Merry Christmas...A Year in Review

My, Ahem, Our Story

On December 19th of 2015, I left China on a flight from Hong Kong to the states with no clue of what I was going to do with my life. What I'd learned in the months prior to my flight was that God had a different plan for me and I wasn't going to be staying in China another six months, which is what I intended. It's quite “funny,” but I had never booked my flight home for Christmas with a return leg...God saved me the trouble of that expense long before I knew I'd not be going back to Asia.

This sweet face is of one of my students, Happy, with me on my last day at ISD.

When I got home to Charleston, I had an amazing Christmas break, dog sat for the Meggett's over on James Island while they were gallivanting around on their Christmas beach vacation, and enjoyed catching up with friends and family. I was lucky because when I was home for the summer of 2015, I bought a car, so I had that to drive when I returned, but I didn't have a house, and I didn't have a job, and that was a huge burden at the time.

Mary Beth Meggett, that same friend for whom I dog sat, worked in CCSD schools, and she and I had worked together over at Stiles Point (where I spent the majority of my teaching career in the states). She knew me personally and professionally, and when she found out in November that I was moving back to the states in December, she told a principal she knew that I’d be returning to Charleston. That principal called me and “interviewed” me in December right before Christmas. The interview was quick. I got a tour of the school that day. I suppose Mary Beth had shared enough about me, and the administration at Pinehurst Elementary thought I’d be a good fit for the opening they suddenly had, so I got the job. That was one huge burden lifted.

Next was the house. I knew I could only be a guest at my dear friend Caroline’s for so long. She’d been an angel storing much of my furniture while I was away, and she said it was no problem for me to stay with her, but I’m a grown woman who only had one roommate outside of the dorm in college, and well, you may know how that went… ;) 

I reached out to Wendy Thrower, a friend for whom I’d babysat over the years and a realtor I knew could help me in my search. I certainly didn’t have a lot of funds, but I did have an account with enough for a downpayment, and I did have the new job, so the loan was pretty easy to ascertain. Wendy and I began looking at houses sometime in January. 

Before moving home, I had spoken with HGTV’s House Hunters several times, and they said as soon as I put an offer on a house, I could make my audition tapes and send them in so we could see if I’d get on the program. I think you know how that turned out! If you haven’t seen it, by the way, it’s airing internationally (I just got word that friends saw it in Paris), so keep your eyes peeled for repeats!

Wendy and I looked at about five properties in Park Circle throughout the month of January. I had another friend show me one place in West Ashley near Avondale. That was it. When we first saw my little house, I was pleased, but not in love. Wendy convinced me it was perfect though, and I value her opinion, so I’m extremely happy I chose this one.

I put the offer on my house in January. It was accepted after some negotiation and my close date was set for February. I was so excited, and so ready. I’d been back and forth between Caroline’s and Mom’s as well as Sarah’s (the friend I’d lived with in college), and as grateful as I was and am for each of them being such wonderful hostesses, it was time I had my own space. 

Here’s a little TV secret for you. I never considered the two other properties on House Hunters. I already lived in my house prior to filming the show! Oh, and when we filmed, Chance made a cameo appearance. I said then that he better be sticking around because I knew it’d be awkward to watch him with me if he and I were no longer together!! But if I’m telling the story chronologically, I have to rewind, because in January, I’d not yet met Chance!

This is the crew with us at my house on the last day of filming. 

Along the same time as the offer on the house was put in, I was speaking with a friend from Ireland, my dear friend Luke, who had recently moved to the US. He had already met a girl and he and I were bantering about how I was from the US and I didn’t know how I’d meet anyone being back home. Luke convinced me, after much hesitation, to sign up for a dating site, and actually, one that I was under the impression was only for casual dating. I was not really interested in a fling, but I also didn’t want to be single forever, so I bit the bullet and I joined Tinder. Yup. That first day I played around swiping left or right and I had a few matches. Chance was one of them. After a day or two on the dating app, I deleted my account. It wasn’t because I was in love at first text, but honestly because I thought the whole thing was weird. Chance and I had been messaging though, and by this time, we’d exchanged numbers. 

On Friday, February 13th, I was teaching at Pinehurst when I got a message from Chance that his friend had cancelled on him for the Garth Brooks’ concert at the coliseum. He asked if I’d like to go in his friend’s place. I let all sorts of things go through my mind. 

“You shouldn’t accept last minute invites.” 

“Garth Brooks…is that a show I want to see?” 

“I live with my mother! Oh my gosh; I LIVE with my mother. Where can we meet?” 

After all that though, I said yes, and so Chance picked my 33 year old self up from Mom’s house for our very first date. The other hilarious jewel to this story is that Mom, who started working at the coliseum after Daddy passed, was scheduled to work THIS show. I just knew for my first date she’d be somewhere watching me. Funnily enough, we did see her, but only from afar. ;)

Our First Date(s)

After Chance picked me up from Mom’s, and because it was such a last minute plan, we decided to drive over towards the coliseum to grab a quick dinner before the show. There weren’t too many options over there, but we thought some BBQ would be appropriate, so we went to Jim N’ Nicks, a local chain. Our dinner was not entirely awkward, but it was a little quiet. 

