So let me say THANK YOU. Thank you for the coffee dates, the breakfast/lunch/dinner dates, the basketball dates, the phone dates [for those of you outside of socal], the hiking dates, the beach walking dates, the photo taking dates. Thank you for your time on these dates. This has been an incredibly hasty decision and my time left here short. So thank you for helping me spend it in the fullest of ways on such short notice. I feel your love.
I have been able to embrace my loved ones, revel in their beauty and soak up all of their mannerisms that make them who they are. These are the things that are going to get me through the rough days when I may be wishing for a familiar face or a warm embrace. Wishing I had YOU [yes you] by my side to laugh, to pray, to sing, to cry, to just sit with. So thank you loves. Thank you for your unique reactions, your hugs [and the kisses] and your wise words. They are all getting stored in the memory bank:)
This is a song that I have been rocking out to every day since this opportunity came out of the blue. I downloaded it the day before an email was sent to me and didn't listen to it until a few days after the magnitude of this opportunity resonated within me. Basically some [not all] of the lyrics hit home. Not to mention the band is probably my new fav for twenty eleven. Do yourself a favor and listen to all of their songs:)
And Run by He is We
So while listening to the song you can look at some pictures of the places, people & things I am sad to say "goodbye for now" to...
1. SUMMER NiGHTS
Some of you who may know a thing or two about the earth's seasons, axis and hemispheres will know that the northern hemisphere is currently in its winter season transitioning into the spring season. While the southern hemisphere is embracing its last summer month as it heads into the fall season. All this to say I feel like I have a right to a pity party especially because I am a "born and raised California girl" and will not get to experience a beautiful, blazing hot, 3 month long summer as I am accustomed to in the year 2011.
I am leaving a northern hemisphere winter for a few short weeks of an Australian summer which leads into fall and eventually to my SECOND full winter of 2011. But wait there is more, my contract ends 12-30-2011 which means I could potentially arrive in the states that same day [thanks to the 18 and 1/2 hour (yes 1/2 look it up yourself if you don't believe me) time difference] which means a THIRD winter. Do you understand why I am so upset:) All you canyon lakers, san diegans, santa barbarians and anyone who gets to have a normal 3 month long summer don't take it for granted!!
beach house living summer
laughing in the lake summer
laying out with my cousin summer
lake boat cruising summer
Other noteworthy summer misses that photos can't capture...
-CL 4th of July fuzzy feelings
-The smell of the campground night fires
2. COLOR WONDERS
I am going to miss coloring my hair. Pretty superficial I know. But I can't help that my mother is an amazing hairdresser and has fun with my head full of hair. For the past 5 years I have had the luxury of getting my hair done every 4-5 weeks. A long stretch was maybe 6 weeks, 7 weeks was pushing it [ridiculous I know]. But I am known for my chameleon color changes and have no fear when it comes to trying a new color or cut. Unfortunately this move separates me from an amazing stylist. This is going to be a huge adjustment as I have never had anyone but my mommy cut/color my hair not to mention I am going to have to pay for it...shocked to say the least. So much for wanting to go back red this year or trying a new style. Bring on my natural color...here's a look at my favorite colors.
RED
BLONDE
BRUNETTE
Just a quick side note these pictures were taken in early 2009 to mid 2010 [in chronological order] YES I have changed my hair that much and that often in a period of a year...see what I mean...I guess the move to Australia means breaking the addiction.
3. SNUGGLiNG
With faith and kodi! For the past 8 months these cuddle bugs have jumped into my bed in the wee hours of the morning looking for a good snuggle. I mean could you resist? [everyone except k-rob...yes this is a shout-out] I am going to miss their presence and their amazing ability to love like Jesus. To love me for me. Even on a bad day.
pretty babies
long, reflective walks
4. FRiENDS
I know I am desperately going to miss the ability to be with my friends on a consistent basis. Since graduating it hasn't been easy seeing my heart friends but we have made it work despite four hour traveling distances and work/school/game schedules. My girls. The ones who know the depths of my soul, have held my hand in my darkest hours, have stayed up til dawn scrambling to make deadlines or see the sunrise, have talked me through my many "heart attacks", have listened, have taught me how to stop and listen. My soul sisters.
I just know skype isn't going to cut it. Fortunately the memories I have made with each and everyone of them are enough to get me through until they come and visit me. One by one or hey maybe together:) So until then here's to the things we might be found doing this year if not for my absence.
hiking in La Cresta
sunset marveling
epic jumping picture taking
walking to the beat of our own drums
capturing a "TRADiTiONal" pose at every reunion
random photo shoots in random locations
making stories WORTH sharing...laughing at our mishaps
belly laughs in each other's presence
being present at my girl's games
quick side note: WARRiORS you better get that championship!!!!
5. FAMiLY
I think this is probably going to be the hardest. Our family has faced a tremendous amount of adversity over the past three years and that chapter is coming to a close. It will always be apart of us and I'm glad it happened. We are stronger. And our personal relationships with Christ are REAL. I'm thankful for the storm, but honestly I would love to be a part of the celebration. You know the one where the prodigal son [my dad] returns home.
I'm going to miss our first year as a restored family. I'll be in Australia when my dad graduates. And that is probably the hardest realization. I've waited, longed for and prayed fervently for that moment for over three years. The one thing in my life I have ever prayed consistently for. It kills me that I'm going to miss it. But I know in my heart God wants me to let it go. To trust Him. Everything IS working for the good.
Daddy I am so proud of you. I know you and mom have given me your blessing and I know God wants me in Australia, but I'm sorry I'm going to miss it. And trev, you stud you, I will miss being at your games this upcoming season. But at least we are both back in season and can cheer each other on:) And mom you are beautiful. I'm thankful for this time alone. Together. Before it all happens. Its only goodbye for now:)
joy. hope. love.
i will miss your last months as a teen
i love you.
I'm sorry for such a long post, but these are the things I'm going to miss. The irreplaceable moments that mean the most to me right now in exchange for other irreplaceable moments that I can't even begin to fathom. And its good. I am excited. Excited to share these moments with you who mean the most even if you can't physically be with me. I hope you all know how much you mean to me. Every moment with you has been a fine detailing that has gotten me ready for this new journey. And I thank you once again. Just remember its only goodbye for now, unless some handsome aussie sweeps me off my feet;)
