Not Much and Everything

I graduated from college 10 years ago today.

Just saying that makes me feel old. College feels like forever ago. More than a decade, actually.

But, at the same time, it has flown by. It feels like yesterday that I packed up my senior year apartment and moved home to my parents house. For the summer only, mind you.

In true "Long Story Short..." fashion, I offer up to you, this May 2009, a 10-year retrospective on the last 10 years of my life. I hope you enjoy walking back down this very long, often crooked, always scenic walk down memory road with me. It's more than a lane, I'll confess. It's a long road.

1999:
We were partying like it was 1999. I graduated from college, drove the 60 miles back from Athens, Georgia to my hometown of Atlanta, clutching my Summa Cum Laude diploma, crying the whole way. I was gainfully employed, scheduled to start two days later, at the Atlanta Hawks, fulfilling what I thought at the time was my dream career. I worked for three weeks, then set off on the pre-arranged backpacking tour through Europe with Mandi and Anna. I learned a lot, drank a lot, walked a lot, and slept very little as we saw 12 countries in less than six weeks. After that trip, I knew I could conquer the real world. I had another thing coming. My first year as a "marketing professional" was met with long hours, minimal pay, challenging clients, sexism in a 'boys club' environment and my very first post-college apartment with two girls that I didn't know very well. My Honda Accord was reliable, my "kissing makes me claustrophobic" boyfriend was not.

2000:
The work with the NBA was eye-opening in so many ways as I traversed the sports world with a level of combined naivete and knowing. I met interesting people, made barely enough money to cover my rent, and balanced living with roommates with missing college. At a cousin's wedding in June, I made the pivotal decision that would pave the path of my next decade: I ordered another glass of wine. That wine led to a tipsy conversation, with me emboldened and curious, with Molly as to what life would be like if I moved with her to Chicago. Five days later, I'd pulled the trigger, signed a lease and was making big plans. I'd never been to Chicago, but in September of 2000, after quitting my job, selling Rhonda the Honda to a little lady named Phyllis, saying a very tearful and heartfelt goodbye to my family and the Posse, I moved there in a U-Haul with all of my belongings. Living with Molly, Jill and Shannon changed my life. I laughed more than I knew was possible, saw more snow than I knew existed, drank more Appletinis than was normal, prank called the 7-Eleven all too often, dominated the boys in Cranium, hosted parties with our four young (cute) neighbor guys, cheered for a host of KU games and befriended many people with whom I would share many a bar stool over what we deemed "our freshman and sophomore years in Chicago." The soundtrack for this year would have to include David Gray, U2, Coldplay, Shaggy and Wyclef Jean. Turns out Wyclef was wrong: there is no such thing as a Perfect Gentleman. At least, not yet.

2001:
In my Chicago Sophomore year, I was working at a small design firm where my boss didn't like me, but I solidified my love of the marketing process. We were still young enough to go out on a Tuesday and stay up way too late on a weeknight and still look shiny and fresh for a 9 am meeting. Life was good. I dated a lot, kissed many frogs, but still enjoyed the nights with my girls most of all. My visits back to Atlanta were mostly for holidays and weddings, as my friends' lives changed in different ways than mine did. The entire world changed in September of that year, and it shook me to my core to be evacuated out of the office that was located near the Federal Building and within "crumble-range" of the Sears Tower. I was still pretty broke, but lived large in my own eyes. I cut my hair super short and felt good. In October, I finally saw U2 in concert for the first time - and was moved - especially during the 9/11 tribute set to "One." Eight years later, the song still carries deeper meaning for me than it did before. The thickness and length of winter continued to surprise me, but so did the attitude of most Chicagoans; the feeling that the weather doesn't stop you from going to the party - it is just another guest at the event. I bought a lot of scarfs that year.

2002:
Following the market, my small design firm began a year-long layoff that began, unfortunately, in April with me and several other colleagues. It was my first time at "failure," despite the fact that I knew, cognitively, that it wasn't to do with me personally, but I took it hard. Filing unemployment, and going on a first date, the same week as getting laid off of my second job out of college was humbling. The guy understood, and our "relationship" endured through the summer as we luxuriated in the warmth that is Chicago summer. Molly and Shannon, after two wonderful and hilarious years in Chicago, moved to LA to pursue bright lights, big jobs and a boyfriend. Not the same one. Jill and I made our way north, to my first 'brownstone' apartment. I felt very urban. And, finally employed. As the year closed, I had accepted a job in healthcare marketing at a small, privately held firm, and anticipated the new year with glee. And, promptly quit the hostessing job at Flat Top Grill. My entire closet smelled like stir fry anyway.

