WHAT HAPPENED?

WED NOV. 15 | 2012

A month without blogging? What happened to you Melissa?
Well, life happened and it surely does not slow down for any one.  There have been lots of changes professionally, personally and generally. From your best friends getting married to landing a full-time job, post graduate life isn't so bad, right? First and foremost, here are some quick updates to cushion my apology for being such a lame and uninteresting blogger >>

THE JOB(S)
About a month and a half ago I started working for a mortgage banking company as a Loan Processor. Like any full-time position, there are dull moments, moments when I want to pull my hair out, moments when I feel really secure and moments when I feel like I don't know what the heck I am doing! More so on the latter. It has absolutely nothing to do what I initially wanted to do professionally, but has created some wonderful opportunities for me. It is definitely a challenge, but who doesn't love those?

Even though I help process loans in the day, by night/weekends, I am a graphic designer & content developer part time! In college I interned with a wonderful business, Yoga G33k Health Promotions (YGHP), founded by Courtney Pearce, and in September she officially hired me. THIS my friends, is my absolute dream job. I get to work with the most inspiring, creative and down-to-earth person I have ever met and express myself creatively through my work. It may be just part-time right now, but my heart is in it one hundred percent. We have some big plans in the works and I can't wait to share it with the world soon enough!

ETC, ETC
Other than work, I have taken a few small road trips, become a god mother, spent some time with family/friends and started creating my post-graduate life. Moving back to Raleigh was never in the plan, but that's the funny thing about life, plans change. At first I was really bummed out I was back in the town I called home through most of my life, but Raleigh is quite a different city in your twenties. I plan to explore more of this city and find all its hidden gems! It's not where you are, it's who you're with ;)

I have some great posts in the works, but if I suck at blogging, feel free to follow me via Twitter & Instagram! I am trying to stay connected to the blogging world but forgive me if I start to slack again. I need to start finding that "extra hour" as my blog advocates.

*Photo (c) Melissa Vega
Taken in Washington D.C. during a weekend trip for my Dad's marathon.

NEEDING SPACE FROM MY OWN SPACE

TUES. Sept 18 2012

  

First and foremost, I apologize for my "little hiatus" that turned into a full blown break up...well at least it felt like it. I just needed to step out for some fresh air and much needed space. You know? The cyber life needed to be put on hold so I could catch up with my real one. So many beautiful things have happened these past few months and I can't wait to relive those journeys with you all on the blog, but for now here's a little insight on this "much needed space".

I initially started this blog to create my own space, yet here I am needing space from my own space.

What?

Interesting concept, I know, but I wanted the 25th hour to be about finding that extra time to do those things you love, to see the people you love, to catch up, to find that extra moment for inspiration and to really focus on what matters in life. You can even quote me from my blog explanation here. Well, I took a sip of my own advice and that is exactly what I did. I found my 25th hour this summer by traveling the world, breathing, sleeping in, not rushing, not planning, enjoying every single moment, getting a little "lost" and placing my life into God's hands.

I got a little worried when I discovered I couldn't hide behind my college schedule anymore, focusing on my GPA and how this would make me look on my resume. School was really what I threw myself into and as rewarding as that is (i.e. graduating), there were things that needed tending to. Honestly it was hard to wrap my head about anything past the year 2012. I just always knew that this was the year I would graduate and have my life all figured out. I did to a point, but then I changed gears and I let myself wander a little bit and explore different options then heading straight into work. Remember, all who wander are not lost.

If you knew me for any part of the last eight years of my life, you would know how dedicated I am to my work and to my studies... so why am I not throwing myself whole heartedly into a career? I actually am, but just in a way that isn't textbook after graduation. Don't blame the economy on this one because I didn't even try applying for a "big girl" position. I think my head finally listened to my heart on this one and told me, "Don't grow up too fast, but keep growing."

So here I am, growing.

Growing in a way I never truly gave myself a chance to experience.

The future is a little hazy, but I couldn't be more thankful about the present.

photo. Taken by my sister Megan in Iriga City, Philippines summer 2012.

