A) I got money. I FINALLY got money. My school received a $5,000 Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant for landscaping. Our VISTA Leader told me to buy perennials so that my legacy will last longer (that comment was too good to keep to myself). I didn't realize how much it was actually weighing on me that I wasn't successfully writing any grants until I finally received one. My confidence is back up a little and I am ready (for the most part) to write more. I think.
B) I turned 25 a month ago and I have decided to make the year marking my quarter century of life the best one yet.Who's excited? I knew you all would be. In order to achieve "best year yet" status, I have started a list of things to accomplish over this next year. So far I have 5 things. Wouldn't want to aim too high, now would we?
I. 25 Random Acts of Kindness. During my 25th year of life, I will complete 25 random acts of kindness. That doesn't seem like a lot for a year, but that is roughly 2 acts per month. That allows me to be deliberate with my kind acts. I can plan ahead a little, maybe target certain people or causes, and make sure that I successfully spread some happiness. I guess if I am deliberate in my acts of kindness then they aren't random, but its ok. Some won't be planned.
II. Travel More. Give More. This girl has got to get out of the United States (and travel around the US more). Seriously. I don't care where I go (as long as I won't get sold or shot), but I am going. I would like my trip to have a greater purpose. Not necessarily a religious, mission-based purpose. Just doing good wherever I go. I would also like for my mom to go. Sometimes I have wondered where the part of my personality that is constantly fighting for the underdog comes from. Not that my family isn't made up of good people, but I didn't exactly grow up spending my weekends feeding the homeless. However, I have recently realized the source of my constant desire to help those in need: my mother. I challenge any of you to find a person more excited to buy school supplies for disadvantaged children or more willing to just give their stuff away to someone that needs it more. I'm not exactly sure at what age she ingrained the drive to help others into my personality, but she made sure that she planted it deep within my soul.
III. Get More AND Less Settled. While that doesn't sound like it makes sense, it does. I am growing restless in my current position because I need more in my life, but I can't achieve more until I get settled. I need to find a permanent job and a permanent location making an actual salary. I can't focus on all the things I want to bring into my life for fulfillment if I am constantly preoccupied with what my immediate future holds. I like my job. I feel like I am doing some good things, but I don't feel like I am doing enough for enough people. Once my professional life becomes mores stable, my personal life can gain some stability and then I can put all my energy into making other people's lives a little better.
IV. Read More. Just because I should.
V. Run a Half Marathon. Putting this on here is cheating, but I'm doing it anyway. It is cheating because this isn't some huge goal way off in the future. I am running a half marathon in February. I am running the stupid thing because I paid $65 and skipped going to Mardis Gras to do it. If I don't accomplish any of my other goals (all whopping 4 of them), I will at least check this of my list. With that said, I'm going to run it, hate it about half the time, and never run anything over a 10k again.
C) The Oh Hellos. "Cold is the Night". You can thank me later.
D) Me.
-Current Successes:
1. Received a grant
2. Ran 8 miles last Friday
3. I finally got Internet at my apartment
-Current Struggles:
1. I need a haircut
2. I need it to be summer
3. I can't find a coffee creamer I really like.
Overall, I think I'm doing fine. Other than missing this place a little. How could you not?
