In my 30 years I have had 12 different addresses in 3 different states, 6 different cities and 2 different countries; counting my 4 immediate family members I have had 23 different roommates (that DOESN'T include the other 86 women I lived with in the sorority house!). While this isn't necessarily an accomplishment, I know it has shaped the person I am today. What I do consider an accomplishment is the ability to keep in touch with friends and family throughout all these moves, and always trying to be a better roommate, a better friend at the end. I have my parents to thank for this. My parents started a pattern of moving, because of my dad's job, shortly after they got married. However they were determined that location would never deter them from keeping friendships close, or keep them from creating a home no matter where they were.
We give my mom grief for her RIDICULOUS Christmas card list. The process of Christmas Cards at the Phillips' household is somewhat elaborate and quite the assembly line if you will. But every year my mom makes sure to include nearly everyone who has been a friend to our family and has supported us in some way. She (and my dad) have both taught me the importance of relationships that go beyond zip codes and the necessity of allowing life to teach you far more than your neighborhood ever could. I suppose this is why distance and location has never been a major issue for me. Move across to the other side of the world to go to college for one semester? Sure. Move 800 miles away to go to graduate school? Why not? Move the furthest south anyone in your family has ever lived, 900 miles away? Of Course!
Most of all I'm thankful for all of the people that have lived in each one of these places with me. It is my friends, my family and my roommates who have made each place feel like a home and more than just an address. Sure when I have to list all these addresses, its crazy, but it seems "normal" to me and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Terribly upset about something at our house on Camargo
In my 12 addresses I didn't even count the lake because I've never "lived" there - but it feels like another "home" and I'd sure like to live there some days!
With mom at the Kappa House - 512 Rollins!
With the Roller Family at our house on Hillary
With mom and dad at seminary graduation - where I first lived when I moved to Kentucky
Kate helped me decorate the tree when I lived on Indiana
I can never for the life of me remember this address - but I'm grateful Andrea was willing to take on another dog - yay Sally :D
With both of my families in Wellington, NZ - my home for 7 months in 2002
Me and Meghan on the day that is THE day at our house on Arlington - Happy St. Patty's Day!
3 comments:
I love this post! I lived at the same address for the first 18 years of my life and always wanted to move around. Larry and I have done that in our life together and I love it. While its hard to say goodbye, I have loved getting to know new friends in different places and discovering the culture in our new towns and cities.
Love it Laura...and Love you so-so-so much.....glad you feel we were good examples for those moves....We think it has helped all three of you be more adaptable to change, more open to other local cultures, and able to make lifetime friends easily.
something something somekind of circle. I don't always remember the address either but the good times and great conversations are always in my heart! Also, Bart misses Sally (and I miss you) something terrible!
Oh, now I remember Suffolk Circle...not a clue on the house number!
Great post love the 30 day count down-wish I had thought of it.
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