This may sound corny but I watched a documentary on Netflix with Garrett earlier this summer called Jiro Dreams of Sushi. It was definitely about sushi but it also was about this old Japanese man named Jiro whose only occupation his entire life was making sushi. I think he'd been doing it for 75 years or something crazy like that. One of the interviewers asked him how he hasn't gotten bored or fed up with doing the same thing every day and what he said kinda-sorta changed my outlook on things. He said "Once you decide on your occupation... you must immerse yourself in your work. You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That's the secret of success... and is the key to being regarded honorably." It dawned on me not too long ago that I picked a profession that will probably wear on me after a while. The excitement of corporate life, my own cubicle, dressing nicely, and daily time reporting will eventually make me want to pull my eyelashes out. Honestly, what job doesn't get monotonous after a while? Apparently making sushi...but most of the other realistic avenues I considered would also seem less sweet after a few years. I'm kind of a complainer and have noticed how much it affects my mood and outlook. If I let one thing bother me then suddenly I have a mental list going of all the things that are "happening to me" and I won't hesitate to recite them to you. Well it all started when I dropped my hairbrush on my foot, then I tripped walking up the stairs at work, then I got handed a big project and can't leave work early, and I forgot to switch my loads of laundry this morning so now my day is COMPLETELY RUINED! Why me?! So I've been making an extremely conscious effort to not only not complain myself, but not to partake in other people's complaining. I feel like if someone plays along with my pity party, then they're enabling me to believe that the silly things I'm whining about are actually valid. But if no one so much as offers a "you poor thing", then I have to take a step back and think "why don't they feel bad for me? Oh yeah, because I'm being ridiculous." Jiro inspired me to lunge into my new career with positivity and excitement instead of dread and anxiety. Yes, there will be weeks when I have to work 60 hours. Yes, sitting in a cubicle and staring at a computer screen is not the most exciting past time. Yes, the pressures and deadlines will eventually weigh on me. But I worked really hard to get to this point. After all of the classes, tests, late-night studying, and puffy eyes I just can't bear the thought of being unhappy about my first job. As the days get shorter but my required hours at work grow, I just have to remember to love what I do. I choose not to complain!
On another note, my "twin" has been staying with Garrett and I for the last month and will be heading back to Montana this weekend. It's been so much fun having her here (even though I had to disappear to Arizona for two of the weeks...boooo) and I wish I could somehow trap her to keep her here forever. We did all sorts of things this weekend in an attempt to jam everything into the days we have left. We...
Ran a 5k! It was my first race and it was way more fun that I thought it would be! Having never ran more than a mile straight in my ENTIRE life, we successfully ran about 3.2 without stopping and I was so excited. It was chump change to Ali, having ran in two marathons and two half-marathons as well as countless other 5ks before, but I was very glad to have her there with me. Now I want to sign up for another! After I go buy some new shoes...
Drove up Hatcher Pass! Even though the main road was seasonally closed, we still got out and took some photos. I love it up there!
Made cookies & played Monopoly while dancing to Taylor Swift's new album.
Went to dinner at a new restaurant and ate too much.
Visited Mammaw & Bill and walked on a frozen lake! It was crazy how clear the ice was - literally like walking on water. Remy was not a fan. I wished I had ice skates and better coordination of my limbs.
Watched the rest of The Walking Dead season three! I. am. so. addicted.
Went on a sunset walk down by the ocean with some other friends and dogs! The sunsets have been so gorgeous lately. Having stunning watercolor skies for almost an hour every night makes the shorter days worth it.
Hopefully we can cram a few more fun things in before she heads out on Friday!
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