from the eastern shore to the windy city.

in just a few shorty weeks (about 7) mike, bella, atreyu and i will be packing up and heading about 900 miles west to live in st. charles, illinois.

i have to admit, its a really bittersweet thing.

while im super excited about experiencing new things - people, places, family!  i am also SUPER sad to be leaving my home; my heart is here, and will remain to be so.

but we need a change.  for our finances, our marriage, our little one.  we need some new opportunities.  we need a different work environment.  we need a different kind of support system.  we need to be able to see each other, sometimes, and to reconnect.  i need to work a little less, and a little differently.  and he needs the opportunity to work more, in a better (and better paying) environment.  i need to be close to my (wonderful, amazing, alternative medicine practicing) doctor to get my life and health back in order.  he needs a chance to be close to his family.

im excited about being in a new area, with new and different things to do.  im excited about winter weather.  im excited about being closer in proximity to my (other, long lost) sister and having the chance to meet her again and reconnect.  im excited to get to know my illinois family.  im looking forward to all kinds of things.

but i am sad too.  im going to be leaving a huge piece of myself here.  my family, my friends.  being away from my small, close knit family, and thinking that bella may not immediately recognize the family and friends who have always been my *only* family and friends breaks my heart - but i know we can change that with visits, pictures, and skype.  im sad over leaving my best friend and heart - the idea literally shreds my insides...  but i know that no matter how much time passes (it wont be much) or how many miles are between us, we will always always be inseparable.  we will always be best friends.  we will be seeing each other soon...  as soon as i convince her to move to chicago too!

its all very exciting, scary, overwhelming, sad, and great!  i think that this is going to be a great opportunity.  i think its going to be a lot of fun.  i think ill be homesick.  i think ill miss the beach.  but i am confident that we are making the right choice - for us - and thats really all that matters.

i am going to miss *my* starbucks, but i have been missing my starbucks for some time.  its time to move on to something new.

im going to miss my old friends, and my newest friends.  im going to miss my little town.  im going to miss my house (a little).

im SO going to miss the studio and the wonderful ladies of GPA who i have come to love like family!  more than an amazing job, wonderful opportunity, and invaluable education - these ladies are like sisters to me!  its hard to leave that behind.  but it gives them somewhere to road trip!

but im glad to be setting out on this new adventure.  im happy and looking forward to a new chapter in my life and in my marriage!  im actually glad to be moving away from the eastern shore and "getting out of ocean city" like ive always talked about.  and who knows what the future holds?

im just glad that, no matter what, ill still always have this place to call home.  <3 p="p">


xo.
   m.