Here At the 6 Year Mark

So, my previous post was a blog I wrote 4 years ago about my time here in Kansas. Today, I mark the offical 6 years. You know, I'm really glad that I have not once tried to predict my future. Well, other than the occasional "in 5 years I'll be married to Sufjan Stevens/Justin Timberlake" stuff. I feel like I've come full circle since I've lived in Kansas. When I first got here, I felt like I could conquer the world if I worked hard enough. More importantly, I was willing to put in the hard work it would take if I wanted to conquer the world. However, somewhere along the way I lost the naive spark I had about life and decided that the world owed me something. I know now that it never will. I don't know if I'd be willing to re-do the last 6 years...but I'd definitely try it out. When I got to Kansas I had the basics...the most important being my sidekick, and my only friend in Kansas...Max. I had no friends, no where to really go, and nothing to really do. So I just worked (and for the first time in my life I actually stuck to a budget). I was afraid that I would be limited to eating peanut butter & jelly sandwiches every day...but I didn't have to.
Then I made friends. I can't really say that every "friend" I made along the way really had my best interests in their hearts, or tried to help me become a better person. All I know is that somewhere along the way I lost track of my goal and who I was. That will probably be one of the biggest regrets of my life. I went carless for a few months and was homeless on a couple of occasions (not really, really homeless, but just homeless-haha). I just wish that I wouldn't have settled for less than what I knew was best for me. Needless to say, er write, there are quite a few things I would do 100% different if given the chance...but I don't want to re-live the past. I believe those were all learning steps for my future.
I am thankful for the paths that I have been allowed to follow. I am thankful that God blessed me with the amazing circle of friends I now have. I am thankful for the opportunities being provided to me each day, and most importantly, I am thankful for all of the support and encouragement that my friends and family have provided me over the past 6 years. Without being encouraged to be independent and grow I never would have lasted here. Never.

I saw this shirt today...it will be worn next May when I walk across the stage...finally :)