It’s hard to believe that one year ago today I was saying goodbye to the most influential and important people and place in my life.
One of the most bitter sweet moments of my life.
I was leaving my home (even though it wasn’t where I was born it IS where my HEART is) and heading out on the next adventure in my radio career. I’ve moved from California to Tennessee and Tennessee to Charleston for my career (without knowing anyone in my future destination) with a smile on my face, a hop in my step, ready to see what the universe had in store. Yes I was going to miss my friends. Yes I was nervous about being accepted in the new location but overall I was just READY! The move from Charleston to Washington D.C. was a little different…
The smile was there the pep was in my step but the thought of leaving the people and a place I loved so much weighed very heavy on my heart. I’ve never felt so comfortable in a place before. You know when people ask “How did you know you were in love?” to the couple that’s been married 50 years and are still deeply in love and they say “We just knew†or “It felt so rightâ€. That’s exactly how I felt about Charleston. It just fit.
With that being said, I knew it was time. Time to grow in my career and take the next step…or GIANT LEAP! I was offered an opportunity in a Top 10 Market on a Major Morning Show. The Radio Dream…I couldn’t turn it down.
It’s been an exciting year to say the least. I’ve been within feet of Paul McCartney and Oprah Winfrey, attended the lighting of the National Christmas Tree, witnessed a presidential motorcade, met some amazing people, and learned how to take public transportation. I’ve learned how expensive it is to live in “The Big Cityâ€, how pretentious people can be, and how hard it is going from being a big fish in a small (er) pond is to a small fish in an ocean.
During the 27th year of my life I experienced the HIGHEST OF HIGHS and the LOWEST OF LOWS! I laughed and cried…boy how I cried (Sorry for constantly unloading Tanya, Alysa, Shea, Brandy, Joe Quinn, Melissa, and Mom) but made it through with lessons learned and experiences I wouldn’t trade for the world.Â
Thank you to the old friends that have been there to lend an ear, a skype chat, or a hug. Thank you to the knew friends that have been willing to take me under their wing, show me new places, and put up with my constant comparisons of Charleston to Washington (I promise to stop doing that. It’s like comparing apples to oranges).
One year later, I still miss Charleston everyday. (I don’t think that will ever change) One year later, I’m finally starting to find my place in Washington DC.