Hibernatin' Weather

It has already been one full year since Bubba and I did our 'tropical' escape, having spent our entire mele kalikimaka December on the isle of Oahu, eating snow cones and roaming around in tank tops and flip flops on hot island sand.

This year, I am wrapped up in thick insulated gloves, binis, earmuffs, scarf and boots. I made it here to Tennessee. The temps are in the teens...but with the windchill factor, it feels like it is below zero. I'm overloading on my alcohol, sweets and taking extra naps. The days are short and I feel like an animal in hibernation.

Bubba has his apartment all set up here in the country. It is heartwarming to see him taking on such a pro-active role as a single father. I am almost tempted to dive right in and join him in this new world...but quick to remind myself of my new home that awaits me back in SF, the one on top of the cliff overlooking the lively, blue Pacific Ocean.

Kat remarked, ever so lightly, about having me here to 'raise' her. I tell her that I've considered it but I also have a steady job and life away from here. It is a set-up that I am not ready to abandon. She understood and said I didn't need to make the sacrifice.
It is refreshing to be able to reason with her and to have such openness with her. On the flip side, I am forced to question this detachment. Why do I choose to be so far away from the arms and warmth of my lover, from his daughter who I adore and get along with so well...to be on the other side of the country making my way in a job where there is daily stress and struggling?

However, I am also savoring my personal time. There is a reason for all of this.
As I get older, many of my friends are echoing the same universal sentiment and that is, 'everything happens for a reason.'

What's two years apart if Bubba and I are meant to have forever?