The sun is setting. (A prime example of why I no longer write cutlines for a living.)
If you're reading this instead of working, then shame shame. :) Just kidding. Or maybe you are on your phone while stopped in traffic. If so, chances are I am on my way to Waco right now. Driving to see apartments. Only seven days before my first day at my new job.
That's right. Monday morning I interviewed, and that afternoon I accepted a position in the lovely town (and I don't mean that sarcastically) of Waco, Texas.
It really is a quaint and charming town - a geographical oddity too, pretty close to several of my favorite big cities.
And I'm excited, to explore a new place and meet new people.
But, I'm also sorta terrified. There I said it.
Monday was all excitement. All giant smiles. And happy phone calls to report the good news.
But then, nerves set in. Big time.
And I think most of my fear stems from the fact that it has been a long time since I last set out on my own.
It's been nine years in fact, since I first packed my belongings and headed to a new town. One where I didn't know anyone, and didn't know what to expect.
Back then I didn't have a clue just how hard it was going to be. If I had known, I'm pretty sure I would have chickened out and remained in my childhood bedroom my whole life. Collecting cats instead of scrapbooking supplies, the way I did when I went off to college.
But this time around I KNOW it won't be easy. Going out there on my own.
And I'm scared, quite frankly.
I'll be busy at first. Hopefully busy enough that time will fly by. But then eventually, once I settle in, there will come a night when I realize I've run out of milk and I'll end up crying over it. I know it.
Sooner or later, like it or not, I will spend a night sobbing on my apartment floor. Because I miss my family. And I miss my old friends. And I miss all the familiarities of home. But probably most importantly because cereal without milk is one of the great travesties in life. Deep sigh. (Am I right?)
But... melodrama aside, chances are I will live through that tough time. And hopefully even grow to appreciate the opportunity to spread my wings of independence. (I'm a cheeseball I know. Which reminds me... I need to make a grocery list.)
Here my dad uses his wingspan to demonstrate how tiny this one bedroom was. Really tiny!
I do think that along with the nerves, I'm feeling something else as well.
READY!!!
Being home these last few years. Having the opportunities to learn what I have, experienced what I have. To meet the people I've met, and also spend time with my family and oldest friends has been such a blessing I cannot describe. And I wouldn't trade this time for anything in the world.
But, it definitely feels like time. To go.
Get it? Time to go. Another misguided attempt at fashion photography. :)
Seriously, though. It is time to get a fresh start. To try something new.
So... next week my parents and I will haul a trailer full of my belongings to unchartered territory. Home of Common Grounds, Health Camp, the Bears and pretty soon me.
I do hope you'll keep me in your prayers as I make this transition. And also that you'll stop by for a visit next time you're in "the best of Central Texas." That's what the Waco website calls it, at least. And we know everything we read on the internet is factual.
Even the truly terrifying.
So thankful that no matter where life takes us, we are always under the same moon, stars...
and in the hands of the same good God.
By the way... I began this post yesterday before we took off for our apartment tours. But... since I waited to post it you now get to know that I found an apartment. One I really like. And one I'll move into late next week! Yay!
Now, happy weekending!
Jen
I haven't eat cereal in a while... but I do know that hot chocolate without milk is a sad sad thing. That's why I bought milk the other day even though I wasn't out... I'm pretty much living on hot chocolate these days!
yay for finding an apartment!
Posted by: allison | 01/09/2011 at 11:33 AM
I'm excited Leanna, especially knowing I'll have friends nearby.
And thanks for backing me up on the milk thing. I've become spoiled to sharing milk buying responsibilities.
Posted by: Jessie | 01/07/2011 at 08:29 PM
WOW! That's not far from me at all!! This is exciting! I will be praying for you as you get moved and settled. We will definitely have to do lunch soon! :)
Oh and by the way, you are so right... Cereal without milk... tragic.
Posted by: Leanna | 01/07/2011 at 08:19 PM