one year later...

Yesterday marked the 1 year anniversary of my move to Little Rock.  On the drive back from Christmas with the family, I had time to think about the past year and what I've seen and done and been through...

This past year has challenged and tested me a lot.  It was the 1st time I've truly lived on my own, in my own apartment.  I've loved having a space that's all mine.  I've had times where I thought "I can't do this, I want to go home" or "This isn't where I'm supposed to be".  I know now that for this time in my life, this is where I'm supposed to be.

I've made a few new friends, reconnected with old ones, even lost a few along the way.  I've noticed that people who are meant to be in your life will work to be a part of your life, others will fall to the side.  I've been so lucky that there are a few people who make the effort to stick around.The people who truly care have stuck by me and I'll never be able to express how much I appreciate them.  I hope this next year brings more new people and memories.

There is one little thing that has come into my life that I can say is the highlight of my year.  In August, I was given my puppy Pressly.  As anyone who's met her can tell you, she's quite the wild woman and full of personality.  I've been so blessed to have her and I love having her around and she definitely lives up to the memory of the amazing woman she was named for.

The past year has been one of the best yet.  I hope to have many more amazing ones, wherever I am.

moving on...

As is the norm with living in an apartment... my lease is up. which means I've been pondering my options: 1) stay in my current too small studio apartment with not enough room for me and the dog OR 2) look for something else. Total no brainer right? I thought so too. 

It just so happens that my mom decided on a whim to buy a house, leaving 6 months left on her current lease up for grabs. Score! So with that said, I'm happy to announce Pressly and I are moving in 2 weeks. I couldn't be more excited to get into a bigger space! And I love that one of my fellow aerie girls will be my neighbor... not to mention a finally have a whole apartment to decorate any way I choose.

On a more serious note... this past weekend has brought to light some much needed changes that I need to make.  I won't go into the details of what happened or the parties involved because it's not really that important but I will say this:  I live my life for me and no one else.  I won't be someone's doormat or verbal punching bag.  I make no apologies for standing up for myself and doing what I think is right.  If you don't like it- not my problem.  There are far too many amazing things in life to focus on instead of people who try to make you feel unimportant.

So with that said I leave you with this: You are wanted. Someone, somewhere cares about you and only wants what's best for you. People who try to make you feel worthless and small have some complex within themselves that makes them lash out and cause you pain.  As long as you stay true to who you are and treat people how you want to be treated... nothing else matters.

The First TIme

I swore up & down that I would never start a blog.  I felt it was self indulgent and tedious.  But now I choose to look at it as a form of therapy.  A way for me to express myself and tell my thoughts and stories. I don't care if anyone reads it or comments on it... this is just for me. And so with that said... here I go.


I learned years ago that friends are few and far between.  When they come into your life, there's a reason.  After they've had the impact they're meant to have on your life, and you theirs, they slowly drift out.  You may see them from time to time, but the bond slowly breaks down.  There are exceptions to this rule.  Some people have such an impact that they become a constant in your world.  They become another part of you.... something you can't live without.

I had a person who was a constant.  We talked every day and spent so much time together.  He was my best friend.  After an awkward conversation between us and his significant other, he slowly drifted away from me.  It's been weeks since we've had a meaningful conversation.  I haven't seen him in a month. I've sent texts with no reply. I'm done trying to keep my friend.  I'm fighting a loosing battle.  Our time in each other's lives is up.  Our bond is broken. I'll miss my friend but I knew we wouldn't be together forever.

My advice to anyone who comes across my little piece of the world- enjoy the people you have, while you have them.  They won't be around forever...