Guest Post -- My Jersey Shore by Cait from Finding My Balance

Today I wanted to bring you my final guest post of the week, even though I’m home and my cruise is over. Just go with it. Cait from Finding My Balance is a great friend of mine who seems to be my carbon copy in all things anxiety and health. (Although she’s tall and skinny. I’m...not. Whatever.) Her blog does not get the recognition it deserves so you need to check it out where she details her life dealing with anxiety, health problems, and life with E, her boyfriend. Even her mushy relationship posts make me smile, and mushy relationship posts generally don’t. First, enjoy her post and then visit her blog!

Right now, Stephany is off on a cruise doing ... cruise-y stuff. Truth is, I’ve never been on a cruise, so I don’t know what actually goes on. Whatever she’s up to, I’m sure she’s having the time of her life because vacations are simply awesome.

For me, the word ‘vacation’ is synonymous with ‘the beach’ ... or, as we say in New Jersey, ‘the shore.’ Yes, I am from the great garden state and  am only about an hour’s drive away from Seaside, the suddenly infamous birthplace of MTV’s Jersey Shore. While I won’t deny that the boardwalk is often crowded with people who spend their nights in clubs pumping their fists (it is Jersey tradition - we pump our fists, not our gas), I will say that there are several other beachy destinations in the state that are guido-free.

The best of these by far has to be my aunt and uncle’s shore house. It’s a two-hour drive, but is absolute heaven and worth the trip. As soon as you step out of the car, all of your stress melts away. Everything looks and feels light and airy, and with the bay only a block away, there’s always a cool breeze. It’s rarely ever too hot to spend the entire day outside, but even if it is, you can sit inside and the breeze rolls in through the open windows and doors.

They live on a block of absolutely wonderful and welcoming neighbors who will stroll in while you’re drinking your morning coffee and sit with you sipping wine late into the evening. Every weekend, so long as the weather prevails, everyone gets up and goes out on their boats, riding across the bay to a sandbar that becomes our own private beach. When the sun starts to set, we all haul ourselves home, shower, and every family cooks up a yummy dish or two for a potluck dinner.

Although these are weekly occurrences, there’s no pressure to participate if you’re not feeling social. On several occasions, we opted for a relaxing day at home instead, maybe cruising garage sales in the morning and spending the afternoon reading outside. When we were younger, we’d go swimming in the lagoon that’s right off the back deck; now we go for trips around the marsh in the small motor boat that my two cousins are both licensed to drive.

I’m so lucky to have a wonderful aunt and uncle who open up their shore house to me and the rest of our family. As long as they’re planning on being there, we can show up whenever we like, staying for one day or the entire weekend. It’s the perfect little summer retreat that allows me to have a weekend ‘vacation’ whenever I’d like. (Plus, no Snookie or MTV cameras in my face.)

Guest Post -- Krysten’s First Cruise

It’s Thursday, which is a sad day for me. My cruise has come to an end. Since I know today and tomorrow will be busy with recuperating, unpacking, and trying to get back to normal life, I decided to keep the guest blogs coming! Today you get to read about Krysten’s view on the amazingness that is cruising. Her post made me so flippin’ excited for my own cruise.

 

Hi all, I'm Krysten of After 'I Do' and Stephany asked me to drop by and look out for her blog today while she's away on her fabulous cruise (which I am ridiculously jealous about, by the way).

Today I'd love to tell you all about the first cruise that I went on with my family in January 2007.  I remember being a little iffy about cruising at the time.  You hear stories about people getting really seasick and those pesky murders at sea (I know you know what I'm talking about you Lifetime Network watchers).  However, I couldn't pass up a free vacation from my parents!

We did a Mexican Riviera cruise with Carnival Cruise lines and let me tell you, I was pretty impressed.  The boats themselves are kind of amazing - gorgeous dining rooms, a mall area, multiple pools and so much more.  The entertainment is not to be passed up and each night there are large shows (comedians, magic acts, dance routines to name a few) as well as several small shows, plus places to dance, do karaoke and a casino.

My family obsessed with a game at the casino

I think the neatest thing about cruises is being able to visit different ports.  If you aren't sure if you want to spend an entire vacation in a specific place a cruise can help you decide that.  Not sure if you'll like Jamaica?  Take a cruise that includes that as one of the ports.  Chances are you'll be able to figure out whether or not you like the place after spending the day there.  And if you don't like the port all you have to do is get back on the boat and spend the day at the pool!

