My time in Dallas is nearing its end, after 9 years I am finally heading back to the Northwest. I am so excited to what my future holds, it is a new chapter in my life. As much as I am looking forward to all the new adventures, there is a part of me that is sad to be saying goodbye to Dallas and more importantly the relationships I have formed over the past 9 years.
I have found myself reflecting on these relationships and all that they mean to me. I am not always the best at letting people know what they mean to me. This is my attempt at that. A few of you even read my blog, so this post is for you.
Well lets start at the beginning…
Carlee-Before I even moved down to Dallas, Carlee offered me a place to stay. Over the past 7 years I lived with her on and off in various places around dallas. So many great memories with her. She is a constant to me, always there and always honest even when I don’t want to hear it. Whether it be racing home from the TIME office or racing to get dressed we have had our fun.
Marce-I actually think I lived with Marce the longest and man am I thankful for all those years. Marce and I first bonded back in 1998 when we shared a hotel for 3 days. However it was over dinner at the cheesecake factory in 2001 that to me sealed our friendship forever. Whether it was Sunday afternoon naps or guilty pleasure TV we clicked and got each other. Even though it has been a few years, I still miss those times.
If I am talking about roommates, I have to mention the other two that often spent time at all these places Matt and Aaron-and all I have to say about that is listening to an entire convesation on how to cheat the government out of a penny at Jack in the Box.
Scott and Kirsty Bean plus kids-Well for the first few years this is where my holidays were spent. I mean I spent easter with them one year and Kirsty and I made a feast. Actually who am I kidding anytime I got together with Kirsty and her family it was a feast. They embraced me and welcomed me into their crazy life from the very first day. In fact they encouraged me to visit a church with them and I have been there ever since. They moved to London a few years ago and I miss them like crazy.
Chris and Leslie Linebarger plus Callie, Sadie and Grace-This friendship to me was made over time. It took awhile to work my way into their lives and now they are just sort of stuck with me. They let me live with them during a rough few months of my life always showing me kindness. Over time I found myself spending more and more time at their house. I remember early on I was always scared to go to their place without any of the above mentioned people and now I am totally comfortable on any given day. When the Beans moved to England, Chris and Leslie allowed me to spend the holidays with them. I am so thankful for that. I feel like I have known their girls forever and now Callie is even in the youth group I help lead. It is crazy, and I am going to seriously miss my wed. nights with this family plus the lemon chicken casserole.

Okay that is enough for today ..the rest of dallas will have to wait….