This has been a year of changes.

The fella and I moved into our own place early this year, and then promptly started making big changes in our lives. At the end of this month he will start working toward his Master’s in teaching at Smith, and I will start a new job at the office of Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice. At the end of the summer we’ll get married, and then take a trip to Portugal and Spain (a first for both of us). In the fall I’ll start taking biology courses — a yearlong pursuit, at least — as a prerequisite to a health degree.

Perhaps next year we’ll adopt a dog, take up running, and buy a house. Or maybe we’ll get tattoos and go on a long distance bike trip. Or maybe I’ll decide “forget med tech, MD or bust!” and embark on a decade-long adventure in med school. Maybe all of those things, or none.

Whatever it is, I’m ready.