Remember when we still believed in fairytales

I woke up this morning to the sun glaring through my window. I rolled over and my vision focused on the hands of my clock. It was 9:45. Since I moved here I haven't been able to sleep in later than that. I sat straight up, grabbed the remote, and flicked Dawson's Creek on the TV. It is my morning ritual to get intact with the teenage joys and struggles of the kids from the creek. I wandered through the kitchen and made myself a healthy breakfast....soy yogurt and granola and contemplated my a morning run.
Hours later I was still wandering around my one room apartment, occasionally stopping at the fridge, computer, or dialing a number of anyone who might distract me for some time. The thought of a run still wandered through my mind as I realized I had things to do. It was already 12, not too late for a run and a shower before my errands but I was looking for anything to justify my laziness.
30 minutes later I was dressed and walking through the doors of the Fashion Valley Nordstrom...or at least did for 4 days a couple weeks before. I got in the elevator and pushed
the button for the 3rd floor. I had been calling the human resources department frequently in the last few days looking for some hours and I figured it was time to pay them a visit. Plus I had a paycheck I wanted to pick up. They sent me out to customer services for the paycheck and downstairs to Colleen Kresky the woman who had hired me to discuss my schedule.
After numerous phone calls the woman at customer services handed me my paycheck and said have a nice day. I made my way down the escalator to meet with Colleen. There's something so peaceful about riding an escalator at a Nordstrom. The piano music hanging in the air and the quite bustle of the customers and at the same time an unusual stillness. I never touch the railing on those nasty things though due to the fact that they carry far too many germs. I've never been a germaphobe but this just gets me every time.
Colleen popped out of the dressing room with her smile as wide as her face in her 3 piece peach suit that almost smelled of the fruit. We went over the basics and she told me I could begin working for her on the 3rd at 9:30...exactly a week from today. I was beyond relieved. Just to know that I had a date set. She reassured me she'd give me full tour of the store and then later a schedule would be established.
Gwen gave me a call and told me we should arrange for a beach date later when she was done with errands. I called my mom and vented about my day and discussed everything we could thing of.
A few hours later I pulled into the parking lot of LaJolla shores beach. I met up with Gwen and we wandered down the beach, picked out a spot and spread out our towels. We talked about everything and even walked through some waves. Maybe next time we'll actually go for a swim.
On the ride home I did some thinking. I have no radio since it was stolen before the car was lent to me but it allowed for some quality time for belting out whatever came to mind first or just some thinking. I couldn't believe how calm I've felt since I've been here. It feels real and that seems strange. Not that I haven't been real in the last two years at Kutztown but just that something got lost. Too much time is spent focusing on whats going on with everyone else in our small little complex of friends. I made a promise to myself to focus on the positive. I've always been a positive person, I got it from my crazy mother and her crazy mother but it sure does make life more enjoyable when you are positive. Earlier in the day my mother had asked me if I was thinking about moving back here eventually and the first word that came to mind was "yes". As I've said before we'll see where life takes me but I can tell you this for sure now....it will not be Pennsylvania. Not that I haven't enjoyed time there but my heart lies in the west coast and everyone knows....a girl can't live without her heart.

Bainbridge and all it's beauty

Dad and me at the sculpture park in Seattle.

Linny on the stairs down to our old beach.

Me Jenny and Gwen at Brooke's beach just down the street from my old house. Oh how I love that view.

Phoenix girls reunion. Nicole, Erin, Gwen, Me, Meagan, Kim, Jackie, Jenny, Meaghan, and Kaile. So much fun to catch up with all of them!!!!

Overall the trip was wonderful I caught up with all the soccer girls and talked about the rest of the soccer girls and what everyone was up to. I ran into quite a few people I hadn't seen since graduation. My sister graduated and we actually got along the entire trip although I wasn't around her much. I miss northwest people....there is just something special about them that I have not been able to find any where else. Plus there is nothing better than a sunny summer day on the island...and I got a few of them!
Until we meet again.

My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it too

Today is a good day.
Tomorrow is an even better day.
The sun is out, I'm almost packed and everything is clean. In a few I'm going to Phil's BBQ with 'the grandparents I've never had'. I have been spending a lot of time with them and believe me although things get done a little slower it has been quite entertaining.
Tomorrow I get to see old friends and my sissy who I talked to today. I am beyond excited to see them and for her life to begin....she's finally growing up and I am so proud of her!
Oh how I love to west coast and it only seems to get better.
OK I'm gonna go pick some oranges off the tree outside my window :)

Hanging out with the Grandparents

Here's grandma and me with our finished masterpiece. Snickerdoodles! So many memories surrounding those cookies but none previously with grandma.
So since I've been off work the past couple of days and I have no idea when I will again be needed I have been trying to occupy my time. Quality time with my gma and Ned! I walked at the bay and to the pier with grandma. We shopped for linny's graduation present. We went out to Mexican food and tai food. It's been fun...they have fun stories and I get a little talking in there too.
I just have to say though that when one of my best friends called me today it pretty much made my day. I had not talked to Jenny in over 3 months I think. It's been far too long! So I can't wait to see you J and congrats on making it in to your program...although I had no doubt you would.
Much love to all.
I cannot wait until I am in Washington!!!

Tomorrow it all begins

Sometimes I hate realizations. When you know what you have realized is the truth and you do not want to put that truth into an action within your reality because it is hard and will probably cause you some emotional pain. In realizing these things you may have to make a major life change. Change is something I am very familiar with and believe it to be ultimately a good thing just as the Buddhist's believe in impermanence I follow that thought in that growth of the spirit is necessary. I do not want to remain the same although I believe some stability is necessary in my life for sanity purposes. Learning and establishing a curiosity for the world is important to me. My realization is to remain untold as it is my personal realization and tears at a piece of me. Growth in this case will prosper over comfort although it is so nice to have comfort in life.

Now that we have had a little dose of Ali wisdom for the day :) here are some pics from the boat last Saturday before the boys left.

Linny you are in my thoughts. Good luck with everything and we will see you soon. Mom and dad I miss you more than anything but I know I am in the right place.
Love.