i hate goodbyes.

I have tried to write this at least a dozen times and failed each time.

When I moved to Arizona I first felt like a farm kid in the big city. The transition from Lubbock, Texas to Tempe, Arizona was life changing. I was so excited about graduate school that I didn't prepare for the fact that I was leaving my closest friends and moving to a big city where I didn't know anyone. The first year was tough but after two wonderfully difficult years here I have fallen in love with the city and the people I have found. To list you all would be impossible and I know if you're reading this and you live in Arizona, chances are you're someone I will miss terribly.

I'm actually crying as a write this because I am overwhelmed with emotions (yes, I am a cry baby).
I have decided to move back home. August 9th is the date I have set to drive home into the west Texas town of El Paso. I'd like to spend some time with my sister Becca before she moves to college and I feel like it's time to go. I have no rhyme or reason, no actual job lined up yet, and no final plans set. I know in my heart that I need to be with my family now and pursue some potential careers in El Paso so that I can pay off these God awful student loans.

Arizona friends, you all have become my family away from home. I will miss you all terribly and I thank you all the the amazing memories. Friends all over, I love you and I thank you for being so wonderful over the years. The truth of the matter is, I'll be moving physically but a piece of my heart will remain here.

[insert cheesy link to a song that describes how you feel here]

best,
c