bold truths

While it's not news to most of you, but I'm not a pretty openly emotional person ... although, if you've ever dated me, you've seen right through my thick exterior. It takes a lot for me to trust you, let alone let you in my circle of emotion. And even then, you might not ever see it. It's not because I don't enjoy being social (which sometimes, I don't) and it's not because I don't want people to get to know me. It's pretty much just because there are very few people in my life that don't leave or reciprocate. Not to brag, but I'm a pretty amazing person, so it really is their loss. Okay, so the point of all this:  Lately my most recent 'life-changing event' is that my dad has reentered my life.   Short story made shorter: Got a letter Christmas Eve. Sent an email. Got a phone call Christmas day. Sent back and forth some emails between then and now.... and now he's coming to Atlanta on business.. in 6 days...Yeah, in 144 hours ~17 years absence will be broken.   

::Deep breathes::

So a lot has changed in my life since I was a daddy's girl at  8-year old, glasses wearing, tom-boy .. Okay, well not a lot has changed, but a lot has happened. I've had so many successes and mini speed bumps in my life that he just wasn't a part of. I've had sports surgeries and triumphs. Learned how to drive a car, cook, be an adult. I've had my heart broken, learned how to be financially independent, graduated high school, received scholarships based on academics and character. I've completed an honors B.S. degree, bought real estate, traveled parts of the world, earned a Master's degree, moved clear across the country and back. I've busted by body being a rower, a coxswain, and then coached at the most prestigious regatta in the entire world....  I think the only stable thing in my life since then is my cat, Kujo. 


So where do I start ...  How's the weather? Are you healthy? Do you need a kidney? 


It all seems so surreal. I really don't have the right adjectives in my repertoire to clearly explain how I'm feeling. I'm anxious for sure. A little excited, but definitely nervous.  I know it's a heavy topic to blog about so openly, but I'm feeling pretty stoic about all of it as I'm processing, so it was now or never! Thanks for bearing with fellow-bloggies. 


Now I just hope I can recognize him ... I know there are a few more floating in the cosmos somewhere, but these 2 are the only picture I have of him. (Please note how cute of a 2 year old I was ...) 

 put next to a photo of me from 6 months ago, yeah, i'd say he's my dad for sure

I'm a pretty cute 2 yr old, I know