Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Saturday, July 14, 2012
ATL Visit
Gosh. Time flew by so fast on my visit home. It was filled with cleaning, packing, throwing out, dinner with friends, time with family...as usual it was a great visit.
I got to eat delicious meals and laugh with some of my favorite people. I celebrated my brother's 30th birthday. It rained everyday but I didn't mind...amazing Summer afternoon storms. Got some great napping in. Spent time with the pup before I had to drop her off with my brother :( breaks my heart but I know she is in good hands.
Always bittersweet leaving Atlanta. In so many ways I loathe that place. The traffic alone makes me so angry. But it's home. It's comfortable. It's familiar.
Back to San Diego for 3 days and then it's Aloha bound! Still seems surreal that I am moving to Hawaii. Holy. Crap.
I feel ready. I'm still really excited. I can't wait to see my adorable house in person.
Lots to do in SD but looking forward to a beach day, dinner and drinks with friends and bidding farewell to an amazing city I have called home for 2 years.
I got to eat delicious meals and laugh with some of my favorite people. I celebrated my brother's 30th birthday. It rained everyday but I didn't mind...amazing Summer afternoon storms. Got some great napping in. Spent time with the pup before I had to drop her off with my brother :( breaks my heart but I know she is in good hands.
Always bittersweet leaving Atlanta. In so many ways I loathe that place. The traffic alone makes me so angry. But it's home. It's comfortable. It's familiar.
Back to San Diego for 3 days and then it's Aloha bound! Still seems surreal that I am moving to Hawaii. Holy. Crap.
I feel ready. I'm still really excited. I can't wait to see my adorable house in person.
Lots to do in SD but looking forward to a beach day, dinner and drinks with friends and bidding farewell to an amazing city I have called home for 2 years.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Driving Cross Country
The drive is going by rather quickly...and that is a good thing! I was not looking forward to being in the car for 3 days...the pup doesn't exactly love it, it's hot outside and well it's a lot of boring scenery...but it has to get done and I keep reminding myself of the big picture: HAWAII!!
We are right outside the Dallas/Ft. Worth area tonight. Headed to Tuscaloosa, AL tomorrow and then a short drive from there to Atlanta on Monday morning.
A busy schedule for when I arrive in ATL but of course I always do that :)
We are right outside the Dallas/Ft. Worth area tonight. Headed to Tuscaloosa, AL tomorrow and then a short drive from there to Atlanta on Monday morning.
A busy schedule for when I arrive in ATL but of course I always do that :)
Thursday, July 5, 2012
It's Been Rough Lately
It's been a a rough week or so for me in my personal life. I got back from my amazing trip with my brother to Utah on Sunday the 24th and found out later that evening that my Dad had passed away unexpectedly. He was 61...would have been 62 in September. He died in his sleep. We assume of a heart attack.
I have been an emotional roller coaster ever since finding out the news. In shock. In disbelief. In great sadness. It doesn't seem real some days that he is gone. It has been hard to get off the couch and get back to "normal" I flew home for the funeral and was there for 3 days. 3 busy, long, chaotic, stressful, emotional days. Thankfully I had so many friends and family members who were there to support me...listen to me, let me cry, let me bitch, and find times of laughter even in great times of sadness and sorrow. Losing your parent is unreal. It leaves you with such a hole and void. It truly is indescribable.
I am dealing with a lot right now...some days are better than others. Hopefully with time it gets a little easier.
My Mom lands in a few hours. We will hit the road tomorrow for the 3 day drive cross country to ATL. The move to Hawaii is less than 2 weeks away! Finally got some pictures of my house and I am absolutely loving the looks of it. My front porch looks like heaven on Earth.
I have been an emotional roller coaster ever since finding out the news. In shock. In disbelief. In great sadness. It doesn't seem real some days that he is gone. It has been hard to get off the couch and get back to "normal" I flew home for the funeral and was there for 3 days. 3 busy, long, chaotic, stressful, emotional days. Thankfully I had so many friends and family members who were there to support me...listen to me, let me cry, let me bitch, and find times of laughter even in great times of sadness and sorrow. Losing your parent is unreal. It leaves you with such a hole and void. It truly is indescribable.
I am dealing with a lot right now...some days are better than others. Hopefully with time it gets a little easier.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Hawaii
It's hard to believe in about 3 weeks I will be living in Hawaii. Just over a month ago it seemed like a long shot and not even on the realm of possibilities. Now...it is a fast approaching reality.