I talk a lot, as you probably well know. Chance was SO shy. Also, because Chance doesn’t drink, I didn’t want to. I had not a single drop of alcohol that night for the show (or the rest of the weekend), which I think is one of the reasons we were able to get to know each other so well. We might not have talked so much that first night, but we had a nice time, nice enough for Chance to ask me out for the next day. 

Chance invited me to Art’s in Mt. Pleasant for oysters. I didn’t realize it then, but this is his family hang-out, their go to spot. I briefly met his dad that day! Before meeting Chance, I had popped in a few antique stores and I later remember him saying I should have invited him, that he liked antiquing. That was a surprise, but a pleasant one for sure. Antique shopping is one of my favorite pastimes!

Art’s was a fun, casual afternoon, and again, we enjoyed each other’s company. Chance was still shy, but the next day was Valentine’s and he was brave enough to ask me out again. Chance said he knew it was fast to spend a Valentine’s together, but he wanted to do something if I’d like to. We didn’t want to make reservations anywhere or do anything too romantic as we’d just met, so we opted for a very casual stop at SIP in Mt. Pleasant. I really wanted wine, but I held my ground and stayed alcohol free, so we, strangely, had hot tea with a charcuterie plate. We tried to keep the romance awkwardness to a minimum, but it was Valentine’s after all, so this is what our plate came out looking like: 

After our visit to SIP, we wanted to spend more time together, but didn’t really know what to do, so I suggested we go walk the Old Pitt Street Bridge. This a local spot, gorgeous, along the water in Mt. Pleasant. The bridge is just for pedestrians now. It was cold and Chance seemed less into the idea than me, but he complied so we drove over to take a little walk. We didn’t make it far, because I think Chance was freezing, but I was soaking it in. I love the water, I love the marsh, and I love the stars. Those are things I missed dearly when I lived in China. My being home was still fresh…I had open wounds and I needed the salt air to heal them. I even said, that night on our third date, that the place we were standing had magic. Chance may not have fully comprehended, but he didn’t run from me either, and that I greatly appreciated. 

As Chance took me back to my car, he presented me with 6 red roses. It couldn’t have been more cliche with the “love” proscuitto and all, but it was so sweet, and we had our very first kiss.

What Happened Next

Well, as they say, the rest is “history.” Truly, it was a whirlwind of  a dating relationship, but very early on, Chance an I shared our true feelings for one another. We were honest from the beginning, about everything, our past hurts, our expectations, our dreams. We talked about a future but didn’t press it. When we discussed him moving in to my new house, we said that couldn’t be done unless we were committed to each other and a future together. Chance kept saying he was, so he moved in when I was in France this July (with my permission of course), and then in September, he took me shopping for rings. I had NO idea it would be so soon, but he surprised me with a proposal on September 20th (just over 9 months since I returned from China), and of course I said yes. 

We had a meeting scheduled with the pastor to discuss moving Chance’s church membership on the following Wednesday. We had no idea that it’d be possible to get married this year, but when the pastor said the church had some available dates in December, we decided to go for it. We got married at First Baptist Church in Historic Downtown Charleston. 

Chance and me at the rehearsal.

Making our way to our dinner at Pane E Vino after the ceremony.

On December 19th of 2015 I moved home without a clue of what was in store for me. On February 19th of 2016 I closed on my first house. On September 20th Chance proposed, and on December 18th of 2016, I married my husband, the kindest, most easy going and eager to please man I’ve ever met. We flew to NYC on the 19th, a year to the date of me coming home.

This year has been the best of my life. God is so unbelievably good and it’s when we are totally lost that He shows us the way.

May God Bless you in 2017. Merry Christmas, and thank you for reading this LONG Christmas card/year in review!

Funny Ha Ha?

My life...I find it funny. Sometimes it's funny like "I died laughing." The experience I had last Thursday night driving home one of the contributors from Wendy Nilsen Pollitzer's book Charleston Salt and Iron was HILARIOUS. It's blog worthy in its own right. I offered to take a lady back to the Indigo Inn when her cab never arrived...I offered as a friend. All of a sudden she gets in the back seat of my Volvo (after she and I reminisce about personal drivers and the ease of just having a car sent round) and I chauffeur her home. It was a rather entertaining ride. I have had so much fun telling that story and all its details over and over these past few days.

Sometimes my life is funny like "What the heck is going on?" Today I left school in North Charleston to get to an appointment on John's Island only to realize once arriving that the appointment wasn't today...it's tomorrow. This is the second time this has happened to me recently. I did the same exact thing two weeks ago when I showed up for my potential membership walk through at Mixson. I'm loosing it at the ripe old age of 33.

Other times my life is funny because things happen so "randomly" and at a rapid pace. For a person to be such a planner, I'm learning I can't plan anything anymore, and it's really not necessary anyway. Ok, you know I still plan some things (big some things in the works), but in other areas of life, I have to let go and let God...

So here's what's funny today; it's me reflecting on all that's happened since I moved home. Just check out this roller coaster.

