Louisiana Bound!

I am in the Charlotte airport heading to Louisiana! I am super excited to see my family and am ready for some productivity! I have a jam packed schedule and am excited to get into a good routine. 

It will be super fun to type up my grandpas many stories everyday, then I am also going to work on some art projects, blog weekly, and do yoga! If you have never tried yoga, I highly recommend it. It is so peaceful! I love exercise but hate feeling out of breath like with cardio, so yoga is a  perfect alternative. It is all about breathing, working every muscle, and finding your inner peace. I love it! I was doing it regularly in January and February, but the past weeks I have fallen off the yoga wagon. 

I think this will be an exciting chapter in my story. I feel so fortunate to have family that wants my help and that is willing to provide me with a little work when they know I am trying to find my passion. I am going into this move with an open mind, heart, and soul. Who knows when I will leave Louisiana or where I will go next, but that is all part of the fun! 

This quote sums up the way I feel about the journey I'm on: 

The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.

Christopher McCandless

I hope everyone has a lovely day! 

Much love,

Alyssa

Writing is fun, but difficult at times

There are a lot of things I am uncertain about in my life, but I know with certainty that I thoroughly enjoy writing. Growing up and on into my adult life I always enjoyed writing, whether it was creative, nonfiction, or research. It is absolutely freeing to put your thoughts and ideas into words. I love seeing something that began as a small, fleeting thought turn into a glorious story. 

The other thing freeing about writing is that no one can really judge me. My writings may have some awkward phrasing, incorrect punctuation or spelling, and do not appeal to everyone, but I like my writings and they have not yet been seen by the critics and remain pure. I somehow get a glimpse into my soul when I am hovering over a keyboard or pen, tirelessly putting out what is in my head. 

If I could finish a book and make somewhat of a living off my writings my life would be complete. Everything I love and want to do can be accomplished and shared through writing. Also, I thoroughly enjoy volunteering, afternoons outdoors (not in a stuffy office), and a flexible schedule which I can have by writing. So far I have started two books.. and it is really hard to stay consistent with my writing as well as mentally tolling to find the way you to say what you want to say. I do really well and knock out a couple of pages one day, then lose inspiration. The first book I started is a murder mystery, then yesterday I started a children's sci-fi story. I think starting the second book was a really good decision because it allowed me to completely switch worlds so if I get tired or bored with writing I can switch to a new world and be good to go, well, for a while.

I am afraid for the day when the critics do get a hold of my writings. I hate the idea of someone picking a part my each and every word thinking they have the right to demean my art. But, if the day ever comes that I do finish my book and it is being reviewed by a big wig in the New York Times, I guess I will deal with those fears then. 

That is what most of time consists of now-a-days. Helping mom around the house, running errands, playing Rollercoaster Tycoon, and writing my books! I am glad to find productivity in each day and hope that my momentum keeps increasing, my vision clears, and my work ethic pushes ahead so that I may finish what I have started. 

Wishing you prosperity in the things you love,

Alyssa

Hard to believe it's been so long since I've graduated

Sometimes I cannot believe it has been 9 months since I graduated college... I feel like I was just running weekly SGA meetings and seeing my friends on a daily basis. No one really explains to you what a hard adjustment it is from that life.. College is the place you meet best friends, learn what it is to be independent and a lot of times where you make your first home. Stetson was definitely home for me. It certainly has it's flaws, but you look past those at all of the good because there is just something different about the Stetson community. I really miss my ridiculously busy schedule, feeling like I could accomplish whatever I put my mind to, and my amazing friend group that became stronger each day.

