before i head north for the winter.

{photo credit to my friend RK. i'm quite sure he wouldn't mind.}

I’m not quite sure what it is about this city that draws me in.

No, that’s not true. I know exactly what it is.

It’s how the weather teases you. Absolutely scorches you one day until you’re sure you’re living in hell on earth, and then apologizes with rain the next day, leaving a night so perfect you want to bottle it up and take it with you wherever you go. It’s the wind that plots with the noises of the city to trick your ears. It’s laying on the swing in my backyard and seeing the purple glow from the strip. It’s the comfort of taking in the sight of those buildings from a distance, and having no desire to visit them more than once a month. It’s the 215 and the 95 and the nights when I can’t bring myself to stop driving because I’m not ready to let the songs end. It’s the wide roads, and knowing wherever you turn, you’ll eventually end up somewhere familiar. It’s laying on the grass at the park in the middle of the night and being embraced by the leftover warmth of the day. It’s my favorite restaurants, and how I can always find someone to go eat with me. It’s swimming in everyone’s pool but my own. It’s uncovering mutual acquaintances with nearly everyone you meet. It’s meeting up with friends if you want, or staying in to read if that’s what you feel like. It’s how if you drive down Sahara long enough, you’ll eventually see a familiar car. It’s the sun that’s strong enough to stream though the lightwell and the shutters and into my basement bedroom. It’s being surrounded by mountains and the comfort that comes when their tips are coated with snow. Just knowing that it’s close feels good. It’s being the midway point between California and Utah, and being able to fly from McCarren to almost anywhere. It’s the Runnin’ Rebels, and the anticipation on a game day. It’s the golden sunsets seen from the car, the clouds that change hourly and enchant me constantly. The blues and grays of these impeccable Vegas skies. It’s the memories I have here that I will never forget. They’ve become a part of me, and love doesn’t even begin to describe the way I’m connected to the events and people in my life thus far.

It’s knowing that whenever I come back, it’ll be waiting. And that if I don’t end up here when I’m older, that’s completely ok, but it will always be home.

I’m moving in three days. Besides those six months on Oahu when I was four, this will be the first time I’ve lived in another state, and I absolutely can’t wait to discover what there is to love about my new home. Cause I’ll find it, I swear. I’m always on the lookout for something to love.

But for now, I’m preparing to leave by procrastinating my packing and leaving the airwaves with a few early farewells:

Farewell unitard wearing old man at 24, and you too Carrot Top.

Farewell gate guards of Jessica and Kori’s neighborhood who know me by name and license plate.

Farewell Yogurtland.

Farewell Luv-It’s man. Smile sometime for me will you?

Farewell Rainbow Park and the view of the lady in the moon.

Farewell ponytailed waiter at Pei Wei, and psycho Jill at BJ’s.

Farewell Scenic Loop.

Farewell mug collection lining my wall.

Farewell warped mirror in my bathroom. Yes, even you fat side.

Farewell Volvo. You'll always be my first soccer mom car.

Farewell friends and family whom I am leaving behind. Keep in touch.

So Long, So Long.

and not to worry, I'll be back before you know it.