Sarah King: How did I get here?

The other night I was decorating my downstairs Christmas tree while listening to a Johnny Mathis record, and I thought to myself “How did I get here?”

I mean, I NEVER thought I would have two Christmas trees. Who was I becoming? Those of you who are Talking Heads fans will know all too well why the song “Once in a Lifetime” was rolling through my head as I pondered this. Isn’t it funny where we find ourselves?

I was once a downtown girl. Exclusively. I went to all the big parties. Made appearances at every gallery opening. Saw every band that came through town. Dated a few band members as well. I even married my favorite one! I worked in downtown restaurants. I was firmly IN the loop. Hell, at the time, I thought I drew the loop!

Had you told me then that when I was older, I would be living in North Raleigh with a kid. That I would take pride in making my house look festive for each holiday. That my idea of an awesome Saturday night would be grilling with the neighbors. Well, I would have soundly laughed in your face.

NO WAY would I EVER live anywhere but downtown. That is where the culture is. North Raleigh might as well be the suburbs. And there was not a chance in the world that I’d decorate my house for Christmas. That’s what my lame Mom used to do.

Well, surprise, surprise. I am now that lame Mom.

What I find most surprising is that I LOVE my life. Finding myself exactly where I once painted as what I was sure was a hellishly boring reality is actually quite nice. I love how quiet my neighborhood is. I love that I basically live in the woods, albeit not too far from downtown, where wildlife sightings are a daily occurrence.

I love making mac n’ cheese for my son and going on playdates at the park with other moms. Decorating the house so that he feels the holidays as a joyous, warm time is wonderful. Making memories with him is just the best!

I guess this is a lesson best learned in time. There was no way I could have known that those yuppies in North Raleigh had their own culture going on. It may not end up in the papers, but it is just as worthy of celebration. It is OK to let go of old ideas of success. Once you do, you may just find yourself in a reality that has more happiness and stability then you could have ever dreamed possible.

Here’s to growing up, celebrating who we once were, and reveling in who we’ve become.

Cheers!

Sarah is the mom of one and part of MIX Mornings with Kyle, Bryan, and Sarah.