I get it, you're random... (she says to herself...)

I think it's ridiculous that I perpetually label these things "random" notes/comments/thoughts, etc. I feel like that should be self explanatory. And since I'm in the habit/fan of making lists, here goes another.

FIRSTLY OF COURSE! The decision has been made. Dum de DUUMMM! If you don't know already I am starting at the University of Roehampton this September for a masters in Children's Literature. Yes it's very exciting.
It's a one year program.
It costs less than getting a masters in the US
PLUS it's a grand adventure. I have decided this is necessary.
What will I do? Besides have epic knowledge in a subject matter that I absolutely love?
I'm thinking of going into the publishing world. Ask me again a year from now. I might have a better answer for me.

*I think many adventures and great friendships have begun on this soundtrack. I say it once, I will say it again. There is something there. 

*I was reading the beginning of my friends book High Adventure and I was thoroughly amused because the narration just makes sense from what I know of Travis. The things quoted, the movie references... I can see him doing/saying this. It was hilarious. Which also got me thinking that while I have always considered him a friend, I sometimes realize I don't know him as well as I thought.. (But how well do we really know each other, hmm?) And before you start thinking this is some ode to Travis, I stop you there... because my topic actually turns to those who write. It's interesting to be able to write stories. I feel like you can see truth through writing. Of the writers themselves, their beliefs and their personalities. It may not be blaring evidence in characters or plot, but there is something so personal about getting to know someone through their words.. These worlds created, their passions, their interests. Because through those words, their truth is spoken.

My words are generally ridiculous observations, snarky commentary, and an occasional bitter rampage.

And murder. Can't forget that.

*Amanda, why are you doing that?

I don't know, cause I'm a weirdo! Get with the program.. 

*So I was lost in thought today of planning. Planning for what needs to happen next. 

-Visa, housing, financial aid, loans, plane tickets...

-Adventures still to go on (Utah, Michigan, and AZ for Ben's graduation. He's kind of a big deal)

-Grocery shopping

-The long long long drive back to Arizona in July to catch my brother for one week while he is there and see my sisters/mom before I leave the country. 

I am a ridiculous planner. I love my lists and checking them off.. 

And then came the devastating blow. It was an ache in my heart and punch in the gut. 

My people. My Seattle people. It became even more evident this evening how much this will hurt to leave this place. I've never loved a city so much. And suddenly, these people I surround myself with.. At both work and church, I just don't know if I'll see some of these people again. How can one properly express my appreciation of them. My honest to goodness love of them. This goodbye is months away and it's looming closer. Yes I know that I'm moving to freaking LONDON.. But the unknown is terrifying. This place is familiar now. My people are here. And I love my people. I feel like I proclaim this often. I have met so many good ones here. There are more stories to tell and words to be spoken, but I don't know how to find them. Or to express them. So I will hug them often and hope it makes up for it a bit come June. Man oh man. I love my people.