Good Bye 2013 Hello 2014

2014, as everyone is well aware, will see me turn 30.  If I didn't fully accept that I was an adult before, I really have to now.  It seems crazy to me because college and high school feel like they were yesterday.  I had a great time in those parts of my life.  But now, I have to say, I think I'm hitting my stride.  I learned a lot about myself in 2013 and I plan on carrying those lessons into the new year and, of course, I plan on learning even more.

I learned:

I have to let go more.  It's a work in progress, but I'm happier when I do.

I have to make sure I am happy with myself or everything else suffers.

I need to maintain my confidence in my abilities.  Constructive criticism is good, and I should heed it.  But I also have to trust to know when the criticism is unwarranted and therefore I shouldn't let it bring me down.

I really am self-sufficient.  I can and will accept help, but if it's not there I can survive without it.

I am loved and supported.  So many people this year showed me this in so many ways.  Many of them probably don't even know it.

I really really do still want to be in education.  I started the year doubting my career choice somewhat frequently, but now I know, more than ever, that this is the field for me.

I am more intelligent than I give myself credit for.  I've always surrounded myself with crazy intelligent people- intentionally and unintentionally.  Sometimes I think this has made me feel less than.  However, I've discovered I have a voice, and I have things to say, and I am well versed in many topics.  I am not average or dumb.  (But no, I still can't do calculus or stats.)

I have good instincts. I need to trust and follow them.


I am a work in progress, we all are.  I'm feeling awesome about my life right now though, and I can't wait to keep living it and growing in it.

Happy 2014 ya'll.  Let's make it a good one!

On My Soapbox

I'm not one to get political on my blog.  In general I let people have their opinions and I have mine.  But lately I'm having a hard time keeping my mouth shut.  This mess about birth control coverage, planned parenthood, and the pro-choice/pro-life debate is really getting to me.  To be clear, I am pro-choice, pro-birth control, and pro-planned parenthood.  Let me explain why I'm having a harder time accepting the view points of those who feel differently than me.

Being pro-choice is NOT being pro-abortion.  I would never tell someone they have to get an abortion, it is even unlikely that I would recommend an abortion to someone.  I do not like the idea of people using abortion instead of practicing safe sex.  BUT it is a woman's choice to do what she wants with her body and there are times when abortions are the best option- albeit an uncomfortable choice for many.

I have a problem with people who say that instead of aborting unwanted babies we can just put them in foster care/ up for adoption or the moms can just take care of them.  This is namely because almost none of the people who I have heard said this are planning to adopt (I on the other hand am).  And, my conservative friends, are less likely to want to support public assistance programs to help these mothers take care of their children.  I've also worked first hand with tons of children in the system and it's a horrible place to be that should be avoided by many.

I've heard the argument that if they can't afford the children they shouldn't have them.  So you'd think this means that these pro-lifers would be in support of lowering the number of unwanted pregnancies.  Yet these are the people saying birth control should not be covered by insurance.  Then I hear the argument that if you can't pay for birth control you either should not have any sex life or you should go to Planned Parenthood.  Again, these same people want to cut funding for Planned Parenthood.  And let's not get started on the fact that Viagra, Cealis, and other ED drugs are covered- and are essentially ONLY about sex not other medical conditions.

As we look at lowering the rate of unwanted pregnancies I think we should turn to the schools.  But AGAIN many of these conservatives refuse to let us teach our students about safe sex.  We can't show them how to use a condom, we can't tell them about birth control.  All we can do is tell them that they shouldn't have sex till their married- and let's face it not only is that naive, but teens don't respond well to strict rules that seem to impede on their ability to make choices for themselves.

In my perfect world there would be comprehensive sex education that encourages teens to wait for a long term exclusive relationship but ALSO teaches them how to use condoms, what their birth control options are, and the dangers of STDs.  This program would help future generations avoid unwanted pregnancies. Insurance would cover a portion of birth control making it accessible to all women.  Planned Parenthood will continue to provide important health services to women and will cover the women who aren't insured.  Birth control use will rise and unwanted pregnancies will decrease.  The overall number of abortions will go down and be used primarily for extreme health situations, cases of rape, and in instances of incest.

