The Challenge Child

posted 1st February 2010    Written by: Kelly    CATEGORY: All Posts, Kelly, Love, Quarterlife Crisis, Season 2

INTRODUCING KELLY

I’ve never done things the easy way.

I’ve always been the type to learn lessons the hard way and experience mistakes by myself.  Personality traits also come into play; I’m spontaneous, impatient, impulsive and driven.

When I was young, my parents affectionately referred to me as “The Challenge Child”; and you bet that I earned every letter of it.

In 1st grade, I cut my desk mates’ bangs. I told her that to get rid of them, you don’t grow them out, you cut them. I left a trail of hair from the bathroom to my desk. It wasn’t hard for the teacher to find the culprit.

My kindergarten report card read, “Kelly needs to understand that the world does not revolve around her.”

At 6, I convinced my sister that our blanket was a magic carpet. I opened the 2nd story window, knocked out the screen and was ready to push her out. Dad caught on just in time.

I changed my name to Ming in 2nd grade.

My first detention was in 3rd grade. I took ticky-tack and put it in my teacher’s hair. It got stuck, and he had to have the school nurse get it out with peanut butter. They sent a note home, but I stuffed it under the bus seat.

Between the ages of 8-13 the majority of family dinners ended with me eating at the bottom of the basement stairs alone. My parents have pages and pages of “I will not talk back” written on them.

High school years hit me hard; I was far from the perfect student.  Always into some kind of trouble, hanging out with the “wrong” crowd and doing my best to defy authority.  It took a few years to come into myself.  ;)

I am made of tough stuff. This comes from my Mother. I may have to learn everything from my own mistakes, but it has made me the person I am today and fueled me to become the best that I possibly can. My experiences have forced me to look at the world for what it really is, figure out what I need to do and get it done.

About 4 months ago, I met a boy, fell head over heels in love and decided to move to Texas from my little home town, after knowing him 2 weeks. Imagine the hell I raised with this stunt! I’ve been here for 3 months now and I’ve never been happier. I packed up; left everything and everyone I ever knew and moved … 1200 miles away, for love. :)

Which brings me to present day. To my “Quarterlife Crisis”…   I’m living in a brand new city with no solid ground. A supportive and amazing man by my side, but no self-identity in this new world. No job, coworkers or girlfriends and reliant everyday on my trusty GPS, Greta. I find myself examining my life, my patterns and my past … realizing that there are skeletons in my closet … and to lead the life I want to, I must face them.

So, it’s time to shine!

Join me as I spread my wings, find life outside of Buffalo, NY and discover a entire new chapter of my life journey.


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Comments (14)

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14 Responses to “The Challenge Child”

  • Katie Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 9:39 am

    Hilarious post, Kelly. I was rolling, literally at all of your stunts. I’m so looking forward to your journey and seeing where you go in this next 6 months and beyond!

  • Eran - The Quarterlife Quest Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:03 am

    Congratulations Kelly! I think it’s awesome that you’ve never done things the easy way – if everything was easy, wouldn’t life be boring? I’m really looking forward to hearing all about your new adventures in Texas :)

  • Veronica Ludwig Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:44 am

    Kelly,

    So much of what you wrote reminds me of my own life “challenges” and I can most definitely relate. My advice to you is always, no matter what, make sure you spend a lot of time with yourself. That may sound strange but really think about it. No matter how old you are, and how many lessons you have learned, there is always room for more. Spending time with yourself allows you to become aware of the present and keep moving forward.

    Loved the post!

    -V.

    P.S. I will now refer to you as Ming. ;)

  • imjustagoyle Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:44 am

    No wonder I like you, we’re practically the same personality type! ;) My personal motto, “if you ever want to find me, I can still be found taking the long way”, I found in a Dixie Chicks song. People have a hard time understanding the ones that prefer to take the long way. To find a love that understands it..well, that’s special. I’m a sucker for a good love story, too. Life is too short not to follow what “feels right” because at any time it could all be over. Take chances while you have the chance, I always say. Kudos to you – you are one smart cookie for such a young’un. :)

  • Amanda Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 11:55 am

    This was a funny post to read! Even though I have been here since 2006 (also followed love to San Antonio) I still don’t have really any girlfriends. We should get together sometime!