2003:
Winter granted me experience shoveling a backyard, a few opportunities to dig out Jill's jeep from the ice-packed alley, and a new friendship with Kristen, as we shared an office together and grew to become more than co-workers. We moved offices twice and I got really good at un-packing, decorating, packing and re-decorating my very own office. Work was challenging, and I surprised even myself as I took on more clients, bigger engagements and a heavier workload - and I loved every minute of it. Liz came to visit for Flug Tag, and we drank a lot of red bull, partied with a small-time MTV celebrity, and she fell off her bike. We flew with Luke high above the Chicago skyline and marveled at the huge city I called home. I also met Tracy and Brenna this year, two friendships that endure and strengthen today. The Atlanta wedding parade continued to impress. The bridesmaid dresses, however, did not.

2004:
Continuing to charade as an adult, I bought my first car this year, and made the 13-hour drive from Atlanta with it by myself. And didn't get lost. I participated in my first work photo shoot, and wore a box on my head willingly on camera. My mom and I went on a cruise to the Caribbean when I needed a break from the Chicago weather. I dated a Secret Service Agent and was simultaneously unnerved and turned on by the fact that he wore a gun to the office. In support of my Buckeye friends, I drove to Columbus and wore red and gray for a change, rather than red and black. Settling into my post-college life in Chicago, and my love for Matilda bar in Lakeview, I celebrated my golden birthday this year, turning 28 on the 28th.

2005:
Dating still consisted of a few great dates and then the guys falling into the vortex, and I spent a lot of time asking why. When summertime hit, I spent weekends sailing on Lake Michigan as Captain Vytas took the helm of his boat, and my career, serving us both well. Laura moved to Chicago, and instantly, when combined with me and Kristen, we became inseparable and bound for the good kind of trouble. And, quite often, the bad kind of hangover. With bruises. Admittedly, with some difficulty, I finally let go of my first love and congratulated his engagement. In a storm of emotions, I amicably separated from my five-year roommate Jill and bought my first piece of real estate this year. Additionally, I learned the hard way how difficult and stressful a renovation project can be, especially for a control freak. Despite the increasing signs advising me to leave, I stuck out a very tough fall at my job, helped re-brand a major medical university, secured the trust and devotion of many clients and turned the corner on my career.

2006:
Right after the new year, I dragged two great buddies, Sam and Jack, to Detroit (their hometown) for a visit to Jimmy Kimmel Live during the Superbowl. The boys got over not having tickets to the game when we arrived at the Sony VIP party where we met all sorts of famous people. I lost my sunglasses on St. Patrick's Day at Stanley's, but met a nice Irish guy. Traveling for work was the name of the game, and I spent a lot of time en route to Billings, Montana. Which, roughly translated, meant I slept on the floor of the Denver airport a few times too many. Not long after, I got dumped by the Irish guy via email, immediately after meeting his parents over Easter weekend in Wisconsin. Luckily, I knew we were not meant to be, and rebounded before I could say "inbox." Roadtripping with the girls, I experienced live concerts at Alpine Valley Amphitheater for the first time, and saw Dave Matthews Band and Coldplay under the stars. I watched my two dear friends, Tracy and Vytas, get married that fall, and was proud to witness their love. Without being a bridesmaid. Long in the making, I quit my job and took a new one at a larger B2B marketing firm, and quickly made a host of new friends. When Laura was mugged on the Blue Line on her way to Columbus for the OSU v. Michigan game, I sprang into action and drove her all the way to Columbus (speeding ticket not withstanding) and spent the weekend in scarlet/gray revelry. That December, I was slated to turn the big 3-0. At the end of the month. Little did I know, my friends Jill and Josh had other (surprise) plans for me. My Posse flew into town to mix and mingle with my Chicago buddies, and it was a weekend to remember. The snowstorm kept a lot of loved ones away, but couldn't put a damper on my mood. A trolley pub crawl for New Year's Eve turned out to be a great way to usher in the new year.

