One Month Californiversary

For a while, I was getting a new idea about where to move my life/what to do with it every couple weeks. There were weeks where two or three drastic ideas would come to my mind, each one involving me going to an entirely different continent. It was pretty tiring, to be quite honest, and I had no idea which one to honor. But in the end, I stayed in Spain an extra year, and then went with the voice of the Holy Spirit when it told me, "I want to go home." Now it's officially been one month since I stepped out Stateside, and I'm realizing more and more every day that this really is the place I'm meant to be at this time.

I've commented on my coming home in past posts, and while it hasn't been the easiest thing to do, so much around and in me keeps telling me there is no where else in the world I need to be right now.

So many good conversations are happening within my family, so many major changes are being faced by each member, and we're all in this wild period of adjusting to new lives and circumstances, and it's great to be able to face it all together. There's been a lot of yelling, a lot of tension, a lot of pain, and a lot of confusion, but it hasn't been everything. There's also been lots of laughter, lots of hugs, lots of learning, and new levels of understanding reached. Not to mention the AMAZING places that call California home, my gosh!!

In the last two weeks, I have been blessed with chances to spend time in two of my favorite places on the planet, and I am just elated about it! Lake Tahoe and San Francisco are both places that I've literally grown up going to, and will always and forever have a tight hold on my heart. I miss them when I'm away, and will be jealous of anyone who's there, no matter where in the world I might be. So to hit both within the first month I'm back, wow!

It all started with a backpacking trip in the Desolation Wilderness in Lake Tahoe, and wrapped up yesterday with a Giants baseball game in San Francisco to celebrate my other grandma's 85th birthday. (She's so cool, choosing a baseball game as her birthday party.) All-in-all, it's been a really great thing to remind me of some of the other reasons why I came home -- travel around a bit over here in the States, reconnect with old friends and places I love, and just be around to take part in the Californian/family life that will always be a part of me. But like any good and addicted traveler, I have already spent endless clumps of time searching out flights for future trips, and trying to sort out my next destination.

I thought of going to Costa Rica in November to meet up with someone I met this summer, and well, to meet Costa Rica, but I think I've decided to scrap that plan, since I know I'll be in Costa Rica come February. Envision Festival is at the end of the month, perfectly timed with my birthday, and I'd already planned on taking flight again around that time, so instead, I started looking at flights to Japan in November, and flights to Nicaragua in February. ^_^ Looks like I'll be landing in Nicaragua on February 5th, unless some other idea comes to mind between now and the time I book my flight.

I'm finding myself strangely reluctant to commit to a flight. It's never been in my regime to buy flights very far in advance, especially when said flight is going to be a one-way, that is meant to begin two or three years of traveling around. Plus, there are so many elements of uncertainty floating around me right now -- lives of grandparents, people yet to enter my life and implant other ideas, my desires, etc -- it makes it risky to buy a flight so early. Although, my desire to score it while it's cheap (less than $200 for a flight from LA to Nicaragua!!) will likely end up outweighing all other considerations. Can't say no to a good flight deal!

So, now the question becomes.. when I leave for Central America in February, anyone going with me!? ;)

I hope you're all entering this new week of life feeling fully-charged and ready to vibe! Remember to give thanks for all that comes your way, and know that with a bit of gratitude, everything can change! You are wonderful, you are special, and if you weren't necessary, you wouldn't be here right now. :)

Love you famILY!

Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder raining down from Above on all,

-Allie-Sun <3