 A beautiful Mexico day

And don't even get me started on food.  All day long there's an amazing buffet of every kind of food you can think of.  At night there's a dining room serving the best food you've ever had - and you can order as much as you want.  You like dessert?  Order one of everything off the dessert menu.  Just don't be mad when you come home weighing more than when you left!

 My dad and me at one of the formal dining nights

I never thought I'd have as much fun as I do when I'm cruising and I can promise you that Stephany is probably living it up right now!  If you haven't cruised before I very much encourage you to try it out.  And if you have, tell me, where did you go and what did you think?  Do you love cruising as much as I do?

Hope you're having fun Steph!

Guest Post -- Vacation Dreams by Lisa’s Yarns

Today is my last full day on the ship. (Cue tears.) It’s a “Fun Day at Sea” where I will be nothing more than sipping on fruity drinks, reading, and trying to soak in the last of this amazing vacation. For today, I bring to you someone who I adore with all my heart: Lisa from Lisa’s Yarns. I started reading her blog when she was training for the Portland Marathon with Amber and loved everything about her blog. She’s funny but introspective. And she is Super Aunt to four adorable nephews! Enjoy!

Good morning and hello, it’s Lisa of Lisa’s Yarns! While Stephany is gallivanting away on a much-deserved tropical getaway, she has asked me to fill in for her. Since she is on a fabulous vacation, it only seems fitting that I talk about some of the vacation destinations I am dreaming of these days.

So without further ado, here are 5 places I’m dreaming of visiting these days.

1. Dubrovnik, Croatia

This charming seaside city is a seaside port of the Adriatic Sea. Its Mediterranean climate would make it a perfect getaway! Besides basking in the sun, I’d also like to walk the ancient walls of the city, check out the Old Town, which is a World Heritage Site, and sail to some of the surrounding island.

2. Machu Picchu, Peru

This has been on my vacation dream list for years!! I hope to someday see these ancient Inca ruins. While you can take a train to the ruins, I would prefer to do the 4 day trek (which is known for being extremely physically challenging!). There are rumors that they may stop handing out permits to do this trek, so I should probably try to get there sometime in next couple of years!

3. Positano

Every since I saw the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, I have wanted to visit the seaside village of Positano. I think this cliffed city looks so charming! It’s located on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, close to other equally charming cities! I’d rent an apartment, visit the local markets, and feast upon fresh seafood.

4. Algarve, Portugal

Are you noticing a theme? This is the 3rd dream destination, located by the sea. This area is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins such as Cabo do Sao Vicente, and quaint villages.

5. Paris, France

No travel list would be complete without Paris! Those who read my blog know that I am a total Francophile. I’ve visited Paris twice and can not wait to return. I can’t wait to rent another apartment (possibly in the Latin Quarter this time), shop at their local markets, stroll along the Seine, and eat lots of mussels, French fries, and gallettes! On my next trip, I’d like to try to stay for 2 weeks so I can check out another area, such as the Loire Valley or Provence.

So there you have it! Since I was just in France in February, I will have to settle for dreaming about these destinations for now. I have set a goal to pay down my student loans by a certain amount; once I reach that goal (which is an aggressive one), I will start to plan my next trip as a reward!

Where do you dream of vacationing to?

Guest Post -- The First Year After College

It’s Tuesday which means it’s shopping in Cozumel day! I asked someone I consider to be a close friend to guest post for me today. Amber is one of the busiest women I know and she has been a godsend for me during my years as a journalism student. She graduated a year ago with her journalism degree and has made her mark in the marketing field over the past year. Her blog is one of my must reads and I love how seamlessly she incorporates all facets of her life - from healthy living to career to her personal life. Enjoy her post and please check out her blog!

 

When Stephany asked me to guest post I really had no idea what I would write about. But then I thought about where Stephany is in her life right now – just
graduated college and heading on a fabulous trip! I was in the same place exactly one year ago and looking back now I can't believe how much my life sure has changed in the last year.

When I finished university I went on a 3-week backpacking trip around Europe with my then boyfriend (now fiance). I guess it was our 'last big haul' before entering the working world. I had a job (that I'd already been interning at for a year) waiting for me when I got back from my trip and I started as a full-time, salaried employee in the marketing and communications world on June 1, 2010.

