Back in NJ and it Feels So {sweaty}

Wowzers, it's been a minute!  Last time I blogged we were ending our year long adventure in San Diego and in the midst of packing up and returning to good old New Jersey.

I'm sure I don't need to tell anyone whose ever moved before that it's no fun packing up all your belongings and trying to make meals out of what little remains in your cabinets.

The movers came, and our all of our stuff, save 2 checked bags, began the long trip to NJ.  Since the 25th, Shane and I have each been living out of a suit case.  Ah!  

 

My good friend Kerry gave us this bottle of champagne before we left, so I found it fitting to pop it open and celebrate our year long adventure in SoCal.

 

 

 Shane needs to get over my picture taking!!!

 

Our last night in San Diego we were pretty classy.  I had the some broccoli and tofu, Shane had a Trader Joe meal and we enjoyed our bubbly in plastic cups.  We had actual sliverware/plates since we decided to donate them and eventually get a newer more grown up set in NJ.

 

Princess and Daisy did not enjoy being in their carriers, and the drive to the airport was the worst (constant sad meowing and pitiful looks) but once we set them down they were quiet and actually got some naps in.

To be quite honest I was really upset and depressed about leaving and so I did not have the motivation to take more pictures.  I know this sounds funny, but the San Diego Airport is beautiful and seriously nice and now I'm mad I didn't document it!  We passed the time waiting by playing online/computer games, which Shane kicked my butt every time!

Our flight didn't depart until 10:10 pm, so we were tired and slept most of the ride.  When we arrived at the Philadelphia airport around 7 in the morning we were greeted by a blanket of wet humidity.  For real, go live for a year in 0% humidity and then go to the east coast during the summer.  SHOCKER!

Ah, what a mess!  Those are just boxes that were previously there; we're still living out of one suitcase each.  But if you follow me on twitter (@healthy_cupcake) you'll know our stuff should be arriving within the hour!

Our room looks a little better now, but we need our stuff!

And the cats are adjusting way better than their last airplane ride.  They were mad at us for days, but this time they're eating, drinking, and being affectionate; thank goodness.

I think I hear the truck. 

More updates for another post :)

Bon Voyage

My last day of work was on Monday.  I know, kinda awkward.  Long story short, our car got picked up on Tuesday to get shipped back to NJ.  So the last day I could drive into work was Monday... 

It didn't hit me until I was driving home and realizing that was the last time I'd be driving that route.  Or driving in San Diego.  I was fine the whole day, but driving home I got a little emotional.

The administration, staff, and children that I'm leaving were amazing and I feel so lucky I got the chance to know them this year!  Room 3 made me this awesome hand print painting; doesn't it look like modern art?  Thanks Juli and Pierce!

Some of my cute cards; they made me feel so loved.

And SkinnyGirl Margarita from my girl Allison, which is fitting since we spent many a lunch break watching Bethenny Ever After.

Saturday I had a little BBQ down by the pool.  It was totally Melissa-fied with veggie burgers, spinach salad, grilled corn on the cob/asparagus, cherries, and mangoes.  Nicole and Greg provided the pasta salad and amazing cake from a little known bakery, Vons ;) And  Alvin  brought awesome Claim Jumper pie!!!  I'm getting hungry just thinking about it! 

And aren't my flowers purdy?  Thanks Nicole and Greg! 

After some grilling, chatting, and drinking we headed out to meet up with Ildi, Jason and Angela at Wine Steals in Hillcrest.

Wine Steals has a great atmosphere and was the perfect spot for a chill night with friends. 

Enjoying some rather large glasses of wine.

Vino and cake?  Yes please!

Before closing time we managed to snap one group picture! 

  

Leaving the bar we noticed the trees even like to party in Hillcrest!  Or maybe that was the wine talking...

And a night out isn't complete without some late night eating. (I guess the cake wasn't enough...)  We headed to Denny's, oh yes, Denny's.  Along with a bunch of high school-ers after their prom since we're classy like that.

Whole wheat pancakes were the perfect way to end the night!  

Thanks for a great send off, I'll miss you guys!!!

Memories

A lot can happen in the span of one year.

You can say goodbye to your family and friends. 

And move across the country with your boyfriend and two cats.

You can run 26.2 miles for the first time in your life, and in the process raise close to $3,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and all those affected by cancer.

You can spend Christmas 3,000 miles away from your family and still make it a wonderful memory together.

  
 You can ride in a hot air balloon for the first time.

You can get used to the fact that west is towards the beach and east is inland.

You can go from knowing 0 people to meeting amazing people who you are lucky enough to now call friends.

You can go to your first baseball game. in your life.

 
You can run on trails with signs like this and not freak out at every movement in the brush. or not.

You can begin to call this place home.

 And then you can say goodbye.  

Shane and I have spent an absolutely amazing year here in San Diego.  We have grown by leaps and bounds as individuals and as a couple.  

I took a step outside my comfort zone and was rewarded ten fold.  My life is so much richer (not in the sense of money.  Come on now...San Diego has been expensive!!!) and I have so many memories that make happy. I'm getting teary eyed as I think back to all of the rad things I've done here.  

Every morning while driving to work; clear blue sky above me,  thermostat reading 70 degrees, passing larger than life mountains with tiny houses teetering on the edge; I would pinch myself and think, "Melissa, you live here!".

I'm sad to say goodbye, but I'm excited for what the future holds in New Jersey.  San Diego friends, I will be back to visit! There is no doubt in my mind about that :)  East coasters, we arrive on May 27th!

Now will someone come pack up my apartment for me?!