Where I Come From

Alexandria, Virginia. The city I was born in. The city I frequented on hot, muggy Summer nights and crisp, chilly Winter evenings. It's the city (one of them) I went to school in and the city where much of my mom's side of the family is rooted and also buried in. In August, when I went home, it had been the longest since I had seen this town that borders Washington, D.C. and sits right on the Potomac River.

I fell in love with it all over again. The cobblestone streets, the rich history in every brick building you walk past, the stories that have been passed on to me about my ancestors. In the twenty-some years I lived in Northern Virginia, it changed and transformed every year. Trees were knocked down, government buildings were put up in their place, houses built one on top of the other. But I knew, for the most part, I could go to Old Town, Alexandria or into the Nation's Capitol and I'd see the sights I knew I could always count on.

I come from a mother born in the same town as I, and a father born at the Jersey Shore. My family, with our imperfections and all, come from a place of love and the belief to always do what is right.

I come from a neighborhood where we'd play outside until the sun went down and the lightning bugs came out.

I come from a home on a hill flooded with sunlight, surrounded by trees centuries and centuries old.

But most importantly to me, after all these years is that I come from a family with wonderful memories. Through all of life's ups and downs, its celebrations and losses, I have beautiful pictures to look back on, stories to laugh about, mementos in my childhood home that remind me that where I come from... it makes me who I am today. And for that, I am forever grateful.

This is the first entry of mine in the Blogtember series, hosted by Jenni. I hope you'll stop by again throughout the month of September :)

Cherishing Home

As I write this, I lie in my childhood bedroom. A room that has changed as I have, yet always welcomes me despite which country, state, or lifestyle I am returning from. I felt the same way as I landed at Reagan National Airport this morning in DC, with the Washington Monument being repaired in the background. I felt as though I had never really left.

I was home.

Although San Diego has been made into my home now, my DC suburban town will always be my hometown. These streets will always know my name. And I will always have the stories to cherish and memories to reflect back on during the times when life leaves me feeling alone.

I am home.

And for the first time ever, I feel homesick while here in my hometown. I miss this being my house. My room. My bed. I miss the colors of the wall and the sound my feet make as they race up the hardwood stairs. I miss the memories of Mom throughout the house. I already feel the pain of having to say "see you later" to these things in just a few short days.

But while I can, I shall cherish them. And what ever it is that you have today, I hope you cherish it too.

I am home.

I am home.

I am home.

Wishing a Happy Birthday today to the most amazing man I know, my Dad!

Memories of Virginia Beach

I remember it so vividly. I'd wake up early in the morning, swing my little feet over the edge of the bed and onto the carpet. I'd see my dad sitting at the table with his cup of coffee from 7-Eleven and a newspaper. I'd grab a chocolate Entenmann's donut and quietly pull the sliding glass door to the side, stepping out onto the balcony.

I'd immediately feel the warm, August morning sun on my skin and hear the soft crashes of the waves in the distance, the seagulls as they swept through the sky just several arm's lengths away, and the clink of bikes as the lifeguards rode in for the new day. It was a typical vacation morning. Just like the vacation mornings the year before, yet, it never got old.

I still remember the peace I'd feel as a young girl - just me and the sights and sounds of those August mornings. Eventually, I'd hear the glass door behind me push open and I'd look to see my mom's sleepy smile as she came out to say good morning to the coast. My brother would soon follow to sit in the morning sun. The three of us would watch as the umbrella and chair rentals were slowly set up and beach-goers started to fill the sand.

Then, it was our turn. After finishing breakfast and throwing on our bathing suits, we'd all walk down to the beach with our arms full of towels, coolers, bags, and chairs... ready for a full day in the sun. My brother and I would throw our stuff down and race into the warm salt water, seeing who would fall first into the sea. It was tradition :)

After that point, it was just me and the sea. I'd flick my hands back and forth through the water, ride the waves in until my knees were scraped up from the ocean floor, and spend the entire day in my favorite place - the ocean.

At night, after getting showered, and going out for dinner on the boardwalk, and walking "The Strip," my brother and I spent hours out on that balcony watching the evening crowd walk, jog, and sit on the boardwalk below us. It was our happy place, our way to re-charge, our time to be a family :)

I'll never forget our family vacations. I'll never forget these Virginia Beach memories from years ago. They hold a special place in my heart and now, whenever I return, my heart is full of all of the above.

All pictures were taken during our "half family" vacation when I went to Virginia Beach with my brother and his little family this past September :)

Sometimes You Need to Get Away

"The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea." -

Isak Dinesen

I've always believed that quote to be true and this past Thursday thru Sunday certainly proved that. My mini-vacation to Virginia Beach was a success! As I mentioned before, VA Beach is kind of like a second home to me. It is the place I spent every single Summer growing up - all the way through my early twenties. The drive down to the beach was full of nostalgia. From the way it felt to drive through the tunnel to where we stopped for lunch. I was so excited for this much-needed trip.

I got a lot of time on this trip to just think. Away from the computer and work desk and traffic and social media, this was life. Days full of moments of life felt in every aspect.

