Happy New Year!

It’s the beginning of a New Year which means the gyms are packed and people are taking advantage of ‘Day 1’.  

I guess I don’t really believe in New Years to start on things to improve your life…  but I commend those who do; those who actually stick with it.

I’ve come a long way these last few years, and have achieved so many goals.  To be honest, I’m quite proud of myself.  My 20’s has been a roller coaster.  Not necessarily a good one.  Things finally started changing for me when I was 25. 

Well, this year will be different.  I am 26.  No husband.  No kids.  I live in an AMAZING city with so many opportunities.  So this year, I’m going to take advantage of every single one.

Now that I have a normal job with normal hours, I’m going to get involved!  In activities, my church, learning new things, seeing the city.  I’m really excited.  I need and want to see and do it all!

I’ve slowly…not entirely surely, but SLOWLY been able to put my past behind me.  I’ve made a few extremely bad mistakes.  Nothing that put me in jail or anything (albeit one arrest), but enough to ruin my reputation and disallow me to even THINK about making an appearance in my hometown.

It’s almost kind of sickening in a way, but at the same time, don’t really care?  I’ve done so many stupid things that I haven’t been able to go home in a long time.  My reputation is pretty bad in my hometown, and my anxiety over the issues and my past are also just as bad.  I’ve tried to get over them and reinvent myself, which I think I have…but still.  *sigh*. 

I lost all of my friends. 

At the same time though, I’m living (almost) my dream life in big city.  I work for the MLB team which has ALWAYS been my dream, I get to do all of these AWESOME things that normal people DON’T get to do thanks to Mitchell and my own connections… going to the local bar on a Friday night is WAY out of my realm.  I see these people who are what we call, "Lifers"–the people who NEVER make it out of the hometown and can be found either living at home working at Wal-Mart or actually doing well for themselves, but settling for mediocrity and never getting out to experience anything.  I have NO desire to be apart of that.  So that makes me feel a bit better lol. 

Not that small town life is bad at all!  My parents thrive in it and are both very happy with their surroundings.  It’s just not for me.  And I feel it’s beneficial for younger kids to get out and experience things, THEN settle down in a small town if they wish.  Hell, that might even be what I do! 

The only thing that I feel like I’m missing here in Big City is a good group of friends to do things with.  I had it for awhile, but Yuko moved to Indiana (but we also had a falling out)… and another friend who I don’t even want to go there about, we aren’t friends anymore either. 

Sorry about this entry.  It’s kind of all over the place.

On a completely separate note–I’m loving my apartment!  I moved in with Mitchell & another friend Ellen in September.  Mitchell has lived here for 3 or so years with guy roomies, and so of COURSE it was extremely bachelor-pad-esque.  However, Mitchell, Ellen and I all share a love of baseball and so I tried to incorporate all of our baseball memorabilia (we have a TON) but also adding a touch of femininity. 

And the results are GREAT!  Thank you Pinterest 🙂 I was able to put together this adorable bookshelf with all of our autographed photos and pictures, but with some cute pictures, candles, and bookends that make it look not just like a mancave.  Also threw in some throw pillows that are the same colors as our MLB team that we love and work for, as well as some cute candlesticks and other accessories.  🙂 I would say my style is modern/shabby chic. 

Anyway… trying to stay positive.  I have a friend coming over in a bit, and then hopefully will see Callie tonight! 

Much love everyone,

-Elle