Last days

1.

I can’t even begin to tell you how ready I was to leave Texas. To put high school behind me. My senior year was unusually full of Suck (although in fairness to my friends, there was a decent amount of Wonderful too) and I needed a fresh start. So my parents and I loaded up our Jeep with all my books and clothes and bedding, and we headed for Pittsburgh. For the next stage of my life.

I don’t remember a lot about the drive, but I do remember one particular moment really well. We were on the freeway, just leaving Houston city limits. I was sitting behind the passenger seat, leaning into the corner, with my knees pulled up to my chest and my head against the window. Outside, telephone poles and used car lots were flying by. Soon they gave way to low, empty grasslands.

I wasn’t feeling scared. But I wasn’t happy either. I was just ready. For something new. And as I stared out the window, the sky gray, the ground flat, I had no clue what that something would be like. I didn’t really care.

2.

College was, as promised, the best four years of my life. I know that isn’t how it turns out for everyone, but I guess I got lucky. I made friends, I had fun, and I learned a ton about writing. I also met the man I plan to marry, and at the end of my senior year, he invited me to move in with him.

So on a hot day in May, I walked across the stage and got my diploma. The next afternoon I loaded up the Jeep once again, now with even more books and clothes and bedding. Alone, I made the short drive to Cincinnati, where my boyfriend was waiting in our new condo.

I cried as I pulled away from my dorm. I didn’t want to let go. I wanted to keep the past, even as I was looking forward to the future with Andy. I thought giving up one thing for another meant losing it forever. Losing that part of myself.

3.

I have purposely not talked much about my job. After all, that can be a dangerous thing to do on the web. But as I announced a few weeks ago, I recently resigned, and yesterday was my last day. I think it’s safe to say that I loved the company where I worked, and I especially loved my coworkers. They were my first friends here in Cincinnati; they made this city feel like home.

I did cry as I drove away from the office. But then a couple guys in the car next to me looked over, and I didn’t want to share my tears with them so I pulled myself together.

After that, it was easy not to cry. Because I wasn’t sad anymore. I realized that I’m embarking on a new stage in my life — a new chapter, if you will — but that doesn’t mean the last chapter isn’t still there, that it isn’t still a part of my story. It is. My coworkers aren’t going anywhere; I’m the one that left. But I can still go back, and I will.

Every last day is also a first.

This is the beginning of my life as a full-time writer. This is a celebration.


20 responses to “Last days”

  1. gingermandy Avatar

    you’re going to rock it :)

  2. Shari Avatar

    And THIS chapter? Now it’s your turn to write all the lines and craft the paths your story will take. If this beautifully written post is any indication, you are going to soar to even higher, more inspiring heights.

    Good luck!! :)

  3. T.S. Bazelli Avatar

    Every ending is a new beginning! I think this is just the start of something even more wonderful. Good luck!

  4. Sonja Avatar

    “Every last day is also a first.” That brought into mind the very end of “(500) Days of Summer” where the number 500 turns to the number 1.

    As I think you were saying, we never really leave behind anything. We bring it all forward with us. It will be interesting seeing what forward looks like for you now. :)

  5. Carrie Avatar

    Congratulations on your new beginning!

  6. JIm Snell Avatar

    Good things are gonna happen!

  7. Kristan Avatar

    Thanks, everyone!!

    And yes, Sonja, that’s what I was saying. :)

  8. jon Avatar

    Great little vignettes. You have developed a really unique, strong voice in your writing.

  9. Sarah Avatar

    I’m so excited for you. I love reading about your journey and experiencing the writer’s life right along with you. I’m still hanging on your coat tails! wheee!

  10. Les Avatar

    Woohoo! Here’s to moving on to a new stage in life :)

  11. Kristan Avatar
  12. Erika Liodice Avatar

    Good luck, Kristan! We’re all cheering for you!!

    Erika

  13. Larramie Avatar

    So how goes your second day of the work week as a full-time writer?

  14. Kristan Avatar

    So far so good… Lots of sleep, chocolate, and oh yeah, writing. ;D

  15. Juliann Wetz Avatar

    You look so excited and happy. You can tell you’re living your dream.

  16. Joy Avatar

    This post gave me goosebumps when I read it! I am so happy for you Kristan and am excited to see your future creations. Sending you all the positive fluffies, good juju and certainly the best in all your creative endeavors. Make it big girl!!

  17. Kristan Avatar
  18. Shveta Thakrar Avatar

    Congratulations, and best of luck! :)

  19. Meghan Ward Avatar

    I love to read about people’s non-writing lives on their blogs, so thanks for sharing that. And not to be a downer, but it’s okay if after a year you need to get a job again. Making a living as a full-time writer is very very difficult these days.

  20. Kristan Avatar

    Thanks, Meghan. Believe it or not, it’s nice to hear someone say that. I think I have a realistic goal for this year, but I also know that there’s a lot that is not within my control. The point will be to make the most of what is. :-)