Till we meet again

At 9:22 am this morning, I had my last look at California as my home.

The last 10 days were a blur and I find it hard to wrap my mind around the fact that I have left Cali. During the last 10 days many friends shared their hopes for me and my impending move, as well as their fear of losing proximity..... my only request during these conversations was "please, no tears".  A huge request for some, I understand but I was firm with my request. I held strong to my "No TEARS" policy on my farewell tour, didn't shed one tear at my going away party, said goodbye to many friends and coworkers with just a smile and no tears..... until this morning. I was running late for my taxi to the airport (are any of you surprised?) and had to hurry out of my hotel room and out the hotels front door to throw myself into the cab. As I sat in the back seat, watching my neighborhood pass by I realized that it's my old neighborhood. I don't live here anymore. I wont be going on long walks around Cal State with friends, won't be cursing the 405 at rush hour, won't be walking to golden spoon for dessert.... Cue the waterworks now! My resolve for my "No TEARS" policy was gone ...... completely.  I was a hot mess. And then it was over as my cab driver decided he couldn't handle it and started to share with me that he is a music producer and did I want to "check out" his CD.... umm dude, I'm crying so not exactly a good time. Thanks though. But it did break the spell and I was back to my normal dry eyed self.

Now I'm in texas for a quick visit with the familia

and then I'll be heading to my new neighborhood in Brooklyn! I'm ready....

Nina Michelle

Pre Life Altering Move Thoughts

As my time here in California quickly drifts away, I wonder how my life will feel a few days from now. I have exactly 10 days left in SoCal, after which I will fly to San Antonio Texas to visit family for a few days and then finally land in my new home of New York!

I think normally one would feel melancholy, trepidation, anxiety maybe even regret over such a momentous occasion's time coming close, as one part of your life ends and another begins. This is clearly evidenced by the reaction of many people, upon hearing my news, being "are you scared?" and a huge look of concern overcomes their face. I personally think that reaction is a projection of their own anxiety of making such a big life changing decision (obviously- in some cases, not all). To give some perspective on how I feel: I've lived in SoCal my entire 28 years of life, have never traveled beyond the American boarders (expect to Mexico because come on people, when you're in SoCal Mexico is not a foreign country), heck I don't even have a passport!!! (don't hate!) Clearly this paints a picture of a young woman who likes to play it safe, stay within what she knows and what is comfortable and yet I'm about to embark on this adventure. 

I'm incredibly calm and dare I say hopeful for what is to come. The reason for my inner strength is our Heavenly Father. I fully, completely, whole heartedly believe that it is Him who has made this opportunity happen and knowing that clears away any fear, any anxiety about such a move. In fact, in me is building this momentum to find my path in His Kingdom, to grow closer to Him and discover how I can be a light in New York as He so clearly wants me to be. That is why the answer to the question "are you scared?" is always "no, I'm excited!". 

Here's to a new chapter, a new adventure and new food! (hello, I'm an RD. I had to mention food!)

Nina Michelle