December 18th, boarded a plane in Hong Kong to come home...no knowledge of job, house, relationship

December 22nd, offered a job at Pinehurst Elementary

January 5th, consultant opportunity presented itself and interview took place (offered a spot but don't sign up for training because of cost and soon to be new mortgage)

February 12th, met Chance (the BF)

February 19th, closed on my first house

February 23rd, offered a position as an office manager to start in June

April 11th, began working with Forever Living as a "side job" and way to make global connections

April 24th, approached about a position at the non-profit that I was ORIGINALLY OFFERED BACK IN NOVEMBER (THIS I FIND REALLY FUNNY...the job I didn't want to leave China to take is offered once I come home from China)

April 25th, booked a one way flight to Paris (I only paid $5 for the one way)

May 7th, office manager position fell through

May 12th, consultant opportunity reappeared with a message to please attend training this summer

*May 16th, decided I don't want to work for the non-profit even though I have a mortgage and a trip to France planned and in two weeks I'll be unemployed

Ahem, it's just "hilarious" that I came home 5 months ago with no idea what was happening in my life, figured it out for the time being (got a job, house, and boy), was re-offered the position which originally spurred the whole me moving home thing to start with, and now am looking at 12 days left of school but have no job lined up for after we break for summer.

I was talking to Chance earlier and he said to me, "Maybe God is trying to tell you that you are supposed to be a teacher still." Ok, I hear ya Chance, and I hear ya Lord, but really, we've been through this before. I'm ready for the next step. I will certainly take a teaching position IF offered at the right school for next year, and I won't complain too much about it, but I TRULY, TRULY, TRULY believe I am meant to be consulting and doing something else.

I would have taken the non profit job in a heart beat if they could have paid me more, but for a 40 minute minimum drive each way to and from John's Island and for a salary that would be for a 12 month position AND an $8,000 pay cut, I just can't justify that.

So you may think it's funny, or plain stupid, for me to turn down the opportunity, but I know in my heart that there is something else up God's sleeve. Maybe I will be in the classroom again, but He knows the reasoning and I needn't question. I will continue to have faith. I will continue to follow my heart, and I know that one day I'll look back on all of this and remember how funny and uncertain it all was.

The exciting part for me is trusting and knowing that things are working out according to His plan. There is so much more to this story...big things in the works. Stay tuned.

This Is No Joke!

April 1st, also known as April Fool's Day, is known for practical jokesters playing tricks on the gullible people of the world. I'm not really a prankster and I'm not really all that gullible (anymore), so I don't normally get too into the day, but this year I feel it only appropriate to write about the things in my life lately that are certainly no joke.

On February 19th, as you may know, I purchased my first home. The month of March was blissfully mortgage free as I had incorporated all of those costs into my closing. Wouldn't you know though, the honeymoon phase is over and in some cruel attempt at a joke from the universe, my very first mortgage payment is due today, April Fool's Day. Of course I'm only kidding about it being a cruel joke. The universe has been unbelievably good to me and I am grateful for all of the blessings I've received. I do think it's funny though, as a first time homeowner, that this massive part of my paycheck is being taken from me on today of all days.

This past week has been spring break so I suppose that most people would have spent their time on a holiday of some sort, perhaps even in their own town, resting, recuperating, maybe getting a little sun. I, however, have had no break at all. Monday, the first day of break, I went to the new office to get a feel for dentistry and office management. I only worked a half a day, however, so I did get to enjoy a little time lying in the sun in my new back yard. Once I get some patio furniture and a grill out there, I can see myself spending quite a lot of time enjoying that space.

Tuesday through Thursday of this week were no joke either with the amount of time and energy spent NOT relaxing, but rather filming House Hunters. I had no idea how much effort goes into the making of a show. If you consider the fact that only 22 minutes of what we filmed is aired, but that we did take after take for 5 long days, (two at the beginning of the month and three this week), each day a minimum of 8 hours, that's a whole lot of filming and just as much editing!! I can't imagine what the crews spend on filming a mini series or more. Clearly we aren't skilled actresses, but T'Lene, Wendy, Sarah and I now have a much better appreciation for what these people do. It's hard work, y'all!!

Tuesday was the first day on the "set" at a location in Downtown Charleston. This property was meant to be the "fixer upper," the one I could see myself flipping and making a beautiful property on the peninsula. I had a lot of fun filming, except for the fact that I was sick all day long, but I don't know how serious I could be about buying a house, this house, on Line Street. I might have vision, and I might have the finances (big might), but I really don't know if that particular location would have been the best spot for me...my daddy would have rolled over in his grave if I bought that one!!

After filming in West Ashley all day on Wednesday, an amazing lunch at Swig and Swine, running errands and grabbing a quick bite to eat for dinner, I was completely exhausted and teased my man about carrying me home...no energy to even walk myself in the house.

Whether it was nerves over the mortgage, anxiety about other life occurrences, or just the fact that I'm a freak of nature and sometimes simply can't sleep, I got a measly two hours of shut eye on Wednesday night, making my earliest start time, 8:30 am on Thursday, a really difficult task. Arriving at the Country Club of Charleston for a precious shoot with two of my favorite kiddos, me reading The Adventures of Gia the Giraffe to them and quizzing them on their historical knowledge of Charleston (I'm super proud of them too because they are two smart cookies and answered all of my questions correctly!), was fun but a little challenging because the three of us (the kids and I) were so very tired. I was proud of them though because the shoot with those babes was the easiest out of all five days. Mason and Meade, you rock!

