<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482</id><updated>2011-09-25T17:58:57.394-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Life of Ms Quirky</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>18</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-6101560551379774848</id><published>2011-08-24T09:24:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-08-24T09:24:49.844-07:00</updated><title type='text'></title><content type='html'>I may be the worst blogger ever. Seeing as this is my first post since March.... I feel the need to get back into writing though.&amp;nbsp; Sometimes, it helps through the crazy.&amp;nbsp; There has been so much going on lately, that crazy has a high potential.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Finally got some medical stuff figured out and on medication.&amp;nbsp; Medication is suppose to balance out the hormones and make me feel better, emotionally.&amp;nbsp; Other meds are suppose to make my body process what I eat so I can lose some weight, and get healthy, and feel better physically (and feel better about myself).&amp;nbsp; So far, it's hit and miss.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Most days, being the miss.&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Doctor said it could take few weeks, so I'm trying to be patient.&amp;nbsp; It's difficult though.&amp;nbsp; The majority of my day is spent feeling not quite right.&amp;nbsp; I feel sick if I don't eat.&amp;nbsp; And after I eat, I usually feel sick from whatever I've eaten... I know it's all about adjusting to the meds and finding balance.&amp;nbsp; So, I'm hanging in there with it.&amp;nbsp; If I can get past the rocky start, I know I will be much happier.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And the mood is a struggle as well.&amp;nbsp; I hit a really bad place last week.&amp;nbsp; Doctor told me to go off my anit-depressants because they could be a bad mix with everything else I'm taking now.&amp;nbsp; So, I did.&amp;nbsp; Good news is I no longer lay in bed thinking of ways to die.&amp;nbsp; And, that's a huge bit of good news.&amp;nbsp; But, I still don't feel completely out of my mope cloud.&amp;nbsp; It comes and goes.&amp;nbsp; And sometimes it changes quickly through out the day.&amp;nbsp; I still have this fog of sadness that I can't get out of my mind and heart.&amp;nbsp; I feel like I have control over it in the sense that I'm not going to completely lose my shit and do something stupid.&amp;nbsp; But, it makes me tired. It makes me&amp;nbsp;even more look forward to getting used to my new meds and in a good routine that works for me.&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I have every reason in the world to be so happy.&amp;nbsp; So many great things are going on in my world... plans to go back to school, maybe getting my own place soon, teaching a ton of scuba classes and making new friends through it, awesome family, the most amazing best friend anyone could have... I can't wait until I'm able to sit back and think of all those things and feel that happiness so deep in my core; and not have it all&amp;nbsp;clouded by irrational mood swings and depression.&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So, I guess that's where I'm at these days.&amp;nbsp; I'm hoping to update this more regularly.&amp;nbsp; It's a good way to "talk" about all that's circling around in my head.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-6101560551379774848?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/6101560551379774848/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/08/i-may-be-worst-blogger-ever.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/6101560551379774848'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/6101560551379774848'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/08/i-may-be-worst-blogger-ever.html' title=''/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-2744962603692021835</id><published>2011-03-24T14:31:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-03-24T14:31:05.125-07:00</updated><title type='text'></title><content type='html'>I really don't want to get my hopes up, but I'm feeling pretty good today.&amp;nbsp; Only mild headache so far today.&amp;nbsp; This is the most "non-shitty" (physically and emotionally) I've felt in what seems like forever.&amp;nbsp; Tomorrow marks 1 full week that I have been on the meds, and I'm thinking they are starting to work a little.&amp;nbsp; Don't feel quite 100% yet, but I feel a glimmer of hope.&amp;nbsp; And, that in and of itself, is a huge weight lifted.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Lots to look forward to this weekend as well.&amp;nbsp; Diving on both Saturday and Sunday.&amp;nbsp; And, I get to spend a lot of time with my best friend.&amp;nbsp; Really looking forward to it.&amp;nbsp; I think the combination of (1)&amp;nbsp;keeping things on the calendar to look forward to, (2) the meds, (3) the support/encouragement I get from people who care, and (4)&amp;nbsp;making the conscious decision to portray a good&amp;nbsp;mood and&amp;nbsp;get rid of this depression is all finally starting to work together.&amp;nbsp; I'm so relieved that I am starting to see a light at the end of this long, dark tunnel.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-2744962603692021835?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/2744962603692021835/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-really-dont-want-to-get-my-hopes-up.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/2744962603692021835'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/2744962603692021835'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-really-dont-want-to-get-my-hopes-up.html' title=''/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-641577102982361820</id><published>2011-03-22T11:35:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-03-22T11:35:32.187-07:00</updated><title type='text'></title><content type='html'>It's been awhile since I've written anything.&amp;nbsp; Guess it's time for an update...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Finally got off my lazy butt and went to the Dr about the depression I've been feeling since, oh about Dec-Jan.&amp;nbsp; I'm on my 5th day of taking an anti-depressant.&amp;nbsp; Starting to feel some of the side effects they told me were likely until my body adjusted.&amp;nbsp; So, at least I know the meds are going into my system.&amp;nbsp; No real improvement on the mood yet though.&amp;nbsp; I was told it could be about 2 weeks before I started seeing difference there.&amp;nbsp; It's frustrating.&amp;nbsp; I still feel pretty down.