Weekend Getaways & Getting What You Want

Ending my weekend on an actually-looking-forward-to-the-week magical mood and decided that's when updates seem the most fresh and real.

We spent the weekend in Burlington, Vermont- my third visit to the Green Mountain State since I began my east coast residency. 48 hours of belly-hurting laughter, delicious food, farmers markets and unbelievably good squash pickles, surprising sunshine, mountain camp reunions with my favorite waterfront staff and a blissful reminder that change is not always a bad thing.

Prior to the weekend getaway, I had a wonderful week at work (a pattern that keeps occurring and can stay). I am, dare I say, really good at my job. Talks of moving up have been whispered but I am keeping my feet firm in the teller line (for now). My coworkers and management team continue to make the day sail through and so far I've actually looked forward to each day. Between quoting Mean Girls, discussing March Madness (my bracket is dead after this weekend...) and planning our weekends together, I have to remind myself it's work- I'm getting paid. Does it get much better?

As for my honest update on post grad progress, I'd like to say I am in the final round. With May creeping upon us and the one year mark of college (cause then I'm not a post grad right?), I have begun to see the steps made and the path I took to get here. In this mess of moving and starting over, breakdowns became the new black and I was extremely fashionable (does the metaphor even work?) But as I listened to a recent friend describe her crash and rise in the post college market, I realized these breakdowns are our tickets to the breakthrough. Each breakdown, each time has brought me here- a place I'm comfortable in and ready to tackle any future derails. They're coming but we're ready.

As for my concluding reflections... Returning to Vermont always includes seeing Kevin's college friends- all of whom have graciously accepted me without question into their ever so tightly knit group of friends. After rounds of "the question game", cans of cheap consumption and a family style Italian meal, smaller conversations of more serious manner began to arise. The future, the next step seemed to be the hot topic. A town that once served a college purpose, quickly became home for these Vermonters but after 3 years of post grad living, the next step is coming into view. It seems everyone is eager to pack up and start the next portion of life. No one is afraid and no one is worried about the friendships that have lasted 7 years. It's exciting to hear their dreams and plans and know that no matter where they are, they'll always have each other. As cheesy as I have just become, it's touching and the solid truth. I moved away and have been blessed to have kept in contact with my core friends. Whether they're back in California both Northern and Southern, sailing around the globe, rising in Chicago sales, dominating in Texas or dreaming of their future steps, we've managed to keep the bonds strong.

I'm constantly reminded that distance means nothing and does not erase what once was. We're just all moving along together and more weekends, like this one, will occur and remind us, as the ever so inspiring and always quotable Carrie Bradshaw once said, "It's good to know that the ones you love will always be in your heart. And if you're very lucky, only a plane ride away".

Journey to Spring

If the Boston winter season was the Dipsea race, we'd be heading into Cardiac. For all you non-Marin-ites, that means the end is near, you've hit that moment you've waited for and finally a downhill, a relief and a sweet reminder of why you're doing this whole thing. But oh wait, before we get to the beach, the warm weather and the blissful payoff, there's one more climb. There's one more snowfall and one more bitter month of cold. But you keep reminding yourself that it's coming to an end and suddenly the whole process doesn't seem so bad. Hell, you'd do it again and because you've toughened it out, you're stronger and you're gonna appreciate that summer glow, wave crashing, green grass between your barefoot toes more than ever.

Shall I continue the race metaphor...
Let's just take note of this journey. I am knee deep in my new job and loving it. I actually enjoy getting up early and taking the T to the financial district, storming the streets in my black heels, high waisted skirt and matching jacket and Starbucks Americano in hand. Strides of pride lead me into the Bank of America headquarters for the better half of my day. Hours of standing and correcting my posture leaves me feeling restless and used by the end of the day but... I like it. I have never felt so accomplished and yes I'm at the bottom and yes I have a lot to learn but I'm so intrigued and so eager to keep moving. My favorite cliche has never applied more- endless opportunities. Who would have thought I'd enter the banking world and not only like it but strive to learn more about it. I can only go up and it's going to be an amazing ride.

Besides this teasing spring weather, Boston is finally, dare I say, becoming my home. Celtics games, awaiting Red Sox season and yes I slipped and said 'wicked' the other day but it's finally somewhere I'm calling my own. A feeling so desperately craved and finally beginning to achieve.

Now that my life has naturally smoothed through all the chaos, I'm able to ponder the future and not stress into oblivion. I am able to start planning weekend summer trips (yay Texas!!!) and start acting like a big girl. I am actually making this little thing called a budget and sticking to it. I am years, decades, ok lifetimes slash never am I going to... severe my ties with the west but I'm making footprints out east. This real world thing is much easier when taken day by day but for now, for this current day, I'm doing the best I can and I suppose that's enough.