Looking Back

I had my last day at Bruno’s and I’m really going to miss that place. I know I complained about it a lot but the truth of the matter is that it was a place that provided stability while I was making a huge career transition and I had a lot of good experiences while working there.

I said good-bye to Cara and my regulars and walked out after closing for the last time. There was also a sense of closure when it came to Brad. He was connected to Bruno’s and always would be but leaving there cut the last string I had connected to him. He no longer knows where I live or work and I’d blocked his phone number and e-mails long ago. He has no way to contact me at all which fits in nicely with my plan for a clean slate in 2014 (especially considering how toxic 2013 was and how Brad was the person that kicked it off with me).

Christmas was quiet and exactly what I wanted. I made a pot roast for myself (LOTS of leftovers) and watched Home Alone as I opened gifts. My mom and I are talking but just barely. When I called on Christmas Day she answered it with a chilly “Hello” and asked me how I was doing before giving the receiver to my dad before I could even answer her.

So.


I decided to go back over the therapy goals I made in June to see how far I’ve come before 2014 arrives. Sort of like a progress report or something.

No more dating for at least 6 months

I achieved that just a few weeks ago and I’m very proud of myself for that. The past 6 months have taught me a lot about myself and I don’t think I would have been able to do all of the really hard, ugly self-analysis I’ve done if I had a relationship to focus on.

I am celibate for an indefinite period of time

This goes without saying. No boyfriend, no sex. Although I don’t count self-service as going against this…it is a fundamental human need after all.

I need to get out more and socialize with the girls, maybe make some new friends and connect with old ones

I think I’ve done a good job with socializing more with my friends but I think we can all agree that on the whole “making new friends” front that was a bust what with Amber turning into a stalker.

I need to get over Mike

This is, admittedly, a work in progress but it’s getting easier every day.

I have to make a 5 year plan for my stage managing career

I did this after I signed my contract for The Glass Penny and I’m very happy with it.

I will quit my job at Bruno’s by the new year

Done!

I want to take better care of myself so I’m joining a gym and taking another cooking class

Since I’ve started running with Sasha, a gym isn’t really necessary. And I’ve found a ton of food blogs with easy recipes that I’ve started trying so I’m not really taking a cooking class but I AM learning how to cook with the help of the internet and youtube.

I might start doing yoga

I tried doing yoga but I just couldn’t get into it. Maybe I’ll try it again someday but it wasn’t for me.

When I do start dating again, I need to take things slowly and communicate my feelings appropriately and in a timely manner

I do think I’ve gotten better on the communication front in general which I hope will be something that translates to being in a relationship when I’m ready.

I will develop and use more healthy coping mechanisms

I think I’ve improved a lot in this area but I think there’s room for improvement. I do think I’ve been coping with what happened with Amber in a pretty healthy way.

So, in reviewing my therapy/life goals from six months ago, I think I’ve been doing really well and have made a lot of awesome progress. Knowing that I’ve worked hard to accomplish the majority of these goals makes me excited for 2014 and what lies ahead.