Chapter 30 - Getting Settled In

It's day four of living in New York City. So far, so good. Below you'll read about the past few days getting situated here.

Day 1:
4:15AM - My parents and I woke up to pack the truck up with everything they were taking back.

6:30AM - Off to drop off the rental car that I forgot to turn in the night before. Oops.

6:35AM - Off to the airport.

6:50AM - After finally figuring out what line I needed to stand in, I awaited to be helped to pay for Teddy to fly. My mom was kind enough to help me carry my bags and push them along the line. Somehow, I packed both of my bags perfectly and they were each a pound under 50. Didn't have to pay anything for baggage. Hell yes!

7:30AM - Headed towards the security check point. Said goodbye to my wonderful parents. And guess what? I didn't cry like I thought I would. I just put my mind off elsewhere.

8:30AM - Boarded the plane for take off. Stopped in San Antonio(Which is ridiculous because I just went ass-backwards in order to get to my destination but hey that’s the price for getting a deal for a cheap flight.), then Baltimore, then I finally arrived at LaGuardia.

4:15PM - I decided against a cab and got a private car, which ended up being way cheaper than I thought and I wasn't rushed at all. Except some jerk almost ran Teddy over in the process. Luckily the driver pushed him out of the way. Stupid jerk that couldn’t wait for me to get in the car. Ugh.

4:45PM - Arrival to the new apartment. Picked up the keys from the deli under my place. Then hauled my bags and Teddy up one flight of stairs, already loving the benefits of living on the second floor.

5:00PM - Walked to Carl Shurz Park to let Teddy play in the dog run. He absolutely loved it.

6:00PM - Headed to S's to get the air mattress. Then went to the pet store to get a few treats and a bowl for Tedster.

7:30PM - Went to Duane Reade to get essentials. Another $40 out of my pocket.

8:00PM - Got a quick dinner from the deli along with some yummy fruit.

Some time after that I took a shower and headed to bed.

Day 2:
9:30AM - Woke up and took Teddy to the dog park. There were a lot of small dogs so we could to socialize and meet some regulars. He loved it once again and you know what, I did too!

11AM - A arrived and we headed to IKEA via taxi and water taxi (free per IKEA). Shopped, shopped, and shopped.

4:30PM - Got some food and headed home.

7PM - The furniture arrived. Started to put it all together and finished with: two coffee tables, desk, and my new futon.

Day 3:
No need to break down the time. Woke up and took the Tedster to the park again. Saw a cute British dude, he has a Husky that kept playing with Teddy. Pretty entertaining. Headed back and made a pit stop at Duane Reade again to get cleaning supplies.

Went back to the apartment and decided to put together the large 25 cubbie shelf. Meanwhile listening to episodes of Greek. Two hours later I finished but couldn't lift it so I decided it was nap time. My nap was wonderful by the way.

I decided to clean my bathroom which was absolutely disgusting. I can't even put it into words. I just sucked it up and cleaned it. It still looks like it hasn't been cleaned. Ew.

After putting together the shelf and having very little room to moving in my apt, I thought, "F it, I'll start on the last piece. My chest of drawers." Pretty easy to put together. A arrived again and it took us a good 30 minutes to figure out how to lift the damn shelving unit. After that huge ordeal, we rearranged things multiple times to figure out the best fit for my new place. Beer ended the night and I finally relaxed.

I seriously could not have done any of this with out the help of A. She helped me at IKEA and she help me set up my place. I don't think she really understands how much she helped me. Thank you, A!

Day 4:
I woke up this morning to my entire body aching. Took Ted outside, showered, ate breakfast and headed to work. It was weird to think that walking a few avenues and riding the subway each morning and afternoon is going to be my routine for who know how long. I kinda like it. I came into work way more awake than usual. Probably because the walking got the blood circulating to my brain.

As I sit here at my temporary desk in One Bryant Park, I finally have time to reflect on this past weekend and put everything into perspective.

I have yet to feel overwhelmed, which I did not expect. I love that I am so close to Carl Shurz Park, because I love it and so does my lovely pup, Teddy. I love having everything so close to my place. No matter what emergency I have, everything I could need is within a two block range.

I am getting used to the walking, it can only benefit me but for the time being my feet are killing me.

