A Year In Review

Yesterday, as everyone was talking in Irish accents and comparing green clothes for St. Patty's Day, I was silently celebrating my one-year anniversary of arriving in the great state of Texas. This past weekend was the exact weekend that I drove from Toledo, Ohio to Irving, Texas (with a stop in Memphis for the night!) last year. Yesterday, the 17th, was the 1-year anniversary of my first day at work down here. It was a crazy time - I drove for 2 days straight, on a Friday and Saturday, had Sunday to rest and then started my new job on Monday morning. Crazy! Maggie and I were in an extended-stay hotel for a couple weeks and then I went to live with Tammy for about a month before I closed on my house.

I remember being happy that I was finally in Texas, but at the same time I was absolutely terrified of EVERYTHING. I was in a strange state/city, had only the personal belongings that I could fit in my car, starting a new job, didn't have a home, and not really knowing a soul - except for my realtor Teresa and Allison's cousin, Tammy. I don't know what I would've done without my little Maggie - she was such a constant comfort!

This year has been one of happiness, lots of 'firsts' and reaching goals that I have had on my mind for a long time. I moved to Texas after being obsessed with wanting to live here for 6 years, bought my first house (and all on my own!), learned lots of home improvement skills, traveled to lots of places in Texas (west Texas ranch, road trip south to my Mom, trip over to Port Aransas on the coast, etc.) and explored Dallas/Fort Worth like any good tourist would! :)

This past year of my life has also brought some anxiety & loneliness, however. It's something I knew would come with the territory. Holidays are definitely not easy for me and I do not really enjoy them during this season of my life....and I have to be OK with that for now and just get through them the best way I know how. I cannot dwell on the sad or lonely times...I need to concentrate on the great things in my life and how blessed I am to be able to live wherever I want and basically do whatever I feel like doing. There are millions of people in this world who do not have those freedoms or opportunities and I am very grateful that I do.

With any time of change or great upheaval, there are occasions where we will stumble or have doubt in ourselves or our ability to persevere (and I definitely have experienced that!), but when you figure out that you really can do it, the feeling is unbeatable. That sense of triumph over the impossible is such a high! Even the small victories have been huge for me (I learned to wire light fixtures - Dad would be SO proud!).

So on this important anniversary for me, I would like to thank everyone who has helped me, encouraged me, supported me in my decisions, given advice, been a good listener when I needed someone to talk to, checked in on me, inspired me, and befriended me. I appreciate you so much!