Tuesday, January 26, 2010

keepin' it real

A series of unfortunate events, similar to what happened to my blog history, can often lead to a newfound appreciation for basically everything  What can I say? It's Tuesday and I'm feeling reflective... this is me we're talking about :) you can't tell me you're surprised. 
Doing things for the very last time can have a similar effect.
I left Fitness magazine, my internship there, for good. I said goodbye to the wonderful men and women that  have given me opportunity upon opportunity to gain real-life experience in the magazine world and have encouraged me along the way.
I said goodbye to the boy at school and the family at home as I went back to my temporary home at school. I probably won't see them until March. And yet, it is when I really head home in May that will be the biggest transition as I'll be a college graduate. On the bright side, at that point I'll also officially, physically, be close to him. After such a crazy long-distance relationship, we certainly deserve it :).
I've been at school for my final semester ever since. I am loving the classes you've heard about and making the most of the last bout of a classroom-learning experience I'll most likely ever have. 
I'm spending time with the people that matter most while also enjoying the extracurricular clubs, organizations and activities that I enjoy. Currently, I find myself in the application process to become a web editor for Medley, I made a vow to attend each and every "Mix it Up" forum (an international conversation group), and I literally cannot wait to get back to my yoga studio for classes. Only two more weeks to wait for the latter! 


Oh yes, and the sorority and rush. How could I forget? Gotta show love for my Alpha Chis :).
Hold on a sec, back up again, we're not done yet with the truth card. As she gave me the most inspiring card, tea, and two Crumbs cupcakes, my former-boss, the nutrition editor, asked me what I wanted to do next. She has not been the first one. It's a horribly pressing question that I can't seem to get away from, and yet am constantly trying to answer. I thought about it a moment...
I would love to work for a magazine that has anything to do with health, travel, and/or culture. If it were to be an international publication, even better, because then I'd ideally be able to make use of my language skills that make me ever so slightly trilingual. 
Of course, with the less than promising state of the publishing industry, I'd be willing to look elsewhere. If something more corporate were fitting, perhaps an editing job at the UN? Or another world organization I admire and believe in?
But, I'll be straight with you. If it comes down to it, if I am still unemployed after six months, then I've decided that I will au pair or teach english in another country for a while, preferably one that is French- or Spanish-speaking so I can finally perfect my own. 
The last option would not come without any consequence though. Yes, uncertainty is terrifying, there's no its and or buts about it.
And finally, I am so genuinely  happy, that no matter how much time I have to stay away from the blog world, I am still very much apart of it. I have made a handful of true-to life-friends of bloggers and readers alike (you know who you are) that I adore in each and every way. 
As for the many others of whom I do not personally know, I am still always thankful to have readers that make blogging what it is, so enjoyable and fulfilling. It's because of each and every one of you that I have such a blast sharing my day-to-day life, no matter where I'm living.
This blog is certainly a personal one, but I have avoided such topics such as my own issues with disordered eating. Why? Because I was afraid of what others might think and to admit the problem to myself. Because I was just too embarrassed to be completely honest. I want you to know that as I put the pieces back together, I promise to be more so. Get really for all the nitty-gritty details ;).
I miss you and I honestly will be back to blogging by Friday (photos = last meals from home).

10 comments:

  1. this was so beautifully written....I love that you weaved the photos through your words! I admore you for diving into the personal aspects of your life more. Just remember that no matter where you are in 6 months, working or not, just be happy :)

    xoxo
    LoLo

    ReplyDelete
  2. i was just about to post all over your facebook that i seriously miss you, and then i saw that you've finally returned to the blogging world. :) i'm so glad your last semester is off to a good start, and i truly believe everything afterward will work out as it's meant to. it might be a big question mark, but it's an exciting one. :)

    ps: if there's one thing i've learned while blogging, it's that putting yourself out there is always worth it - no need to fear honesty. i think we can all relate (at least i know i can).

    miss you!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Glad to see that you're able to post again. I think that no matter where your future takes you, all of the possibilities sound amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lo: Thank you sweetheart, and I wholeheartedly agree, that should always be the goal :)

    leslie: Ah, I miss youuuu! And thanks, each point you made really is so true.

    Jenna: I thought so ;)

    louisianagrown: Thank you, I'm so glad to be back! And the encouragement, as always, is so beyond appreciated :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Really thoughtful post--hope you are doing well getting back to school hon, I know transistions are always difficult!

    Sounds like you have learned a lot and I am looking forward to what you have to share with us. Just know that there is not going to be ANY judgement from over here :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. jenngirl: Thanks darling, I'm doing quite well. I knew I could count on you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Danielle,

    Sorry to hear you are having some issues :( My last semester in college was one of the most stressful times in my life because I was so unsure about what I was going to do in the future. I realize it's cliché advice and easier said than done, but try not to stress because it WILL all work out. Even if you end up as an au pair, which might not be your first choice, it will probably be an awesome experience. I had a different au pair every year until I was 9 and they had a huge impact on my life. Good luck and I hope you are feeling better!

    p.s. check out the song “Float On” by Modest Mouse or Goldspot if you don’t already know it. Very good lyrics related to this topic!

    p.p.s. what is that pink substance under the nut butter? Looks like chia seeds dyed pink.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you for being so honest with us. If you're anything like me, then I advice to step back. Stop thinking about the people you might offend and only think about your self for a while. Those who really love you will support you and your decisions. Be true to yourself and live in a way that you will look back on and smile.

    ReplyDelete
  9. roseofbohemia: I know, it is not a constant stress but it's definitely on my mine. I've worked hard up until now so I'm hoping chance has my best interests in mind :) P.S. Love that song! P.P.S. It's steel-cut oats cookies with banana and raspberries. I've actually never had chia seeds! The horror ;)

    Eating Abroad: Thank you so so so much, what wonderful (and beautiful) advice!

    ReplyDelete

Penny for your thoughts...