I miss my friends, but I know I will soon make new ones.

Overall, I love this place.

Chapa

PS - There is a HUGE population of good looking non-married men. Holla!

Chapter 29 - Emotional Chaos

I'm seriously an emotional wreck and I just now realized it. I've been working nonstop today and about ten minutes ago I almost broke down crying. What the hell? I didn't think moving 1700 miles away would be this intense.

In less than 96 hours I will be on a plane anxious as hell to get to my Manhattan destination.

I have so many emotions going through my head right now that I can barely form sentences.

More later, not sure when that will be though.

Chapter 28 - So Close Yet So Far Away

Time is crawling and my emotions are everywhere. In the single digits now: nine days left. Honestly, it still hasn't hit me. I've been doing all this planning for the past four to six months and I never allowed myself to fully grasp the reality of it actually happening. I, LC, am moving to NYC. I am going to be surrounded by endless amounts of things: skyscrapers, dirty streets, beautiful sites, expensive things, parks, taxis, subways, etc. I could go on forever.

The big question that I have to ask myself is: Am I ready? Am I ready for this huge leap to be completely 100% on my own. I've been supporting myself financially for the past year, but emotionally I've been able to lean on family and friends around Dallas. In New York, I'll have coworkers and that's it. When I first moved to Dallas it took a good four months to establish a base of friends. Of course I am not one who has a problem socializing, it's just knowing where to find the right crowd in a huge city. I guess the one good thing I have on my side is I'm definitely not quiet.

I'm tearing up just thinking about leaving here now, I haven't cried once about it until this very moment. I am going to miss this place. I love Texas but I know this experience is just the start of something great for me. It is going to be something I look back on and tell my children about. Let them know you can do anything you want as long as you put your heart into it.

I am going to miss the friends I have made this past year. They are truly amazing. I am the baby of the group, but they have never once treated me any less than the rest. They care about each other and are always there. Too bad I am leaving so soon. Luckily, technology has progressed and it is easy to keep in touch these days.

I am going to miss my Aggie Happiest hour friends. I looked forward to it every week and it ALWAYS made me feel 100% better. One thing I do look forward to is NYC Aggie HH. Bring it on. :)

Thankfully, I already know of four close friends that will keep in contact. S, T, O and J. We have constantly kept in contact since graduation and I know they will be there for support. I love you guys.

I can already tell I am going to be an emotional wreck for the next week and a half. Get ready for puffy-faced LC to appear.

I'm ready for the adventure but apprehensive about the journey.

Chapter 27 – The Countdown Has Officially Begun

The past week has been awesome. I sold my car, sold my furniture, found out I am getting an awesome tax return and had great times with friends.

J came into town on Friday evening to go with me to Billy Bob’s. He arrived shortly before eight and went with me to hand over my car to the person who bought it. We ate Outback and then headed to BB to see Reckless Kelly perform. I was in the mood for dancing but I hadn’t danced in so long; I was completely out of shape for it! RK wasn’t really into their performance either, which isn’t normal. To top off the night, I was getting tired before it was even midnight. Having to wake up early for work does that to me. With the few mishaps, I still had a great time. I’m glad he got to come into town before I left. In one month we will be in NYC watching Texas Country artists perform! Pat Green, Reckless Kelly, The Eli Young Band and Roger Creager will be at a venue in the city and J is flying in to go with me!

Saturday, J2 came into town to pick up all the furniture he bought from me. Somehow he and his brother fit my entire set of oversized furniture and TV stand into his mom’s minivan. I was absolutely shocked. After arranging the jigsaw puzzle; we headed to Twin Peaks for lunch. I figured the two of them would enjoy it and of course they did. They departed shortly after and I decided to go get pampered with a mani and pedi .It was wonderful.

That night I went to Oaklawn with my friend Tommy (since he is having surgery and can’t attend my peace out party) and a bunch of girlfriends. The gayboorhood was so much fun! Although there were a few creepers that kept dancing with us, we still had a blast. I haven’t felt that carefree in who knows how long. It was nice not to care if I was looking attractive or if my clothes were still were they were supposed to be. Simply amazing.

Sunday, I woke up and went to lunch with my aunt, uncle and niece. It was nice once we finally got to eat. I then came home and vacummed my carpet with their Dyson. It was so disgusting to see what came out of my carpet. Ew.

