Year 28

My birthday is next week, and as I turn 29, I’m reflecting on what Year 28 has been.

Let’s take a look at all that Year 28 has been.

Starting with: Year 28 – The year I moved out of state to a place I had never been where I knew nobody. Several people have told me how brave that was and to me, it was just a life decision that has brought me so much joy. I have made this state, this city, my own. I am strong, fierce, and independent and being here, in this new place of my own decision, is evidence of that. I’ve come here to blossom and blossom I have.

Year 28 – The year I almost quit my career. Yesterday, I texted my mom and told her that I love my job. I love being a teacher. Being a teacher brings me immense joy. But in September, and October, and November, I almost left the field. I was interviewing elsewhere, in other fields outside of education. I almost quit my job. I couldn’t stand it. I cried coming home from work on multiple occasions. I almost cried during the day sometimes. I felt so defeated that there were many days I would tell my coworker best friends that I didn’t think I was going to make it through the day. But I did. Each and every time. And I love my students. They’re the reason I’m in this gig. Year 28 – I tried it out, being an elementary school teacher, and maybe in another circumstance it would be my thing, but for now I’m going back to teaching high school. I miss it. Teaching high school is my jam. And I’m SO excited for the coming adventure at my new school.

Year 28 – The year I was asked to teach AP Spanish! This is a huge joy for me. I’m 28 for one more week and I’ve been appointed as the new AP teacher at my new school. I’m starting Year 8 in my career and I’m already teaching AP. That brings me so much pride and excitement!

Year 28 – The year I finished my second master’s degree. Well, technically the graduation ceremony was when I was 27 (a week before my 28th birthday), but I turned in all the final coursework a week into being 28, so it counts. 28 with two master’s degrees, I’m impressed with myself.

Year 28 – The year I got a tattoo, my biggest tattoo, in honor of all of my fur babies. Together in this bouquet of flowers on my ribcage, Kirby and Daisy are together with my zoo crew (Rosie, Joey, Ellie, and Brynn). It’s my favorite tattoo and so very meaningful.

Year 28 – The year I started dating again. After two years. And so far, so good. Really, so good.

Year 28 – The year I won the court case against the man who so horrifically abused me and killed my dogs. $162,338 he owes me. I won. I stood up to my abuser, called him out and took him to court for what he did to us, and I WON. Wow. This is one of the biggest prides of my life.

Year 28 – The year I was in the news (again). This time on TV news, on the radio, and in multiple newspapers (again). Pretty cool, pretty cool!

Year 28 – The year I reconciled with my sister after a falling out last year. And (I hope she’d agree but) I’d say we’re closer than ever. We’re finally friends, forming a new relationship aside from the one we had from our childhoods. Healing, it’s good. It’s really, really good.

Year 28 – The year I ended a close friendship because it didn’t serve me in my growth and goodness anymore.

Year 28. I feel like there’s so much more I could say, and there is, but this is enough to reflect on for the moment. It’s been a good year. Year 29 will be even better, and I have a sneaking suspicion that the years that follow will be just as good.

Year 28, a good year. And now, Year 29. The last of my 20s, but I’m ready for it. I’m not scared to turn 30 (although that doesn’t open it up to all the “ha omg you’re almost 30 jokes” you’ll want to say tsk tsk tsk). I’m excited for what the future holds.

So, cheers to Year 28. Bring on the last year of my 20s ❤