Since leaving Stetson it's like starting all over again... I am reminded of our move to Florida my senior year of high school when I didn't know anyone and felt like I had no idea what I was doing. I hope that I will find my "Stetson" soon so that I can move on with my life and find productivity in each day. That is what is hardest for me... I feel really bad (in general and about myself) when I am not productive. I have got to find something to do that will keep me busy and help me fill the hours of the day. I feel as if I have accomplished a lot and grown but at the same time I feel completely lost and like I've squandered the past 9 months. I am nervous about what my family thinks about my decisions and hate the thought of my peers thinking they are better than me since I am taking longer to settle down.. But then I decide those things should not matter. I am happy and proud of myself for not settling. I have seen this beautiful country, discovered cool jobs and met new friends. Now it is just time to move along to the next thing.. just so I can find what else I don't want to do. Or maybe find the perfect fit! You never know.

While being home I wanted to work on art projects, help mom keep the house clean, and take photography nature walks but this cold weather makes me want to stay indoors! If you have any ideas about fun projects to start while remaining warm and inside I would greatly appreciate them- please comment on this post!

Anyways, I hope you are doing well and finding productivity and purpose with each passing day.

Until next time,
Alyssa

Bah Bah Bah Bah Bah I'm Bummin' It

I'm still living the gypsy life.

Trying to figure out this little thing called life... I've been helping my mom out the past few months. Between her surgery and moving I kept really busy from November through January. This month has definitely slowed down though. Time for me to really think about what I want to do and start moving forward with a career. I have applied for several jobs, but so far have no luck. Also, I don't want to get too settled because I don't know where I want to live just yet, so I'm taking things slow.

My grandpa has a project he needs my help with, so I decided I am going to head to Louisiana to spend a few months working with him. I have friends coming to visit in a couple of weeks so I'm setting early March as my moving date.

Then I have a friend in Tampa looking for a roommate, so I'm considering going to spend a year living there with her. I think it is important to travel and experience different things in this stage of my life before I settle down with a family. We were roommates in the past and had a blast together, so living with her is an opportunity I don't really want to pass up.

Overall, I am really enjoying this time with my family. I love helping my mom look for the perfect piece of furniture, and teaching Austin keyboarding. It has been a really good experience. My little Austy is going to be all grown up before too long, so I'm taking in all of the moments we are sharing together. I've also applied to volunteer with Girl's on the Run and a recreational area nearby.

I started writing a book this week, I have it all laid out so hopefully I can write it fairly quickly and self publish it. t is a suspenseful thriller novel! Once I'm finished I'll let you know! And hopefully you'll try a copy.

So life goes on! I'm having some good experiences and super lucky to have parents that support me and care about me discovering my dreams. I hope everyone reading is doing well and enjoying life! It doesn't matter what you're doing as long as your happy and making the most of your time.

Til next time,
Alyssa

Gypsy Life

I love the Lady Gaga song 'Gypsy'. Ever since I heard it I felt I could relate.. This particular verse kind of sums up my California dream and adventure.

So I just packed my baggage and
Said goodbye to family and friends
And took the road to nowhere on my own

Like Dorothy on a yellow brick
Hope my ruby shoes get us there quick
'Cause I left everyone I love at home

And I don't wanna be alone forever
But I can be tonight
I don't wanna be alone forever
But I love gypsy life

And it's true, I do love the gypsy life but there are several components you need to be happy. I thought I needed career fulfillment and adventure so I went about as far away in the U.S. as I could to find it.. But I had no one in my circles.. I met some awesome people and am glad to know them but it just wasn't the same. So, I am now living in Charlotte, NC with my family.  A major cause of the move is because my mom has to have surgery soon and while her illness is not very severe it was very concerning to me. I hated knowing that I could not fly home if something should happen. Plus, I really do have amazing friends and while we do not live in the same city it is nice to know that I can visit them. It's lot easier to communicate being in the same time zone as well! It was not an easy decision to leave California and resign from my second job in 5 months.. In fact I believed this made a failure and it just did not feel like me because I am a very committed person. But life is about more than tending to yourself and making money. So here I am in my parents townhouse, helping out with their move to Charlotte and helping my mom. I am a bit panicked about finding another job and being taken seriously. But I am a hard worker and have a lot to bring to the table so I just have to find the right fit since a work place is your home away from home.

