The Year of my Sleepless Summer

New job, no man, loyal friends only. That’s all I needed this summer. The year of the horse has officially transformed into the year of saying yes for me.

According to ChatGPT, the year of the horse has given this summer independence, sudden decisions, and more movement - whether that means careers, relationships, etc.

For the last couple years, it's felt almost as if everything in my life has been stuck in the mud or a slow-burn. It came to a point where I convinced myself I wasn't destined for bigger things than what I had been doing up until that point. Once I swallowed the pill of "holy shit, you're twenty-three Madison", a spark lit under my ass. I knew it was time to stop the doom-scrolling, block his number, put your big gal pants on, and go seek your dream career!

Going into this year, I knew this was going to be my first summer single as an adult. It's safe to say that my friends and I were scheming for the best ways to pop my hot girl summer virginity.

New Job, Who Dis

This summer, I officially entered my big city girl in PR era. After a decade of working in the restaurant industry, I landed my first job in the city as an Account Coordinator for a Public Relations Agency, which felt equal parts “holy shit, I’m actually doing it” and “someone please tell me what the fuck I’m doing.” There aren't enough words to express just how grateful I am to have gotten to this stage of my life. New job, new chapter, new excuse to pretend my spending habits are career-related.

Am I The Problem?

In a plot twist nobody ordered, I got cut off by most of my college friend group - when I was fully convinced they would walk down the aisle with me. Do I hate myself and feel like I'm an issue? Obviously, wouldn't you? Would I consider this character development for me? Unfortunately, yes. I'm not sitting here trying to refuel the fire but simply sharing my ups and downs through this year. Losing a boyfriend and then a group shortly after certainly took its toll on me, but that's life. That's not to say we'll never rekindle, because that's also apart of life. However, there are specific boundaries and some friendships that have expiration dates.

The Bozos

Naturally, no summer would be complete without some.... choices. Looking back, I can confidently say the warning signs were not subtle. They were practically wearing a neon sign. But hey, we live, we learn, and occasionally we entertain certain, maybe a few, people who don't always align. Just stay single, girl.

Plot Twist of the Decade

As if the summer needed another subplot, I agreed to a semi-date, semi-closure, semi-"what the fuck are we doing here?" fiasco with my ex from high school — aka my first love. There was nostalgia. There was history. There were probably feelings that may end up staying strictly platonic. I'm just relieved the lore is not longer continuing after ten years. Luckily, him and I are besties now!

Cliff Jumping in Lake George

I went on my first-ever camping trip in Lake George, proving that I am, in fact, capable of surviving without room service, central air, or a fully stocked bathroom. Thanks Jayden for being alive.

Never-Ending Playing Mermaids

The summer also consisted of an unachievable amount of boat rides, pool days, and hours spent baking in the great outdoors. Thankfully, my Croatian skin understood the assignment and bronzed approximately three minutes after standing outside. If I wasn't at work, I was probably in a bikini, attacking Autumn underwater, or somewhere I had absolutely no business checking my emails.

Chasing Waterfalls While Sweating My @$$ Off

"It's only two miles." Right, you forgot to mention that meant only one way, Jen!!!! Annoyingly, hiking for the views is worth the sweating, complaining, and questioning of my life choices. Thankfully, Kendra and I indulged in wine-infused ice cream afterwards. Somewhere between a three foot dropped waterfall and an outlook of the Pocono Mountains, I remembered that life is actually pretty beautiful when you're not staring at your phone waiting for a man to text you back.

Now Everyone Clap

Ladies, guys, moms, and all my MSU roommates, the time has finally arrived. One of my most significant accomplishments of the summer was blocking my manipulative, cheating ex-boyfriend who apparently cannot take a fucking hint. Stop crying about how you lost yet another job, IDGAF!!! After approximately a million chances, about 5,000 ignored boundaries, and too many unnecessary attempts at communication, it finally snapped that my peace was worth more than another episode of "Fuck, it's him again." The block button has never felt so therapeutic.

Girlfriends ONLY

If life has taught me one thing, it's keep your girlfriends close once you find the right ones. Summers are for the girls + the gays and I'll die on that hill. Save a boyfriend for winter.

I hope you enjoyed today's post and don't forget to lookout for my upcoming "Hostess with the Mostess" segment on my End of Summer Soirée.