A Very 2017 Love Story

A few weeks ago, I got an Uber pool home on a Friday night. It was 7pm and I had an amazing Uber deal with rides for $0.49 each so I was excited to take advantage of it and get home to enjoy a quiet weekend with nothing on my calendar. I got in the front seat, confirmed who I was and my address with the driver, and the other rider (Mr. Uber) leans around my seat and the following occurs:  

Mr. Uber: Why Hello!

K: Hi?

M.U.: Are you not allowed to talk to other riders in an Uber? This is my first ride.

K: Um, sure you can talk. First ride, really?! 

M.U.: Yeah, I take the metro - but this is turning out to be great! So, what do you do?

K: Business development at a law firm.

M.U.: That is amazing, I have an MBA and do project development. So, do you think I can get your number?

K: Why, do you need legal help?

M.U.: Hahaha, no, I think you are gorgeous!!
K: Well then....
M.U.: Too forward? You must get it all the time though, you are really beautiful!
K: Ha, okay you can have my card.
M.U.: What about your cell?
K: Eh, you can start with that.

This all took place in under 2 minutes. I won't take you through the rest of the ride, but it involved a very awkward conversation that our driver, Alla, was amazing enough to moderate. Once home I figured I'd get an email or call that night, so imagine my surprise when I didn't hear anything all weekend. I figured that this was the end of my tale of romance in the modern world - and if nothing else I'd get some happy hour traction out of the ride portion of the tale. However, Tuesday morning I came into a voicemail from Mr. Uber asking if we could continue our conversation on business development. A few back and forth calls later we set a date for the following Friday to check out a local brewery.

This past Friday, I put on my lipstick and headed out at a reasonable time for the big date. For once, I arrived early and was able to sweet talk a table out of the host. Mr. Uber was flustered - as he apparently couldn't get an Uber (ha!) - so he was a few minutes late and walked right by my table. By the time he sat down I knew that this was going to be one short lived romance, and 2 hours later as I texted my friends the following highlights from the evening - from the sanctuary of my apartment - I was proven right: He gave me the exact day he met his ex (June 26) and the date they broke up (February 9); He told me that the ex broke his heart and that he could "write a book" about the number she did on him; He has lived here for 2 years and has exactly 3 friends, one of whom is said ex - but "no need for me to worry because they are just friends;" and the kicker - He did not leave a tip. So yeah, my great modern love story ended up leaving much to be desired. But there were some silver linings: I found out that the local brewery makes a mean shepherd's pie and has a solid American Ale on tap, I have a fabulous new lipstick that holds up through a date, my dear readers get a fun story, and I was willing to step out of my comfort zone and go on a real blind date. So yeah, I'm still counting it as a win -in the month of Kara!

Let The Good Times Roll

In July I become the best (or worst) version of myself - it is my birthday month and as soon as July 1 hits, I snap into celebratory mode - freer, happier, and brimming with a self-centered confidence that only suits a teenager or a Leo. It has been this way for as long as I can remember, and was most definitely egged on by the multiple birthday celebrations my parents would give to me as a kid: we'd have one in Florida before we left on our annual trek to the homeland, one in Minnesota with the family there, and another at my grandparents' in Wisconsin. July became my month. As I've gotten older, I've manged to tamp down some of these expectations, but as July inches closer and closer I feel my excitement and self-centeredness rise. I start plotting and planning treats for myself and giving myself a break on my normal responsibilities. 

The difference this year is that I have so much more to celebrate than turning a year older. July 1 marks my one-year anniversary as manager. I made it - at times I really didn't think I would, the beginning was more downs than ups, but over the last 7 months it has been significantly more ups. I feel accomplished for not only sticking it out, but for excelling in the role. The last year has also brought me my own place - after years of plotting and planning; a dating life; finishing Toastmasters; and countless exciting moments for my stupid strong network of friends and family (weddings, babies, new jobs, new houses!). 

And then in the last week, the whipped cream and cherry were added to the ice cream sundae that has been this year. First, I graduated therapy (yes, you finish therapy). After almost 4 years, my amazing therapist informed me that all the hard work had paid off and we were done. For those of you who have been with me as I have climbed this proverbial mountain - you know how hard and complicated the journey has been and I thank you for all your support and patience as I got to a place place where I could mail a letter to T. and feel peace and closure and where feeling my feelings wasn't a chore but a fact of life. Therapy is hard work, and anyone who says differently is lying, but I am so happy I did and think everyone could benefit from an hour a week on that couch. As if that wasn't enough to start the July celebration early, I went and did something I didn't think I was ever going to be able to do - I paid off one of my student loans. I know I am still saddled with others, but to be able to hit the payoff button on my highest interest loan felt like the biggest victory in my adult life. Student loans are a ridiculously awful burden and to have one off my back and be able to look down the road and see a light at the end of the tunnel for the others is the best birthday gift I could have given myself. 

So yeah, July is my month of celebration, and this year I think I have earned an extra slice of cake, a little more fun, and a little less responsibility and I intend to partake! With that, I wish you all a Happy Kara's Birthday Month - hope it is as great for you as it is for me!!