The rest of the day on Thursday was my biggest test as I'm not one to drink too much caffeine, but I honestly didn't think I was going to be able to keep my eyes open without it, especially after my "decision" at The Brew Cellar, a fabulous craft brew shop in Park Circle. We were drinking real beer people, and with a high gravity beer that you must (the producer said I had to) continue drinking, sip after sip, top up after top up, that tiny little glass seemed endless at 11 am. I wondered how I would possibly make it through the rest of the day. By the way, thanks so much, Ryan, for allowing us to invade your space. You know I'll be back, perhaps sans a camera crew next time.

After "the decision," we walked the main street of Park Circle a few times, a couple of segments with me alone, some with T'Lene and me together. Although we tried to get back to EVO for a third lunch, we opted for a faster and probably healthier choice of Doe's Pita which happens to be a little closer to home for me. I then had an interview about the home buying process (my 4th wardrobe change of the day), then after I got out of that outfit and into # 5, "work clothes," T'Lene and I filmed a project segment where we looked at fabric samples for drapes and dining room chairs then planted some flowers to put on the front porch. This was a rather entertaining part of the day as both my mom and my man drove up and were watching from the street as T'Lene and I struggled through the gnats to get the giant bag of potting soil into the planters and then to break up the flower roots and plant them. In a very "whistle while you work" kind of way, I cleaned up the area and then we were back inside for another wardrobe change, although I REALLY wanted a shower by this point.

Finally, I was able to welcome, first Chance (that's my guy's name), then family and friends, then latecomer Sarah, to a "party" as our closing segment of the whole House Hunters shoot. What an amazing experience it all was. By Thursday night after the final scene had wrapped and everyone other than Sarah and Chance had cleared out, I thought I might collapse. I think it was only about 7:30. The house was finally quiet. After a few more minutes of socializing with them, they too had to head on home. I climbed in my big ol' bed, laid down to count my blessings, and thought to myself, this is definitely no joke. My life is such a crazy roller coaster ride, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

This Mess Is Mine

Have you ever heard Vance Joy's song "Mess Is Mine?" Contextually it has absolutely nothing to do with my thoughts this morning, but that one line is screaming to me if I take it out of context. Maybe I just really like the song and I'm reaching to use it, but I think it fits, so I'll try to help explain why.

The last two and half months have been insane. From the day I stepped on the plane in Hong Kong to the day, exactly two months later, that I signed papers and closed on my very first property, it's been a mess. I don't say this in a negative way, however. I actually think it's been a glorious mess, if there is such a thing. Ironically, dictionary.com defines "mess" as

noun

1.

a dirty, untidy, or disordered condition:

The room was in a mess.

2.

a person or thing that is dirty, untidy, or disordered.

3.

a state of embarrassing confusion:

My affairs are in a mess.

4.

an unpleasant or difficult situation:

She got into a mess driving without a license.

These are about the furthest descriptions from the truth, but if you twist the meanings ever so slightly, it begins to all make sense.

I am usually in no way, shape or form, "dirty or untidy." I'm the complete opposite as I want everything in it's place, color coordinated and sparkling clean. I keep my house this way and I try to present myself in a similar manor. My car, though, has literally been a mess lately as I've been living out of it, lugging suitcases from one house to another, packing boxes of my household items and transferring them from storage locations to the new property. In this way alone, my life has actually been a mess.

I don't feel that anything in the past two months has been embarrassing, confusing, unpleasant or difficult, but it has certainly been the fastest progression of moving from one country to another, finding a job, buying a home, and getting into a new relationship that I've ever in my life experienced or known anyone to. Who else has "pulled it together" quite so quickly?! It's insane to think about all that has been accomplished in the short time that I've been home. I take absolutely no credit in any of it though, and I want you all to understand that it's only my faith that brought me this far. The Lord has laid everything out for me and simply by trusting Him and listening to a very well developed intuition that I've been able to experience more blessings in a few weeks than many have in years. I AM FORTUNATE.

Since I wrote a bit about the "first date" that occurred on Valentine's weekend, I would love to share a little more about the past three weeks of my life.

After an amazing first three dates with the new guy (Garth Brooks concert on Friday night, oysters at Arts on Saturday afternoon, and charcuterie at a SIP in Mt. Pleasant followed by a brisk walk along the Pitt Street Bridge on Sunday evening-Valentine's Day), we are in a good place. My life is in a good place.

The Wednesday after meeting "my man," I was able to meet with another gentleman who I'd been introduced to through my friend and realtor, Wendy Thrower. Side note here, I could not have asked for a better person to represent me and to assist in the search for my first home. At a meeting one afternoon at her house, I met her friend who is married to a dentist, the person I met on that Wednesday afternoon. Our introduction was because the wife liked me very much in the short time we visited and she knew her husband needed an office manager. From what she saw and what she'd heard about me, she thought I'd be perfect for the job. Although I have no experience with anything medical and the extent of my knowledge of dentistry is that I love my teeth and take pride in keeping them healthy, Dr. Hudgens offered me a position to take this role starting in June when I finish teaching at Pinehurst.

