It’s 1610, 4:10pm for you military types, the bus I’m taking to Grafenwoehr, Germany is broke down on the side of the road. I have no cell service to get ahold of my sponsor, Rob, who’s waiting to pick me up- I hope he’s still there.

One thing about my life, well, most lives, is that things often go opposite as planned. And when they do go as planned, we freak out. Like when I set a time for all my girls to meet up and it actually happens…oh, you better believe I go crazy!

Nevertheless, it was in November I realized, for the first time, getting what I wanted scared me more then not getting it. It wasn’t always that way. The original plan would’ve had me on a plane to Fort Hood Texas. Then, out of left field the opportunity to go to Germany fell in my lap. Of course I freaked out, Germany was even better then the original plan! At that time though, my excitement stemmed from the fact that it wasn’t just me going, but my boyfriend and I would be making this life changing journey together. The two of us taking on Europe- that was the new and improved plan. I told you though  “Things *OFTEN* go opposite as planned,” so, it shouldn’t surprise you that we broke up.  The plan was in pieces and so was my heart. I was scared to take on Europe alone.

I was scared to take on Europe… “alone.” That bugged me (now I just shake my head and laugh to myself). Since when did my excitement and happiness become dependent?!

[ get yo-self togetha girl! ]

Instead, I decided to look at this through the words of Mary Karr, Now Go Out There and Get Curious, “This hard spell might be the start of something truly great I can’t foresee right now because I’m scared shitless.”

It was then I started walking down 8th Ave.: my road to happy. Turns out, when you put yourself first, actually do things that make you happy, and surround yourself with people who care about your passions… welp, quite simply, life is good.

“Stuff that first looked like the worst, most degrading thing that could ever happen almost always led me to something extraordinary and fine.”

As I sit here on this bus, amidst all that’s been “opposite as planned,” I couldn’t be more happy and thrilled to embark on this new adventure. This one way ticket to Germany, just like in life, there is no going back and I’m okay with that. Life doesn’t stop, nor can I. No matter what happens though, planned or completely totally couldn’t be more opposite then planned, I know this road will always lead me to something extraordinary and fine.

Be with someone who makes you happy.