Soles and Sleeves

Memorial Day is a holiday we celebrate to remember the men and women who died while serving in the country's armed forces. 

As I sit here watching "I Wanna Marry Harry", it's easy to forget the sacrifice these men & women have made to make it so I can not only watch this show in my home, but allow me so many other freedoms we take for granted on a daily basis — like wearing what I want to, and writing about it.

I've been very blessed in the fact that my dad is only a veteran, not someone we have to pay our respects to on Memorial Day. 

The time has come. In just 3 days B goes in for training and journeys up to New York and begins his next chapter.

I remember first coming to UGA and seeing the puppies everywhere. I finally mustered up the courage to ask someone about it one day. I'm pretty sure I signed up that night. Growing up, I always had a dog in my life. When I moved to Athens I was slightly lost and alone because I no longer had that companionship in my life.

It was 5 days after my 21st birthday when I picked him up. I like to think he was a gift from my late grandma. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Life with a puppy was nothing short of interesting- but that's what happens when you add someone new into your life- and I wouldn't change a minute of it. Every day that went by our bond grew stronger and stronger, and it wasn't long until he was my best friend. To this day he knows exactly what to do to make me feel better.

I've been back in the states longer that I'd like to say, and it's been rough. My heart, while some of it is happy to be home, pieces remain in London. I miss it all so much.

  A massive part of the hole in my heart is my friends. I was hanging out with them EVERYday for three weeks!!! That puts a friendship on the fast track, and you kind of surpass all the little stuff and go straight for best friend(s). I shared experiences with these girls that no matter how much I could explain it to even my BFFL, it wouldn't be the same. It's pretty uncomprehendable, to be quite honest. I am a changed person because of these girls, and having them not around is really tough. Going from hanging out with 5 (or 6) other girls from noon until midnight to now hanging out with my dog all day and occasionally going out and seeing people is crazy. Granted, here it's not as easy, mostly because my best friend (unfortunately) doesn't live on the opposite side of the wall.
  Also, I've definitely noticed I've put on a pound since being back. I'm not walking anywhere, and while in London I walked everywhere. It's excruciating to go out of the house here because of the heat, and since our AC was messed up for the past week +, it's been excruciating just doing nothing. I'm not a fan of the heat, in fact I'd say I hate this heat. I curse the day(s) I ever wished it was summer. BUT, in London, I found the weather to be ideal. It wasn't hot and it usually wasn't too cold (until the sun went down). There was always a breeze blowing, which did wonders for my hair in pictures, and I just found it all to be perfect. and I miss it.. a lot.