New year, new changes

As is so common, I am realizing how much has changed just within the past few months, let alone the past year. It's hard for me to believe that just a year ago I was deep in the throes of graduate school not even considering the next step. Had someone told me "you will be the director of a college library in Florence, Kentucky," I would have responded, "yeah right, get over yourself." And yet, here I am. Sometimes I don't know how I got here, but here I am. It has been a phenomenal experience with lots of learning and networking opportunities.

And I am now starting a new year fresh and ready to go. Tomorrow is my last day at the college and Monday I start as a children's librarian (yay!). I've had one relationship end which was a big change, but a good one and the best for all involved. I decided this past weekend to give my wonderful, loving, compassionate and slightly crazy dog to a wonderful family in West Lafayette. That will probably be the biggest and hardest change of all, believe it or not. I am not worried about Levi, he adapts very well and he loves people so I know he'll do very well in the long run. It will inevitably be harder for me than for him. But I've always got my Sammy boy. He's the best cat on earth (not that I'm biased). And who knows? Maybe this'll make way for another perfect (and low-maintenance) kitty in the future. It's hard to say.

The best lesson I've learned this year is to take it one day at a time. You never know what's around the bend and no matter how much you prepare for one scenario, it's often the case that a situation arises that you never even imagined.

I've also learned how important my family is to me. Their support, encouragement and love has helped me more than I can say during this time of confusion and anxiety. I know that while I am farther (further?) from some of them geographically, I feel closer to them than ever and I always look forward to our time together. Cheesy? Yes. Sincere? Absolutely.

I have also learned the value of compromise. The more time goes by, the more situations I am in which challenge me academically, professionally and personally. I believe each person has a core set of values and beliefs that they cannot (and should not) compromise, but beyond that, it is important to be flexible and considerate of other people's core set. Every situation is a learning opportunity and every person offers a new perspective and worldview.

I am slowly learning about limitations. Everyone has them and we might as well respect our own. It makes life much easier to deal with when you're not going outside of your limitations.

One lesson I have yet to learn: cooking. Well really, anything dealing with kitchens. Stupid kitchens. I hate kitchens. I second MK's wish for a Star Trek Replicator. *sigh* If only...

And finally, there are few things in life that are more important than people. All we have is each other so we might as well be good to one another. It may sound goofy or obvious, but all too often we take it for granted.

Well that's my thought for today. I better go eat some raisins.