Yesterday was work, very slow as it is today. But on the plus side, Suz is waiting for me at my apartment. Yes!

I can’t wait for this weekend!

In four days, I will be surrounded by my amazing friends for my last hoorah in Texas before departing to NYC. I decided on karaoke. How could that not be fun? I reserved a private room at this Korean place called Norazo. It’s going to be fantastic. My closest friends and I will be in one room, enjoying adult beverages, and singing at the top of our lungs. Yes, it’s going to be absolutely fantastic.

In eleven days, I will be sitting on a flight destined for the Big Apple. My plan is to arrive in the late afternoon and go and get the essentials: groceries and dog food. I’ll be sleeping on the floor the first night and wouldn’t have it any other way. I like to think as though I am building a bond with my new shack of an apartment.

In Twelve days, Allison and I will be making our way across the Brooklyn Bridge for our Valentine’s IKEA date. I’m very excited because I can actually afford everything I want and not have to go into any debt. The only thing I am not looking forward to is paying for delivery. Boo, but I guess it is a requirement for buying furniture in the city.

I'll leave you with a few pictures I took this past weekend. ©LKC

Chapter 26 – A Brand New Day

I woke up this morning feeling ten times better than I did yesterday. Thank goodness. I don’t think I could take two days of crappiness in a row.

Today I am excited about everything, most of which deals with moving. The big move is a little less than three weeks. Wow.

I just balanced my checkbook and redid my budget for the next two months. Not too shabby.

I want to figure out how I am going to decorate my apartment, but I have no idea of the actual dimensions. I keep coming up with ideas, but have yet to know if it will work out.

Going to get my car cleaned and detailed after work, another $100 bucks out of my pocket so I can sell my car.

I really need to wash clothes and clean my apartment. Now the test, will it actually happen tonight? There is a fifty-fifty chance.

Tomorrow is happy hour, the best weekday activity ever invented.

Kiss. Kiss.

Chapter 25 – Something You May Not Know

I’m a pretty open book when it comes to telling people about me. However, after having a conversation with a close friend it occurred to me that most of my friends and colleagues have no idea what I struggle with on a daily basis.

Depression.

I’ve dealt with depression for as long as I can remember. I was diagnosed with it my senior year of high school but had encounters with it way before then. Although, it should not have been surprising seeing as though a large chunk of my family deals with it and being bi-polar like it is a normal occurrence of everyday life.

I take a medicine daily, the highest dose one can take. If I take it religiously, I am fine and deal with ups and downs as any other person may. However, I’m not perfect. I miss it every now and then and sometimes even miss a couple days ie. this past weekend.

It is now Monday and I am in horribly funky mood, it’s unreal. I haven’t felt like this in a very long time and I do not like it at all. I don’t even know how to explain it. I love my life. I think it’s great. But today my brain is telling me differently. It is a horrible feeling. Not being able to be happy when you want to so badly. Tomorrow will be better. I’ll be back to normal by Wednesday. Sadly, this isn’t the first time this has happened.

Depression was a huge struggle in my relationship with Tim. Although he never held it against me and was always supportive, he blamed our breakup/s on it. I can honestly say that depression was never a factor in breaking up with him. It was the lack of trust plain and simple, one day I hope he understands that.

As far as friendships go, I don’t think it has ever been a factor in the ending of any. If I’m having a bad day I try to be honest with myself and the people around me, so they understand it’s not them.

That leads me to relationships with my family, especially with my mother. When I was younger I would always blame myself on how my mother treated me. With the help of a psychologist, I slowly realized it wasn’t my fault and I now understand that she was dealing with her depression while trying to be my mom at the same time. Not a simple task. My father has always been supportive of everything in my life and I talk to him about everything. However, I don’t think we have ever discussed my situation without others being involved in the conversation. He himself admits it’s something he has never been able to understand. How is it someone I confide in all the time has no idea how to deal with something so huge in my life? It baffles me.

I wish more people could understand but I realize most people can’t unless they have dealt with it. Which, I hope no one ever has to. But if they do, then they can always come to me.

On a lighter note:
I move to the big city in a little less than three weeks. It is beyond crazy. Once I sell my car, I am completely ready. Texas, I’ll miss you.

