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March 3, 2016

The Big Reveal: We're Doing Europe and MOVING {True Confession}

After months and months of planning, thinking and praying Le Husband and I have decided we are going to leave the Northern Virginia area for Knoxville, Tennessee. And before we take the final leap we are taking time off this spring and spending 29 days in Europe. HOLY COW, is this real life?!?! #forrealisthisreallife
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Talk about a confession, huh? Yup, I've been keeping this lil secret for quite awhile and finally feel the clarity and faith to share it here on the blog. A little backstory if you will. After a lot of hemming and hawing and praying Le Husband and I decided back in October that even if opportunities didn't come our way we would quit our jobs and move by spring 2016. Scary right? Then in November Le Husband floated the idea of using the time after we quit our jobs to finally go and see Europe. Honestly I was quite skeptical of the idea because even though it's always been a dream it's an EXPENSIVE dream. Immediately I reached out to friends who have traveled in Europe [oh hey BOFF and Kristen] and peppered them with "Is this really possible?" questions. After realizing it was actually quite possible Le Husband and I developed a plan. We decided to use my yearly bonus [which he would match] as our budget and we'd travel for as long as we could and see as much of the continent as possible.

Remember that Wanderlust post about the Mediterranean? So I was sneaky when I posted because we are going to make that trip happen. Our cruise is booked and we are finishing up our itinerary for the rest of the trip through France, Germany and Italy. To say I'm stoked would be an understatement. To say I'm overwhelmed would also be an understatement. There is so much to see over there and we are still struggling to try and fit everything into our trip. We are both HUGE WW2 history nerds so we are tailoring our trip around battles and history more so than normal sight seeing adventures [I AM SO EXCITED TO VISIT NORMANDY]. This promises to be a trip of a lifetime and I'm so looking forward to seeing another part of the world and enjoying new sights, foods and adventures with Le Husband.
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Speaking of adventure, let's talk a little about our BIG move. We return from our jaunt through Europe and promptly three days later we will drive down to Knoxville to begin our new life. Luckily I have family in the area so we will be staying with them while we search for our perfect rental or home. This is a BIG deal. I'll be moving away from my immediate family and even though it's only an eight hour drive I've been within 20 minutes of my family since I graduated from college [Ten YEARS, holy cow]. Most of me is excited to really go and stand on my own two feet [with Le Husband] but there is a lil bit of me that is sad I'll be so far away when I achieve new milestones. Yet I feel this IS the right thing to do, even if it turns out to be only a short time away. We are ready for a slower pace of life and the ability to have a home with land without paying a bazillion dollars. Change is scary and as excited as I am for this new step there is a bit also a bit of fear.

How are you going to swing this you ask? For the time being Le Husband will continue to work for his company and will keep his same territory while I use our change to finally figure out what I want to be when I grow up. There are multiple opportunities in the area and I've begun revamping my resume which is scary as all get out. If I'm honest I would LOVE to find a job in the fitness world and continue to get certified in LES MILLS programs to parlay that into a career and not just a hobby. Who knows where the job search will lead, but I'm HOPEFUL it will be the start of something great. #takeachance
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Maybe you think I'm silly for waiting so long to break the news and maybe you think I'm a bit ridiculous for holding back, but you know what, that's okay. I've become less frivolous in my declarations. I don't normally share news unless I know it's 99.9% [hello BODYPUMP certification]. I hate failing at anything and this will be the third time Le Husband and I have tried to up and move. Each time life happened and we had to put our plans on hold which became incredibly frustrating and deflating. Part of me just wanted to throw in the towel and settle for the fact we weren't going to be able to follow this dream and to just buck up about living in this area forever. But we kept praying and realized this was something we had to do so we just went for it. We don't know what the future holds but we know we want to try.

