Austin has been my home for almost six years, and there have been some changes. It makes me sad to leave behind amazing friends, but I am excited to start my new chapter in New Zealand. Of course, creating a new life in a distant place is always a challenge, but this has been my life: move, settle, organize, and live, then move again. This is me.
This blog is dedicated to my friends in Texas. I had the privilege of meeting incredible people and being fortunate enough to have them as my friends. Each of them has unique qualities that I truly appreciate.
During my master’s degree internship, I had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people. One of them was my supervisor, Joy Ruth, a dedicated social worker who has committed her life to advocating for those in need. I learned a great deal from Joy, and I really miss the time I spent with her, listening to her clients in her office. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her.
A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have
– Irish Proverb
Veronica
During the second part of my internship, I worked at Travis County Jail. Surprisingly, I found that I enjoyed this job the most. The environment was oddly calming, despite the fact that it may seem strange to feel that way in a jail setting. However, given that I was struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, the jail environment made me feel safe, secluded, and protected. I had the chance to meet outstanding professionals and incredible people among the inmates.
I worked on facilitating therapy groups for male veterans, which not only helped me manage my own issues but also allowed me to form meaningful connections with the veterans. During this time, I had the pleasure of meeting Veronica, a fellow student working towards her bachelor’s in social work. She recently obtained her license, and I couldn’t be prouder. Congratulations, Veronica! She is brilliant and exactly what the social work profession needs.
I wish her all the best.
My Vets
I stayed in touch with some veterans from my therapy group: Hunter, Ken, and Tom. I wished them good luck in the new stage of their lives.
The Gym
After COVID-19, I started going to the gym to help me deal with my anxiety. I joined Lakeline Fit Body Boot Camp, where I met Emmanuel, the coach, his wife Bee, and their sister Yumi. They are all great people, and I had a blast with them while being part of the FBBC team. I hope they can visit us in New Zealand one day and bring the positive energy they always radiate.
Abigail is always ready to joke around and have fun. She cooks delicious meals and cakes. She made one for Yury’s birthday and recently made one for mine. It was divine! She is a good friend and is always ready to help. I hope to see her soon. Love you, girl!
Uma and Paul are a special couple. They are fun-loving and outgoing. We enjoy having dinners with them and being able to talk about everything without feeling judged. Being around them is comfortable and fun. Uma has become a special friend who has shown me affection and support when needed. Thank you.
Adriano and Jessica – we met them at the gym and became friends. I don’t know if it’s because Adriano is Brazilian, but I could speak with him in Portuguese. However, this couple is well-traveled and open-minded, which was definitely a quality that Yury and I appreciate.
Brendan
Brendan was my realtor. I have known him for a few years, and when it came time to sell my house, he was very professional and made things happen. Brendan is a sweet, understanding, helpful, and knowledgeable person. I enjoyed the conversation I had with him.
I hope he comes to visit us in New Zealand with his husband. If you are thinking of moving to Austin, please call my friend. He will take care of you. www.SanfordReality.com
Holly, Caleb, and Joe
Holly is an amazing friend. She has been a great help to me over the past few weeks as I’ve been trying to tie up loose ends before leaving for New Zealand. Holly has always been there for me, and I really appreciate her support. I also adore her lovely family. Her kids are a lot of fun, and Caleb often spends time with me. Joey, her fiancé, has a great sense of humor and is very kind. I want to thank Holly and Joey – you both have no idea how much I value your friendship.
Jeff
Jeff was my son’s friend, but he became our friend. He is a hard worker and always ready to help with anything we need during this transition period. He held onto Frodo and didn’t surrender him to the shelter for the last eight months. Finally, we placed Frodo with Tom, my exchange student in Portugal, and he is living a great life there. Jeff has a golden heart, and I wish him the best in the world. Thank you.
Xavier and Natalie
At a garage sale in my neighborhood, I met Xavier through his wife Natalie. They are a French couple, which immediately caught my attention because French is my first language. It’s difficult to find anyone here who speaks French, so meeting them felt like a little piece of heaven. As time passed, Xavier and I developed a close friendship.
My Neighbors
I will miss my closest neighbors. We had a group of friendly people. My next-door neighbor, Chris, and his wife are a young couple with fantastic humor. Gabe, the other neighbor, is very friendly and cooks terrific food. Last Halloween, he made unique dishes with scary decorations. Very cool. Gabe is a guy whom I could visit in his garage, where he usually relaxes and talks about all the things happening. We always have good laughs.
Chameron
Charemon is my hairdresser. I usually dislike hairdressers because I dislike the conversation and how they cut the hair, so it’s difficult for me to find anyone to enjoy the hairstyle and the conversation. I had one in La Crosse when I lived in Wisconsin, who is a great hairdresser and a unique hair artist. Anyway, I clicked with Cameron immediately. We spent some time in her salon, laughing and having a good time while she did my hair. And let me tell you, she is fantastic at what she does. Give her a call if you are in the area: www.txsalonsuites.com. Love you, girl.
Once again, thank you to all of you for being our friends. I hope we can stay in touch and maybe even visit New Zealand.
Mi casa es su casa!
Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born. – Anaïs Nin
