Hasta luego, or the German equivalent

I LEAVE FOR GERMANY TOMORROW.

Holy smokes, how did this happen?

Bag is packed, check-list is checked, and hugs hugged.

I guess this is really going to happen.

here goes nothin'

... (or really, here goes somethin'!)

Up, up, and away!

Lookie lookie! I was up before the sun this morning to watch a plethora of hot air balloons launch at sunrise in Casper. It was a delightful 50 degree, coffee-filled, colorful way to start my day. By the way, I might be on the verge of becoming one of those people who divides their day into two parts and uses the term "pre-coffee" to describe events that happen in the morning when I'm not fully with it yet. When I'm in the process of waking up, I'm like, "WHY DID I CHOOSE TO DO THISSSSSSSSSSSSS??? NO HOT AIR BALLOONS-- SLEEEEEEPPP NOWWWW". But then once I'm up and I've brushed my teeth I'm like, "This is awesome. I love being awake. Lookit the cool things I'm doing." So, you know, life.

Thoughts? Feelings? Questions, comments, concerns?

There are 2 turtle doves that have made the big pine tree off of my backyard patio their home. They are out there every day. They sit very still and then with no notice will powerfully take off and fly about, often chasing each other and causing quite a ruckus. My mom has dubbed them Fred and Myrtle. They are the ultimate pair.

As the time approaches for me to make the big move to Germany, I find I have many questions and realizations. I think this is pretty normal. For instance, after my swim last night I had celery with peanut butter. Peanut butter! This go-to will not be part of my life for a year. I can certainly do without. What about all of my friends in DC? I left less than a month ago, and I already feel disconnected (I have been a horrible correspondent, so this is my fault). I miss them. A lot. What will it be like a year from now? I'm soaking up the wide open spaces here in Wyoming. What will it be like to live in a country with 82 million people and not much land? Even when I lived in DC, I came back to Wyoming to see family from time to time. Will I find a place of refuge in Deutschland? (I think I will... I like everywhere I live and am good at finding pieces of home everywhere.) What will happen with jobs upon return? Will I have the same goals? Completely different? Not at all changed? Will my heart be in the same place, and will I have a chance to pay attention to that part of my life for once?

I'm so thankful that I have such a closely knit family. This packing and preparing process is not exactly fun, but it is fun being here to giggle and talk with my mom, swim with and hug my brother, and get coffee and talk about dreams with my sister.

Gosh, this move would be a million times harder had I not come back to Wyoming for these few weeks, but because I came back, it's a million times harder for different reasons. I think that's a sign that life's good though, you know? I wouldn't want to have nothing to miss.

Love always.

Just Ledoux It

 

I have been in Wyoming now for a few weeks, and I've been taking the time to just appreciate and soak in the wide open spaces and big country sky. I have so much to tell you and show you, and I'll post those things for you over the coming days! xx

City and Colour

This song, "The Girl" by City and Colour, is one that I cannot get enough of. Seriously. It's delightful. Check it out.

While I'm off chasing my own dreams
Sailing around the world
Please know that I'm yours to keep

Fourth of July

Happy 4th of July!

This is my favorite holiday of the year. As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't get much better than a day of grilling, baseball, fireworks, and summer fun. I got to see so much of this wonderful nation on my drive this past week, and I am so lucky to be an American. What a unique country we have here. Centuries of sacrifices have been made to give this country all that is has and all that it will be. All the time I have moments where all I can think is, "God Bless America".

Also, my brother just came in and turned on "The Sandlot", my favorite movie of all time. It also has my favorite movie scene of all time featuring my favorite holiday and a song sung by one of my favorite artists. I hope you have a 4th of July holiday just as magical as this...

The Sandlot 4th of July Tribute by idolwick

 

home sweet home

2700 some miles later... I'm back in WYO for a little bit. It is so nice to be with my family. I'll give you the day-by-day of my drive soon, but in the meantime, I'm going to go enjoy a little Cowboy State time...