On the road again ... almost!

So I'm taking a break from packing and cleaning to blog ... however, I don't actually have anything real new or meaningful to say BUT I did need a break and there's nothing on TV and all of my books are packed, so ... I blog.

Now let me start by saying ... I know there are lots of you out there (out "lots" may be a bit of an exaggeration but there are quite a few of you who read this and don't comment ... so here is my plea, comment ... well, comment if you have something worth saying (which I can almost bet you do)

I've been packing and cleaning for a good while now. This is definitely my least favorite part of moving. I do like the whole "new place" feel and putting things in place, I just don't necessarily like all the time it takes to pack and unpack and find things that I really need (but can't because they're packing with something weird). Well, this time I believe is my 11th move since I graduated high school. I graduated in 2003 so that's about 1.5 moves per year. I moved twice before college, once each year in college (even moving 2 miles away is moving ... it's a pain, regardless), moved to Savannah after college, lived in 3 different places in 14 months in Savannah, moved to St. Charles and now I'm packing to move back to Savannah. I am excited for this move (I pretty much was excited about MOST of my moves) but these cross country moves sure do take a toll on you (not only your time and energy but $$). Goodness those rental companies sure do make lots of money off me (or my gracious parents) off truck rentals. I've been blessed this time around with 3 friends from KC who will be arriving next Monday evening, helping me load the truck (along with some other wonderful people here in St. Charles) and then my best friend, Kathie and I will drive my car with my kitties and her hubby and his best friend will drive the truck. All this mess and we're driving overnight. Leaving late afternoon and we'll arrive in Savannah early Wednesday morning. It'll all be worth it ... but I'm just fixing my eyes on the prize.

Today I had lunch with 3 lovely ladies at Red Robin. I'll miss them (and I'll also miss Red Robin since there isn't one in Savannah) but I would like to say I have been blessed with a few really great people since I've been here. I didn't want any "goodbye" gifts, but Patti got me this beautiful painting/portrait of downtown St. Charles -- now I'll never forget this place. Not that I had planned on doing that ... but it is a really sweet and thoughtful gift. Tomorrow my co-workers are taking me to Macaroni Grill for my "goodbye lunch" ... boo, have I mentioned how much I don't like goodbyes? I love spending time with people ... and it will be happy, this move is a happy decision, but saying goodbye to people who have been part of my life for the past year, people who I saw EVERY day or just about, it's just not easy. Then ... on Friday evening there will be a little dinner gathering at the Jobes for my final goodbye thing. I'm grateful for people that care about me ... and that I care about. Everyone has been SUPER supportive of my decision to move back to Savannah and I cannot express my gratitude for such love and support ... it makes hard decisions easier ... that's for sure!

So - this post started with nothing to say and now I've probably bored you. I've been reading this blog my friend posted about ... I definitely don't agree with everything and he's not the kind of guy I'd ever really like to date BUT his blog is pretty good ... I check it every day now (or almost) so thanks LS for sharing. If you want to check it out here it's called Until I Get Married. Check it out ... or don't.

And to end ... saw the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" and it was disappointing. I read the book and absolutely loved it ... I know the books are ALWAYS better than the movie but this one just wasn't good. I'm looking forward to seeing "The Switch" though. It comes out this weekend with Jennifer Anniston. It looks good and funny.

Ok all -- one week till my departure, guess I better get back to packing and cleaning.

XoXo!

There's no 100% guarantee!

Sometimes we take a chance. Whether we try a new food, move to a new city, take a new job, get a pet, meet new friends, etc etc ... big or small, we take a risk. Will we spit it out, will it feel like home, will I fit in, will my pet pee all over my house -- you get the picture. I think life is about taking chances ... especially chances (even when they're hard) when you know the greatest benefit will come from it. I can gratefully say each experience in my life (whether good or bad) has taught me a lot about myself, other people, and life in general. There have been previous experiences that while in that particular place I wished more than anything that I could get out of it ... but all of that makes and molds us into who we are. I've had an interesting turn of events lately -- it seems like every now and then there is always some turn or change. It makes for excitement I suppose ... or stress and planning, but none-the-less it's all part of this journey.

We're not guaranteed tomorrow. We've been told in Scripture not to worry about tomorrow ... but we also know that there is no guarantee that tomorrow will come. I am thankful for the days I've been given to live my life -- and by all means, I want to live a full life ... and not just a full life pushed down by meaningless tasks and no purpose, but a life with happiness and purpose. Yes yes, I know there will be times of sadness or grief and what not, but I do believe that God desires my happiness. I do my best when I am surrounded by people who love me, support me, encourage me, etc and when I'm happiest!

I've lived in STL for about a year now and it really has been a great experience. I've once again had the opportunity to experience another city, a great job, and some winter weather. I've learned new programs, made new friends, learned the process of transition (again) and other things. I do not regret in any sense my decision to move to STL last year. I could go into lots of details, but that would bore most of you ... at the end of this month I'll be heading back down South. I've been offered a job back at Savannah Christian Church and along with great friends and family that will be a bit closer ... I've accepted and will be moving soon! I'm really excited for this next season of life ... and I have a feeling this season will be a longer than previous seasons in my life. I'm thrilled to settle down somewhere and make somewhere my home.

I do however hate packing! :) Thankfully my mom was in town this past weekend (that's another story for another time) but she helped pack some things I won't need for the next few weeks. I have some great friends who are helping me do the actual moving (driving the truck, loading, unloading, and such) and great parents who are supporting this move yet again! I've made some good relationships here in STL -- and this year will be a time that I'll never forget. Savannah is a great vacation spot so I'm looking forward to seeing my mid-west folk in the south! Just a few more weeks and I'll be on the road. If you're part of my STL family thank you for your love and support and encouragement along the way. If you're part of my SAV family I am so looking forward to being reunited ... and for the rest of you, come visit! :) P.S. - being 25 is nothing special -- but this year is going to be great, I feel it!