On Moving, Two Years Later

6 hours ago

3 min read

Does everyone else get this reflective and introspective around birthday time? Just me? Cool cool cool. This birthday felt big for me. I never imagined my life past 27. Not in an alarming way, I just love a tragic story. October also marks another year since moving back to Austin. My heart is being stretched so wide every day that I’m away from San Diego. But of course I feel the same about Austin when I’m there now. Ugh. I wish I could put you all in my pocket and take you on adventures.

I’ve seen a lot of seasons since moving back. I went through the worst shit of my life as soon as I got settled in here, rip whiskey. I knew it would be a long time of rest and planting good seeds for when I was ready to exist again. Last year, I was focusing on engaging with my community and puzzling. I was learning to take care of my future self. Boy oh boy, do they know how good it’s about to get??

I got a swanky new lead barista gig at the hottest new shop this side of the river. We are approaching our six month anniversary, it has been the biggest privilege to watch this community grow. We’ve been making really good coffee and we’ve been hosting many fun events. I participated in my first latte art throwdown, which is another cool thing to check off my bucket list. The puzzles have become a huge favorite and puzzle night was an instant hit. Something that I have been nurturing and growing is coming beautifully to fruition.

Since this felt like a very big birthday for me, I decided I wanted to make a big deal out of it. I gifted myself a sweet little vacation to San Diego to see Hayley Williams. I got to lay in the grass and look at like three stars and a whole lot of light pollution and listen to my favorite artist. There was a lot of very simple human things- dinner with friends, movie night, crafting. I started a new big project that I am really excited about, more details later but a little teaser here. We went to our favorite bar for karaoke and the DJ sang the song that he always refused to sing. And life is good. It's like I never left.

I wore fairy wings to work on my birthday, because I've always dreamt of being a little coffee fairy. More and more of my dreams are coming true every day. That evening, my friends and I absolutely tore it up at Blazer Tag. It was such a blast. It is every bit as fun as I remember it being and it was so special to share that with all my friends. I love having belly laughs and creating cool stuff with my friends.

My job rocks, I had great birthday, and I'm living alone for the first time ever. This is also the closest I’ve ever lived to my parents and it’s been so wonderful. My space is starting to feel like me, and the dust is settling. It is such a privilege to come home to peace and quiet and my own mess right where I left it. Except when kittens meow outside my door. I still don’t know what to do about it. It’s draining my energy. I can’t believe this is my life.