Farewell Austin

When I said that I wanted to live in Austin at least a year, I didn't realize I was foreshadowing.  My one year anniversary happened Wednesday, December 1st, 2010.  And as of Wednesday, December 8th, 2010, I am officially no longer a resident.  My "I've been in Austin a Year!" party ended up doubling as my going away party as well.

Leaving is bittersweet because Austin is the only place I have ever really felt at home.  Growing up in California I always knew I needed to get away.  I refer to SoCal as "BMWs & Boobjobs" for a reason...they're everywhere.  I prefer to spend my money on travel, massages and other people.  Neither are right or wrong; neither are better or worse; they are simply two different styles of living and I prefer the latter.  When I arrived in Austin, I immediately felt the slower pace, the friendlier demeanor and the shift in priorities.  Austin is a cool, fun, eclectic city with so much to offer.

In my year here I see more than anything that I have grown in my relationship with the church and in my view toward my finances.  Both were severely lacking prior to 2010, so I am eternally grateful for this growth.  In the spirit of closing out this chapter of my life, I thought I'd do a little year in review Molly style...in photos.

January: Me, CarolAnn and Michelle before heading out for New Years

February: Me and a mask in Fredricksburg

March: Amy and me at Rodeo Austin about to see Lady A

April: Kristin and I take a moment for a photo during a Music for the City event

May: Me just before the Bun Run starts

June: Courtress and me just before she becomes a married lady

July: Georgia and I enjoy a day at the zoo

July also: My Nonna and me, the last time we saw each other

August: I move into my new apartment and start painting

September: Me with my mama at our annual Cecilio & Kapono concert

October: Amy, Emily and me hanging out for my 32th birthday

November: Me and Jesse posing at the Getty

December: The gang at my "I've been in Austin a Year/Going Away" party at The Speakeasy

This year has been full of goods and bads, blessings and curses, births and deaths, healing and injury, ups and downs, rights and wrongs, joys and sorrows, new friends and old.  This year has changed me from a rootless wanderer to a shallowly rooted adventurer.  I became part of my first church family this year and learned more about the Bible than I ever thought possible.  I got to positively influence young lives, feed the poor, feel like a part of a real community and get to know some of the best people I've ever met.

I know I'll come back to visit, I know I'll never forget this year and I know, without hesitation, that I am blessed to have been brought to Austin.  Even if it feels a little too short lived.

Thanks for making this year amazing, Austin.  Follow me on my new blog from now on.

Love,
Molly