Arboretum

I had a blast today! I spent over two hours, taking over 300 pictures at the Morris Arboretum. I loved it so much that I got a membership so that I can go back as often as I want. I loved walking around and seeing all the different plants and sculptures and I can't wait to get back and see it when everything is blooming. I passed one lovely, older gentleman who commented, "It's spring!" My response, "I'm so excited!!" Him, "I can tell by your camera!" To which I laughed in response. When I saw him later, he winked and chuckled along with me. I am so excited about how the pictures turned out and it made realize that I was indeed working towards my goal... and that couldn't have made me happier!

Photography

I just saw someone's photography blog and it made me feel frustrated that I haven't actively sought out people to learn from and also that I haven't posted any pictures in a while...
So here are a couple that I took for my friends of their adorable son!

And so it goes

And goes and goes without ever stopping. Life. It moves on and we have the choice to either sit back and watch it fly by, ignorant and unaware of what we are missing, or we can pull up our big girl panties and dive in to live life to the fullest. I think for the last few years I have been living with the former as my attitude. It's not the most exciting way to be but it is, at it's most basic, being. But I don't want to live that way anymore. I want to indulge in all that life has to offer. I want to take chances and look foolish. I want to take risks and succeed. Why so contemplative this morning? I was reading over people's Tweets (thing you do on Twitter) and I was looking at friend's blogs and it made me realize something. That I have been content to watch from the sidelines. Well, no more. I am determined to take action. To celebrate life. To be brave and accept challenges as they come my way.
Keep my accountable. Help me to not sit idly by, content o watch others live. Encourage me to take action.
I'll keep you posted!

Time may change me...

It has finally happened, my friends. I have finally found the moxie, and the new job, to get me to leave my current job. My last day at school will be February 13th and I know it is going to be a very sad, emotional day for me. I have become such good friends with some of my co-workers, that I can't imagine going a day without seeing and talking to them. I really was blessed with such great friendships and I hope that they will continue to grow long after leaving. I gave my notice yesterday and just cried and cried all day. I know I complained often about how I wasn't where I wanted to be, but now that the time has come, I am so sad and so scared. Scared of the unknown, of the new and different.
But I am excited for the new opportunities and experiences that will be presented to me. For the doors that will be open to me. What is this new opportunity, you ask? Well, I will be the personal/executive assistant to the Executive Vice President of a christian counseling center. Mostly office work, organizing, filing, phone, email... typical assistant stuff. But I will also be responsible for marketing letters and typing up contracts. Wow. Big. Exciting. Overwhelming.
No more snack time at 10 and 3. No more 2 hour down time when the kids are sleeping. No more hugs and kisses and "I love you, miss Susie." I'm going to miss that the most. When the kids come in with a picture they drew just for me. When they come running up to me with hugs because they missed me even though I was only gone for 30 minutes. Laughing with my friends. Helping a child solve a problem. Meeting developmental and emotional goals. Okay, so I won't miss the diapers, the crying, the peeing on the floor, the overwhelming number of kids. But I will count my time there as one of the best experiences of my life. It is time to move and move on I will.
I could stay there for a long time and be safe and comfortable and marginally happy. But I would not be obedient to God's will who has called me to move on and rise to a new challenge. So, if it's a choice between obedience and disobedience, the choice is clear. It just so much harder.
Sorry for the really long blog but apparently I had a lot to clear out of my mind. Thanks for taking the time to read, to listen to me babble and to support me.

I've been told the holidays...

I've been told the holidays have a tendency to make a person lonely and slightly miserable. Not by any one person but by society and the media. But if I have to go to one more family or church function by myself and go home by myself, I might go crazy. And it's not when I am in the midst of the celebrations, it's after. After I've gone home or after everyone has left and I am left to clean up. Okay, now that I sound sufficiently whiny and slightly off-kilter... and a little embarassed, I'm gonna go.

Happy Thanksgiving

Here are some things that I think of on Thanksgiving... How thankful I am for my family, but how I wish it weren't just the five people in my family... it's like the same old dinner at my mom's but transported to my house with a turkey.
I hope that maybe one year it will be my brothers and I, plus spouses and children.
We shall see.
And, since when did my brother have to be entertained? Why do we have to bend over backwards to make Thanksgiving a day when he isn't "bored?" I mean, can someone tell me what Thanksgiving is supposed to be about?
Anybody?

Has it really been that long?

I just looked at my blog and realized I haven't updated it in 2 months!!! That's ludicrous. That's insane. That means that absolutely nothing has happened in that time. That's depressing. Two months go by and all I can say is...?

