I end most thoughts of the day during the nighttime toothbrushing routine.  I think about all kinds of randomness as I stand brushing at the bathroom sink.  Tonight, I thought about why I'm taking (or wasting?) time by coming back to Xanga...especially since 90%+ of my readers have left for a new shindig at Facebook/Wordpress//Livejournal/Blogspot/Twitter.  This question poses an analogy of home...

Xanga is like home to me.  Coming back here is like coming home.  It's my own space and it just feels right.

It's been carefully decorated and lived in.  Sure it's disorganized, dusty, and could use some remodeling, but you can't deny its character and history.  I hate boxing up and moving my stuff because it's tedious.  Plus, I paid a lot of money for this place (the only time I'd ever pay for witing space!) so I best make the best of it.  When you pay for your own place, you try to maintain it.  I bought my first home this past year so I understand what it's like to set down roots.  There have been several other blogs before Xanga but this is the longest blog I've kept.  Xanga's where I really rooted down down and settled in...why move?  Unless they demolish this place...

As for the writing, well, it's mainly for me.  I don't expect many people to read what I have to say...though if you come by here, please leave a footprint so I won't feel like I'm talking to myself all the time (that's what insane people do).  I've left plenty of ramblings throughout this blogosphere which I hope won't come back to bite me one day when I become famous or successful.   Writing is therapeutic in many ways.  I'm not sure if it's best done via a weblog where your privacy may be vulnerable if you're worried about that sort of thing.  Grammar is often blotched and thoughts are incomplete.  Heck, I never intended to write a novel here.  So here continues the randomness in the life of an almost-30 (gasp!) entrepreneur trying to make her mark in the world...

Only here do you get to see the quirky, non-business, irrelevant, carefree side of me.  Consider yourself a lucky man/woman. 

Hello there!

It's been over a year since I set foot back on Xanga and it honestly felt a lot longer than it really was.  What can I say...life happened?  Exciting life!  From time to time I would consider returning here to jot my thoughts down then somehow I just let thoughts pass by in order to move on to the next part of my day.  Sometimes I regret letting those (sometimes ingenious) thoughts slip by but life just cannot be bothered.  Sometimes life must be lived without narration or reminiscing so that we don't have a chance to second guess our immediate choices.

Lots have happened in the past year and I can't believe 2011 is finally here.  I better make use of my Lifetime Membership here and write something awe-inspiring once in awhile, yeah?

My first thought for 2011 is SCREW THE NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS and DO IT ALL! (whatever it is)  This year, I don't have a focus on what I want to achieve.  I just want to give my best on everything that's coming my way.  For sure, there will be a lot coming my way (that'll have to be another blog post).  In prior years I would have a detailed list of things I want to focus on but would get disappointed toward the year's end because I had not achieved all I'd written down.  In retrospect, I'd been blessed with some other amazing opportunities and experiences that made delaying those unachieved items a good choice.  Life is all about choices.  You get some, you lose some.  All in all, I got a lot more than I lost.  That's why this year I'm going to take everything in stride and give it my all.  Why not?

We have a packed New Years Day agenda and have three parties to attend.  Trying to do it all...

This year I've experienced some very good things and bad things, but overall there's a whole lot more good than bad.  There's been more traveling this year than any other year of my life (unless you count Semester at Sea in 2004), mostly for work, but I definitely did my fair share of vacationing.    I've been spending frivolously as of late, regardless of price...for example:

- eating whatever I want (I eat waaayyy too well, too often)

- doing whatever extracurricular activities I could fit in my schedule (kayaking in neighboring states, driving somewhere spontaneously, working less allows for many naps!, and I'm trying to fit in some free golf sessions at Pebble Beach)

- booking vacation trips for the entire family (even booking last minute flights is not a problem)

- not caring to call the companies right away when they overcharge me (hopefully it was unintentional!)

- investing more money into my business without worrying about the price of materials (hey, it's called the cost of doing business for a reason!)

To be honest, I got a little too comfortable in my lifestyle.  Is that weird to be worried about this?  Most people would love to be in my shoes...I know...spend more, work less, have more fun than ever without having to worry too much about financial dilemmas.

I am not high maintenance by any means.  I don't mean to be frivolous.  I'm lucky to be doing well in this economy.  I appreciate the financial education I'd received at a younger age and being able to apply it to my life to make the best use of my money (to enjoy life while preparing for the future).

Today, it totally hit me how hard others have it.  I should reevaluate my current situation and make some changes.

Think of those people who are working hard outside in 102F degrees today (or any other unbearably hot summer days for that matter).  I feel so sad for them. 

Mom bought two huge squashes from a private farm truck for $2.50 total (regularly $7 at the supermarket).  The squashes are huge!!!  She told me the sellers were two mixed-ethnic girls in their late teens, who seemed to be from very low income families.  She felt bad for not buying more so they can sell out their inventory sooner and go home earlier.

This story totally made me sad...and reminds me to be appreciative of everything I have (and have not!).

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As a number of you already know, I will be leaving the Sacramento County Children’s Coalition at the end of June.  I learned a great deal about our government system in the past three years and I appreciate having had the opportunity to work with you all.  Thank you for the support, guidance, and encouragement you have provided me during my time at Children’s Coalition.  While I will miss my colleagues, community partners and friends, I am looking forward to this new challenge and to starting a new phase of my career. 

Beginning July 1^st, I will be a full-time financial planner at World Group Securities, Inc.  I started financial planning on a part-time basis eight years ago and am excited to move forward into making this a full-time career.

