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2010? One for the record books. Toward the end of December, I see Facebook posts about the past year’s struggles and and many who are looking forward to a fresh start, a clean slate. On the horizon, every January holds so much promise: resolutions in full swing, the momentum and mindset to get things done; work, life, home, physical, mental, spiritual, etc. The decisions you swore you’d make, the life you swore you’d lead: it all seems so much more possible during the new year.
2010 was my year. It was our year. I wish every year was this type of year: full of change, new adventure, growth and lots of love.
This year, the one that’s set to end in 5 hours and 13 minutes, was a life-changer.
*Several months before getting married, I took the plunge. Into Brunette-hood, that is. My always gold locks aren’t gold anymore. For years, I was told I wouldn’t like it and that I’d fry my hair trying to go blonde again. But, guess what? I do like it. A LOT. If there’s something off-the-wall you’d like to try, do. And if it doesn’t work out, worry about frying your hair later.
*I got my first real, full-time job as the Placement Leader at Paul Mitchell, The School - Dallas. I was offered a PR job at Fleishman-Hillard in Dallas immediately after starting at Paul Mitchell. It was one of the hardest professional decisions I’ve ever had to make. I stayed at Paul Mitchell because of the people and the culture, and the commitment I’d made to be there. The best part of my job was sharing an office with Mikey Mitchell (below); the most hilarious, outrageously ridiculous person in the world. I worked alongside friends and people who were actively pursuing their dreams every day. Pretty neat!
*I lived at home. My quaint, rural hometown, under the roof my parents graciously allowed me to occupy (on-and-off) into my 20s. I moved home in 2009 so that I could take a full-time internship, and stayed because - well - my family is amazing. And because I also got engaged in 2009, and needed to save up. Even though I lived at home for over a year, I knew that it would be the last time I’d reside on Hummingbird Lane. I knew I was on the verge of becoming a real-life, independent grown up. Weird.
*I had a second full-time job:planning a wedding! People (read: Bridezillas) are showcased for their inability to enjoy one of life’s sweetest moments. (Albeit, more for shock and awe). I enjoyed every second I spent planning for our wedding. I loved doing research to find vendors, visiting venues with Devin, making a handcrafted birdcage veil with my mom’s help and spending many’a “girl’s days” checking off items on our to-do list.
*Devin and I visited Seattle. He’d been accepted to a school and I was onboard with a cross-country adventure. We made a trip up to tour the school and look at possible, could-be places / areas we’d be interested in living. He loved the school and I supported that.
*After reaching out and connecting with Barokas PR (an awesome PR agency in Seattle), I was offered a job. Knowing Devin was planning to enroll at the Art Institute, that we both loved Seattle and that I was eager to explore a career in PR: I accepted. Since I’d only been at Paul Mitchell for 6 months and the position I held had been created around the thought that I’d own and develop it, I worked up until the day before our wedding, 06/05/2010. Circumstances, plans and goals shift, especially when you’re in your early 20s. My leaving was not something everyone understood. But, it’s what worked for Devin and I.
*Wedded bliss, 06/06/2010. I married my best friend; my perfect counterpart and other half. Our wedding was amazing. Breathtaking. It happened extremely fast; I remember more about getting ready on our big day than I remember about the reception and ceremony. It was 100 degrees. I was surrounded by people I love, and I said “I do” to my best pal, Devin. I loved that we spent a tiny fraction of the amount most people spend on their weddings, but got EXACTLY the kind of wedding we wanted. More than we expected and a unique retelling of OUR story.
*On 06/14/2010 we pulled out of Denton, TX en route to Seattle, WA. The move I’d been so excited about was much harder to follow through with than I’d expected. I left on a rainy morning, and bidding goodbye to my parents and brother (and everything synonymous with comfort; people, places, roads, hangouts, etc.) was incredibly hard. Thinking about it makes me sad. Everything we collectively owned was in a U-Haul, my car in tow. Devin, Diego, Jersey and I shared the cab of the truck, and left for an apartment we’d never even seen (but had signed a lease on and paid first month’s rent for). We drove over 2000 miles; passing through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and - finally - Washington.
*On 06/18/2010, we arrived in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle. Our empty apartment didn’t feel like home. Although charming and historic, all I saw were bare walls and floors. I swore the ceiling was caddywompus. (I’m still pretty sure it is). I wanted to turn around; to go back to what felt real. The reality that we weren’t in Seattle for vacation was setting in.
Tonight, I’m ringing in the new year with my friends and family in Dallas. I love them! Devin is in Seattle, chillaxing with the doggies and headed to see fireworks later tonight. I’m learning more about PR than I ever thought I would, and Devin is hoping to work towards his Associate’s Degree in 2011. We’re settled, loving where we are and what we’re doing - pleased with our decision to branch out and explore what it’s like being “uncomfortable”. Home still feels like home, like I never left. I’m really happy about that! I wouldn’t change a single thing about 2010. It was the best year ever! Here’s to hoping 2011 can live up to its predecessor!
xo
Kelly