It's funny because when I interviewed at Pinehurst, I told the administration that this would be for only the six months remaining for the 2015-2016 school year. I felt called out of the classroom and I knew some changes were going to soon be made, although I had NO idea what that meant for me. When I got the call before meeting Dr. Hudgens, I was asked, "Do you want to make a career change?" I never thought I'd be moving so far from the classroom, but I think it's an amazing opportunity and I'm so very excited to begin this new adventure. I am organized, I am positive and upbeat (the majority of the time these days), I am good at making connections and so I think I can help with his PR, I love a challenge, and I need to learn about running a business since my goal is to start my own consulting firm (this isn't a new thing, but rather something I've been considering for quite some time). It's crazy how it all works out though. Starting in June (should God not surprise me with another twist in my story), I'll be managing Hudgens Dental in West Ashley, working Monday through Thursday only, wearing scrubs each day and enjoying an hour and a half lunch break (who in the world takes this long to eat lunch!! We teachers are used to cramming it in in 7 minutes or less!) I am thrilled to pieces for this next step and so look forward to learning more about the business world (and I'm not going to lie I am stoked to have a four day work week and free dental).

On Friday the 19th, two months to the day after stepping on that plane in Hong Kong with so much uncertainty, I signed papers and closed on my first house. It was an amazing feeling, and not nearly as frightening as I thought it would be. Although the property was completely empty, not even a refrigerator in the house, my friends and family, including the new guy, came over for a champagne toast and a blessing, given by my amazing mother. We stood around for several hours (no seating in the house yet) and chatted about the past, reminiscing about the "good old days." I was a little worried about the new guy because a) he doesn't drink and b) my friends' stories, I thought, would surely scare him away. He hung in there though and later said he really liked everyone. Lucky for me, they liked him too.

A week later, my guy asked me if he could call me his girlfriend. This is not something I expected so soon, but it felt right, and so I said yes and we became an official couple. So strange after being single the past four years!! You know, the Lord's timing is always right though. I wouldn't have been ready for a real relationship before now. Everything is seriously just falling into place.

This past weekend was a whole different kind of mess because it's when we started filming the HGTV hit show, House Hunters. I can not begin to describe the fun I had this weekend, although it was certainly exhausting. On Friday before school, I moved the little I had in my new house to one room all by myself because they wanted the house completely empty for the shoot. On Saturday morning at 8:30, I went to my best friend Sarah's house for the interview session. This lasted until about 2 or 2:30 with Sarah, my sister and then Sarah's three year old also getting to be filmed (I can't wait to see the cute clips of Wheeler and I on the tire swing.)

After a morning at Sarah's, HH treated us all to a fabulous lunch at EVO, my favorite pizza place. We did a little filming there too with T'Lene, Sarah, and I catching up and planning fun things to do now that I'm home. 

Sarah left us and then T'Lene and I went Downtown with the crew. We walked along the Battery and down Church Street for some more filming. The point of this was to highlight the beauty and charm of Historic Charleston, but also because in a dream world, I'd be buying down there. We actually walked down by a house where I used to "babysit" and keep the dog, and then two doors down where Daddy almost purchased before I was born...oh how life would have been different! ;)

We finally wrapped up by 6:30 when we were frozen on the waterfront. I think we got some beautiful segments down there, even if we had to suffer through the cold. 

After taking T'Lene back to the north area, I raced over to Mt. Pleasant to be with the new guy and his family for dinner; since it was so late, they'd already eaten, but had saved me a plate. I really enjoyed being with them all again (our first meeting was at a birthday party for his niece, Hannah). His parents are extremely nice, down to earth people, and I think his sister and I have a lot in common. Her book South was given to me as a housewarming gift. I'm excited for her next book release, Salt and Iron, here in a few months. 

Back at it early on Sunday morning, House Hunters arrived at 8:15 for the filming at my new house. Of course we had to pretend I was seeing the house for the first time and that it was uninhabited, so the crew helped me get the table and chairs as well as the sofa into the driveway. We left the appliances in, although I bought them, and fibbed saying they came with the property. We shot take after take of us (T'Lene, Wendy, and I) driving up to the house, getting out of the car and walking to the door, in the door and through the living room, to the kitchen, outside, to the bedrooms, in the bathroom, and so on. I should quickly say that the local coffee shop, The Orange Spot, has a killer Chai Tea Latte and an equally awesome green smoothie. I see lots of Saturday morning walks down there to get my morning fix. We purchased snacks and bevs from them both mornings of the filming.

By 1 pm, we were starving and went BACK to EVO for day two of pizza. When we returned to the house we were tired, but continued filming until about 6 pm. The crew was so amazing and helped me get the furniture back in the house, then when they left I rearranged the other items I had shoved in the one bedroom (now moved into another room for filming purposes). I was ready to crash last night, but managed to stay up to watch the series finale of Downtown Abbey. Today is Monday and I should be at work, but I took the day off so I can get to the doctor to see about some pain management (the move hasn't helped and I've been dealing with major pain for a few months now). I'm going to try and take it easy today, although there is so much work to be done to get the house ready for when House Hunters returns in a few weeks. 