Things became real last week when I had my review and dropped the 'I'm leaving' bomb on my boss. It went MUCH better than expected and he was quite supportive. Now that work knows I feel better about sharing it here on the Internet for everyone to see. Not that anyone I work with knows about the blog but you can never been too careful right? So there you have it friends, the big secret I've been keeping off the blog for the past six months. There are QUITE a few posts in drafts where I just had to spill my guts somewhere because things were still so up in the air. They might make it here, they might not, but for now I'm happy to be at the stage of sharing it with my blog land friends. Things in pinkland are about to get CRAZY busy as we start packing up our life, saying goodbye to our friends whilst packing our suitcases for the trip of a lifetime. Sleep will probably become a luxury but you know what, that's okay. I'm excited this is finally happening and I CAN'T WAIT to see where life takes us. Cheers to taking the leap and trying something NEW!
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So now, tell me the best way to quickly learn Italian and French and give me your MUST sees!

linking up with Jess for confessions and Kristin for whatsnewwithyou
&with  Natalie & Kristin

60 comments:

  1. How exciting! I know this is definitely a huge change for you guys but it's going to lead to so many great things! And 29 days in Europe?! I am SO jealous!! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  2. So exciting! I'm so happy things worked out for you! My grandma lives about an hour north of Knoxville and it is so beautiful down there, I can totally understand wanting to get out of the expensive city and get some land. And Europe will be amazing!

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  3. Oh my word!!! This is beyond exciting!!!!!!!! Europe AND moving?! Go big or go home! I cannot wait to follow along in this journey with you. Congrats!!!

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  4. Ahhhh so many exciting things in one post!! I'm so happy for you all! This is going to be one amazing year and you won't regret it at all. 29 days in Europe will be magical and a big move to Knoxville will be so fun! Can't wait to follow along as you embark on this journey!! Congrats!

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  5. YAY!!! that's so amazing!!

    1) you're going to LOVE europe and will never want to come back! i've been to france and paris (not germany yet) and both countries are amazing. for italy, you obviously have to stay in rome and see things like the vatican, sistine chapel etc but also try and stay a few days at the almalfi coast and capri, florence and tuscany! napoli is a bit dangerous so we avoided that area but there's SO MUCH to do in italy that our 3wks just flew right by.

    as for France - the obvious choice is paris! walking is a must in europe; paris is no different. my favourite was exploring the little nooks and crannies of the city. there are little cobblestone alleys where tiny boutiques are tucked away and finding them was an adventure! they have the cutest things to buy and the pastries! be prepared to eat a LOT in all of europe but you'll be walking for about 8-10hrs a day so it all evens out :D

    SO EXCITED FOR YOU!! and the move! a great big step but this is an incredible change for you.

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  6. I am so beyond excited for you!! Such an amazing adventure that you two are embarking on!! I studied abroad in Rome and loved every minute of it...I can give you a few of the fun places to see that are sort of off the beaten path!! You guys are my hero's for doing this!! xo, Biana

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  7. Wow! So many exciting things coming your way. And I totally get not saying anything until things were all planned out. And EUROPE for 29 days?!!! Ahhhh!!!! Sounds like the best vacation ever! I'm so happy for you and all of the fun/exciting/big changes!

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  8. Congratulations! That is so exciting for you, but does take a leap of faith! You won't regret it, though!

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  9. Oh wow! What fun! I love change and am slightly jealous of all the awesome you are going to experience. Couple french suggestions..if you are serious about learning the language, I would take a Rosetta Stone course (online). If you want some simple translations or want to learn the basics, then download the app, Duo Lingo..which will also work for Italian! Amuses-toi!

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  10. This is SUCH exciting news! I'm so happy for you! Are you planning on visiting Poland? I'm from there and going this summer to visit my family. There are lots of WW2 sites there! As for learning a new language, I looooove Duolingo! It's an app and so fun and convenient!

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  11. WOOHOO for sharing the news! Feels good to get it out in the open, right? This wins the award for biggest confession for sure:) Love it! And so very excited for you, dear friend. I didn't realize the Europe trip was going to be a 29 day adventure, so now I even more excited for you. And a little jealous:) Anyways, so happy for you friend. And can't wait to follow along on this journey!