    I follow my GPS all over too but her name is Kathy. Love her!!

    Look forward to reading more!

  • Kelly Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 1:01 pm

    @Katie: Thank you! The stunts are funny now, but I know I drove my parents crazy! It will be interesting to see how the next 6 months (and beyond!) develop … and am thrilled to have the opportunity to work through this with great girls like you guys by my side. :)

    @Eran: Life would be boring! Maybe it’s harder this way, but it’s made me who I am today … and I like myself. ;) Look forward to sharing adventures in the new city!

    @V: You are the best lady! I will definitely be sure to take time for myself – I recognize how important that can be. :) PS – Let’s leave Ming out of it!

    @Robin: I’ve never heard that quote before, but it’s awesome! And you’re right, it’s hard to find people who undestand taking the hard road, much less love. I’m a lucky girl! Thank you so much for your support – especially since it sounds like you know where I’m coming from.

    @Amanda: We should get together again! :)

  • Jess Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 1:25 pm

    Hi K-

    I loved your post. I was in a similar situation about 4 years ago. I moved from a small town in WI to Dallas, TX and didn’t know too many people. It was scary at first but I wouldn’t let myself give up. Now, I’ve recently moved but always look back at my experiences making it in a big city. That was my time where I truly found myself and proved that I could overcome life’s challenges. I worked a regular day job but also got a retail job part-time and that’s where I met some girls who really made my transition there a lot of fun. Good luck to you.

    And yes, spend time by yourself. It’s funny, when I do think back I recall those alone times I spent shopping or hanging at coffee shops.

  • Alicia Arenas (@AliciaSanera) Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    Wow! That is awesome! They say strong-willed children are the ones who become world leaders & CEOs. Are you ready for world domination?

    PS if you don’t mind hanging w a Gen Xer (not quite an old geezer), you’ve got a local girlfriend any day of the week!

  • Molly Hoyne Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    So much love and welcome for Kelly! Even though I’ve known your story for months now, I still get inspired reading about your big leap.

    All of us here at Stratejoy (um me!) are SO excited to be part of your journey these next 6 months.

    Welcome to the Tribe Challenge Child!

  • Krista Francis Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 3:56 pm

    Wow, your stories so remind me of me in my younger years! I had a couple spur-of-the moment romances. Once, I moved 800 miles to be with the person I met in a chance encounter on New Years’ Eve. The other whirlwind romance resulted in 3 months of intense love followed by 3 months of intense life during her brief and heartbreaking terminal illness. Needless to say, I don’t regret jumping into either choice.

    Good luck with everything and enjoy your new life!

  • Therapeutic Ramblings Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 4:44 pm

    That is ridiculous and awesome….mostly awesome. I can’t imagine just up and leaving. Well, I could, just not where I am right now.

  • AndreaGenevieve Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 9:02 pm

    Kelly,

    Welcome to the Stratejoy family! I’ll be joining you in TX someday… we’ll just have to see how long it takes. =)
    Oh and while we are all sharing my GPS is named is Moe… shes got a British accent like the announcer from one of my fav childhood TV shows GUTS… you know what I’m talking about. “Lets go to the scoreboard Moe!”

  • Lynn Ellsberry Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 10:08 pm

    Great post Kelly. Can’t wait to hear more of your story.

  • Janet Jackson Says:
    February 2nd, 2010 at 9:07 am

    Im just in here from a link. The reading is fruitful, confrontational, and at a time where it seems to be the most crucial turning point in your life.

    As someone who has weathered the storm, and is living out the experience 25 years after you, self confrontation probably the most difficult part of the life experience.

    I wish you the joy of complete and utter self discovery.

    Janet

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