Three weeks ago I squeezed as much of my earthly belongings that I could into my car and left the city that I have called home for nine years behind me. With my sister as my co-pilot we drove across the country to my new home. The decision surprised everyone, but no one was as surprised as I was.
About a month before I was on the phone with an old friend of mine, who was looking for one-room apartments because her roommate was leaving. I immediately said "no" to her. After the conversation I felt me answer gnawing at me. This was my chance, after nine years of miserable winters, telling people that I couldn't wait the the chance to leave, I chicken out. The time was perfect, my lease was up, single, I am working two jobs I hate, and haven't started grad school yet. The thought of leaving my friends and family was so overwhelming, but not as bad as the thought of leaving my comfort zone. So, after realizing that my friends and family will always be there for me, I called my friend back and gave her a "yes."
So here I am, three weeks later. My sister went back home, leaving me in a city where I only know one soul. The first night without my sister my roommate forced me into going out to dinner with her friends. After trying to get out of it, I found myself sitting at a table with seven strangers. After dinner we went out for drinks, I had fun...surprising considering that I don't usually go out of my way in social settings. These folks were laid back, I felt like I could do the small talk thing without hating myself throughout the process. My roomie and I decided to bar hop and left everyone else behind. Despite the tremendous humidity, I was having fun. The next day a friend of ours came into town, so four nights in a row were dedicated to partying, it was fun, in the process I ended up getting pally with one of my roommate's friends.
I realize that something about this big change is agreeing with me, I am starting to shed that wallflower persona that I have had my whole life, its not easy, but I feel like this is my time to work on myself, make friends, and who knows...maybe find love?