I'm excited. Really excited. I know I am given opportunities a lot of people aren't. I know I am blessed financially to experience a lot, see a lot, do a lot. I know I have the personality and independence to take a leap of faith like this...honestly...I don't think a lot of people do or would. Maybe that's why some people seem a little negative or not that excited about my move. But as with most negative people...I don't pay them too much attention :)
I'm excited of "checking out" or going off the map for a year. In other words...no traffic, no busy roads, no fast food restaurants or strip malls. A simple life. A laid back life. All of that is very appealing to me. But don't get me wrong...I will miss my weekly Target trips and hopefully Old Navy ships to Hawaii relatively inexpensively! Haha
Am I nervous? Well of course! Anyone would be I think. I'm nervous I will be lonely. It will be hard not having Roxie there especially and just not knowing anyone...not one single person. I'm nervous about getting back in the classroom and teaching subjects and grades I haven't taught before. It will be like the first day of teaching all over again. I'm nervous I won't fit in, won't bond with my coworkers. I'm worried I'll get homesick. It will be crazy to be half way around the world. The 6 hr time change alone from ATL will be interesting.
I'm bummed to miss out on events back in SD and ATL. Showers for my best friend's wedding, bachelorette party, birthday parties for friends' kids, seeing my cousin's baby often, and just the mundane things that happen in life. But what I have learned in the past 2 years of living away is that you can't put off your life to please others or meet their expectations. I truly have no one to answer to. I don't mean that rudely but it's true. When I go to make a decision I put myself first these days...and I haven't always done that. Its still hard to miss out on things though...I'm slowly getting used to it.
However, despite all of those nerves I'm still looking forward to the experience...the adventure.
I'm a big believer in things working out how they are supposed to. I'm supposed to go to Hawaii...otherwise I wouldn't have gotten the job. It's that simple to me.
One day...years from now...pretty sure I will look back on my time in Hawaii and be glad I went...regardless of how long I end up staying there, how much I do or don't like it. I will learn something, I will grow, and knowing me...I'll be just fine.
I'm excited. Really excited. I know I am given opportunities a lot of people aren't. I know I am blessed financially to experience a lot, see a lot, do a lot. I know I have the personality and independence to take a leap of faith like this...honestly...I don't think a lot of people do or would. Maybe that's why some people seem a little negative or not that excited about my move. But as with most negative people...I don't pay them too much attention :)
I'm excited of "checking out" or going off the map for a year. In other words...no traffic, no busy roads, no fast food restaurants or strip malls. A simple life. A laid back life. All of that is very appealing to me. But don't get me wrong...I will miss my weekly Target trips and hopefully Old Navy ships to Hawaii relatively inexpensively! Haha
Am I nervous? Well of course! Anyone would be I think. I'm nervous I will be lonely. It will be hard not having Roxie there especially and just not knowing anyone...not one single person. I'm nervous about getting back in the classroom and teaching subjects and grades I haven't taught before. It will be like the first day of teaching all over again. I'm nervous I won't fit in, won't bond with my coworkers. I'm worried I'll get homesick. It will be crazy to be half way around the world. The 6 hr time change alone from ATL will be interesting.
I'm bummed to miss out on events back in SD and ATL. Showers for my best friend's wedding, bachelorette party, birthday parties for friends' kids, seeing my cousin's baby often, and just the mundane things that happen in life. But what I have learned in the past 2 years of living away is that you can't put off your life to please others or meet their expectations. I truly have no one to answer to. I don't mean that rudely but it's true. When I go to make a decision I put myself first these days...and I haven't always done that. Its still hard to miss out on things though...I'm slowly getting used to it.
However, despite all of those nerves I'm still looking forward to the experience...the adventure.
I'm a big believer in things working out how they are supposed to. I'm supposed to go to Hawaii...otherwise I wouldn't have gotten the job. It's that simple to me.
One day...years from now...pretty sure I will look back on my time in Hawaii and be glad I went...regardless of how long I end up staying there, how much I do or don't like it. I will learn something, I will grow, and knowing me...I'll be just fine.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Utah...Part 2
Tomorrow bright and early we leave Utah. Myself back to SD and my brother of course back to ATL. Our 3rd annual siblings trip was a success! Man...did we see and go ton! I think we calculated at dinner tonight that we drove 1700 miles this week!! And by we...I mean...my brother drove and I was along for the ride :) I hate driving, the roads were curvy, steep, the speed limit was 80mph in some parts and well I'm driving cross country in less than a week do I used all of those reasons as excuses of course. Haha
We went from Salt Lake City to Moab, Moab to Mexican Hat, then to Bryce Canyon, then to Zion National Park, and now back to SLC. We did a lot of hiking, some rafting, lots of scenic drives, picture taking, eating, drinking, listening to music ( Serius is the best...loved listening to old music from the 90's that brought back so many memories). But man...this was a trip NOT a vacation and there def is a difference. I'm exhausted. But no time to rest as the next few days are going to be busy and chaotic.
