In my capstone class in college, I had to take the "Strengthsfinder"test so that Dr. Porter knew what he was getting himself in to with our group. It turns out that my number one strength is "Adaptability". Though I never really considered this as a strength before taking the test, (I suggest that everyone take it--it really helped me when writing my resume) it's totally proven itself over and over-- especially as I've adapted to a west coast lifestyle. I think I'm addicted to adapting-- I might like change a little too much. I dig the challenge.
Last week I went home to good ole' Missouri to see the fam and celebrate a late Christmas. It was wonnnnnderful. . . except for the weather.I didn't realize how much time I spend outside in California until I went home and really didn't want to go outside but felt a little cooped up inside (lose/lose). I eventually got used to being inside (sorta) and I at least had excellent company. Mom left up all the Christmas decorations and I gave everyone their presents and Ben and Cara gave me mine. I extended my trip a couple days which made time for some late Christmas cookie/ early Valentines day cooking baking time. I was lucky enough to spend time with both sets of grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins and my best friend as well. Ben is playing varsity basketball this year, and I got to see him play and Cara perform at her district band concert. I tried to get Ben to carry her out of the auditorium on our shoulders, but for some reason he wouldn't do it.
I had several discussions with people when I was home about when I'm going to move back. I don't know that I will, but I'm not saying I won't either. I really love where I live, but the price I have to pay is that I don't see the people I love most very often. It's taxing. They are understanding of me wanting to be somewhere different for a while, but several people told me that this transition has been hard on my mom. Mom is not an adaptability queen, nor would she ever pretend to be. Ben and Cara and Dad and I kept teasing her --telling her that they should move out here. She wouldn't even joke about it. Mom and I are very similar in a lot of ways, but she absolutely LOVES where she lives, and the thought of being anywhere else bothers her. We should probably quit teasing her. She's a good mamma.
When I go home I feel like I'm in this weird time warp where everyone gets married super young and settles down and has kids. My parents did that,and are happy, so I can't knock it. It's just very opposite of where I am right now. There were several discussions I had with different people who are my age and are tying the knot. I can't imagine that right now, but to that they say, "you just haven't met the right person".
It's going take a very strong-willed man to get me to marry him. Bribes wouldn't hurt either.
So I spent a few days in Missouri and now I'm back in the Golden State and it's been sunny and around 80 degrees everyday. I'm happy to not have to wear pants... or a coat, but I miss my family something awful. Maybe I'll move back in a few years, but I have a feeling that the transition back is going to be just as difficult as the transition here. No matter how much I like the challenge, I can't deny the very low points I went through and the times I would have given anything to be home. Now, I love this place and I love the people I'm with. If I did have to state a next location, Memphis is still on my list. I'm not worried about timing too much now though. I'm happy not having a plan.
LH
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