Tag: Life

Eat, Pray, WTF…

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Hi there!

I’m going, to be frank, this past year has been a total shitshow; for better (totally!), and for worse.

I’ve experienced a ton of growth, but not without having to go through some very extreme losses. I suppose this is what the good Lord meant by pruning. Without getting into the specifics, this year has taught me a lot about myself. I’ve learned about my good habits, my bad habits, and the habits that well, we’re gladly abandoning.

The really cool thing about going through messed up situations is that it teaches you about perspective. Funnily enough, even though I’ve learned some painful lessons, lost some relationships that I thought were on solid ground, etc. I can’t help but thank God for the experience.

Ok, I swear I’m not crazy or a masochist, but this year has taught me sooooo much, I would be a fool to consider it anything else but a blessing. Which leads me to explain why I’m finally back on my little blog.

Same weirdo, new direction

In light of my new outlook, I’ve decided to abandon my sense of normalcy and hit the road. I’ve gone AWOL. I figure since my parents are out of the country, there’s no one to protest my departure from the norm. That said, Abbey and I are going to take some time to travel around the US. Currently, we are in Big Bear Lake recovering from matrimonial hell (more on that later). My goal for my travels is to learn new things, try stuff that normally makes me uncomfortable, and finish these dang novels that have been percolating in my brains for SO LONG!!! This isn’t one of those I’m going to “find” myself trips. I know who I am, I just really want to explore before I get too old and hate myself for not doing anything scary. Also, hence the name change of this blog. 😉

 

Anyway, that’s what’s up with me. Stay tuned for more shenanigans. In the meantime, here are some photos of my trip so far. Cheers!

 

 

 

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Tabula Rasa

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My mom always says, “We plan, and God laughs”. Boy does that statement resonate with me more than ever.

I’m at a pivotal point in my life where I’m learning the art of resilience and looking at life’s challenges as opportunities rather than signs of doom. It’s no secret that change and uncertainty are two things I’ve come to dread, but now I’m finding that the unknown is slowly becoming an old friend that I can depend on.

With that, I’m exercising faith that by stepping into new endeavors, things will workout, whether I can foresee the outcome or not. So here’s to embracing the curve balls and alternate endings of life and to all the new adventures they will lead us to. 🙂

Best laid plans

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I’m not dead! Though two bouts of sinus infections would lead me to believe otherwise. So what have I been up to? Long story short, I’ve gotten sick, learned how to assert my boundaries– some relationships are better for it, others, well worse.

I’m going to be blunt. Life is awesome, yet tough, but in general, I’m in favor of it. I do my best to get along while being mindful of the needs of others. To date, I’ve spent a lot of time bending over backward to accommodate someone close to me and I am proud to say, I’m at wit’s end and I’ve decided to bow out and become a reduced character in that person’s life movie.

I don’t end/distance myself from loved ones easily. In fact, I typically go the long-suffering route, enduring infractions just to keep the peace. Quite frankly, I’m tired. No matter how hard I try, I can’t make a relationship work on my own.

So toxic relationships are lame, especially when you care about the person. My love for them doesn’t change. My willingness to accept their poor treatment/character does.

“The best–laid plans of mice and men often go awry definition. No matter how carefully a project is planned, something may still go wrong with it.” – Robert Burns

 

 

Feelings are…

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Lame! Seriously, my emotions are all over the spectrum this week.

I’ve been in Vegas for about 3-ish weeks, and while I’m happy to be back, it’s not been without its challenges.

 

I’m experiencing a few major life changes all at once. And while there’s more good than bad, my hormones are all over the place this week, which doesn’t help one iota. Fortunately, I’m aware that I’m chemically imbalanced this week, so I’m not taking myself and my feelings too seriously (hence this rant). I will admit that my dad leaving for Germany to join my mom for the next few years was more difficult than I anticipated.

My parents are cooler than me

So last year, my mom decided to take a job that would place her in Germany for at least 3 years. My dad stayed back to take care of their stateside affairs. That in of itself was tough, as I’m close to my mom, but I had my dad. But today as was  I driving him to the airport, I felt like I was 5 again trying to cling to my mother’s dress instead of running to join the other kids to play.

I know I’m being dramatic, but my parents are really two of my favorite people on this planet, so to have them both in Europe (though I’m extremely happy/proud) it’s going to take some adjusting on my part. It doesn’t help that I’m 27 going on 60, which often places me out of my peer group.

