Wide open spaces

"Who doesn't know what I'm talking about? Who's never left home, who's never struck out, to find a dream and a life of their own, a place in the clouds, a foundation of stone." -Dixie Chicks

Hey sweet blog readers :)

Only 6 DAYS until I leave for England with my hot aunt Nessy. YEAH! I could not be more excited. My grandparents grew up in England and this will be the first time I will visit their home land. This is something I have dreamed about my entire life...and it is finally becoming a reality.

Every time I write a blog, it's always some new crazy idea...but that's just me :) a little spontaneous....just like my mom was at this age....

I am not sure how to explain this next part... haha, but I will do my best. The past few weeks since returning from Hawaii I have spent a lot of time thinking about my life. I have done a lot of soul searching. I am kind of at a crossroads in my life...newly unemployed (by choice), having my best friend move 3,000 miles away, and being newly single....some things in the life of Elise have gotten a bit turned upside down....but in a good way. I have had a LOT to think about. To be honest, I am so happy with this new sense of freedom, adventure and independence. Sometimes I feel like, is this really my life? I've always been the "Santa Clara faithful" chick. Never having moved away to explore different cities, friends, jobs... I am finally ready to spread my wings. Things I would have been nervous about in the past, I am eager for now. Things that would have scared me in the past, I am ready to take them on! Thinking about leaving is not longer a fear, but a NEED.

Where I am at right now is...what do I want to do? Where do I want to go? What places do I want to see? It really came after the whole Hawaii moving thing didn't work out, my best friend asked me "If you could move anywhere, where would you move?" I honestly couldn't give her an answer....where would I move? Where would I fit in? ...moving to Hawaii is Liz's dream, a beautiful place that I know she will thrive. It brings out the best in her. This whole experience, thinking I was moving to Hawaii, then not moving...really was the best thing that could have happened to me. I need to discover myself...and follow MY dreams... I am a country girl at heart, even growing up in California I have always had the dream of moving to some country town, USA. In high school I dreamed of moving to Texas....For me, moving to the country, to a country music town, is EXACTLY where I need to be. This is my dream, my roots. My parents both lived in San Antonio, Texas for a few years and absolutely fell in love with country music and those perfect sunsets. Not to mention the awesome night life, country bars, and genuine people.

"She's gone country, back to her roots, she's gone country, look at them boots"

I thought about moving to Hawaii, because it's easy, my cousin lives there, my best friend is there..and it is amazingly beautiful. (hot guys too!) I have realized that it's time to follow my goals. With that said...I have 5 cities in mind. Two of them are the top contenders for where I am potentially going to move.
1) Nashville, TN....the country music capital of the world. aka the LA of country music.
2) Austin, TX....the live music capital of the world.

First, I have these non-refundable tickets that need to be used to go to Hawaii. Since I did not move I have a free round trip that needs to be used within a year. So I am going to Hawaii on September 27th to stay with my cousin David for awhile. Maybe a month...my Dad is going in late October so since I have no job. Might as well go hang out, enjoy the island, and all of what Hawaii has to offer. Relax and enjoy being 21, and soak in this time of transition. It will give me some time to plan out, and figure out, where my next step or destination might be.. I can't wait to hike, go to beautiful beaches, and meet some new faces. After that I will come back to California, save up a bit of money, pack up my jetta, and move to a new state, a new city and a brand new beginning :)

I have already started looking in Nashville & Austin, HOLY COW rent is cheap haha I am living in the most expensive place in the US. jeeeez!! All of the people I have met so far through contacting jobs, and places to live, are SO nice. I couldn't believe it. I have already made some friends haha.

I know one thing for sure, England is going to be AMAZING!! I have just started packing. There are so many things to remember to pack. Who knew I would need a "foreign electricity converter kit" ?!?

As my friend Ashley put it...."One GIRL...5 cities. A former- brunette- now- dazzling blond on a mission...to EAT PRAY LOVE."

On another note, I got to spend some time with my blondie cousin Christy!! I love her so much and we are always traveling, and all over the place that we rarely get to hang out. The other day we got a chance to spend a day together in santa cruz! It was so great to catch up with my newly 21 year old cuzzy. She had some great tips for me about to embark on this trip to England. She just got back from London not too long ago. So we had PLENTY to talk about. Love you cuz!


Thanks to everyone who is a supporter, encourager and motivator in my life :) I love you guys.

Elise Diane

the best year ever!

Aloha friends :)

I am updating because I just got home from Hawaii a few days ago! My second trip of the year so far, and it was completely amazing. I finally got a chance to see my best friend Liz who I hadn't seen since June. The last time we saw each other, she was dropping me off at the airport to go on my cruise. The five hour flight had me on the edge of my seat just waiting to re-connect with my best friend in the whole world. We had a blast the 6 short days I was there...and made the most of it! I knew instantly we would get back to our joking, laughing, and dumping out ALL of our clothes for the other to see.

My Dad was with me on this little trip to the island. He stayed in downtown Waikiki (at a really nice hotel I might add) while I stayed with Liz in her beautiful apartment. Most days Liz would go to work and I would cab it down to meet my Dad and do a little shopping/drinking ;) Then when Liz would get off work, I'd meet back up with her. One of the days when she had the day off, we went to the north shore to Sunset beach. The four of us went snorkeling in crystal clear water. Then lounged on the beach until we decided to move to our next stop, SHAVE ICE at Motsumotos. Yum. What a perfect day.

Another day I went with Liz on a drive. It was a little rainy that day so we decided to look for the "Black Pearl" ship that was used in filming of the newest pirates of the Caribbean movie! We ended up finding it with a little help from our IPhones. Even though there was no Johnny Depp in sight. It was still awesome to this this cool pirate ship docked so close.

I also got to visit with my cousin David! He came out to dinner with us on the first night, but that was the only night we got to hang out. I will be seeing a lot more of him on my next trip out there...

I had a wonderful time. I loved seeing my best friend who I miss dearly. I fell in love with Hawaii

all over again, and finally got to see other parts of the Island that weren't so touristy. Of course regret my decision not to move there when I had the opportunity. but things can change though right? .................;)

Soon I will be off the ENGLAND!! A little less than 3 weeks and Aunt Nessy and I will be on our way. My very third trip of the summer, but very first time to Europe! Finally I get to see where my family originated. I am in LOVE with 2010, and feel like I am growing and learning so much about myself every day. I can honestly say that I have discovered more about myself this summer than I have in my entire life. It has been a roller coaster of fun, adventures, lessons, and even hard decisions...but overall I am so happy to be exactly where I am. Not knowing what the future holds.

My cards are still in production...just trying to find time for it all! More updates soon.

Loves!

Elise Diane