359 DAYS IN.

We did it, folks. We’re six whopping days away from July 13, 2020. In six days, I will have lived one full year in Austin.

I don’t have too many updates for you, because honestly, I’ve learned there’s a ton of value in keeping to myself. Who would have thought, huh? This may be a bit of an online journal, but my actual physical journal is the place I turn to nowadays when I’m jonesing to scream into the void. I’ve (slowly and painstakingly) enforced some really valuable boundaries into my life. I haven’t been able to do that before. Privacy is a facet of my life that I look back to when I need proof of my own personal growth. Yay, therapy!

I’ve been fully converted into an Austinite, meaning I go on tons of nature walks and hikes. In these pandemic times, it’s all we can really afford to do. I have a smartwatch that buzzes me to tell me I need to walk more. Fitness has been a big part of my 2020, but it’s really taken the forefront of my brain space the past few months. It’s so gratifying to take a mind-clearing walk along the Colorado River and come out on the other side having traveled four miles. There’s something about walking along Zilker and smiling at another young couple, walking their dog, probably in the same part of their lives as we are. There really is a sense of community throughout this city - our wonderful (read: HOT!) weather and trails tie us all together.

At the same time, I absolutely am grieving the loss of this year, in a way. It’s hard to drive past bars and shops that I want to explore. It hurts to see local spots close in response to the pandemic. All travel plans have been canceled (RIP MSG Harry Styles concert). I celebrated my 23rd birthday by going on a nice drive and having a bottle of rosé in my apartment - which I mean, don’t get me wrong, was really fun and made for a wholesome time. On a worldwide level, things are shifting. A big difference we’re experiencing is the shoulder-check to American culture we know as Black Lives Matter. There are some big things in the works, and some foundational changes need to happen before we can carry on as a country. I am honored to be living through a time like this, and am equally as proud to ally alongside Black Americans to fight for what is right.

That’s about it for me. I can’t believe I’ve been in my dream city for this long.
I’ll have to order a margarita on the 13th to celebrate!

Take it easy,
Jewel

P.S. Oh my goodness, I have Grammarly (totally recommend, by the way) and it’s telling me I sound ‘angry’ and ‘gloomy’, but also ‘confident’ in this blog post. What?! I’m kinda shook. Let me be introspective, okay?! I’m all smiles over here. I mean it! :-)