Now, in my life, nothing may be happening but in the world around me, it's some crazy times. The election is days away, the economy is in the toilet, the Phillies won the World Series... I'm not going to start proseletizing about which candidate to vote for because by now, if you aren't sure who you are voting for, nothing I say will help you determine your vote. If the mass phone calls, emails, mailings and tv ads haven't helped you make up your mind... you've been living under a rock. Seriously, I am only going to say one more thing about politics: vote. Do not miss your chance on Tuesday to vote for a new leader and to change the direction this country is headed. Political rant over.

Last week, I had someone tell that I should give online dating a try. WHAT!? No, thank you. I may not be perfectly happy being single but I am perfectly happy waiting for the right time, the right person and as corny as it may sound to some, I am perfectly happy waiting on God's timing. Does this mean that online dating is out? Not really, but is out for now? Yes. But, you may ask, where will I meet someone? I have no idea. Does that bother me? Sometimes. Most times I have a hard enough time taking care of myself, plus I like being a little selfish with my time. Okay, I vowed never to turn this blog into Single Girl Seeking While Ranting About Being Single, so I'm going to move on.

How's the job search? Not so hot. There is nothing and I mean nothing open at this time. People are being laid off and many companies have put into effect a hiring freeze. I guess I just have to stick it out a little longer.

I'm having a hard time figuring out how to end this post, so here's a picture...

Huh?

I just posted some pictures to my newly created Flickr page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/susiegirl) and as I was looking over them, I saw this..."Uploaded on September 1, 2008." Who can tell me, where did summer go? Why is it already September 1? and why does time just keep flying by? I feel like the older I get, the quicker time flies, and I am NOT a happy camper. What happened to the lazy days of sleeping in, of spending oodles of time at the beach, of doing absolutely nothing? Oh, right, it's called adulthood and I do not like it at all. I have decided to resign from growing up and revert to my childhood again... sigh. If only I could.

On the Lakeside

As promised, here are some trips from my New York trip!

These two are my favorite!

Whirlwind Month

Phew! I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted! For those of you who didn't know, my computer was out of service for three weeks and I just got it back a few days ago. And while I may not have had my computer, that doesn't mean I didn't stop take pictures! Oh no, my friends... I went crazy. I took a week off from work to volunteer at my old camp, so I have a ton of pictures from that (I LOVE taking pictures of kids!) and then I spent a few days with my good friends in upstate New York. Thanks Carly and Brian for letting me invade your home for a few days and take pictures of your adorable child!


Is there an update on the job front, you ask? Absolutely not. It is so hard to look for a job without a computer, so hopefully now, I will be able to jump in where I left off. If anyone knows of how to get into photography as more than just a hobby, let me know! Short of working for Sears or Picture People, I haven't a clue how to get started!

Anyway, on to what you are all looking for... Pictures!











Stay tuned for pictures from my weekend with the Nodine's!

Some new pictures

I was trying to be artistic...

Celebrations

I have to take a moment to thank everyone that was involved in my birthday celebrations yesterday. For those of you who didn't know, yesterday was my birthday and I showed up to work in a most celebratory outfit. At my job, you can wear jeans on your birthday, so there I was, in jeans and this fun t-shirt that I bought near Valentine's Day at Target. It's a cute white shirt with a cupcake that says "sweet cake." Sounds fun, right? Well, to top it off, I added this ridiculously large, gold, sparkly tiara to the mix. What's a birthday without a birthday crown, right? I was in full party mode all day, brownies and cookies for me and the kids in my class for snack and at lunch time, a wonderful surprise. My mom came to my work with a tray of cupcakes! I loved the cupcakes because she is an amazing baker but I loved the fact that she came to my job even better. My mom is totally awesome and I couldn't have asked for a better surprise. Then, that night we had our Young Adult picnic at Nana's house and when I got there, they had set up balloons and a Happy Birthday sign. I was showered with love and very thoughtful gifts that mean so much to me. You can tell that my friends really know me and that touches my heart than any present ever could. Of course, a whole day celebrating me meant that today there was a little bit of birthday withdraw, but I quickly bounced back and am now ready to enjoy this next phase of my life. God has something amazing for me and I am ready to embrace it!

Where to Go

So, some of you may be wondering why this blog's url is where2go... some of you may not notice but I digress. Here is a little insight into why I picked this particular one. I thrive on trying new things, going new places and exploring new sensations. When I created this blog back in college, I was searching for what to do after graduation... which never turned out to be what I expected. After a few years of mindless drudgery at my current place of employment (which I'm not allowed to use the name by request of the main corporate office) I found myself wanting to change the website and name it something else. I had become complacent and stuck in my situation. But now, I find myself in that same situation, all over again. I have fianlly realized that staying in a mind-numbing job with no variable of change is slowly (or quickly?) sucking the life out of me. God did not create me to be stuck in the day in and day out. I was created to constantly change and grow and experience. By staying in one unchanging environment for so long, I have been going against who God created me to be, hence, the misery of my life. So, you may be asking, "What does this all mean?" What it means, my friends, is that I am on the cusp of change, a new beginning of sorts. Where am I going? I have no idea, but I have faith in the One who created me to move me beyond my situation and into the next chapter of my life. Scary? Very. But I am ready. God has been preparing me my entire life for this particular time and I am ready. Now, do I know where this search is going to take me? Absolutely not. It could be an adminstrative assistant in an office, front desk worker for a photography studio or something that I hadn't even considered. And I am embracing the uncertainty with open arms and a faith in a certain and unchanging God.

