h a p p y

 "Sometimes you meet a person and you 

just click -- you're comfortable with 

them, like you've known them your 

whole life, and you don't have to 

pretend to be anyone 

or anything."

South Dakota. Oct. 2021.

o c t o b e r ' 2 1

"This is my favorite time of year, just before the holidays start. I love that feeling when everything is new, that anything can happen feeling" 

~ I z z y   P e t t i b o n e,  R o a d   t o   A v o n l e a ~

O C T O B E R .

 The month all the fall things begin. The month of sweaters, and leaves, and yummy pumpkin things, such as candles, coffees, pies... We've made it to another October, folks. It's been a whole year since last time we were here. And, wow, has a lot happened. I don't even know where to start this update. Good things happened. And some not-so-good things. But, through it all God has been there with me. I can't say it's been my favorite year, but you know - twenty-one was good to me. 

 Am I ready for twenty-two? No. That just sounds so ... old. Old for me, anyone (xP). I still have to remind myself I'm not eighteen anymore, ok? Twenty-two just seems like an old grandma at this point. Haha. But hey, the 14th will come and go, and just like that - I'll be an "old grandma" *winks*

 Took a lot of trips this year - most of them not planned. (I guess we were making up for our very tripless 2020 xP) First, LaKaysha and I spent New Years in a beach house with "the aunts" - five days of zero plans, good food, and relaxation. We all needed it. We went for walks on the beach, took 45 minute showers because we could, played games, and just had a wonderful time. Took a few trips to the desert to visit Auntie A and her fam. Kaaren's bed is a wonderful place to sleep, let me tell you. And Italian Sodas in the sauna? Yes, please. 

 Two day trips to the beach - and both we were needed for sure. Just to lay on a blanket on the warm sand, and sipping an iced coffee. In those few hours, everything in my world was okay. Because this was after Abi... I still hate to say it - or even type it. I hate that she's gone. I hate the past tense used when talking about her. It sucks. If you've never felt the pain of losing a loved one ... well, I hope you never have to go through that. 

 When Abi went Home to Heaven... That was hardest thing I've ever had to go through. And, through the years, I've been through a lot. Losing Grandma was hard - not EVER going to take away from that. But the grieving came later because I was so young when it happened. But this. This was fresh. And it sucked. It was the day after that it really hit me. People were expecting me to just go to work like nothing happened - and I did... one day. And I just cried the entire time I was cleaning. I couldn't stop, even when I got home. I think I cried most of that day. It was awful. So I had to do some texting and just tell people that I simply couldn't pretend like I was okay - I wasn't. And I spent the next week just being with family. And that helped. A lot.

 Only a week after Abi went Home, there was a wedding happening over in Idaho, and we had made plans to go. I almost backed out. I didn't know how I could not only drive the 6-7 hour drive there, but also be with people. Okay, I know that may sound weird, but I guess I just didn't feel ready to go on with my life. I mean - it had only been a WEEK! But. We went. Didn't stay in Idaho, which I know people probably thought was odd, but we stayed at Auntie A's and drove three hours to the wedding. And then, afterwards? We drove three hours back. It was lot of driving - and none of us had gotten much sleep since the week before. We were exhausted. But it turned out to be a very enjoyable weekend. Though I was pretty sad to find out that the young people were gathering at my aunt and uncles after the wedding and we couldn't go because we had to head back to Auntie A's - after all, it was a three hour drive. Funny to think that if we had stayed in Idaho as originally planned I would've met Brynna sooner. xP 

 Speaking of weddings - two of my cousins got married this year. And I stood in one of the weddings! You guys remember "Kirsty", right? *winks* She got married! Crazy, huh?? LaKaysha and I both stood in her Montana wedding, and our family road tripped on down there. That was such a fun trip! The house we rented in Montana was just, gahhh, beautiful! I actually miss that house - crazy, huh? haha! 

 And as for the other wedding - that one was Cody's. He married Shayne in South Dakota. And though I didn't talk much about the wedding in my post, it was beautiful! Cody and Shayne are just the cutest couple ever, and I still can't believe "tiny, baby Cody" is married. (He's 20 - okay. I'll just forever think of him as a tiny baby. lol) Oh, and Shayne's Last Night Out was the most enjoyable last night out I've been to! We went to a lake, and just hung out. And I'm pretty sure I seen a fox! It was far away, so maybe it was something else, idk (xP). 

 I met some great new friends on that trip, as I'm sure you know - and it was just wonderful! But before all that, I went to New Hampshire to be with some old friends. That trip (back in April/May) was one of my favorite trips out there. It was so nice to see family, and hang out, and eat good food, and even falling off the longboard makes for good memories *winks* And not long after getting back from this trip, Janeya followed us home! (on her way to move to Alaska for the summer) The time she spent here was such fun - going out for coffee on rainy days, showing off my grandpa's new house... 

 Cause - OH YEAH! My grandparents finished their new house and I am in LOVE with it. I will forever want to bring all my friends there to show it off (bahaha). I don't know if you remember, but last year my grandpa sold his house. (I say "his house" because it was the house where him and Grandma raised their family - though, yes, when it was sold, it was his and Sue's - not just his) In my post about that I said, "Soon we'll be able to see the joy in the hello." And, yes, we have. Hello to this new, wonderful house where so many new, wonderful memories will be made! (too bad I didn't vlog us moving them in, like I did when they moved out of "Finn Hill". Didn't even think of it till writing this post *facepalm*)

 Now let's see... what else do I have to update you on? 

 Kate! My beautiful niece! What a true joy to have around. Kids are SUCH a blessing. They remind us how simple things are important. How sometimes you just need to giggle. And how little tasks like doing the dishes can be a joy. She's a treasure - my niece. Being her auntie has been hands down my favorite thing I've ever been (sister is great. granddaughter is great. even cousin, and being a niece myself has been great. but "Auntie Inika" is by far the greatest.) And she's going to be a big sister in December! Really!! I'm gonna be an auntie again, and, wow, I can't wait! 

 I'm still single. And it's still lonely. But if this past year has taught me anything it's that God has literally got this! He has a plan for my life - and His timing is PERFECT. That isn't to say the wait isn't hard, cause - boy howdy, it hurts. 

 And now, after a crazy year, we're here - October. This month is going to be another crazy one, and not just because of my birthday. Because, the day after my birthday, I am heading back to South Dakota!! (eep!) I know, it's crazy to be going back again so soon, but I miss Brynna, ok? (xP) Not gonna lie though - nothing in me is excited about another 24 hours straight in a vehicle, haha. But I'm sure time will fly and the next thing I know, I'll be in South Dakota hugging all my new friends and making wonderful memories! 

 As far as the rest of the year goes... Who knows. I have no idea how my life will go from here on out. My book is empty chapters - waiting for God to fill it. 

ps can you believed this is my sixth October Update!? my how time flies.