it's been a grand ride

Dear Logan Utah,
I have to thank you for pretty much everything! Twenty some-odd years ago you kept my parents here with you and for that I will always be in your debt. I can't imagine growing up anywhere else. You have provided the perfect atmosphere for me! We've had some amazing memories together! You have awed me with your beautiful night skies, stunning Autumn colors and bright shimmery snow. I have grown up to love the mountains and the outdoors because of you. I will miss your changing seasons and the new start and excitement it gave me. I will miss the family kite flying wars and the picnics that would follow. I'll miss my little house. I'll miss the little house that contained 6 loud people. I'll miss my cramped bedroom of three girls and the always-full refrigerator. I'll miss the backyard; the trees, the garden, grass but most of all rope swing! This list could go on forever but I hope you see the point that I love you, I couldn't have chosen a better place to grow up.
Logan, you gave me the opportunity to learn and grow! I can still remember songs and poems memorized at Hillcrest Elementry School. I remember, with a cringe, the awkward stage of Middle School at Mount Logan and then the exciting change into Logan High School. There I learned what I liked and what I couldn't stand. It was there where I started to define and discover myself!
But most of all, Logan, you have placed in my lap some of my biggest blessings, my friends! For the past two years I could not have been more happy with my choice of friends. They have made the difference in my life :) I have enjoyed their company and looked forward to the next time to be with them. We always had a fun time together be it playing nerts, analyzing each other late at night, playing Tetris, watching a movie or making a music video in my garage. I am constantly reminded how lucky I am when I turn around and see so many friends around me and I wonder how in the world did I get so lucky. Now Logan, you are aware that I am leaving you. This happens to be a goodbye letter, and I decided I really don't like goodbyes. Last night I had to say goodbye to some of those amazing friends and it was awful. It was a short little goodbye but it didn't make it hurt any less. I cried. Freak, I CRIED! I don't cry. So Logan I'm asking you a favor... will you watch out for my friends? I want them to have an amazing life, they deserve it :( let them know I miss and love them!
So you have now discovered this is a goodbye letter. Ya, I'm upset to be leaving but I'm so excited! I got offered a full time job in Texas as a Zoo Keeper at the same place I did my internship last year! I left this morning, early this morning, for my new adventure and home in Texas. I know what question you are dieing to ask... How long will I be there for? And the answer is I'm not sure. I have come to the conclusion that making plans and keeping to your plans are two TOTALLY different things. But I will say that I feel right being here! I could see myself here for the next chunk of my life. I don't know if that is going to happen but I am going to stay for the next year, for sure. So that is the "plan" as of now, is to stay, but I'll go with the flow and see where life has to take me!
I'll miss you Logan, take care. Watch over my family. I'm going to miss them, a lot. Ya they tease me like none other but I love them! So be good to them. I know I'll be away from them for a while and I am going to be missing out on family memories (which I am bummed about) but I get to be with them for all eternity :) so it's all good!
Fare thee well. I shall miss thee.
Love,  a very distant, Michelle Althouse