The former half.

What's up with me? (Whats up with you, heyyy.) I am loving this new chapter so far. Where to begin? I don't know what kind of high I'm on, but things have been... magical . I've been working out, listening to music that I love, and taking up forgotten hobbies organically. AND I'm feeling on top of my current money situation? How amazing is this? BDE for sure. Also, I'm feeling proud at my ability to adapt (Survival of the fittest, yo) It almost makes me think I can handle whatever comes my way.

Since getting back on the mainland, it's kinda been like food heaven - cheaper food, more cuisines to choose from, actual legit vegetarian and vegan options, etc. But it's also been a chance to reevaluate my relationship with food - type of food, consumption levels, satiety, etc I've been back trying to cut out dairy, gluten, and eggs (per bloodwork from a food allergy test). Utilize exercise for maintenance. And eat till your full. Eating till you're full... what a concept. But seriously, what a revolutionary concept. Shit is hard.

Isn't it interesting how, we all place some sort of numerical goal until we can "be happy"? I won't be happy until... I lose 50 lbs I make $100k a year I am a Manager/Director/VP I am married I have kids And the list goes on. Appropriate phrase, combining it with "pursuit"

  Instead of "the latter half," this becomes the "first half." Goodbye 20s, hello 30s  (ugh? or yay.) here's to a whole new chapter. of self acceptance.

June 2017. One year ago. I decided to take some time off work and go home for my mom's birthday, Father's Day, then take off again for a cousin trip to Toronto, then swing to Boston to see a good friend. I remember thinking that, taking this time off was kinda a big deal. I used to be such a workaholic (still can be), and I thought PTO had to be used for a big deal: a big vacation, getting really really sick, etc. The thought of taking time off "just because" or "because I want to spend time with loved ones" was mind boggling, but here I was actually doing it? I don't regret it, and it shaped this chapter, and probably the rest of my life.

  Honesty hour: When I'm at work, I think about how I have a pretty sweet gig. This is my 5th job out of college. At this point, I'm pretty aware of how I got to the point of burnout with previous jobs. Before my current role, I worked in material development. Pros and cons of my current situation: CON: - Not as fulfilling or high up as I'd like (Maybe i've practiced "holding myself back" but I believe, er- I know I have the potential to do more) - My pride was hit. Or is. Big "is." - Less $$$ PRO: - Not miserable - Not stressed - I have work-life balance (whaaaat) For example: If i need to book a doctor's appointment during the week, there's no guilt. Or hesitation because I'm not sure if I can move my work schedule around for it. (If that sounds ridiculous that I would have to prioritize work over a doctor's appointment, that's because it is.  But hey, I'm not the only one who thi...

It's somehow 2018. (I was going to type 2017) And it's March. The first quarter is almost over. Shit, dude. Life changes, companions come into your life, and you suddenly have no more time. But you are making memories and growing as a person <3