I suggest a visit to Utah because it is gorgeous and kinda forgotten about. Although we met several people from all over the country and world. So cool to see people enjoying nature and our National Parks. They really are amazing!
We went from Salt Lake City to Moab, Moab to Mexican Hat, then to Bryce Canyon, then to Zion National Park, and now back to SLC. We did a lot of hiking, some rafting, lots of scenic drives, picture taking, eating, drinking, listening to music ( Serius is the best...loved listening to old music from the 90's that brought back so many memories). But man...this was a trip NOT a vacation and there def is a difference. I'm exhausted. But no time to rest as the next few days are going to be busy and chaotic.
I suggest a visit to Utah because it is gorgeous and kinda forgotten about. Although we met several people from all over the country and world. So cool to see people enjoying nature and our National Parks. They really are amazing!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Utah
Gorgeous. There is no other way to describe it. It's also really hot here but with plenty of water and it being a "dry" heat it is tolerable. Cool hikes, drives, views etc. We have met some great people and the hiking trails always lead to friendly folks wanting to chat and say hello. I love that!
Tomorrow we white water raft down the Colorado River!
Tomorrow we white water raft down the Colorado River!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Chaos.
Chaos. That's the only way to describe my life right now. So, so much going on.
Tuesday was my last day of school/work at SAY. It was my only job in San Diego and while it had its ups and downs the last year there especially was a great one! I have really developed great relationships with the kids and several of the families. There is definitely one family I will keep in touch with for years to come I am sure of it. My coworkers and I also had such a wonderful relationship...I have been so lucky with my jobs that I make wonderful friends while at work! We all went out on Wednesday night to celebrate Summer and my job in Hawaii. They made a memory book for me with sweet pictures of the kids and funny little notes. They also all gave me sweet cards and gifts...so unexpected but so awesome. It was fun to be the "older, wiser" one at work. I don't look at myself as a leader very often but they mentioned how much they admire me and have learned a lot from me. My favorite was that they were going to miss their " free spirited, sassy, Southern teacher" haha...sounds about right! It was so fitting too because on the back of the memory book was a cut out of flip flops. They really did get to know me pretty well there in my 2 years. Such sweet girls that I will miss so much!
While only off work a few days I have gone to dinner with friends, a concert, got my hair chopped, got a massage, worked on cleaning out the apartment, listing furniture on Craigslist and finally today I am going to get ready for Utah.
I leave at 10am tomorrow and get back the following Sunday morning. Looking forward to spending time with my brother as well as hiking, white water rafting, and taking tons of pictures...it is supposed to be a photographers haven.
The weather should be pleasant in some places but in the desert it will be quite warm...temperatures pushing 100 some days I think. Yikes!!
It wil be nice to take a break from thinking about the upcoming move and all the stress involved. My Mom flies out on Tuesday the 26th and we will hit the road on the 28th. We will book it home driving about 10 hours a day and arrive in Atlanta on July 1st.
Looking forward to spending time with my family, friends in Atlanta, and heading to NC to celebrate my great Uncle's 70th birthday and get back to my favorite beach coast. As much traveling as I do, the amazing beaches and scenery we have here...NC is truly where the world stops and I am so relaxed. It's the best!
Tuesday was my last day of school/work at SAY. It was my only job in San Diego and while it had its ups and downs the last year there especially was a great one! I have really developed great relationships with the kids and several of the families. There is definitely one family I will keep in touch with for years to come I am sure of it. My coworkers and I also had such a wonderful relationship...I have been so lucky with my jobs that I make wonderful friends while at work! We all went out on Wednesday night to celebrate Summer and my job in Hawaii. They made a memory book for me with sweet pictures of the kids and funny little notes. They also all gave me sweet cards and gifts...so unexpected but so awesome. It was fun to be the "older, wiser" one at work. I don't look at myself as a leader very often but they mentioned how much they admire me and have learned a lot from me. My favorite was that they were going to miss their " free spirited, sassy, Southern teacher" haha...sounds about right! It was so fitting too because on the back of the memory book was a cut out of flip flops. They really did get to know me pretty well there in my 2 years. Such sweet girls that I will miss so much!
