What a life!

I am sitting here in my nearly empty apartment in complete awe of the amazing (which doesn't even begin to describe it) life that I have been blessed with! I could go on and on and on about this but I'll save it for another time when I don't need to be in bed...perhaps on my plane ride to Italia? ;)

Yesterday brought about more confirmation that God is very much in control of this move and is paving my way straight to Santa Marinella! After approximately four (very long) months of trying to get out of my lease, I received confirmation that the new girl who was wanting to move in, will in fact be moving on February 17! I am so grateful that this is going to work out, for her sake and mine! I was grinning from ear to ear when I read that email from my landlord...it just takes me one step closer to my exciting future that awaits me!

Then, I came home and helped my sister, Virginia, and my best friend, Ashlee load up what now looks like was the majority of my belongings. It was so fun to see their faces light up at their new furniture and other home items because I know that 1) they will enjoy it as much as I have, and 2) they will remember me when I am away (self-centered but true!) Here are a couple of photos from before and after:

BEFORE

One view of my living room

Blurry photo of dining room. This table and hutch were given to me by my parents and originally belonged to my paternal grandparents. Very special to me!

My kitchen

My pieced together bedroom. I never got around to decorating it. The print above my bed belonged to my dad from when he attended the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Also very special to me!

AFTER

(much worse quality photos taken on my phone)

Living room with much less furniture

Bedroom with no furniture and lots of piles.

What a mess! I have so much to do!

Well, I am learning that there are many perks to planning an international move. I'm sure more are on their way, but here are just two...

* Driving around in this city that I love so much, Fort Worth, and cherishing every view that I love so much...places that I have gone with family and friends, the museums that I love so much, the streets that I almost passed out on as I was running races, restaurants that exposed me to some amazing food of so many different cultures, showing people the building where my dad worked for 17 years and the gorgeous church (St. Patrick's Cathedral) that where he walked to for daily Mass (see photos below)



Outside view of St. Patricks Cathedral. About 5 minutes walking distance from my Pop's work.

 

Inside view of Cathedral. Going to church here makes me feel closer to my Papa. <3


* Spending quality time with everyone that I love so much and cherishing each moment with them! I have already begun my "goodbyes" with friends and I have just been blown away over and over and over again by how these people who have known me for a far shorter time than my family (who has to love me...ha) have expressed such love and joy for me and offered to help in any way that I need. It continues to boggle my mind! I feel the need to try to describe it but there are simply no words. You all just blow my mind. You will never know what this has meant to me.

Next on the agenda:

* Sell my car (all prayers are welcomed...this is a daunting task)

* Start cleaning out boxes

* Continue to get better

Ever since I returned from El Paso last Tuesday my throat has been bothering me but I woke up today and there was no doubt in my mind, I was sick! I'll spare you the details but after a trip to my doc, 2 shots in my booty, and a promise that I will be well by the time I board the plane, I already felt better and it has continued throughout the evening as well. In the words of XFT, "Thank you, Jesus!"

Stay tuned for more...