Decade in Review

I've seen a lot of posts floating around social media reflecting on not only the last year, but the last decade. I was going to write some long, sappy post on Facebook, but decided that 1. my blog needs some love and 2. It's easier for me to organize my thoughts here. So let's reflect! Buckle up y'all....

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2009

Living at school, very content with my life. I had a great group of friends who I saw regularly, and really loved being at school. I was a second year Resident Assistant in the building I called home for a total of 3 years (freshman housing... what upppp). At the beginning of 2009, our floor theme was Marvel vs DC. My floor had Marvel, and the work that went into decorating and organizing was some of the hardest work I'd done. So proud of my time as a Resident Assistant. 

I was finally able to dive into my concert addiction more than I had been able to before, and loved every show I attended. I started the year with Jesse McCartney in Boston in February, followed by NKOTB in March at Mohegan Sun. My mom and I managed to surprise my dad for his birthday with tickets to see Rascal Flatts in September - and loved every second of the show! 

I started student teaching at the local high school in the history department, and thought for SURE I had found my calling. After a semester of student teaching, I was misinformed by the secondary education department and had to drop the minor all together. I still tried to become a teacher throughout my undergrad journey, but finally threw in the towel. It wasn't adding any value to my life at the time. 

I turned 21, and while I didn't have the party I thought I was going to have, one of my very best friends met her husband that night - and now they're married with 2 beautiful baby boys. 

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2010

I started the year off celebrating one of my close friend's birthdays at a local bar - and that night changed the trajectory of my life. Sometimes I wish it didn't - but I wouldn't be half the person I am now without it. 

I returned to school to finish what would be my last semester as a Resident Assistant (more on that a little further down). I met a guy who would become a very fast friend, and actually mustered up the guts to leave my number for him (I thought I was cool...). We stayed very close friends up until about a year and a half ago (more on that later). 

I started to break down the walls I put up and allowed (what I thought) was the best thing to ever happen to me to become a big part of my world. I fell in love and based all of my life decisions on this one relationship. We had so many wonderful memories together through 2010 (more to come, obviously). I was a stubborn mule and refused to commit for about a month and a half - but because he was a persistent bugger, I finally caved. He made me so unbelievably happy - unlike anything I had ever experienced. 

I attempted to take the MTELs again, right before spring break of my junior year of college. If you're not local to MA, the MTELs are an exam that you must pass in order to be a licensed teacher in the state. They're terrible. 

After the MTELs, I hopped in the car with my mom and we drove to Washington DC, for what can only be described as one of the best girls trips I've ever been on. We laughed, cried, and were able to enjoy one of the most historically dense areas in this country. As a history nerd, this was amazing! One of the best trips, hands down. 

I was working part time at the local movie theater, which opened so many doors for me. I had been working there for about 4 years, and had reached my favorite position - projection booth! I was learning how to build movies (35mm film, so fun!), make sure they were running on time and at the appropriate volume, and just enjoying myself. This job stuck with me half way through high school through college graduation. I was able to truly indulge in my favorite pastime - MOVIES! Helped they were free for employees... 

I lost my Resident Assistant job this summer. I received an email on a Friday afternoon at 4:30pm that said I was no longer a Resident Assistant, and that I had to find housing. I will not go into any emotional detail - but you better believe I got up and went to fight for my job that Monday morning. I didn't end up getting it back, but I DID get a great housing situation! 

Took my first vacation that wasn't with my family. I went to visit family, yes, but went without my parents. It was our first trip as a couple, and rather enjoyable. 

I moved back into school for my final year of my undergraduate journey. I started a blog to document my entire year - and it was there that I decided to keep the blog option as a hobby. I loved (love!) writing, especially when it can reach masses of people! I was excited to see what the future held for me that year, and I don't think I was actually prepared for the blessings that would come! 

I got to see WICKED for the first time in Boston, and it was everything I could have ever imagined. Such a wonderful memory!

I celebrated Halloween for the first time in a long time - with a group of people who accepted me where I was at and who I was with.  

I had bunion surgery on my left foot, and had to hobble around for the holidays that year. I was told at a party that I looked "pathetic" on my crutches at the party. I should have known then that it was doomed - but ignored it. Spent New Years away that year with so many of my new friends, and created some wonderful memories. It was that year that I felt I had found a place I belonged. I was content with life and who I was. 