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  12. GAH!!! Wow!!! Moving plus trip!! Loves it!! Okay, Dorling Kindersly (no idea on spelling) makes a phrase book plus CD. Put that in your car and do it during your commute. You'll feel stupid but it actually works! I'll try and find it for you later today!! ;)

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  13. Oh my gosh, girl!! Talk about an amazing adventure! So so so excited and happy for you guys, you are going to have the absolute best time. Totally understand why you kept it to yourself for so long, I would have done exactly the same thing! Woooo cannot wait to follow along!!! :)

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  14. Girl I am so so excited for you! You have a lot going on and I can not wait to hear about it all! That trip is going to be amazing and then adding moving when you get back wow! Good luck with everything!

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  15. you know this but i am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

    seriously. i wish i could share my excitement through the screen. this is going to be amazing. i can't wait to follow along like a creep. and i totally understand not sharing things until they are 100% certain.

    29 days!! cruise! france! normandy! germany! all the things! i am super excited for you! there are a bunch of apps for learning to speak different languages. i also bought phrasebooks that i think i still have and most likely won't use again if you want me to send them to you :) they came super in handy because we'd need to look up a word real quick. that being said - and i HATE when people say this - lots of people spoke english, everyone was insanely friendly (as long as you are friendly first, which duh you will be) and helpful. we spoke french in paris, but barely spoke any italian in italy because people didn't really give us a chance haha, they spoke english immediately. but honestly like i said, even to people who didn't speak any english at all, people were so friendly and helpful and i can only hope you have the same experience as we did.

    IAMSOEXCITEDFORYOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    thanks for linking up with us and sharing your huge news!

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  16. girl this is AMAZING!! omg. where do i start? i think it's so amazing you guys are doing your own thing and taking a break to travel. something i really always wanted to do for longer than a week or two. and moving to a new place away from family is something i think everyone should try! when i moved here after college i knew no one and just found a job and drove down. now i think it's so great you're going to have your husband bc that will be the built in support when you turn and go "did we do the right thing?" bc it's so yes! anyway i cant wait to hear more about travel planning and all that. so much to look forward to!

    xoxo cheshire kat

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  17. Feel better confessing that? Love you and so excited for you to be a tad closer to me.

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  18. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh! This is so exciting! Congrats on both making the decision to travel Europe for 29 days and for moving. So exciting yet so scary, good luck on both fronts, and looking forward to watching your adventures unfold here on Le Blog.

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  19. Yay!!!!!! So so so exciting!! Seriously I love when people do this. My fiancé and I have been talking about moving to a new stage for years but it's scary and unknown and isn't quite the right time ya know but we decided that we just going to have to do it and make it happen like you :) so nothing is set yet and we're still talking and looking at our options but it's going no to happen :) congrats!!

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  20. WOW!!!!!! Two huge amazing revelations today! A month in Europe?!?!?! I cannot wait to hear all about the details and planning!

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  21. Wow I think this is such exciting news! This post seriously inspired me so much! Now that I'm married, my husband always talks about taking an adventure and moving somewhere new but I always play it safe and think I couldn't survive further than 30 mins from my family! I love how you don't have a job lined up, but aren't freaking out and your excited/hopeful for your future! Thanks for sharing and congrats!

    Ps: Yay for Europe for 29 days!

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  22. So much good news in this post! A new move? A loooooong trip to Europe? Love it all! Good luck with everything over the next couple of months. Can't wait to read about all of your adventures :)

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  23. All I can say is THIS is how you do life! So exciting! I cant wait to follow you through your European adventures!!! You have to be so excited about all this - I have happy butterflies FOR you!

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  24. Soo exciting and sounds like such a fun adventure!! Can't wait to hear more about it!! Such a big move!!

