Change

I think its rather true that the only thing we can really expect out of life is that it will change. This adage has proven correct in many ways for me this past year: I got a new job. Four couples that I know and was so sure of having staying power broke up. People that I never expected to be friends with are all of a sudden people I can't imagine not having in my life. I go to a frickin' kickboxing gym now...and I really like it. A year ago, had you mentioned any of this to me, I don't think I would've believed you. Now, here we are. And I know it will all just change again.

The time is ripe to bring this up because I changed up the old blog look. And I decided to give it more of a purpose. At the risk of becoming incredibly cheesy and wistful, I decided that this is a good year for doing things that I really want to do, and for finally taking a good hard look at myself and figure out what I can improve upon. I determined a few goals, and formed them into a "blob", to which I will chisel away at all year...and beyond! (The term "blob" comes from a new coworker of mine who made sure to let me know that my UX persona development work was more of a "blob" than a refined piece of art...thx buddy!)

So, the goals? 1. Its time to toughen up - physically and mentally. If I was attacked in an alley, I would be dead. No question. I joined this kickboxing gym to get in shape and also learn how to throw some punches. Its been rather excruciating so far – I have quite literally NO upper body strength. Today I had to do a plank for 3 minutes while elbowing a punching bag as hard as I could...longest three minutes of my life. As for the mental part, I tend to take things rather personally, and its time to practice what I preach and truly NOT take things that way.

2. Simplify everything. I mean this on many levels: from making decisions to keeping my room in order, I'm going to try out keeping things as simple as I possibly can. I've been digging through my closet and making piles of clothes to donate, as well as throwing away things that I've been holding onto but in all honesty I have no use for. The verdict is still out on my cardboard cutout of Frodo, though.

And 3. Adventure-ize everything. I'm almost 26. I don't want to get to 45 and realize I just humdrummed it through life. This isn't to say that I have - I think on the whole its been a pretty great ride - but maybe being more mindful about having fun and choosing to go out of my comfort zone to experience everything life has to offer might be a good idea. As this one lady I met in Brazil told me, and I believe her, we are truly only here to have fun and make other people happy. I like that.

So, I made myself happy by forcing my Patagoon Squad friends to take part in a music video with me! Okay, they actually did it quite cheerfully. Take a crack at it.

I'll write back soon with some goal updates. CIAO!