Friends, old and new.

When I got done the job I left for my current job, a girl who also worked there, who was becoming a good friend, left on the same day to move back to her parents' home in New York. Today I got a message from her saying she was moving back to Virginia and that she's starting work back at the old (to me anyway) place on Monday. I am really excited that she is coming back- especially because I think she could continue to become a really great friend, which is something I could really use down here in Virginia. Casey is the greatest- my best friend and love of my life- but there are some things a girl just can't share with a boy. She is loud and a little crazy, but I love it- especially because I am one or both of those things a lot of the time. I could really use a friend like her close by. My girls back home mean so much to me, but it is hard to keep up with each other living so far apart. I have been thinking about how much I want to keep in better touch with my family and friends back home, especially after the last few trips home without having one of my besties around (she's studying abroad in France), yet I haven't tried very hard so far. Although my France-friend frustrates me with her lack of effort towards our friendship and towards keeping in touch- which hurts because I really value her as a friend and confidant, we've shared a lot of the same experiences and it's nice to have someone to relate to- I still want to know what's going on in her life. It sucks that I can't be there sharing the awesome experiences she's having in France- with new friends- but she's living her life, as am I, and I can't be angry or upset with her about that. I've just got to cherish the moments I have with all of the beautiful people in my life, the old friends and the new, because if you don't share life's moments with someone, who on Earth is going to believe you when you write your autobiography? :)

Blog makeover.

As you can see, the blog got a makeover. Although dolphins at sunrise still awe me, my life has changed a lot since this blog started. When it started I was still obsessed (a strong word, but nearly fitting) with moving back to Vermont- I never thought I could settle in Virginia. Yet here I am with a great job and homeownership in the near future- in Virginia, not Vermont. Don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not settling completely- Vermont will always be home and I can't wait to move back! But I'm not so anxious about it anymore. When this blog started, I wasn't sure Casey would ever propose- and here I am now less than nine months from the big day! The wedding day that is, mentioning nine months makes is sound like something it definitely isn't! Some things remain the same, like my love for my family and friends, and especially for Casey. Life is good, and I'm glad I have this space to share the goodness with whoever wants to read about it! Life should be about sharing and enjoying great experiences, and not so great ones, whether they are our experiences or someone elses... that's how inspiration happens.

Almost Thanksgiving?!?!?!

Wow, I can't believe Thanksgiving is this week! I am not complaining because I am very excited to take the trip home and share a bountiful meal with those I love most. But I find it crazy that November is almost over- which will leave just one month until the new year. This past year has brought quite a self-transformation, as well as huge life steps and changes, and I look forward to what next year will bring. I am eager for two of next years events to be here- homeownership and marriage. In the beginning of the year Casey and I will be homeowners for the first time and will move into our beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in a wonderful, growing area just west of where we live now. We have often taken drives out past this community, where things aren't overwhelmingly developed yet, and it makes me feel a little sense of home- Vermont home. Both of us are so excited and wish we didn't have to wait until then! But I'm sure it will be here before we know it. I just hope we'll be truly ready! The wedding is another thing I'm really looking forward to- of course! I haven't had much to work on for it lately, but things are starting to come back up on the to-do checklist. So, I'll be busy the next few months preparing for our move- and then I'll be busting out wedding projects before the big day. It's great to have such opportunities for creativity and I can't wait to see how everything turns out! As Thanksgiving comes closer, I give thanks for the ability to be creative, for the blessings I have in family, friends, and home, and for the events that make life memorable!

Life is... funny?

I don't think that funny is the right adjective, but life sure does take you in all sorts of directions. Last year at this time I was miserable because I wanted to move back to Vermont, this year I'm in the process of buying a condo with my fiance- meaning a more permanent tie to Virginia. Who'd have thunk? I'm really not worrying about it either, I'm actually very happy in my life right now- yes, I would MUCH rather be in Vermont- but I'm okay where I am. I've been blessed with lots of beautiful things lately- the engagement (which leads to a wedding- the most memorable day of all, right?), a new job, and now a place to call my own... and Casey's too! :) I think this new job has really changed my perspective about living down here- it's a place that I actually feel appreciated and where I actually enjoy what I'm doing! Sure there are some slow days, but where I work (at a police station), isn't that a good thing? And Casey seems to be moving up and taking on new responsibilities at his job, which is great- I wouldn't tear him away from it because I'm homesick. I'm sure he's homesick too- but he's also driven to succeed and reach the goals he's placed for himself. I'm definitely not standing in the way of that! So, although I'd really like to be moving in next door to all my besties back in VT, closer to my family, at least getting a new home means I get to finally do some real interior decorating! Mostly I'm excited about paint- and on the tight budget we'll be on, it will also be fun to get really creative to revamp the stuff we already own to make it look nice and inviting in a brand new home... not just new to us, but new in general!