Tuesday, February 3, 2015

The countdown begins

Well, it is officially t-minus 31 days before I leave Norman FOREVER!  I mean, sure I'll be back to visit now and then (it's basically the first place I want to go once I get off of the trail), but is that really the same? Answer: no.  No it's not.  Don't get me wrong, I am more excited to do this thru-hike than anything I've ever done in my life.  I've done plenty of wonderful, exciting, fulfilling things over the years, but at the moment this one is topping off the list.  However, the thought of leaving Norman is freaking. me. out.  While this thru-hike marks the beginning of a completely new chapter in my life, which is exhilarating and full of possibility, it also marks the end of this epic time of my life where I learned more about myself and the world than I could have predicted, met some of the greatest people I have ever known, and seriously had the greatest times of my life.  

My time in Oklahoma has meant so much to me, and I got to experience such great and wonderful things thanks to my time as a student at OU and a worker in Norman.  I received a degree in a field that I care greatly about from professors who hold so much knowledge, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been on the receiving end of their teachings.  I got to study abroad twice with intelligent, diverse groups of people in amazing countries.  I was trusted with the responsibility of looking after and teaching countless kids coming through the junior program at Westwood Tennis Center, and I had a blast doing it.  I had a blast doing all of those things, and that's really been the most important part of being in Norman to me.  Something I've realized over the past six months, especially after losing one of the most important people in my life, is that it really doesn't matter what you're doing with your life, how much money you're making or how "successful" you are if you're miserable doing it.  What it all comes down to is the amount of happiness in your life, and oh my gosh you guys, I am seriously so happy.  So many people here have had a positive effect on my life, and I could not thank everyone enough.  Maybe I'm just getting sappy because my time here is wrapping up, but I really do mean every word of this.  You are all special and important to me, and I appreciate everyone who has shown me so much love and fun while I've been here.

 I could go on and on and on about all of the great things I've gotten to do because the path I'm on led me to this wonderful place five years ago, but I really just wanted to say thank you and I love you all.  No matter where I go or how many miles I walk, this town is always going to hold a special place in my heart.  Now on to the next adventure I go!