Single Girl in the City, Part I

One of my 2013 Resolutions was to date more - simple as that. After watching maybe one too many episodes of Sex in the City, here is my own little version: Single Girl in the City.

Newsflash: Meeting new people is hard.

After college you have to ask yourself: "How do I want to meet people?" You don't have that college bubble anymore where you go to class or you're in the campus community. Do you rely on bars? Maybe. But in my experience, as I get older, bars don't hold the same appeal and when I do go, I'd rather enjoy being out with my friends, not focus on mingling with strangers.

"What about work?" you may ask. I love my job, I worked really hard to get where I am (which may or may not be another reason why my focus hasn't been on dating in the past), and to be honest, I like the idea of work/personal life balance. And the fact that all the men at work are married - puts a bit of a dent in that plan.

So I decided to open my options a bit - I signed up for online dating. I did my research, talked to a few people and realized that it's really not uncommon to meet someone online these days. So I signed up, completed my profile, and waited for the messages to come. (And yes, they did come!)

Thus far I've been asked on two dates:

Mr. Z was the first to ask me to drinks. Simple enough: we were going to meet at my favorite bar (The Usual) for a casual meet up. After scrutinizing for days about what to wear, how to do my hair (up? down? halway?!) and how I'll answer some common questions, he ended up having to reschedule the day of. Bummer.

My. Y was number two to ask to meet me. His idea of a good first date was full on entertainment - bowling, games, laser tag, etc. On paper this guy seemed to have it all...and in person it was even better! I hope to have more stories to come, so stay tuned.

Being single doesn't have to be the end of the world. There's something to say about living independently as a woman. But it doesn't suck having a fun evening to look forward to.

In conclusion, stay tuned for Single Girl in the City, Part II!

The Start of a New Year

So I've had some requests, questions, concerns, and annoyance about why I haven't updated my blog in  awhile. Looking back, I realize that I've let a long stretch of time go by without updating, but that doesn't mean I haven't thought about it.

I sometimes worry that my life is a little too boring to be written about - what do I do each day? Mainly wake up early, work, come home, and hang out with my friends, my dog,  or - most occasionally - both. I wish I could say I lead the kind of life that's truly worth writing about that gets you excited to read about each week, full of adventures, exciting romances, and great milestones. However, as much as I wish I lead a life like that, I'm realizing each year that I actually enjoy coming home after a days work. I like spending some time alone, and going out to me has become more and more about what movie we'll see as opposed to what boy we'll set our sites on at some bar.

But, as the new year approaches - and 25 hits me - I've decided that part of my resolution this year is to live like I'm still young! Don't get too excited - I guarantee nights at home with my puppy and weekends putting in many movie hours, but it's time for me to explore a little more.

So far some resolutions are as followed:

- Get back to eating healthy
- Run a 5K
- Learn a language
- Say "yes" to more invitations
- and let everyone in the blog world out there read about it!

So here's to 2013 - it's going to be a great year!

And now 2012 in review:

Social Media Director at Halo

Momo and I went to New Orleans

Social Media Strategist at Ilfusion

Amanda turns 25

Celebrating with friends

Moved into a new apartment

Halloween

Digital Marketing Strategist at ad:tech

Went to New York with ad:tech

Thanksgiving at home

It snowed this Christmas

Playing in the snow

New Year's Eve

Happy Halloween!

Hello fellow bloggers!

SO sorry for the lapse of blogging on my part. See, the thing is, I DO blog all the time! It's just not on this blog.

When I last left you, I was still searching for a job. Well, good news: I have one! When I returned from an amazing trip with Momo and Daddy to Wyoming and Montana to see Amy, I interviewed and was offered a job with Halo Design & Marketing! I am now, and have been for the past three months, the Director of Social Media.

Basically...Life is good. I love living alone (except with Paris, of course), love my job, and love being a young professional in this amazing city!

And now, some pictures!

In Montana!

 Montana

 Director of Social Media!

 Vegas!

 Vegas!

 The reason we went to Vegas, for Amanda Garrison's birthday!

