farewell for now...

Won't miss...

1. Lizards

2. Humidity 

3. Palm sized cockroaches 

4. Hurricanes

5. Houston traffic 

Will miss...

1. Friends

2. Friends

3. Friends 

4. Friends

5. Friends

6. Friends

7. Friends

8. Friends

9. Friends

10. Friends

11. Friends

12. Friends

13. Friends

14. Friends

...

10987. Friends 

10988. Friends 

Do you get it? 

We've made the most incredible friends here in Texas. Nothing can replace them. They are our family. They have been here for us during our highs and lows. There are no words for how deeply we will miss being close to them. I moved here not knowing a soul and I'm leaving with the most badass list of people in my heart for eternity.

Everyone I've met here has played an important part in shaping who I am today. From the bottom over my overjoyed heart, thank you! Thank you for the memories, the laughs, and the cries. 

We may have one thousand miles between us but distance doesn't matter when you have what we have. 

Cheers, Houston! 

the cool down...

There is always one very special day each year in Texas when the brutal heat breaks and cooler temperatures creep in. Today is that day and I write this post from outside in my backyard as I inhale this beautiful breeze with a welcoming smile.

This is my fifth September in Houston. My last actually. This change in temperature this time of year, although brief, always stops me in my tracks and reminds me of change. A change in seasons for sure, although in Houston we could easily have temperatures back in the upper 90s next week. But as I sit here and reflect on the previous five years of my life and take in the epic changes that are taking place in my right now, I take solace in knowing change is... oh, so good.

We require change in order to live exciting and fulfilling lives. We need to make space for newness while appreciating what we already have. What I have now is so special and what lies ahead is also so special. 

I am who I am due in part to the experiences I've had up to this point in my life. All that lies ahead, as unknown and as scary as it may be, will play a role in who I continue to become. 

Hello, change. I'm ready for you. 

Someday...

Someday...

Someday I'll work a job I don't hate. Someday we'll take that three week vacation. Someday I'll fit into my skinny jeans. Someday I'll live in my dream home. 

Ready for this?

Someday doesn't exist. Someday is an excuse. Stop waiting for someday to happen and make shit happen today.

It can be absolutely terrifying to recognize you're living a life you're not completely satisfied with. You will make decisions and choices that threaten what seems to be a comfortable life you're living but remember comfort isn't always what it's cracked up to be. Comfort breeds stagnation, stagnation breeds boredom, and boredom is some sort of twisted version of hell.

Make someday today. Take a step, even if it's small, towards what it is you want. 

fear factor...

For as long as I can remember I've had a fear of walking outside of my house and coming face-to-face with a wild lion or tiger. I'm usually met with laughter and eye rolls when I share this. However, my fear may have just been rationalized! Check this out. 

We all have fears. Some rational but most irrational like mine. What happens when we live our life in fear? We miss out... on A LOT. We avoid situations, make up excuses, come down with "the flu" at all the right times.

What are you afraid of? Has your fear prevented you from doing things you want to do?

Have you heard the phase, "Do one thing a day that scares you?" I've been using it for years as a way to check myself in situtaions where I immedately want to run in the oppostie direction. I'm incredibly stubborn, so when I tell myself I can't or shouldn't do something I usually must prove myself otherwise. Next time you find yourself in a situation that brings up feelings of fear try (just try!) confronting instead than running.

I'm 99.9% sure my big cat encounter will never happen but have you seen The Hangover?