I personally love change, but I also love a solid foundation and support system. I hope that I can find my foundation here in Charlotte and find change in other aspects of my life. I am so grateful for the experiences I have had, for the opportunity to learn about myself and to learn what is truly important in my life. I think that we put too  much pressure on ourselves to graduate, start a career and stick with it getting promoted over 30 years because that is the image of success that we have been given... But I don't buy into that. Success is being happy and surrounded by people you love. You do have to have an income and should be driven to continually learn and move up.. but a 20 year career can come once experience is gained in these first few years after graduating. I do not think it is a bad thing that I am experiencing different positions early on and learning what I do and do not want out of a job. In the end I will be able to be more successful in the work place because I will find what I love to do and enjoy going into work everyday. Although I am hoping that 3rd time is the charm and that I find a company and position I really love here in Charlotte. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Until next time!
Alyssa

P.S. I cannot believe it has been 2 months since my last post! But in all honesty... you didn't miss too much! I'll post pics of California once I get them off my phone, I did see some beautiful sites!

The Weekend Update

I have been in California for 2 weeks now! It's already been one month since I accepted this job. Hard to believe! Life is just moving at warp speed. The old saying is true, "time flies when you're having fun"!

Last week I was at USC where we did a water conservation pledge. We got a really awesome volunteer! She helped us table one day and was just super sweet. I hope that she stays involved and enjoys it. She was a freshman from India! I love meeting new people and learning about their background and culture. It's the best. Friday we worked from the office and just did planning stuff. It was really productive. I love how calculated and goal oriented this job is. I feel very prepared to do my job successfully.

This weekend was so much fun! Friday after work we went to this sushi place near the office that does happy hour everyday where certain rolls are half off, genius idea and absolutely delicious! Then the ladies and I went out dancing. It took a while to find a place but when we got there we had a great time! They had a photobooth that allowed you to take pics and email them to yourself (for free!), so that was a lot of fun. Only thing I didn't like was that my Malibu Bay Breeze was $11... So much for a splash of cheap rum and some juice! But they know people will pay it and there were a lot of people working who need to get paid livable wages, and there was no cover charge so maybe that's factored in. Anyways! I love my coworkers, they are so intelligent, caring, and fun! I already feel like I can talk to them about anything and they get it. It's great.

Saturday I just lounged around all day, did some work, and finished Orange is the New Black. It was a lovely and relaxing day!

Then today one of our coworkers who works in the grants department had us over for a BBQ! She was so gracious and had a variety of food for us-- delicious roasted corn and avocado salad, turkey/beef/veggie burgers, sausages, watermelon, and ice cream sandwiches. It was a perfect Sunday afternoon. We all told our stories as to how we got involved with The Public Interest Network so it was great to hear what inspires everyone and the different paths their lives have taken. The hostess has been in the network for 20 years and another woman (who hosted us last week) has been a part of it for 30 years. I want to learn more from them and more about what motivates them to live a life of activism.

Then I got to talk to my family briefly today and that was great! My mom has to undergo surgery soon on her esophagus so please keep her in your positive thoughts or prayers to whatever you believe in. It isn't anything mayor but she is very uncomfortable and surgery is....well surgery. My mom is the most thoughtful person I know and I hate thinking of her in pain... but she has a lot of good karma built up and has a lot of faith so I know everything will go smoothly and her recovery will be quick.

