Story of the last 10 years

Here's that muchly anticipated blog that's been brewing for far too long! I posted it to my other blog but neglected to add it here. Better late than never I guess--lol


With the beginning of a new year I find myself spending some time reflecting. It's 2010--can you believe it?!? It's been ten years since Y2K! Which got me thinking about what's happened in my life in the past ten years. Ten years ago my mom and step-dad were on the verge of splitting up for the final time. I knew it was coming when mom asked "if you had to pick a high school in the city to go to, where would you want to go?" She's awfully subtle sometimes...lol. I bluntly said I wanted to stay where I was and finish high school with my friends. I got my wish thanks to her spending the next year/year and a half driving out to my dad's place to look after my handicapped brother while dad was gone to work. It worked out great--I could still catch the bus as I always had been.

Grade 12... wow, that was nine years ago?! Our 10 year reunion is only a year and a half away?! Grade 12 was probably the best of all my school years because I was finally within reach of being able to go out and learn what I wanted to learn--not what the school board thought I should be learning about. I still remember that cold February day... opening my acceptance letter to business college. My future was falling into place.

College... lol. Wow. As soon as I walked out the doors of my high school for the last time, I felt reborn. My high school reputation was toast and I literally had the chance to re-create myself. And boy did I ever! I remember college for drinking, partying, skipping class to go play pool, and spending my student loan money on God knows what. (Honestly--I wish I knew...) And the actual school part came so easily to me with what seemed like half the effort that high school required. I had more fun in that one year than I did in all of high school and I still managed to pull off a 95% average--top of the class :)

After college I got my first job. Literally, if you don't count babysitting jobs in high school. I tried applying at McDonald's the summer between high school and college but they didn't even call me for an interview. That's right! Now those fools are BEGGING people to come apply! I'm pleased to say that instead of McDonald's my first "real" job was working at the university. Yup, I was working there while all my friends had barely begun their education. That job didn't last long--they kept wanting to renew me on one-month terms. I ended up getting something better in the insurance industry and that one lasted 5 years. It wasn't my dream job but it gave me the experience I desperately needed.

In September of 2002 I bought myself a brand new car... BAD IDEA!! Maybe not in principle, but taking 6 or 7 years to pay it off was a bad idea. Next time I'll make sure to have a down payment, or buy something a year or two old--not brand new. Around November of 2002 my first of two darling kitties came into my life. Then in March of 2003 I moved away from home and slowly began to establish myself and a home for my dear kitty and I.

2003 to about 2006 all seem to blend in together in my mind. I needed to "find myself". I dated a bit, with my longest "relationship" lasting 3 months (if that). In 2006 I lucked out and found my way into the group of friends I've got now. We've had a ton of fun times and I consider myself both lucky and incredibly blessed. Enter kitty #2 in late 2004.

In the fall of 2006 I decided I needed more education, so I started taking Business Admin. night classes while still working full-time. The beginning of 2007 marked the start of my longest relationship (2 years). I look back on it thankful for the learning experiences, of which there were many. We'll leave it at that.

I left my insurance job in the fall of 2007 for something that was supposed to be better but turned out to be nothing like what I expected. In an incredibly lucky twist of fate (which I still thank God for today) I met a guy in my last Business Admin. class who helped get me the job I have today. I've never been happier!! I can see myself where I am for a loooooong time. So much opportunity, such wonderful people to work with, and the paycheques aren't bad either :)

2009 was possibly the biggest year of all. I bought my first condo!! All by myself too--no help from family whatsoever. Call it tough love, call it coming from a poor family... whatever you call it, it comes with a great sense of pride. It's not all fun and games though... I'm currently living paycheque to paycheque thanks to my taxes and condo fees going up plus a levy to pay for a new roof. But I know it'll be worth it in the long run... I keep telling myself "it's only temporary!"

The past ten years have flown by so fast at times, but at other times the seconds seemed to drag on like hours. I honestly think that this was the most eventful 10 years of my life. Think about it... education, starting a career, buying my first home... what else can top that? Am I where I thought I would be 10 years ago? More or less, yes. And at the time, I was dreaming big. But I've done it, and I couldn't be more proud!!

There you have it... the last ten years of my life summarized in ten paragraphs :) Here's to hoping the next ten years are just as successful! Cheers to health, prosperity, happiness, success... and Great beer! ;)