"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. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned to a few of my family members that I wanted to start drinking coffee. I don't think this is something that is spoken often. Its not like "I want to eat healthier". Either you're a coffee drinker or you're not. You like it or you don't. Even with all of the addicts I've come across, only drinks consisting of mostly chocolate or caramel have passed through my lips. I remember walking into Starbucks with my grandma when I was younger and hating the strong stench that met me at the door. I lived in Italy for months and only bought one cappuccino (just to say I tasted this supposedly heavenly, authentic Italian liquid). I was not impressed, probably even disgusted. I've been told by my friends that a cup will help get my day started and will almost magically make me a happier person in the morning. Going on a coffee date or hanging out at a coffee shop always seemed like such a cute idea, but the actual partaking in consuming the bitter substance was never appealing. I'm actually surprised I didn't repeat to myself that Lorelai Gilmore is a coffee lover so I should be one too. I was determined to keep the child-on-a-snow-day in me alive by ordering hot chocolate and no one could convince me otherwise -- until recently. I work at a college library so I am surrounded by these addicts. Some are students and some are faculty. I could not give you much information about the lives of these people other than that their hands must be permanently cramped in a position perfectly fitting to their favorite cups of coffee. A delicious jolt to help them survive the tiresome and stressful obstacle course of life. The other day I was talking to one of my coworkers about my lack of coffee beans and this is how she responded, "OMG. I'm going to buy you a coffee! We're going right now!" So, I didn't have much of a choice...but everyone could use a little push sometimes. Also, being that every swipe or insert of my debit card makes my stomach flip, I was thankful someone offered to pay. To my surprise I emptied the cup with ease and was already looking forward to my next. At this point in time I can now say I've successfully savored 3 cups of coffee. Don't get me wrong, I am nowhere near ready to fully express my feelings for coffee to the world. We're only just getting to know each other. I don't know if or how much cream and/or sugar I should use, what my favorite flavor is, or even how to make it myself. Our relationship is not even close to love-at-first-sight. But coffee, I'm having a good time flirting with you. |
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