In times of uncertainty Miley Cyrus says it best

I listened to "The Climb" on repeat for a good few hours on the drive back to Roseville. I know, I know, its Miley Cyrus but it really describes how I feel so well. And to be fair, she didn't even write it (shocker, huh?). Anywho, I go from feeling like my life is never going to go anywhere to feeling like right now is just a new start. This song is what has kept me sane during the not-so-confident moments. I would put the music video on here, but the theme is so lame that it's distracting. Here are the lyrics:

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

♥

Life Goes On...

After being vagabonds for a few weeks the Seattle/moving adventure has come to an end. We considered Chicago and a couple of other cities, but nowhere seemed like a good fit. So, we are headed back to Roseville.
Our hope is that we can get jobs pretty quickly. From there the plan is for Christian to finish his general education at Sierra and for me to get some kind of vocational certification (I am thinking about massage therapy). After Christian finishes his GE he will apply to four-year universities, private or public depending on the state of the economy. Neither of us have high hopes for the CSU or UC system, so Christian would probably end up at a private school in Southern California.
Anyways, thats the plan. But clearly things do not always go as planned. After being upset about Seattle not being what we expected, I am okay with going back to Roseville.
We shall see what happens from here.

♥

Seattle: ???

This week I have had two interesting discoveries:
One, I learned that Christian and I can pack up move out of an apartment that we just moved in to in under and hour - quite an accomplishment if you ask me.
Two, when you do not have a home, your key ring becomes oddly small.

Anyways, Christian and I do not know what we are going to do next. So, in the meantime we are headed to Montana to visit my mom and Jennifer. It will be nice to have some time to just chill out, regroup and figure out where we are going to go from here. We are pretty sure that we do not want to stay in Seattle. It may be that we were shot at (or that we have been in Roseville too long), but we have driven all over the city and have not found a neighborhood that we feel comfortable in. However, we left Roseville for a reason and going back seems like defeat. We really do not know where we are headed from here, but we are okay and open-minded.

The person who shot at us was arrested the other day and we went in to give our statements. He is being booked on assault and possession of illegal firearms. He is claiming that he was cleaning his gun when it went off, so we'll see what happens with that.

We will keep you posted!

♥

Seattle: The Rough Beginning

So... Seattle has been seemingly unwelcoming to Christian and I so far. The drive up here was fine (Thanks to Kelly for pulling my weight!), but then we saw the place that we were supposed to live in... It was disgusting and in a rough looking area. So, we spent the next day looking for a better place to live. We thought we found what we were looking for in West Seattle, it was a really nice apartment in what looked like an okay area. Apparently not. The day after we moved in the person below us became angry because we had to put together some Ikea furniture - at noon, mind you. Instead of coming up to talk to us like a rational human being, he started slamming his doors and windows and mumbling to himself. Hours after the furniture assembling had ceased, Christian, Jennifer, Pete and I were sitting around talking (Well, Pete wasn't talking). I had just gotten up to start making my favorite comfort food (Velveta Shells and Cheese) when we heard what sounded like a firecracker. As soon as we noticed the bullet shaped hole in the ceiling we all congregated in the bathtub and called the po-po. The police responded surprisingly fast, but the shooter had already taken off. Sounds like we moved to Compton, huh? Anyways, this crazy has not been arrested, even though he has been back to his apartment TWICE, and the cops were called both times. We are currently staying at an Extended Stay (Thank you, Mom :)) and trying, once again, to find a safe place to live. So, today will be spent walking around some areas that have been recommended to us. Thank you for all of the thoughts, prayers and well wishes. We miss you guys!

♥

Goodbye Roseville

I have had my complaints and I have spoken critically of Roseville many-a-time, but I am leaving now and it is time to reminisce. In all honesty Roseville has provided many of the people, places and experiences that have shaped me who into the person I am today.

I have met some of the most incredible people I have ever known in Roseville. I remember meeting Emily on the bus in Junior High. She is still one of my closest friends and has seen me through everything. Technically, I met Mariah in the Philippines, but I think it counts. She was an amazing mentor and church leader. Mariah has influenced my life more than she will ever know. Stephanie Wetzel. Speechless. Of all the people I met in Roseville, the most important are Christian and his family. They have welcomed me, loved me and above all made me laugh. Amy is the sweetest and most genuine person I have ever met. Bryan. Well, I don't know anyone else who will help you move couches, refrigerators and other heavy furniture at a moments notice in the middle of the night - several times. I know I can always call Scott if Christian and I cannot think of the name for "zamboni". I share an indescribable connection with Kelly - an ice cream addiction. And Julie is the most honest, loving and quirky person that I have been blessed to know. I love you all and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives. (Ok, I must move on before the tears really start to flow)

Roseville has provided so many venues, natural areas and roads that have been "homes" to me at different periods of my life. When I was troubled, I could always go into the Underground and feel safe and loved. On days I could not stand being at school, I would drive down Cavitt Stallman and Auburn-Folsom blaring my music to work things out. Emily's house has always felt like a home to me! Christian and I shared our first (amazing) kiss at the park up Sierra College. And, of course, Granite Bay High School where I fell in love, danced my heart out, had my heart broken, fell up the stairs, and learned about life.

There are also some unforgettable experiences that have happened in Roseville. Hanging out at the galleria with friends. I remember the time that Juliet told me that she knew what I was going through and that if I ever needed anything, she would be there. Doing sports yoga with Emily and Dr Voigtlander. There were the billion walks to the lake and playing on the dam. I loved night swimming with Sophia. And, of course, marrying Christian in my backyard :-)

I guess Roseville has been a beautiful place for me, but I am moving on to different adventures. While I will not miss the unpleasant weather and lack of excitement, I will miss the people that it has brought into my life. Roseville has been my home and has provided a place for me to think and become myself. Thank you and goodbye.

♥