My mind was clear. I felt alive. I was happy. I was me.

My heart is bursting at the seams to write about those things. So, while I prepare those thoughts, here's a little of what my Virginia Beach journey looked like:

Let me start off by saying that I've been to a lot of different U.S. beaches/vacationing spots and Virginia Beach will always [minus California] be my favorite beach to visit. It has everything I could want in a beach: hotels, an amazing boardwalk, nightlife, tons of restaurants, history, attractions!

Upon arriving in VA Beach Thursday afternoon, we checked in to the Marriott Courtyard on 37th and Atlantic, then headed to the beach to put our toes in the water.

After showering, getting ready, and doing a little more balcony people watching, we walked a few blocks to dinner at Doughboy's! Doughboy's is a VB "must" in my opinion if you like delicious pizza! I ended up going with the Mediterranean pizza and it was literally one of the best pizzas I have ever had. [Note: Be sure to pick up the little Sunny Day Guide in your hotel or on the street. It is full of coupons!]

The rest of the night was spent on the balcony, enjoying the ocean breeze and doing a lot of people watching on the boardwalk.

On Friday, after enjoying a light, yummy breakfast in our hotel, I walked a little bit of "The Strip" and looked in some shops. I don't care how cliche and gimmicky those beach stores are - I still love them. Then, we headed out to the beach for a day of fun in the sun. The weather was perfect!

That night, we decided to walk the boardwalk to one of the newer VB spots, Neptune's Park on 31st Street. At that point, we didn't have a good plan so we aimlessly walked around trying to decide where to go for dinner and settled on a buffet. My family never went to the buffets growing up, so why we went this weekend, I'll never know, ha.

Let me just say that I am a seafood junkie so eating anything other than seafood or Doughboy's at the beach, just wasn't an option. Although the food at King of the Sea [the buffet we went to] wasn't the greatest, I got my seafood :)

After stuffing our tummies, we headed back to Neptune's Park for a live band! They played tons of fun cover songs and lots of dancing was involved. There was a nice breeze off the coast and the weather was so perfect for the last evening of the Summer! I ended the night with a killer run. Killer. I actually beat my best mile time which I set back in 10th grade and hadn't been able to beat until now! I was so ecstatic and feeling good so I sat on the boardwalk to stare out at the ocean of blackness as I cooled off. Another great night it was.

Mind-clearing can work wonders, friends!

The final day, Saturday, was full of decent waves for the East Coast. I woke up that morning to watch the sunrise [again.] Seriously, who AM I? As the sun rose into the sky, surfboards filled the water :) First, we spent some time by the pool/waterfalls. The rest of the day we were out in the salty Atlantic challenging those waves and, boy, was it a rush! I've always felt so alive and at peace in the ocean.

For dinner that night, we went to the far South end of "The Strip" toward Rudee Inlet to a place called "Big Sam's." It was definitely one of those "hole in the wall, local" spots but aren't those always the best? This one sure was! Get this - it was the only place we went to that actually had a wait! It was right on the water and the smell of seafood was in the air! I got the Oysters Rockefeller! So yum! If you're like me and love everything about surfing, sit in the first booth and you'll be with Kelly Slater ;)

We left and enjoyed a tasty ice cream treat because you have to get ice cream at the beach, right? I couldn't believe how exhausted I was [and how sunburned my lips were!] so I was about ready for bed once we got back to the hotel and I packed up. I enjoyed one last sunrise the next morning before driving back to Northern Virginia...

So, there you have it - some of the happenings of my reunion with Virginia Beach. I'll never get enough of that place. It comforts me, rejuvenates me, and brings me back to what is important.

The Road Home: Part Four

It’s time for the fourth and final part of my road trip back to Virginia. After driving through the rest of Missouri that morning, the next state we passed through was Illinois. Southern Illinois is full of fields. Geez, at this point, it seems like most states in the entire country are filled with nothing but fields! But, Illinois did throw a curve ball and presented some great entertainment, if only for a little while.

There had to have been an antique car show or something nearby because we saw SO many antique cars on the freeway and at gas stations where we stopped. It was amazing to see these cars and of course I picked out which one would have been mine. Couldn’t get a picture of it though!

Sadly, there was not much off the freeway in Illinois and Indiana to take pictures of. I’m not hating on you, Indiana/Illinois bloggers :)

Next up was Kentucky. I was a pretty big fan of Kentucky! Louisville is an awesome city, I started to feel more humidity, and the rest stops were very nice :) Oh, and they had White Castle. First time ever going there.

If someone could explain to me what the “Yum Center” is, that’d be great. And, yes, I know I look like a big girl driving that truck all by myself in the below picture. Haha! Riiiight. But, hey, my chin definition is pretty on-point for some reason…

Stella was an absolute champ throughout the whole journey. I had been so nervous since she’s an indoor cat and had never done any heavy traveling {to my knowledge.} She napped and napped and was just a little doll.