What do you think?  I appreciate all viewpoints as long as they are not personal attacks.  If you're pro-choice do you have anything to add?  If you're pro-life what do you think we should do about unwanted pregnancies?  Do you plan on adopting the unwanted kids?  Why or Why not?

Checking In

So January is coming to a close and I think it's time to check in.  A couple of weeks ago I posted some goals for the new year and I thought I'd remind myself of what they are and see how I've been doing on them.  To refresh your memory here is the list:

Build stronger relationships- as a family member, friend, and romantic interest
Kick butt in my grad school classes
Expand my book blog to include other bloggers and buy my own domain
Read for pleasure as much as possible
Explore Cleveland
Exercise and be healthy
Focus on the positive
Complain less
Be open to change


I feel like I have definitely strengthened some friendships.  I've spent some quality time with my quality peeps and I am happy about that.  My family and I have also been spending time together and getting along which is great.  I can't comment too much on grad school yet- but I did complete my first week of reading and took notes so I think so far so good.  My professor seems great and while it's going to be a lot of work I think it's going to be really fulfilling as well.  


I have sucked at doing stuff with my book review blog, but I will remedy that soon.  Yet, I have been reading for pleasure a LOT, so far it's been one book each week of 2012, which keeps me on track for finally reaching 50 books in one year!


My friend Katie and I went to Zumba once and I filled out the paperwork to get a scholarship to the Y.  So this week I plan on finalizing my membership so I can be healthier.  I've also realized I haven't been eating enough- nor healthily enough so I'm trying to eat 2-3 meals a day and am including a lot more fruit and veggies.  


Focusing on the positive has been really tough for me.  I was in an extremely negative move last week especially in regards to my job.  I decided to try to perk up this year and am trying to focus on school and what my future might bring to keep me positive.  I have also sucked at complaining less.  I've complained a lot.  I'll keep working on that!  Being open to change.  Hmm, I think I am being open to change.  I think my life is in a state of change right now and I'm embracing it.  Let's see what it brings.




How is 2012 turning out for you?

2012 in Cleveland

I've been thinking about this post for a few days now.  Resolutions seem like they are meant to be broken and I don't want to become another statistic.  So, dear readers, I'm going to tell you what I want out of 2012.  I want to be happier in, more content with, prouder of, and thankful for the life that I'm living.

I can see that this is a rather broad statement so what does it all mean?

In 2012 I want to do as many of the following things as possible:

Build stronger relationships- as a family member, friend, and romantic interest
Kick butt in my grad school classes
Expand my book blog to include other bloggers and buy my own domain
Read for pleasure as much as possible
Explore Cleveland
Exercise and be healthy
Focus on the positive
Complain less
Be open to change

I'm going into 2012 feeling good about where my life is headed.  What about you, are you optimistic for what the future holds?

Sara Thinks...

For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin—real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. ~Souza

 

 A few days ago I was reading a post on Wedding Bee and saw this quote.  It struck me, because several times lately I have told friends that I feel as if I'm in "limbo" and am "waiting for my life to start."  As I've searched for a steady job in my chosen career and for a steady relationship I've felt that when I find these things I will finally be an "adult."  My life will begin.  

This, is stupid. 

The random jobs I've had, if even for a year have been a part of my life.  They have helped form my life.  

The numerous first dates?  The short term relationships?  They've taught me a lot and have provided me with some pretty fun experiences.  Movies, plays, music, restaurants all that I might not have seen.  

I need to stop waiting and just enjoy what my life is now.  Of course I will keep pursuing my things, but I can also be satisfied with where I am now.  I can at least recognize that this is my life- imperfections and all, and THAT is O.K.  

Enjoying life, in the moment, on my last day at my first school of the year.