I have a friend whom I have known since I was 17 years old. I met her at a very crazy and uncertain time in my life. I was in a city alone, and didn't know anyone. I was desperate to figure out how to live in Los Angeles and not have to return to Salem. The chapters of her and I have led us through great adventures, tests of friendship, and a lifetime of bonding moments that have us glued together for life. I experienced life in a way I never thought possible. I learned so many lessons about the basic working functionality of friendships and relationships, and the needs of a single human being besides myself. I absorbed aspects of her work ethic and desires, keeping me tenacious in everything I do.
Once I had worked through the kinks of working in a professional setting, I landed a marketing assistant position that allowed me to bring infant Madison to work with me. I worked out of his home office, which was I was not used to but quickly adapted. I mentally gathered as many tips and ticks I could since this was someone who had business figured out. He taught me the ins and outs of the marketing industry, how important it is to have contracts, keeping track of business related expenses, and the importance of maintaining business relationships. As a trained chef, he also shared cooking techniques and recipes which has now morphed into my own style of cooking. For all of you who have tried my food, he is the one to thank.
After 10 years in Los Angeles, I had grown tired of the rat race. I had become cynical and wanted to escape. I couldn't imagine living anywhere other than Oregon. Unfortunately a failed relationship curbed my desire to return for another year. Once I started living for the day instead of trying to plan my next year, I started having fun again. I embraced my city of Long Beach and didn't say no to any opportunity that arose. Which is how I fell in love with my fiance. He had asked me to go to Furthur in San Francisco which was a three day event. Having never been to San Francisco, I had to go. Once I started spending all of my time with him I started learning about our current environmental state, positivity, and veganism. He instilled in me a passion for preserving the earth and everything in it and brought me out of the negative funk I was in. We battled crazies, and lived aboard a sailboat. Our journey has just begun. He has instilled in me a sense of adventure, and desire to explore nature again, and how to think big and outside of the box.
After this thought process of how I got to be, I have come to the conclusion that I am truely grateful for every single person that has helped me along the way. Which is why I keep so many as close as I can. So that one day I can return the favor and give thanks for contributing to my personality.