My next blog will be more uplifting! Or at least I hope it is. :)

Chapter 24 - On Top of the World

I can’t express how excited I am for my move in three weeks. My trip to the city this past weekend went great. I found an apartment, got approved and signed my lease! It’s a block from Charles Schurz Park, which is supposed to be awesome and has a dog run for Teddy. Plus, my new place is only a few block from the Subway. Of course it is tiny, but to me, it’s perfect. It’s on the second floor, a full wall of exposed brick, a full kitchen, and has wooden floor.

Although my cost of living has just doubled, it is totally going to be worth it. Me, LKC, living in NYC. Un-freaking-believable.

I’m truly blessed with what God has provided me throughout my life. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without the support system of my family and friends.

Three weeks left in Dallas. I need to soak up all the time with my friends as possible. I have a feeling with Suz comes up here for my party (which symbolizes me and her both leaving for big cities), I'm going to have a very very intense cry. I will start preparing now.

Chapter 23 - Flying to the City

I'm headed out early Saturday morning to NYC. Off to find a place to live for the first year in the city. I'm nervous I won't find a place and the thing is, I kind of have to. It is so more complicated to get into an apartment there. You have to have; last two tax returns, last two bank statements, proof of employment, last two pay stubs, and a billion dollars for a deposit. It's ridiculous. That is the worst thing about this move, everything else is great. Well, thus far. I figured I would love the first month, hate the second, and finally get acquainted thereafter.

I still can't believe I am really doing it. Only taking two bags, Teddy and Winston. What in the world am I thinking? Only time will tell of the events that are to come.

Chapter 22 - Big City Girl

Yup that's right. In less than a month and a half, I will be moving to New York City. Can you believe that? Me, small town-country girl is moving to the big city. I am extremely excited and can't wait to see what the future has in store for me! I've given away most of my stuff and just a have big items to sell and I am ready. I am going to be dirt poor for a bit until I can build my savings back up, but it is totally worth it.

Things have been pretty great the past few months. I took at two and a half week vacation at the end of last year. Luckily all my major projects finished before I left so I had very little to worry about. I went to see both sets of grandparents with my parents over the break and it was so bittersweet. It was the last time I was going to see my family for awhile.

I've been digging deeper into photography and I seriously considering pursuing it professionally, I just have to continue to save some money to buy better lenses and maybe one day a badass camera. I'll leave you with some recent pictures.

My cousin Sadie. I took a couple of months back:

One of my most recent sessions was of Amber posing for her bridal portrait:

And of course my all time favorite so far:

Chapter 21 - Empire State of Mind

It's official, I am moving to the Big Apple. I am extremely excited and can't wait for the new adventure to begin. Everyone is so supportive and that means the world to me. I can't stand when there are people that keep putting my future down, what's the deal? Jealousy. Yes.

I can't wait to see Suz on Wednesday, I haven't seen her in forever and we are going to meet up at our favorite restaurant of all time and have a few drinks.

I finally am back in Texas with Winston and Teddy and oh so happy!

Life is good.

Chapter 20 - Haven't Met You Yet

Once again one of Michael Buble's songs speaks directly to my heart. It puts me in an awesome mood every time I hear it.

I am getting horrible about updating this thing. Life has been crazy busy, especially with work. I've worked so much over time this past month but I finally got to enjoy a three day weekend these past few days.

Went to Phoenix twice in September for a fast track project. Got to see amazing views of nature, but it was still for work. I'll be heading to Cali at the end of the month and then NYC in November. When I go to NYC, I'll get to the chance to meet the team I could be potentially working for on my next rotation and figure out if I am really up or moving to the big apple. I'm slightly excited!

Life in Dallas is pretty good. I haven't been in the best of moods lately. I really need to work out, it makes me feel so much better about myself when I do.

I am getting baby fever again. Ahhh! This is not fun. Especially when I am totally not ready to have a child, let alone a husband to have one with. I figured if I write about it, it will subside. Teddy and Winston will have to do for now. :)

Later Gators.

