Once again, I have waited months and months to update my blog. To be fair, though, I have been writing in my personal journal pretty often lately, so I've been putting my thoughts down, just not here.
2014 was a year of many ups and downs for me...as I'm sure it was for most people. I started the year off by working two jobs. I was lead cashier at DSW and serving tables at The Rock. I was still in a weird funk since coming back from Ireland a few months before, searching for independence and a better job. To top it off, I was starting to have some serious pain and health issues that I couldn't seem to find an answer to. After months and months of several doctor's visits, examinations, ultrasounds, and an MRI I still didn't have an answer. First, they thought it was pelvic inflammation, then there was a possibility there was something else going on with my uterus. I finally went in and had an X-RAY and found the cause....kidney stones! Seriously?! I was frustrated because it took that long to figure out the issue, which really was so simple, but I was thankful it wasn't something worse.
February 22nd brought the opportunity for me to experience something I never had before....watching a baby being born in real life! My beautiful goddaughter, Georgia, was born and Sarah and Tanner were gracious enough to let me apart of that experience. It was amazing. A little gross as to be expected, but overall just really incredible! It's really a miracle.
In April I finally found a great full time job at Columbia College, working as an administrative assistant. I can't even begin to explain how thankful I am for the opportunity to work there. I'm not going to lie, there are several days that I do not want to go to work, and I have definitely encountered several people who are difficult people to work with, but it has been such a great first "big girl" job! My coworkers are awesome, the flexibility there was super helpful, especially with all of my health issues, the experience and knowledge I have gained will be super helpful in future careers, and I met a pretty special someone there....but more on that later!
My birthday was awesome. I spent it in Blackhawk. Oh man...good times there. My birthday present from my parents was probably one of my favorites...my very own waders and boots for fly fishing! Dorky, I know, but I was using older waders and boots and was getting a wet foot every time and let me tell you how fun it is to stand in a cold river with a soaked foot....it's NOT!! So, of course, dad and I had to go fishing a couple times through the year. We didn't have much luck, but it's always worth it to spend that time with my dad.
Shortly after my birthday I ended up shaving my head for the first time. (not all of it, just an undercut) but talk about liberating!!
Towards the end of August, into September I hit a rough patch. My anxiety was really starting to kick in which resulted in a few panic attacks and a pretty rough depression. I've had some low points in my life, but this was by far the worst. I didn't have an interest in doing anything. I literally just wanted to lie in bed and sleep all day and not have to face the day. I struggled to drag myself through every day, though, to go to work and try to maintain some friendships. During this time I was also having health issues again. I was having pain under my ribs almost every day. I was trying holistic approaches of getting better and nothing seemed to really be working too well. It was during this time that I decided that I wanted to start therapy. I had always thought about it, especially while I was going through school studying psychology. So I finally bit the bullet and just went for it. That was probably one of the best decisions I made in 2014.
I was finally able to start working on my thought patterns and exploring my mind and my emotions. After awhile I was starting to feel really good again and I almost felt like a new me. I had started going to church again (mostly just to the Young Adults group) and I was taking time for me. I, for the first time in a VERY long time, finally felt 100% comfortable just being with myself, working on my relationship with God and with my own spirit. I still spent time with my friends, but I mostly just wanted to be alone and I definitely did not want to even think about dating. I was content and it felt so damn good. So, of course, that's when he came along...
In October, I ended up in the ER one morning because I woke up just feeling so sick and having a lot of pain. After having an ultrasound, I discovered I had sludge in my gallbladder. So I quickly had surgery to remove that sucker. Recovery was a little rough, but it could have been a lot worse. I need to give a huge shout out to everyone who came to visit, or sent me nice texts and messages on fb. You all rock and made me feel so loved! My appetite was really lacking for a few months after the surgery and it actually has just now gotten back on track and I'm eating so much. I need to slow down a bit now...or just actually stark working out. Ugh.
I'd say the last month of the year was by far the best. Derek and I were finally able to go out on a date and I'd say we hit it off immediately. Since then I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with him, getting to know him, and having those special, little silly moments that just make me smile because they're almost too perfect! I'm a very lucky girl to have such a respectful, fun, and handsome guy in my life. New Year's marks the day we officially became a couple.
So here we are, already 17 days into 2015 and life is so good. I am starting a new job on the 26th at CU Denver. It's going to be quite a change and I'm sad to be leaving some friends behind at Columbia, but I know it's going to be a good change!
If you're still reading this....thank you! Here's to a wonderful year ahead!
