Free Bird

The countdown until my departure to Florence continues with only 21 days remaining. It's such a strange feeling to be unemployed and even more strange knowing that I'll soon be leaving everything that is comfortable to me. The constant emotion, which I've always referred to as nervous-excitement, is running through my entire body. Nervous at the thought of failing, but excited and so thankful that I've followed through with my plans so far. I still have a few loose ends to tie up before I go (packing, saying goodbye to friends and family, converting currency, and selling my car), but other than that I feel as though I'm as prepared as I can possibly be.

My best friend Melanie and I... a night out in Austin, TX

Over the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to visit some of my family and very close friends. I spent 5 days in Austin, Texas with one of my best friends from high school and then stopped in Dallas, Texas for a short visit with my Uncle Matt and his family. I spent another 4 days in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While there, I attended the New Mexico Balloon Fiesta for the first time (don't ask me why I never went in the 3 years that I lived there), ate some amazing food, and saw several of my good friends from high school, college, and Bed Bath & Beyond. I was also fortunate enough to stay a few nights with my Mother's sister, Annie, and her husband Bill. I came home with an overwhelming feeling of happiness. My hope is that I can carry this feeling over into the next chapter of my life which, in a way, has already begun.

My friends Laura, Katherine and I at ABQ Balloon Fiesta 2011

Also, after over 5 1/2 years, I have left my management position at Bed Bath & Beyond. This this only the second day that I've been unemployed. So, it hasn't quite sunk in yet, but just the thought of it is absolutely liberating! Please keep your fingers crossed for me that I succeed in this new venture and don't have to beg to have my position back (I don't know that I could bring myself to do that anyway)! That being said, I guess that leaves me with just one last thought: FREEDOM!!! (Insert sigh of relief).

Until next time...

Ciao!

*Here are a few more photos from Albuquerque and the Balloon Fiesta!




View of the Sandia Mountains from Bernalillo, NM (northern ABQ).



Balloon Glow

Dawn Patrol