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2011

This year started just as well as it ended. I was recovering from foot surgery - actually trying to fast track it if I am being honest. I hated my walking boot, and so desperately wanted to have 2 real shoes on! 

I celebrated a big milestone in my life - our one year anniversary. I was so excited for this anniversary because it meant we had weathered the storm for an entire year, and still liked each other! LOL

I attempted to take the MTELs again early in 2011 - because I was determined to be licensed. Life had other plans. 

A very toxic person removed themselves from my life. It was a very difficult part in my journey, because I considered this person my best friend. I told her everything, we literally did everything together. 

I graduated college with a bachelor's degree in History. I was the first in my immediate family to graduate from college! I was very proud of my achievement - I just didn't know what I was going to do with myself. 

I saw supergroup NKOTBSB at Fenway Park - and couldn't have imagined a better show. 

The Pentagon Papers were declassified. It should have been a national holiday - but I settled for skimming them online. I would love to actually read through them page for page sometime. 

I took the MTELs again later in the year - still not where I needed to be. This would be the last time I took that miserable exam. 

I started my first post college full time job. It was a basic customer service/data entry job, but it was a great start. Working a regular M-F 9-5 schedule was finally coming together for me! 

I ended the year with the same people I started it with - and felt so incredibly grateful that I was a part of this amazing crew. 

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2012

Celebrated two years together to kick the year off. Little did I know that 2012 would be the year that would me to unravel. Not even two months later, I would find myself crying myself to sleep because the life I thought I wanted had been yanked from me. I had never known pain like this, and it hurt a LOT. 

I started going to concerts again regularly. I regained my confidence and saw life start to transform for me for the better. I saw so many friends get engaged - and while I was so very happy for them, part of me was questioning why I didn't have that. We talked about it so why didn't it happen? 

I started to find myself again. I was on a path to better myself, to forget the (for lack of better term) emotional abuse I carried around. I started my weight loss journey this year, and was so impressed with how far I had come, that I kept going. 


I reconnected with friends I lost touch with. I was back in a great groove! I left my first real world job in July, and by August had been snatched up by what would be my job for 6 years. 

This was definitely a year of rebirth for me. 

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2013

I made myself a priority - and got myself on a healthier path. I was able to get my eating habits under control and truly start the process of becoming who I am. I was able to lose 75 pounds and keep it off. 

My first niece was born in Jacksonville, FL in 2013. I am blessed to have been able to watch her grow up into a smart, witty, happy little lady. 

My college roommate got engaged this year. 

I kept the concert streak alive, for SURE this year. I saw (in order): Luke Bryan & Florida Georgia Line, Boyz II Men/98*/NKOTB, Thomas Rhett/Jake Owen/Miranda Lambert/Jason Aldean, Jay-Z & Justin Timberlake, Jesse McCartney & Backstreet Boys, and Boyce Avenue.

I moved out of my parents' house that summer. The house wasn't amazing, but it was my first apartment and I learned a LOT about people in the 7 months I lived there. I had to learn a lot about myself at the same time, because mom and dad weren't there to do everything for me or tell me what to do. 

I started to date again, thanks to Match.com, and had some serious fun. Ironically, we lived an exit away from each other.. but that wasn't the best part.  He actually worked the floor above where I worked. Crazy right?! I was so ready to delete my account, then he popped into my messages and we hit it off. It was short lived, as he decided to see someone else at the same time he was seeing me, because why not?! Ugh.

A few friends got married. By this time, I was down the 75 pounds and rocking a full confidence unlike any other! I was in my best friend's wedding (the ones who met at my 21st birthday), and attended another. I will never forget the excitement of seeing people I hadn't seen in almost 2 years, and the transformation that came with it. To say I turned some heads (not intentionally!!) would be an understatement. That felt so good.

One of my very good friends (that I made mention of in 2010) got into a terrible accident that not only derailed his career, but also found him put away for 120 days. I wrote to him every week, and never once judged what happened to him or who he was. Bad things happen to good people, and this instance is a great example of that. It was a very hard process that would be prevalent in my life for the two years that followed. 