This week I will be canvassing.. which means I will be going door to door educating people and asking them to become members. I am kind of excited because this will really push me out of my comfort zone and because we are educating on a really great cause, but I'm also really nervous! People kind of scare of me because they can be cruel and I want everyone to be nice and like me! I'm silly. We are canvassing on the misuse of antibiotics on factory farms. I think I wrote about it while I was in training, but I'll give you the overview of the campaign. 70% of antibiotics available for human use in the U.S. are given to animals through their feed. So perfectly healthy animals are pumped with antibiotics even though they are not sick. This is allowing for superbugs to emerge that are now resistant to antibiotics that treat common illnesses- like pneumonia. The Center for Disease Control says that we could be entering a post-antibiotic era... which is scary! I know that antibiotics have healed me many times. The thought of them becoming ineffective because they allow animals to grow quicker (and get sick less often from the horrible conditions they are in) for profits makes me angry. So I am glad I get to work on this campaign because this needs to be addressed now. I'm going to keep that in mind as I knock on doors and start to feel uncomfortable. I want my little brother to be healed as quickly and easily as I have been my whole life so he is going to be my inspiration.

You know, I'm really enjoying myself.. I'm surprised by how much I love L.A. Everyone has been so friendly and I have not felt unsafe! I don't have to be into work until 11:30 a.m. this week so I am planning on going exploring before work. Tuesday I want to go to the Getty- an art museum! Well that is all from my midnight weekly update!

I keep thinking of "Oh the places you'll go". Thank you Dr. Seuss for inspirational stories and imagination!

I hope that everyone has an amazing week! Happy Monday. :)

Much love,
Alyssa

California Week 1!

Last week I packed up my bags and was driven to the airport by my family to fly to San Francisco. It was definitely hard to say "see you later" to my family, but I was immensely excited to come to the West Coast! I stayed strong during the goodbye but definitely teared up in the security line, then later on the plane. It takes a lot of strength to quit a good thing, and put distance between your loved ones, but it's definitely been worth it. The past week I have never felt like I was at work. It was so much fun! I helped get pledges in Berkley for 2 days, worked in the office on full-time recruitment, then flew down to L.A. to work at USC for the next 3 weeks on their recruitment drive. I love my coworkers and we have met some cool students! Today I get to visit Irvine! A PIRG worker that I'm staying with while in L.A. is the former chapter chair of Irvine so he is bringing me to meet the students I'll be working with! I am really excited. I think it will be great to hear even more input about the school and to hear about their vision for the year. Part of the next 3 weeks will be spent on me creating the schedule for each week this term. We have big goals to hit so I'm preparing how we are going to hit them.

Aside from work I've gotten to do some fun things! My coworker, Danny, was commuting from Moutainview to Berkley so I rode down with him last Tuesday so that I could see my friend Tyler! It was great to catch up with him and meet his mom. We enjoyed some really conversation even though it was a really short visit. Then yesterday I enjoyed some delicious fish tacos and watched Orange is the New Black, just felt like relaxing because I did work long days this week some of which was in this 90 degree Southern California weather. Then today I hiked the 2 miles up to Griffith Observatory! It was quite a trek... Plus I was silly and did not just 1 but 3 "no-no" things to do for a hike. I ate Chinese food/frappaccino right before, was wearing flip flops, and didn't bring water. It was rough. But it was worth it! I was proud for persevering and making it to the top even though I really really wanted to turn around. The views of L.A. were beautiful from up there and the observatory is incredible. It was build in 1935 and encompasses great history, space, art and architecture. James Dean's Rebel Without A Cause was filmed there which made my dad excited. Made me want to see a James Dean because I've never seen one. Luckily I'm in the land of cinema! A coworkers husband just worked on a movie with Andrew Garfield. That was cool to hear about. It's called 99 Homes. It's about foreclosed homes, and I want to see it now.

Anyhow! Things are really great! I Skyped my beautiful family today and have been in great contact with all of the people in my life who are steadfast and continually support me. I just feel so blessed that I am able to be here.. and that I'm healthy and happy! Just enjoy where you are and be in the present, that's what I've learned.

I'll keep you posted on how things are going! However, I'll be pretty darn busy so I don't know how often I'll be posting, but I'll try to stick to the title of the blog.

Much love and happiness,
Alyssa