Tuesday, July 29, 2008

The "Lasts" Have Begun

The series of "lasts" has started. You know, the last time I'll do this in Chicago, the last time I'll do that in Chicago. Last night I went to go watch my dad's softball game, and realized it was my last chance to do that.
You have to understand, I've been watching my dad play softball since I was four years old. Probably younger but I don't remember anything prior to four. My dad is quite an athlete and I love watching him play. Also, there's nothing quite like a Chicago summer evening sitting on the bleachers with the sun setting and a gentle breeze blowing, watching a softball game.
I'm glad I got to watch my dad play again before I leave. They won! (hooray!) I also got to say goodbye to some people there that I've known for a very very long time. Lots of support, but also some tears. I went out with the team afterwards and it was just difficult knowing that this part of my life is done.
I will miss watching my dad play softball. I guess I will have to keep up with the team's exploits by reading his blog, which can be found here.
Good luck Grumpies!!!

--------------------oOo--------------------

Sunday, July 27, 2008

One Week and Counting

I'm finding it a bit difficult to comprehend that in one week I will be spending my first night in Washington as a resident there. To be honest, it scares me to death!
I found myself today sitting on the patio at my parents' house, relishing the sun and the warm, still air, and the ability to sit outside and not be the least bit chilly. I walked barefoot through the grass and just looked at the sun-drenched surroundings and the crystal clear blue sky.
Things around my house looked different to me too, and a bit more special than normal. I walked out my front door onto my front stoop with my dogs, thinking that I won't be doing that anymore. I stood there and watched the deer in the field that my front door leads to. I will miss having that kind of wildlife literally at my doorstep.
My 81 year old neighbor had me over for a little chat that turned into a two-hour talk. While we would see each other from time to time, I regret not getting to know her better while I lived here.
There is so much I will miss about my home, and so much I want to do before I leave, but there just isn't time. My time is spent packing and getting ready for the move, and I wish it could be spent doing the things I love and want to do here in Chicago, and getting the closure I need before I move on...but I guess that it's just not to be.
I'm sure I will have a great time in Seattle, but it's not home, and I'm finding that hard to cope with right now. I know I'm leaving for the adventure of a lifetime, and I'm looking forward to that, but it still will be hard to let go of here, and a piece of my heart I'm sure will stay here in Chicago.
I'm so grateful for my friends, neighbors and family who are all being so supportive of this move. Leaving is hard, especially when you know you won't be able to see the people you love nearly as much as you'd like.
The only thing that makes it worthwhile, is knowing that I'll be with the man I love, and finding my home in him, no matter where that may be. And that, I'm looking forward to!

--------------------oOo--------------------

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Life Changes

Yes, the rumors are true. Keith and I are engaged! He proposed on June 12 in a most unique way. You can go here for the full story! I can't imagine how I'm so lucky to be loved by such a wonderful man. God is most certainly great!

In other news, I'm moving to Seattle. It has been difficult for me as I prepare to leave the home I love. Having grown up in Chicagoland and lived here my whole life, I've grown to love all that this great city has to offer, not to mention my whole family is there. Deciding to move to Seattle is both exciting and a little sad, as I'm leaving behind everything I know; however, it is worth it as I will be with the man I love.

Please pray for me (and us) as I (and we) adapt to the mounds of changes ahead of us!

--------------------oOo--------------------