a week of firsts, lasts, and lots of goodbyes...

Whew...that is how I feel right now. It is about 11pm on Thursday night and I think I finally have everything ready for my move tomorrow. Me and my Dad just finished packing my car about 30 minutes ago and to my surprise I actually had a little space left over, which is great because my mom needs a place for her suitcase! I also have a few odds and ends to add tomorrow, but they are all small so no worries there!

I must admit, I always wondered if I would see this day actually come. I started thinking about moving to LA last November when I went to a music convention out there. After a few more months of thinking and not being happy where I was in my life I decided I needed a change and started to think about what that change would be. After a lot of thoughtful consideration I decided in March that I wanted to move to LA and attend Musicians Institute that coming fall. It has been about six months since I made that decision and it has gone by incredibly fast. Much like this week the past few months have been an emotional roller coaster...I've been incredibly excited and then doubtful and fearful, but I'm happy to say that I have learned to take things one day at a time and I've made it to the first step- the move!

With that in mind I thought I would share some pictures that would better give you guys an idea of what my week of packing has looked like! It was quite a task to figure out how to pack my life up in the back of my car hahaha!

My room in the middle of organizing/packing last Saturday...
BEFORE









This is my room AFTER packing up almost everything...










I also spent a lot of time at work this week wrapping up things and packing up things. It was my last time to pay bills, do payroll, do billing, etc. etc. As I filed through 4 years worth of stuff in my desk, I was actually a little bit sad. Even though "office" work is not fulfilling to me and not what I want to do forever, my job was really special because I got to work with my parents and help build our company. I was also given a lot of responsibility and over the years have learned so much about the business world and how to run business. This may not have been my dream job, but the knowledge and experience I gained while employed there will definitely serve me well the rest of my life. I have no doubt about that. I was also sad because I truly love the women I work with in my office- they are so sweet and encouraging to me and I'm going to miss their smiling faces everyday! Like most things this week- leaving was bittersweet.
Here are a few final pictures I took of my office this week...





Another goodbye I had to say today was to my personal trainer, Pam. I started working with her in May and have had a wonderful time working with her and getting to know her. I've had trainers before, but never like this. Not only is she amazing at what she does and explains it all to you fitness/nutrition wise, but she is just a very caring person who was always interested in me and my life. She helped me reach so many goals in such a short time, and I am truly grateful for her. She is one in a million and I hope one day I get the chance to work with her again!
We couldn't help getting sad and crying today when I had to leave. I am used to seeing her 3 times a week so it is going to be quite an adjustment without her. Thanks for everything Pam :)

Of course the saddest part of leaving is saying goodbye to family and friends...and if you're me, your dog! I cannot tell you how many times in the past few days I have just started crying when I think about having to leave her. It is supposed to only be for 2 months until I get settled and into an apartment, but it is still really hard. If you're not a dog person it may be hard to understand, but Sadie (my weimaraner) is my heart and has been a source of unconditional love to me for 2 years. I've never been away from her for more than a week so this is going to be quite a challenge. I know my parents will take good care of her for me, but I'm going to miss her greeting me at the door and cuddling with me at night. They say dogs can sense change and she has definitely known something was up this week with all the packing going on. She has stuck to me like glue, which makes it even harder to leave her. Just look at her laying here as if to say
"please don't go, mom"


I won't lie, I'm crying as I write this..........ok, I'm good...moving on...

I also had dinner with my family tonight for one last time before I leave....my mom, dad, sister and her husband all came. It was fun as it always is when the 5 of us get together. They have all been incredibly supportive of me and my dreams and I cannot thank them for that enough.
My mom, in particular has sacrificed so much for whether it be time or money and I am so thankful that she will be making this trip with me. I absolutely could not do this without her!!

One last goodbye I will be saying is to my home on the lake...it is so peaceful here and I LOVE it.
I'm going to miss the sunsets, sitting on the dock with a good book and riding on the boat and much much more. Here are a couple pics from my backyard...






I thought I would end this blog with my firsts for the week which I think are probably pretty obvious! This will be the first time I have DRIVEN across the entire country and that I have lived in California! We are planning to leave tomorrow at lunchtime and drive about 11-12 hours to Little Rock, Arkansas. The next day we plan to drive about 10 hours and get into New Mexico (I can't remember the name of the town) and then Sunday we plan to drive another 11-12 and get to Arizona. This will leave us with a few hours left to go Monday to get to LA.
We're hoping to be there by lunchtime on Monday as long as there isn't a major traffic jam and the car stays in one piece (crosses fingers!). I got an oil change today though and had the car cleaned up so I think we'll be good to go!

Well, I guess that is about it...sorry for such a long blog, but as you can probably tell I'm a little scatterbrained from a crazy week!! I'm really excited to leave tomorrow and start this new journey and chapter of my life! I'll be sure to keep you all updated along the way!
Have a great weekend and I'll see you again when I'm on the left coast :)



xoxo,

brandi


PS- I have updated my blog settings so that everyone can comment on my blogs and not just registered users! comment away :)