Hello, Austin - nice to meet you, again!

The last 11 days have been a whirlwind – literally looking back and wondering how they slipped through my fingers so quickly. It’s been 11 days I’ve officially called Austin, home. So I’ll call this, my “Hello, Austin – nice to meet you, again” entry.

On March 30th, I packed up the last of my things and finished loading up my car– yes, there was room for Misa, but barely. Bright and early on the 31st, Misa and I hit the road – with the exception of a knarly wind / sand / rock storm between Phoenix and Tucson, the trip was fairly uneventful. We stopped in Las Cruces for the night…my final night at the fancy little La Quinta in Las Cruces. We were halfway there. Much earlier, and much less brighter we left New Mexico and headed to Austin. After 9 and a half long hours in the car that day, we made it to Terry and Liana’s place. After loading up their car and truck with everything that I brought down earlier – we finally made it to Riata, my new home.

See, I told you it was windy!!!

A beautiful sunset somewhere in Arizona or New Mexico

Misa in Ft. Stockton - Home of the Road Runners??

Surrounded by boxes and more boxes, I remember sitting there, peacefully and happily, smiling. I did it. I just started a new chapter. A chapter I know nothing about, I only know that I will be hopeful and optimistic that great things will happen.

Since that moment, my life has taken on its classic Anna form, and been a whirlwind. Since that moment, I’ve unpacked, settled, re-adopted my cat, celebrated my birthday with my Austin friends, kayaked for my first time on Town Lake, celebrated Easter with the amazing families of my amazing friends, met new friends, sent out a bagillion resumes, went to see some live Country music, got my pictures taken in the blue bonnets, gone on a gluten-free diet, helped my friends move, sipped coffee at Jo’s, ran at Town Lake, bought a blender and made at least one vegetable and fruit smoothie everyday, sipped on a Cheetos and Chronic – I mean, a Tito’s and Tonic, ran a 10k, ate at Free B!rds, Sonic and Chuy’s and generally just explored this rad little City that is home to me now.

It feels like I’ve transitioned to this new chapter so effortlessly. I like that. I’m not sure what the future holds, but I know that every day I’m here I love Austin a little bit more.

I hate goodbyes...

There are some upsides to the unemployed life, I’ve discovered. In the moments you’re not frantically looking for a job, or being stressed out about looking for a job, or not having a job, you have time for a lot of fun things. When employment is coupled with a pending near-cross-country move, the world is shining down on you…minus that whole not having a check thing.

Yes, it’s true, I haven’t written a lot lately. But I have been one busy girl. You see, before I could move to Austin, I needed to first close out my chapter and my tenure in Southern California. Thanks to a reduction of work-force back in August, I had the time that I needed to actually do this in a way fitting to me, and respectful of the life and friendships I’ve built since I’ve been in California.

In the weeks leading up to my departure, I made a point to spend some real quality time with the people who matter most to me…which I quickly discovered, is a LOT of people. If you’ve been keeping up with me and my blog, you’ll know that my primary love language is quality time, so fill up my “love tank” I did. Lunches, dinners, cocktails, gym visits, bike rides, hot tubs, coffee breaks, long training runs, wearing green on St. Patty’s Day, boat rides, movies, and marathoning – I did ALL of this accompanied by some of the most amazing people I know. And certainly the cream of the crop of Orange and LA Counties!

On March 27th, the final day of my thirtieth year, I invited those who have made a mark on my stay in California, in my life and in my heart to join me for one last Saturday night out. It was because of these people, that I learned to cry, love, laugh, teach, learn, inspire, support, encourage and challenge. It was with these people I explored, wandered and adventured for the last eight and half years. And, because of the mark they left on my heart, California will always be home to me. I grew into the woman I am today with them by my side.

That night couldn’t have been crafted more perfectly if I got out a spread sheet and tried to do it myself -- Surrounded by these people, I joyfully, thankfully, happily and lovingly – closed out my chapter in California. Thanks for the amazing ride, my friends!! Much love!!