For months, I was unsure where to start my story. I didn’t expect that an end would be good a beginning, but here we are.

I am a Virginia girl – born and raised (for better or worse) in Hampton Roads.

757 since 804 – iykyk.

But I went and married a Yankee.

And then I began to travel. In the US (DC, NYC, Boston, New Orleans, Miami, PNW, + more) and internationally (Canada, Jamaica, Dominican Republic).

And at some point, without even noticing exactly when/why/how it changed, the place that I loved, that always felt like home, suddenly felt like a cage I desperately needed to escape.

I will always love VA.

So many memories are inextricably tied to those streets and towns, the rivers and the ocean, the people and buildings – even those who are only ghosts now.

It’s where I was born. Where I learned to swim and ride a bike and drive a car – and where I learned that I should absolutely avoid roller skates and ice skates. It’s where I had my first crush, my first kiss, my first love. Where I celebrated the births of my little sister and her first daughter, and where I mourned and buried all of my grandparents. Where I went to grade school and college. Where I had my first job and where I eventually established my career. Where I made my first best friend and where I met and married my partner. Where I went to my first concert, first Rocky Horror Picture Show, and my first football, baseball, basketball, and hockey games. Where I first lived on my own and where I bought my first home.

It’s where I became myself, perhaps more than once.

I was made in and of southeastern Virginia. I am proud of this.

But I am also proud to have finally outgrown it – even if I never expected that to happen.

And now I find myself many miles and several states away from my beloved Virginia.

It’s bittersweet for sure, but I am mostly excited and enthusiastic about this change. I’ve left a lot behind – again, for better or worse. But my partner and our kitties are with me, and as long as the 4 of us are together I have everything I really need.

Plus, my sense of adventure is strong. Maybe stronger than ever – and maybe that’s right on time. Leaving the only place I’ve ever lived to start over in a new place is something I always admired other for doing.

Now, for the first time, I get to admire that same bravery in myself.

And I’m proud of that, too.