WELCOME HOME!
5 or so years ago, I gathered all my things, packed my bags and started over. I started with exactly $0 in my bank account, around $100 in my wallet, no car that belonged to me, a career I had barely even started & nowhere to go but home. My parents have a rental and, on that day, it became “home” for me…again.
When my parents made the move to Tennessee oh so many years ago, this was one of their steps along the way. It’s filled with childhood memories & I did a lot of growing up here. As it turns out, a few years ago, it must have been time for me to learn a little more about myself – get back on my feet, figure out who I was and why life had dropped me back off where I started. I felt pretty lost and confused because I thought my life was on the “right track” & then BOOM, it just wasn’t how I thought it would be.
So, over the last few years, I’ve changed, I’ve grown up & I’ve become the woman I wanted to be for so many years…and with a little help from family & friends along the way, I’ve become pretty independent, too.
A few things I’ve accomplished in the last few years:
I went car shopping with my dad and bought my first car. My first “big purchase” on my own – even though my dad co-signed, HAHA.
I started to travel. Atlanta, Houston, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Cancun, New York, Chicago, Phoenix…I’ve seen them all & more.
I started investing my time into my career. I started working 15 hour days, learning, growing & Googling everything I could to be better at what I do.
I started reading again. I loved reading, but I let it go to the wayside, so I started filling my bookshelves again.
I learned I could be who I wanted to be and I filled my entire bedroom with so much makeup, clothes, purses & “stuff.” Because I liked it and I finally allowed myself to have what I wanted.
And here I am today. I just bought my first condo. To most of you, it’s probably a pretty small step. For me, this is the start of another awesome adventure.
I am nervous and excited. I can’t wait for the struggles & the excitement of owning my own place and making it my own. I’m so excited about the beauty room I’ve been dreaming about! 🙂
As for Narnia, I’m gonna miss some of the memories, but I am grateful for all the years there. I have learned to appreciate a lot more of the opportunities I’ve had in life because of this place. Plus, practically moving back “home” humbles you a little bit, too. And more than anything, this step along the way taught me how to be independent and make my own decisions.
Even though we don’t always agree or get along on everything, for the last few years, I’ve had the absolute best landlords, the best on-call maintenance man, the best lawn mowing guy & mouse trap setter. Leaky faucet? Fixed. Too many leaves on the porch? Cleaned away. Thank you, mom & dad, for loving me. For supporting me & challenging me and helping me get back on my feet. And thank you to all of the friends who helped encourage me and make it happen – you know who you are.
Apartment 10? Unit 10? Condo 10? Whatever you’re called … I’m comin’ for ya!
