It will still have been worth it for the valuable insight into my life I have found in these last few days. I almost cannot bear the outpouring of love and support I have received from those whom I adore and those whom I barely know. I feel like I need to record this last week here so that I never forget the amazing things I have taken a part in and the wonderful people who have lead me on this great adventure.

Monday 4/27- Finished my semester by turning in my final two assignments. Heard some words I had waited too long to hear and found a newness to someone I thought I already knew. (yeah, It’s vague and cryptic, wanna fight about it?)

Wednesday 4/29- Last day at my internship. Said a quiet goodbye to my coworkers and any ideas of me being a saleswoman. Ate lunch at Peg Leg’s and went to a Wahoo’s game.

Thursday 4/30- Said goodbye to my long red hair and traded it in for a bobbed dark dark brown while hanging out with my sister and her kids. Got dolled up and went out clubbing with Sierra where I drank plenty and danced more. Midnight struck and I got birthday shots. Went to bed at 5 a.m.

Friday 5/1- My birthday! Fought through sleepiness from the night before as Hayden and I went sailing! Absolutely perfect weather meant that we had smooth sailing and I even helped to steer. We went to see Avengers: Age of Ultron and I fought sleep as I discovered that there was to be NO Loki in this particular Marvel film (what a shame). Went home to eat cake and La Hacienda and spent the evening with my parents and my guy. Sleepover!

Saturday 5/2- Graduation! Woke up early-ish to go to brunch with (most) every person I love- Mark, John David, Sierra, Hayden, Mom and Dad, Brother, Aunt and Grandmother. Ate good brunchy food at Pot Roast and Pinot and wished I had gotten French Toast instead. Took gorgeous photos outside of the restaurant with my lovely friends and I will probably cherish those photos forever and a day. Went with Mark in our caps and gowns to the Civic Center where we lined up, filed in, and sat down for a long and not-so-good ceremony. Graduated! Headed home and had a quiet get together with more friends (Mark, Sierra, Hayden, Dominic) and ate good pizza.

Sunday 5/3- Worked my last day at my job in Milton. Bittersweet and a bit lonely. Went home and celebrated my sister’s birthday with grilled snapper and baked beans. Officially unemployed!

Monday 5/4- Woke up early to help Hayden move dorms. Got in some conditioning for the trail by going up and down staircases (ha!). Went to the mall with Mark and then we made sushi as a surprise for me! It turned out much better than it should for a couple of idiots like us. Met up with mom for pedicures and got bright green toes for the trail. Went home and am now finishing up and tying loose ends. Realizing I have a ton of tiny little things to assemble and finish. Made a pot cozy and packed my food drop boxes. Took a good look around me and tried to soak up every moment.

Tuesday 5/5- Wake up and leave at 8 a.m. with Hayden. Say goodbye to parents and maybe cry a little. Arrive in Atlanta and check into our rented room. Go to the Georgia Aquarium and see some cool fish.

Wednesday 5/6- On this day, a day I arbitrarily chose over two months ago, drive two hours to Springer Mountain where Hayden and I will walk two miles of the Appalachian trail together. Say goodbye to Hayden and cry a lot. Dry tears with bandanna and get my ass on the trail.

No backing out now.

If your nerve deny you,

Go Above your nerve.