(Re-)Introductions

Is this awkward?

I know a lot of folks hate seeing people from high school. They spot a former classmate in the grocery store and duck into the aisle. Maybe they frantically open Candy Crush or just pretend not to see them. 

What's up with that? 

I love seeing people from high school. Even if we weren't homies back in the day, it's always fun to hear what my classmates have been up to. I even get excited to see their parents. Why wouldn't I? 

Sure, we've changed. Maybe we're not where we thought we would be, doing what we imagined. Maybe our high school selves wouldn't recognize the new us. We might not know what to say to each other, or how to feel about ourselves.

But don't overthink it. We don't have to explain anything. We have nothing to prove. We've just got stories to tell, questions to ask, plans to make, and dreams to follow. 

So. I know it's been a while, but I'm happy to see you. 

Today, I'm still Sarah Anne. I live in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I love rice, reggaetón, hot tea, and anime. My favorite book is The Consolations of Philosophy. I recently bought flower pots because I am an adult.

I have a boyfriend named Tom and a step-dog named Ato. I live with my best friend, Caroline. We are slowly drawing our other friends into the Scenic City Climber Commune.

I was a diehard boulderer for years, but I mostly sport climb these days. I've cried from fear, learned from failure, and unlocked strength I didn't know I had. I've turned discomfort into confidence.  

The last two years held hard lessons, but I'm grateful for every experience because I'm happy with who I am. This month, I begin my first 8 to 5 job. I'm excited for hangboard workouts, weekend warrioring, and the latest great unknown. 

Well? Who are you today?