Expect the Unexpected

The Christmas season is upon us, and for me that typically means I have one thing in which to look forward. Lots of time to spend with friends and family. This year in particular, I can't wait to spend time with my family. My brother joined the Air Force last year, and he wasn't home for Christmas. Being that there are only two of us in our family, when one sibling isn't there for a holiday it definitely feels wrong. All that is different this year though because my brother is home. Quite literally just arrived at my parents house and surprised my mom. Her gasping scream over the phone when he walked in the door made me feel like I was there with them. 


There's a downside to all of this though. This afternoon he called to tell me that his three week leave has been cut short. When he was driving through Chicago he got a call to tell him he needs to report to work on Monday morning. He's being deployed to Korea. Needless to say, I was more than shocked to find out the week I was to spend with my brother has now been cut short to only four days. 


It seems that far too often I'm blindsided by the unexpected events in life. I'm pretty sure for me 2010 was nothing but unexpected surprises. But there is something beautiful in that too. My favorite quote is "Life is not measured in the numbers of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away." I try to remember that and know that everything happens for a reason. So far in life, I can honestly say that I truly believe that. 2010 alone has brought some very meaningful changes to my life. 


I started out the year student teaching and working at Applebees. Though the job was a pain and in general made me pretty grumpy and hate life, I met some amazing people. I had some incredible coworkers to laugh and joke with and met some amazing customers. Like Regular Joe from Vegas, who would come in an b.s. with me while he would eat his lunch and drink an ice tea; Dave and Carol, whose order I had memorized and always wanted to know what was happening in my life; Rick, who was great company, an amazing tipper, and always there with an off color joke; or the man, who through a variety of small talk, I discovered grew up in the same neighborhood as my father. In addition, though I wouldn't have realized it, I've learned some very valuable skills that apply to teaching. As a lunch supervisor, I have no issue watching sixth graders eat, which is incredibly disgusting by the way. I can go all day without going to the bathroom because seriously, who has the time? And, I don't mind repeating myself all day. Ok, that's a lie, I do mind, but it doesn't bother me as much as it would have two years ago. 


My student teaching experiences were awesome, and ultimately led me to get the position I hold today. That was probably the most shocking turn of events in 2010. Getting a teaching job, and having to move to a completely different part of the state with about a split second to consider the entire decision was by far one of the most unbelievable things I've done. It's not as though I really had much choice in the matter. Staying at the bee and working for a barely minimum wage job as a server/bartender or getting a full time job where someone was going to give me a salary and benefits to do something I love. Not much room to choose. I'm definitely still adjusting to living in a new place without my very tightly knit and carefully crafted support system with me and within reach at all times. However, I know that in the end this was definitely the best thing that I could have done all year--also the most life changing. 


Though I've often said it, I think this year has been the first time I've ever really lived the idea of things happening for a reason. I've met people that have touched me. I've dated people who have not only broken me down but also lifted me up. People who have been in my life to support me at just the right times, and then let me go when I was strong enough to support myself. I've taken risks and made mistakes. I've closed my eyes and jumped when I wasn't sure what was below me. I've realized who my true friends are and which ones I can let go. I can only hope that the next year provides as many amazing opportunities as this one. I really do enjoy the surprises. After all, the best thing to expect is the unexpected. That way you're never disappointed.