Ah my very first blog post… believe it or not, I’ve written this probably 30 times now. And each time I had a new perspective, different direction, or any other excuse I could come up with to erase what I had written before. It’s a scary thing, pouring it all out. It makes you feel vulnerable and uncomfortable, two things I do NOT like. For being such an opinionated and “open” person, I don’t really express my feelings…until now! So if you’ve made it this far already, thanks for sticking around. I promise I won’t be too boring (at least I hope not) and can hopefully offer some perspective on life’s challenges that we literally ALLLLLLLLL go through. Remember, there’s safety in numbers.
I’ve created this space so I can post and share whatever I want, whether it be my photography, a new recipe, an awesome new painting, or an interesting conversation with my best friend. I can’t really tell you what to expect since every day is different {cliche, I know}. I’m one of those people who never really had a constant hobby. Every week brings a new path and medium, so hang on for the ride. I may have a college degree in business, but I’m still pretty new to this, so bare with me while I figure this all out and make this space not only nice to read, but pretty to look at.
Inception
I grew up in a military family. To some, it explains a lot. To others, it just means my dad’s a veteran. What it actually means is ‘home’ was wherever the Army decided to send us. By the time I graduated high school, I had lived on two different continents and lived in 7 states {some even more than once}.
I remember 12 hour long road trips with my annoying little brother from Georgia to Oklahoma, Virginia to Florida, and Louisiana to anywhere but there {certainly wasn’t my favorite duty station, can you tell}. The longest I ever lived in one place was about 3 and a half years. I always get mixed reactions when talking about my childhood.
“How could you move so often?” “You must be great a making new friends!” “Wow, you got to travel SO much..”
Luckily, I was an outgoing kid and was able to adjust to my surroundings pretty quickly. It also gave me a network of friends all across the country and the world. Oh! I didn’t even mention that I was born oversees. Love story alert; mom and dad met in a rock club while dad was stationed in Germany, and convinced themselves to get married when the magnificent miracle came along that was me {you are welcome}.
Looking back, it was honestly really hard. I learned from a very young age about having to say goodbye and let people go. Eventually I built the mindset not to get close to people because soon enough I would have to say goodbye. This has followed me into my adult life, much like everyone’s childhood does haha. Even in college, I wound up transferring to three different schools before I graduated. Every place has felt temporary and the feeling of “home” has always escaped me. The constant in my life was always my parents and brother. They were there for all tear-filled goodbyes, long nights in the car, and endless paper cuts from packing and unpacking boxes.
Let’s Celebrate
Being able to experience a wide variety of environments at such a young age taught me the beauty in diversity and celebrating it with each other. Each friend I made brought a new culture and perspective and showed me that we have so much to learn from one another. Differing perspectives have always fascinated me and I’m constantly trying to learn about other cultures and ways of life. During elementary and middle school, I was absolutely obsessed with ancient Egypt. For the social studies fair, I decided to do my project of mummification and even showcased it on one of my poor Barbie dolls, even though I was more of Bratz type of gal. Not to toot my own horn, but toot toot, I won and made it to the next level. Sadly, I got “sick” that day and couldn’t make it.
Oh, I also forgot to mention that I’ve struggled with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and anxiety my entire life (but I’ll save that for another day). I didn’t know it back then but my anxiety is what caused my IBS flare ups, but I just thought I was broken. Turns out, everyone is broken so it’s all good. Like I said, there’s safety in numbers.
Until next time..
I think this is where I’ll end if for today. I’m still figuring out my flow and what I’d like to share, so any feedback is welcome and encouraged! If you have any suggestions for future topics, leave a comment below. Tell me your thoughts, pour it all out.
Pour Your He a r t Out 
Definitely subscribing for new posts, I’d love to hear what goes on inside that wild child mind of yours!
LikeLike
Just wait until the blog post featuring YOU comes out! haha
LikeLike
I know how you feel, being a “Military Brat” and going everywhere around the world. Having family in the military is a blessing and a curse; on one hand, you get to travel to different places and experience new things and meet new friends. However, on the other hand, knowing that every 2-3 years or so, you have to essentially restart all over again isn’t always fun.
Everyone has different experiences with friends that we all meet wherever we travel, and I am very happy to hear that you have a long connection of friends everywhere you go, but I had (and still have) it different. I haven’t talked with almost anyone I have met and were “friends” with everyone that I met, but to be honest, most of the people I considered “friends” were just merely acquaintances. I’m always open to catch up with people I’ve met years and years ago, but to be honest, I don’t think they would remember me.
I really enjoy having something like this available to just let your voice be heard and to hopefully talk with people I haven’t heard from in a very long time. Thank you, Alisia!
LikeLike
Thanks for taking the time to read, Austin! Social media has certainly helped to bridge the gap, but doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of other bridges that didn’t burn down, because I’ve also had my fair share of “friends” who were barely acquaintances. But I sure do remember you and our classes together at FTCA. If you ever want to chat and catch up, I’m only a message away. Hope all is well!
LikeLike
This was great. Can but soy to read more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was great. Can but soy to read more.
LikeLike
Beautiful inside and out! Intriguing and entertaining, looking forward to the next part of your journey!!
LikeLike
Thanks a bunch Tom! I’ll be sure to mention your amazing zucchini bread that I miss so much haha
LikeLike
Love it! Thanks for giving us a glimpse behind the fun snap stories and some insight into your worldview and what makes you tick. I related to so much of this – specifically the military family life and dealing with anxiety, which has always felt about as unpredictable and jarring as an earthquake. Can’t wait to see what else you have to share!
LikeLike