Friday, June 27, 2014

Hoping for Raleigh

It is really hard to believe that my adventure here in the Queen City area is now coming to a close. When I first moved up here, I knew hardly anyone, was not familiar with the area, and had no clue what to expect. I'll be the first to admit that I didn't let myself enjoy the move at first, concentrating on what I was leaving behind instead of what was in front of me.

SW told me when I first moved that if I ever moved somewhere else, I would miss it. He was right...though we won't tell him that. I had the great opportunity to live at Birkdale Village in Huntersville, a mixed-use retail and residential community. It really is a village -- filled with coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques, with apartments looking down from above. It's such a picturesque place, and if I could find a place like it in Raleigh, I would live there. It has been such a unique experience that I've loved. If I wanted to shop, I walked out my door. If I needed a morning pick-me-up, Starbucks was right across from my apartment. If I couldn't decide what to do for dinner, I had countless restaurant options, all within very reasonable walking distances.
It's funny how your perspective on something changes after you get to know it. When I first drove into Birkdale, it was so strange and unfamiliar. I tried to picture myself there and it was hard to. Even the first few afternoons turning in after work seemed weird to me -- like it wasn't real life. But now, when I look at BV, it's home -- a place I will truly miss. 
One of the things I've enjoyed most though is the atmosphere when Soph and I take our morning and evening walks. There is always something happening, and BV feels like such a vibrant and alive place. I sound like I'm at Disney World or something, but considering it's apartment living, it really has been the best. 
This apartment was the very first space that was completely my own, and I had fun decorating.





I've had the chance to experience 4 different seasons here, all which have been equally as beautiful.






BV has been home to a few blog pictures, too. Sophie will definitely miss that grassy hill.




I've never been a huge fan of change, which is why the move here was so hard for me. But now that it's time to leave, I look fondly back on my time here. I'm excited to be back in Raleigh -- closer to friends, SW, my family -- after all, I called the City of Oaks home for 4 years. It'll be great to be less than 2 hours from beautiful hometown -- much better than 4. But it is bittersweet leaving this place behind. Birkdale Village definitely has a little place in my heart.

I won't miss sitting in traffic for 11 miles in the commute to and from work, I won't miss the 400-mile round trip that it took to make it to Wilmington and back for a weekend home. I won't miss missing everyone -- because I did a lot of that this past year.

But I will miss the easy routine that I slipped into. I'll miss being able to take Sophie to work every single day and having me on my desk to monitor what I was doing. I'll miss this location of our office. I'll miss the beautiful village life that I've come to love, the restaurants that are unique to this area, the people I have gotten to know. 

I am so very thankful that I took a chance and moved away. Was it hard for me? Absolutely. Did I love every minute of it? Absolutely not. But am I glad I did it? Of course. 

Once I get all settled in, you'll see lots of pictures of my new apartment here. If you want a few sneak peeks, you can follow me on Instagram. But for tonight, my mama and I are going to enjoy one last fun night in BV, finish up some loose ends in packing, and have a little girls night. Thanks for a good time! Next stop -- Raleigh in the morning!

"I'm a hoping for Raleigh, so I can see my baby tonight . . ." -- Bob Dylan/Old Crow Medicine Show

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