My last three years in 10 photographs
So it’s now 2018… Instead of looking back at just the last year, I thought back to my last 3 years, and how events of those three years have redefined my life. While the last years have had their ups and downs, I look back on them with no regrets. Not everything has been rainbows and butterflies, as I cut the toxic out of my life, but the last 33 years have taught me how painful life can be if those poisons aren’t eradicated. “Sometimes things have to fall apart to make way for better things.” Thanks for the advice, How I Met Your Mother! So perched at the beginning of a new year, I smile about the prospects of my semi-planned out revamped life.
Starting Over: Met my Crazy Other Half
My partner in crime stumbled awkwardly into my life almost 3 and a half years ago now. We were coworkers before we became friends, then friends before we got together. We have already seen each through divorces, challenges at work, and ultimately planning our insane future.
“We are all a little weird, and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness, and call it love.” ~ Dr. Seuss
Exploration: First Trip Together
Our first trip together we ambled around five different countries in Europe, exploring Florence, getting lost in Venice, admiring Slovenia, drinking beer in Germany, and walking Budapest. It was the first of many trips, and many to come.
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”
Novaturient: Roadtripping around Ireland
Trip numero dos involved renting a Mini Cooper and driving Ireland for two weeks. Life’s all about new challenges, like operating a vehicle on the opposite side of the road while sitting in the opposite side of the car. Travel bug strikes again!
“Because the greatest part of a road trip isn’t arriving at your destination… it’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way.”
Loss: Lost a Close Friend
I do not mean ‘lost’ as in death, but ‘lost’ as in we no longer speak. Chirag was my Man of Honor in my first mistake (aka. my first wedding), and was once an important part of my life. However, that friendship somehow eroded to become incredibly toxic, due to his personal changes and a sudden surge of hate. Life is too short to keep someone around that openly states they are repulsed by your gender, your race, and those in your profession.
“Sometime we expect more from others, because we would be willing to do that much for them; and as we grow older, we do not lose friends, we just learn who the real ones are.”
Adulthood: Purchased a Home
After living in an awful apartment for 10 months, we decided it was time to go house hunting. We purchased a 1950s brick ranch with a backyard and privacy. Welcome to adulthood!
“My favorite childhood memory is not paying bills.”
Expanding Horizons: Travels with Mom
It’s never too late to start traveling, and I’ve decided to infect my mom with the travel bug. Did we need another reason, besides the fact that neither of us had ever been there before, to visit such an awe-inspiring whole-in-the-ground? I think not. Not to mention our beach trips, and the upcoming journey to Slovenia!
“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.”
Once in a Lifetime: Peruvian Excursion
First fly to Puerto Maldonado to explore the Amazon, then take a jaunt to Cusco to hike the Inca Trail, and finish with boats on the shores of Puno. We played with tarantulas, caiman, and piranhas in the Amazon Jungle, hiked the Inca Trail and visited Machu Picchu, and relaxed on a boat in the insanely deep Lake Titicaca. Several bucket list items successfully checked off!
“I travel because I’d rather look back at my life saying, ‘I can’t believe I did that,’ instead of, ‘if only I had…'”
Moving Forward: Engagement & Wedding Planning
Getting claimed, an obvious life-changer, has propelled my life into a place of contentment. Two travelers devising a wedding resulted in a unique destination – Lake Bled, Slovenia.
“I want to be the reason you look down at your phone and smile. Then walk into a pole.”
“I may not be your first love, first kiss, first sight, or first date, but I just want to be your last everything.”
Ups and Downs: The Job
I work in a challenging field, dominated by men. A field that is even more difficult nowadays with societal challenges alone. Societal controversies, as well as agency demands, have resulted in a significant amount of stress over the last couple of years. But I still love my job, wouldn’t give it up, and I’m happy about where my career is now. Not a lot of people can say they wake up each day, and enjoy going to work.
“We the unappreciated. Must do the unimaginable. And see the unthinkable. To protect the ungrateful.”
Reconnecting: Meeting my Niece
The last decade has pulled my brother and I apart. From living in different states, to me missing holidays because of my job, to life just getting in the way. The birth of my brother’s daughter has brought us closer together again. It’s never too late to reconnect.
“A two-year old is kind of like having a blender, but you don’t have a top for it.”
“Older siblings… the only people who will pick on you for their own entertainment, but beat up anyone else who tries.”
Family: My brother got engaged
While the last few years have included some tumultuous times with regards to family, there have certainly been some good ones mixed in. Like watching my older brother drop to one knee, and propose to his girlfriend with a diamond I gave him when he told me he wanted to propose.
“I smile because you’re my family. I laugh because there’s nothing you can do about it!”
It’s time for a new adventure….