Home is wherever I'm with you.: On to the next one...

Well 2013 has just begun & I feel like 2012 was a dream. In July 2011 I met Paul in the city of sin. We decided to see where our feelings would take us. We wound up in Los Angeles together just a month later. From there we decided to begin our long distance relationship. Over the course of 2011 and into 2012 he flew to LA or Minneapolis to see me. Every time we parted ways things became increasingly more difficult. I was able to spend Thanksgiving, and Christmas with him. But not New Years Eve or his birthday. Then again for a pre-valentines day. On our trip to Duluth we realized just how deep our feelings were for one another. I put my heart on the table & told him I was willing to move to Australia. We only had a few days together to soak that decision in before he was to board a plane again. Then in March we met in LA again to look through the Visa paperwork with one another. I have to admit Paul did most of the research/work to get me over here. We initially decided that I would make the move in September. I had several weddings coming up for family and friends & I didn't want to miss them. However, as time continued to pass it was becoming increasingly more difficult to be apart. We moved up my move date to July. Between March and July we saw each other in May. I was a bridesmaid in my friend Katie's wedding. We got to have our first flight together to Florida. In June my wonderful big sister, Molly married her soulmate, Joe. I had a going away party in the end of June with some of my best friends. Paul flew over to help me pack and make the flight over. I was able to show him a proper local lake and cabin. My visa began on July 3rd 2012. I got a job after living here for only two weeks at the Williamstown, RSL (Retired Servicemen League) as a server. We made it to Western Australia for my birthday to meet Paul's family and some of his closest friends. After only being gone for six weeks we came back to the states for my friend Brittany's wedding in Tahoe. We were so lucky to have my Dad and brother fly into Tahoe to see us while we were in the country. Since Tahoe I've now seen Darwin, Sydney, and Perth several times. We made it home for Thanksgiving with my family. Paul has now experienced two Thanksgivings. I've been able to introduce him to nearly all of my family and friends. Here I am now six months in, and I can't believe how quickly time flies. I went from only ever being out of the country once before to living in basically the furthest country from home. It takes nearly 24 hours to get from Minnesota to Melbourne, sometimes two-three flights. I've had a few melt downs when I realize just how much I miss my family. But with that said this has bee an incredible experience for me. I've grown as a person since I've moved & I feel so lucky to continue to learn more about myself. Some bonds have been tested. I've become closer with some people since the move & lost contact with others. I'm looking forward to what 2013 has to offer. If it's anything like 2012 I'll be more than impressed.