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Year in Review

I realize that it has been a year (well, technically 374 days, but who's counting?) since my last post.  I could probably come up with a whole host of excuses as to why I've been absent, but I won't waste your time here.  I've just been absent.  However, after reposting a picture from an old post I heard the glimmer of excitement in my dad's voice asking me if I had written something new.  Rather than let my beloved daddy down, I figured I'd pick up the proverbial pen and get to work.

Last you heard from me I had graduated with a degree in administration and was standing at a career crossroads.  One year later?  I'm still standing in that same spot looking at the same horizon.  As time passes I find myself less and less interested in taking the leap into a new career.  Instead, I'm finding ways to add responsibility and excitement to my current job.  There are still days I fantasize about running off and spending my days with my toes in the sand, but I am looking forward to creating opportunities for myself instead of waiting for them to find me.

After focusing on those learning and professional goals I realized that I had run out of reasons to neglect my personal ones.  School and work were always my go-to reasons for coming home to an empty house at night; after giving so much of myself to my students and coworkers, I insisted, I couldn't possibly give more of myself to someone. The only one I was fooling with that thinking, though, was myself.  So I put myself out there, and last September I found myself meeting a perfect stranger for a drink.  As I sat down across from him the waiter brought him a drink that practically glowed and I was amused by his amusement.  About six months later I was still so amused by him that when he causally mentioned moving in I didn't say no.  Now, here we are a year later and he's still here.  It's no longer my home -- it's ours.  Every night there is someone who is genuinely interested in hearing about my day, no matter how boring or frustrating. He likes my cooking (or at least claims he does).  The washing machine and dishwasher have to be run more often.  There are a lot more boxes and books in the spare room.  The couch doesn't seem quite as big.  I've learned to enjoy "Top Gear."  I laugh and smile more.

I recognize that in the big scheme of things a year isn't all that long.  At the same time a lot can change in those ensuing days and months.  The year between my last and current blog post has run me through the wringer of emotions, which I suppose when is bound to happen over time; life would be rather boring if I always rode the same wave.  I have no clue what comes next for me, but I guess that's part of the fun.  Hopefully my next post will pop up before it's time for my next year in review.

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