My first year after college has been interesting to say the least! Here are a few of the things I've realized about living in the "real world" (when I was still in college I HATED it when people used that term. And, just for the record, I totally think college counts as the real world!):

1. Time

Sure, being in college/university is a busy time. So much stress over papers, homework, tests etc. But it's a different kind of time suck. A kind of time suck where you can decide what to do, when. Working full-time is not like that at all. You have to "punch in" and put in your time five days a week, and for most of the day. Luckily, I really love my job so I don't mind, but I definitely have a lot less free time than before.

2. Being Social

During my bratty teenage years I used to say super bratty things to my mom like "why are you SOOOOO tired anyways, all you do is sit at a desk all day" - let me just take a minute to go back and slap my 15-year-old self. Because sitting at a desk all day IS tiring. It's so mentally tiring. In my job I am busy for 8+ hours every single day. There are emails to be answered, phone calls to be made, and millions of to-do's to tackle. My brain is ON for all that time so by the end of a work day I am exhausted. In college I wouldn't even blink an eye about going out for dinner or drinks during the week. Now it's not as appealing as it once was. All I want to do after a long work day is curl up on the couch and watch TV with a glass of wine.

3. Money

I always joke that I don't have more money now that I'm done college - I just have more bills! My fiance and I recently bought our first house and while it was a monumental purchase and I'm so, so excited about it (and love it) it also means a lot of money is coming out of our accounts. Every single month. For the next 35 years. It's a bit of a scary thought when you put it that way!

***

Honestly though, despite all these things, I am still much happier with my life now than when I was in college and wouldn't trade it for the world. College is fun for awhile but after four years I was ready to be done with it! While the first year after college has been different, expensive and a bit challenging it's also been a blast and one of the best years ever. Can't wait to see what the next one brings!

What was your first year after college/university like?

Guest Post -- Samantha from A Change of Pace

Today is an exciting day for me! It is the first stop on my cruise and I’ll be snorkeling and swimming with sting rays in the Cayman Islands! I asked someone I consider to be one of my best friends to guest post for me and you are in for a treat. Sam and I began reading each other’s blogs a while back and a few months ago began e-mailing one another constantly. She is an amazing writer and you need to be reading her blog. She may not post frequently, but when she does, it is so worth the wait. Enjoy her post today! (Oh, and go wish her a happy anniversary! She celebrates 2 years with her husband today.)

 

Have you ever found yourself in a situation, either good or bad, that took you completely by surprise? A situation in which you never thought you would find yourself? Maybe you considered it fate and accepted it as the road you were meant to take, or perhaps you turned to your faith and attributed it to the work of God. Maybe you leapt for joy and considered it a stroke of pure luck, or perhaps you wallowed in frustration and wondered with self-pity, “Why did this happen to me?”

I’m no stranger to this type of situation, for life never fails to hurl me in directions I never anticipated. Sometimes, what I want falls into my lap with ease, but most often, circumstances beyond my control send my best-laid plans into disarray. Suddenly, something that I considered “a sure thing” doesn’t pan out and something that “wasn’t supposed to happen” happens. Rarely does life happen the way I imagined it would, but a recent look back on the past five years made me realize that the things I value the most came unexpectedly when I was busy focusing on other plans. All the little detours and “bumps in the road” that I’ve experienced – incidents that seemed dire and hopeless at the time – ended up steering me in new directions that brought amazing things to my life.

Five years ago, I was freshly graduated from college with a degree in journalism, back to living under the comfort of my parents’ roof, full of ambition at the prospect of beginning a career, and fully committed to a long distance relationship. From graduation day forward, I knew that life was no longer perfectly laid out, paid for, and planned for me, and as an avid planner, walking into the unknown was a little daunting. Yet, I was so proud of what I’d accomplished, and I was eager to begin turning my dreams into reality and my goals into achievements.

If I’d been asked on graduation day where I thought the next five years would take me, I would have babbled off a perfectly detailed plan in which my life would progress in a succinct, logical flow. I surely thought that within five years’ time, I’d have survived the turbulence of job searching, established a respectable career in the communications field, and be en route to climbing my way up the ladder of success. As a lifelong writer, I thought that I’d be an avid freelance writer in my spare time, with many articles and stories published and maybe a novel in the works. I also thought that my boyfriend Leo and I would have long figured out a way to put the distance to rest.

