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June 23rd, 2010 § 23 Comments
This is one of those posts I have been writing in my head for a long time. You know, the kind where you want to say so much because what you have to say means so much in your own world that there has to be a perfect culmination of letters, words and sentences to really capture everything that you’re feeling.
Remember the times I told you things were crazy? That life was stressful and I just couldn’t tell you why? Remember when I was on hiatus and you didn’t have anything new on my end for weeks on end? There was a very good reason for all of that. Rather than dance around the subject, I’m going to let a little something I’ve been carrying around for about eight months do the talking.
Ladies and gentleman, I’m moving to Texas.
I’ll pause for your reaction. Done? OK good. Let’s move on to the question and answer portion of our program.
I’m sure whether or not you know me in real life or you’re a blend or a new reader your initial question might be the biggest and most obvious: “Why?!”
And since no matter how you’ve come to know me or why you read this blog, I’m sure you’ve come to appreciate my no frills approach to life so let me be straight up with you. It’s not because I landed my dream job, or because I have fallen madly in love with a man who’s asked me to come live there with him. It’s not because I’m running away from a terrible past and it’s not because I’m hoping it will bring every happiness to my future. It’s simply because it’s time.
It’s time for my family to be within a few hours of each other. In fact, it’s been 12 years since we’ve been less than an 8-hour drive of one another.
It’s time for me to leave Pittsburgh just as it is. I’ve put in my time, left to grow, and returned to enjoy the person I have become since graduating college. The first time I left, I remember comparing this city to a child’s winter jacket: it served its purpose for the season, but at the end of four years, the sleeves were a bit short and it was tough to button up. I had outgrown Pittsburgh and it was time to leave it behind for someone else who needed it. I’m not sure what the witty comparison would be for my second take on my current location but I do know this: I needed it and it needed me. And “it” could be replaced with the names of several friends, coworkers and acquaintances that I’ve spent time with since moving back.
It’s time for me to pursue my passion. It’s time for me to write. There is so much more to be said on this. For now, I leave it at that.
It’s time to take that leap of faith. It’s time to stop dreaming and scheming and thinking “what if?” It’s time to make my time – this very moment, this exact day, not “next week” or “once things slow down” or “when I get a chance” – truly mine.
It’s time to go home.
There are so many things to be done in these next five weeks. Just physically typing out the time I have left here is a bit daunting. I can’t even wrap my head around leaving the things I love in this place and the people who have made it home for so long. And because it’s late and because I’m not fully realizing the realization of what I am about to embark on I’m going to leave it at that. Some might argue about what “home” really means. I might be one of them. I think to me, home is many places. I could still step foot in the newspaper office in Philadelphia where I had my first job and feel at home. I could still cross the threshold of the place where I slept the first night after being born and feel at home. Ten years down the road, you could blindfold me, throw me on a plane, shove me in a taxi and pull up outside my door in Pittsburgh and I’d know exactly where I was and that it felt like home.
The great thing about my own take on home is that no matter how many places I consider it to be, there’s a reason why each has coveted the title. There will be a many a great things I come to learn about my time here after the last box is unpacked in Austin. And there will be many a great reasons reconfirmed once I’m there. For now, I’m trying to remember I’m not gone yet and there are still a few things to do before I say goodbye to Pittsburgh once more. So, if you’ve got a great must-see or must-do in this great city, please send it my way. And if you live here or you live nearby, expect one heck of a party. It just wouldn’t be right for me to go out without a bang. If you find yourself not falling into either of those categories, well, you know all I could ever ask for is your prayer and support – and I know no matter how far across the country or the world I go, I will always have that.
I love this. I love the winter coat anaolgy. That is true with so much in life. Sometimes it’s hard to let go, but there’s really no reason to hold on.
I am so excited for you and your new adventure, but I am really, really going to miss you!!
I wish there was a ‘dislike’ button for this.
And I mean that in the nicest, bestest way ever.
Welcome (back) from Texas!:)
Good for you for making the decision!! It’s always really difficult to make big decisions like this… Where in Texas are you moving?? I heart DFW.
Hooray! Can’t wait to come visit you. It’s the best place on earth. PS- LOOOVE that header
I am so happy for you. Take your time … do it. No more dreaming. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures! (P.S. So nice to see your lovely face the other night!)
Congratulations! I’m really excited for you, but disappointed I haven’t had a chance to meet you yet, and now you are leaving, and so am I! Sometimes making a move is a really difficult choice, but you know when it’s right! Being near family is really important in my opinion, no matter how old you are or what kind of life you have built. It sounds like you are doing the right thing!
Good for you lady! A good friend of mine was dealing with a similar struggle lately. I told her you have to figure out what is most important to you at this point in your life. If that means being closer to your family, you move there. It seems like you’ve thought this through and are making a responsible decision. Congrats!
I’m so happy for you! As someone who just moved to be closer to family and friends, I totally understand your decision. Sounds like it will be a great new adventure for you! Although, I am a little sad that you’re moving away from Pittsburgh at the same time as I’m moving in…
I’m so, so glad to hear you’re doing this. If it’s right, it’s just right.
And you’ll be closer to ME! Okay, like 10 hours, not really close. But I’m still telling myself that we’re neighbors.
Home is where the heart is, and if your heart wants to be back in Texas then my god girl, go back! I’m close to my family too, so even though I went to school in NC and NY at some points and applying to jobs across the country, in the end, I’m sure I’ll end up close to my parents again too. The other parts of my family are so spread out so I guess even across country, I’d be home with them…
Where in Texas? I have an aunt and uncle in Houston so if you’re close, maybe I’ll see you down there
Wow, lady! I’m so excited for you! I’m so proud of you for grabbing your dreams by the balls and yanking hard! You deserve this, and you need to do what’s best for you. Next time I’m in Texas, I will be stopping by to hi!
Yay to new adventures
I don’t have anything profound or meaningful to say… but as one “pick up and move in my entire life this summer” girl to another… I say our new homes have no idea the awesomeness they have in store in our arrivals
I’m also jealous that the shape of Texas can be fashioned into a beer opener. My province is sooooo boring. Boooo!
Yay for big life changes! What a wonderfully inspiring post.
It’s rare that things line up perfectly in life, so if you’re always waiting for the perfect moment to do something, it will never come. I admire you SO much for just jumping in and doing what feels like the best next step. You will SHINE as a result, I just know it. 
I live in Texas
From Dallas, college in Austin, live in Houston now. Welcome! hope you like to sweat.
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I’m moving to San Antonio in a few short weeks! Only, I’m moving away from my family
Can’t wait to read all about your travels!
Congratulations. It sounds like this will be a great thing for you. I am jealous, I cannot wait to have this similar transition although it is still six months away. I am sure this will be amazing and I can’t wait to hear how everything goes. Safe travels and good luck!!!
Beautifully written.
Follow your heart and keep spreading your light.
And I will do the same.
best of luck to you, girl! i am sure you know in your heart you are doing the right thing!
i hope you continue to blog from TEXAS!
big hugs,
xo
t
Just stumbled upon your blog and I dig it! Good luck on your new adventures in TX!
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I just stumbled across your blog, and I’m loving it! I have lived in Philly, Pittsburg, and Texas (houston) as well, and hope to move to Austin after I graduate! I can’t wait to read more from you!