If you have any questions, professional inquiries, or just want to have lunch, I can be reached via email at nancee910@yahoo.com or telephone at (916) 955-3222 .  Please do keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Nancy

Holy crap it's almost 6 p.m.  I am stuck at the office for a bit longer.  Is it really June 9th already?  This is ridiculous.  I was trying to revive my Xanga but it seems I am distracted with life.  Afterall, bad girls don't have time to write.  They're too busy having fun.   

I've been traveling every weekend, either for vacation or business or both.  Most of the it's for both.  Don't envy.  You can do it, too! 

Sometime in late May, I spent four days up in the Redwood National Park with the boyfriend, celebrating an early anniversary.  Fantastic time.  Nothing beats a full oceanview baby!!!   Then a friend came to stay with me for a month and my cousin from DC also came to visit for a week.  Funny thing is I cook a lot when I'm on vacation.  So yes, I cooked enough to feed an army for a week.  It was delicious and relaxing!  You should try my food.  Come visit me!  Spent a day in Napa, enjoying the good life like the Romans -- playing, wining and dining.  Gave the usual San Francisco tour.  I swear I give tours 3-4 times a year.  I should start my own travel agency.  Next week I'll be in Atlanta.  Anyone have recommendations for restaurants in Atlanta?  I should find a dueling piano bar there.  Always fun times at a dueling piano bar.  If you haven't done it, try it out!

Biggest excitement this week is getting Josh Groban's new CD -- Awake.  *drool*  I used to think that a man who can play the an instrument (especially the piano) is just plain sexy.  Now I know that a man who can sing is outright dangerous.  And Josh Groban is a good combination.   

Better push this next 30 minutes at the office before I go visit my best friend.

How are you, kids?  Let me know!

Too many thoughts on my mind.  I need to stop falling asleep.  That stupid report needs to get done.  Holy crap, I now have four fishes.  Time is running out.  I feel trapped in my own mind.  This body is restless...except for the 14 hours that it keeps falling asleep.

Back to burning the midnight oil.

You'll often see me write or talk about my travels here on Xanga, and that's because I am an avid traveler.  It is a thirst that's neverending and needs constant quenching.  It is the very fabric of who I am and how I want to live my life. 

Most of the international travel I've done had been the result of a summer excursion on Semester at Sea, a study abroad program where you sail around the world for a semester and get a global perspective through classroom and field experiences.  I think the voyage in Summer 2004 has been the biggest impact in my life by far.  It was a turning point for so many events that had happened or will happen in my life. 

Today, I reminisce about SAS once again.  I received an email from a shipmate regarding an article recently published in National Geographic which highlighted one of the most naturally picturesque destinations I'd ever seen:  RUSSIA.  One of our destinations was Petropovlovsk, a city in the Kamchatka Peninsula which is the most eastern point in Russia.  Think Siberia…there’s a reason why we call it Siberia.  

Check out the article here:  http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/01/russia-wilderness/quammen-text/1

And the amazing views here:  http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/01/russia-wilderness/michael-melford-photography

The new Nickelback song -- If Today Was Your Last Day -- isn't a new concept.  These words have been said before.  There's nothing too profound in each individual message. 

But I'm addicted to this song.  I think it's because the lyrics/words/messages mesh together well.  And the melody rocks.  Or maybe I'm just emo today and almost cried to it while driving to work.  Not that I'm sad or anything, but it just reminds me to live today as if it was my last day.

So...onto living I go.  Bye!

Nickelback - If Today Was Your Last Day

My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day’s a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride

If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday
Would you live each moment like your last
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have
If today was your last day

Against the grain should be a way of life
What’s worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts ’cause there’s no second try
So live like you’ll never live it twice
Don’t take the free ride in your own life

If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce of memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you’re dreamin’ of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love (finally fall in love)
If today was your last day

If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it’s never too late
To shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
‘Cause you can’t rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin’ stand in your way
Cause the hands of time are never on your side

If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce of memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you’re dreamin’ of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day

I am having a frustrating day so I need a picker upper.  I'll admit that I suck at practicing the art of ignoring people who doesn't have any common sense and common courtesy.  I live by the Golden Rule.  If I treat you with respect, you should return the same.  I better get on the bitch train.

I am now a proud owner of an 18' x 20' plot at one of the community gardens in town. 

The "community garden" movement has been spreading like wildfire in communities around the country.  I heard about it many months ago but didn't pay enough attention to it until now.  My mother has been complaining about how our apartment patios don't get enough sunlight and therefore our plants do not grow big enough.  After about a year of this complaining, I couldn't take it anymore and decided to get her a plot in the community garden.  I hope that she'll keep this gardening up once the new plot is available to us (this Friday!).  She has been annoying me by complaining about not having enough space and sunlight when currently she doesn't take much care of our own patio garden.  Anyhow, I'm all for finding ways to make/keep my mother happy and busy.

I was going to wait until we get a house so we can design our own garden but my attempts at house hunting is progressing too slow.  If we don't begin seeding now, there will be no harvest come summer.  It'll be great to spend some time with my mom and learn something useful from her.  It's been hard on me to see her growing older everyday yet I have less and less time to spend with her because I'm working to build my (our) future.  Aside from taking time away from work to travel with her, I think this is another great way we can bond.  Besides, wouldn't it be great to eat fresh veggies and fruits every day?  And have fresh cut flowers in your house all the time?  Any leftovers can be given to friends, neighbors, coworkers, or the food bank.  What the heck, $25 annual fee for the community garden plot with access to water and gardening tools is well worth it. 

The only problem I have is that I am terrified of worms.  TER-RI-FIED.  But I'm going to try it...I'm going to see how green my fingers are. 

New Years Resolution #112 -- grow a garden -- ACCOMPLISHED.