Quarter Life Crisis

Over the past few weeks, I have been going through some big changes. People have been leaving Stillwater one-by-one for a brighter future as full-time professionals in student affairs. I have a job, pending a background check. And I know it won't pull up any deep, dark past events or secrets. I have completed interviewing all individuals for my thesis and am in the process of finishing my last transcription and the general analysis of the data. And our department has transitioned into summer work, which means 20-hours a week of filling out online ROCs and completing flyers, graphic designs, and tasks for the Recognition Committee, taking off Thursdays and Fridays throughout June, and laying at the pool. It sounds like I'm living the difficult life.

This weekend, I decided it was time to spend some money, making me think that I'm experiencing my "Quarter Life Crisis." I'm not sure if this term really exists, but it sounds like a logical explanation for these recent events. On Sunday, I spent the day in Oklahoma City with Hanah. She was a good friend and helped me pick out new sunglasses, a new book, and a new phone. I'm not a materialistic person, which makes me think that there are some outside forces pushing me to do these crazy and erratic things. Or it may be due to the fact that I'm an "orange" based on True Colors... Who knows?!

It wasn't until yesterday that I was able to pick up my new iPhone. Even though I have been pretty independent financially and personally throughout college and graduate school, I feel like this was the first time that I am really beginning on my own. I changed my number, began my own plan, and am beginning  on a crazy journey as an adult.

Some of you may be reading this and thinking that this isn't too bad. Where are the big purchases? Let me tell you. They will take place next month and once I make my move to Virginia. I have it all mapped out, which is strange to me as I tend not to be much of a life planner. Before leaving Oklahoma, I plan on getting a tattoo to represent my time here. For those of you who don't know, I already have one to represent my time in North Carolina. It is a wave and is located on my forearm. I spent four years on the beach and was passionate about my studies in marine biology, so it seemed like the perfect fit, and I was able to design it myself. Within the next month, I am looking to get a barcode to wrap around my arm, directly below my elbow. I'm getting this to represent the growth I have undergone in understanding who I am as an individual (hence the barcode). Tattoos are not cheap, for those of you who have not gotten one.

Following my move, I am also hoping to get a guitar. Music is a passion of mine and is my life. And I have always wanted the opportunity to write my own songs, so it seems like the purchase of a lifetime. While these things may not be like buying a car or renting an apartment or purchasing a new home, they are a big deal. I'm finally moving on and starting anew! Plus, I'm frugal, so these purchases are going beyond what I have been comfortable spending. Let's hope these spontaneous decisions were for the best.

Happy Tuesday!