Taking a Chance

I got my heart shredded at the beginning of this year, it was the first time I'd ever been in love. After five months, I'm getting over it, but it's tainted my optimism and thoughts on love. It made me scared and it at times made me never want to try again. The pain was beyond words. The thought of being vulnerable again brought fear. So, I hadn't been very open to or even seeking love since then. Maybe that's bad or maybe it's good, but I just needed more time.

Somehow, someone worked their way into my life and made me brave enough to think that I could try again. He was an open book, ready to tell me who he was and share his stories with me. The guy who broke my heart was more of a closed, guarded book. This openness was refreshing. Our times together were filled with laughter and conversation. They were great!

In the end, we didn't work out. There wasn't a huge fight or hurt feelings. Just a conversation about how our lives included vastly different things; priorities I couldn't give up and that he wasn't going to ask me give up. We had talked about deal breakers on our first date and he was kind enough to bring up the difference to ask where we were going to go with it, instead of ignoring it as most people would do. I so appreciate how upfront and honest he was. So, despite our attraction and chemistry, we decided to be friends, since we enjoy each other's company. I think, if he hadn't been this thoughtful, we wouldn't be able to be friends now. To be honest, I've never been friends with someone I've dated or gone on dates with. Previously, one or the other of us has wanted to cut ties and move on. This is new.
Do you agree with this quote?

Have you been able to be friends with people you've dated?

IRELAND!

Oh friends, it has been a rough semester! Between health stuff, my struggle in my econ class (praying for mercy from God that I pass), work being busy, and getting my heart broken it's been a semester I'd almost like to forget. There have been high points: my surprise 30th birthday, my parent's 25 anniversary party, and a friendship that's gotten closer just when I needed a friend. :)

I'm a planner, but things have been so crazy that I haven't planned for Ireland as much as I'd like. I think, it'll turn out just fine and I'm excited to take a road trip throughout Ireland. I'm ready to immerse myself in the culture and see things I've dreamed of seeing in person. I plan to journal and take at least 1,100 pictures (like I did in Italy). So, until June, this will be one of my last posts. I promise to post so much about my trip that you all get sick of it. ;)

So, here's to fresh air, checking another location off my bucket list, and being grateful for each moment of living this dream; it's definitely a gift!

Let me know if you have any questions about Ireland or tips of things I should see.

Ireland in T-Minus 13 days!