Chaotic awkward
The tales of an unapologetic nerd
Haircuts, cons, book releases ... now that the dust has settled, it's time to take a look back at one of the most painful, exhausting, rewarding, and life-changing years of this entire decade. 2018 was the definition of an emotional roller coaster, but I think it may have helped shape who I'm going to become. The seeds of the best version of myself may have been planted last year, and I hope to look back on even the heartbreak with gratitude and clarity one day. So, here we go. Everyone's safety equipment engaged? Got your snacks? Then let's dive in. In 2017, I spent most of my year broken. I tore my ACL back in February, and was on crutches or post-surgical medical leave until September. The whole experience completely set back my career path and fitness journey, and even almost two years later I haven't entirely recovered. In 2018, my physical health continued to deteriorate, to the point where I've had to take a step back from my puppetry jobs. I've had to shift my 32-hour contract with Universal Studios to a 24-hour one, and while the financial situation will be tight I'm grateful to still be employed. But the pain of day-to-day life, as I was diagnosed with Tendinitis in my wrists and hands, makes it clear that I won't be able to do the job for much longer. On top of that, this past Christmas was also the second-worst I've ever had. We spent it in the hospital with my dad, who almost died on the morning of December 23rd. He had an Aortic Dissection, and was subsequently diagnosed with Adult Onset Type 2 Diabetes. Since then, the family has dragged itself through the holidays with the barest cheer. We've all been examining our own health, as well as taking turns caring for his. 2018 ended with stress and drama. However, the year was also filled with milestones, and reminders that I can handle difficult things. Every one of them gives me hope for 2019, and promises that things do improve, eventually. The following are just some of the highlights that help me keep looking up. 1) RunDisney
2) Re-BRANDING MYSELF
3) The Mapweaver Chronicles
4) Con Life
5) D&D, Tabletop, and More!
At the end of the day, this part of the year is more about Cody than it is about me. He has risked everything to chase his passions, I'm just here to support him. But, for both of us, the challenge of teaching ourselves how to be small business owners has been taxing. The year has been exhausting, and full of new challenges neither of us expected. We have so many plans for the future of this company, and the fact that we SURVIVED this long is a miracle. The realization of dreams in 2018 really and truly began with this company. So, to Cody, I am forever grateful. He launched my year into chaos and wonder, and our lives will never be the same. At least, I hope they won't. Despite the health problems, the work stress in other areas of my life, the horrific family tragedies ... we both came out the other side with different priorities. New career paths. New friends. I wouldn't trade any of them for the world.
So, let's do this 2019. Saddle up, and get ready for even grander adventures and bigger dreams. It's showtime.
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AuthorKaitlin Bellamy is a freelance actor, indie author, and all-around nerd. Welcome to her world, adventurer. It's gonna get weird. Archives
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