While only off work a few days I have gone to dinner with friends, a concert, got my hair chopped, got a massage, worked on cleaning out the apartment, listing furniture on Craigslist and finally today I am going to get ready for Utah.
I leave at 10am tomorrow and get back the following Sunday morning. Looking forward to spending time with my brother as well as hiking, white water rafting, and taking tons of pictures...it is supposed to be a photographers haven.
The weather should be pleasant in some places but in the desert it will be quite warm...temperatures pushing 100 some days I think. Yikes!!
It wil be nice to take a break from thinking about the upcoming move and all the stress involved. My Mom flies out on Tuesday the 26th and we will hit the road on the 28th. We will book it home driving about 10 hours a day and arrive in Atlanta on July 1st.
Looking forward to spending time with my family, friends in Atlanta, and heading to NC to celebrate my great Uncle's 70th birthday and get back to my favorite beach coast. As much traveling as I do, the amazing beaches and scenery we have here...NC is truly where the world stops and I am so relaxed. It's the best!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
The Unexpected
In March I went to LA to apply for a teaching job in Hawaii. It was a screening interview that I thought went extremely well. A few months went by and I heard nothing. Then...last Thursday while at work I received a call from a principal. He had a Special Ed position and wanted to interview me.
I interviewed on Wednesday night and overall...besides stumbling on a few questions I thought it went well. He called back the following morning to get a list of references and then he called on Friday to offer me the job,
I had basically assumed Hawaii was out of the question...a long shot. And then this opportunity presents itself. Life surprises you sometimes huh! The timing is not ideal but also kinda perfect in some ways. My lease is up August 1st, my roommate is moving out, I don't have a real job in SD for next year, and there were a lot if unknowns. I'm a big believer in timing of the universe and everything happening for a reason.
This next year in Hawaii will surely be an adventure...it will be different, it will be lonely at times, it will be a learning experience...but to me these ate the experiences that life is all about.
I'll be teaching again, making money, have benefits, using my mind, living on an Island and continuing to learn and grow as an individual. I'm excited, nervous, scared and a bunch of other emotions in between. But I have no real reason not to take this wonderful and amazing opportunity.
Maybe I'll only stay a year...maybe it will really agree with me and I'll stay longer. Who knows...
Back when I first started teaching I was setting up my website and I put a quote it was " Life is about the journey, not the destination"
Still one of my favorites and do true...2 years ago I left GA for an adventure and San Diego has treated me wonderfully...great friends, weather, memories, adventures and I will miss it terribly...but life is too short to remain idle for too long...
So in about 5 weeks I'll be island bound! Woo hoo!!
I interviewed on Wednesday night and overall...besides stumbling on a few questions I thought it went well. He called back the following morning to get a list of references and then he called on Friday to offer me the job,
I had basically assumed Hawaii was out of the question...a long shot. And then this opportunity presents itself. Life surprises you sometimes huh! The timing is not ideal but also kinda perfect in some ways. My lease is up August 1st, my roommate is moving out, I don't have a real job in SD for next year, and there were a lot if unknowns. I'm a big believer in timing of the universe and everything happening for a reason.
This next year in Hawaii will surely be an adventure...it will be different, it will be lonely at times, it will be a learning experience...but to me these ate the experiences that life is all about.
I'll be teaching again, making money, have benefits, using my mind, living on an Island and continuing to learn and grow as an individual. I'm excited, nervous, scared and a bunch of other emotions in between. But I have no real reason not to take this wonderful and amazing opportunity.
Maybe I'll only stay a year...maybe it will really agree with me and I'll stay longer. Who knows...
Back when I first started teaching I was setting up my website and I put a quote it was " Life is about the journey, not the destination"
Still one of my favorites and do true...2 years ago I left GA for an adventure and San Diego has treated me wonderfully...great friends, weather, memories, adventures and I will miss it terribly...but life is too short to remain idle for too long...
So in about 5 weeks I'll be island bound! Woo hoo!!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Perfect Weekend in San Fran and Sonoma
Sunny skies, comfortable temperatures, city views, wine country, rolling hills, catching up with friends...I always love a trip up to SF. So different than SoCal and in a lot of ways I like it a lot more. Great, great visit...now home for a little over a week and then Utah bound. Sweet, sweet Summer time is on the horizon!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Back to the SoCal Lifestyle
I'm proud of where I'm from. Sure...there are things I don't like about Georgia and metro Atlanta...traffic, humidity, and endless strip malls topping the list...but you will never catch me anything less than proud of where I'm from. The South raises kids right...has the sweetest and friendliest people...and will always be home.