&amp;nbsp; And now I feel dizzy/nauseous/panicky on top of it.&amp;nbsp; Excellent.&amp;nbsp; Just gotta hang in there.&amp;nbsp; I know once the meds start doing their job, I'll feel a lot better.&amp;nbsp; It's just hard.&amp;nbsp; And I'm tired of complaining about it.&amp;nbsp; I feel myself pulling away from people.&amp;nbsp; I just want to be left alone until I get this all sorted out.&amp;nbsp; I'm sure it's all in my head and not nearly as noticeable as I feel like it is.&amp;nbsp; But, I'm really self conscious about how "non-present" I feel when I'm around people.&amp;nbsp; I feel zoned out and spacey.&amp;nbsp; And I feel like my bad mood will be taken the wrong way or personally.&amp;nbsp; And it's exhausting to socialize.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I went to an information session for Cal Baptist's grad and credential program.&amp;nbsp; I got a lot of good info, and turned in an application.&amp;nbsp; Although it was a struggle to motivate myself to go, I was glad I went because I really want to keep moving forward with my plan to go back to school.&amp;nbsp; And, as whacked out as this sounds... I feel like it is important for me to keep goals and things I want to do on my calendar.&amp;nbsp; With working through this depression, I feel like it's important for me to keep having reasons to push through.&amp;nbsp; Goals to meet.&amp;nbsp; Things to experience.&amp;nbsp; And then, when I do finally kick my bad mood's ass, I won't feel like I got behind because of it.&amp;nbsp; Just gotta keep truckin' along.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-641577102982361820?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/641577102982361820/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/03/its-been-awhile-since-ive-written.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/641577102982361820'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/641577102982361820'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/03/its-been-awhile-since-ive-written.html' title=''/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-684417568608996788</id><published>2011-02-22T09:36:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-02-22T09:36:29.342-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Social Exchange Theory</title><content type='html'>Seriously, the "Social Exchange Theory" may be my favorite thing I learned as a pysch major.&amp;nbsp; So relevant and applicable to daily life.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You can google it, and it comes up with all kinds of info.&amp;nbsp; But, one website describes it perfectly.&amp;nbsp; I got this from &lt;a href="http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/social_exchange.htm"&gt;http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/social_exchange.htm&lt;/a&gt;: &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;All relationships have give and take, although the balance of this exchange is not always equal. Social Exchange theory explains how we feel about a relationship with another person as depending on our perceptions of:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;The balance between what we put into the relationship and what we get out of it. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The kind of relationship we deserve. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The chances of having a better relationship with someone else. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;I broke up with Batman today.&amp;nbsp; Been thinking long and hard about the relationship I was having with him.&amp;nbsp; And, there were no real benefits to me.&amp;nbsp; And honestly, I couldn't see any&amp;nbsp;lasting benefit to him either.&amp;nbsp; Other than a hook up now and then.&amp;nbsp; And, I'm learning more about what I deserve.&amp;nbsp; I think I deserve something with a little more substance than that.&amp;nbsp; I gave us a chance to add some substance and that clearly wasn't a priority on both sides.&amp;nbsp; So, time to move on.&amp;nbsp; It was not as easy&amp;nbsp;of a decision as I thought.&amp;nbsp; But, I feel like it was right and the best decision for me.&amp;nbsp; I need to get better about realizing and doing what's good for me.&amp;nbsp; This was a good step towards that.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-684417568608996788?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/684417568608996788/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/02/social-exchange-theory.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/684417568608996788'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/684417568608996788'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/02/social-exchange-theory.html' title='Social Exchange Theory'/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-8904962210191962193</id><published>2011-02-18T10:48:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-02-18T10:48:10.711-08:00</updated><title type='text'></title><content type='html'>"I love to be alone. I never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude."&lt;br /&gt;-Henry David Thoreau&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I took photo classes in high school and we had to do a project based off of a favorite quote.&amp;nbsp; I used this one.&amp;nbsp; I did a bunch of shots of a friend of mine in these wide open spaces&amp;nbsp;(long empty beaches, meadows, parks...).&amp;nbsp; In all the shots, he was by himself and would either be reading, resting, meditating, or walking.&amp;nbsp; I focused on how good it is to take time for yourself.&amp;nbsp; I spent a lot of time on my own in high school and, looking back, I'm so glad I did.&amp;nbsp; Being able to spend time alone and enjoy your own company is important.&amp;nbsp; I forgot how good that feels.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This past week, I have really focused on being okay with myself.&amp;nbsp; I have purposely spent time on my own as often as I can.&amp;nbsp; Whether that has been doing a solo dive, taking a walk/jog, a drive, or just hanging out at home.&amp;nbsp; I feel centered in my soul right now.&amp;nbsp; It feels good.&amp;nbsp; I think I may be becoming addicted to it, actually.&amp;nbsp; I look forward to the end of my day when I can go home and just spend some quiet time.&amp;nbsp; My life tends to be pretty busy between work and teaching and various social things I enjoy doing.&amp;nbsp; So, having time to myself every night this week has been amazing.&amp;nbsp; I haven't even been feeling any shred of lonely and I wondered if it would hit me at some point.&amp;nbsp; I've noticed that when I am out doing things with people, I stay more engaged and enjoy it more.