Brain=BFF

This year, having started in two new jobs and therefore met lots of new people, I have come to notice something about myself, something that I've decided is very important: I am comfortable with myself.

Being a Peer Advisor is seriously one of THE BEST things that I have ever done and one of the best things that has ever happened to me in my entire life. We're only in week five or so, and I never want it to end! Everything I've done has been so entirely unique; I really don't think I've seen these kinds of relationships/interactions/opportunities/experiences/etc. ever before. The first time I met with the other PA's (there are 31 of us!) was in April, and immediately I was incredibly comfortable. In a room full of strangers, I was not nervous or afraid but content with myself and my (unfamiliar) surroundings. The next time I was face-to-face with everyone was in August! Such a long gap. But I was equally as comfortable, if not more. Also, my professor is so amazing. I admire her success and ambitions and am so enjoying getting to know her on a more personal level. That's really the best part because she is super fun. :) My class is pretty great, too. It's so easy for me to relate to them because I was literally there a year ago, and that helps us identify quite well. I love LEAP. This really doesn't even begin to cover it, but you get the idea. In all of these situations (working intimately with a professor, assisting students in class and having answers to their questions, interacting with other PAs) I have been so content with everything. Excited even! 

In late May, I omitted a two-week notice and opted for about a four-day heads-up that I was leaving All a Dollar. I needed to get the hell out. I put in my 3+ years and it was so time for something new. That is when I started at Express. Yes, it is still retail! A lot of things are still the same, but I have also learned so much. And I feel like my growth and excellence was stagnated at All a Dollar, whereas now it is continuous. At Express, our store has gone through several management changes and associate changes and I have constantly been in contact with new people. Again, I have been so comfortable! With my personality, my work, and my interaction with customers and other employees. My level of comfort has really made this transition smooth and allowed me to focus on doing my job and enjoying my work. :)

Two examples, two very different situations, one same, amazing level of comfort. I began to wonder what to attribute my contentness to, and at first I thought it was confidence/self-esteem. In a way, that's exactly what it is, but not the way you might be thinking at this moment and not the way I first thought. My physique, hair, makeup, clothes, nails, shoes, etc. are not making me into this individual who is ready to adapt to any situation. It's my knowledge. :)  It's me knowing what I know and being confident in my thoughts. Gosh I love my brain! That is not something you can buy at a store!!!! (I'm sorry sir, we do not carry that here). And it has taken me years and years to develop my knowledge and education. However, it overrides outside appearance. FOR SURE. I do not have six-pack abs, but I am damn good at my job. My skin is not perfect, but I write kick ass research papers (and love them haha). It's how I am, what I do, and what I'm going to continue to do. I'm comfortable with what I know (and what I don't), and I don't need Prada, liposuction, a boob job, and Louboutins (though I would like them, the shoes that is :)) to make me more content.

Safety in Danger? Psch.

If you haven't read my previous post about how much I love school, I will reiterate: I love school! And it's going really well. :) The other day someone asked me what I liked most about it, and I really couldn't pick one thing! Just the whole classroom atmosphere I suppose. And well, school. :) Someone also asked me if I was doing ok and happy. I am! Great, really. Yesterday I had the luxury of sitting at the tables outside the Marriot Library, basking in the warm sun, grading papers for LEAP, and just enjoying myself. There was really no other place I wanted to be.

Anyway! I have a news writing class this semester, and our first assignment was to interview the person beside you and write a story about him/her. I had quite an awkward conversation with the gentlemen sitting next to me, and we both proceeded to write something (I really don't think either of us gave that great of information). However, while he was interviewing me, he asked what kind of car I have. (I believe we both complained about parking a bit and that prompted him to ask.) I told him I have a Hyundai Accent and that it's pretty beat up. I also explained how that came to be. He then decided to focus his story on my bad driving. COME ON.

Obviously I'm biased toward myself, but I am not a bad driver! Were I, I think I'm comfortable enough to admit it. But really. I don't text and drive (duh). I don't speed (maybe 5 over here and there). I stop at stop signs (besides the one by my house--I know Griff :)). I don't eat and drive (it seems quite difficult). I try to keep plenty of space between me and the person in front of me (and behind, if possible). I drive cautiously in parking lots (again, duh, even if it looks empty). I ALWAYS wear my seat belt (so easy to do). And in general I am a defensive driver (I thank my parents for that). Yes, my car has endured four collisions with other things. Twice, the other things HIT ME! Unavoidable, or I would've avoided them. Therefore, not my fault. The two times that I came into contact with other objects, I was going slow and the other objects were stationary. Cheap aluminum just does not hold up well. In all of these collisions, no one was hurt and most damage was minimal (at least what I had to pay for ha). Really, the evidence provided is not sufficient enough to find me guilty of bad driving.

Also, did I mention the headline of the story was something about my safety being in danger? Now, how ironic is that? Plus, it's not like I'm getting worse! Every time I drive, I have the opportunity to practice safe driving. And I do. (You should too!) Come on now. We need to stop judging drivers by their cars.

This concludes my rant. Drive safe all! Especially if you have any fun plans for Labor Day!