thank you, texas.

I honestly thought I would be in Texas forever. I thought this is where I'd meet my husband, raise my kids and work, forever. I fell in love with Texas the minute I stepped foot on her soil...and I still love her. I sure hate to leave her. I have to say that Texas is responsible for me being a grown up. When I crossed her state line, I was a broken mess. I had just left my fiance, job and home to start a new life away from everyone and everything I knew in Arkansas. Thank goodness for my best friend, Carly, who took me in right away. She gave me a place to live, helped me look for jobs...gosh, she even fed me when the need arose! Now, two years later, I feel complete again...finally. I have confidence again and I know I'm worthy of certain things in life. During my time in Texas, I have acquired a great job that's given me lots of experience, made some of the best friends, returned to school, regained my confidence through weight loss, bought a car and became a real adult. I'm not at all scared about moving back to Arkansas because I'm prepared. Because all that I've learned in Texas, I will be taking back with me to my hometown and putting to use.

Thank you Texas:
-for teaching me how to shoot a shotgun, now one of my favorite hobbies.
-for introducing me to the wonderful world of Texas Country Music.
-for making it possible for me to return to college.
-for introducing me to Riley Dean Sands, my love. :)
-for making me responsible for my own actions.
-for making me love a cookout more than a club night.
-for showing me the importance of family.
-for convincing me that sometimes girls nights are far better than dates.
-for showing me that you actually can love your job.
-for making me realize that marriage can wait, there's no rush.
-for showing me the importance of "friends like family."
-for giving me an entire summer to be irresponsible with my best friends.
-for introducing me to the beautiful sounds of Bleu Edmondson.
-for your sunny days and blue skies that kept me going.
-for making me feel the true pride that Texans have.
-for making me realize, again, that I do love a good pickup truck.
-for giving me my first pair of real cowboy boots.
-for making me more tom-boyish and not so dainty.

I could definitely go on and on about my love for Texas, but I do love Arkansas too! I'm extremely excited about being closer to my family, the prospect of a new job and new school, meeting new people and re-connecting with old ones...oh, and there's a boy. :) But, we won't talk about him for fear of jinxing it!! Let's just say, it's a good thing and I seem to be listening to "Boy Like Me" by Jessica Harp pretty often these days. :) You guys should definitely download that song, you'll love it!

As much as I'll miss my life in Texas, I am ecstatic about my move home! I always thought I'd end up in Texas, but my Papa said he always knew I'd come back home. He said, "Kasey, you always come back where you start." I guess he knows me all too well.

♥k