It's Who You Meet Along the Way

As stated before in my previous blog, I'm almost 30. People often look at me in envy and shock when I tell them non-nonchalantly that I've lived in Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia. All for short periods of time, but still, way out of their comfort zones. And I wish that I had done even more at this point in my life.

As I've come home, a lot of things changed. Myself obviously. Some travelers will often say many things about them change and for the better usually. It took me a long time to realize that my personal "growth" was more a balance between good and bad. But, not necessarily for the negative. Because the bad has taught me that I have to accept what is and try to find happiness another way. But, there will always be beer.

You see, as I've traveled, I've drank my weight in beer... and other beverages. But, I often look back and the memories are vivid with what pint was in my hand and who was sitting next to me at the bar. Some memories are good, others make me wish I had moved over a few bar stools or not stayed out at all.

I have made some of the closest friends I have ever had.

Friends that test your knowledge, peek your interest, help you find the individual you are inside, friends that make you realize you can/can't trust anyone, friends that you know you'll be making trouble with on the Senior Cruises in the future, and some where you wish you had never met, but make you all the better for having known them.

I have friends all around the world, a couch to always crash on, someone to always be there when I need it and know that I will always be there for them too. The ability to say that I have friends in high and low places is something I am very proud of. And the fact that most of those friends taught me a life lesson with a drink in their hands.

For instance, I know its possible to have a friend get their Guinness spiked and that you're the type of friend that will dump a guy to make sure your friend is taken care of in that moment. "Bitches gotta stick togetha!" I also know that I'm a better Karaoke singer sober rather than drunk. I know that if I had to have a stiff drink, Cranberry Vodka is my go to and it helps me keep up with the dance routine all my Uni mates are doing. I also know that Guinness is the only man to never let me down, but after 10 pints and the next mornings regurgitation, it will take me a month to forgive him. I know that I can only handle a pinkys-dip worth of homemade moonshine out of a Uni-Boy's flat. I also know how to walk in three inch heels and be slightly intoxicated while holding an overflowing pint glass. Pre-bartending skills I guess? I know that there's nothing better than a Lager on a beach and an Irish coffee after a bad date. I know how to be approachable and I know how to carry conversations with complete strangers. I know what it means to dip into a bottle of Bushmills to forget about someone and I know a game or two to play by myself at a bar. I know how to share a whole bottle of Ouzo with Mama Buoy and get up

and Coach a regional rugby match with High School girls the next day.

But mostly I know that all these life lessons are memories, good and bad, that I wouldn't change for the world.

***Please drink responsibly, or don't and create memories, just don't drink & drive, Uber!***

Cheers!