 

It’s not all bad

Even though my bio parents are enjoying their European lives, I do in fact have a Vegas mom. Long story short, I met my buddy Mandy at a MeetUp a few years ago, and we’ve been friends ever since. She’s so kindly allowed me to steal her mom, Pam, who I admittedly hangout with more than Mandy (she moved to Utah last year). Pam is this is quirky, blunt Chicagoan who is a total riot. We share similar humor, so we get along famously. Every time I stop by, I’m spoiled– as is Abbey. Funnily enough, she’s been trying to get me back here since last year.

In hindsight, I’m glad I didn’t move to Chicago (another story for another day) as I think being in a new city by myself wouldn’t have been that great. I’m sure I would’ve adapted, but being near family and friends is proving to be comforting.

Ok, feelings don’t suck that much

I’ll admit, I feel better after writing this. I still think that feelings are obstructions in the sense of accomplishing things, but whatevs, such is life. Anywho, I’ll try to blog more frequently, now that things seem to be settling down. I hope everyone is having a great Wednesday!

Strategic Sunday

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Hello hello!

So I didn’t blog as much as I would’ve liked this past week. I’ve been busy with work stuff and the upcoming move! I can’t believe that this time next week, I’ll be back in Vegas for much of the foreseeable future. It’s a weird feeling honestly. I’m super stoked of course, but part of me will always love the California sun. That and the weather here was been AMAZING and Vegas is amping up to the 90s currently. But I digress! Here’s what I’m up to this week, and I plan on having a progress report ready next Saturday!

Work

  1. Tidy up design with client
  2. Get started on a bunch of newly assigned articles from a PHENOMENAL new client (so stoked!)
  3. 1st draft of my awesome super secret new company

Life

  1. 10k steps a day!
  2. Finish packing
  3. Prep clothing donation box
  4. Find a place to live!
  5. Blog at least 3 times
  6. Enjoy  life

Welp, that’s all for me this week. I’m very excited for all that’s to come. I hope everyone has a super awesome/productive week! 🙂

RIP Darwin

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Back in February, I was involved in a car accident in which Darwin, my car, didn’t make it. As I was driving from Long Beach to Monterey, a dude rear-ended me, spilling my newly purchased iced Macchiato all over my car. Even better, Abbey was in the car with me. Now, being involved in a car accident with my dog in the car, happens to be one of my biggest fears, so as the car impacted mine, my first thought was for the safety of Abbey.

Fortunately, she was fine, just a little spazzed out. I was fine for the most part too. Just stressed out about the logistics of the situation. The accident occurred in LA during the evening and I didn’t have any friends who were in the vicinity that could pick me up. Incidentally, I had to call a potential client turned family friend to explain my situation. I was so fortunate that she came out, picked me up as my car was being towed away and allowed me to spend the night at her house.

All in all, it wasn’t a bad accident to have. My insurance company (Progressive), was awesome at taking care of everything. Coincidentally, the guy who hit me was also insured by Progressive and it was clearly his fault, so the matter was resolved within a week. Even though I received a decent amount for my car, I was sad that my little 2010 Toyota Corolla was soon to be no more. It was my first car and I planned on keeping it until it couldn’t run anymore. But, plans change, I guess.

If I’m being honest, it wasn’t just about losing my vehicle, there were a lot of memories entangled in that car. From road trips, moving to different states, going to and graduating schools, that car had seen a lot. So, because I wasn’t able to say “goodbye” to Darwin, this is my way of doing so. I’m thankful that it kept me and Abbey safe, and for all of the adventures it helped me facilitate. Darwin will be missed.

My dog is a jerk, but I love it

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Morning Walk

Abbey and I have been buddies since March, 2013. I was sitting in a Starbucks one day thinking I needed a dog. Looking back, I was so ill-prepared, but I persevered, managing to keep us both alive and relatively sane for the past 4 years. I love my dog. She’s the best. But if I had to be completely honest, her level of obedience is about 75% at best. This secretly makes me proud.

 

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Without a care in the world

A mind of her own

I’ll admit, I’m a stubborn son of a gun, questioning everyone and everything, if it suits me. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that my dog behaves the same way. When we’re in the house, she’s pretty good about following directions. But if I’m away, she’ll get into food that’s within her reach, or she’ll sit on the couch. I’ve straight up come home and she’ll be on the floor. However, I’ll touch the couch and it feels warm (not too slick there, Abbey). Or, if we’re outside and she’s off the leash, she will not listen to me, unless I’ve called her a dozen times and I sound angry. In these moments, I’ll grumble, muttering to myself that my dog is an a**, but I’ll have a slight smile of pride on my face. This might sound crazy, but I couldn’t deal with a dog who has 100% allegiance to my command. Heck, I don’t even obey myself 100% of the time.  Blind obedience means you aren’t thinking for yourself, so when she deviates from desired behavior, I’d like to think it’s because she’s doing her own thing. Part of me can never be too mad about that, lol.