Even with all the "stuff" that's been going on and the fact that most people would be a little stressed over juggling so much, I'm excited and thankful for all that has occurred. Although it's been a crazy whirlwind, I feel extremely blessed to say that this house, this life, this mess is mine.

Team Effort

I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "it takes a village." I mean to tell you this is the truth in my life right now. If I didn't have such a wonderful support system, I wouldn't be where I am today. I have had, as you know, a whirlwind of a few months. I have finally set the date for my closing (this Friday!!), I have the House Hunters formal offer letter, I have the job I'm currently working AND a few other opportunities I've been offered for down the road, and I am slowly but surely getting things ready to move into the new property.

With buying a new house, lots of other things have come up that of course cost ridiculous amounts of money. You're told, at the beginning, that your down payment and closing costs are going to cost x, but then more and more gets added on to this amount. I knew this before getting myself involved with the process of purchasing my own home, but you never really know what ALL will come to fruition. I get paid bi-weekly, which is great because in China it was once a month. Even with a set salary though, I still work my tail off babysitting and dog sitting because a) I love it b) it's great extra cash and c) I want to make sure I'm always able to have a little fun with extra funds.

As you know, while waiting to move, I've been staying with Mom, my friend Caroline, and another fab friend, Sarah. I've been house/pet sitting on IOP every other weekend for an amazing family and even my REALTOR had me "house sit" for her when she recently went out of town. I'd say that's above and beyond the call of duty! I'm tired of being a nomad, but I SO appreciate the help I'm getting from everyone, and having the flexibility to move place to place has been good because I don't feel I'm really outstaying my welcome anywhere (although others may feel differently).

Earlier this week, I transferred my downpayment from one account to my checking, and immediately I went out and bought a couch. Funds down, I started to panic because I knew I had to keep a certain amount in the bank to ensure there would be no issues with closing. I texted several great friends for whom I babysit and I said "Please let me know if you need anyone this week; I'm trying to keep my head above water." Side note...I'm not ashamed of asking for help. I like nice things. If I can solicit work to help me get those nice things, I'm all about it.

SO, because I have AMAZING friends, I got extra cash in a couple of days. One awesome lady said she'd pay me whatever I needed up front and let me work for her after. I haven't had to take her up on this yet, but what an offer! Another great friend is paying me ridiculous amounts for hanging with her children, whom I love to pieces and would totally keep for free. My mom even said she was sure that I was getting paid more just because they know I can use all the help I can get right now. Either that, or since moving to China, the cost for a babysitter has increased drastically. Either way, without these two fabulous Mom's, I might be terrified about the upcoming expenses.

I was paid again yesterday and so I was feeling good about money in the bank, but one of those "unexpected costs" came up at 4 pm. I was on the phone with the insurance people and I had to go ahead and pay one year upfront for my flood insurance. It wasn't a huge fee, about $415, so when he asked if I'd like to pay debit or credit, I went the debit route because I'm trying NOT to use my credit cards for anything until I can pay them off. As you know, when the cash is gone, it's gone, but I'm ok with that this morning too. Although disappointed I can't go get the gorgeous antique dresser I wanted today, I am proud that I made a decision to prioritize my spending. I still have to offset the cost of the refrigerator for the new house (the seller is giving me money to buy, but not enough money for the fridge I want). Oh, and I have to buy a washer and dryer too. Maybe Lowes low/no interest credit will work for this. ;)

One of my other goals for coming home (besides really catching up with friends and family) was to make some new friends...ahem, friends that might turn in to more. I'm not crazy like "I have to get married now," but I'm ready for this, and have been for a long time, if the right person comes along. I have totally been against the whole online dating thing because quite honestly, it freaks me out, but my friend Luke, an Irish guy I love and respect, talked me into a little app this week, so I gave in and enrolled. Immediately I had some connections and one person in particular started messaging. I have to write this next bit for your comedic relief (and this is not on the the guy at all because he was super nice and I'm excited to see him again), but here's the story of our first date.

We messaged a few times back and forth throughout the week and then, on Friday, I was out on a field trip with my kids when I received another message from him. I had told him that I was babysitting for my sister on Friday night so she could go to the Garth Brooks concert. He had mentioned earlier that he had tickets and was going also. Around 1 pm I get the message, "What are the odds of you finding someone else to babysit tonight?" I responded that actually I was free because I had mistaken the dates of my sister's tickets. He then asked if I'd like to join him, so I agreed.

I realized that I wouldn't be getting home from school until 3:30 or after and he had said he'd pick me up at 5 so we could grab a quick bite before the show. The funny thing of course was that he was going to pick me up from my mom's house, where I'm currently spending the week. The next thought was, "shoot, I don't have clean clothes." Living out of a suitcase means I have what I have, so I messaged Mom to see if she could throw some jeans in the wash for me, "Mom, any chance you could wash my dark clothes for me? I think I might have a date tonight..."

