Better Attitude

So I'm sorry for not posting, because blogs that are not updated for three weeks are boring. Blog-stalking is way more fun when people update frequently. This particular post might not be that interesting either, as it is kind of long-winded. :) Fun posts to come soon!

But to be perfectly honest, I didn't feel like thinking about RI at all over the last few weeks-- or how I took up blogging so I wouldn't feel so disconnected from people, and how that doesn't always work. No lie, living practically by myself sometimes feels like a social wasteland after living in an apartment with three awesome friends (plus the three b/f's who didn't actually live with us but might as well have). :)

But whining doesn't make things better, so I have a plan. I guess they kind of seem like resolutions, but it's mostly by chance that they coincide with the start of the new year. Mostly it's because I've now been here for 6 months and am settled enough to scold myself for using that as an excuse to be a lump. I don't see any reason not to fall in love with every city I live in for the rest of my life. No more keeping myself a little aloof-- that is pointless and also miserable.

Battle #1: The living room. I have a cute apartment, but this is my first unfurnished apartment, and it's still mostly unfurnished. This is silly because it keeps me from having people over and because it's boring. So my mom helped me brainstorm some decorating ideas (thanks, madre!) and I plan to have it finished by the end of the month. My roomie has no furniture either and said I could do whatever I want. I will take that at face value.

Battle #2: The social scene. My plan of attack is not quite as clear on this, but I know it has to involve more actively seeking out the kinds of things I like to do, balancing social circles, and getting more involved with people who are likely to encourage sticking to higher standards. I respect lots of different ways of living, but I need to remind myself where I stand. E.g., I like going dancing, but it's not necessarily the best scene-- the music can be sketchy, drinking can get out of hand, and other people dancing can be sketchy, and all of this surrounds you even if you go with people who aren't sketchy. So should I really be going? Mostly I think it's a matter of taking the time to sort logistics and get people together, convincing them to go to museums, go ice skating, or go up to Boston to play... Someone's got to plan the activities, and it might as well be me!

Battle #3: This is completely selfish of me, but I like the immediate gratification of seeing people's lives (or at least their day) change for the better, as was the case when I worked in a physical therapy clinic for the last couple years of undergrad. I now work at a straight-up desk job, and most of the interaction I have is in the form of meetings. Bleugh. And although I don't doubt the value of my/the company's work, I can't see it. So I'm picking somewhere to volunteer (really volunteer-- more than the couple hours a week that I did last semester). Somewhere where I can really interact with people. This will also help with...

Battle #4: I'm bored. There, I said it. Three classes? Really? I wasted a lot of time last semester, mainly because I didn't really have tons to do. As a result, I was often under lots of pressure because of the wasted time, making it seem like I was super busy. Funny how that works. And no matter what people say, biostatistics will never be as exciting for me as physiology or anatomy. Unfortunately, I am starting to forget the things I learned so well during undergrad, which is problematic because that's what I plan to use in my career. So, I brought my books back with me so I can start reviewing. And, pending a discussion with an admissions counselor, I may start the process for my 2nd bachelor's (dietetics), though I had originally been planning on postponing that until after I finish my MPH. I'm glad for the additional skill set I'm learning with this degree-- but I'm also glad that I realized that I can't give up people--they're dynamic and interesting, no two ever the same, and therefore always challenging, all necessary ingredients for a fulfilling career.

So there you have it-- thanks for joining me on my little rant. :) Pictures of CO to come.