I Must Be Into Following Now...

I always thought I was a leader.  At least that's what everyone told me when I was growing up.  But it seems that following has become fun. And if you think about it, you follow and others follow you.  So really, it's leading AND following.  Exactly.

I broke down and did it, with White Apples in mind.

Follow me @BeyondTheCurls.

The East Coast...

As seen by me, in my dreams, as an astronaut on the ISS.

Or maybe by someone who really was on the ISS...

Thanks to NASA and Expedition 30 for the image.  All rights reserved to NASA.

My new job...

So it's nearing the end of my second week of my new job and I can't tell you enough how liberating it is to be your own manager.  I  mean-it's not like I am the President or anything.  I answer to people but no one checks in on me and no one wants a daily update or anything.  No one really manages my tasks, so to speak.  Finally, I am doing something that uses my greatest talents: organization, self-motivation, and public relations.

I started my job at NASA Headquarters in downtown D.C. managing a project called Women@NASA and all of its subsidiaries.  And the social media manager for the Agency left last week so they want me to start taking up some of that void.  I can't believe lil' ol me who avoided Twitter for oh-so-long and started a blog one sleepless night (about hair, no less) is now managing social media for her very own project...

 

Follow me @WomenNASA.

Never thought I would say that...

The Things I Like to Make...

My made up bread:  Feta, Kalamata, and Rosemary Bread.  It turned out a bit denser than I wanted so I will have to play with it.  But it tastes yummy with all the garlic, black pepper, salt, a pinch of sugar, and heaps of fresh rosemary.  I have two days left of working from home and I will miss this.  Oh so much. 

THANK YOU!

Today...

I just applied for astronaut!

In 2008, I applied and kept it a dire secret, fearing admitting I applied AND didn't get selected was the ultimate demise.  Then three and a half years later, I grew up and realized there are SO many worse things that could happen.  Like the marshmallow man from Ghostbusters storming inside my new house and getting it all gooey.  Not that I have such nightmares or anything.

So now it's 2012 and I am hoping that decaring my excrutiatingly painful need for becoming an astronaut known to the world will bring me good luck.  The world...my blog readers.  Same thing. Right?

Here's the insider info.  First sign that you may get selected is they actually contact your references.  It's the slightest of hints but quite a big deal.  Second, of the 3500 applications, they give 120 interviews.  Then it gets cut down to 40.  Then it's however many they think are qualified for what they need.  8, 10, 17.  Probably 10 or 11 though. 

And that's why I am making myself not pretend I have a chance.  I am leaving it to yall to help me.

A year later...

It was a year ago today that we departed on what I am sure will prove to be a rare moment in life-our around the world trip.  The honeymoon of all honeymoons, as we were told.  It's almost unfathomable how much hasn't changed in our lives post-return to the States.  We are still homeless, still in an attic, still wearing the same five or six outfits, and still paying for storage 2000 miles away. You want to know the oddest part?  It hasn't really phased us.  Being a minimalist apparently comes naturally to me.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I miss my shoes.  A lot.  And my clothes.  I'd be lying if I said a manicure didn't conjure up the warm cozy feelings of the old Mamta.  My point is, however, that I don't mind life as it is given to me, granted the major things remain constant.  Gainful employment.  Family.  And food. 

The most major thing to happen this past year since returning from a trip that changed us both (in enlightening, appreciative ways) is we bought our first home together.  It's a great little place with wonderful potential.  I call it "Small but Mighty".  It seems that with every second look there appears a third thing to do.  But, it's exciting. 

This year has been about learning about myself and my husband.  And how the two of us complement each other.  It's been about finding our balance again.  And adjusting to so many of life's changes, welcomed or not.  It's been a year of excitement and frustration.  Of highs and lows.  Of promise and luck.  Family and new additions.  But, mostly, of patience, compromise, and learning to let go.