The Birthday
1:42:00 AM
1. I moved to Seattle-- the biggest shocker! I always said I wasn't very interested in Seattle. I really like it though.
2. I went car-less. Three days before I moved to downtown Seattle I decided to sell my car in Las Vegas. That was a huge decision considering I've driven a car every day since I was 15-16. And guess what? I don't regret it! It's actually been super freeing.
3. I bought a miniature goldendoodle. I always said I'd buy a dog when I got married, and it was going to be a Yorkie. Scratch that plan! I imported my little Bentley from Iowa last October. He's the best 17 lbs of love that I could have ever imagined. His birthday is 3 days before mine! I love having a one year old.
4. I created a work/life balance. In Las Vegas at Zappos I used to work 60+ hours a week and get consumed with career goals. I realize now that the reward from this stops at the doors to the office. This year I've created a better balance between work, relationships, and personal development.
5. I started investing in the stock market. I'm learning a lot and I love tracking different companies and markets.
6. I moved into a high rise studio apartment. Going from a 160 acre farm in Minnesota to a studio apartment in a high rise sounds like a big adjustment. Surprisingly it hasn't been difficult at all. My view from the 20th floor helps.
7. I had a few months of online dating escapades. I learned the ropes of about eight different sites in case anyone needs help.
8. I met an amazing guy.. offline! Read my post, "How I Met My Boyfriend Without a Dating Site" for more on that.
9. I stopped damaging my skin. It's hard not to lay out at the pool every weekend when you live in Las Vegas. Living in Seattle has been great for skin-cancer-prevention.
10. I cooked! Since Zappos had its free cafeteria and I worked so much, I rarely cooked during the week. I've since learned to make some favorites like pineapple chicken kabobs, chicken lettuce wraps, and wonton ravioli (here for recipe).
11. I walk way more, like ~8 miles/day. This is a perk of living in the city without a car. Thanks to my Fitbit for motivating me to get those extra steps.
12. I got my first cavity. That was rather traumatizing as the daughter of a dentist.
13. I learned to not get so offended. I've learned that when someone is outright rude it is almost always about them, not you.
15. I spend less time explaining myself. I am better at owning my decisions without feeling like I need to defend them.
16. I became an artist. When I couldn't find the perfect art for my apartment wall, I made my own! I think I'll do it again in the future. Check out version 1 here and my version 2 here.
17. I went to church online. I miss attending Central Christian Church in Henderson, NV....so much! I'm beyond grateful for their weekly live streaming. Check it out here,
Cheers to this next year of unexpected adventures!
Dylan
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