Okay, so to explain the tri-collar system: Green collar=regular collar. Dark purple collar=pheromone collar that was supposed to “relax” her. I’m still not buying it. Lighter purple collar=flea collar because who knows what mites are in those hotel rooms?! She is now only wearing the green collar :)

Look at all that gorgeous greenery! Totally different from where I started my journey earlier that week. This country is truly magnificent. It was so uplifting to see true beauty after such a trying and painful time in my life.

Although I’ve been to West Virginia countless times before, the beauty of that state was also astounding. I think that state often does not receive the credit that it deserves. Okay, so the rest stops weren’t my absolute favorite there, but the scenery, the beautiful shopping centers we’d pass, the old capital city of Charleston… all amazing.

Then, once the sun went down and we stopped for dinner at 8:00pm, things started looking downward. The latest weather update for Hurricane Irene was not looking good and we needed to get home to my poor, little mom. Soon after we got back on the road after our bite to eat, we realized we probably wouldn’t be making it home that night.

Cue Sandstone Mountain.

Driving Eastbound on this section of I-64 there is a 1,433 foot descent from the summit of Sandstone Mountain. The reported grade is 7% for 5 miles! It is steep, fast, windy, with several emergency truck run-offs to remind you of the intensity of the descent. My dad was pretty nervous about this and slowed down. I tried cheering him on. I remember saying, “See, Dad! We’re already 2 miles down the hill!” Then, the entire truck started shaking as we “braked” down the mountain. Shaking. More shaking. And even more to the point where I thought we were going to flip over. There was complete silence. I reached down to make sure Stella was okay, holding on for dear life with my other hand.

The brakes were too hot from the very steep 5 mile descent. With the weight of the truck AND trailer with my car pushing it down the mountain, the brakes were working too hard to slow the truck down. It was scary. We survived. A bit traumatized, but we survived. Scared of any more intense mountains, my dad decided to take it easy {and drive under the speed limit} until we were on I-81 in Virginia. That said, we probably lost a good hour or two. Safety first, friends!

It was so late at night when we reached Virginia that this is all I could get:

We stopped at the VIRGINIA Welcome Center to re-group, call Penske to make sure our brakes weren’t going to fail, and to give Stella some food and water. We got back on the road. However, not long after, we both started to lose it. It had been SUCH a long day week and we needed sleep. We decided we’d stop in Harrisonburg {home of JMU – GO DUKES! That’s for my brother} and stay at the Hampton Inn and leave super early to make it to Northern VA before the hurricane hit.

Welp, it just so happened to be “move-in weekend” at JMU so the hotels were packed with parents and families. Not only that, but, a lot of Virginia cities had been evacuated and a bunch of those people decided to stay in Harrisonburg I guess. There was not ONE hotel room available anywhere in Harrisonburg or the surrounding towns. Looks like I’d be sleeping in my own bed, after all!

The second we entered Fairfax County {the county I’m from} I shouted and put my hands in the air :) I didn’t care how long it took, I was home.

At 4:15 EST, we finally arrived at the house. It was a wonderful feeling - to be back, safe, and on my way to happiness again.

If you’ve followed me along this journey, thank you. It’s still not over. There will still be healing, learning, and moving on to do but I thank you for your support and understanding as I rebuild my life.

{Also: Today I’m guest posting for Ashley over at Diary of a Reporter. Head on over there to keep me some company as I write about something personal I’ve learned throughout this chapter. And while you’re there, be sure to explore Ashley’s beautiful and thoughtful blog. I just adore that girl :) }

Carry Me Back to Old Virginny

Guess what, friends? I have AMAZING news that I am BEYOND excited about!!!!!

One month from today I will be going home to VIRGINIA to visit!

Source: etsy.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

 

The last time I went back to Virginia it was for two days. Two days! And those two days consisted of a bridal shower and a million wedding plans/talks/stress. While it was fun, it was jam-packed and I hardly had any real time to spend with my family. I have a baby niece who will be turning one in less than a month and I have only seen her twice :( I have a nephew who I haven’t seen since before I moved to Utah :( My family is growing and prospering and being so far away has made me feel like I’m missing it all.

The past two years of my life have been full of HUGE changes. One of those huge changes was my move across the country. Without having family or friends here, it was easy to lose myself – to feel inadequate, out of place, and out of touch. It’s been difficult. These past few months I’ve really tried re-gaining that sense of self and the true woman I am meant to become. This trip home will be a great way to re-center myself. To be around people who know me and understand me, to walk the streets where I grew up, to feel the sticky East Coast air on my skin, and… to sit in DC traffic. All of those things made me who I am. I miss them and need them.

I’m excited to see the sights that symbolize home for me:

Like the streets in the city where I was born

 

Source: google.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

 

The route I took to and from work every day

Source: None via Chelsea on Pinterest

 

And all the other gorgeous places that home has to offer

Source: google.es via Chelsea on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: geeksdreamgirl.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

 

Again, I’m so, SO excited to be going home in a month. Let the countdown begin! I’m thinking I might have a few guest posts while I’m gone, intermixed with some updates of what I’ve been up to :) What do you think?