In my last post, I wrote about my first adventure to Kansas. Well, as of last week, mom has officially moved there. Prior to the big move, I had the opportunity to visit the house in Crown Point one last time. Having lived there since I was 8 years old, I can't say it was as emotional as I thought it would've been. I remember lots of good memories there. My greatest have to be growing up and being outside with my friends who lived on the street/neighborhood, the large rope that my friends and I used to swing on from the massive tree (that was ultimately taken down) in the front yard, the frogs I used to catch in the grass and keep all summer long, sleepovers with friends, receiving and opening my IU acceptance letter in the kitchen, running on the track behind mom's house the day I decided that I was going to make running a lifelong hobby, interviewing for (and ultimately receiving) my first teaching job while sitting on mom's back deck in my pajamas, numerous evenings in the hot tub reflecting on life while watching the stars and planes fly toward Chicago, swimming in her pool on beautiful July days, the 4th of July, which was always a good atmosphere in her neighborhood, shoveling the driveway after massive snowfalls, playing softball for the subdivision, and most importantly, my own little sanctuary - my bedroom - which changed as I did with age. Then of course there were the not so good times, like when I watched my dad drive away out of my bedroom window for the very last time when he moved out, being in total fear of my mom when she was in a bad mood - because if there would've been a secret room somewhere in the house, I would've escaped there, the death of Sheba, my very best friend and dog that I had from ages 2-13 years old, and maybe a few others things I prefer not to mention. The loss of Crown Point is probably more impactful than the loss of her house, although based on my current dating situation, the loss of Crown Point I guess really isn't a loss after all. I once read, "Sometimes where you started is right where you belong." Now, I won't admit that Crown Point, or even Indiana, is where I truly belong, but I will admit that having connected (or -maybe even- reconnected) with Kevin was certainly meant to happen, and now I have him to thank for keeping Crown Point a significant place in my life given we share a very important and unique thing, the same hometown.
On a side note, here is the last picture I took standing in my mom's driveway. It was Halloween, so naturally I took a picture of one of my favorite things.
While on the Midwest moving topic, interestingly enough, I'm not the only one dealing with change. My dear friend Staci, who I've referenced in this blog on several different occasions, just moved back to her home state of Iowa. This took quite a toll on me - and I believe for Alfredo - since she was one of my very best friends here in Arizona. Considering she was my next door neighbor, it was always very convenient for us to dog sit for each other. I can't explain the excitement Alfredo used to get when he'd see her or her dog/his girlfriend, Dion, through the window. What a loss this certainly is. Here we are at what I like to call, "The Last Supper":
I already miss her immensely. This has also got my mind on the Midwest lately.
Shifting gears back on AZ, the fall has been alright. Unlike last year, I scored big at the State Fair this year. When I wasn't adoring or taking selfies with all of the farm animals, I was spending a stupid amount of money on games.
Okay, maybe Alfredo scored big. I have no idea what to do with a human sized donut other than to give it to him. It's a total eyesore, and as far as the cow goes, he's now missing his ears and some of his face.
Other than that, it's been a whole lot of work. One thing I'm trying to change there is the morale, so last Sunday Alfredo got to experience running around in the elementary school while I surprised two co-workers with balloons galore on Monday morning for their birthdays. This means Alfredo has officially been to all four sites that I have worked for in the district. Spoiled boy.
He wasn't a huge fan of being stuck in a classroom. For that, thank God he's not a real kid.
"Get me out of here."
And speaking of "get me out of here", I'm excited about my next journey to the Midwest over Christmas break. I'm not sure I've ever been so excited about leaving Arizona during the winter, but I guess it's not the place that makes my heart full, it's the people that are in the place. I recently spent Thanksgiving with Kevin, who flew out for the holiday. It meant the world to be able to spend the holiday with someone I truly care about, and in turn, with someone who truly cares about me.
I've never wanted time to go by so fast, but I'm optimistic. For the next few weeks, it's going to be preparing for my favorite holiday, Christmas! Until then...
