Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Look Who Showed Up Today

Well this is awkward. I've been away for so long that I don't know whether to open this with "I'm Sorry" or "You're Welcome". Let's try to string things together from where we left off over a month ago

You'll be relieved to know that WiFi is back in my world. No more strange invitations from Starbucks employees on their breaks. No more sifting through old DVD's in the value bin at the neighborhood Wal-Mart. Still playing board games, making up our own card games and succumbing to the necessary rounds of power-hour that make us, well, us. 

We aren't going to bed as early anymore, but that's mainly because work-life has taken a shift toward work. We get home later and we have a pool and a yard to look after. A pool that's had some chemical-related casualties and seen some heroic net-grabbing rescues. We've saved two frogs from the skimmers - it may have been the same frog twice - and a bullfrog the size of your head that was swimming gracefully up and back. I say 'we' saved them but that's not the truth. I'm always the one jumping around and shrieking about how 'yuck' it is that there's things other than us in the pool. I haven't been in it yet, why are amphibians taking a dip before me?!

We've also taken to our shows, finishing the Walking Dead, House of Cards Season 4 and soon completing Making a Murderer (no spoilers, please!). After that we have grand plans of geeking out over Breaking Bad again, a show that's so binge-worthy that I fear I'll fall behind on my Southern Spring base-tan. We were champions of Lent, even though what we gave up shifted around a few times. We landed on a full 40+ days of no Mexican food and then celebrated with an Easter Sunday of 100% Mexican food. Taco Bell at 1am wasn't the way it was supposed to go down, but it happened. You'd do it, too. 

What about the new things in my world? 

I've been running. I'm not logging the miles like I used to, but I'm making a point of hitting the pavement for some me-time at least once a week. Some thinking, some considering. Some processing. Being directionally challenged has its downside, but with a wrong turn last week I transformed a 3.5 route into a Tuesday 5-miler. A distance I haven't ran in over two years that I completed with a smile on my face.

I've been planning. It's getting closer to one year in Tennessee and I'm still finding my way. I'm still driving around with Oregon plates on my 2015 Prius and I still fumble around when I fill up the tank. It's a place I firmly planted my roots, but seeking more ways each day to find Portland again. In nature, in culture, in cuisine, in libations, in music. 

I've been preparing. I'm about to take the next step in my career and it's going to be the challenge I've been hungry for. The work excites me and the opportunity was made for me. In fact, a few opportunities were made for me and this is the path I chose without hesitation. 

What about you, what's new in your world?

9 comments

Lynn | Motherhood in Motion said...

So good to see you back blogging!

MacKensie said...

Yay!!! I missed you. Get it, girl. Now it's time to get to Facetiming your Californian friend. :)

Kristen @ See You In A Porridge said...

yay for challenges and next steps! and ew to frogs, i definitely freak out when other things are in the pool or beach. no thank you very much. congrats on being awesome at life and especially 0 mexican food, but i am definitely of the mind that taco bell should only be consumed in the 1am area haha. and yay for running with a smile on your face :)

Nadine said...

What is up with the amphibians in your life?? Apparently they want someone enjoying the pool. Mmmmm Taco Bell sounds wonderful. Hahaha. I haven't been there in years and years but I do love their beef chalupa supreme! Best of luck on the jump in your career! Sounds like it is meant to be.

Emilie said...

Welcome back!
Congrats on the 5-miler! Doesn't it feel amazing when you achieve something like that, as small as it may seem?!

Anonymous said...

I so wish I could come wander with you and search for Portland in Tennessee! But I'm happy you're doing "you" things like running, planning, and advancing. I'd be envious of the amphibians taking an early dip too, but I actually happen to think they're cute pool accessories ;)

Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre said...

Love seeing this updated post and getting to check in with you sweet girl. Love that visual of the bull frog swimming on its back ;)

Kathy@MoreCoffeeLessTalky said...

i fell off the blogging wagon for a while because work (boo) but trying to get back into it when i can.

you should try watching Bosch, Daredevil and Banshee - such great shows to binge on!

Kenzie Smith said...

I had to go without internet for a couple of weeks a few years ago and I was absolutely dreading it, however after a day or two I realized that it wasn't so bad and that I should take advantage of not being tied down by the computer or social media :) Glad to have you back to blogging though!