&amp;nbsp; It's like I really take advantage of the social time and then really take advantage of that alone time later.&amp;nbsp; I think I'm in a good balance with myself right now and I'm planning to keep this up.&amp;nbsp; I'm happier, more rested, and not so edgy and sensitive to things.&amp;nbsp; I feel like I have control over my social life and I'm not letting it happen to me and just&amp;nbsp;hanging on for the ride.&amp;nbsp; It's a good feeling.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Another good quote on solitude that I've found this week is, "I restore myself when I'm alone." -Marilyn Monroe.&amp;nbsp; I'm finding this to be so so so true.&amp;nbsp; I feel restored, rejuvenated, and focused.&amp;nbsp; All good things :-)&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-8904962210191962193?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/8904962210191962193/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-love-to-be-alone.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/8904962210191962193'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/8904962210191962193'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-love-to-be-alone.html' title=''/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-1828108686937036571</id><published>2011-02-11T09:47:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-02-11T09:47:07.053-08:00</updated><title type='text'>New Direction</title><content type='html'>I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about my long term direction.&amp;nbsp; I really enjoy my job.&amp;nbsp; It's fun, and I like being involved with scuba everyday.&amp;nbsp; But, I don't make nearly as much as I think the job should pay.&amp;nbsp; And, there is no real room for growth here.&amp;nbsp; This would be&amp;nbsp;a great job if my life had a shared income, or if I was a bit younger and not as much else going on.&amp;nbsp; The reality is I'm almost 26.&amp;nbsp; I don't make enough to pay for my monthly living expenses.&amp;nbsp; And, I live with a roomie (who I love, but still...).&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I am finding myself in a place where I am craving independence and stability.&amp;nbsp; I would really like to feel like I can pay my bills every month.&amp;nbsp; I don't have a whole lot of them... No credit cards and no car payment. So, it shouldn't be this difficult to take care of my expenses.&amp;nbsp; Also, I&amp;nbsp;would really love to have my very own place.&amp;nbsp; I love living with my brother.&amp;nbsp; He's fun and we get along great and I value the time I get to spend with him and the talks I have with him.&amp;nbsp; But, it's just time to fly from my little nest.&amp;nbsp; I would like to have my own place and that sense of independence.&amp;nbsp; I would like to feel like I can bring people over and not have to wonder about the status of my roomie.&amp;nbsp; Who knows.&amp;nbsp; If I end up in a consistent relationship with the possibility of more frequent sleepovers, it would be nice to not have the awkward "big bro in the next room" feeling.&amp;nbsp; I'm ready to be on my own and taking care of myself.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So, here's what I'm doing about it!&amp;nbsp; It's time to focus on getting into an actual "career." I've thought about teaching over and over again and I keep going back to it.&amp;nbsp; It's become quite clear to me that that is a good path for me.&amp;nbsp; So, I'm registering to take the CBEST and CSET in the next few months.&amp;nbsp; As soon as I get those done, I'll apply to some schools and get into a program that offers a Masters program along with Credentials.&amp;nbsp; About a year and a half after that, school will be done and I can get into an actual career and feel like I've really "grown up."&amp;nbsp; I'm so looking forward to that.&amp;nbsp; I know the getting out on my own won't happen over night.&amp;nbsp; I may have to keep the roommate thing up during school or go live on campus.&amp;nbsp; And, that's okay.&amp;nbsp; The point is... I feel like I'm setting goals for myself and working to achieve them and better myself and my life.&amp;nbsp; I'm really excited about it.&amp;nbsp; So, here is the list of new goals:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Take/Pass CBEST and CSET before end of Spring&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Enroll in school before end of year.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Finish school by the time I'm 28 &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Have my *&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;own&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;* place, and&amp;nbsp;feel some stability by the time I'm 30&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-1828108686937036571?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/1828108686937036571/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-direction.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/1828108686937036571'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/1828108686937036571'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-direction.html' title='New Direction'/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-4637450424078882514</id><published>2011-02-09T14:31:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-02-09T14:31:35.687-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Good Week</title><content type='html'>Yeah, I knew all I needed to pull me out of my mope funk was some busyness back in my life.&amp;nbsp; This week has been pretty good so far.&amp;nbsp; I have a lot going on that's making me smile.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Monday I got to hang with Batman and his new place.&amp;nbsp; I like it there.&amp;nbsp; It's cozy and he's becoming more and more easy to be around.&amp;nbsp; We've gotten to the point where we aren't just talking to get to know each other's background.&amp;nbsp; We talk about our everyday things and do the mindless chit-chat.&amp;nbsp; I like that.&amp;nbsp; That's when I feel like someone has gone beyond the "acquaintance" stage and they are an actually "friend" that you can be yourself around.&amp;nbsp; It's a good feeling.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Tuesday was Heather's rehearsal dinner.&amp;nbsp; The wedding is this Saturday, and as odd as it is to admit... I'm actually really looking forward to it.&amp;nbsp; I hung with Heather's best friend, Jill, at the rehearsal.&amp;nbsp; Me and her are like long lost soul mates or something.&amp;nbsp; We had such a good time and were so silly.