Going, going...

I'm sad. I guess you don't realize how precious something is until it's almost gone. I leave for Thailand in 8 days. It's different this time. Usually when I leave to go abroad, I always get a little sad, but this time it's different. Believe it or not, Dallas actually feels like home to me now. I've got such incredible friends & family here. Maybe it's because we all know that I'm leaving so we've been very intentional about hanging out, making time for each other, etc. But I'm having such a blast here, and I'm surrounded by love. Granted, I guess it's not really reality since I'm not working...I get to play all the time. But still....
So last Friday was my going away party with my friends. Seriously, one of the best nights of my life! It was truly an amazing time! We started off at the W Hotel, sitting out by the rooftop pool. Went back to the room for cocktails and appetizers while getting ready. Then headed down the street to Medina's (Moroccan food). We had about 16 people at dinner. Such a good time! The food was good, but the place was insanely hot. We walked around the area trying to find a place to hang out, but that area was dead. So, Justin talked some guy into taking us in his limo to a bar on McKinney. We hung out there, danced, saw old friends...good times. We then headed back to the hotel for some more rooftop pool time! So, Jordan & I ended up staying up to watch the sunrise! We met some cool people & swam all night. I went to bed at 8:30am & woke up at 10am! Can you believe it??!! I couldn't! The next day I was seriously delirious! We hung out at the pool on Sat. It meant so much to me that people would come so far to hang out one last time in Dallas, all together before I leave! I am truly blessed to have such incredible friends!
Guess what??!!....my dad is getting married! Crazy! I'm so extremely happy for him! Mary Ann is a true doll! And to think they've known each other since high school! Just goes to show, you never know! We spent an amazing Father's Day together. I love my daddy bear so much.
So don't get me wrong. I'm excited about Thailand. I know the school is top notch. I'm excited for laid back lifestyle, meeting new people, beach hoping, diving, yoga, good food, etc. But I know I'm going to miss my friends/family so much. Tonight it killed me. We had a girls night at Sandi's. I was hanging out with Gavin & Maddox (I'm in love with those boys. They totally make me want to have kids!). Sandi told Gavin, "you know Bertdawg is going away for a long time. You can't forget her. You're going to be a big boy when she gets back...5 years old. You have to remember her." I couldn't speak or I would have bursted out in tears. And Maddox probably won't remember me when I get back. He's only 2 now. Oh my gosh, makes me so sad. Gosh...I dunno...
Sandi gave me the best advice you can give...."just pray about it." What else can you do?
So, I'm going to Austin on Thursday for Christy & JC's wedding Super excited about that. Haven't seen some of these people in years! MP reunion! And I get to see Twatney!
Alrighty...till next time.
xoxo