I can’t believe how quickly the time goes by. Exactly 1 year ago today, I moved 550 miles away from home to a city I had only visited once before, Charleston SC. At this exact time, I was white-knuckling the steering wheel of my Honda attempting to keep up with our caravan and the flow of traffic on I-75 south towards Knoxville. I had my darling best friend Kim in the passenger seat and my beloved puppy dog Jackson in the back. This only lasted for about an hour… my nerves were already completely shot and the sight of watching the trailer of our furniture in front of us was causing me to replay my own imaginary version of Final Destination. Needless to say I didn’t do much driving that day, but the overall move to Charleston was a success but very bittersweet. I had left behind everything that felt like home. My comfort zone, free meals at mom and dad’s, and the greatest friends anyone could ever ask for. But looking back, I can honestly say that it has been one of the greatest challenges and most rewarding experiences of my life. Throughout this year, I’ve learned how to embrace being alone, realized what it’s like to be flat broke, and experienced relationships come full circle. I have learned a tremendous amount about myself and grown as a person, daughter, friend, professional, and Christian. More so than I ever did in the years I spent playing it safe back at home.
But in addition to the personal growth and maturing, I learned a few other things too…
Each day is a gift
It’s OK to have a dog as your best friend
How to budget for gas money
A 1 hour commute really stinks when you’re hungover and don’t have your dad to drive you to work.
I can apply lotion and/or sunscreen to my entire back all my myself
Life is short
I am VERY allergic to Oak trees
Cereal makes for a really good dinner
Fleas are very difficult to get rid of
I’m horrible at packing
It’s best to slowly break people in when they haven’t heard me sing before
The interstate isn’t THAT scary
Yuengling is a poor girl’s best friend
I ask A LOT of questions
Getting a tan is my favorite free weekend activity
The dollar store is the greatest thing on earth
People CAN change
Sometimes the Lord likes to surprise us when we least expect it and need it the most
So here’s to the past year, which has been such an amazing journey all in itself. I could not have done it without those comforts from home who made it possible to sit right beside me, even from 550 miles away. I can only hope and pray that this coming year will be just as exciting! (Just with less moving, fleas, funerals and break ups, and more money, healthier living, cheaper gas, and of course more visits :)
Happy Anniversary, Charleston!
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