My party days were overwhelming and I was coming to the point where I needed to take a step back from the crowd I was surrounding myself and shift my focus back on school. I met with my adviser and worked through 5 straight quarters: spring, summer, fall, winter, spring.
My senior capstone was done at a summer camp for adolescents and adults with disabilities and it was one of the most gratifying experiences. After finishing up my two weeks, I went to Adorn Body Art and had "Sacrifice" tattooed on the inside of my right arm. Hence the URL name.
Winter quarter was probably the most difficult of my undergrad quarters. My first 4 years of education were done online or at a community college and my grades reflected my lack of application. I finished my last 5 quarters strong; sprinting to the finish line so-to-speak.
I was grateful to find Clackamas Physical Conditioning (it went by a different name at the time) during my last two quarters. I learned more than any class could teach, and when the decision was made to move to Utah, I was bummed that I had to leave the community I grew to love so much. I consider CPC a second home.
The move to Utah went well, but it took a bit for me to find work and the work I found didn't provide nearly enough. I ended up finding a second, then third, part-time job. During this time I was slowly getting settled in and making friends. I was finding fun places to eat, fun things to do, and finding a routine. And I was starting to obsess with the concepts of "Paleo".
Moab - January 2010
I also learned that, even though I haven't been to many places, Moab is my current fav. Who knew a bunch of rocks would excite me so much. I want to visit again soon, and I wouldn't have visited if it weren't for the girl I was dating at the time. I would like to take a moment to say something about her and our relationship. She provided the majority of financial support during our time together in Utah. I did things I would've never done if it weren't for her. I also learned a lot from her. She played a major role in my life for many years, so the person I've grown to be is partially because of what I learned and experienced with her. Thank you.
When she decided she wanted to leave me, I was devastated. I only had a few weeks left in my first semester of grad school. I finished the semester strong (3.425 gpa), but the next semester I fell apart. I was an emotional wreck. I spent a lot of my time in my room alone with the lights off, just laying in bed. Sometimes with the TV on, sometimes with music playing, but often times just me and my thoughts.
I am thankful for the support I was given when my ex walked away. Clients, classmates, and acquaintances came out of the woodwork to offer a helping hand. Even if it were just a shoulder to lean on. I had friends and family who were back in the northwest call me often to make sure I was keeping my head up. I learned a lot about myself and the relationship that had just ended. It was important to me to end things maturely, and I am glad that my ex and I can be civil and friendly.
There were two situations that made me feel like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders. They occurred during the last few months that I was in Utah. First, I knew that my ex and I weren't meant for one-another. The more I talked with friends and family, the more I realized how different we were and how we kept trying and failing over the last 9 years. And that insanity needed to stop. Second, when I received the phone call from the owner of CPC letting me know business is growing and he could use me. I knew it was time to move back and nothing had ever felt like more of a relief than the decision to move back to Oregon.
It has been wonderful to live so close to my siblings and my best friend. I have been able to get back in touch with many friends and develop new friendships with the clients at CPC.
I'll be moving to Clackamas in a couple weeks. Business is going well, and some big projects are about to launch. I look forward for what's in store in my future and I look forward to helping thousands of people change their lives utilizing the services we provide.
One person at a time.
Jeromie
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