I was able to attend the first game of the World Series this year. Thanks to my former employer, I was gifted a seat in our season seats (7 rows back from the Red Sox dugout!!) with 3 coworkers. We had THE BEST time (I mean they won so...) AND I saw Kenny Chesney at the game. COME ON MAN! 

I also started grad school this year. It was a long road to get there, but once I decided what I wanted, I bit the bullet (so to speak) and started the program at the end of 2013. It was the most grueling 14 months of my life, but well worth the accomplishment in the end! I am the only member of my family to hold a master's degree. I'd say that's awesome.

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2014

I started the year with a 4.0 Grad school average. The year didn't stay this high for too long. We said goodbye to our family dog of 14 years in February of 2014. This was one of THE hardest days I think I've ever been through. I will not catalog the day, as I know my mom reads this blog and I don't want her calling me crying! But this event certainly started the downward spiral when it came to my health.  

I saw Justin Timberlake, The Wanted's farewell tour, The Script & OneRepublic, Florida Georgia Line & Jason Aldean, Jesse McCartney, Goo Goo Dolls & Daughtry, Love & Theft, O-Town (met them too.. OMG!), and Straight No Chaser in concert. 

I moved out of the toxic apartment I was in, and into a very nice condo with a roommate (she owned it). I was there for a year and a half, before I moved again. I had a better experience here, and made what I thought was a lasting friendship. Fast forward to next year (will discuss below) and that was not the case. 

I made new friends and started annual traditions (that we still hold to - to this day!). I found a new place where I belonged for who I was, not what I was expected to be. I reconnected with old friends again who are still very present in my life today.

I met a guy I had been communicating with for 2 years - and was blown away by how perfect he was. We dated for a few months, but that ended with a "Basically you're a good person" text to break it off. So fun! 

I stepped into bridesmaid duties for my college roommate and had such a blast doing so. Between dress shopping, her bachelorette party, and her wedding -  it was all so much fun. 

We healed a very deep hole in our hearts when we adopted a new puppy 10 months after we let our first one go. She brought us so much joy (and still does!), and made us all smile again.

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2015

I finished my Master's degree in March. The weight lifted off my shoulders when I submitted my final paper was unlike any other I'd felt before. I had a pretty great graduation party at a local bar, and truly felt supported by my friends. 

I saw Florida Georgia Line, and the Script in concert. 

My parents sold my childhood home in May. I was so very excited for them, but at the same time beyond heartbroken. This pain has blossomed into a much better relationship with both my parents, as well as growth I didn't know I needed. I was a very independent person before - but now? WHOA. Talk about growing up.   

I flew to Chicago for my graduation. Met mom there and had a girls weekend in the big city. They live-streamed the ceremony, so my Dad and brother were able to watch me get my hood and degree, almost as if they were there. 

I traveled to Dallas, TX all by myself and was poured into by some amazing people. I met strangers who became friends, and heard messages I needed to hear. Jumped from TX to NC to see mom and dad's new house and area. I fell in LOVE with it! 

I lost a friend suddenly, which in a weird way reunited me with some old friends. Celebrating his life with them was just what he would have wanted. 

I moved again.. this time was for a longer period of time and not always sunshine and rainbows. It was closer to work and the condo was nice, so I tried to stay out of the way otherwise. 

I spent my first Thanksgiving at the beach which was so weird but so fun. 

Overall, a pretty slow year haha

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2016

I finally saw a promotion at work.. after 3 years of working my tail off.. and it wasn't what I wanted. But I kept pushing because I had to be sure to showcase my potential, right? 

I said goodbye to my high school principal, which may not seem like a big deal, but this guy was amazing. He supported every student he ever had and was the epitome of classy. It was at his wake that I reconnected with his daughter, who is a year or two older than me, and we've been in contact a bit since (I now watch her dog for her while she's away haha). 

I pulled off not one but TWO successful surprises to visit my parents. The look on their faces was perfect! 

I joined a crossfit gym - something I SWORE I would never do. Turns out they became my family. Lost some weight in the mean time, which didn't suck! 

All in all, a year of growth and change! 

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2017

This is a year I wish never happened. 

Losing 3 family members on the same side of the family, in the same immediate family, in a 6 month time frame was a gut punch. We said goodbye to my grandfather, and 62 days later, I was sitting next to my grandmother's hospital bed while she went to be with him. less than two months later, we said goodbye to my youngest uncle, my mom's younger brother. Sometimes I think I can handle talking about it all, but the grief is still very present. I learned that there is no timeline on grief, it heals over time. 

