Figuring Out My Place In Time And Space: The Road Home, Part 1

I pried myself away from LA almost a week ago. It was a huge struggle to leave. I drove in for the first time in over a month and I remembered why I love it so much, but I also remembered why I had to leave.

2016 is all about change. A fresh start. Continuing to find me.

I am well on my way to that. I've said my goodbyes to my amazing LA family and the places that I called home. I stayed out late and rocked my lil musical heart out. And the only time I cried was when I heard the sad news about Alan Rickman.

I made my way slowly out of town, stopping in places new and old. Savoring the moments, knowing it was coming to an end but happy I had a chance to fall in love with a city I never wanted to ever live in.

The moment I drove out of LA county I felt free. Free of the city, free of the emotions that swallowed me while I was living there and free to begin a completely unfamiliar new chapter for myself. But there will always be a lil piece of LA in the back of my mind. Sitting there. Waiting for my return. Which will happen.

My first stop when I reached San Diego was to visit a new lil bundle of joy. I had taken care of her two older sisters since 2009 and I could not leave California without meeting the new edition. The moment I saw the lil baby burrito I lost it. Like I was holding it just for this moment. I couldn't believe that she was real and that I was able to be apart of another milestone in my favorite family's life. My heart wished I could help with this one, but knew I had to do me this time. Thank God for FaceTime!

I still had a lot of adult-ing to do before I hit the road to Denver, setting up the last details of MY new apartment. All of it alone for the first time. Everything just in my name. So weird. It is really all me now. And it is exciting...and scary.

The first part of my drive was easy. I'd done it many times in the past, but never alone. I stopped when I wanted. Took Instagrams and Snap Chats {@thenerdygirlie} along the way. Making sure to live in the moment, but capturing them as well.

The morning of my departure I learned my dad would be at my first stop in Las Vegas! I don't remember the last time it was just he and I. Being caught up in daily life I had forgetten the little things. His electric personality, generosity, honesty and love. I promised to visit him once a month when I get settled in Denver. I'm excited to make new grown up memories with this amazing man who I've unknowingly searched for in the men I've began to date.

"The only man a girl can depend on his her daddy."

Sadly a few things have fallen through the cracks of this trip, one being the Grand Canyon. Not enough time, not enough planning. I'm trying not to beat myself up over it. The drive so far has been magical and beautiful. All I want to do is take pictures of it all. But the Grand Canyon I know is something other worldly. I need to see the sunrise over the canyon. I feel like it could settle my searching heart. Denver helped that though. Its mountain sunrises are unlike anything I've ever seen. I cannot wait to experience them once more and make my way back down to the Grand Canyon this year. It's officially on the 2016 list.

And now I push onwards. Utah. A best Lamplighter. Writing. And being happy alone on this trip with my music!

{I am forever Figuring Out My Place In Time And Space. Learn and grow with me by reading my other heart felt and often over sharing articles!}