Wednesday, August 15, 2007

My thoughts


I got an email from a friend inquiring about when we are going to put our house on the market. Such excitement to know that someone is interested in MY home. Yet so sad to think that soon it will be occupied by different owners. Someone else will hear the pitter-patter of little feet on my tile floor. Someone else's keys will turn to open the front door.

My time in my beloved "city beneath the sea" is coming to a close. Nine years of living in the deep south. I keep asking myself have I seen, have I done, have I eaten, have I experienced all that this city has to offer? My answer is always NO, and I probably won't accomplish all of things that I would like to in the next ten months that I have left.

I did decide today... I will walk away from this city, and my house with lots of memories. It is the place where two angels where given to me, I learned I could do things on my own, I learned how to be a better mother, a better wife, a better friend, I found courage that I didn't know I had, I learned I could rely on others, I found strength that I didn't think I had, I learned to go outside my comfort zone, and most importantly I learned that I all I really need is MY little family.

This city, this NOLA of mine will forever be apart of my life and my heart. I always hope that my heart flutters a little faster when I see a Fleur De Lis, or when I hear a little jazz music. I hope my children will always respect this culture that has been apart of their little lives. I hope that I will always be called Ms. Allison, and my children will do the same to whom they come in contact with. Most of all I don't want to ever forget this journey, and the people that I have met along the way. I will not forget this Louisiana home.








14 Comments:

Blogger jenny said...

And you said you couldn't write?? Just think it will be a great place to go back and have awesome getaways. Then hopefully we won't feel TOO guilty going to Commanders or any other restaurants we may have missed along the way.

August 15, 2007 at 9:21 PM  
Blogger Jill said...

How much longer do you guys have? Isn't a year still? It's kind of interesting that you know this and can take advantage of that knowledge and really savor everything. Most of the time with job changes there isn't a lot of notice so you don't get to enjoy everything in that way. Interesting.

August 15, 2007 at 11:32 PM  
Blogger Melissa said...

I don't think that I can think about MORE people leaving just yet!

August 16, 2007 at 7:54 AM  
Blogger Lucy said...

Nine years in any place is significant, but I'll agree that NOLA seems special and I haven't even been there. I'd like to some day. In a time when most large cities end up being exactly the same, with the exact same stores and restaurants etc, I can't think of any city like it. It must be fun to celebrate its uniqueness.

I think you've got a great attitude and seem to be starting your last year off great. Get it all in! Then come back west with full satisfaction:)

And I concur...you write very well.

August 17, 2007 at 7:41 AM  
Blogger Kristel said...

I have to admit I have my good days and bads days being in this city...but I do love it and think it will only get better and better. Too bad we are just beginning here and you are wrapping up! Atleast we have a little while to get to know your great family...and get some ideas from you about things to do here!

August 17, 2007 at 9:31 AM  
Blogger camielle said...

Leaving New Orleans has been much harder than I anticipated. There is some sort of magic about the stinky, sweaty, pothole-filled city that you just can't replace. It is a place that had to grow on me and in the end I thought that I was ready to leave, but change has been more difficult than I expected. Oh, how I long for a familiar face on Sundays...Enjoy your final stretch in NOLA, it has become quite the place for your little family. It is great that your kids are old enough to have their own Louisiana memories. We miss you guys!

August 17, 2007 at 2:49 PM  
Blogger michelle said...

I didn't realize you were so close to leaving NOLA -- I guess because you only recently returned? I think it's wonderful that you know your time there is limited and therefore you can take advantage of the time you have left to the fullest. It sounds like you have learned quite a lot about yourself while living there -- always a good thing.

August 18, 2007 at 6:53 AM  
Blogger Jordan said...

So you guys will move this coming summer? I guess you'll be heading back to Utah. My parents are selling their house, it is hard to let things go that held so many memories for your family.

August 19, 2007 at 10:58 AM  
Blogger rebecca said...

Wow, 10 months - and they will fly. NOLA is tough to bid farewell to, for sure. I am so proud of you, Alli! What a great way to take stock of your blessings and notice the growth you've had over these years.
Can't wait to hear how the school year goes for the kids!

August 19, 2007 at 11:36 PM  
Blogger Tanya said...

NOLA just does something to you. We were only there a portion of the time you were, but it will forever have a special place in our hearts. I don't know if it's because it's where we made our first big move as a family, or it if the magic of the city.
I'm excited to see where the Materns go next!

August 20, 2007 at 7:59 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

you described my feelings about that dear city so well. I only lived there for 4 years, yet NOLA can grow and consume your heart in such a short amount of time! I just love it!

August 20, 2007 at 4:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hoorary! You are back! Yahooo! I have been very sporadic with blogging myself ... I have missed your posts and am glad to get a much needed Matern update!

Leaving New Orleans will tear your heart out. It just will. Sorry, I can't sugar coat it. But the city never really leaves you. Aren't we so forunate to have lived there? Honestly, sometimes I shake my head and wonder how I got to be so lucky. What a place. Eat your fill at Dickie's and wander the Quarter and gaze at the Lake and do all the things that you love to do. Ten months will fly.

That's great someone is interested in your house! Selling a home is a big project - one that I hope goes quickly and smoothly for you guys. And us too! :)

August 20, 2007 at 10:50 PM  
Blogger Brook said...

There really is no better place to start a family! I feel the same way as most that are lucky enough to live there. I love the cajun blood that will always run through our veins. There really is no place like NOLA. If anyone of your potential buyers want a place on the lake send them our way.

August 21, 2007 at 1:47 PM  
Blogger sara b said...

Oh the memories! We are itching to get back there and it looks like we should in the next 10 months if we want to see your family while we are in town! NOLA is a place like no other and I love that I got the chance to live there. . . so blessed were we! It surely will be hard to leave behind those nine life changing years and move on. . . but change is always good too! Best wishes these last months! Get a snowball for me and take a walk on the levee.

August 22, 2007 at 4:41 PM  

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