However, my new "home" is San Diego. I have a life here now. It's been nearly 2 years and I find the longer I stay away from GA...the harder it seems it will be to go back. But man do I miss the familiarity of family and good friends who over the years are my family. I say it a lot...but I'm so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life.
I've got some great people here in Cali too...friends I rely on and count on. Friends who help me out and who I have been so fortunate to meet and experience so much with. No matter where I end up down the road..these years in Cali have been life changing on so many levels. I've learned a lot and continue to grow...and after all isn't that what life is all about?
It's been nice getting back here to the pup, friends, pleasant temps and my "other" life. Outside of Ga, my family, and my friends. But believe me...I look forward to the next visit back home and luckily it will be in about 3 months!
However, my new "home" is San Diego. I have a life here now. It's been nearly 2 years and I find the longer I stay away from GA...the harder it seems it will be to go back. But man do I miss the familiarity of family and good friends who over the years are my family. I say it a lot...but I'm so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life.
I've got some great people here in Cali too...friends I rely on and count on. Friends who help me out and who I have been so fortunate to meet and experience so much with. No matter where I end up down the road..these years in Cali have been life changing on so many levels. I've learned a lot and continue to grow...and after all isn't that what life is all about?
It's been nice getting back here to the pup, friends, pleasant temps and my "other" life. Outside of Ga, my family, and my friends. But believe me...I look forward to the next visit back home and luckily it will be in about 3 months!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Wedding Day!
A beautiful day, a stunning bride, a wonderful celebration!
My visit home was awesome! Spending time with family, friends, and lots of laughs and great memories.
Now I just need a few days of sleep to recoup from all the excitement and non stop plans!
Next up..heading to Napa Valley and San Fran in a little over a week!
My visit home was awesome! Spending time with family, friends, and lots of laughs and great memories.
Now I just need a few days of sleep to recoup from all the excitement and non stop plans!
Next up..heading to Napa Valley and San Fran in a little over a week!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Baby Photos
I'm such a wanna be photographer it is sad. I wish that's how I made a living. It's do fun taking pictures, capturing moments and pretending I know what the hell I am doing :)
Sweet Dallas was such a great and easy participant through our many photos and outfit changes.
**Photo editing by Ginny Salley**
Sweet Dallas was such a great and easy participant through our many photos and outfit changes.
**Photo editing by Ginny Salley**
Monday, May 14, 2012
Home
The trip home has been a whirlwind so far. Busy...as I knew it would be. Currently in Savannah spending precious time with baby Dallas. She is so tiny and so stinkin cute!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Baby Dallas
My cousin's baby has arrived! And of course I may be a little bias buuuut...she is beautiful! Poor Jess was in labor for 16 1/2 hours...quite the slow process. But the end result of course is so, so worth it :)
The stats:
Name: Dallas Jae Whitaker
Date of Birth: 5/4/12
Time: 1:33am
Weight: 7 lbs 13 ounces
Length: 21 inches
My Mom and Gran got to be there for the whole thing and are spending 4 days in Savannah visiting, helping my cousin, etc. Times like these always remind me of what an amazing and loving family I have. So fortunate.
This time next week I will be in the ATL. It is a beyond jam packed visit with little to no " free time" and unfortunately I will miss out on seeing some people. But lots going on and lots to celebrate!
The stats:
Name: Dallas Jae Whitaker
Date of Birth: 5/4/12
Time: 1:33am
Weight: 7 lbs 13 ounces
Length: 21 inches
My Mom and Gran got to be there for the whole thing and are spending 4 days in Savannah visiting, helping my cousin, etc. Times like these always remind me of what an amazing and loving family I have. So fortunate.
This time next week I will be in the ATL. It is a beyond jam packed visit with little to no " free time" and unfortunately I will miss out on seeing some people. But lots going on and lots to celebrate!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Sunset Cliffs
One of my favorite spots in SD. Only 15 minutes or less from my place. I need to go there more often...until you've seen the sun drop into the Pacific Ocean...you haven't really seen a sunset. Views like this can make a bad day turn good again. Can bring a little perspective when one is feeling a little sorry for themselves. We are all entitled to a pity party every now and then...but at the end of the day... Im one lucky gal.
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