Well, big news today. Hold on tight, k?
You see, God has a way of directing our lives. He leads us down a certain road for a reason. And while this road may move us forward, we often find ourselves going in and out of each lane or rather “changing lanes.”
One lane maybe the “fast lane,” super speedy and life in it just seems to whiz on by, sometimes losing control. Another lane might be stuck in “cruise control,” coasting along in life and keeping the same pace, which sometimes is a needed break. Then there is the “ the off ramp or the exit lane.” It’s the lane where God pulls you in whole new direction causing you to adjust quickly, but at the same time it’s exciting because it takes you in a whole new direction. A direction that leaves you wanting to see more.
Am I making sense to anyone? Hope so.
Anyways, a few weeks ago we saw that BIG exit sign and debated on whether to “change lanes” in order to take the off ramp. We thought about, prayed about, and told each other that we’d wait to see if things opened up. Well, they did, and we took it!
In a few months we’ll be heading down to New Zealand! We’ll be there for 3-4 months during their summer/US winter, staying on both the North and South Island. The hubs is excited to go back home to see friends and family. Lots of good training and a few KEY races (more on that later). I will be working on a few fun web-based projects as well as trying to sell Healthy Bites at the local farmers markets, etc. But most importantly, we’ll get a chance to slow things down and enjoy the present.
So much more to tell and I can wait to unfold it all. But for now, I will keep my eyes on the road while we shift lanes. Yeehaww!!
Cotter Crunch is going abroad!
We’re excited to take on this journey. Will you come with me please?
What lane are you in at the moment?
Cheers and thanks for always listening.
LC
I’m so excited for you! Can’t wait to hear about your trip!
Oh you know I will be posting all the way through. YEA!
OMG! Have fun 🙂
2 weeks and counting! EEK!
Yay! How exciting!! Those are some breathtaking photos girlie!
I’m not in any lane at the moment…I think I just got a flat so I’m kickin it on the shoulder until my hunky tow man gets here. There’s always SOMETHING to look forward to in life, right? 😉
i hear the tow man is pretty hot! i’d wait on the shoulder for that! hehe.
ohmygoodness! congratulations!!! i’m so happy for you!
Wow, talk about a change of lanes! What an exciting opportunity for the two of you. I’m sure you’re going to have all of us super jealous as you’re enjoying nice weather while most of us are shoveling snow 😉 Can’t wait to follow along during your travels!
So my Auckland Canadian friend is having a baby ANY SECOND NOW and I still have no job. I might just move there to be an unpaid au pair. See you there! Congrats on fun news!!
Wow, that’s incredibly exciting! What a great experience & fun change that will be. New Zealand looks beautiful – I’d love to travel there. I have a friend from New Zealand who is doing the opposite, and coming to the states for her summer to spend a few months with some friends & I.
Lauren!!! I have not heard from you in so long! how are you friend?? Too funny that you friend is coming here. where is she staying? I hope its warm!
AW! I am happy you guys are following His guidance and going to take sometime there. Though….I wonder what it’s like to have summer all year. 🙂 Wish I could crawl in your suitcase too!!
Happy travels Cotters!!
What an amazing adventure and blessing this is! My husband and I spent 2 months in Costa Rica last summer and it was such a good experience for us to be together and grow together when we were out of our normal routines and comfort zone. How amazing, enjoy every minute of it.
SO happy for you. Love how you’re embracing change and all that God has given you
thank you tricia! It’s amazing to see how God is opening doors.
🙂
Lindsey this is so so exciting!!! I am beyond excited and happy for you. How cool would it be to just up and move. Man I am jealous. Are you taking your dog? All of these pictures are making me so so happy.
no , poor sadie will be staying with my parents. We’re going to miss her so so much! Wish we could tak her too. She’d love it!
I enjoy browsing your blog. Look forward to read about your time in New Zealand. I am sure it is exciting for you to get to know a new country and their culture.
thank you! My husband is from New Zealand so it will be nice to go see family.
Oh Lindsay, I’m SO excited for you! This adventure sounds like it will be both refreshing and revitalizing! I’m looking forward to learning all about life in New Zealand. And I bet those Kiwi’s are going to LOVE your Healthy Bites! xoxo
ahh sara you just make me smile! I cant wait to share the healthy bites “kiwi” style. hehe.
Yay this is SO exciting!!!!
It sure is! Crazy how God works these days.
Lindsay, THIS IS SO EXCITING!!!
…can I go with? pack me in your suitcase?
Sure!! I’ll pack you with our food items so you stay happy!
