going home :)

The old adage is "Home is Where the Heart Is," and I totally agree with this in theory. RI has been great and the fact that Dan and I were together made the time go by faster than had we been alone, and I never thought I would say this, but I can't wait to get back to North Carolina. (It is doubly odd that I even consider North Carolina as home since I've spent more time here in Newport than I have in Wilmington.)

In my mind home is:

*where our super comfortable bed is

*where the rest of my clothes are

*where our couch is

*where our kitchen is (stove, refrigerator, and all)

*where my future job is

*where my future school is

*where my cat will be in just a few short months!

The list goes on but you get the idea. I'm super excited to get back. I'm even looking forward to the 13+ hour drive to get there. I get where the writer

was going when they said "Home is Where the Heart Is," but they obviously weren't cramped in a tiny hotel room for two and a half months. James Taylor had it right when he said "In my mind I'm going to Carolina..."

Teeny, tiny room in Newport, RI

Our Kitchen in Wilmington (This is what we missed the most)

Slowing Down

I am the classic over-achiever. Or maybe I just can't stand still. I like to be doing, I am constantly in motion. Things move fast in my world which is why it's not surprising to anyone who knows me that I met and fell in the love with the man I married in less than a year. In any given season I can be involved in any number of activities. I love being busy, I am more organized when I am busy, I prioritize better when I am busy. I lived in a smallish town in California for over 20 years and I always had more than enough to do. I went to school, I worked at least one job if not two, I volunteered at my church... let's just say my hands could be as full as I wanted them to be.

In the months before I moved to North Carolina I was doing all of the above and co-directing a play and planning a wedding. It was crazy and I can't say that there weren't any meltdowns but I was in my zone. Dan and I had a fabulous time in Italy and it was a great transition time before moving my entire life to a foreign city, across the country, where people eat a dish called fried okra (no, I have not tried it yet). I knew before I came what was ahead of me. Dan is in the Marine Corps which is why we live in North Carolina but before we can really settle in we are heading up to Rhode Island where Dan will go through the JAG program. We'll be there for a little over 2 months. I am so excited to see Boston and New York and Providence. But, I am also feeling a little stir crazy. Because of this interesting schedule I am unable to do the things that I normally do: work, attend classes, volunteer...

This is the time where I get to take a much needed break. So, I am reading books, and writing thank you cards, framing pictures, and packing for the next part of this years adventure. It's a different feeling -- I can't say that I am used to it yet but I think it's good. This is the first time in my life where the new "phase" doesn't involve a new project. I am so grateful. I am blessed with time to focus on my newest adventure. I get to learn how to live with a male (coming from a house with 4 daughters, the only male I lived with besides my dad is our male house-cat, Houston). I get to start my life with Dan without too many distractions. And, for that, I am blessed.

P.S. If you are wondering what books I'm reading... I finished On the Road by Jack Kerouac (I was not too impressed) and When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris (Hilarious!). I think I may dive into Crime and Punishment next -- If you have any suggestions I'd be happy to consider them ;)