Status Update

On today’s agenda is to turn in the keys to Alan’s and my old apartment. It was so great living there but I think once we’re settled and do things like buy a new washer and dryer, living at our new apartment will be nice too.

The last few months of my life is a blur. I saw my sister for the first time in 17 years. I’m starting a new job next week. I am scurrying to put together another Dishcrawl event after the inaugural event in July. I turned 29 and helped planned a charity event. I carved out time to eat, drink, and be merry with my friends.

Things continue to be a busy blur and I’m starting to count the daily shower and the work commute as needed downtime.

As overwhelmed and burnt out as I’ve been feeling, I have to remind myself that all these things I’m juggling are things that I’ve wanted. They’re just all coming at once. I wanted a more challenging career and I’ve always wanted to see if I can pursue food in the professional sense. I wanted cheaper rent and moving has lowered our rent by hundreds of dollars. I wanted to gain more experience in general and considered event planning. I’m now building an event planning resume. I wanted to explore public relations and I’m dabbling in that as well. Just 7 months ago, I blogged and lamented over how restless I felt professionally and how I was going to inch my way out of this. I’m just amazed that I’ve succeeded in getting out of my rut!

I’m reminded of this really hard semester in college. I signed up for 15 hours of classes, 2 of which was really 5 hours because you don’t get credit for the lab hours. So essentially I was in a classroom or lab for 18 hours a week. I also founded a new campus organization and had weekly meetings and events. I remember plotting out the schedule and thinking, “Sweet! Everything fits in my schedule. I gots this.” Then as I actually went through that semester I realized an error in my planning. I forgot to set aside time to study and prepare for the classes. I forgot to consider lunch breaks. I forgot about the downtime! I remember recognizing the mistake and thinking, “you idiot! you forgot to account for sleeping and eating!” And now I’m learning this lesson again.

Austin Food Bloggers Alliance is currently accepting board member self-nominations. I had the urge to self-nominate myself but am honoring my need for downtime. Maybe next year!

This post was inspired by an email I receive from my friend, Jennifer.

you are doing fantastic with your juggling act btw
i’m always amazed at all the things you take on at once
but do remember to take a breather every once in a while :)
something like, a nature walk, breezy picnic, longer breaks, etc
they are super refreshing!