;P
Ahhh can I come?! New Zealand and Australia are my lovers haha
Yippee you’re gonna have such an amazing time!!! 😀 Take lots and lots of pics!
Of course you can! the more the merrier, right? Yes, pictures, videos, etc. I can’t wait!!!
Whee, how exciting! I want to go to New Zealand with you!
I have a crossroads point in my life as well now, as I’m about to transition into a PhD student next year, and I had to think about where I want to do it etc, and some other things had to be regarded as well. I’ve checked out some alternatives, but I really want to do it in Heidelberg. Now I just hope they’ll take me, but the chances aren’t bad. It’s very exciting!
how could they not take you Kath?! You are an amazing student. I am excited for you. Maybe we’ll make it up to Ironman Germany some year.
🙂
Wow Lindsay!!!! I am seriously SO excited for you. NZ is one of the places I was thinking of visiting to study abroad but had to scrape the idea because of courses. I’ll be living vicariously through you! 🙂
ahhh, you should have! next semester maybe?? Can i bribe you with bacon?
Oh my goodness!!! What a fantastic detour God has for you and the hubs! Seriously, the pics you have posted are awesome and I can only imagine the stories and photos you’ll have on this trip. So amazing. And I’m crossing my fingers for your Healthy Bites at the market!
are you planning a visit now? Cause I totally think you should!
😛
Wow. Double wow. That is huge news. I’m excited for you guys and very much look forward to reading about your adventures.
But, I’m selfishly a little sad that I won’t know you’re just down the road….
but don’t worry, we will be back in March and I will be down the road again! plus we don’t leave till November so maybe we can meet up again!
Congrats! How fun. I’m excited for you and your husband!
I’m not sure what lane I’m in, but it’s a good one. 🙂
thanks Maryea! I’d say your in the HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE lane. haha
What a fantastic change of pace!
I can’t wait to read about your move and follow you around the globe.
yes, were globe setters! can’t wait either Heather!
So glad I finally updated your site — I was behind!
WOW– what incredible news! God is moving and shaking in your lives I’m definitely onboard to see what is down your path.
As for the lane I’m in? Perhaps the a lane filled w/ confused out-of-state drivers… 😉
Linds this is amazing news!!!! WOW – im so happy for you and J!
oh thank you Jayme!. You coming to visit now?
😉
gahhhhh SO excited for you!!! i’m definitely comign!! i mean for real pack me in your suitcase and i’ll help you sell healthy bites!!
oh you got a deal! hop in, lets go Julie!
can’t pretend I’m surprised but just to reiterate: I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!! This move will ignite so much strength and success for you and James and I can’t wait to hear about all of your adventures :)!!!!
thank you friend, for everything! you’ve been a lifesaver and a huge support.
<3
Woo! Congrats on this exciting time in your life! 🙂
and guess what?! we have a layover in SAN FRAN!!! a long one!
I’m SO excited for you both!! What an AWESOME time in life 🙂
& GORGEOUS pictures! I can’t wait to see where this journey takes you! Looking forward to looks of exciting things heading your way!
What exciting news!!! I cannot wait to read more about your life there!
thank you Tessa. we’ll be there in a few months ,yea!
I am late to the party because I suck, but I LOVE THE BLOG. Also, this news is fabulous!! I cannot tell you how envious I am–can’t wait to live vicariously through you 🙂
you don’t suck, your internet service just sucks. By the way, i think you and Marshall would love Queenstown. Just google it! Its like a Tahoe in New zealand!!
Oh my goodness what EXCITING news this is! Good for you guys to embrace this opportunity and just go with it! Heck yes I’ll follow you beautiful babes! I might have to sneak in your suitcase too!
hehe, yes sneak in to the suitcase. YOu’d fit!
Wow what an adventure! Enjoy but avoid the earthquakes please.
i sure hope the earthquakes are gone. Say a little prayer.
Hi Lindsay
We haven’t had a big one for a while – but most of the places in your beautiful photographs are gone, including the Cathedral. It’ll be a pretty different city that you come back to, but I’m sure your friends and family will be so thrilled to have you home.
Best of luck 🙂
OK…just figured out to get your new website in my reader, so I hope to get the updates now.
Wow! New Zealand…that is FANTASTIC!! I’ve always wanted to go there. An amazing experience for both of you, and I can’t wait to hear all about it! 🙂
oh yea! glad you figures it out. Let me know if you have any questions about updating reader. And thank you for all the support.
This is such exciting news! I can’t wait to read all about your adventures in New Zealand 🙂
so glad you’ll still be reading!!
