Project Alicia: a bland, simple title with a heckofalotta depth...

Because being Alicia is an undertaking in and of itself. Just try walking in my shoes for one day. You’ll see what I mean. I am a busy person. I like to be doing. Something. Always. It’s what makes me tick.

And somehow the universe seems to have this mutual understanding because I never have want for projects. My mind is a whirring jumble of thoughts. Even when it should be resting...

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My current project is primarily that of a mother.

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My 12 year old son has a mild form of autism that creates new and interesting challenges on a daily basis and my 10 year old daughter has more personality than I know what to do with at times.

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And their dynamic duo leaves something to be desired. Friends one moment. Mortal enemies the next. Eerily reminiscent of Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde. I love them both to pieces and yet treasure my “me” time immensely.

My dear husband of 19 years finally left all of his comforts behind and accepted employment at a to-be-constructed nuclear power plant that relocated us to the beautiful state of South Carolina.

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Home to white fields of cotton, treasure filled beaches, giant live oak trees, and a charm all it's own.

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Although I am excited that we left our snow blower behind for warmer temps and trips to the beach, acclimating to a new area is definitely a time sucking project. First up is deciphering the language- a key part of southern living. Because palmetto bugs are nothing like the plant I assumed they were named for. Ma’am, sweetie, and honey are all names I should respond to. And everybody is your friend. The people of the south are at times scary friendly. Invites to dinner or the theatre from complete strangers is the norm. The people are certainly as warm as the temps and I’m looking forward to making roots here.

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I’ve also been working my darndest on making our temporary house a home. Not an easy task on a budget.

Next up? My camera.

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After my family, it is my most rewarding project. I love learning all that I can about my camera and all that goes with it.

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With my camera has come the ability to see the world in a new light and recognize beauty in the least suspecting of places.

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I can’t wait to explore the south through my lens. And although they seem to define me on the blog, photos are only a portion of who I am.

What other projects fill my days?

Recipe blunders. Decorating faux pas. Scrapbooking attempts. Organizing tips. Mothering mishaps. Identity crises. Critter Catchin...

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Seasonal challenges. Trips. Tutorials for dummies. And everything in between...

I decided on Project Alicia because just as my projects, I am ever evolving.

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I am a better person today because of a family that loves me and allows me to be me.

Thank you for joining the Project Alicia evolution.

I'm not sure what 2012 has in store. But I've vowed to make no resolutions this year. No goals. No daily commitments. No tasks that I dread...

I'm throwing caution to the wind in the hopes of being more present for life's beautiful, fleeting moments.

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Because ten years from today when my kids are grown and out of the house, it won't matter if I blogged religiously or worked out 3 hours a day, the only thing that will really matter in the end is my time spent with them.

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I hope you'll stick around for the ride.

You may also enjoy Painting a Picture with Words (no photos-gasp!), Reflections (with tons of rare selfies), or project alicia{dot}com.