Topic #1: Friends, Glorious Friends

When Michael and I started dating several years ago, many of his friends lived in Dallas. Each time we visited I remember thinking, “Wouldn’t it be fun if we lived here too?” Well as you all know, here we are. Only problem? A lot of his friends are no longer in Dallas. Hilarious, no?

I never wrote about moving to Texas because it was too sensitive of a subject at the time. Not in a bad way, of course--we were both thrilled for a great job opportunity and new adventure, but we’d built a lot of wonderful friendships in Tulsa and that was so hard to leave. After Michael accepted the job and moved to Dallas, I didn't cry. I knew I was an emotional wreck but for some reason the tears wouldn’t come… until the day I left Tulsa.

I worked that day and had to say goodbye to my sweet church family. At 4:30 I grabbed my things and started driving. I was doing fine until I passed the sign that said, “Welcome to Texas” and I LOST IT. I cried. And cried. And cried. Out of sadness, out of happiness, out of total fear, and out of complete gratitude. I refuse to share the song that was playing on the radio when I crossed into Texas but every time I hear it I tear up because I remember that moment so well. Let’s just say it’s not a song that would make the average person cry. :)

I had this vision of us making friends by the dozens. I wouldn’t consider either of us extremely outgoing so I’m not sure why I ever thought it would be easy. We spent hours and hours with Karen and Myers, and I panicked because they were going to have a baby in December and we'd be abandoned. Now that Owen is here we (still) hang out with them constantly and are so grateful for their friendship. With that said, they have their own lives and friends and we both want and need the same.

Last week was one of my favorite Dallas weeks to date. I’ve gotten close to several girls at work and am part of a book club, photography club, and now an exercise challenge. We’ve hung out several times outside of work (with and without our husbands) and I truly value their friendship. Last Wednesday three of us went to the park and exercised together, which was good motivation for all of us. On Thursday I had lunch with two sorority sisters who live in Dallas and caught up on both of their lives. After work on Friday, Michael and I went to Preston Hollow Presbyterian’s happy hour and 20 people our age showed up. We’ve been visiting PHPC for several weeks and a couple who also went to University of Tulsa saw us and invited us to join the group. We had a great time and met some incredible people. We left the happy hour and met up with Myers, Karen, and Owen to drive to New Braunfels for our fun Labor Day weekend trip.

I realize I just filled the previous paragraph with 50+ adjectives but that tells you how amazing it felt to spend time with so many different groups and truly feel like a part of each one. A strong friendship takes hard work and I, more than anyone I know, struggle to do my part. But after experiencing a week like last week, it absolutely reaffirmed our need to be a part of something. Of many things.

We’re so ready.

And with that, I can officially (and finally) say that Dallas, Texas feels like home.