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  25. WHOA Europe!!! That is so incredibly exciting!! I understand what a huge leap of faith this is but it sounds like you and the hubby have a big chunk of it figured out with the big move and trip over to Europe! What a dream come true and I'm so excited for you! I can't wait to follow your adventures xxx

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  26. Really really exciting stuff. I'm happy for you! I hope you find a job that you love (fitness would be great for you!) and Europe for 29 days is amazing. I'm trying to fit a day trip to Normandy in in November. I hope you get there, I've heard it is amazing.

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  27. HOLY SMOKES GIRL!!! This is HUGE! Absolutely amazing! I know some of those decisions and changes could not have been easy ones to make but I must say, kudos to you both for take the leap of faith! Getting in some travel before you attempt to settle into your new life is a great idea that I don't think you will ever regret! Congrats and I wish you the best! Can't wait to hear more about it in the upcoming months!

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  28. OH MY GOODNESS!! What an amazing opportunity for the two of you!!!! Get it girl! I can't wait to follow along with you guys!

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  29. Oh my goodness! So exciting! Proud of y'all for making your dreams a reality! If Cinque Terra, Italy is not on your list put it on there, I loved it. I went to school in France and we were based in Lyon, which at the time was the gastromic capital of the world. Have a blast! Europe travel is the best and I can't wait to get back one day.

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  30. I don't post often, but I'm a faithful reader...I am SO proud of you two!! What an amazing and exciting time for you both, praying things fall into place(they will, fyi, just might not be on your time, but God's time...*wink wink*)!

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  31. I'm so incredibly excited for you and this next adventure in your life! I've always lived really close to my immediate family too, so I know how much of a change it's going to be for you. I'm also so incredibly jealous of your trip of a lifetime! I can't wait to hear all about what you have planned!

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  32. Oh my goodness. Best confession. Love this. Congrats on it. I love that you are taking a leap of faith and doing what you want and love. I would love to travel to Europe for 29 days. So jealous. I can't wait to see the adventure on the blog.

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  33. So exciting! Moving away from my family would be so terrifying for me, definitely a leap of faith. I cannot wait to follow along on your trip to Europe. Ahh so jealous and happy for you!

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  34. What moving?????? How exciting and such a big change. A completely different state.

    Moving to a new state is tough. I didn't mention it on my blog, but back in my goals posts, that was what fell through for this year and Kyle and I just decided moving to a new "city" (they're close to each other) maybe all the move we can handle for right now.

    This is such an exciting time in your life and I cannot wait to hear about how it unfolds for you.

    liz @ j for joiner

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  35. That is so exciting! I'm sure you'll have an awesome time in Europe (so jealous!) and moving somewhere where you'll be able to afford a better house is so so smart. Some places it is way too expensive. And I'm sure you'll find a great passion to follow when you move!!

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  36. HOLY COW, such exciting news, friend!!! Any chance yall could squeeze in a little stop in Amsterdam so I can hug you IRL?! :)

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  37. Holy excitingness!!!! So much amazing good news wrapped into one post!! So so so happy for you guys and your new ventures and of course your incredible Europe trip! Can't wait to follow along your adventures <3
    Green Fashionista

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  38. AHHHHHHH!!!!!! Now I know why you made that "if I'm around" comment on us coming to DC! EKKKK!! Seriously I am so happy for yall and happy that you're on the road to figuring out what you want to be when you grow up. Perhaps we'll meet up on "the road" :) Now I am ready for all of the Europe posts and how you planned it out!

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  39. This is amazing! I've been to all three of those countries and you're going to have the best time ever. So jealous! Have a blast and good luck with your big move! Thanks for linking up :)

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  40. 29 days in Europe?! That will be INCREDIBLE!! And Congrats on the move! You certainly have some exciting days comin' up!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  41. That's so exciting!! And I am so jealous that you're moving to Knoxville! I loved it there! I actually liked it way better than Nashville which surprised me.

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  42. Wow, that's a lot of change and excitement in a short time, but it's also completely awesome!

    I went to Europe (The Netherlands, Belgium, and France) a couple of years ago, and I had an amazing time. I wish we had been able to spend 29 days there. That's going to be awesome!