Mom wrote back that she would, but she wasn't home yet. There might have also been a response of, "A date?!" A few minutes later I got a text that my brother had stopped by Mom's house and he'd throw my clothes in the wash. Ok, so now the brother is involved. He writes me, "They just finished washing. I'll stick them in the dyer...what's the setting?" I'm dying laughing at this because I can recall ONCE in my life when my brother did my laundry before...Mom was out of town and he and Dad were taking care of me when I had my surgery. This was too funny.

I got home to my brother still at Mom's house and of course I thanked him for helping me get ready for my date...team effort and all. The story gets even better though.

My mother, after Daddy passed, decided she wanted to work some, so she took a job at the performing arts center and coliseum selling tickets, guiding people to their seats, etc. Guess what show she was working Friday night?

Mom heads off to work, I get ready, and my date picks me up. On the way, I tell him there's a chance he'll meet my mother and explain that she's at the show. He seems tickled by the idea.

When we find our seats, and get settled, I hear voices calling "Hannah," so I turn around and two rows back are some amazing parents of two equally amazing kiddos I taught at Stiles Point. Now I feel a little funny like maybe they'll know it's a first date and they're watching! I've got them over my shoulder and Mom somewhere possibly spying.

Meanwhile, my date, who seemed to get a kick out of the fact Mom is around, starts scanning the crowd trying to find her (but he's never met her so of course he doesn't know what he's looking for). I'm sort of on alert too, not out of nervousness, but just because I wonder where she is. I didn't have any luck finding her though, so my attention went back to the show. ;)

At one point during the concert, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood sing a duet, and while doing so, there's a giant kiss cam capturing people sharing their affection. My date looked over at me and said, "We have to do it." Fortunately or unfortunately, we didn't get caught on tape so there was no awkward kiss on the big screen (with my mother possibly watching).

About 3/4 of the way into the show we spotted my mother, and I got all emotional because Garth sang some newer song called "Mom." My date was very sweet about it.

I had to giggle all night about the great team effort in getting me ready for my first date back in the states. Again, it's so nice to be home. There are a million reasons it's good to be back, and having support from loved ones is definitely at the top of that list. So house, dates, work, whatever life brings, I'm ready because I have a lot of Charleston backing me. Yay for home!

Bittersweet Bliss

I've been home just under two months now and I have enjoyed every minute of my time with friends and family here in Charleston, but even now, I'm still feeling a twang of guilt for having left my babies in China.

In the little time I've had at home, I've found a house and begun purchasing items for it to make the space my own. I've purchased lovely Chinoiserie silk to cover my new dining room chairs. I've had my eye on Chinese corner chairs and chests for decorating. I've been to the Chinese grocery store at least twice to stock up on items I'm missing (tofu noodles and ingredients for dim sum).  I have planned to do my reveal (if I get chosen for House Hunters) with a traditional Chinese red tea that I brought from, well, you know where. It's really funny how China followed me home.

Last night, I took two of my favorite kiddos in Charleston to see the new Kung Fu Panda movie, and nut that I am, I cried the whole way through. "Oh dumplings," I thought. I'm a mess, really. FYI though, the movie is precious and not sad (except for maybe one or two parts, but it's all good in the end).

When we left the movie and drove back out to Wadmalaw where the children live, I sent them inside to get changed into pjs and I stayed out with the dogs for a minute. I couldn't take my eyes off the sky. There were hundreds of stars twinkling in that clear black expanse. I promise I will never take stars for granted again. I was so sad that I couldn't capture the beauty of that moment. I wanted to share that view with my students in China, because I know unless they've traveled far from Dongguan, they've never seen a sky like that.

This afternoon, I went to a new spa downtown called Salt. I hadn't really thought of the name before going for my massage. My sister had recommended it and my mom, since she gave me no birthday present in September when I was living abroad, offered to pay for my treatment. I walked into the space and immediately began to tear up. Salt lamps were everywhere. I was given a salt lamp when I lived in China...waaa.

Over the course of the last week or so, I messaged back and forth with two friends, both international teachers, as they debated what they'd be doing next year. I listened to them list the pros and cons of their options for the future. Belgium, Doha, Lithuania, Bangkok. As they went through the motions trying to decide what their next step would be, I felt a little jealous knowing that I'm not moving anywhere.

This statement will sound crazy to most of you because I am currently buying a house, but you have to know me, and know travel, to understand it.

For most people, buying a house would be a "trap" into staying in one place. For me, I think it'll be even more of a reason and an opportunity to travel. I am looking at getting out of the classroom and into consulting. Having my home base will be absolutely vital for my mental health (the short chakra cleansing meditation I did this morning is example enough of how necessary this house is to me).

As grateful as I am for all the wonderful people who have opened their homes to me in the last few weeks, having my own space, the type of space I design to help me rejuvenate after a long day, will bring even more positive energy into my life, and that energy will be shared with guests who visit through AirBnB and Home Exchange. There again, who chooses a house based on what they think their guests may like? That'd be me, and ask my casting producer, I did talk a lot about just that in my auditions.

