The New Job

I am still working at my previous job, but I am now also working at Starbucks. Not exactly the "new job" that I was thinking of as I wrote down my goals, but it is a new job.

I decided to apply at Starbucks late on a Saturday night, bored, lonely, and ready to try something new. Within 48 hours I had been interviewed and hired, so I suppose it was meant to be. I really do think it was - I have met so many great people, learned a skill I have always wanted to learn, and am doing something that I simply wanted to do without there being a real "purpose".

Although, I do think there was a greater purpose that I was unaware of in the beginning. Like I said, I have met a lot of great people, I have learned a new skill, I have something that occupies my days and gets me out of my apartment. It has also been a bit of a learning experience in that I have fully realized how prideful I am.

Let me explain. I wanted to work at Starbucks (or a coffee shop of some kind). I was excited to start learning about coffee and the process of creating these different beverages. I was looking forward to meeting new people and thrilled to be doing something active each day. Yet, I didn't actually tell many people that I had this new job. When I did tell people, it was always with the explanation that this is something that I chose, something I wanted, and most importantly not something I needed or had to do.

Nola

Well, I went home for the holidays (yes, all of them) and have been so busy with family, friends, and a bit of work that I simply haven't had time to write. That is ridiculous, because I have done quite a few lovely things.

One of which was traveling to New Orleans for a little modeling shoot (no, I was not the intended model, although I did get one or two pictures taken).

The Manhattan

One of my goals is to have the ingredients for Manhattans in the apartment. I should have specified and also noted that I wanted to be able to make them as well. I am by no means claiming to be an expert, but I have experimented a bit, and I think I've got it.

The Nordic Heritage Museum

I have been wanting to visit The Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle for ages. Although I personally have no Nordic heritage, I think their history is fascinating. (I may or may not also be in love with the idea of Vikings...) I dragged my roommate out of bed this morning, fueled her with coffee and a breakfast sandwich from a great little place called Neptune Coffee, and we were on our way.

The museum is located in a beautiful, old brick school building in the middle of the Ballard neighborhood. Naturally, the museum focuses on Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish immigrants, with a focus on those who ended up in Seattle.

The Very First One

First off, thank you for being here. Second, I am making no promises. I read a lot of blogs (I mean a lot of blogs) and consider it one of my favorite pastimes. So, I decided that perhaps I could get going on this blog thing. I was having a hard time deciding what to write about, though. As I was trying to figure out what I was passionate about, what I might be good at writing about, I realized that there is one thing I am definitely into. Lists. There is this really great one going around called the 101 in 1001 challenge, initially created by Day Zero Project. The rules are this:

The Challenge:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on your part). 

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple challenges such as New Year's resolutions or a 'Bucket List'. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips, study semesters, or outdoor activities.

So, I am going to write about my 101 in 1001 journey and maybe throw some other things in there as well. I have to admit, though. That I am nervous and scared and almost embarrassed to think that people might want to read what I have to say. However, I am going for it. I probably won’t post very often at first, or maybe I’ll get over zealous and post way too frequently. Anyway, I hope you’ll check back soon and let me know what you think.

-A

¡Milán, Portugal, y Adiós!

Let me first say that it is ridiculously hard to get the motivation to write about a trip after you are home from it. I think there are a few reasons for this. First, jet lag, I have been too tired to do anything but what was required of me the past week.. Second, a little part of my soul is dying and thinking about Spain makes it all the harder. Finally, there are a million other excuses, but here I am.

I am going to try to recap the last two weeks of my time in Spain, but even with it only being a few weeks ago, it is hard to remember the little details.

¡London and Thanks!

I can’t believe the last time I wrote was about Morocco! That seems like a lifetime ago, and yet I cannot believe we have passed that check point and another! Last weekend I was able to go visit my dear friend from SPU Chloe in Canterbury, England where she is studying. We had a ton of fun together and it was absolutely wonderful seeing someone from home! 

After waking up early enough to see people going out for the evening, I caught a taxi to the airport. Interesting fact, security doesn’t open at the Sevilla airport until 5:00am, even if you have a flight leaving at 6:50am. So I sat around for a while in the Sevilla airport. And then some more in the Madrid airport. However, the Madrid airport was decorated for Christmas, so that was fun to see. There were even giant mice singing American Christmas music. Adorable, albeit a bit creepy. After a ride on the tube and another train ride, I was in Canterbury!