    I moved far away (like 1000+ miles) from my entire family several years ago (though before that I went to college about 6 hours away so I was kind of used to being away), and I've never really regretted it. I mean, I miss them and wish I could see them more often ... But I think I made the right choice for me, and I've built a life with my husband that I'm generally pretty happy with. Obviously moving away from what you know is a huge decision, but I also think that getting out of your comfort zone is so important.

    Congratulations on all of the exciting news! :-)

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  43. This is seriously awesome- huge props to you for taking a leap of faith. I'm sure you will find something you love and are meant to be doing. 29 days in Europe- talk about amazing, how FUN!

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  44. This is amazing!! I am so excited for you. Congrats on taking this big leap, girl! xoxo

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  45. Wow that's so amazing!!!! Congrats and I cannot wait to follow along!

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  46. This is so amazing, lady! Way to take the leap of faith! Can't wait to follow along with your European adventure and new life. :)

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  47. Congrats!! I had a feeling. we just did a big move ourselves. That is a crazy long trip.

    I don't need to know details but was your bonus decent like you were hoping? I wish you two all the best. Have an amazing time!

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  48. SO exciting!!! A month in Europe - awesome! And Tennessee will be such a great new home!

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  49. I am so excited for you guys!!! What an incredible opportunity/experience, 29 days traveling Europe would be great enough, but then coming back to something new and different and continuing to find your dream and passions is amazing! I can't wait to follow along with everything!

    Also, you should add Losing the Light to your reading list-- I just finished it (and loved it!) and a big part of it takes place in France, and there were a lot of little french phrases thrown in, which kind of forced me to pull the french I had learned in college from the back of my mind, haha.

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  50. I'm so very excited for your both! It's gonna be absolutely incredible!! I'm so jealous that you will be in Europe for a month!! I'm all about making changes and making your dreams come true! Congrats!! I'm so jealous!!

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  51. Oh my goodness what an amazing opportunity! I'm so envious of people who dream big and then make it happen. Can't wait to see where this leap of faith takes you.

    Shelly
    The Queen in Between

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  52. Ahhh!!! Sooo exciting!!! Congrats! Congrats!! On everything!! I know you mentioned a while back about wanting to move to Tennessee & I'm so happy y'all are finally able to take that leap!! The Lord will not take you somewhere He doesn't already have planned!! & Europe for 29 days!, AMAZING!!! Can't wait to follow along!! Are you in insta? If so, I can't find you! Lol!

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  53. Just had to pop back over here and OFFICIALLY Congratulate you on all the big changes and moves and awesomeness! :) Your post inspired me today, never give up on your dreams!!

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  54. My uncle is also a "WW2 history nerd". When he took my aunt, my cousin, and my mom to Europe, he arranged for a private tour around Normandy. He said it is one of (if not "the") greatest travel experience he's ever had. I hope you feel the same.

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  55. This is such exciting news!!! I have family in Knoxville and they love it! It seems like a great place to live. Also congrats on quitting your job and trying to figure out what you want to do with your life! After I get back from my deployment I'll be in the same boat! Have so much fun in Europe!!!

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  56. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, OH MY GOSH!! Congratulations!! This is huge and so terrifying, but SO EXCITING!! I do wish you were moving to Utah though ;) ha ha!
    Anyway, Eric and I have been discussing major changes that would be terrifying and risky but we have faith that it's the route we need to create a better life and make us happier (in the work field, etc) and this is just the encouragement I need! I am so thrilled for you and know this will turn out to be just the change you need!
    And Europe for a month?! That is AMAZING! I am just soooo happy for you!!

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  57. I'm just now catching up on some blog reading, but this is amazing news!! I did this when I moved to Hawaii from Pennsylvania and it was the best decision I ever made. At the time, ti was SO scary (quitting a full time job, part time job and leaving everything I'd ever known and worked for..ack!) but! It paid off BIG TIME. I'm so excited for you, plus Europe is going to be AMAZING!!!

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  58. I'm so behind and just now seeing this, but YAY for new adventures!

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