2010-2019 Review



It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of another decade and even harder to comprehend that 2020 will make TWENTY years since I graduated high school.  When did that happen?  I feel like the last decade has contained a whole lot of, “When did that happen” moments quite frankly.  I walked into 2010 at the ripe old age of 27 (haha) on Main Street USA (Disneyland), uncertain about what the future held, but positive it would be epic.  When I look back now it has been epic – good, bad, and otherwise! 

I connected with family!  My brother, Evan, reached out to me while he was in San Diego one summer day in 2011 and life hasn’t been the same since.  I got to be there when my brother Trevor returned from his mission and for the first time ever all four of us siblings were together.  I got to know my Stepmom Trudy much better, I gained two sisters-in-love, Kaitlyn (Skyler’s wife) and Tara (Trevor’s wife), along with a wonderful nephew and niece, Greyson and Emmalyn.  I traveled to New York City with my Dad and made the trek to Canada to meet my biological grandfather and other family members with my Mom.  Having friends that become family is precious, too.  I have my family in Missouri – the Paddock’s – who have welcomed me with open arms. I have my guys Jason, Derek, & Kipp.  I have the Chill Tribe.  

I made friends, lost friends, and discovered that family really is forever.  I learned that if you must chase people or they don’t accept you as you are, they have no place.  That doesn’t make it easy, just obvious.  I also know it may not be anyone’s fault in the end, people just separate or go their own ways.  Other times illness takes people away – but as someone wise once said, grief is the price we pay to have loved.  I would never trade that in.

I got my beautiful fur baby, Milo, in 2016!  He has made me happier than I ever imagined a small creature could.  There’s something to be said about a cat loving you, there really is.  They are selective at best and to know a cat loves you is pure magic.

I traveled!  Not only did I journey to meet with family, I adventured to the Caribbean to celebrate my 30th birthday in 2012; to Hawaii with my Mom in 2014; to Las Vegas, Dallas, Panama City Beach, and Destin with my Chill Tribe; to Los Angeles and Yuma with Michy; to San Francisco and Elmira with Tams; to San Francisco and Napa with Debra and Amy; and to Tampa and Orlando to visit my guys and enjoy Disney World!  I also enjoyed many years with a Disneyland annual pass and created memories upon memories there, including my niece and nephew’s first trip and two very special days with Trevor & Tara.

I accomplished great things!  I got my Bachelor’s degree in 2013 and my Master’s degree in 2016, both while working more than full time.  I participated in several 5K and 10K runs, culminating in a half-marathon in 2014!  I lived by myself for three years, moved from San Diego to Springfield, started a new job, and devoted lots of time and energy to self-improvement.

I had my gallbladder removed in 2012, the best surgery EVER!  I would not wish that type of pain on anyone.  I had braces, which made for some interesting moments.  I don’t advise traveling the day after getting braces FYI.  I learned you can go to sleep fine and wake up injured.  Welcome to your 30’s as they say!  I also learned what matters one moment may seem incredibly insignificant the next.  People lie, cheat, and cause harm, but generally don’t mean to.  What weighs heavily on your heart one moment may be but a memory the next.  Time heals all wounds or at least dulls them a bit.

I saw Maroon 5 in concert twice (and was in the front row of a semi-private performance the second time), Air Supply, Herman’s Hermits, the Beach Boys, Counting Crows, & Neil Diamond.  I was in the same room as Will Smith for a few hours, toured the back lot at Universal Studios driving around in a car with my Mom, and rang in the new year on a yacht three times.

Day to day it may seem like nothing happens, but reflecting on 10 years offers a perspective that might not otherwise be achieved.  I’m excited to see what the 2020’s has to offer, but if I know anything for certain it’s that I won’t wind up where I think I will.  Life is funny that way.

Comments

  1. MichelleJanuary 4, 2020 at 2:30 PM

    What a decade! Glad to see that you blogged again. Hopefully you will continue. :)

    ReplyDelete

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