27 has been a year of lessons and growth for me. I took a
big chance and moved to a new state, started a new job, and left my friends and
family for the unknown. The risk has paid off tremendously. This year I have
learned that I’m stronger than I ever realized- life is hard; it can bring a
lot of challenges you aren’t expecting. I have cried, I have been depressed,
I’ve been lonely and missed home, but I stood my ground and worked through all
of these emotions. Below are a few of the lessons I have learned this year and
am happy to be taking with me into my 28th year:
Friendship- Friendship is a 2 way street. I have had lots of
friends fade away since my move from Arizona. People I thought would be in my
life forever have slipped away. I have no resentment. I have learned that the
people who make an effort and truly love you no matter how far away you move
are the ones you want to hold on to. The true friends I have are amazing and
have helped me get through this past year with endless encouragement and kind
words. Tawni, Angela, Krystle, Lauren, Antonio, Mel T (Now Mel M. )… You guys have been amazing
and I will always remember the kindness and loyalty you have shown when I
needed it most! Thank you.
Family- Family is the one constant in my life that I am so incredibly grateful for. My mom and dad have been beyond supportive and have visited me numerous times here in San Diego. Ash- our Skype dates have brightened many a Saturday for me. Cards, phone calls, text messages- you guys always lift me up and encourage me when I need it most. I am so blessed.
Dating- Oh my
goodness. This one has been an experience. I have been on more dates this year
than all the years of my life combined. I have enough horror stories to fill a
book two times over. (One guy answered his phone during our date and told his
wife he was still working and there was no need for her to cook dinner- I left immediately) With
every date I have learned something new. With every experience I have been
taught what I want, how I want to be treated, and that I will NOT settle. Life
is hard enough without someone making it harder. I never realized how sane I am
and what an amazing catch having a job, car, and residence makes me until I
started online dating.
Change- Change used to scare me – I am learning to embrace
it. I love where I am right now and I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t accepted the
possibility of change.
San Diego- Oh San Diego… I love you. At first I missed home
so much I had to keep telling myself “just give it a year, give it a year” now,
I can’t imagine ever leaving. November will be my 1-year anniversary here and I
am signing another 12-month lease. There
is nothing like watching a sunset on dog beach while my weens run and play in
the waves. I love my new simple life and routines.. Coffee Bean and the beach
on Saturday mornings, Kettlebells 3 times a week, hanging out with my new
friends BBQ’ing and using the hot tub, taking my dogs to the apartment dog
park. Xochi and Brandyn- you guys are
truly amazing. You were my first friends
here in California and have welcomed me with open arms. I love you both so
much.
27 has been hard, it’s been wonderful, it’s been eventful. I
have learned a lot, grown as a person, developed professionally, and made a lot
of new friends and A LOT of memories. 28 is going to have a lot to live up to. J
