You need this today…
This video has been floating around on Twitter and Facebook today, and I’ve watched it several times.
And you should watch it too, especially on days like today when Minneapolis and St. Paul have declared yet another snow emergency.
Why We’re Here: Twin Cities from Seven and Sixty Productions on Vimeo.
My Forever Roommate
And I’m behind again on Reverb10 posts. At least I did today’s post.
Prompt: December 29 – Defining Moment. Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year.
This August, my fiance and I moved in together. It represented more than just the next step in our relationship and with it came a number of changes, challenges and firsts. Most importantly, he became my forever roommate.
Ever since freshman year of college, I have had roommates. One, two and three roommates at one time.
Some of them were crazy. Some became my best friends. All came with learnings, challenges and memories. But all of those roommates were temporary – for one semester or one year. This new roommate of mine is forever. Well, hopefully.
We’re forever stuck with one another’s flaws, pet peeves, habits and annoyances. But, we’re also blessed with each other’s laughs, advice, jokes and kind gestures.
So, he may not put his dirty dishes in the dishwasher each time, but I know he’ll walk the dog in the morning when I want to get an extra 10 minutes of sleep. He may not do laundry until his basket is overflowing all over the bedroom floor, but he will always be there to clean the house before my parents come over for dinner – even though he thinks it’s unnecessary.
I guess this whole roommate thing isn’t too bad.
One Photo
Prompt: Photo – a present to yourself. Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.
This photo was taken right after I landed from my first skydive.
My legs felt like complete jelly, my heart was racing and my ears were still popping.
Looking at this photo, I am of course reminded of the experience. However, it also represents adventure, daring, risk-taking and trying new things.
Always Playing Catch Up
I’ve been absolutely horrible at keeping up with the daily Reverb10 prompts. So now that I’m officially on Christmas vacation I’ve decided to take a stab at some that I’ve missed. Here goes:
December 21. Prompt: Future self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?)
Dear 29-year old Kristin,
Wow, you’re almost 30. Have you been taking care of yourself? I know working out sucks, but you gotta do it. Get to the gym, take the dog on walks, keep devouring veggies, don’t eat when you’re not hungry.
Where are you at on getting back to school? Don’t forget about your goals and dreams. Though they may not come easy or be convenient, remember to better yourself, learn new things and advance your skills.
How’s the marriage? Lasted through multiple football seasons, I hope. Remember: don’t be such a nag. He hates to put dishes in the dishwasher, but you know that. Don’t lose sleep over a dirty kitchen. Are you two spending quality time together? Not in front of the TV, but time together where you talk, discover new things about each other and make plans for the future? I hope so. I know it’s easy to get into routines, but mix things up. Keep it fresh and interesting.
I hope you’ve kept in touch with your friends. Remember to be a good friend. Call, Skype and take trips to visit. It’s important.
Most of all, be happy. You’re blessed with great family and friends, a career that you are passionate about and a wonderful husband and crazy dog. How’d you get to be so lucky?
Love,
You. Five years ago.
December 22. Prompt: Travel. How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?
This April, I traveled with my family (on what is likely my last family vacation) to Europe. We visited Berlin and Prague in one week. The trip was quick, jam-packed and absolutely amazing. My sister was able to practice her German, which she has been studying since middle school, my Mom took her first trip overseas and my Dad showed us around Prague – his favorite city in Europe. All in all, it was a great trip. We saw a lot of sites, ate great food and drank a lot of beer. More importantly, it was an opportunity to take one last family vacation before my wedding.
December 23. Prompt: New name. Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?
I’ve struggled with this prompt. Sure, there are times when I wish I had a more unique name like my sister, Kjerste. Or a name that could only be spelled one way. Kristen. Christin. All incorrect. It’s Kristin, not complicated. But, at the end of the day, my name is mine.
I was supposed to be named Sarah, but thank goodness my parents didn’t go through with it. Not that there’s anything wrong with the name, but with a middle name of Lee, the taunts would’ve been horrible during my chubby stage in life. Sarah Lee Gast? No way.
Would you change your name? I wouldn’t even know where to start when picking out a new one.
Meet some Reverb10 Participants
I’ve been taken down by the flu lately, so I haven’t had much energy to even open my computer to write any Reverb 10 blog posts. However, I took some time today to catch up on posts that I’ve missed from other participants and I want to instead encourage you to check them out.
In no particular order, here are some great bloggers that you should discover. Read their posts. Share comments and encouragement. Expand your network.
Tiffany over at Makes Me Blush.
Shannon Warren AKA Swirly Girl.
Kelly Jo blogging as Mrs. Mediocrity .
Jeff Friend practicing Kaizen Ways.
Hello Melissa Price-Mitchell.
Have you been following the progress on Twitter via #reverb10? You should. You might find some great new bloggers, outside your normal online circles, to follow.
Hopefully I will kick this cold and be back to reflecting on my 2010 soon.
Gaga Ooh La La
Of all the Reverb 10 prompts thus far, this is the easiest. No doubt.
Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.
In August, I was lucky enough to see Lady Gaga in concert at the X. It was by far the best concert I’ve been to in a loooong time.
About Me
Marketing, web and communications professional. Passionate about sports, photography, travel, friends and family. Minnesota gal, who happens to cheer for the Packers."In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary." --aaron rose