&amp;nbsp; I cannot remember the last time I laughed that hard for that long.&amp;nbsp; I'm thinking I need to befriend her and hang out more often.&amp;nbsp; People like that are extra good to have in my life.&amp;nbsp; I have a need to laugh often.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Wednesday (tonight) is the much anticipated "Mexican Wrestling" night.&amp;nbsp; I've been looking forward to this for about a month.&amp;nbsp; And now, I'm even more looking forward to it just for the time to spend with Besty.&amp;nbsp; Hung out with Besty over the weekend, but it seems like it's been much longer than that.&amp;nbsp; Missing him lately.&amp;nbsp; Even though we text all day and I got a few minutes to say hi last night, I feel like we are lacking the connection that comes after a quality talk or hang out time.&amp;nbsp; I'm expecting some heavy traffic on the way into LA, and actually looking forward to that.&amp;nbsp; It'll give us a chance to chat and catch up and reconnect a bit before all the fun starts.&amp;nbsp; He's the best friend I could ever imagine having in my life so keeping a tight connection with him is big to me.&amp;nbsp; He's awesome, and I love him.&amp;nbsp; Hanging with him tonight will definitely be one of the highlights this week.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thursday will be nice because I get to be pampered a bit.&amp;nbsp; Mani-Pedi and eyebrow waxing.&amp;nbsp; It's about time.&amp;nbsp; I love when my nails are done.&amp;nbsp; It makes me feel sassy.&amp;nbsp; And the eyebrows... yeah, lets just say I'm way overdue there.&amp;nbsp; After that, I get to go hang out with Besty's DM class in the pool.&amp;nbsp; I love hanging around that class.&amp;nbsp; I feel like I should be paying a tuition fee as well.&amp;nbsp; I'm learning a lot just just watching that class go on.&amp;nbsp; I love it.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Friday... well, Friday will need to have it's own "blog entry" I think.&amp;nbsp; Lol.&amp;nbsp; Let's just say I'll be stepping outside the box a bit.&amp;nbsp; Also, that night starts my advanced class.&amp;nbsp; I actually have enough students signed up to call it a real class.&amp;nbsp; That makes me feel so good.&amp;nbsp; And, its students that I know and that I really enjoy teaching.&amp;nbsp; We are going to have a lot of fun and I get to hang out with some of my new favorite people.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Weekend... Heather's wedding and more hang out time with Besty.&amp;nbsp; Can't ask for anything more there.&amp;nbsp; Really excited to get all fancy on Saturday.&amp;nbsp; I don't get to get dressed up very often so I'm really looking forward to it.&amp;nbsp; And, I'm very excited for Heather.&amp;nbsp; I have never seen her so happy as she is with Kevin.&amp;nbsp; Heather is one of the best people I know so it's so good to see her basking all the happy that she deserves.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So, that's the week.&amp;nbsp; Lot's of things going on that are good.&amp;nbsp; This blog is kinda long.&amp;nbsp; But, it feels good to put all the things that are making me happy into actual words.&amp;nbsp; It lets me enjoy them all that much more.&amp;nbsp; Hoping these good feelings keep up.&amp;nbsp; :-)&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-4637450424078882514?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/4637450424078882514/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/02/good-week.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/4637450424078882514'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/4637450424078882514'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/02/good-week.html' title='Good Week'/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-3555788911342831463</id><published>2011-02-04T17:01:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2011-02-04T17:01:40.877-08:00</updated><title type='text'></title><content type='html'>I&amp;#39;m not sure what has been up with me. But, I&amp;#39;ve really been battling lonely feelings lately. I&amp;#39;ve done a pretty good job at finding things to do this week and surrounding myself with good people. I&amp;#39;ve even managed to see the besty every day this week for one reason or another. But I still feel lonely lurking in me. I hate that. It&amp;#39;s making me feel clingy and needy. And, I have no reason for it. Things are good in my world and I have every reason to be happy. And, I&amp;#39;d even say that as a whole, I am happy. There is no major stress getting me down or anything to be upset over. I&amp;#39;m just having a hard time connecting with anyone in a way that makes the lonely disappear. Maybe a good weekend of some rest and relaxation will help.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-3555788911342831463?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/3555788911342831463/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-not-sure-what-has-been-up-with-me.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/3555788911342831463'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/3555788911342831463'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-not-sure-what-has-been-up-with-me.html' title=''/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-7562116478131818245</id><published>2011-02-02T09:48:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-02-02T09:51:14.221-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Quick- Schedule Something!</title><content type='html'>I'm the kind of girl that tends to stay pretty busy.&amp;nbsp; My brother, who is also my roommate, laughs because we will go days without even seeing each other and we live in a little 2-bedroom place.&amp;nbsp; He says it's nice only paying 1/2 the rent but pretty much getting his own place...&amp;nbsp; I like having a busy schedule.&amp;nbsp; It keeps the time passing and gives me little things throughout the week to look forward to.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My open water class finished up last weekend.&amp;nbsp; For the first time in quite awhile, I have absolutely nothing scheduled for this week.&amp;nbsp; Nothing for work, teaching, or social.&amp;nbsp; It's so weird.&amp;nbsp; It's only Wednesday, and already this week has seemed to be dragging on.&amp;nbsp; Another reason I like to get out there and keep things scheduled is I'm learning that I do like the company of others a lot&amp;nbsp;more than I used to.&amp;nbsp; I used to keep myself pretty isolated.&amp;nbsp; I definitely liked my "me time."&amp;nbsp; But, I'm learning that I need the "me time" less than I did even a few months ago.