Chapter 19 - Disappointed, Disgusted and Confused

I don't know if I should cry or be extremely pissed off right now. It has been almost two month since I last talked to one of my good friends. I've called a few times with no response. I finally broke down and wrote her an email but still no response. I'm not sure what went wrong and I have no idea why this has happened. Okay maybe I have a slight idea because it always happens when she gets in serious relationships, but seriously? I thought we were beyond that phase. There is the part of me that wants to be angry and livid, but there is the other part of me that makes me want to curl up in a ball in cry. I never would have thought a few months ago that this would be our relationship now. It just plain ol' sucks. I'm not good at maintaining friendships for a variety of reasons, but I thought just maybe this one would last. Evidently I was wrong. Damn. Another one bites the dust.

Work is going great. Things have finally begun to pick up and I am constantly busy from 7:30-4:30. I am still struggling with gaining confidence as a project manager but hopefully that will come with more experience. I didn't get a yes about NYC, but I didn't get a no. I am taking it in my own hands and making it happen myself. I would say the possibility is now around 75% of moving to NYC. I also got a new manager because my old one had way too much on his plate and couldn't dedicate enough time to his reports. But it is a win-win for everyone and I'm excited to work with my new manager who I have heard great things about.

Teddy is doing great. He is always chipper and ready to play. Winston is starting to be a pissy pot, MUCH more than before. Let the sibling rivalry continue on!

Dallas is good, I just wish I could manage the time to maintain good friendships here. I go out every Wednesday to happy hour, but thats about the only time I am devoting to building relationships. I need to work on that.

I bought a new camera and once again have fell in love. Everyone is telling me to quit my job and pursue photography, but if only everyone knew how easy it is to get into that now and would probably not work out. BUT I am strongly considering taking it up as a professional hobby and then just MAYBE I can pursue it as a profession.

Men, are simply non-existent. Mostly because I don't have time for them and when someone does show interest I just don't give them the time of day. What is wrong with me? I bitch and complain about not having someone but then I do that crap to myself. Oh the vicious Chapa cycle.

Hmmmmm, thats all I got on the noggin at this point. Later.

Chapter 18 - These Days

Life seems to be going by at a pretty normal pace. Nothing too exciting happening in the near future, besides a river trip. I've have been thinking about my future lately. I'm just going to lay it out.

1. I am going to take the GMAT
2. Further my education and get a MBA
3. Move to New York City or Charlotte
4. Be happy with myself
5. Be proud of what I've accomplished

Five things on my to do list with in the next two years. And the last two are probably the scariest. There is a lot of reasoning behind each of them but I'm most sure more people are wondering why the hell I want to leave Texas or get my MBA so young. Honestly why the hell not? I'm young and moving out of Texas would definitely make me more marketable in the long run for my career and an MBA would just add to that. I know there is only so much you can plan, but I'm determined. If I've learned anything from the past year, it is that you are in charge of your future and every action that leads to that, is completely in your hands.

I'm going to be honest, I haven't been completely happy lately. I think my depression now comes in three month cycles. Who knows. I've started to realize that I suck at maintaining friendships. A big part might because I judge women so much harder than I do men. I hate that people are so unreliable, that people won't tell you the full truth, keep things from you so they won't hurt your feelings, and just being plain shitty. Come on people.

I'm not enjoying single life anymore. I need someone. Someone to hold me. To kiss me. To look into my eyes. To need me. I started dating again, I'm open to to it. Either my expectations are way too high, or I am just having shitty luck. Or I should just stop expecting to find anyone in the next few years. Maybe I really should just focus on me. Me, me, me.

Work is slow but will soon be picking up. I'm sure once things get busy again, I will feel as though I am contributing more and it will result in confidence. Weird how doing good at work makes me more confident.

In the mean time I will stick to thinking about selling all of my belongings, throwing my clothes in a bag, jump on a plane with Teddy and Winston, and go live in NYC.

In the mean time I will focus on loosing weight.

In the mean time I will try and be happy.

In the mean time I will try and forget about men.

In the mean time I will enjoy Texas.

In the mean time I will remind myself how luck I am to be where I am.

In the mean time I will get back to work.......

Chapter 17 - As the World Turns

This week has been crazy with both work and my personal life. Work started out very stressful on Monday and Tuesday and has slowly calmed down since then. Whew, but I am still happy with my job and couldn't ask for anything better.

