Raise Your Hopeful Voice

One year ago was my last day at Job From Hell. I spent most of last July catching up with my family and relaxing for the first time since forever.

The last 366 (leap year, yo) days have been, well, lots of things. I've had tons of great thing happen (and, uh, all of them took place while traveling. Hmm), but there have been challenges.

I'm sure it looked like a party--me flitting off all over the world, seeing friends, kissing Hugh Jackman (nope, I won't stop saying it), seeing new places (Spain!), familiar places (London!), running races, dancing, being me. And yes, that wasn't bad, I am absolutely not complaining of that. I am beyond blessed, lucky, whatever to have experienced all that goodness. And I thank my lucky stars hourly for that gift.

But, there have been things that haven't been seen or shared, things that suck, things that have changed my life forever. Good things that happened, and scary things, things that led me to where I am and where I'm going. Or where I hope to go.

So, today I celebrate this milestone by spending time poolside with a dear friend and getting tan, because, well, I'm going back London (I KNOW) in two weeks and meeting my cousin there and she's 21 and gorgeous so I best look somewhat cute next to her!

Thus, in two weeks I will be in MY city. The place my soul resides. The place I dream of.

The place that, each time I visit changes my life for the better, touches my soul a little more, leaves memories on my heart that I cling to in the dark moments, memories I cling to in the sadness, and memories that make me burst into hysterical laughter too.

(Rach being spat on by Sweeney Todd; my dad falling in love with Carlotta in Phantom; laughing over flat notes and "cheap" dates; running through Piccadilly at 1:35AM; Michael Crawford; catching up with Expat friends over COLD Diet Coke; jam smuggling; chocolate sampling.... All make me laugh for their own silly, personal reasons!)

I'm looking forward to what memories I will make this time.

Will I end up sat on a park bench the entire time with a book? Will my cousin and I close down a restaurant or two like I'm prone to do with friends? Will I swindle Les Mis tickets from someone (let's be honest, probably. I'll flirt my way to tickets)? Will I cry for a week straight?

I've no idea. But, the city has never let me down. I pray it won't this time. Oh, how I pray.

I don't know what the next 365 days hold for me, but, I do know that the next few weeks will be filled with Tour (de France) talk and transatlantic travels. And if that's as far in advance as my life can go, so be it.

"Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice, you've made it now

Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black

You have suffered enough,
And warred with yourself
It's time that you've won

Take this sinking boat and point it home, we've still got time

Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice, you've made it now
Falling slowly, sing your melody
I'll sing it loud"

("Falling Slowly" from Once, by the way) (why isn't THAT showing in London?!)

Time marches on and we've no idea where it'll take us, for now, I'm holding on for the ride of my life.

Right. Random, rambling, emotional post over and out.

Swears.