friday, august 2, 2002

You may notice a break here in the journal. Nearly a year�s worth of entries missing from this site. Well, a lot�s happened in that year, and I�ve catalogued it in various journals over the past 10 months. Hopefully, I�ll have them up before the next year comes around.

In the meantime, here�s a synopsis.

. . . . . . . .

My best friend sent me an email reminding me it was a year ago today that I packed up my things (on rather abrupt notice) and headed north for unknown territory. I left familiar faces and places for a city where I didn't know a single soul (except for one longtime friend from high school) and didn't even have a job (yes, I'm crazy and yes, I'm crazy -- and yes, I just repeated that -- it's called reiteration and emphasis).

Craziness.

The year in summary . . .

- Coming to New York without a job was stupid. Temping at various companies at various places was fun. Finding a job with a steady income two months later was even better.

- The Lord proved to me once again that He is faithful.

- Saw a city and nation in torment on 9/11. Wondered how we'd ever move on. Now I wonder if we've forgotten.

- I wrote a handful of new songs. Recorded a few of them. Allowed a few people to take a listen. I'm making baby steps (it's more like crawling but heck, it's something).

- I got plugged into my bible study group (with the encouragement from HC and Mr. Sang), and I can't express enough how grateful I am for that.

- I discovered how fun a lazy Saturday afternoon in Central Park can be.

- Turned one year older. Bleh.

- Had someone who cared deeply for me. I was spoiled by his affections. I let him go, and it was the right thing to do.

- One of my closest friends got married last August.

- Then my best friend got married in September.

- Then another good college friend got hitched in October (the seventh and last wedding of 2001).

- Dad is waiting patiently for my turn (he shouldn't hold his breath).

- I befriended Miriam at the cafe next to my office. She gives me free cookies.

- I learned how to say "I'm sorry".

- I developed a fondness for Boston (but only given nice weather conditions).

- I learned relationships take a lot of work. Hard work. It's why I'm single.

- But I also learned that I'm capable of opening up, caring for, and sharing part of my life with someone. It's important that I know that.

- I saw my parents for the first time in 2 years. I hope I'll see them again before the next two come around.

- I learned that it's okay to cry.

- To ask for help.

- To have that extra scoop of ice cream for dessert without feeling guilty.

- The previous three in moderation, of course.

- I learned how to make a white russian and an apple martini. Yum.

- I saw the following artists perform live: Edie Carey, Kevin So, Francis Kim, Susan Calloway, Jenny Choi, Annie Lin, Leisure, Brenda Weiler, Belle & Sebastian, and United We Stand Benefits Concert (featuring N'Sync, Bette Midler, James Brown, Pink, O Towne, Back Street Boys, Mariah Carey, and more).

- I never knew I could miss my brother and sister so much.

- I hated mice when I was a kid. I still hate them with a passion even now.

- For the first time, I understood what it meant to be lonely.

- Thanks to my boss, I learned that Elvis has not left the building.

- Once again, I realized some people come and some people go. But some friends are so darn stubborn, they still stick around. Thanks, guys. I'm a lucky girl.

- Getting my second root canal earlier this year hasn't curbed my craving for sweets at all (it's sickening but oh so good).

- I keep in touch better now with my best friend than I did when I lived 10 minutes away from her.

- I was introduced to Tomoe Sushi, and it has got the best damn raw fish ever known to man.

- Insomnia still sucks.

- Got a condenser mic for my birthday and the quality of my recordings have never sounded so darn good (thanks FF!).

- I made new friends.

- I saw gorgeous stars in the city for the first time (granted they were indoors at the Planetarium but it still counts -- thank you Linny!).

- I watched a broadway show for the first time.

- Saw my first major league baseball game in Yankee stadium.

- I learned that living on your own is hella expensive, but my independence is worth every dime.

- I realize the older I get, the more of a kid at heart I become.

- People told me I'd develop a hard edge living here in New York. Hell, I had it before I got here. Okay, so if you know me, you probably know I'm too nice for my own good. That still hasn't changed, but I'm working on it. ;)

- For now, this is home.

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Copyright � 2001 Rachel Young