I went on a date last night. It was great and he seems like a great guy but I'm just not sure if there was that 'instant' click. Before and after the date was more of the entertaining part if you were on the outside looking in. I went to happy hour before my date. I was feeling good since I was all dolled up for dinner. As I walk in I'm searching for the group and finally find them. Well guess who is sitting at the table, of all people who do I see? HIM, the guy I met a month ago and hadn't seen since. Then of course the other guys had to tease me about my date the entire time. I swear it is so weird how my life tends to work itself out.

As I was leaving to go to dinner the clouds decided to let the rain pour. I drive to restaurant and run from my car to the door to get inside, soaking. All I could do was laugh.

Oh I got a puppy last month! I haven't written since then so some time has passed. His name is Teddy and he is Toto from the Wizard of Oz. He is adorable, hyper, sweet, and has a great temperament. Winston love to tease him and Teddy loves to chase back. It's pretty entertaining if I say so myself.

Life is pretty great and Dallas is amazing!

Chapter 16 - Growing Up

I've officially been in Dallas for three demanding, challenging, and amazing months. I would be lying if I said it's been easy. There are days where I feel utterly alone and then other days where I feel as though I am on top of the world. I thought being a teenager was emotional, damn was I wrong. Growing up and living on your own while the people you care about move on with their lives.

As always, I've been thinking, and thinking, and well you know how the rest of the story goes. I miss college but also am loving work. Mixed emotions call for a Dos Equis and that's exactly what I am going to get out of my fridge.

Mmmmmmmmm. Delicious.

Chapter 15 - Irony

Wow. I am speechless right now. Someone's expecting (and its not me) and is going to be a daddy. I'm not really sure how I should feel at the moment besides utter shock. Two years ago, if you would have asked me where I see myself today, it would be married and probably living in Houston. Obviously my life is completely opposite of that now (all by personal choice); single and living in Dallas. Now someone else is living out the life I thought I was going to have. Maybe I should be happy that I didn't go through with any thing and I am not living in regret, but at the same time I'm not really sure how the hell I feel. Once a cheater always a cheater and he lost my trust long ago, the relationship would have never worked out. I still can't believe how things tend to work themselves out. Weird.

Phew, now that I am down with that, my day has been pretty great. My nephews are here and currently passed out on the floor beside me. I couldn't ask for anything better.

I can't even think right now I am still in such shock.

Oh I did get a new phone, an LG Dare, which I like so far.

Chapter 14 - Waiting Patiently

I'll be straight up, right now my emotional sanity is a huge roller coaster. Today I woke up at my parents to realize I'm really not ready to face the real world, yet I am already in it. I feel so alone here in the big D and I know it is mostly my fault. Making friends was so much easier in college when I encountered thousands of people my age on a daily basis. Now I hardly ever socialize with anyone my age on a regular basis and I really thought I could handle it, but obviously not.

I've also been single for almost two years and I honestly never thought it would last this long. It defiantly has a plus side but dammit sometimes I really want someone to hold me and cuddle with. Someone I can confide in. I never thought I would be one of those girls who needs a man to feel complete, but I'm starting to think differently. I've been going through some stuff lately and honestly I would love to come home everyday and have someone to talk to and listen to my stupid bitching. I'm trying really hard to take Suz's advice and wait patiently, the guy of my dreams will show up when I'm least expecting it. Fuck, that might take for freaking ever.

I got to see my nephews this weekend and it was amazing. They are so great becayse they ALWAYS bring a smile to my face and lift my spirits. Gabe is such a sweetheart and David is the biggest goober I know.

Is it weird to say that I think my parents pushed me away from wanting to go back home? I came home for three days, fuck I even came home early and worked from their house on Friday yet it seemed like they really didn't even care I was there. I haven't felt this way in a really long time, but it seemed as though they had better things to do rather than talk to their daughter that they hardly see. It was depression and it really pissed me off. Especially when my dad was a jerk and in a pissy mood the entire weekend.

Maybe I'm just a Debbie downer right now and will wake up on the right side of the bed tomorrow.

Peace, love and chicken grease. I'm outta here.

Chapter 13 - Life's Little Annoyances

I swear I think there are people who know exactly what buttons to push and when.

