A print

So one of my favorite people from college emailed me the cutest Etsy print.  She knows about my love of photography and as soon as I opened the email, I knew I had to have it.

Fantastic right?  Did I mention it's only $12?  Yes please.

It's from Etsy seller PigeonEditions.
Etsy Link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PigeonEditions?ref=seller_info

And I saved 10% by using the promocode SPRINGSALE.  So for $13 I'm getting this great 8" x 10" print and shipping.  So although I'm trying to cut my spending, I couldn't pass this up for $13.

Fun and awkward

So my 10 yr high school reunion this weekend was fun and also awkward.  That's exactly what I was expecting.

Excited and nervous - can ya tell? 

Obligatory pose before heading to National Harbor...and before heels

The venue, Fosters at National Harbor, MD, was a good choice.  We were gathered at the end of the pier right on the water and away from the crowds which was nice.

Right on the water baby!  I kept a safe distance from the edge...

Pretty white tents and tables 

Gotta love iPhone apps - Photosynth

The music played was all from the 1999-2003 time period and brought back SO many memories.  I love that music can do that.

Food and drinks - adequate.  I wasn't really drinking so I don't know what drinks were offered or if they were good but apparently the food wasn't great.  That's a bummer because I was hoping for some yummy, fresh seafood.  Oh well.  Guess I'll just have to find some local seafood for my fix.  :)

And the peoples.  It was fun to see people I haven't seen in 10 years, but also awkward because I am not great at keeping in touch.  It was funny because I recognized some people right away but there were others that I did not.  I feel like I fit in the first category, I look exactly the same.  haha - not sure if that's good or bad.

I definitely felt like I was back in high school.  All the latina ladies gathered together, the Asians gathered together, the cheer girls, the Daventry kids, the cool kids.  The cliques are still alive.  Though no one excluded anyone, people definitely flock to the people they know and are comfortable around.  Makes sense, I was doing the same thing.

Being a halfie (half Chinese, half Caucasian) in high school I felt a little like an outsider at times.  I don't speak Chinese or Mandarin so I didn't feel totally comfortable with the Asians.  Which is a shame because they're so cool.  I think that is why I loved band because it was a random mix of people that loved music.  And I am happy that I got to see some band people and catch up on what they're up to.  I didn't get to talk to everyone I wanted but I did get to catch up with a number of people.

What's great is that I'm becoming friends with a girl who I wasn't close with in high school.  And to be honest, seeing her was really awesome.  I'm hoping that I can be better at keeping in touch with her.  :)

In the end I am glad that I went and don't have any regrets.  I do hope that when I do go back and visit Nova I can catch up with more people instead of waiting another 10 years.

Bless my husband's heart for hanging in with me when he didn't know anyone.  He's the best. 

Praise

Everyone learns differently.  I have learned that I respond favorably to praise.  Some people don't and instead respond much better when they're scolded or punished or reprimanded.

For me, praise and recognition is a serious motivating factor for me to put forth the effort to do well.

Maybe it's the Chinese in me, maybe it's the Type-A Northern Viginian in me, but I just want to be better than average at most things (not sports because, because lets face it I'm not that coordinated).  When it comes to life and work things - I want to do well. 

I have been busting my hump at work and I feel like it is recognized and appreciated.  That drives me to keep on driving, keep on trying.

You have to find what works for you, right? 

Now you know my secret.  :)

10 years

My 10 year high school reunion is next weekend.

I cannot believe it's been 10 years since high school.  Everyone says this, but I mean it...where did the time go?!

Hard to believe that in the last 10 years...
...I went to and graduated from college;
...I rediscovered and married my first love;
...My friends got engaged and married!
...My friends started having children and buying homes!?
...I started working like a real adult;
...I moved away from my childhood home; and so much more...

So many things have happened even though that list seems pretty small on paper.

I was on the fence about going to the reunion.  The ticket price was a little steep in my opinion, it meant  driving home for 2-3 hours one way, I don't feel like I have accomplished enough for 10 years out of high school, and I am out of shape.  In general, I just wasn't sure if it was worth it.

In high school I was pretty quiet, academically focused, reserved, and absorbed in band (nerd alert).  I didn't want to bring too much attention to myself and just wanted to be friendly and get along with everyone.  High school was fun, I enjoyed it, I made friends, I think I got a good education, but high school is kind of awkward.  I was uncertain if I wanted to revisit those years.

What really tipped the scales for me was not wanting to regret not going.  So tickets were purchased!

I have low expectations for this reunion only because I don't want to be disappointed.  This is what I want out of this event:

-Dinner & drinks with my honey
-Catching up with old friends
-Perhaps make some new friends

That's it.  That seems reasonable to me.

Did anyone else go to their 10 year reunion?  I would love to hear how it was and if you have any tips or suggestions.  I'm all ears.

Love & Hugs.

Being an adult

Being an adult sucks sometimes.  Sometimes it means being practical and making decisions you don't want to make.

My best friend invited me to go on a trip to Savannah, GA with her and some of her best friends.  A Thursday - Sunday trip, renting a house with food and snacks, eating at Lady & Sons, etc.  Sounds pretty fun right?

Well the downside is it costs $550+.  At first I thought I could swing it, somehow.  But upon closer inspection of my finances and monthly bills, it just isn't likely.

It breaks my heart.

I want to be there for her.  I want to celebrate the weekend with her and her friends.  I want to be included!  But I don't want financial stress that I won't be able to pay the next round of car/renters/personal property insurance or be able to cover that unexpected life lemon (which inevitably would happen to me, trust me).

If I were young and stupid, I would say F-it I'm going.  Unfortunately (or fortunately) I am not so stupid and I am responsible and financially I just don't think I can make it happen.

I. am. SO. bummed.

Being an adult sucks sometimes.