&amp;nbsp; In fact, I'm finding it easier and easier for me to feel lonely.&amp;nbsp; I like having things to do and people to talk to.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I'm really looking forward to next week... Heather's rehearsal dinner on Tuesday.&amp;nbsp; Mexican Wrestling in LA with my besty&amp;nbsp;on Wednesday.&amp;nbsp; Orientation for my advanced class on Friday.&amp;nbsp; And Heather's wedding on Saturday (and I have the hottest date ever to that!).&amp;nbsp; Lot's of fun things planned and fun people to spend time with.&amp;nbsp; And&amp;nbsp;that, I am looking forward to.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-7562116478131818245?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/7562116478131818245/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/02/quick-schedule-something.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/7562116478131818245'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/7562116478131818245'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/02/quick-schedule-something.html' title='Quick- Schedule Something!'/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-7409587724248728954</id><published>2011-01-31T15:05:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-01-31T15:06:07.820-08:00</updated><title type='text'>OW Class</title><content type='html'>I went diving on Saturday with my open water class.&amp;nbsp; I certified my three students and and got to spend a day out on the water.&amp;nbsp; The weather was great and the dive conditions were really good too.&amp;nbsp; Good dive conditions = easy day of teaching.&amp;nbsp; One of the big highlights of the day though, was my class.&amp;nbsp; These 3 students have been a big bright spot in my life.&amp;nbsp; They are all very different and have their quirks, but I think that's why I like them.&amp;nbsp; They know their quirks, and they don't care about them.&amp;nbsp; It was an easy class to be around because there was a general acceptance of each other.&amp;nbsp; Combine that with some raunchy humor and a love for scuba diving... you get a TON of fun.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Becoming an instructor has been one of those life long dreams.&amp;nbsp; I was always a little fish growing up and I would love to go to the beach when I was a kid and watch the divers get in and out of the water.&amp;nbsp; I was that annoying toddler that followed them around and asked a million questions.&amp;nbsp; So, of course I was beyond excited when I finished up my instructor course back in April.&amp;nbsp; Since then, I had difficult student after difficult student.&amp;nbsp; I had a few good ones in there, but there was a lot of tough classes and grumpy students to deal with.&amp;nbsp; It was discouraging.&amp;nbsp; I had looked forward to teaching for so long and I was quickly finding out that it is not all sunshine and rainbows.&amp;nbsp; This class made up for all the hard ones I've had over the past 8 months.&amp;nbsp; They brought so much enthusiasm and desire to get out there and start diving.&amp;nbsp; They not only reminded me why I wanted to teach scuba, but also reminded me why I love diving in the first place.&amp;nbsp; This is one of those classes where I think the instructor learned just as much as the students did.&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This class is planning on rolling right into my advanced class that starts in a couple of weeks.&amp;nbsp; I am SO thrilled to get to teach them some more and dive with them again.&amp;nbsp; I've made some special friendships here that I know I'll keep with me forever.&amp;nbsp; It's a great feeling.&amp;nbsp; :-)&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-7409587724248728954?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/7409587724248728954/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/01/ow-class.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/7409587724248728954'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/7409587724248728954'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/01/ow-class.html' title='OW Class'/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-22801452039974906</id><published>2011-01-27T10:35:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-01-27T10:35:34.355-08:00</updated><title type='text'>My Little Epiphany</title><content type='html'>In college, I took a long break from dating.&amp;nbsp; I had decided that I needed to work on myself and get to a place where I was content with me and my life before I tried to add anyone on to it.&amp;nbsp; I think I was on to something there...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Lately, I have felt a pretty large&amp;nbsp;void in my life.&amp;nbsp; So, I have been putting in a lot of effort&amp;nbsp;trying to fill that void with new people and relationships.&amp;nbsp; It's hard to admit, but I would say I&amp;nbsp;was close to the point of desperation.&amp;nbsp; I would do anything for some attention and someone new to talk to or fill some time with.&amp;nbsp; I have been pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, in a bad way.&amp;nbsp; Sometimes, I know it's good to push yourself.&amp;nbsp; But I haven't been doing it in a way that has been&amp;nbsp;good or healthy or constructive.&amp;nbsp; I gave out my number to someone I had no interest in... and he &lt;em&gt;still&lt;/em&gt; won't stop texting.&amp;nbsp; And, if that wasn't enough, I started to talking to someone that seemed nice enough, but just gave off that "there is something wrong here" vibe.&amp;nbsp; I intentionally&amp;nbsp;ignored the vibe and concentrated so hard on the little random&amp;nbsp;things I liked, I had convinced myself the vibe was nothing.&amp;nbsp; I met him last night.&amp;nbsp; It went horrible.&amp;nbsp; We are so different in very important ways.&amp;nbsp; I realized&amp;nbsp;that starting a relationship with him would be a horrible thing.&amp;nbsp; At least I recognized this early and attempted to end the date.&amp;nbsp; While saying goodbye, he tried to pull me into his car.&amp;nbsp; I got away from him with no problem and had the rest of the night to myself.&amp;nbsp; If I think about the "what ifs" (what if he had a gun or knife, or what if I let him put me in that car...), I freak myself out.&amp;nbsp; So, I'm not thinking of those and focusing on what did happen and the fact that I listened to my instincts enough to save myself.&amp;nbsp; But I have come to a point where I really need to step back.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My life is busy.&amp;nbsp; It is not overwhelming, but I have a good job, fun classes to teach, great family, an awesome best friend, and another nice guy that is becoming part of a weekly hang out routine and it seems that he may become more than "weekly."