Buffalo, NY

I made it to Buffalo, NY. This my first time in the state and the office overlooks Lake Erie. Another first, I've never seen a Great Lake. It is beautiful.

I'm loving the new job and the people I work with. Buffalo is a lot closer to the MLEA vibe. I'm only here for a day and next week I'll be presenting at ISPI 2012 in Toronto!

I am pumped! Last year was so much fun. The people are so full of knowledge and it is truly a booster shot of energy to get back to the grind. Sometimes we need a reminder of why we decided to do this in the first place. ISPI is an excellent example of that. I'm honored to serve on the Charlotte Chapter board...well I will be again, soon. I'm also thrilled to lead the Emerging Professionals Committee.

Not really a thrilling life, but I'm loving EVERY minute. I couldn't be happier to be where I am. I've worked so hard for this. I deserve it.

Thankful

I'm so blessed in so many ways. I knew when I started Grad school it was the beginning of something wonderful. I knew it would change my life. I didn't know how much.

The last year has been one of constant change. I've moved, I've grown, I've loved. What more could you ask for?

I'm so happy and content with my life. Blessings abound. My life is so much different than I ever imagined it would be. It is exactly where I need to be. It took every step to get here. I'm loved so much more than I could have ever dreamed.

I am blessed.

It is Easter. A time symbolic of growth and rebirth. What an appropriate time to shed the hurt of the past and start anew.

Happy Easter

Interesting article

Tonight while hanging out with some friends, we began discussing what constitutes a pathological liar.

I googled it:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_can_you_tell_if_someone_is_a_pathological_liar

That article led me to a few on narcissistic personality disorder. This seems to be the underlying cause of Pathological Lying.

The things you learn at trivia.

Good reading for sure. Enjoy.

Sometimes, you can go home again...

Only a few more days until I'm back home living in Charlotte.

I've left this town so many times, yet somehow I always end up back there. I'm a little nostalgic about the move. I do not; however feel that I have failed in any way. This is so much different than Korea. I came home from Korea, defeated. I was scared and I left.

This time, I had no intentions of coming home. I missed Charlotte, but I was determined to make this work. I LOVED my job here in Charleston. I love living so close to the ocean.

I am so fortunate for the opportunity to work with my new company. I will be surrounded by professionals in my field.

I am fortunate that my family and friends do not buy into the belief that, "You can't go home again."

I am fortunate for the overwhelming love and support I've received from these same people while I've been down here.

I'm a lucky, lucky girl.

Thank you all for your support and love in this little twist and turn in my life. I love you, too.

Moving and Grooving

So, here's the run down. I moved to Charleston, SC to work for the Coast Guard. I loved it. The military life suits me as a civilian.

Last week I received an offer to move back to Charlotte, NC. I took it.

Was it because I don't like Charleston?
No.

Was it because I'm homesick?
No.

Was it because I moved here to further my career and was offered another opportunity to do just that?
Yes.

Plain and simple. I actually was just starting to make some friends and wasn't going home as much. But, I'm moving on up in the world and I have to go.

So long Charleston, I'll see you later.

Six Whole Weeks!

I am as shocked as everyone else. Six weeks ago, I moved here...six. Sure, maybe for you, six weeks isn't a big deal, but for me, I've moved a mountain. I'm growing to love my home. I'm slowly venturing out of my comfort zone and exploring this new town. I'm still not totally sold on being here forever, but I'm really liking it right now.

Yep, pink is my signature color.

First off, I really miss my sister. She's my best friend. I miss sitting up way too late chatting with her about everything under the sun. Yes, we have Skype and phones, but still.
Secondly, I miss inviting a group of people over for dinner and company. I know these days will return as I make new friends down here. I'm working on that.

Today's target.

I have started going to a gun range to conquer my unknown fear of handguns. I had no idea when I went to ladies night last week that holding a gun in my hand would make me shake. I screamed the first time I fired it and it took 50 rounds to feel better.

I did it. I went alone, I met people, I fired a gun. Today, I went back. I thought I could handle a larger weapon and I was defeated. I went back to the .22 and felt much better. I'll have to work my way up to the 9mm.

I was so freaked out by this 9mm that I didn't stop shaking for 3 hours after the session. I guess that's why I never hit that stupid x. Oh well...maybe later.

Happy New Year - Week Four

I can't believe it is 2012. I rang in the New Year with an amazing kiss from the sweetest boy ever. (Mushy-yes. Do I care - No.) Last year was one of extreme transition. I moved, twice, finished grad school, changed jobs, turned 30...sheesh! It was a big year.

Sarah and I

I am happy for a bit more stability this year. I'm looking forward to solidifying my career, home life, and general well being. I feel like an adult these days. I have a one bedroom apartment and I'm living all alone. This is different for me. I've had Sarah by my side for so long, I feel like I've lost a limb.

Fun times on the pier with Harper, Sarah, and Alan

Thankfully, this weekend, Sarah and Alan came down with Bentley to visit and see the beach. It was so great to laugh with my sister again. Friday afternoon, Harper came down and we walked on the beach and the pier then ended the evening eating oysters with Sarah and Alan.

Saturday, Harper and I drove down to Edisto to meet his friends for a New Year's Eve party. It is always amazing to me that I lived above Angie for a year and ended up meeting Harper through her because of a Tweet-Up. (Long story for a later blog.) His friends welcomed me and we all had an amazing time ringing in 2012! Time has certainly flown by. I can honestly say, this was the best NYE of them yet!

Harper and I

Sunday morning, we drove back to Charleston and walked through the markets for a few hours. It was so wonderful to learn so many new things about a person. This is what I love about us; there is so much to learn about each other. There are so many stories to tell and hear. This is what makes the beginning a relationship so exciting. On top of all of that, I get an awesome group of new friends to learn about as well. I'm certainly the outsider, but I'm grateful for their kindness and welcoming attitudes.