Saturday, August 4, 2012

Catch Up

I can't believe my last post was in April. So much has happened since then and I just haven't had time to sit and share it with you all until now. 

April was a month of packing and unpacking boxes because Ahmed moved in after the Nikkah. This process was interesting because it tested boundaries and challenged opinions since this was the first time either of us  have lived with a partner. Both of us have learned to let go a little and genuinely listening instead of instantly dismissing an idea. I am happy that he is as involved as he is because it helped with setting up our home and planning our wedding.

All I remember about May is pain, discomfort and disgust because of two wisdom tooth extractions. Luckily, my parents came to visit that weekend and kept me company and were wonderful like we all know parents to be :)

June was a month of reflection and bracing for change. I decided to resign from my position at the Girl Scouts because of various reasons, but most importantly I just wasn't happy or challenged there and with my director leaving the decision became very clear. Luckily this month also involved a trip to New York and celebrating our 1 year anniversary, both of which provided a much needed cleanse and realignment. It was great to be reunited with my dearest friends in New York and sharing my ups and downs with them over laughter, I have missed them so much! St. Simons provided a great scene for our anniversary. Ahmed and I were able to unwind with the ocean at our doorsteps while enjoying a weekend with no presence of time. 

July feels like it came and went in a heartbeat. I started my new position at PACE and have absolutely loved it thus far. My team is wonderful and the staff really does believe in the mission which makes it all the more worthwhile. I am excited to see what transpires in this new role. We also took a trip to Miami to spend some time with a few of Ahmed's law school friends and one of them taught us how to ride motorcycles!! I am happy to report that no person or bike was injured. It was great to experience Miami like the locals do and that made me appreciate the city so much more. I can't wait to go back in Dec! Because of my restless nature I also started volunteering for Jhatkaa, a really amazing startup in India, and am helping put on a TEDx event in Jacksonville in October- both of which have been a great learning experience because everyone involved has accomplished so many amazing things and are such a delight to be around.

August just began but it feels like it will be over before I know it. I head to Seattle tomorrow for a week for a workshop and then have a staff retreat in Amelia Island the week after for a few days. That only leaves one more week before I head to New York for the festivities. It still feels surreal that it is all finally happening. We began planning back on Aug 20, 2011 and a year has already gone by. I have no idea how! All I know is that I am elated, happy beyond my wildest imagination, lucky and feel extremely privileged to have experienced all that i have as well as that is about to come. 

Next post will be after the honeymoon in Morocco!

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