RedJen's Rearview Mirror

I have always had a thing about trying to find out more about why I am the way I am and why I think the way I do. Don't get me wrong, I like me and I'm comfortable with me, but sometimes I seem to puzzle people, so it's almost like I'm trying to figure out how other people see me so that I can relate better with others.

What to know more about what makes me tick? I was given the privilege to being involved in a rather extensive set of Leadership classes. As a result, I have had the opportunity to take part in multiple self assessment workshops. If you would dare...

Now that thing have begun settling down again, I suppose it is time to take the next step on the improve Jen’s Quality of Life list. Of course it would probably help if I made up a real list, but I recently got a kick-start from a friend.

Career - To find and acquire next position at work
Why: I’m ready for a new challenge. I want to take my skills to another area where I can be challenged and grow.
How/Tasks:
Networking
Search corporate job listing tool
Update/rewrite resume
Determine if classes at NCSU fit into my schedule

Health - To work on my weight/health
Why: I’m down to a size 12 (from 18), but I’d like to get to a size 10. I recently had a physical and my cholesterol levels are high (good & bad)
How/Tasks:
Eat better
Drink water
Exercise outside of gym

Finances - To work on my money situation
Why: I want to be able to buy my own house and make it into a home.
How/Tasks:
Proactive budgeting
Reduce debt
Control miscellaneous spending

Personal Growth - Develop creative outlets
Why: I have an artistic side that gets pushed aside too often in favor of being practical. This obviously hasn’t worked out. I didn’t realize until a few weeks ago that I didn’t feel like me. I had forgotten what “me” felt like. I need to work on all of me.
How/Tasks:
Creative writing project
Continue working on this website
Finish book club books
Write more poetry
Get outside more often

Today should be a day filled with new beginnings and changes.

My roommate has decided to cut her stay in North Carolina short and is returning to Arizona later this morning. I’m sorry to see her go, but she has plenty of good reasons to be returning. She seems to be happy with her choice and I expect it will be for the best as there is so much going on for her right now that being so far from home must be hard. It was fun having her stay while she was here.

I’m looking forward to seeing friends this afternoon. An outdoor birthday party at one of the public lakes will be fun. The weather is supposed to be nice. After so much rain as of late it will be fun to be outside. All my favorite little people will be joining us and being outside they will be free to run ragged without tearing anyone’s house apart.

I suspect the evening will include a new beginning.

I shall be beginning the day as the end of a slumber party among friends, then spending the day among people I care about. As much as I like time to myself, I like the idea of being with people on my birthday. There is something about birthdays that make me want to be with others.

For now, I need to catch some sleep before taking my guest catch an early flight at the airport. And it looks like I won over the car. :)

Eve and I have talked. Actually, I talked a lot and she listened. I’ve asked her to come back and give me her feedback on what I told her once she’s had a chance to think about everything. A time limit has been set on how long she has before I expect to hear from her.

Things that should be noted: I am neither mad nor upset with Eve. I have been highly disappointed in some of her behavior, but I’m not mad. I’m leaving her future up to her. I’ve given her option of living with me and that hasn’t changed. I have certain expectations surrounding her activities and what she does while living here. Whether or not she is willing to continue to live with me is completely up to her. If she is willing to make the behavioral changes I need, then she is welcome to stay. I have set the conditions, what she chooses to do in response to them is completely up to her.

I hope she got it. Maybe this time I’m not kidding myself. I hope.

I’m not sure exactly what today will bring, but it is time to get ready to face the day. Off to buff, scrub and polish…