My Life Written In Burnt Sienna Crayon: 2013

It has been almost a year since I've written anything. Quite frankly, I have wondered about just letting this blog die. Not even sure if anyone visits this old thing anymore. I should write more. If not here, then at the very least in a notebook. So here it goes...

Things have been going well in my life. Almost to the point where it frightens me how much happier I am now than I've been in the past.

I've been dating a great guy for over a year now and he's influenced my life in positive ways. Couldn't wish for a better friend and I'm very happy with him. Also, I finally declared a major in Psychology, which I know I'll probably end up doing nothing really related to it. I should graduate Spring 2015. For some stupid reason I thought taking 19 credits would be an awesome idea. Amazingly, I'm going to pull it off with A's and A-'s. Pretty shocked about that. I'm taking another 18 credits next semester, so I can get done faster. When I think about only having 3 semesters left, it fills me with hope.

I quit my job in order to focus on my classes, which was a smart move. That place was becoming a toxic environment and I ended up sacrificing my own health. If there is anything I've learned from the experience it is... if your job is so stressful that it gets to the point where you can no longer sleep, eat, function, and seem to decline mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, then it's probably best to find employment elsewhere. Hell, I'm sure McDonald's would provide a better work environment than what I was dealing with at my last job. I wouldn't change that 4 year experience for the world, but I'm not kidding when I say that place tore me to shreds. I took a solo trip to Yellowstone in May and the last day I was there I almost had a panic attack thinking about returning to work. That night, I suddenly jumped from a dream and I said out loud "It's time to quit my job." When I considered it previously, the timing never seemed right, but this time it did. When I thought about it, I only felt peace about it and I knew deep down, it was right. I ended up staying a bit longer than intended, but I quit at the end of October. I've never felt so good. Eventually I'll get another job. I still have enough money saved up that I should make it through this next semester just fine.

When I finish college, I've decided that I'd like to do some traveling. Iceland is on the top of my list. Plus it's safe for solo travel for women. I've already started planning a trip and driving routes. It's not a matter of IF, it's a matter of WHEN. It's going to happen! Maybe I'll hit up the UK or Norway or something while I'm over there. Might as well, right? Maybe after that New Zealand or if I'm up to something a little crazier, perhaps Southeast Asia.

I always seemed to feel lost in life before and oddly enough things don't bother me like they used to. Sure, things still hurt me and tear me down from time to time. There are some current family issues that gut me to the core, however, I've accepted that things will get better and they truly are getting better. For one of the first times in my life, I actually see light. While things can be bleak from time to time, I finally can recall warmth in others and now I feel hopeful about life. It's a great feeling. I wish more people had the opportunity to feel this. My life is actually coming together. Never thought this would ever happen.