My First Day of School

At the beginning of August I moved to a new city and started at a new school. I was anxious and excited for the fresh start. My expectations were high, but not too high. Sleep could not contain my thoughts before the big day. I rose early and picked out my smartest looking outfit. It was a cross between casual and really professional. When my nerves were at their peak it was time to head out. With a kiss from my hubby, I headed towards the bus.

I walked in to the intimidating building and found my way to the principals office. I met with the lady in charge and she showed me to my classroom. Not to shabby, and definitely an upgrade (view) from my last place. My nerves had settled a bit so I jumped right in.

My thoughts however, were a jumbled mess. Would the people here like me? Would I fit in? Would I have a lunch buddy? Keeping to myself I started in my school work. Throughout the day I ran into people I had met before and was put at ease about my new environment.

As the weeks have passed I grown to like the place. The people are friendly and I think I've made some friends. I guess it was worth the transition.

My 30x30 list

Yesterday, I celebrated my 29 birthday! I have officially entered my last year in my 20s. It's bittersweet. I'm not scared or nervous about turning 30, but there are so many things I want to do before August 15, 2011. Many people have done a 30x30 list and I want to start one myself. I don't have all 30 things spelled out yet and I'm open to recommendations. So here it goes in no particular order.

1. Complete a tri-athalon

2. Go on a hot air ballon ride

3. Learn to ride a motorcycle

4. Go hunting

5. Take a gun safety class

6. Go skydiving

7. Finish reading the Bible all the way through

8. Start and maintain an Etsy store

9. Go on a girls vacation

10. Take a cruise

11. Make new friends (I'm in a new city)

12. Join a cause

13. Organize all my online music, movies, videos, and photos

14. Develop and display architecture photos

15. De-clutter our apartment

The rest is yet to come.

Operation Beautiful

I've been hearing about Operation Beautiful for a while now. After reading about the concept on a friend's blog and watching a clip from the Today Show I decide to try it out.

For those of you unfamiliar with Operation Beautiful, it was created by a women named Caitlin, from North Carolina who was frustrated by the endless negative talk women tell themselves. She began leaving positive messages on the mirrors of public restrooms — at work, at the gym, at the grocery store.

I first saw a post it in my bathroom at work. At that time I didn't realize there was a reason behind the note. I honestly thought is was silly. I don't remember what the note said, but I do remember the note existed on our mirror for sometime. I don't step out of my comfort zone too often, but I wanted to leave a note somewhere for someone to find after watching the interview with Caitlin. I drafted a note and decided to leave it on a magazine at Borders. I tend to compare myself with women in magazines all the time. The note remained in my bag for several days before I ventured to the bookstore. Borders is always busy and I didn't want someone to see my leave the note. I circled the magazines for several minutes before deciding to leave the note on Marie Claire. On the front Mary Kate Olsen was pictured. Here's my photo. I hope it made someone's day. I just might leave notes places more often.

Psych

Many of you know how much I adore Psych. It's a comedy based on a "psychic detective" and his side kick. It is hilarious and they often make fun on the Mentalist. (I never seen that show). Since I no longer have cable I have to wait a week before Hulu will post the most recent episode. However, if I subscribe to Hulu+ I bet I could watch it immediately.

I was disappointed by Season 4, but Season 5 has totally redeemed itself. The other thing I enjoy about the show is the game of finding the pineapple. What started as a joke has become a fan favorite. I'm convinced there were several episodes where the pineapple did not make an appearance. USA now has a "spot the pineapple" sweepstakes. I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but I want to visit Comic Con to see the actors.

If you are needing a summer TV fix, before the fall shows start give Psych a try. You will need to watch several episodes to appreciate the humor. I thought the show was extremely dumb after watching my very first episode.

New Name

I created my blog 5 years ago when I first moved to DC. Blogs were very popular amongst my college friends, so I jumped on the bandwagon in an attempt to stay in touch with people. This is was before facebook opened to the public. (I remember scoffing at FB when a co-worker showed me his profile at work. I remember thinking that is was silly to write on someone's "wall" when you could call them. I kicked myself for a long time for not joining while my university e-mail address was vaild, but I digress). I contemplated the title of my blog for a long while before deciding on What's Next. I figured that I was starting a new phase in life - marriage, first job, and new city and title complimented the journey.

Here I am 5 years later starting a new phase appropriately title Second City. Can anyone guess why I choose that title? If you guessed that Chicago is the home of Second City then you are right! And since it's the second city David and I moved to I thought it fit. We finished moving into our second apartment over the weekend. By we I mean me, David was busy studying for finals. I moved into my second office building, with the same company. I have a sweet view- Chicago River, Lake Michigan, and Navy Pier. I missed the Transformers filming by a week.

So far I LOVE Chicago. There was never any doubt that I would, but I wasn't sure how I would feel about living in the city. I absolutely love it! My commute this morning took me all of 20 minutes door to door. I think it will be quicker tomorrow, since I now know where the bus stop is.

Pictures to come of the city and the new place.