Nicole Carina

Tom and I made it to downtown Wilmington today in time to catch the last bit of the Azalea Festival

He let me grab his camera to take these two pics of the bridge and the Henrietta…

… but then took it back and started shooting a few of me.

After walking around and seeing the venders, we ate at Dock Street and then came here to take pictures.  I really enjoyed walking around downtown Wilmington again, especially since it was such a beautiful day.  The sun setting on the water and the historic buildings has always been so beautiful to me.  Downtown Raleigh is nice, but nothing beats the riverwalk.

Today was moving day for me, I said goodbye to Wilmington and hit the road for Raleigh.

I took a few more pictures but I’m too exhausted to post much else right now, lol.  Here’s one for now, I’ll post more tomorrow.

Yesterday I went to Wrightsville Beach for a while before doing more packing. It was a beautiful day, I walked around taking pictures and enjoying the weather.

I love standing at the edge of the ocean and looking out at the waves and think about how small it makes me feel.  It always reminds me of how big God is, it’s a very comforting thought. As I was sitting there watching the waves I thought about all the times I’ve come there to get away from everything and just think, or cry or pray.  Sometimes I would bring my journal or my bible and just try to make sense out of everything.  I even came here once after staying up all night to watch the sunrise over the ocean.

Needless to say, I’m really going to miss being so close to the beach.

Last night Jackie invited me out for one last girl’s nite out before I moved, I’m so glad I went I had so much fun with her, Pari, and Desirae.

With Jackie, my partner in crime

Some of the VZW boys were there

Somehow I was dragged on stage to help sing karaoke… not quite sure how that happened.

Overall a great night.

Today was my last day at Verizon Wireless…

It didn’t really sink in until today that I wouldn’t be coming back to the place where I’ve worked for the last 6 years. Every job will get on your nerves but overall VZW has been a pretty good place to work. It was this job that made me move to Wilmington, and start a very important chapter in my life. It was my first full time job, and my ticket to independence when I needed to start over and finally grow up.

I got to say goodbye to my friends which was kind of sad even though I know I can come visit whenever I want.  Everyone has been very supportive and encouraging, even the security guard I always see when I leave at night. As I left I gave him my badge and told him that today was my last day, he said he would miss me and wished me luck.

It’s going to be a little scary starting a new job after being used to doing things the same way for so long, but I’m confident that I can handle it.  VZW has served it’s purpose, but it’s time for the next part of my life to begin. As I walked out the door I took one last look at the pansies planted beside the entrance, felt the sun on my face, and the warm breeze blowing… and said goodbye to my job at Verizon Wireless.

Tonight after work I went to Pomegranate Books for the February ILM TweetUp.

Sarah, Jeremy, Anne, and Hodie

Sarah put together another great tweetup tonight, I got there kind of late due to work but still had time to see everyone and mingle a little bit.

Dawn and a friend (I didn’t catch your name, sorry!)

*edit – I found out Dawn’s friend’s name, it’s Elizabeth, great to meet you!*

I caught a quick picture of Dawn before she had to leave, I wish I had a chance to spend more time with her before she left, we had  fun talking at the last tweetup I attended.

Anne and Katherine, the hosts of the TweetUp at Pomegranate Books

I always enjoy catching up with people I’ve met before but tweetups are also about making new connections.  Tonight I had the pleasure of meeting Anne and Katherine. Anne and I had a great conversation about counseling and social work, it’s inspiring to meet someone who’s passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.

I am also the proud owner of a Buy Local ILM sticker! Thanks Gayle and Jennifer, it was great to see you tonight!

So in keeping with the Things I Love Tuesday tradition:

Twitter – I love being able to connect with people I wouldn’t normally get to meet.

Buy Local ILM – supporting our local economy is and businesses is SO important!

Networking – even though I don’t do it for business I love making connections with interesting people.

Also: great conversations, meeting new people, the first days of warm weather at the end of winter, a glass of white wine at the end of a long day, books, cool dogs in bookstores, laughing,