&amp;nbsp; So, why the hell do I need to add more people to the mix?!&amp;nbsp; Rather then fill my emptiness with more people who I may or may not actually want around... I should concentrate on what I do have in my life.&amp;nbsp; If I spent 1/2 as much energy focusing on the things that are already present in my life and bring me joy, I bet that would fill a lot of that void.&amp;nbsp; So, that's the little "ah-ha!" moment I had last night and I'm going to apply it and see how it goes.&amp;nbsp; Focusing on all the little good things I do have, has already put me in a pretty happy mood today.&amp;nbsp; I have a lot to smile about if I would just let myself enjoy those little smiles once in awhile.&amp;nbsp; I can't fix what isn't already broken.&amp;nbsp; And, my life is far from broken.&amp;nbsp; It's time to appreciate that.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-22801452039974906?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/22801452039974906/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-little-epiphany.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/22801452039974906'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/22801452039974906'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-little-epiphany.html' title='My Little Epiphany'/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-9041083724976502923</id><published>2011-01-24T10:22:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-01-24T10:22:25.078-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Update</title><content type='html'>Oh my, I have not written in quite awhile... time for an update:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I survived the holidays and the new year is off to it's usual start.&amp;nbsp; I have classes scheduled for the next few months.&amp;nbsp; Open water going on now.&amp;nbsp; Advanced starting in February.&amp;nbsp; And, Rescue in March.&amp;nbsp; My current open water class is bringing me a lot of joy.&amp;nbsp; Only 3 students.&amp;nbsp; But, they are a lot of fun and they really like me, which makes me feel super good.&amp;nbsp; I feel like the kind of instructor I've been wanting to be around them.&amp;nbsp; All 3 of them are planning on taking my advanced class next month, along with another open water student from before the holidays.&amp;nbsp; I feel like I'm starting to get a little fan club.&amp;nbsp; It feels really good.&amp;nbsp; This class makes me feel like I am to them what my mentor/instructor was/still is to me.&amp;nbsp; It's an amazing feeling.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Speaking of that mentor/instructor... he's amazing.&amp;nbsp; He helped me with my class this weekend along with his DM students.&amp;nbsp; And, wow.&amp;nbsp; I am continuously learning from him.&amp;nbsp; He always has something relevant and helpful to say and students seem to instantly love them.&amp;nbsp; I got texts from 2 of my students at the end of the day asking if he was going to be going along for sure next weekend because they liked him so well.&amp;nbsp; Yep! Reasons he's the role model for the kind of instructor I want to be...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Other new stuff... started dating someone new.&amp;nbsp; We shall call him "Batman."&amp;nbsp; It was off to a rocky start, but that's because I'm a paranoid crazy girl who needs to chill the eff out.&amp;nbsp; I always worry about&amp;nbsp;meeting people off the Internet.. What if they are crazy?!&amp;nbsp; Upon further thought... I'm wondering if I'm the crazy one..&amp;nbsp; But I'm learning a lot about taking things one day at a time and not reading into things so much.&amp;nbsp; Not just with batman, but in all areas of my life and other relationships.&amp;nbsp; Sometimes I get so far into my head, that I set up a perfect storm that didn't need to happen and wouldn't have if I had just stayed mellow.&amp;nbsp; I should invent some sort of shock collar to train myself.&amp;nbsp; But yes.&amp;nbsp; Batman = good thing.&amp;nbsp; He's funny, cute, nice.&amp;nbsp; All around good to spend time with.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I guess that's what's new in a nut shell.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-9041083724976502923?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/9041083724976502923/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/01/update.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/9041083724976502923'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/9041083724976502923'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2011/01/update.html' title='Update'/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-5914512057621844153</id><published>2010-12-27T14:18:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-12-27T14:18:01.650-08:00</updated><title type='text'></title><content type='html'>I've had some extra time to reflect today and have been coming to some conclusions.&amp;nbsp; I am in an &lt;em&gt;incredible&lt;/em&gt; relationship with&amp;nbsp;probably the best guy out there.&amp;nbsp; He gets me on a level that no else does and he makes me feel great.&amp;nbsp; Any criticism he gives, is a always constructive and he pushes me to always do my best and be the best person that I can be.&amp;nbsp; He sees a lot of good in me.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;All of that is great, and I know I am so lucky to have that in my life.&amp;nbsp; One thing that I need that still seems to be lacking though... I need to be able to see that for myself as well.&amp;nbsp; I've found myself in quite a bit of a rut lately with some low self confidence.&amp;nbsp; And, rather then sit back and complain about it, it's time I do something.&amp;nbsp; One of my biggest pet peeves is when people complain about something that they have the power to change themselves.&amp;nbsp; And, I'm starting to find myself slip into that bad habit.&amp;nbsp; Also, I have found that when I let myself mope into some low self esteem, it has an effect on so much in my life.&amp;nbsp; Including my relationship with Mr. Wonderful.&amp;nbsp; Well, no more of that!&amp;nbsp; I'm taking back control of my life and the way I want to handle the things that get me down.&amp;nbsp; I've started working on this a little this past week and have already felt a positive change in some aspects of my life.&amp;nbsp; I'm excited to apply this elsewhere now.&amp;nbsp; I look forward to being able to look in the mirror and really be happy with who I see there.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-5914512057621844153?