Motivation

The job that I have been waiting to open since February has just opened. So, one would think that I would rush right to getting my resume in, but have I? No, all becauseof 2 things. One, I need to have 3 professional references and I only have 2 and two, because I'm nervous. I'm scared to step out and try something different. As much as I complain about my current job, it' one that I know. I know the people, I know how everything works, I know how to work around things. I mean, I have been there for almost three years, and when you are somewhere for that long, you get comfortable. So, people, I am asking for some motivation. I want someone to encourage me on this and not stop asking me if I have sent in my resume. Can you do that for me?

And, of course, it wouldn't be a post if I didn't put in some of my new favorite photos.

We had a "Bubble Pop Dance Party" at school!

First off, I just want to say that I am completely obsessed with taking pictures. My camera goes absolutely everywhere with me, even outside in my complex, where I just took over 125 pictures. I think I take decent pictures and I really enjoy going through them on my computer and picking out which ones I like the best. Or how about the 10 I just took of candy, yes you read that right... candy. It is just so colorful and it's fun to play with the different angles and what not.

Okay, secondly, I would like people to pray for me because I am applying for a job that would be a great opportunity. I am applying at Eastern to be an Admissions Counselor. Now, who here doesn't think that's perfect for me? I mean, talking to people all day, calling them, giving little presentations at high school college fairs, connecting with students and making connection in different areas. Plus, I would get to travel a little too. So, if you guys could just remember me in your prayers that this goes the way it's supposed to go... I know it may not be meant for me, but it sure seems it. Thanks.

And I will leave you with a couple of my favorite, recent photos.

I was just reminded today that I haven't updated in eons... so I thought that I would post some fun pics that I took with my new camera. I am absolutely in love with my Nikon D40!

To all of my die-hard fans... I apologize for my lapse in postings. What has been going on you ask? Absolutely nothing. Well, life does move on and things are constanly moving and changing but for all intents and purposes, nada.

I'm kind of getting tired of hearing people say that I'm going to waste away to nothing. I have plenty of it all left that I'm positive that won't happen. Plus, I love to eat way too much to ever let that happen. Anyway, Happy New Year! And don't try to make resolutions, just make lifestyle choices because they are what lasts in the long run.

145! I hit goal! YAYAYAYAYAY! So exciting!

YAY! I am 145.5, which is a half of a pound from my goal weight! Now, that is exciting! But of course, it means I am going to work even harder to reach my next goal. I think I might work in 5 pound increments and see how each one goes, so that would mean my next goal is 140. Or, I might just stay at this place for awhile and kick it up when it gets warmer. Honestly, there is no way I am walking or running out in that freezing cold and snow. That's right, it snowed this morning! And this behind does not workout in frigid weather!

So, the other day I was walking through one of the classes at school and one of the moms stopped me, grabbed my arm and said, "You've lost a TON of weight!" Now, I do know this woman, her son was in my class all of last year, so she knew me when I was bigger. I'm not really sure how I feel about that. I mean, sure, I like getting compliments but I guess it depends on the tone of voice and who is saying it. I had two people on the same day tell me I was wasting away but for some reason, that didn't seem to bother me at all. I am just trying to take them as they come and I guess that's all I can do. It's hard having all these people who knew me "then." Because sometimes, while it is nice to receive compliments, it would be even nicer if people didn't always bring up how I used to look. It's funny because I never really thought I was all that big to begin with but, as time goes on and I find pictures of myself...
Ok, so enough with the whining for whining's sake.

Umm, duh. How about a new, recent picture.

This is from last Halloween!

So, I realized that I haven't posted anything in a couple of weeks, so to satisfy my 2 readers (or is that me being generous?) here we go. Life in my world has been flipped completely upside down. I have no time to breathe let alone worry about my calorie count and exercise. I do think about it in the back of my mind but... I am still losing. This week has been a particularly tough one with a trip to Hersheypark and Halloween and a baby shower at work, so I kind of pigged out all week. But never fear, I am getting back on track! Right now, I am only 5-ish pounds from my goal of 145. Some days I am only 3 but today, it's 5. What are you gonna do? Worry about it? No, just get right back into the game. For a little motivation for myself, I thought I would post a picture of me from before, just so I can see how far I have come.

