A Review Of 2013.

I know everyone is saying it, but where did 2013 go? It feels like just yesterday I was sitting at a country bar in El Paso counting down until the ball dropped. I'll never forget that night and it's not because it was special. I sat at a table while everyone was grabbing their loved ones, getting ready for that kiss for the new year. People were laughing with their significant others and holding them tight, ready to bring in the year together. I looked over at my sister and her husband and grew tired and envious. I had no one that year to bring in the new year with. Sure, I had my sister and brother-in-law.. but as over-rated as this is, I wish I had someone to kiss and hold when everyone screamed in excitement. So, when it struck midnight and everyone kissed and cheered, I sat at that that table feeling alone.
Because the truth was, I never had a New Year's kiss. The previous year I sat outside of a club crying. My ex and I got into an argument because he was wasted and I sat in the cold instead of being with everyone else.
Would I change any of that, though? Not a damn thing.
Because this year is special. This New Year's will be nothing like it was before.
I'll be in New York City bringing in the new year with my best friend and partner. I'll have that kiss that I've dreamed of for so long. I'll be in my favorite place in the world, surrounded by so much energy.
So with the end of the year, I can't help but think back to this year as a whole. All of my accomplishments, changes and hopes for 2014. When I started 2013, I did not think my life would have changed as much as it has. I never thought I'd come back home, especially with such a different look on everything.

I'm talking to my parents again. 
We didn't talk for a whole year over a small misunderstanding. Today, we're closer than ever and I am so happy that I'm back with them when they need me the most. My father and I have the best relationship we've ever had. All it took was a simple phone call.
I met Kryss, my partner and best friend. 
Thanks to a job we both worked at, I met Kryss. I met someone who I can connect with and talk to about anything. This is going to sound lame, but he's my hero and I'm always pushing myself to be as good a person as he is. I've never felt so happy with myself and thought as much about the future as I do with him.
I kept two jobs. For a month. 
For a month of 2013, I had two jobs. I didn't like one but I despised the other. The boss drank at work and also did drugs. He was crazy and erratic and because I called in one day, he decided to come to my other job and make a huge scene. This all caused the demise of the relationship I had with my sister and moving in with Kryss.  I wouldn't change a thing and I couldn't be happier with the ways things turned out. Thinking back, that boss did me a favor.
I took so many pictures, holy shit!
I'll occasionally turn my computer on and look through photographs. I can't believe how many times I've used my camera in the past year. Kryss and I have been on so many adventures and he's the sole reason why I even picked my camera up as much as I have. He's went on these adventures with me, just as excited as I was and we bonded over it. We both enjoy adventures and crawling into abandoned farms.
I moved from El Paso, Texas to Syracuse, New York.
I never thought this would happen. I'm back home and I'm back at my old job. I love both and I am so happy to be back. I didn't think I'd ever return or look forward to being back home. I left this place in such a bad state and it's amazing to look back and see how different things are. Part of me wishes I could of talked to that old me right before I went to Texas, I'd let him know everything will be okay and I'd be back in a much better position.
I've been to New York City twice. 
... and tomorrow will make it a third! ;)
I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to be only four hours away from my favorite place on Earth. Kryss and I both dream of living there one day and just being able to visit is enough for now. I've been to the city more in the past four months than I have my entire life. It's unbelievable to think about.
We're beginning to look for an apartment. 
I've discussed it previously, but we're looking for an apartment. It's not going so well, but in 2014 we're going to keep our heads held high and continue on with the search. We're bound to find the perfect place, it'll just take a bit of time. In the end, I know all of this stress will be worth it.
I became a better version of myself. 
I was never a confident kid. I compared myself to everyone else and it constantly got me feeling down. This year I became a much more positive and happy person. I love myself and am so much more comfortable in my skin. I am so proud of myself for how far I've come alone in the past few months.

2013 was a very good year for me. I went through a lot of changes and ups and downs. I wouldn't change anything about this year and I can only hope that 2014 is an even better year. I've never been the type of person to sit back and reflect on things like the end of the year but I did this year because I felt like a lot happened. I met so many people and changed scenery so many times. I was given these amazing experiences that I'll never forget.
I hope you all have an exciting and safe New Years and I can't wait to come back refreshed for the new year.