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/5914512057621844153/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2010/12/ive-had-some-extra-time-to-reflect.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/5914512057621844153'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/5914512057621844153'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2010/12/ive-had-some-extra-time-to-reflect.html' title=''/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-3460502624481702031</id><published>2010-12-17T11:11:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-12-17T11:11:34.014-08:00</updated><title type='text'></title><content type='html'>They say sometimes the right thing to do is often the hardest thing to do.&amp;nbsp; Well, I don't know if that is true.&amp;nbsp; And what if every option seems difficult?&amp;nbsp; I've been doing a lot of "soul searching" this week.&amp;nbsp; I feel like I've lost direction and need to regain that.&amp;nbsp; But, I have no idea what direction I need to get back on track with.&amp;nbsp; I feel like I'm back in my Underwater Navigation Course and I got stuck with the broken compass that keeps me about 15 degrees off from where I need to be.&amp;nbsp; It's not a huge error, but just enough to keep me frustrated and questioning if I'm doing it right.&amp;nbsp; I know I am only 25, and so having it all figured out is definitely not a requirement.&amp;nbsp; But, I'm such a planner.&amp;nbsp; I like to be able to look ahead a few years and at least have an idea of who I will be, where I will be, what I'll be doing, who will be around with me.&amp;nbsp; And, a&amp;nbsp;lot&amp;nbsp;of that seems&amp;nbsp;very foggy.&amp;nbsp; It's really starting to weigh me down.&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Maybe I just need to&amp;nbsp;put it aside. Get through the holidays and the next few weeks and then focus on it again.&amp;nbsp; Perhaps my holiday mope is getting in the way.&amp;nbsp; Every year I get older, it seems like Christmas and New Years are losing more and more holiday "magic."&amp;nbsp; Maybe this upcoming year will bring me some of that clarity and this time next year, I can be wrapped up in holiday magic and not so stressy.&amp;nbsp; Heh, I think it all comes down to me chilling the eff out and learning to enjoy where I'm at.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My, this was not the chipper blog I have been doing so far.&amp;nbsp; I hope I don't drive anyone to drink or to sharp objects.&amp;nbsp; I'm&amp;nbsp; not meaning to come off depressed.&amp;nbsp; Overall, I'm not depressed.&amp;nbsp; Just taking a step back and looking at my life.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-3460502624481702031?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/3460502624481702031/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2010/12/they-say-sometimes-right-thing-to-do-is.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/3460502624481702031'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/3460502624481702031'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2010/12/they-say-sometimes-right-thing-to-do-is.html' title=''/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-1431881088135295471</id><published>2010-12-06T10:40:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-12-06T10:40:02.415-08:00</updated><title type='text'></title><content type='html'>I have never been an overly confident type of girl.&amp;nbsp; I like to blend in and fade into the background.&amp;nbsp; Throughout my life, I have had a hard time really feeling like I really belonged anywhere.&amp;nbsp; Or, that&amp;nbsp;there was anything special our interesting about me that I could really offer anyone else.&amp;nbsp; And, because I didn't feel like there was anything&amp;nbsp;special about me, I never really felt like I "deserved" to feel like I stood out to anyone.&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;But, eveyone wants to feel like they matter.&amp;nbsp; Lately, I have really come to realize how important that is.&amp;nbsp; I didn't think it mattered to me.&amp;nbsp; But, it does.&amp;nbsp; And, I think the older I get, the more it matters.&amp;nbsp; I want to feel like I have an impact on someone.&amp;nbsp; Life is short when you look at the big picture.&amp;nbsp; And, for my short time here, I am learning that I hope I have stood out to somone and made a difference.&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And, that is why I am so thankful for my best friend.&amp;nbsp; I finally feel like I fit in somewhere.&amp;nbsp; I have found security within myself from being around him.&amp;nbsp; For the first time in my life, I really feel like I am special and important and that I matter.&amp;nbsp; And, having that foundation of good is helping me in so many other areas of my life.&amp;nbsp; It is amazing what just a little bit of security and self confidence can do.&amp;nbsp; Knowing someone is there through thick and thin and will love me unconditionally helps me take chances.&amp;nbsp; I'll go out on limbs and take risks that I would never consider doing just a year ago.&amp;nbsp; But, knowing at the end of the day, whether I made a great decision or a huge mistake, I'm still okay.&amp;nbsp; I'm still loved.&amp;nbsp; I'm still special.&amp;nbsp; And, I'm still important.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So far, I think my favorite "life lesson" I've learned, is the lesson of how important it is to let yourself be loved.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-1431881088135295471?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/1431881088135295471/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2010/12/i-have-never-been-overly-confident-type.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/1431881088135295471'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/1431881088135295471'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2010/12/i-have-never-been-overly-confident-type.html' title=''/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-4279868456249142831</id><published>2010-12-02T14:27:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-12-02T14:27:40.117-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Bridal Showers</title><content type='html'>Busy weekend ahead.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Saturday is my cousin's bridal shower.&amp;nbsp; My mom and I are throwing it for her and there will be about 50 women there.&amp;nbsp; Shower's are such a silly tradition.&amp;nbsp; We will eat and visit with family we don't see often, and meet the soon-to-be inlaws of Heather's.