To dos

So, um, hi.

It's July.

I went on a bit of an unexpected hiatus there, due to a combination of factors, including the fabulous x_ine moving in, meaning that I have someone to blather to in the evenings, and the usual summertime rush of so much to do! I have softball, I have evenings on patioa... it's easier to find time to blog when it's -40 outside and I have no intention of leaving my house.

But somehow, I was shocked when it was suddenly July. I had a very relaxing Canada Day, spent mainly on the dock at my cottage, reading magazines as I really had no interest in braving the crowds downtown, despite the chance of getting to see Will and Kate in person. That relaxing day gave me some time to ponder.

July 1 marks the beginning of the second half of 2011, and I turn *gulp* 26 in slightly more than two months. I started thinking about what I had done so far this year, and what I still want to accomplish. This brought me to a realization.

I, at times, can be somewhat single minded. Some would call it stubborn but I like single minded (says the only child who is used to getting what she wants). That single mindedness however seems to have landed me in a bit of a rut. Sure I do have lots of friends and lots of things to do, but besides buying the condo last year and having a new roomie (and cat), not much in my life has changed. This needs to change.

So what do I want to do in the time that is left in 2011 and as I start the slow march towards 30 (I'm not reeeeeeeeeeeeady)? I want to try new things. I want to go to the places I haven't been (saying it now, Argentina before I'm 30), expand my horizons in all directions(hoping to visit the Northwest Territories this year). I started boot camp this week, as I could honestly stand to lose a couple of pounds, I want to look awesome in a bridesmaid dress in a few months. So activity has to become a bigger part of my life (the new roomie is a pretty excellent influence in this regard). She says I get really focused while shadow boxing and honestly I rather enjoy it - might look into other forms of boxing!

Speaking of bridesmaids, I got to attend a pretty awesome wedding last month and seeing my friends happy brings me so much joy - but I want some of that for myself. I will continue to put myself out there (unfortunately my statement of merit hasn't garnered many applications recently - but maybe I shouldn't be quite so choosy).

I enjoy my work but I can't let it become my life. I need to find ways to give back to my community, and more importantly become better at giving back to my friends and family who support me so much. I should go back to therapy to be sure that I can express my feelings in positive ways, rather than letting the snark win, which is rarely good for any relationship.

Overall, 2011 has been a pretty good year but I'm excited what is still to come, and I want to be in the best possible physical and mental shape to seize opportunities with open arms. It's one thing to be a slightly cautious 25 year old, but this is my time to take those risks.

I'm off to Mtl this weekend, and while I'll be visiting a lot of of old friends and hitting well known haunts (delicious restaurants and stores I miss ever so much), I'll try and do something a little wacky, and will report back soon.