Dear Family & Friends,
As I spend yet another evening this week hoping the afternoon storms will soon roll through so that Jak and I can get out and walk, I thought I'd take the time to finally update my blog. Of significance on this day, I arrived here two years ago today. In a lot of ways it's hard to believe that much time has gone by.
When I mentioned that it had been almost two years to a friend earlier this week, she asked what the best and worst parts of it have been. I had to stop and think about that for a while. It has certainly been a growing experience that's for sure. The biggest struggle I've had here has been a lack of connections. To go from a job and a town where I was so connected to not knowing anyone was more to cope with than I had anticipated. What I've learned is, it just takes time. To find a trusted mechanic, a good hairstylist, a favorite restaurant for a spaghetti dinner (that still eludes me). The best part of living here would be several things, the friendlier atmosphere, the warm weather and of course the dog beach.
There are times when I look back and feel amazed that I actually did this. That I found the courage to pack up and head off to a new land. I haven't once regretted it. Even when I was just getting by, even when I was exhausted from working crazy hours, even when a beloved family member got a tough diagnosis 1000 miles away. I still have so many instances when a wave of gratitude washes over me because I am here.
In the months leading up to me actually making this move there were many times when I just couldn't see how it would ever happen. But I also couldn't imagine it not happening. The other day I went into a store I'd only been once or twice before. I walked straight to a rack of shirts and pulled one out that says "Hope In The Unknown". This Hope had hope in the unknown by moving here and I am so glad that I did.
Until next time...and I won't make any promises when that will be...
Peace & Love. Be Well.
Hope
P.S. I bought the shirt.