&amp;nbsp; Seems normal so far... but then, there's the&amp;nbsp;games... &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The first game is about the crap we have in our purse.&amp;nbsp; Random list of things one might find in a lady's purse.&amp;nbsp; The lady that has the most items from the list, wins.&amp;nbsp; Well, shit. I guess I better go buy a purse...&amp;nbsp; Would a small dive gear&amp;nbsp;bag&amp;nbsp;count?&amp;nbsp; Maybe a back pack?&amp;nbsp; I don't think I will have the right items on the list though.&amp;nbsp;This in not a good game for the Tom-Boys.&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The second game is even more rediculous, if you can believe that.&amp;nbsp; There are about 50 baloons that we (and by "we", I mean "I") will have to blow up.&amp;nbsp; Inside each baloon will be a picture of some famous couple.&amp;nbsp; But, in 4 baloons, there will be a picture of... wait for it... Kevin and Heather!&amp;nbsp; The 4 ladies that pop the baloon with the picure of Kevin and Heather win.&amp;nbsp; Mindless, silly games.&amp;nbsp; But, everyone loves these.&amp;nbsp; I admit, at my shower, we did the same sort of thing and I loved it.&amp;nbsp; What is with our culture?&amp;nbsp; How does dumping crap out of your purse and popping baloons have anything to do with married life?&amp;nbsp; Other then excess baggage and popping of hopes and dreams.... Hmm, maybe that's not the message they are going for.&amp;nbsp; I better put a lid on the bitter.&amp;nbsp; I am looking forward to the shower though.&amp;nbsp; My cousin is beyond happy and that makes me happy for her.&amp;nbsp; She is one of the coolest, nicest, selfless people I know and she deserves all the bliss she has now.&amp;nbsp; So, yay for her!&amp;nbsp; I just hope the bliss lasts forever.&amp;nbsp; I had bliss at one point... Oh, shit.&amp;nbsp; There goes the bitter again.&amp;nbsp; I really need to get that under control before Saturday...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Did I mention I will be doing the cooking for this little event?&amp;nbsp; Oh yes. I will be rattlin' them pots and pans in the kitchen.&amp;nbsp; Bringing out the domestic side.&amp;nbsp; Stay tuned for that little adventure...&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-4279868456249142831?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/4279868456249142831/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2010/12/bridal-showers.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/4279868456249142831'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/4279868456249142831'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2010/12/bridal-showers.html' title='Bridal Showers'/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-7487772291503944944</id><published>2010-12-01T14:59:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2010-12-01T15:31:34.261-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Technology</title><content type='html'>Oh my goodness... Technology these days. Yes, I am posting this blog by texting from my phone. Is it odd that technology overwhelms me? I can't fathom a world without texting and emailing- and it still amazes me. Ha! I can't imagine how the older generations feel. They've seen a time when there was no Internet. Or when the Internet was sucky and slow. Now look at us! It kind of freaks me out if I try to think what it will be like when I get older. I don't know what else can be invented. But, I'm sure someone will think of something!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-7487772291503944944?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/7487772291503944944/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2010/12/oh-my-goodness.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/7487772291503944944'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/7487772291503944944'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2010/12/oh-my-goodness.html' title='Technology'/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4383953754671503482.post-8767733256763902815</id><published>2010-12-01T12:06:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-12-01T12:06:41.094-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The First Blog...</title><content type='html'>Well here goes my attempt at blogging...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I'm looking forward to starting up this blog.&amp;nbsp; I'm&amp;nbsp;in the midst of figuring out life (aren't we all?) and this blog will be a way to throw all my jumbled thoughts on paper and sort them out.&amp;nbsp; What I end up putting on&amp;nbsp;here&amp;nbsp;could be funny, sad, frustrating, steamy,&amp;nbsp;bold, easy to read, or uncomfortable.&amp;nbsp; You name it, it will probably end up here... But, either way, it will be good to get it out.&amp;nbsp; It will be fun to write, and hopfully entertaining to read.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A little bit about me: I'm in my mid 20's.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;I want to say I'm outgoing.&amp;nbsp; But, the truth is I come off a little quiet and withdrawn until&amp;nbsp;I&amp;nbsp;find my comfort&amp;nbsp;zone.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Then, the "outgoing" comes out.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;I have a degree which I am not using for a career and not sure if I ever will.&amp;nbsp; I teach scuba diving, as well as indulge in it as my regular hobby.&amp;nbsp; I have quite a wide range of friends.&amp;nbsp; I defintely do not fit into any certain "type" of social group- which has its perks and down falls.&amp;nbsp; And, right now it is the middle of the week, I am at work, and looking for things to do.&amp;nbsp; So, why not start a blog!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Guess that's all for now.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4383953754671503482-8767733256763902815?l=msquirky.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/feeds/8767733256763902815/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2010/12/first-blog.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/8767733256763902815'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4383953754671503482/posts/default/8767733256763902815'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://msquirky.blogspot.com/2010/12/first-blog.html' title='The First Blog...'/><author><name>Ms Quirky</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/04940277783888782589</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jzKlaQeVtUE/TPbhCIwtC7I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/GuD2mADZWcU/S220/IMG_0815%255B1%255D'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
