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!!