I turn 31 in less than a month and it seems that 30 has been nothing close to any normal that I have had before. I left the job I had known for 3 and half years which included a lifestyle all its own.
In the mean time I had 3 part time jobs.
A very generous and fun family allowed me to live with them for the summer. A friend and I were re-directed from living together and an adorable apartment by the flea fiasco of 2014 (and other circumstances). In October opportunities opened up for both of us separately and I moved in with 2 great gals. I am paying rent for the first time since 2008.
I gave up on running after training half way for a full marathon. When the weather permits, I will run again.
On the same day in October, after a short period of unemployment, I was offered 2 jobs. I accepted one of them and have been there 4 month now.
The holiday season was a different feel this year. I went to Cracker Barrel with friends for Thanksgiving, which apparently many people do. Then spent most of the day alone. I only got to be home for about 72 hours at Christmas (this was my first year without a Christmas break, I am very thankful for all the years before). It seemed to be the year of no return to me. As if what once was would never be the same again. But maybe that's every year.
Wickwarmers did very well over the Christmas season. I could hardly keep up!
Some interesting relationships began to develop and others fizzle all at the same time.
I was a wedding coordinator for a dear friend for a weekend, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Also much enjoyed at that wedding was seeing far away friends all in the same place at the same time. And at 30 years old it was the first wedding to which I brought a guest (ever), and a very helpful sidekick and guest he was.
Five days after the wedding, my car window was busted into and my purse was stolen and I spent much of January and some of February trying to sort that out and get the bank to give me my money back.
The next day in January some life altering (bad) choices were made in my closest circle of friends. The effects (or affects?) of which reach far beyond us and far beyond the days we can plan ahead.
A year of transition was defined the day I got a W2 for a job I forgot I had and thought was going to be my 4th and final, but was my 4th and still waiting on final. Which I received and enjoyed doing my taxes as usual.
January was mostly a blur.
February has gone by in a flash. How are there only 2 days left?!
This week I reorganized my room and moved in my trusty elliptical machine. The machine I give a good deal of credit for my 40 lb weight loss 2 years ago and the machine I hope to get me back down the ever fluctuated 8-15 lbs I have gained back since.
This week I also bought a ticket to meet my mom in San Francisco this summer! And found a good deal. And can run off the energy that planning travel gives me for days!
It seems things are settling in. A new normal. Creating rhythm after a season of chaos in many ways.
But without the chaos we wouldn't appreciate the calm. Nor would I learn and grow and gain perspectives of which I might not have otherwise.
Oh, and I got to sneak in a trip to the beach recently for good measure.
March, the best month, the birthday month is 2 days away and I welcome its arrival. Here's to the chaos that makes us appreciate the calm and the growth that is gained in the mean time!