Holy cow! It's a little scary! This is from 2 years ago!

I am a pound and a half from being in the 140's!!! I can't honestly tell you the last time I weighed that little. Confession time... even though I lost over 50 pounds, there are days when all i can think is "Ugh, my butt is huge!" and "If I could only lose some in my stomach that would be great." Hopefully I will get to a point of reconcilliation with the way my body is and it's how God created me to be. I would really like to reach my goal that is only 7 pounds away and then I want to get my tattoo and after that whatever happens, I won't kill myself to be something that my body won't let me be. I will only go so far, now that I feel better about myself and feel "normal" I'm not going to beat myself up so much.

So, apparently, you can get to a phase where you aren't losing any more weight... the little thing I like to call a plateau. They truly are unfair, I haven't changed my eating and so I haven't been working out as much but still... I want results. According to other people and my clothing size, I still am shaping up because I am down to a 10 in some stores. It's just frustrating.

That fancy "oh-la-la" dress? Too big! I love this!!! Seriously people, let's be excited!

So, last night I went to try on clothes at Old Navy... and I was a size 10!!!!!! I have never, ever, to me recollection been a 10. That is just amazing. Now, sometimes I do worry that it is happening really fast but when you think about it, I started this all when I moved out of my parent's house with the healthy eating and trying to work out and I just kicked it up this year. So, really, it's been about a year and a half to lose 50.. that's right 50 pounds and almost 5 dress sizes! I have to remind myself of that since I am a worrier.

OH MY GOODNESS!! I am actually now a size 12!!! I haven't been a 12 since I was 12! And I am now officially lighter than I was in high school, at 158!! Holy moly, I am the incredible shrinking woman!!!! This whole eating right thing has become so ingrained in my everyday, that even when I slack off on exercise, I still lose! I just need to exercise more for fitness and to tone up!

This is my "oh-la-la" dress. Can you believe that I only spent 17 dollars on this?

Even though I have lost 40 pounds, that's right... 40, I still see myself as fat. I buy the skinnier clothes, but I just can't seem to see it in myself. The only time I do is when I look at pictures between then and now. I have to put a pic in my wallet to keep reminding myself. Right now, I am 162 and at a little plateau. This is where I have to either kick it up like crazy or stay comfy. My goal seems so close, but so far away...

I LOST 4 MORE POUNDS!!!!! I'm down to in between a 14 and a 16, mostly 14. And my hope is that the 14 will be too big!

I've decided to blog about my exercise and weight loss on here even though no one reads it. It just feels good to post it somewhere and my family is sick of hearing about it. So I don't really know what triggered it but all of a sudden I looked at myself and thought, "Oh my God, I am huge" which is really not a fun thought to have. I had kind of been losing a little bit of weight for a while, a little here and a little there but nothing big. Then I got sick about two months ago and couldn't eat normally for almost two weeks. Ever since then, my appetite has changed and I have become more concerned about what I eat. So I ended up losing about 15-20 pounds theough that whole time (the illness and the month that followed) and somebody at work had started walking and losing weight, so I decided to give it a try. So, I started walking on my lunch break, which progressed to me walking at the park almost every night after work. So far I've lost almost 30 pounds (28 to be exact, but who's counting ;)! ) and I am determined to keep going and do this diet and exercise as a whole lifestyle change. Right now my weight ahs gone from 203 to 175 and my goal is to get down to 150 and possibly even 145 (which would be 15 pounds lighter than I was in high school) by the new year. It has taken me a little less than 6 months to lose 28 and I'm thinking that it should take about another 5-6 for the next 25. Wish me luck!

So, to update again...I hate my job. There has to more to life than this. Where am I supposed to go from here and will I ever find a career that is satisfying?

I am officially updating my blog. I'm not quite sure who still reads this but I'll just give it a shot in the dark. I have job(Hallelujah!) as a preschool teacher at the Goddard School. So far, it's been 6 weeks and so far I still like it.
I also joined (drum roll, please) eHarmony! I thought that it would be like admitting defeat or something stupid like that but so far so good. I have 13 matches from all over the country and I just joined on Tuesday(5 days ago) Not bad, but we'll see if anything comes of it.

Searching for a job is like "searching for meaning in a Pauly Shore movie." Sorry, I just had to a little quote from Clueless. Anyway, it's not that bad but it is frustrating. I am learning a very important lesson, however. I am learning to wait on God and that things happen in my timing and not when I want it to happen. That happens when you tell God that you are ready for what He has for you. He really wants to make sure that you are ready. I just wish it would happen a little faster, but again, I must wait on His timing.

Today, I am pretty down in the doldrums. On days like this, I feel like I will never find a job, I will never be able to pay off my school loans, and I will always live at home. There is nothing about today that is different from other days, except for my stinky attitude and bad mood. Hey, I'm trying.