I hate when people change their mind, I hate when people are fickle, and I hate and girls are stuck in the mentality that a man will make everything better. Sweetie, you need to fix yourself first. Ugh! I am beyond irritated now, I am just fed up.

Besides that, things are going pretty great up in Dallas. Work is very stressful but I knew that going in. I am what did I expect taking on a role that is usually filled by people with 10+ experience with the bank. Its good stress though, I think it will only help me in the long run.

I am covering for a project manager for four weeks while she is out on adoption leave, two more left! Let me tell you something, man OH man was it way more than I bargained for. I know it will only benefit me, but there are some MAJOR issues I have had to deal with that most project managers never deal with. But I know I am capable of handling the last week and half. I have amazing people supporting me on my team.

Chilifest is this weekend, I am sooooo excited!!! I am taking a vacation day so I can go up their early. I can't wait to see everyone and party like the old days. Ha, old days. Okay so I was there not two months ago partying, but I miss it so much!! I get to see Suz, which I am most excited about just because last year was amazing at CF. Plus I get to see all my fellow Nerds :) Oh I also get to spend some time with Grace, yay!

I miss my family terribly but I am going to get to see my nephews for the next three weekends! I am going to stop by Sunday on the way back to Dallas, make a little detour to see my amazing nephews!! Next weekend is Easter and the weekend after that they are coming to visit! You have no idea how excited I am. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!!

I'm still not sure about this single life. Don't get me wrong, it has its greatness, but I also am craving to cuddle and have that special someone.

I've been working out and eating healthy for two weeks now. Lost a little weight, but have a way to go. Taking it day by day. I am bound and determined to not completely ruin it at CF.

The security guard in my complex hit my car with his little golf cart today. WTF. Oh well, he reported it to his manager and the insurance is supposed to come and take pictures. Fun stuff, I'm telling you. Grown up life. It's where its at!

Winston says, "Meow". I am not on crazy, just super excited about this weekend!

Chapter 12 - I'm a PC and I'm Twenty-Two Years Old.

I've been in Dallas for a month now, getting into the groove of things. Trying to be a grown-up and what not, especially when I just purchased my first month of health care. I feel truly blessed everyday I stay employed. Things have been pretty damn good. Work has been highly stressful but I continue to enjoy it.

In regards to my personal life, things have been a little rough. I'm just thankful for everything I have been blessed with.

On a funny/ironic note:

Friday, I get home from work and Winston won't shut up. I can't really figure out why. Sometimes he is just in a whiny mood. My friend and I then went to dinner and to the bar. We got home around 2 in the morning, relaxed and have some drunk munchies. As I am getting ready to go to bed, I go to my window to close it and notice little balls in the dark. I proceed to turn on the light to find cat crap on my floor and duvet comforter as well as a stench of piss coming from my lovely cover. Apparently some how the door to the closet that holds Winston's crap box remained closed the entire day. FML

Chapter 11 - Blessed

This past week I learned about six people in the IT field who were laid off. All of whom I went to school with at A&M these past few years. It's unreal and I still can't believe it. Then the huge shock came today when I learned that the lady who hired me got laid off yesterday.

I talked to my boss and she said I shouldn't worry about my job, since I am in the leadership program my job is basically guaranteed for the next two years. Yet the bank could do whatever they want, whenever they want, however they want, so I am not taking this job for granted. But since I do have a job and I will love it, I feel completely blessed. Things are great for me and I am very thankful for that.

I've decided to live on a tighter budget the next few months in order to save more money just in case I do get laid off in the near future. Things are very intense right now, especially in my field.

On a lighter note, my apartment is turning out to be great. The only things I don't have are my dining chairs and those are being delivered tomorrow. But the best thing about this place, is that its very central and close to lots of bars and restaurants where singles my age go all the time. It's a great location.

Winston my lovely kitty cat has been so cuddly the past week and I am falling in love with him all over again. Okay that might sound a little weird, but he is not the cuddly type and I love when he does decide to cuddle with me.

As for men in my life, the loneliness comes and goes. Just like everyone has been telling me, when I am least expecting it or when I quit looking, love will find me. And honestly for once I am glad there isn't some guy texting and playing games with my head.

I am definitely starting to miss my family and it sucks. I want to see my nephews so bad. :(

Overall things are going pretty great for me right now and for that I feel truly blessed.