Does life ever go as planned?

A little over a year ago I was on top of the world. I had just graduated after 5 grueling years of all-nighters, way too many eccentric roommates to handle and an overall exhilarating experience where I felt that I had truly discovered who I am as an individual. In spite of the impending student loan re-payments, I packed up a (way too small) backpack and flew to Europe with three of my favorite gals.

By the time we returned to the States, I was exhausted and changed. I felt empowered, as though I could tackle any hurdle.

After my adventure, I was ready to go into “The Real World.” I had a pretty piece of paper attesting to my five years of higher education and was preparing to move into an awesome apartment in Burbank. Why Burbank? Because that was where I was going to make my dreams come true.

When Reality Steps in.

It has now been just over a year since I lost Sasha, and my life is nowhere near where I had thought it would be.  I am now back in my hometown as my rent was raised astronomically. My extreme desire to avoid house-hunting and going on awkward “make sure my roommate isn’t a psycho” coffee dates are totally fine with that. I’m back where I was before I  started this journey, but I’m not at the beginning. I am changed. I am stronger from my experiences, even my grief (don’t let the tears fool you) and I have found my love for life again.

This isn’t what I planned, but this is my life. I am going to live it.

~Check back here as I share my experiences, struggles, jubilation, insights and, very likely, rants (I never claimed to be perfect).~