Thursday, January 3, 2013

A Complete 180

This year has been a crazy one for me. When I look back at the beginning of 2012, I was in a completely different place than I am now. For one, I was on unemployment and was feeling pretty down. I felt like I had no purpose and that was hard for me.

The first week of January though, my sister-in-law gave birth to two tiny little twin girls (they were about 3 pounds each). LoLo and I went to New York and visited them in the hospital a couple of weeks after they were born.

Then when they came home, I was able to go back to New York to help my sister-in-law take care of them while she battled through chemotherapy. It was then that I felt so thankful that I had the time to help her out and spend time with the girls.


Those little girls are 1 year old today and it has been so much fun to watch them grow. Even though being unemployed was really hard on me, I'm so happy I had the time to go and visit them often and watch them grow up.



In March, right before I found my job, I started this blog. Blogging has brought me so much throughout this year and I feel so glad my sister pushed me to do it. I feel like I've gained friends as well as a closer relationship with my sister. I've been able to tell my story and express myself in a way I never have before.

And then, of course, in April, I found my job. My job has been such a blessing. I never thought I would find a job that would combine so many things that I like. I love providing opportunities to people who may not have them otherwise. I love dreaming of far away places. I love working with people from those far away places. And most of all, I love going to those far away places.

If you had asked me back in January, I never would have dreamed I would end up in Shanghai, China in November. In January, I felt hopeless. By November, I was pinching myself to make sure it was all real.


I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for me. If 2012 is any indication, I know that at this point in time, I have absolutely no idea. I'll be adding another country to my list of places I've been so I can't wait to find out where my job sends me. I have a feeling there are some pretty great things coming up. And I'm so glad you're all here to join me!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an inspirational post :) it's so great to hear how things have turned around for you. Sometimes when we are going through a tough time it can be really hard to see the silver lining, it's such a blessing to be able to look back and see all of the good that came out of a bad situation.

Blogging seems to be a great way to meet new people, and it's quite cathartic I think too. I have such a bad memory when it comes to life's little joys that I just like having somewhere to record them so that in time I will be able to look back and say "Wow, I have been so blessed."

Happy new year, Erin! May 2013 be full of dreams come true.

Sandra said...

I'm so happy to read your wonderful story! Congratulations on all the things you have accomplished and I send you my best for the many more to come!

k8te said...

happy new year! sounds like 2013 is gonna be your year! :)

k8te said...
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k8te said...
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k8te said...

(sorry for the spam! the comment box kept freezing :)

TheTinyHeart said...

It is so wonderful that your year totally turned around and I bet 2013 has even better things in store for you!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart

Lindsay @ Trial By Sapphire said...

Cheers to an excellent year ahead for you, girl!

Alli said...

All the best in the new year! Cheers!

Lacey in the City said...

I miss your regular posts!!

Unknown said...

Maybe 2013 will bring a trip TO MY HOUSE!Nah, you 'll probably just continue to pass us by and venture on down to the Bronx or home to Portland. Gee and to think I am your Godfather!

undomestic mama said...

I love that this year has started out so much happier for you.