"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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