"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind" -C.S. Lewis

So world it has been a while. My last post was very emotion filled. After re-reading it now almost two months later, I wanted to take it down- because I am not that angry anymore, or really care at all honestly. But I decided to leave it, because at that moment that is exactly how I felt, and I don’t regret it, and I won’t apologize for it. It is exactly what I needed to do. After all that’s what this whole thing is about right?

As I talked about last time, I have really been having a ton of fun lately and been opened up to so many new things. Next weekend I am traveling to Charlotte to go white water rafting for the first time ever! Knocking one thing off of my bucket list at a time! I am going here: usnwc.org! There are so many amazing activities; I can barely contain my excitement! Going to Charlotte also means I get to go to Ikea which is a whole other story! Eek!

I had another vacation (I officially have the best job ever, incessantly having vacations) and went back to Florida. It was so much fun! I spent every day on the beach and got a lot of well-needed family time. It was a milestone time for many in my family including a graduation and wedding- all the good reasons families get together, instead of the bad! It also ended with me in a very long car ride with my family, which actually, surprisingly, ended up being a lot of fun! I got to see my ‘Noles play for the first time all year, and got to spend some time with my #1 girl! It was great.

In other news, I was invited to be a part of a “fast-track” program at work. They essentially selected a small group of people out of all of North and South Carolina to be a part of the group and work specifically on moving them along as fast as possible. I felt very honored to be invited. We have already had one meeting where I had to go to Winston-Salem, about 2 hours away, and we will continue to meet on occasion. So much has been happening at work lately, and it makes me extremely excited for the future.

For instance today, the entire district team came into our store. Every time they come it makes me feel one step closer to my goals and dreams, just getting their feedback and listening to how they see my progress. I am really starting to feel settled into my new assignment and that my team is beginning to click and really get it!

I also just signed a lease for my new apartment. This is my new recent obsession. It is funny though how life really comes full circle. I ended up signing a lease for a place I became obsessed with before I even moved to Raleigh, but could not afford living in at the time. Now, over a year later, and after looking at millions of different places- it is exactly where I ended up! I cannot wait, and I also cannot help but think it is fate! All I am saying, is Ikea better watch out next weekend.

My life has changed so much in the past 3 months is it insane. But I am in a happy place. I am in a better and bigger place. Before I said that I would have never imagined everything happening the way it did- but now I can’t see it any other way. Everything really does happen for a reason, and I am by far much better for it. It is just another chapter in my metamorphosis into a Big Girl. And I can honestly say I am nothing but excited to see what the next chapter brings!

I do not think the book will ever end. I do not think I will ever truly be a Big Girl. I will be ever changing, ever growing, ever learning, and that is just the way I want it.

Love always,

Elle