This time last year, I was living on my own in Atlanta, working in sales for a big time tobacco company, and constantly wondering, is this the path I want my life to continue on or am I destined for a change?
First, I threw the idea out to my love, Nick. I knew I wanted to spend my life with him and if he wasn't keen on this idea then that was it. After we spent many nights talking, over numerous bottles of beer and wine, we finally decided that we wanted to experience a change together. A change that would be defining in our relationship and for each of our life's paths.
Next, was to decide when and where this change would occur. Nick and I, both had full time jobs we were very successful at, although did not see ourselves pursuing it as our career. Even knowing the status of the job market, we were both well prepared to quit to take on this change.
After debating and researching, we finally decided on the beautiful state of Colorado. Nick's parents had recently moved out to Colorado Springs when his dad retired from the Air Force. This put them closer to Nick's grandparents, as well. Not long after, Sabrina, Nick's sister, graduated from the University of Georgia, both Nick and my alma mater. She also followed her parents west and found a fellowship program in town. With his parents generously offering up their basement to us, and the opportunity to finally be closer to his family, we both thought this would be a good place for us to get our feet wet in this new state.
We approached my parents with our idea, and they, even though sad to see us go, encouraged and supported our decision. This meant so much to me! The furthest I had been from my parents was when I went off to college in Athens, a whole hour and a half from them. To have their blessing on this great adventure was priceless.
Things seemed to be falling into place already. We both put in our notice to quit our jobs, my lease on my adorable one bedroom apartment was up, and Nick had moved in with me about a month earlier. We had a temporary home in Colorado so we did not have to rush into jobs. All that was left was, well, to starting packing up and hit the road.
As anxious and excited as I was for the start of this big adventure, it was hard to imagine leaving all my friends and family in Georgia. Luckily for me and Nick, one of our best friends, Patrick, threw us an amazing going-away party.
Patrick, the killer graphic designer he is, surprised Nick and I with this awesome poster at the party.
That night we celebrated the beating the Dawgs put on Auburn and one last fling in Atlanta with all of our close friends and family. It truly was bittersweet.
The Friday before we left came quickly, and Nick pulled up to the apartment with the UHaul trailer. The stuffing(yes we did, to the brim!) of the UHaul could not have been more chaotic! At one point I remember looking at the ad on the side of the UHaul, it said, "Rent and Save." I thought to myself, 'Yea, rent and save, but take a year off your life with stress!' Needless to say, I will spend the money next time.
Stepping back for a moment, after everything was packed in and tied down, I realized what a great experience Nick and I were on our way to have. We were blessed to have this opportunity to pick up and start anew. A new home, a new culture, a new climate, a new job, a new group of friends, a new life! And we were ready!
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