moving out, moving on

Last night I packed up most of my stuff to take over to Amanda's apt to leave for the summer. For a brief moment I got really sad realizing that my first year here was over. That from now on, I am an adult leaving memories of growing up behind.
Im glad to getting my own apartment with a friend, and Im glad to pay bills and do grown up things. But, sometimes I miss being taken care of when Im sick, or having my mom to hug me when Im upset. I know though, thats just not how things are now.
So I continue to pack my stuff anyways and arrange the move and etc on my own. I love Chicago, and will it here this summer.

Uganda Peace Talks

www.invisiblechildren.com

Check this out if you don't already know what going on, my heart has been close this time for a time now.

A few more crits and papers... then its over

Today I was in school for about 12 hours, that is a long long time. Luckily in my sculpture class we went on a field trip to Hyde Park, which is one of my favorite places and just happens to be where Im moving this fall. Which reminds me, Im so excited for school to get out, make it through the summer and come back this fall to friends,news classes, new home, and cold weather all over again.

Goodnight warm weather, Im so tired.

Oh gez. Long, beautiful day

The past 32 hours or so have been filled with incredible ups and downs, which seems to be a constant course in my life. Last night a very close friend asked me to coffee and shared with me how much I meant to them, and what a great heart I have. Also that my intentions with life were incredibly clear and pure. That meant alot to me, alot. It is very refreshing to step back and have someone appreciate and persure me for a change. Hopefully love will come my way one day, only if God intends that to be a good use of my time and commitment.

Today everything hurt, but there was so much sunshine and clean air I couldnt stay inside. I had lunch at the park with three girls who mean so much me, I cant even explain. Even when things go wrong, I can always count on unconditional love from my friends, and that is most refreshing.

Sunshine

Finally Chicago's sun has come out, how nice. Its a Monday, which are never my favorite, but atleast its getting warmer and drying up.
At the climbing gym today, then onto the cemetary for a photo shoot, then to the woodshop to finish a sculpture. Pretty crazy, but normal. This weekend was ok, it was rainy and a bit cold considering its April. Relaxed alot, more than normal which was a nice change.
Glad Kaleigh is coming back tomorrow...

Smile, sunshine.

Calm night.

Its wednesday night, and tomorrow is work day in my Core Studio class where I am doing a collab.project right now. The great news is that my nerves are at ease, and Amanda and I are going apt hunting this weekend, which Im thrilled about.
I like being grown up, its weird and very tough at times, but overall satisfying.

This weekend could go one of two ways. And Im hoping it sways in my favor... just hoping.

This is where Im meant to be, Chicago.

Back in Chi city, and when my plane was landing I looked out the window and saw the lake and the skyline and was suddenly at ease. I love it here, and this is where my future is waiting.

Home... sometimes its just not the right time

Before I come home, I always get excited to just come and relax and
hopefully spend quality time with my friends and family. Normally its ok, but this weekend was a very real reminder that my life is in Chicago. And I love it there.
Its hard to look life in the eyes and see that things have really changed,
and I've grown away from some of the people that meant the most to me.
As that is happening though, Ive become really close with people who will
be life long friends because our relationships are based on reality,
not convenience.
This is a turning point in my life, and I hope I can move forward, even though its going to be difficult.

Struggle

Apparently thats what my life is all about, which is fine. I just sometimes wonder when the fear and trembling will end. Coming home is always bittersweet for me. I love seeing my family and sleeping in my room, but something always goes really wrong.

It will be nice to be back in Chicago were I feel safe and loved there, and definatly not attacked. Its tough, but this is my life.

Back in the Atl.

Its late thursday night, and Im home. Back in Atlanta at my dad's house in Kennesaw. Lying on my bed with my favorite dog in the world, Kender, I love her. Im so happy to be here I dont even want to go to sleep because then its one less day.

I missed my little sister Aubrey alot more than I realized. I came up the escaltor at the airport and when I laid eyes on my dad and sister they waved and I hustled over. I hugged her for a long time and almost cried because I missed having her smiling face around. I really hope she moves to Chicago for college one day.

Tonight when we got home I saw the new truck and travel trailer for my dad and I's big trip out west this summer. We are driving from Atl out to Jackson Hole Wyoming! Through alot of states where we will camp, rock climb, hike, white water raft, and ride my dad's Harley that we are bringing with us. And the dogs are coming of course.
Just my dad and I, and its going to be wonderful.

So for now, Im just going to enjoy my time home. Luckily I get to see some close friends also, which Im thrilled about, because its been so long.

Oh also, on the plane ride coming to Atl from Chicago I was re-reading a book and I remembered how much my heart is invested in loving people and letting that be the determination of success, rather than numbers or greatness. As Mother Teresa used to say 'We can do no great things, just small things with great love. It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into doing it.'
A very wise woman, who truly knew what it meant to love others.


Goodnight moon.

April 2nd: Its a beautiful day

Today is Wednesday, and I've always loved Wednesdays. Its the middle of the week and the weather is usually good, plus its almost the weekend. Im going home tomorrow for a visit, finally. Its been since Christmas break and I miss it. I miss my family, and my dog Kender, alot. I cant wait to sleep in my own bed and drive in the car, also see some of my close friends who I miss dearly.


Chicago has been good to me lately, but it is almost time to go for the summer, which is a little scary. Im really going to miss being here on my own everday, especially going to Willow and 5 Loaves. These past few months since Christmas have really impacted me in a huge way. Im taking strides forward and learning to transform the world to a better place by loving people through relationships.
Such a great concept, thanks Shane! (Read Irresistible Revolution)


Go out into the world and help others, Live raadically, and Love unconditionally.