"They say what you're doing on New Year's Eve is what you'll be doing all of the next year." - A Year and Change I rang in 2017 with some of my best friends in a New York City bar as an unemployed college graduate with no money to my name. I did not have my sights set on any guy in particular and the free drinks we got were no thanks to me, so I knew I was in for yet another kiss-less New Year's Eve. Although I was bothered I would not be locking lips with anyone special, in the moment I was happy. I ditched my reality in North Carolina and was right where I wanted to be, drinking overpriced cocktails and dancing into the new year.
As January progressed, I received the phone call I was waiting too long for. I got a job! At the end of the month I began my journey as a Library Communications Assistant at the university in which I graduated from. Within a year I gained valuable work experience and was given a raise and contract extensions multiple times. Before this year's holiday break began, I was told that I could work up to 40 hours per week if I choose to do so. I am now considered a full-time, temporary employee -- slowly but surely moving up in the business world. About 4 days into my new job at the library, I started excitedly messaging a boy that would quickly change my perspective on all who were a part of my life before him. I miss him every day and care about him more than I should. What I want in a romantic relationship is more clear than ever and he is the one I thank. I learned to gradually let go of those who wronged me and not allow guys to completely walk all over me. Of course, this is a work in progress. But this year progress was made. No matter how much I craved another trip abroad, my lack of savings kept me in the States. But I still managed to splurge and make my way around. I drove to Boone, NC to visit my best friend in her graduate school habitat. A weekend getaway that always involves too much alcohol and too much money spent. I flew back to New York City for July 4th for some summer heat, more overpriced cocktails, and necessary friend time. I relaxed in Florida with my Mom and grandparents, fought jet-lag in Vegas, and jammed out at my first music festival in Atlanta. I hope for more adventures like these in the upcoming year. My ongoing money issues left me with no other choice but to take a break from the somewhat independent apartment living and move back in with my parents. Our family is back under the same roof for the first time in years. This is a step I was constantly fighting because I love my own space, but ultimately I knew it was the right decision. I look forward to a cute, little apartment I can make my own. Until then I will try to be optimistic. I am lucky to be surrounded by a fun group of neighbors to keep me sane, being that my college friends are now scattered. Babysitting their kids helped me discover my love for children. And confirmed that I do not want kids of my own any time soon. Getting in shape is such a common New Year's resolution. I am sure it is also the resolution with the least amount of follow-through. I have never been a diet person. My child-like tendencies would not survive a strict eating plan. Pasta and chicken fingers will always be staples. Losing weight was not a resolution of mine, but at this point I am more serious about fitness than I have ever been before. The last time I consistently went to the gym this much was the summer before I left for college. I am proud to say that within the last few months, I have noticed changes in my body, giving me the motivation to keep up this healthier habit. There is no way to possibly summarize my whole year in a blog post. I cannot relive every experience and feeling as I type. These are just some of the thoughts that popped into my mind as I was reminiscing about the past 364 days. Tonight I will be ringing in 2018 with a group of neighbors, vodka tonic in hand -- kiss-less yet again. But in the moment, I know I will be happy. I hope to carry this happiness into the new year, making it one for the books. Cheers and Happy New Year!
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As I begin to write this, I am submerged in a pineapple bath bomb infested tub on the second floor of my family's house. I sip on cheap champagne mixed with a splash of berry juice and think about where I could possibly end up career-wise if I take blogging more seriously. Taylor Swift's words of her most recent album blare from my laptop -- it apparently slipped my mind that I received a bluetooth speaker from Santa a few days ago. Taylor is only a couple of years older than I am and look at how successful she is. I can guarantee being a full-blown pop star is not in the cards for me. I am far too shy and have never once sang a note on key. But, maybe the writing aspect is. This evening my holiday break boredom hit another level and I realized yet again I need to be writing. I mean, what am I doing? A whole lot of nothing. I have so much free time and I am completely wasting it, allowing the post-Christmas laziness to take over.
I tend to type and journal my thoughts about boys who have greatly impacted me as a person. I write about about personal experience and what I know. Well, I decided I need a break. As I prepare for 2018 I hope to focus more of my writing on myself -- what I like, what I think about, etc. rather than how members of the opposite sex screw me up and/or screw me over. Of course, the emotional stuff is the good stuff. I also believe it is important to share honest, deep feelings through writing. Otherwise, what is the point? With that being said, boys are not something I am willing to cut out (in life or writing). A chapter book all about boys is in the works, trust me. But for now -- I am past the point of exhausted and disappointed. Whether I am feeling this way because of ignored texts or messages ranging on both ends of the creepy spectrum, I hope I can learn to care a little less. Social media is a part of my day job as well as something that keeps me entertained. I have fun with it. My right hand may as well be glued to my iPhone. I am not going to move up or forward in the social media world if I do not make some changes. So here we go, consider this step #1. Thank you for following along. |
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