Sober January

This past fall had some boozey nights... most of my falls have boozey nights. College football is largely to blame, and this year had the added element of an election cycle.

I didn't go out and do much drinking with co-workers. I came on staff with the campaign a little too late and was a tad too old to be included. Some of my colleagues from around the state and I would grab a beer when we could, but mostly I was drinking with the usual suspects: Scott, David, Katie, Molly and Macon. These are my peeps.

I spent NYE with all but one of my "crew," and we decided sober January was probably a good idea. We each get three "free" days, knowing that birthday happy hours/going away parties/brunch happens. So far, we have all done a good job.

There was a happy hour with the girls, but we all jumped off the wagon together :) There was wine and one teeny tiny pitcher of beer... but it was necessary. There was catching up, bitching about work and a general desire for summer months... this conversation CLEARLY required a drink.

This past weekend the flu kept me clean. And the next two weeks I will be broke and home some and starting new work. I should be in the clear to keep up with my sober January promise.

But this month long commitment got me to thinking, and I am going to try to give each month in 2013 a theme. I think February is going to be "frugal February." Aka cooking at home more, no shopping, getting back in the couponing habit. I am also contemplating a "meatless March" and attempt to go veggie for a month.

Another monthly goal I want to set is to visit friends where they are. January already has two checked off the list. I spent a weekend with friends in Charlotte, and I stopped for dinner in Chattanooga with my friend Allison who I haven't seen in YEARS! I am planning on stops in Dallas, Chicago, NYC, Atlanta, Nashville, California, and PA to keep up this trend.

As 2013 has started to become reality and the countdown to my 30th has fallen under the 180 days mark, it has been good to stretch myself and come up with attainable ways to spend my time and money this year. Let's hope sober January sets a good upward trend!!

"Underemployed"

I spent the better part of 2012 underemployed. Specifically April-August (mostly just not being paid by clients) and then again for November and December. Seven months total. Mind you, I was working like a dog every month... just not making enough to live.

2013 is starting with a BANG of employment. I am currently working on three different projects ranging from fundraising and strategy to event planning and corporate conference type stuff.

It's great! I love the challenge and working with friends!!

The best part, I am taking on things that are well within my grasp and a stretch at the same time. My goal in all of this is to be, in a word, overemployed. I'm excited to be paid what I'm worth. When it comes to employment, I have always had a sever problem of undervaluing myself... but that's about to change!

Maybe this year will bring a "full-time" job and maybe it won't, but as it stands now I have good work that will put me through the first chunk of the year!

I haven't completely decided how "anon" this blog will remain, so I will spare details for now...

Also, I am now current on thank you notes!

Ambition knows no obstacles

That was probably the best fortune from a cookie I could have read going in to 2013. I opened it at my family's annual Christmas Eve Chinese food dinner. 

It was more timely a fortune than I could have imagined. 2012 was tumultuous. I came out bruised and battered. A lot of good happened and a lot of "life experience" was gained, but in the end I just want to be settled in DC and pursuing good work and relationships.

2012 started in Europe on family vacation, saw a move to Mississippi and a move BACK to DC. I'm currently in the District with all of my belongings in storage in Louisiana and on a hunt to make something of myself. 

The good things that I have already encountered going into 2013 are truly innumerable. This blog will be a little bit of a place for me to record more of those good things as well as share my path to "becoming an adult" aka turning 30.

Be warned, I will probably share opinions AND "fashion advice." Plus I've already been working on a favorite things list... Hopefully that entry will provide some insight into who I am.

Please feel free to take this little motto and run with it because we can all use that reminder:

Ambition knows NO obstacles.