One Last Long Look at the Ocean

Any of you who love the ocean may likely be familiar with the need to take that one last long look at the ocean before you head inland. I awake today in that mood. It's early, just 6am, raining and dark. My nose is running and my sunburn from the other day (when I was at the ocean) has led to fever blisters...a drag as I head to spend the first days of togetherness with my man! However, none of this is diminishing a feeling of wonder and nostalgia as I begin my journey west today. Philadelphia has been my home for over a decade. I moved here in September of '98, first to Manayunk, the Roxborough, then downtown, then East falls, then Upper Darby. I feel lucky to have known this city intimately in lots of ways, spending time in many neighborhoods, many restaurants (love you Chloe!), most of the park system...It is a fine city and I hope those living here remember to treat it with the esteem it deserves. Yes, it has it's frustrating, why-do-I-live-here moments (parking authority and traffic come to mind), but overall it has been and always will be Philadelphia, city of Brotherly Love, with the largest urban park system in the country, a World Series winning baseball team (Go Phils!), great food, and above all great people. I'm leaving lots of friends and loved ones here. Lots of memories, lots of laughs and irritations...I am grateful to know how excited everyone is for me in this adventure (and to Dan & Mar, I'm finally letting you know ahead of time I need Friday off). I'm grateful that in this time of information tech, no one is more than an email away.

So as I take this last look at the ocean with all of my memories, I think of the vastness of the space I'm moving in to. Not the cabin of course, but the vast potential for my life! Anything can happen out there! And in here (hand on my heart). I have no idea what awaits, I only trust my heart is leading me in the best direction for me at this time. Whether this is foolishness or courage will be decided at a later date. For now, as I spiral into my center, my core and heart, as I look at my empty room, and think of the unknown I'm diving into, I also the vastness of the ocean, how there will always be unexplored areas and unknown creatures. I feel exitement moving through me and I can't help but smile... I'm ready!