Czech Me Out

Hey! If you're new to my blog, my name is Tori. Today I did a few things. I met a nice lady from the Czech Republic. She was cool to talk to. We just sat outside and talked about life. She told me about her life back in the Czech Republic. She moved to America long before I was born, she said lol. She hasn't been back since she left, and she told me sometimes she gets homesick—but she moved here for love. They've been together since 1990 (or the late '80s, to be honest; I forgot). She said she doesn't regret moving because she built a beautiful life here with the man she loves. Love is such a beautiful thing.

When I first heard her talk, I asked if she was Slovakian, and she said I was the first person who got close (others guessed German). She asked if I knew anyone from there, and I said no, but my dad's side of the family immigrated here and founded a town in Arkansas named Slovak. I told her I've always wanted to go because the country is beautiful. Sometimes I wish I had a job that let me travel the world. I am curious and love learning about cultures. I would love to travel the world and hear people's stories. I love talking to new people and finding out their stories.

America is so boring compared to other countries, in my opinion. Not that I hate America—I don't. I'm very proud to be an American. My dad served in the military, and I'll never take his sacrifices for granted. He gets a small check because he was honorably discharged. I won't tell the entire story today, but the short version is his comrade did something that affected both of them. I'm proud to be my dad's daughter.

I'm married but haven't changed my name because, when we got married, I knew what field I was gonna go into, and I wanted to use my maiden name until we have kids or my dad passes away. My maiden name means a lot to me. Thankfully, my husband understands. Sorry, I got carried away! I just respect my dad a lot, and he understands me more on the autism spectrum. We know he is autistic but don't talk about it. He's the smartest man I've ever met in my entire life. My dad and I have always wanted to go to Slovakia. Hopefully, before he leaves this world, I can make that happen for him.

I'm very homesick and just want to go home and watch history documentaries with him. But it looks like I'll be home soon because my husband will get laid off since the project is almost over. He is a pipeliner. When I get home, I will start planning toward my dream career. I was literally almost there, but my sister had two brain aneurysms. It was either say my last goodbye or pursue my dream job. Family comes first—always. Also, my mental health wasn't the best; I just started taking meds and going to therapy. I have no doubt this time I will do it right. I know now that I am mentally stable enough to go after my dreams. I refuse to let my mental health rule my life.

My abusive ex ruled my life for five years. He had everything planned out for me because he "knew what was best," and I didn't, apparently. My dreams? Stupid. My feelings? "Get over it." Money that I worked seven days a week for? I was the piggy bank. I know my husband doesn't mind me staying home, but I'm not getting any younger. Plus, I love having my own money. I'm the type of person who, if I have money, will act broke so I can save up for things like an emergency fund. I am very proud of myself because I've worked so hard to be the best me I can be. I finally love myself. I used to hate myself because of other people's words and actions. Now, I'm the girl who shines again like the sun, smiling like it's the newest style everyone's wearing.

I'm excited for tomorrow because I'm going to Dinosaur, Colorado, and I love fossils and anything related to dinosaurs. Must be an autism thing, hehe. I'm actually too excited because I can't sleep! Tomorrow I won't be as active as usual.

Thank you to anyone who read this far. Good morning or good night, wherever you are! 

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P.S. We talked about *The Sound of Music*, and now the songs are stuck in my head. Also, I figured out layouts for blogs! Tell me if ya'll like it! ૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