A year ago I found myself in tears frequently and in many inappropriate places: a bar, my part time job, on the metro. Reality would hit and I realized how few days and moments were left of my life in DC. The last time I was going to go to Happy Hour at a certain bar. The last time I would hang out with friends. I was unhappy about everything. I didn't want to be moving to Wisconsin. I didn't have a job lined up. I was moving back in with my parents, which was not something I ever imagined doing. I spent the end of 2010 in tears. I spent the beginning of 2011 in tears. I said goodbye to people that I consider some of my best friends. I moved into the unknown. I was starting over at 25 years old. This was not in my life plan. This was not something I fathomed.
It is almost the end of 2011 and I don't know where the year went. I started a new job. I got a new apartment. I adopted a kitty. I met amazing people. I visited DC. I rediscovered my love for running, which was a much harder journey than I imagined. I visited my brother in France. I went to Oregon to visit my best friend. I went back to DC for my other best friend's birthday. I went to Badger games. I went to Packer games. I spent time with my parents. I reconnected with friends in Milwaukee. I became a Half Fanatic. I ran from Madison to Chicago with total strangers and had a blast. I get to end the year with at the Rose Bowl with my best friend/college roommate. Something we have talked about since we met in the dorms as freshman. I raced with new running friends.
I am not afraid of 2012. I am ending 2011 on a high note. I am bursting into the new year with all kinds of fun plans. I will be going back to DC, but this time introducing my new running friends to my DC friends. I am running Ragnar Chicago again with all the wisdom we gained last year. So 2012, I welcome you with open arms. I am ready to take on whatever you throw at me.
I'm so glad you were part of this year as well! Joining your Ragnar team and meeting all those fun people was fantastic.
Awesome post! Thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to hearing about your 2012 adventures!!