I said goodbye to my car prematurely. The first car that I paid for, that had only my name on it. It was a miserable process, but all a part of the journey called life. 

I was able to celebrate one of my nieces turning 1 - and it was magical. So much love in one room, and so many memories made. I also moved. Again. Without a say.

I was in a friend's wedding that December. Always the bridesmaid, huh? Haha, it was a beautiful wedding! 

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2018

I started the year by competing in the Crossfit Open. What a THRILL! I was able to showcase my talents and kick some serious behind. 

I ditched the miserable job I had after 6 long, grueling years. I was on my way to a new company in a new field that I had absolutely no experience in. But I am nothing if not a go getter! 

I started this blog! What a blessing that has been. A platform to share my truest self, my innermost thoughts, my experiences - with anyone who needs to hear them! 

I found out I had to move, again. Less than a year and it was time to move on. I reconnected with my high school best friend, and we started looking for a place together. We found our little home that summer, and have been very happy here ever since! 

I surprised my mom for her 60th birthday... love surprising people! 

In that same month, I lost a huge part of my heart. One of my dear friends passed away suddenly from a heart attack and it crippled me. Took the air right out of my lungs. I am still dealing with this loss (on top of all the others), but know that I am doing it the right way. 

I started a dog sitting side biz - and saw some serious growth into 2019 (more on that below!). I love dogs but can't have one in my current apartment.. so naturally I need to love on everyone else's pups! 

I lost friends who I swore I would be friends with forever. Over some silly nonsense, but everything happens in seasons in life! 

I took a much needed social media detox break. I recommend this to everyone. It was so refreshing to have a break from everyone's drama and nonsense, as well as actually sit and be present where I was without mindlessly scrolling. 

I turned 30. What a slap in the face that was! I got my first tattoo, and celebrated my birthday with 30ish of my closest friends. My people. 

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2019

This past year has had a lot of highs but also some lows. Like really low lows. 

I saw Michael Buble, Third Eye Blind & Jimmy Eat World, Rob Thomas, Queen and Adam Lambert, and the Backstreet Boys this year.  

I started a new side hustle that has afforded me a lot of luxuries this year, but also forced me to start digging deep into who I am and what I want out of life. I did it scared, and have no regrets. The community alone has kept me afloat this year. So very grateful for those ladies! 

Our family lost my great grandmother, which came out of left field. She was 97 years old and lived such a full life. 

I forgave those who I felt needed it, and welcomed them back into my life. 

So many of my friends turned 30 this year - and celebrating all of them was such an honor! 

I surprised my mom (shocker) for Mother's Day, and had the most amazing time. 

One of my best friends (yes I have a lot of those. Bite me!) got engaged and moved to North Carolina (I am starting to see a trend!). She also asked me to be in her wedding - so naturally I said HELL YES! 

I managed to get sun poisoning twice in the same week.. what a treat that was! 

I saw more movies this year than I think I've ever seen in a year. 

I had my heart broken real good and had to power through because there's no time to wallow in self pity. 

I started to work on me this year, for real. I took my mental health very seriously and started the process of healing. It's been 9 months (almost 10) and while it's definitely hard some days, there's hurt in healing. 

The last decade had quite a few themes for me that I will carry with me forever: loss, growth, and happiness. I used to attach my happiness to people. Not anymore. I am the only one that can make me truly happy. That's it. I need to work through the loss I feel, but that goes hand in hand with growth - because really, if you're not growing you're stuck. 

My wish for you, who stuck with me through this entire walk down memory lane for the last 10 years, is that you are living a life that makes you feel full. That brings you joy. That gives you purpose. I hope you find your truth, even if that means getting honest with yourself and facing your demons. I hope you take the next year and find things that make you smile, that fill your heart with the most happiness, and that keep you healthy mentally, physically, and emotionally. 

I used to believe in resolutions every new year. Now I just look to a fresh start to continue living my life the way I deem important. I don't worry about people liking me or caring about what I do. I am better because I choose to be. 

There is so much in store for my 2020 that I cannot wait to share as it unfolds. Thank you for reading this blog, and for supporting my dreams! 

Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy new year! See you in 2020!