These examples are a small glimpse into my daily life. Moments of pure bliss clouded occasionally by a bittersweet taste of sorrow...sadness that I no longer have what I did, but then, I realized something as I was driving today.

I DO have the best of both worlds. How many people can say in the last five years that they've lived in four different countries and visited countless more? How many people have made the vast number of friends I have or experienced the insane yet wonderful cultural differences of people from around the world? How many people can return to a place like Charleston, which I proudly call home, and jump right back into the swing of things almost, ALMOST, as if nothing has changed?

The most wonderful part of it all is that bittersweet bliss. I am thankful for the pleasure I find in the small moments here, and I am equally grateful for the memories I have from my time away. I cry a lot, but that's nothing new. The beauty is that my tears now are less painful and a more pleasant reminder that I am truly, unbelievably, and unquestionably blessed.

Adventures at Home and Abroad

Welcome to my new page! HESathomeandabroad is going to be my new blog, a sequel to both HESinIreland and HESinChina. For those of you who don't know me, here's a quick summary of my story.

In 2011 I moved from my hometown in Charleston, South Carolina to Dublin, Ireland after losing my dad to Cancer. I lived in Dublin 6 months, then moved to Milan, Italy for six months totaling one year abroad. I had traveled a lot, but I'd spent most of my time in Charleston where I grew up, went to college for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, then began my teaching career. Moving abroad was a huge step for me.

In June of 2012, I moved back to Charleston and resumed teaching at the school where I'd spent the previous 6 years, Stiles Point Elementary. After two more years there, the itch had to be scratched, so I moved to China!!

A year and a half quickly passed, and although I had not fulfilled my two year contract, I knew it was time to move back home. So many things happened...I took them as signs that it was time to move on.

Not knowing what lie ahead for work, living, or anything else really, I resigned from my teaching position at the International School of Dongguan, packed my apartment, payed $2500 cash to ship things home, boarded a plane, and tried not to look back. These things happened in the short span of two weeks.

My move was very difficult for me because a) I'm not a quitter b) I take my responsibilities very seriously c) I become very connected to people and places and d) I left China with a little anger and disappointment in those I felt had betrayed me. Despite of all this, I knew the future was bright.

On December 19th, I flew from Hong Kong to Charleston. I arrived on a sunny day, my brother picked me up from the airport, and just like that, I was home.

Prior to leaving China, I made a few Facebook posts about coming home to no job. Although some people threatened I'd be "blacklisted" from education for breaking my contract, I had an amazing support system at home and fortunately, a good reputation with those that knew me from before. I was offered many opportunities for work ranging from babysitting to working for my old boss from college to teaching at multiple locations. I also was offered some consulting positions for a few companies and although nothing came immediately in the way of something permanent, I was reassured that the right thing would come along.

Right before Christmas, I interviewed for a position teaching grade 5 at a school where a friend works. I didn't hear from the school over the holidays, but shortly after the New Year, I was offered a contract. They assured me they wanted me from the first minute we spoke, but that protocol with the district had held things up. No matter the wait, I knew this was a great chance for me.

First of all, in order to survive, most of us must have a job. That's the way the world works for the middle class. I also knew that I wouldn't be able to buy a house without a steady income, so although I want to consult, this position made the most sense. Second of all, I felt like Karma was giving me a great big chance to make up for leaving my kids in China. Broken hearted for what I had done to my sweet students in Dongguan, I wanted to make up for it in some way. The position in Charleston was to take over a class that had been "abandoned" by another teacher who left for her own personal reasons. I don't blame the teacher one bit, as I did the exact thing. We each have to look out for our own best interests, after all, but I know what this can do to a group of kids. I wanted, from the bottom of my heart, to step in to reassure these students of their importance and to drive them towards success.

Being that I moved home and felt the pull to "nest" here, I began looking for a house. This process had started in China actually as I searched the web for listings, but one weekend recently, I went to see a tiny little property with a friend, and the next week I set an appointment to view several properties with my realtor. We viewed 5, but one stuck out in both of our minds and so we returned to look at it once again. After a night of reflection, I decided to make an offer.

The next day, during my "new teacher" training for Charleston County School District (my third time to sit through this orientation), I texted back and forth with my realtor who drew up the papers and bam, I was buying a house.

In less than a month of moving home, after so much uncertainty but an unwavering faith, I have secured a job and agreed upon a contract to buy my first home.

I saw a post on Instagram the other day and it made me cry (this of course is not unusual). It simply said, "You wouldn't be who you are or where you are today without all of the difficult times. Be thankful even during the trials."

If I learned anything during the turbulent two weeks in China and then the few that followed, it was that no matter what, the Lord is looking out for me. He has an amazing plan for my life and I'm so very happy to have kept the faith through all I endured to be where I am right now. My house, if all goes well, will close at the end of February. I am thrilled to pieces and I so look forward to the months ahead. Even though I'm purchasing a home and I am certain there will be adventures both good and bad with this huge step in my life, my travels are of utmost importance to me too, and I know, despite my mortgage and other expenses, where there's a will, there's a way. I look forward to my adventures at home and abroad, and I hope you'll stay tuned to hear all about them!