ATHENS, GA VIA FILM

Dear Athens,

Where did you come from? Where have you been hiding? I didn't know you existed but my goodness, since my first trip in October, you've introduced me to some lovely people and you never cease to host some unforgettable moments. Did you know you're only four hours away from Boone? It was bittersweet leaving you again this weekend. I'm not sure of our next reunion, but just know that everything that happened keeps me smiling at night.

This weekend was filled with late nights, seeing my friend's band Funk You play (everyone needs to check them out...NOW), windows down, running in the rain, rooftop bars, fish tacos, a failed attempt to watch Harry Potter, beautiful mornings, warmth, great company, completely sucking at darts, a very small tour of UGA, Jittery Joe's..twice, porch conversations, new inside jokes, winking, little moments, learning new things, meeting new people, staying out, sleeping in and just overall a new refreshing perspective.

I must say Athens, you threw me off this weekend and yet made everything make sense. I tried to capture some moments with disposable cameras. There's something authentic, wonderful and "road trippy" when using film cameras. Although I may not have much money, or any money at all, I will be investing into film a lot more.

Thank you for a [insert best adjective here] weekend.
I'm still smiling.

NCMA: North Carolina Museum of Art

Sometimes, all you need is a little trip to the museum.
It's the little things. I'm linking up with Lindsey, From the Aisle to Aloha.
Museum trip on 01 | 13 | 2012

Ah, a trip to the museum. An art museum.
Sometimes that's all you need. Did you know I've never been to any of the museums in Raleigh and I've been living there for years. By years, I mean practically my whole life (with the exception of going to five different elementary schools including Richmond, Guam, Cary and Raleigh) ANYway, the museum was lovely. I felt so grown-up, I actually read the descriptions (I mean, did you really do this on school field trips, be honest) and I absorbed it all. Also, the NCMA has this kickBUTT restaurant inside their second building that looks so cool! It's on my list of places to eat in Raleigh :] Any one want to come with?

So in conclusion, when you need a little lift, time for thought and some good ol' inspiration, go to the closest art museum possible and make some art of your own ;)

Have a safe and inspiring weekend!

Be sure to check out the previous post about my lovely friend Chelsea's creative and innovative shop! Her shop is almost as lovely and cute as she is :)

With bangs and a bow

bows, bows, bows.
What can I say? I'm obsessed!
I've recently bought this lavender bow from Benny Peacock on Etsy. Considering I've recently decided to quit my part-time job to focus on my internships, I need to step away from the paypal account linked to etsy...seriously. I had good intentions for this bow though. Hopefully (if it goes well with my outfit), I will wear it for my Aunt's wedding coming up in a couple of weeks!

Aside from bows, things have been going really well!
My internships have been such a great experience thus far. Just on the first day I was able to write two press releases for the Summer Dance Series and Appalachian's Actors Series. (I've linked the stories!) They are short, simple press releases but I can't believe they've been published on the web! Other than that, I've been able to work with everyone in the department shadowing photo shoots, editing/proofing, writing and doing what public relations people do. I'm excited for the weeks to come! I recently went home for a couple days and nothing can explain the feeling of being home. There is just so much love.

Since I won't be waiting tables anymore (at least this summer) I need to find some creative ways of saving money in order for all these plans for the upcoming year can happen! Any ideas? I'll just eat ramen...but that still doesn't leave enough money for my plans! I'm not too worried. What's the point of making money when you can't even spend it?

I have much to look forward to this summer, and hopefully I can do it all within a budget!
COUNTDOWN!

7 days til Mumford and Sons (and Asheville)
17 days til my Aunt's wedding
20 days til my roadtrip to FL with my cousin (this includes Harry Potter world and adventures!)
37 days til MusicFest 'N Sugar Grove music festival
43 days til Harry Potter!
69 days til the Philippines
93 days til my 21st birthday

Hopefully in between those days I can get my life back to being organized and leave time for the things that I love doing - friends, family, travel, art and some r&r.

I vow to not take this long for another blog post.

Oh, did I mention I cut my bangs?