually and in person) who are really nice individuals and who I would I've enjoyed getting to know through their writing and blogging.

In yesterday's post, I didn't say where I'd like to go next. I am still gunning for India and a trip through Southeast Asia, but I don't know if and how that will happen. Jim, my husband (not his real name), and I will be hopefully going on a new adventure next spring. I'd also like to go a girls' trip with my BFF, who has been a travel partner in the past. I'd also like to visit my family in Toronto. I was supposed to visit them as part of my Buffalo trip. Who knows what the new year will bring?

Feel free to take a look at my travel adventures past and present on my blog, Try Anything Once.

WeVerb Day 6 - Favor/Travel

Hmmm...Well, there seem to be two WeVerb 11 prompts floating around right now.

WeVerb 11 Day 6 - Favor

What was your favorite month of 2011? Why did it beat out all of the other months?

WeVerb Day 6 - Travel

Where did you travel this year? What was your favorite part? If you didn't get to travel, where would do you want to go next year?

I actually think I can blend these two!! I think March definitely gets a nod because of our trip to Turkey. We're still talking about it in December, and we had a wonderful time. You can read about it rather extensively on my other blog, Try Anything Once. In addition to Turkey, I went to Los Angeles, California; Buffalo, New York, and Antigua. Traveling really makes me feel alive and refreshes me, and I think I needed that at various times this year.

WeVerb Day 5 - Befriend

We Verb Day 5 - Befriend

Did you meet any new friends this year? How did they impact your 2011? I have met one or two new people lately, and in some instances we are still in the "early friendship" stage. One in particular new friend has been fun to meet and get to know. I would have never thought that she and I would enjoy each other's company as much as we do. I've also introduced her to another friend, and she has hit it off that person, too. It's nice to be able to help expand other people's networks. Overall, I will say that I have gotten closer to people that I met last year. I also see my friendships changing due to friends having children, which is a good thing. In many instances, I am enjoying their children as well. That's nice. We had a holiday party this past weekend, and it was great to see people that I haven't seen in awhile, and I am hoping to establish deeper connections with many people into 2012.

WeVerb Day 4 - Haiku

WeVerb Day 4

Write a haiku.

Sum up your year, via haiku.

travel near and far

grateful hearts and minds in love

looking forward now

WeVerb Day 3 - Learn

WeVerb Day 3 - Learn

What lesson did you learn in 2011 from “The School of Life” rather than a classroom?

There are definitely a few things I've learned, and I think I've realized one in the past few weeks.

I need to stop explaining myself to other people. I learned that I have to find a way to tell others that my life is my life. I'm living it for me and under my terms, and I don't need to explain it to you. I feel like there were way too many instances where I was put in a position of people expecting me to explain my decisions or lack of decisions on a variety of issues. I can't keep doing that if I want to keep my sanity.