This is about Nikki being Nikki.

So, I'm giving you all a little break this morning as I've decided to blog about something other than politics. I'm going to give you a little update on my life, because I'm sure you're all just dying to know what's been going on with me!

January 2010 - This was a good month for me; a month of change and some relaxation. I quit my job as an Admin assistant for Triumph, LLC with the Wellness Management and Recovery (WMR) program. The stress kept piling up as more and more lay-offs occurred and the responsibilities of those unfortunate, now former employees were passed on to other staff, namely me, and all the while our pay checks were slaughtered again and again. Pay goes down (drastically) and rent goes up, responsibilities go up, and not one single "thank you for doing a great job." It was time to get out!

On the flip side,  Nick and I officially started dating again. We will have known each other for 7 years in August. It's always interesting how things work themselves out, but I'm deeply happy they did. 

 February 2010 - Luckily, I was offered a position with our sister company and started Feb 2nd. I was very reluctant to take it because I really want to get out of community mental health but you do what you must when you have bills to pay. So far, I've had mixed feelings about it. I'm still an administrative assistant, but the stress has lessened tremendously. I don't enjoy the work and I'm learning how to run the front desk. I don't want to work in a health clinic anymore. But what can you do? I'm grateful to have a job and to be seen as an important asset.

I'm delighted that Nick and I are moving back in together. We've found a cute little villa in the Brier Creek area of Raleigh. And I can't wait to get out of Durham.

March 2010 - I've started studying for the GRE this month with the intentions of taking it by the end of the summer - August at the latest. I'm going to apply to UNC Chapel Hill's Master of Public Health Program with a concentration in Health Behavior Health Education. My dream job would be to teach comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education to communities through a non-profit organization. Or I guess I wouldn't mind teaching general health on a college level. I could even inforce the Healthy Youth Act and teach good health practices to t(w)eens. I think either one of these career paths would make me truly happy. So wish me luck! The pressure is on!

Spring is almost here! It's just a little over a week away. I can't wait for sunshine and warm breezes and long walks in flip flops with my Chico man. My goals for the spring are to get more exercise for myself and make sure Chico gets plenty, as well. We've been too lazy this winter so we need to liven up.

Upcoming in April 2010 - My goals for April are to continue to study for the GRE, probably take a few practice tests; improve my money-saving skills; and establish a nice little daily/weekly routine that includes a good workout, plenty of study time, enjoyable work, and some relaxation with the loves of my life (Nick and Chico). Speaking of, Nick's birthday is in April! I LOVE birthdays, so that's something to look forward to!

Well, I believe that's it for now. Please stay tuned to my passionate politics, my crazy life decisions, and my constant strive for positivity!

-The Content Feminist.