New Year, New Resolutions

Ah, this is my first post of the New Year. It is very probable that this will be my last year of blogging. I’ve been quite distracted by other things during the past year and I apologize for not blogging as regularly as I once did.

The holiday break passed well. I feel refreshed and relaxed though, perhaps, even more distracted than I was when I left.

Atlanta
I enjoyed hanging with my family and friends in Atlanta. It was the longest that I’ve been at home since I was in college. It is sad to recognize that I don’t plan on being home that much during the upcoming years. My life isn’t in Atlanta. Given my professional interest in federal policy, I have no reason to live in Atlanta. And I don't plan on moving home until my mother and aunt's age necessitates my presence. Thankfully, my mother accepts this and is content with my annual/semi-annual visits home--supporting my freedom to live where and how I choose.

Isla de Mujeres
I had a blast in Mexico with my friends. It was possibly one of the most restful and uplifting vacations I’ve ever had. The weather was milder than we had hoped it would be but that didn’t damper our spirits. The beach was beautiful, the food was great, and everyone was friendly. My friends and I made a pact to return to Isla before we turned 50, but I hope to return later this year—assuming that one of my friends heads back for the discounted scuba lessons that she was promised. Most importantly, the trip made me anxious for more international travel and recommitted me to visiting my friends in London.

D.C.
As you can imagine, it was quite a shock to return to the coldness that is DC after lounging on the beach. I returned to work anxious for my next vacation but more than that anxious for a decision about my life. A change will come this year. I’m itching for a new challenge and I’m feeling a little wary getting sucked further into the Hill and the security of having a satisfying federal job, when I long to live in NYC and abroad.

Today, I dug up my old Peace Corps papers. I don’t care to go through the application process again, at least not now. But I am toying with the idea (again) of working abroad in some capacity. This usurps my desire to act—though it does encourage me to make the most out of the next year in that regard, in addition to spending well my time in D.C. To this extent, I’ve created a list of goals for 2010 in addition to a bucket list on 43 Things. I hope that it will help me keep in sight my desires for the next twelve months in addition to my long-term wishes that often get buried in the day-to-day.

If I had my way, this year would be my last in D.C. and on the Hill. It just seems so odd and perhaps, unwise to want to dropout for a bit given the economy and the fact that hundreds, even thousands, of people would kill for my job. Not to mention the fact that I love my job and find it rewarding. And I love and am thankful for the life that I've been able to build in D.C. D.C. has treated me well and who knows what sort of disappointment awaits me in NYC, Miami, or abroad.

Yet, I can’t seem to fight for long the desire to challenge myself and to finish my twenties (16 months and counting til 30) with a bang. The most important thing for me always is to seek happiness and peace in whatever form I see fit. And that's what I will strive to do.