One year ago today I left Hawaii. Leaving was hard. I liked my life in Hawaii. I had a good job and great friends. I loved my house, if not my landlord, and loved my neighborhood. I had several favorite beaches, and spent a good amount of time at them all. My tan was incredible. I had my favorite restaurants and was recognized as a regular in a couple of them. I belonged to a book group, an alumni club, the Friends of the Library, and the art museum. I had a place in a ceramics program that I loved and was doing great work there. The weather couldn't be beat, nor could the casual lifestyle.

The year since has had its ups and downs, although all in all I think I made the right move. I'm poorer now than I was a year ago, but my expenses are less and I have a house I can call my own. I'm much closer to my family, and I love being able to watch my niece and nephew grow up from close up. I've reconnected with old friends and made a few new ones. I have a history here that goes beyond my experience with Kevin; I don't have that constant stab of Kevin-memory that is associated with a whole lot of things in Hawaii.

I will always carry a piece of Hawaii in my heart. But I'm glad to be home.
- posted by Lori @ 8:28:00 PM | permanent link | |