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Love this crazy mutt

As that crazy mutt is approaching 6 this year, I’m so thankful for her and all of the fun/zany adventures that we’ve encountered. It’s funny, she’s not a big barker, but when I saw her at the shelter 4 years ago, she made sure to get my attention, and I’m so glad she did. 🙂

Taryn and the journey back to Satan’s Buttcrack

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Yep, you’ve read that correctly. I, Taryn, am moving back to Vegas! Early readers of this blog,  know that I loathed living in Las Vegas. I was always constantly dreaming and scheming of ways to move back to Cali. Last year, I did that! I even lived a 5 minute’s walk from the beach. It wasn’t a bad setup, really. So why, on earth would I want move to the place I complained oh so much about? Well…

Vegas wasn’t my enemy…

…rather my mindset was. If there’s anything I’ve learned in the last year, it’s that chasing ghosts will literally get you nowhere. I also had to come to terms with that, even though unpleasant things happen (crappy job, new environment, etc.) it’s not necessarily the place that’s to blame. Recently, I had an epiphany that made me reevaluate how I looked at Vegas. I thought to myself “If I didn’t experience unpleasant circumstances, would I actually hate Las Vegas?” That answer was a resounding “no”.

Friends and Family

Last year, my mom took a job within that relocated her to Germany (more on this later). I was super stoked for her, but that meant that my parents would no longer be in California. My dad stayed back for a year to help with the transition. But as of a few weeks, all of my immediate family will either be in Germany or in Vegas. Since I’m big on family, and I have 7 niece and nephews ( I’ll explain more later), it’s high time I got back. In addition, I made some awesome friendships in Vegas, that I didn’t realize that I’d miss dearly until I left. It’s funny, sometimes what you’re looking for happens to be right smack in front of you, you just didn’t realize it.

I like Vegas

This is probably one of the harder things to admit. I took so many perks and luxuries for granted. I didn’t realize this until I move away, but man, Vegas has some neat advantages:

  • For starters, it’s wayyyyyy more affordable compared to literally anywhere in California.
  • 24 hours Starbucks (Need I say more?)
  • Mccarran Airport: it’s super easy and cheaper to fly anywhere out of Vegas
  • I also loved going to Red Rock and Mt. Charleston.
  • Live music and entertainment (Sooooo convenient)
  • No fleas!!! (Abbey was struggling in Long Beach with those pesky things)
  • I love the desert (that took me by surprise, haha)

On to the next grand adventure

So in the next few weeks, I’ll be leaving Monterey to move back to Satan’s Buttcrack! I’ll admit, the summers will be hot, but what I’m getting in return, outweighs that significantly. I’m so stoked for the move and can’t wait to see what’s in store. 🙂

Is this thing on?

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Guess who’s back from the dead?! 

… Well the blogging dead, that is,

 

After a year long unintended hiatus, I triumphantly return back to writing my thoughts aloud. A lot has happened in a year.

I conquered. I failed. I conquered again! I also failed again. But such is life and I’m learning to find the beauty of it all.

 

There’s a lot for me to share. Seriously, I’ve been a busy bee, but I don’t have the patience for organizing my thoughts right not (details are the bane of my existence), but I wanted to write just for the sake of writing. It’s been SOOOOO long since I’ve written anything for myself, and I suspect that it’s made me a little insane recently.

 

Logically Illogical

 

Last year, I figured out how to work my brain, which led me on this morally superior bent, touting my hyper rational ways of life. For reals, I was this douchey “I”m super smart and can think my way out of anything” person. Looking back, I have no clue how my friends and family tolerated my arrogant ass.  But I digress. No matter how “logical” one may seem, you can’t explain away your feelings. In fact, the more I tried, the worse off I was.

My feelings are like an invisible hurricane, uncontrollably destroying everything in its wake, with no end in sight. Generally speaking, that’s where writing comes in. When I write, it’s like releasing a dam of pent up feelings. Like magic, whatever negative feeling I’m harboring gets released into the wild after a nice writing session. For some dumb reason, I quit writing and admittedly it was a terrible decision.

If I don’t process my emotions in a healthy matter, I tend to get self-destructive. Fortunately for me, I’m terrible at being an alcoholic and abusing substances just doesn’t hold its appeal, so back to writing I go! It’s been an interesting year, so I have a lot to unload, so stay tuned for some interesting stories as I dust the cobwebs off of this bad boy! It’s good to be back. 🙂

 

PS. For my fellow INTPS out there, here’s a nifty article on feelings. It’s good stuff!