2007:
In need of some warm weather, I accompanied my OSU fans out west for the Championship game. The game stings a bit for them, but the road trip to Sedona almost made up for the loss. We explored the desert, saw books on the Vortex, drank margaritas and watched the sun set over the red rocks. Together, which was the best part. With a new job and new clients, I traveled the state of Illinois conducting wide-scale photo shoots for an amazingly clever, incredibly inspiring campaign. I enjoyed a new crush on a guy who was totally wrong for me, and proved my chops while interviewing a multi-billionaire for work. Liz's bachelorette party meant digging out an old bridesmaid dress and a weekend with the best girls. Her wedding that summer was an incredibly soaked (thanks to a tropical storm) but amazingly hilarious experience of love and friendship. My agency swept the industry awards, providing plaques to prove the hard work was worth it. We saw Indigo Girls from a blanket picnic at Ravinia, and toasted Kristen's 30th from a booze cruise on the lake. Josh proposed to Jill, and Katie and I made the trek following them up to Mackinac Island with the sailing gear, paid for by the captain. Gina made us proud on American Idol, which brought new fans to our old stomping grounds watching Then Again at Joe's. Tracy and her Captain Vytas set sail on their (still going) adventure, and after a weekend in Union Pier, I was heading for my own. Fall witnessed a girls' trip to Mexico, and we snorkled in caves, rode ziplines through the jungle, lounged by our own pool and drank margaritas with Tarzan, in what turned out to be the smartest money I'd spent in a long time. I took a chance and made my way to a birthday party across town, and changed the course of the next year of my life.

2008:
With a Bull's game and a game of 20 questions at the bar, a new relationship was formed. So was a late-night affinity for Rockband, a newfound love for the beaches of Michigan, and the people that reside there. The girls and I took advantage of box seats for Bon Jovi, and rocked out like it was the 80s all over again. When Molly turned 30, I flew out to join in the parade of love, expensive food and fancy clothes. I saw a lot of live music, took a painting class with Katie, went to a host of Cubs games, and did a lot of road trips for bonfires on the beach, capped off by V&Ts with just the right amount of lime and conversation. My sister met George, and I was the proud big sis listening to her tales of romance. And then it was pura vida - a week in Costa Rica with the Posse, their men and mine. We had a blast and learned, laughed and drank Imperials all the way through that jungle paradise. And, I had fallen in love. August brought Lollapalooza and a trip to Kalamazoo - how often do you get to use the letter "z" that much in one month? As summer wound down, the weddings wound up, including a trip to San Francisco for a cousin's wedding. I became a method maven, an Orbit Gum Girl and a 1920s flapper, all to round out the end of 2008. It was the best of times, soon followed by the worst of times. I was laid off from my job in October, and used the time to actively search for the right opportunity for my career.

2009:
As you know, if you've been reading for long, the beginning of this year has been rough, but is definitely on the uptick. I found a job that I love, and lost the love I'd enjoyed for the past year. Heartbreak takes time to heal, and I'm still working on it. Working has helped, as traveling became a big part of my full-time job;I can't complain about the 4-star hotels, the fancy dinners, the frequent flier miles and the great colleagues. Getting lost in Newark on the Turnpike, however...Spring is in full bloom, and so are the tulips in the city. The weather is warming and the crowds are forming in the park and along the shore of Lake Michigan. My sailing friends are pointing the boat home, and I can't wait to be here to welcome them into our loving harbor. My spirits are on the mend, even if my wrist is proving not to be the same. I have complete faith that summer will bring with it a renewed spirit, a host of new freckles for my shoulders, and a smile to my face.

I've learned a lot, loved a lot, grown a lot and aged a lot in the last 10 years since graduating college. I have met new friends, lost touch with a few, watched my friends become wives and mothers, I have had five jobs, all in the same career path. I have bought a bike, a car, insurance policies, a condo and a lot of new shoes. I have grown my hair long, cut it short, dyed it darker, highlighted it blonde and grown it back to its fighting length from high school. I have watched my figure change and realized that as I age, the hangovers last more than 15 minutes and an Advil. I now fully understand what it means to be held accountable at work, and am proud to work hard.

A lot has changed.

Ten years ago today, I was 22 years old and had nothing but hopes for the future. I was employed, loved, proud, vulnerable, confident and faithful. I was honest, giving, thoughtful, controlling, talkative, smart, curious, traveling, tall and blonde. I was ready for love and anxious to take on the world.

Not much has changed.