Welcome Aboard the Struggle Bus...

Okay. So my week to enjoy my favorite foods and be lazy is up. Well, it was up a few days ago. And I suck.

Seriously. I need some motivation/drive/determination. I know what I want to work towards, but in all my years of trying I don't know how to get there. I've never been good at dieting and keeping to a workout schedule on my own. It doesn't help that it is fuh-reezing outside, and I can't afford a gym membership. 

BUT! That's a pretty lame-@$$ excuse if I ever did hear one. I am trying to ease my way back into running. I bought a Fitbit (as recommended by the lovely Jenny), and I love it. I went for a short run last night. Today I went for a nostalgic walk at the park and got a few miles in. But I know it isn't enough. I'll be honest with you and say that I have been eating terribly. Horribly really.

Some of it has to do with the fact that I am bored already. It's only been a week and a few days, and I am going insane. I look at job postings online everyday, but I can't seem to put my finger on exactly what I want to do. I know this is not the time to be extremely picky, but there's got to be something out there I would enjoy doing...

Sorry to sound like such a bum, but I just want to be honest with you.

Next week's post will be much better than this one, I promise. It's time to kick it up a notch.

Thanks for reading,

-Sarah

I'm Home / New Year. No Fear

It took me more than 24 hours to get home, but I made it. And it sure is nice.

I left Malawi on Sunday and got home Monday. I've had the chance to see some family and friends, which has been great. Mom left up all the Christmas decorations, and there were even presents under the tree for me! It is a good feeling to come home to a house full of love.

The adjustment to home life hasn't been too difficult so far. My stomach is holding up, but my sleeping patterns aren't quite right just yet (I woke up at 3:30 this morning and can't fall back asleep). My car is still in the garage, and my suitcase still isn't completely unpacked. But, I am giving myself a week: One week to be lazy, hang out, do what I want, and eat whatever I want (oh, how I have missed milk and cereal, bacon, and Reese Cups). But only one week...

That's where the "New Year. No Fear" comes into play. I have decided to make 2013 my year. Don't get me wrong, 2012 was hella-awesome, but 2013 has great potential too. I can feel it in my bones. Big things are on the horizon for this kid right here. I am excited for the job/grad school search, and I am super pumped to get in shape. It's not so much about looking good, it's about feeling good again. It's going to take some work, but I am ready for the challenge.

That's where I am at right now. It's good to be home. 

Thanks for reading,

-Sarah

Here's to New Beginnings

I suppose I should give you a little background information on myself. Well, long story short, I am 24 years old. I graduated from college this past May with a degree in Political Science and a concentration in International Relations. I moved to Malawi, Africa in August to volunteer with a Non-Profit, and I am heading home one week from today.

That's where the story begins. Sort of. For the sake of this post, I'll begin at the end of my journey here. Surely I'll talk about my adventures in the Warm Heart of Africa at a later time, but right now I am working on getting home.

For anyone that has done an extended trip abroad in a developing nation, you know how challenging it is to adjust to a new way of life, but the real adjustment comes when you set foot in your home country.  All these things that you have missed can become overwhelming at times. The realization that you do not have a job, any form of income, and absolutely no savings is also kind of intimidating. At least, that is my situation...

BUT. That's not the point of this post - to be a Debbie Downer. One of the more valuable lessons I have learned during my stay abroad is how much I enjoy writing. Not only do I enjoy it, it has become a release for me. I have nearly filled up an entire Moleskine journal writing about my time here. I have also become very fond of writing letters too. So together, with me writing and you reading, I am going adjust back to life in the US, keep you up to date on my job status, and just let you know what's going on in my life.

Thanks for reading.

Until Next Time,
-Sarah