When I first started thinking about moving to Austin for culinary school, one question my mom brought up was why would I want to leave all of my wonderful friends and the amazing life I've created for myself in Miami Beach. I blew it off, knowing that I already have new friends in Austin that I've made through the bloggerverse and the twitterverse.
But last week, with the snow and ice and rolling blackouts in Austin (as I was biking and practicing yoga in the park and kayaking), the doubts crept in. Or rather, other doubts, beyond the weather, crept to the surface. Most of the money from my grandmother's inheritance was already earmarked for culinary school, but when I received it, I wondered if I really wanted to spend it all in one place, and what I will really do with that certification when I'm already passionate about (and making a huge difference with) my career.
And then, there's the friendship and community I have here. Miami Beach lacks the crunchiness that I love about Austin, but there is a small crunchy community here, and I'm definitely a part of that. I love my friends here, and I love my life here.
Today, I had a doctor's appointment on the mainland. On the bus and the metro, it would have taken me a really long time to get there and back. I put up a request for a ride on facebook, and immediately, two of my friends offered to help. My friend Pema and her husband and baby picked me up in South Beach, and drove me through the nightmare that is Miami traffic (US1) all the way to South Miami. I took the metro and the bus home, but they saved me SO much time, and I got SO much work done that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to deal with. I am beyond grateful.
This post is a shout out to my friends, but really, it's a shout out to Pema. Her blog is amazing--I love her writing and I love and believe in what she has to say. She's the real deal, and I highly recommend that you start reading Wonder Momma, it's Wonderful if you're a Momma or not, if you're crunchy or not...no labels, just truth. This post is also a shout out to Pema and John's delicious little baby...she just turned one, and she is one of the most amazing beings I've ever met. I spent most of the car ride giving her "puffies" (what my grandmother used to call soft touching on our legs and arms) and eating her feet (bad vegan?). But when I looked into her eyes...I think I finally understand what it means when people refer to a child having an "old soul"--there was so much wisdom and truth and peace in this little girl's eyes...I was captivated by her...she's truly magical. And my friend gave birth to her.
These are not friends I'm ready to leave behind. They give me hope.
It's a good thing I don't have to decide now.
xoxo,
LJ
I'm sure you'll know what to do when the time comes.
ReplyDeletexo
Thank you, Aimee. The good thing is, I have plenty of time to decide. :)
ReplyDeletexoxo,
LJ
OMG. Wow. Tears to my eyes <3 Thank you Laura! I am happy you aren't leaving. We don't see each other often, but knowing you were leaving made me very sad. :D
ReplyDeleteThere were major lovey eyes at you from the little one! So adorable!!!
Can you find a similar culinary program in FL? (I'm sure you've already checked! LOL) I just want you to have EVERYTHING! Your culinary passion and the proximity of loving friends!
ReplyDeletePema, I meant every word. Let's find a way to spend more time together.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
LJ
JL--nothing like that down here in my area, but I'm looking into shorter (and less expensive) programs. There's actually one in NYC, that I was originally interested in, that's one weekend a month for I think eight months. Sounds promising...especially because I'll get to see my NYC friends!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
LJ
That's exciting! Natural Gourmet Institute?
ReplyDeleteNo, that program is WAY expensive. It's actually this one at the Natural Kitchen Cooking School: http://www.naturalkitchenschool.com/.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
LJ
Those are all really important points. There are few things I dislike more than cold but fortunately we only get snow once every 5 years.For me, moving across the country is always a gut wrenching experience, but then totally worth it in the end. AND if you like to travel then you can visit people all over the place.
ReplyDeleteSo that is my two cents!
Thanks Smurfy. The last time I moved across the country was from Dallas to here, but that was 10 years ago, and I wasn't leaving as much behind as I would be now....but again, I still have plenty of time to decide. :)
ReplyDeletexoxo,
LJ
I am totally going to visit you there if you stay!
ReplyDeleteYAY! And I'll still be visiting Austin as often as I can!!!
ReplyDelete