coming home

A lot has happened in the past twelve months. A lot of things are different now. I used to only wear plain white socks. Now I prefer pretty socks. Stripes, polka dots, a nice Aztec pattern. I used to think that downloading movies and television shows is wrong. And I still do. ;) Thanks to Arrested Development I used to only know one word of the Korean language. Now, I know like 15. Since monsoon season, I pretty much always have an umbrella on my person. Rain, sleet, snow. Bring it. I used to drop my sushi when I would eat with chopsticks. And not to toot my own horn, but I am pretty proficient at eating with two sticks. Don’t even need a fork. Skin care is oddly a bigger part of my life. I used to be scared of large crowds. Now large crowds are scared of me. But the best thing about this year is that I have this whole new place and all these new people in my life. Some things about this year have been hard. I won’t stand here (I’m actually sitting, but that’s not a thing people say) and tell you that leaving everything you’ve ever known to jump into a career that you’ve never done before is a walk in the park. But it was worth every struggle. It was worth every night I missed home, every hard day at work, every day I would have given all of my arms for a sonic drink. I didn’t get to be a part of a lot of things that happened at home. I think every friend I’ve ever had growing up got married or had a baby this year. And that part is sad. As soon as someone invents instantaneous travel I am gonna be all over that junk. But this year has been so good. I’ve spent more time alone this year than I think I ever have. And as scary as it is for it to just be me and my thoughts, I’ve seen so much and learned so much. I learned about myself, about God, a little more about being Jesus to ALL people, not just the people who already love and accept you. About being independent and being able to ask for help at the same time. Oh gosh, and I still have so much learning to do. And y’all, there were days when work was just down right frustrating and I just wanted to tell some people that they didn’t know what they were doing and go home. But I didn’t. I couldn’t. That would have been stupid. And at the end of all this being at the bottom of the totem pole, I really think (I hope) I’m a better employee. And if you ask some of my old bosses (and my mother) they might tell you I have a slight problem with authority and I might roll my eyes sometimes if I think you’re crazy. Hopefully, I roll my eyes less now.

It’s currently Wednesday night for me. I have two days left at the academy and I fly out on Sunday. 4 more days. All you people at home, I’m so ready to see your pretty faces and hug you for an uncomfortable amount of time. And I do not doubt my decision to pursue pastry school or move to Chicago. I’m just a little bit sad right now. When I say little bit I mean lot a bit. I’ll never see these students again. My friends here, maybe I’ll see them again. But some of these people, who have been a significant part of me, may never cross my path again. I don’t think I’ll ever out grow this itch for adventure and new places. But I also don’t think I’ll ever out grow the struggle it is for me when an adventure is finished.

But right now I need to go clean out my Frigidaire.

So, to my people in Korea, you’ve made me better. I miss you already. Thank you for tolerating me.

To Mississippi, you are my home, and I am ready to see you.

Also, if anyone would like to bring a squash casserole and a sonic root beer to the airport, I will promise you my first born.

See you soon! xoxo