Instead, I was unleashed in the real world – a place where changes can sideswipe a girl when she’s not looking and well-thought plans don’t always go as intended.

Since graduation, I’ve held two full-time jobs, neither of which led to a full-fledged, rewarding career. I’ve struggled with my relationship with writing, drifting in and out of motivation and failing to find rewarding freelancing opportunities. After six grueling years of long distance, Leo was accepted into the Navy, providing us with the opportunity to marry and start a life together as a Sailor and a military spouse. We left our respective families and jobs, moved to our first duty station, and turned our first house into a home. Currently biding my time as a housewife, I’ve continued to contemplate various career paths, asking myself countless times, “What do I want to do? What am I meant to do?” in an effort to discern my purpose in life. After months of soul-searching that yielded no clear answer, God made a decision for me when I unexpectedly found myself pregnant with our first child. Starting a family was still a few years away in my mind, but after reality sunk in, I became over-the-moon excited to meet my little man. I have a feeling that my call to motherhood will prove to be the most rewarding job I’ll ever have.

There’s so much more to life (and so much more I want out of life) than I realized back when I was that ambitious, career-oriented girl on her graduation day. I’ll never give up the dream of one day seeing my name in print and finding a career that’s my perfect fit, but for now, my priority is my growing family and writing shall remain my beloved hobby. I never imagined that in five years’ time, I’d be a military spouse, a soon-to-be mother, and a bit directionless in regard to a career, but I honestly couldn’t be happier with the path my life has taken.

Where has life taken you in the past five years? Are you living the life you thought you would?

Thursday Tidbits

• First of all, today I’m guest-posting over at Becky’s blog! She asked for a theme of love so I wrote about the boy I love the most: my nephew! This blog post was so much fun to write, even moreso that Becky is also an aunt and knows exactly how I feel! Check it out here.
  
• Today is supposed to be the day I recap my weight loss and tomorrow is supposed to be the day I vlog. I haven’t had time to record a vlog this week and to recap this week in weight loss: Super Bowl. Gained 1.2 pounds. The end. 
  
• I’m finding myself busier and busier with school and kind of loving it. My five-week break was incredibly delightful and relaxing, but I’m realizing that I like to keep busy. It also helps that my classes are quite fun and I get to explore my creative writing side, which is a big no-no when it comes to journalism. The papers I’m writing for my literature and creative writing classes are so much fun and so interesting to write that a part of me is glad I’m taking them at the end of my undergraduate career and not a few semesters ago because it seriously would have tempted me to switch majors. No joke.
  
• Half-marathon training-wise, it’s going okay. I missed my long run on Sunday because it was raining and I just didn’t have it in me to run 5 miles on the treadmill. My training runs have been better than I expected, even though I’m still not running the whole time but I am running more than I’m walking. I’m still extremely nervous leading up to my runs, but they’re getting done. I’m ready to tackle this upcoming week. I have a 3.5-miler scheduled for today and a 5-miler scheduled for Saturday. 5 miles will be a new (running) distance record for me so fingers crossed!
  
• I want to run one of the Gasparilla races at the end of this month. I’m debating on whether I should run the 5K on Saturday or the 8K on Sunday. I’m only scheduled to run 3 miles that weekend, but I’ve never run an 8K distance in a race and it kind of interests me. Make the decision for me! ;)
  
• By the way, March 24th is the day the world will end for me. Also known as the day I have to present my short story for critiques. I’ve never shown my fiction work to anyone and to say I’m nervous is an extreme understatement. I have a million different ideas of what I want my short story to be but nothing I feel comfortable writing down and showing.

Elsewhere

Today, I'm guest-posting over at Emily Jane's blog where I talk about my views on my libraries are better than bookstores. Head on over and let me know if you agree or disagree. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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Does This Mean I'm Somebody Now?

Sorry for the lack of postings this week. I think I underestimated how much my weekdays were going to take out of me so I think there's a lot of time management that's going to have to happen, especially on the weekends. But I do hope to get back to writing normal blog posts again, even if I have to write them on Saturday and schedule them throughout the week!

And I said all that to say this: I'm guest blogging today! Check me out at Swinging From the Chandelier where I talk about how I got to where I'm at now. It's my first time as a guest blogger so show me some love! (Yes. Pity comments count!)