the Nonsense in Between

Change of Address

Dear readers,

This blog has moved to MelonandOrange.com.

Some changes are going down here at bandddesigns so we're all moving. Moving on and hopefully up.

Congratulations to Dan Mayer for his success here at bandddesigns. Dan, thanks a million for all your web-savvy genius and generosity. We owe you a ton (but no, I still will not name my first born Dan).

I've enjoyed my first blogging experience here and hope that you will all continue your support over at MelonandOrange.com.

yours truly,
Nicole Filosa

Fourth of July

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Originally uploaded by Filosa

Taking pictures of fireworks while running from falling embers and trying to avoid being killed by renegade explosions was a difficult task. My apologies for the few poor quality photos I captured.

Click the photo to see the rest.

On BEING 25

As it turns out, being twenty five has proven to be quite fantastic. My friends, both young and old, have reassured me that what I've been experiencing is less less of a crisis and more of a normal reaction to growing up. Thank you all so much for all of your comments and support; you mean the world to me.

My birthday was made perfect by my wonderful husband who did everything in his power to ensure it was so. Although I asked for only his company for my day he still surprised me with some great new gadgets for my DSLR. He gave me his undivided attention and so much more and I cannot thank him enough. Dominic, you are a wonderful husband everyday of the year and I'm not sure how you managed to top it but thank you from the bottom of my heart for such a fabulous birthday.

On the 4th of July we helped our good friend Dave set up his first ever fireworks show. It was hardwork but I'm really glad we were able to give him back just some of what he's given us.
Dave, I hope you had a great time yesterday even though you had to supervise a bunch of amateurs.

I will post some pictures soon.

on turning twenty five

When I was younger I always said I'd age gracefully. With my 25th birthday less than 24 hours away I'm not feeling quite as optimistic.

I've said it before and I'll reiterate it here that one's twenties are much harder than adolescence. There are too many options and not enough resources for most twenty somethings (this is an assumption based on a small collection of non-scientifically based data). Some of us have college degrees or are working toward a first one or a second one or like my fabulously intelligent friend, Paul, their third one.

But what does it all mean? Having a degree doesn't pave the path. Even my friend Paul, who is a dissertation away from a Phd, doesnt know what he's going to do afterward. And thats just one piece of the puzzle. What about relationships, location, children, home purchases and other huge factors? If you've figured out one piece of the puzzle, like some of my friends have, how do the other pieces fit in? Do you sacrifice one for another? Do you shove them in where they dont fit?

I may be a little over concerned with some of these issues the day before I turn 25 because, well, I'm turning TWENTY FIVE! When I was younger I thought I'd have it all planned out by now. Mostly I feel as though I'm at a crossroads. I know that must sound a bit melodramatic but let me attempt an explanation.
Next spring I will have a bachelor's degree (finally) but I will not have a license to teach because that takes another 3 semesters. Thats another year and a half. So I've been looking into various masters programs because a master's is typically 2 years only half a year more. But then there's the financial piece that doesnt need much explaining. Then there's my empty womb wondering when she'll get her chance. Wait, before you choke, hear me out. I'm not dying to have a baby tomorrow or even in the next couple of years but I do plan on it someday. And as all the other pieces of the puzzle demand my attention and resources I cant help but wonder how that last piece is going to find its way into my life.

i know that's a lot of rambling but, jesus, I'm scared.