Welcome to Texas

I'm sitting here on the balcony of my new apartment, thinking back to 2 summers ago when I made the trip from Maine to Houston. It's a long way from everything I knew. And I can't be more happy that I made this choice for myself.

Hannah, my friend, and new room mate come Friday, is en route to Houston. She left Maine this morning and has made it as far as Virginia. About a third of the way. I am so envious of her right now, her mom is driving down with her, and I'm so glad that they get to spend this quality time together. I'm so proud of her for spreading her little wings, for making the choice to explore and learn, to be awoken by the....the 'everything else' this world has to offer. Maine is great, don't get me wrong, but when you're a young woman, adventurous and curious, it just isn't a place where we can all flourish, it's not a place to spread our wings, per se. I think the saying goes: "You can always come home." Yes, I suppose you can always go home...but what if your home changes throughout your life?

Maine is where my family is from, Maine is where I spent the majority of the first 26 years of my life, but Houston is home now. Or, for now. I know many people leave to wander, and sow their wild oats, and many return. I don't know if I will. I can't say absolutely not, but I can't say absolutely for sure either.

I made Houston my home, yes, because I had a job offer here, but I can't say without the job offer it wouldn't be on my list of places to visit and/or move to. It is a beautiful city, it's huge and rich with so many things I find important. First, it's warm, and I love that. Someone at work laughed at me while telling someone where I grew up, between Maine and Alaska, and then when the temperature hits anything below 70 degrees here I'm freezing.  So yes, the climate is a plus in my book. (However, note the fact that while I was sitting on the balcony - I had to get up to come inside because the concrete was burning my heels.)

There is so much culture here, the history, and the business...it all amazes and inspires me. Of course my dream is to live in New York City, and Houston is not that kind of city. Even if you live downtown. But for now, I love it here. And where else can you wear a dress a cowboy boots together?!

I am so excited about my little happy life coming together. Having Hannah here will allow me to do some of the things that I've been wanting to do. We will be able to explore this city, and learn what makes this city, our Home.

In closing, I urge you, be true to yourself. Do only the things that make you happy. Stop doing everything for everyone else, and do for you. Without you, there's nothing. So love the life you've been given, be excited about today and have fun if you get the opportunity to have a tomorrow.

Smile in peace.
xo

All that glitters...

I came across a blog today, kariandnathan.blogspot.com, and what an interesting idea she has. On the side of her blog she has a list of 100 things she wants before she turns 100.

It made me think about the little roller coaster the last few years of my life have been. I will be 30 soon, and there's a lot of things that I want to do, and commit to; there's a person inside me wanting to do more, see more, be more. And I intend to start this new journey today. Well, tomorrow...I've gotta get to bed now. Girls gotta work in the morning...

I have just moved into a new apartment, meaning, arranging, buying & purging, and starting afresh. I have a wonderful man in my life who treats me like the Princess my mom says I am. And I will have a new room mate in 3 days. I have a bunch of wonderful friends who I can rely on. My life is full of happiness, joy, trust, honesty, and kindness. I am going to run with this.

I'm excited for this little life of mine to grow. I hope to keep this blog as a journal of sorts. To share my feelings, my thoughts, my questions, and my to do list. I've got 30 things that I am going to do in the next year and a half and if you follow along...I'll document as I cross off my list.

Welcome aboard kids! We're diving in.

30 things I want to do before I turn 30

1. Skydiving - I always thought I was adventourous...until it came time that I could actually do things on my own. Someone brought up skydiving to me last year, and I thought, ya know, Morgan, just do it. So I'm gonna.

2. Join a Bible Study - I am hungry for the word of my Lord, and I know that I must begin at the bottom. I don't know much about anything when it comes to the bible. Maybe they'll have room in with the little kids...

3. Volunteer - Giving back to my community is something that makes my heart so happy.

4. Go to my 10 year High School Reunion - High School was never m favorite. I despised school all the way through. Thankfully, we're in an age that Facebook is sometimes the end all be all of communication, and I'm ok with that...But I'd like to hug a few people that I keep up with. Life is so short, embrace it while it's here.

5. Have Thanksgiving with my Mom - I have not spent Thanksgiving with my mom in almost 10 years. This year, I'm sitting right next to her.

6. Read 25 books - I don't think this should be too difficult. I've got roughly 18 months to do this.

7. Learn Something New - Photography, blogging, writing, who knows, just something that I don't already know.

8. Learn to forgive - Enough said.

9. Lose 20 pounds

10. But my first piece of real furniture - Not just a bookcase from Ikea, but something real and true that I can keep for years and years.

11. Pay it Forward, monthly - Once a month, I want to buy someones coffee, or a young mom's groceries. Just something to help people realize that there are good people in this world.

12. Relax - Sit peacefully with a quiet mind. 30 minutes once a week, at least.

13. Go on a romantic vacation - no plans, just someplace simple, with water and sunshine, and pina coladas.

14. Have fresh flowers on the table at least once a month

15. Make a difference - be true to me and be true to those around me.

16. Wear high heels

17. Call my best friend once a week

18. Save money - for nothing special

19. Clean out my closet

20. Take loads of pictures

21. Set goals - And keep them

22. Adopt a doggie -My life was and will always be complete with a four legged friend.

23. Consider going back to college - I know what y'all are thinking...

24. Spread awareness - For Chase, learn about Trisomy 18 at www.trisomy18.org

25. Remind myself and my friends that tomorrow is not a guarantee. Live the life given to you, make the best of your days, for they are few.