Thursday, May 27, 2010

In This Place

4506250952_472175565f_large {we heart it}

The boxes are taped, the truck is loaded, our bags our packed.  We’re spending the night at a friend’s house and then heading out on our new adventure bright and early tomorrow.  This morning, after our sweet friends and moving crew were gone, I looked around at our empty apartment with a mix of emotions.  For the past four years, this place has been home, and looking at the bare walls and empty rooms, I couldn’t help but think about all that has happened in this place.

In this place, I moved out on my own for the first time,
lived in a pink paradise shoebox apartment,
and found out all the expenses that come with being a “grown up.”

In this place, I met my wonderful husband,
some fabulous friends,
and the world’s greatest boss and friend.

In this place, I followed my heart,
learned a lot about making my own path,
and becoming my own person.

In this place, I got more interested in fashion,
taking greater risks and chances with my closet,
because I figured no one in this small town would notice if I looked like I got dressed in the dark.

In this place, I began to truly value my high school friends,
as people who know the real me and take me as I am,
no matter how much time or distance stands between us.

In this place, I learned getting a Ph.D is a challenge,
its brought incredible growth, life lessons, and self discovery,
as well as some crazy naysayers and people who I can’t wait to prove wrong.

In this place, I’ve met found a passion for working with college students,
been blessed to teach some incredible young people,
and been equally blessed to have learned so much from them.

In this place, I’ve had countless laughs,
took thousands of pictures,
and made millions of memories.

In this place, I have changed,
grown,
and been impacted by some really fabulous people.

So as we prepare to head out on our new adventure, I am thoughtful and thankful about all that has happened here in this place, and I am eager for all the new memories that await us. 

In our new place.

*We’ll be on the road for the next few days, but hopefully I’ll be able to snag some internet at our hotels.  At the latest, I’ll be back on Monday with an arrival update and some pictures from along the way.  Have a fabulous weekend, dear friends!

15 comments:

Leigh said...

this is a beautiful post allison! it's always hard to leave behind the places we grow so fond of, but what an incredible adventure you're on now! have a safe trip!! :)

caknitter said...

Aw. I hope you have a safe trip and enjoy the sights.

Destined For Now said...

Good luck with your move! How exciting to be staring a new chapter in life.

Lindsay said...

Good luck with everything, I can't wait to hear how the move went!

Anonymous said...

Awww! We will miss you both!

-Edgar

Amanda said...

What a nice tribute to your place...here's to many more adventures for you and Matt in Chicago.

Dave and Jenny McIntosh said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS POST! It is helping me to look for the things I can do in this small town rather than what I can. Miss you already!
Jenny

Valerie said...

What a beautiful post. Good luck with the move! :)

Mere said...

What a great post! Change is the best thing sometimes but the scariest too. I wish you all the best! Safe travels!

MrsFlewlling said...

I absolutely love your posts. You are exactly the wonderful, warm, bubbly, and amazing person I can't wait to grow up and be like. :) You are an amazing woman, and I love reading your blogs. You will have so much fun and so much to learn from this new adventure, and I can't wait to follow your blogs as you encounter and conquer them. Have a safe trip!! Don't forget those fabulous moving OOTD!!! :) All the best on the road!!

Leslie @ A Blonde Ambition said...

Best of luck with the move, girl! I can't wait to read about your future adventures in your new place : )

E said...

Awww, what lovely memories! But time for some new ones!

Unknown said...

Lovely post! Love it, inspiring and just what I needed:-)

Unknown said...

beautiful memories... good luck on your new adventure!!

Tippy said...

This was a very beautiful post.

Miss you already!

Aisha