Reflections.....

As I look back on 2013 with smiling eyes and a warm heart I remember all of the wonderful experiences, people and places that the year brought. For me 2013 was a year of changes, growth and learning curves; with that said, it was also one of the best years of my life.

In January of 2013 I found myself sitting in first class (with a glass of champagne in my hand) on board a BA flight flying towards Louisville, Kentucky. I was moving across to the other side of the world and leaving behind the life that I knew, to start a new one. This was not a choice that I had made on my own but more of an opportunity that presented itself, and boy am I glad that it did! Life in Scotland was wonderful (and I do not doubt for one second that one day we will return) but there was also part of me/us  that, after many years of travelling the world, still had that desire to wander, travel and explore.....deep inside of  me, I had a feeling of wanderlust.

When my boyfriend at the time was offered an opportunity of a lifetime to move to America we didn't hesitate one bit. We decided that he would move over first, as initially it was only for a short period of time and I had a lot to tie up at this end with regards to my job/flat. There was no point in giving that up if his contract was only going to be for a few months. Anyway, time passed and a year later he was asked to stay on permanently and take over some aspects of the business. At that point we knew it was time for me to pack up and ship out as they say! I was nervous and excited all at the same time!

It has now been a year since I moved to Louisville and I have never looked back. We have a beautiful apartment in a quirky/ thriving end of town and a lifestyle that can't compare to that of back home. We are constantly outdoors in the spring/summer/autumn (thanks to the weather) and we have made so many lovely friends with similar interests. We have explored parts of America we have always dreamed of visiting...Chicago, California, Nashville, Las Vegas, Disney World to name a few, and have also explored new parts of ourselves. Neither of us are scared of change and actually get quite excited about the prospect of things changing again. We only know things are going to get bigger and better and are looking forward to whatever 2014 has in store of us. With our wedding fast approaching we are beginning to make plans..not only for our big day but for our married life together. I am already picturing our house, dog and long hikes that we will take on the weekends. I am excited to share all of this with my future husband to be, family and friends; old and new and I am more than grateful for all of the opportunities life has presented me with so far. I have no doubt that the rest of our journey is going to be somewhat a bit of a roller coaster, but I am more than prepared to strap up, sit back and enjoy the ride!

Chicago Reflections