 The girls in Vegas

And now, Dear Blogger, I am off to enjoy my Friday afternoon in this AMAZING wedding! Everyone have a Happy Halloween!!

The Search Continues

So. I've had a few people ask me lately why I don't write on here anymore, so here is the answer: I have zero news to tell.

But I suppose I could catch you bloggers up on the journey I am continuously on (and can't seem to get off and settled).

Momo and I took a trip to Washington DC so I could sit down and talk to a few Texas representatives on Capitol Hill about job possibilities. DC was never the absolute top place I wanted to end up, but as I'm sure everyone out there has heard: "it's not what you know, it's who you know" and I knew a few people up there. Or rather, I knew one person who knew another who helped me get in contact with a few more (Ahh, the connections we have in life). So, to DC we went!

 Momo and me at the zoo!

Outside the nation's capitol!

The trip went well. I met some great contacts, got some great advice. But...I decided DC isn't the place for me. I loved the city and loved visiting, but I don't want to do any more than that. I'm so glad we went, because now I know for sure, but I'm bummed that the search continues. I have faith, though. It's a dwindling faith, but faith nonetheless.

But the summer isn't such a dud -- I'm definitely making the most of it. I spent a few days at home before DC, went to DC, spent a week in the Fort, another week at home, a road trip with my favorite Amanda Garrison to see my other favorite Stacey Mallory (with the puppies, of course), and now I'm packing for a week in Wyoming and Montana! And maybe a few days in Denver at the end of the month/beginning of August? Yes, definitely making the most of this unemployment. If only I had more funds to pad everything along.

So, like the title says, the search continues. But until then, I'm filling my days with best friends, applying for more jobs (the head hunter who's helping is a major plus, too), and who knows, maybe start writing a novel? hmm ;)

Now, just to catch you up:

 My new apartment which I simply ADORE

 Momo and me again in DC

 Brobro, Paris and me 

Visiting Stacey in Knoxville!

Oh, The Places We Will Go

So...I have spent weeks on getting my resume updated and spiffied  up. I've written a number of cover letters. And I've made both a physical and electronic version of my portfolio.

Now, the list of the top places I want to go:

1. Washington D.C.
2. Denver, CO
3. Raleigh, NC
4. DFW
5. Nashville, TN
6. Austin, TX

Numbers 1-3 are my top, top picks. Those are the places I want to go. Yes, they're far away. And yes, they aren't within driving distance. It's hard because everyone wants me to stay (and I may!) but I'm ready for an adventure! I'm ready to scare myself a little bit.

So. If any of you bloggers out there have any connections in any of these places, don't be shy :)

this is...

...simply exhausting.

who knew?

Long time...huh?

Hey guys -- sorry for the absence. I wish I could say it was because I had a lot going on or I came home completely exhausted every single night and just couldn't find the time to blog.

But that would be a lie.

My life hasn't gotten that exciting. And I still go to bed at my normal (if grandmaish) time. Actually, not blogging isn't for those reasons -- it's quite the opposite, actually. Yes, things with Kate Reed are still going great. And yes, I still nanny the twins every afternoon. I still go out periodically (though not nearly as much as I did when I was in school) and I still hang out with my favorite people (including my adorable Paris). But I would be lying if I didn't feel somewhat...I don't know...uncomfortably comfortable.

After an amazing week in London with Ashley and talking to Duncan about seeing the world and living different places, I realized that I could do that. I mean, why not? I don't have anything tying me down here. Yes, I have Kate Reed, but that's only part time -- and I won't be nannying for the rest of my life. So I made a decision. I'm going to look elsewhere.

That's what my plan was all along. I knew that after I graduated I wanted to leave Texas for a few years. I had it all planned out that I was going to apply everywhere...that is, until I found an amazing apartment in Fort Worth and signed for it. I kinda limited myself.

So...The search is on!



ps: here are just a few pictures from my trip :)

 Duncan!

 I love London

 Ashley -- my London buddy

 On the bus along Oxford Street

 London Eye

 The Zoo Bar

St. Patrick's Day in Ireland!

The Guinness Factory