😛
OF COURSE I’ll come on your journey with you!! You mean literally come, right? 😉
I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!! You guys are gonna have such an amazing time together in NZ!! 😀
yes, I mean literally! how fun would that be!!?!
What an awesome journey together. The best in your wonderful lives together. Thank you for sharing. Aloha, Jennifer and the Nottage Family in Kailua-Kona, Hi. The two of you are just amazing!
thank you Jem. You guys are such a HUGE support! Aloha.
What an incredibly kind thing to say! Paradigm shifts and harmonizing anew and abound is on many people’s plates………..it really is magnificent how inter-related we all really are in this awesome scheme of things called l-i-f-e!! Best and Aloha No Ka O’i
Your new blog is beautiful!
You’re going to NZ…
You are going to sell your goodies…
CONGRATS!!!!
thank you Averie! lots going on and we’re so excited. Time to get away and embrace life!
I love this, Lindsay! What an amazingly exciting adventure you have ahead of yourselves!! What a fantastic lane change God had in store. 🙂
Yes, I will follow you to New Zealand!! Whoo-hoo!
thank you Soo! We’re excited for what God has in store, the good and the bad.
This is such exciting news! I look forward to hearing more about it!
thanks Jess! I will definitely be telling more as the months unfold.
🙂
Woooow sooo cool! So much fun. So jealous. And I honestly can’t say I am not a little sad, hoping you would be moving closer to the boston area. on your way to or from NZ, make sure to stop by hahah. can’t wait to read all about your adventures!
i think you should move closer to me! and bring Erin. K?
<3
Now it ALL makes sense!
You are on the right path, for sure! I mean, Lane.
path, lane, road, they all are the same, right? Either way, we are going down it. yea!
I have definitely felt the effects of life’s changing paces. It’s kind of crazy. Right now I’m in the “fast lane” for sure, even though there are individual days that seem slow. I’m not sure where my exit is yet. I may need to merge somewhere…
Anyways, YAY! I’m so happy for you both to take this journey together back “home” (for your hub!). Is this a permanent move or an extended trip?
Merge lanes are necessary along the way, i agree. and so are the side shoulders. haha. We will be down there for almost 4 months then come back. Wish we could stay longer!
I GOT THE BIGGEST GOOSEBUMPS READING THIS!! Girl, this is so so so so exciting. I can’t wait to read all about your adventures and I will just have to travel on over to come play and buy your amazing items at the market. I really can’t even tell you how happy this makes me…..WAHOOOOOOOO
oh thank you! Now I think it would be an even better idea if you came down during your holiday break. It will be warm!! please.
😛
That is so exciting!! I think you made a fabulous choice in changing lanes. You get to miss out on our winter (I consider this a good thing!), and meet tons of new people and reunite with old friends! I can’t wait to hear all about it because New Zealand is one of those places that is on my “places to see before I die” list.
tara, you must make that visit. You would love running through the amazing mountains and beaches. A runners dream!
I just said “Holy Crap” out loud and it was cheers of excitement! So excited for you and this next journey in your life. High-Fives! And you better believe I’ll be following you. Can’t wait to hear more about this and glad you and the hubs are changing lanes. It’s what life is all about! XOXOXO
oh yes for sure. I know you’re all about changing lanes Katie and its GOOD! Keep me posted on your new business too!
Ahhhhhh….So excited for you!!! Those photos are beautiful and I’ve always wanted to go there. I can’t wait to hear about your journey. Blessings awesome lady! 🙂
make it happen! you’d love it casey!
Woweeee!!!! First off congrats on your BIG move. Soooooo excited for you and OMG what an opportunity! I’d love to go there…… Secondly, LOVE LOVE LOVE your new site! Nice job! Hope we’ll still see you around Twitter & Fitblog, you will just be waking up in the middle of the day LOL. xoxo
haha, I thought about that. I think it would around lunch time in New Zealand, so fit bloggin would still work. Oh and MODERN FAMILY!
HOW EXCITING!!! and looks gorgeous… i want to come, too! i am thrilled for you two 🙂
oh you’d love it shannon. Good traning and lots of sunshine! oh and amazing food of course.
;P
How fun will that be! I can’t wait to hear about it!
oh and you will see all of it too! gotta figure out how to make my kombucha down there.
when the kiwi shared this news, i was THRILLED for you both. how exciting!! what an incredible journey for you both. yay!!!!
the kiwi will be back in kiwi land. haha, love it! Thanks for always supporting us Kim.
this is so exciting!! congrats to you both!
no chick fil-a though. haha, jk. But there is a place called Burger Fuel and it is AMAZING! Waffle fries and all.
How awesome!!! Im so HAPPY for YOU guys!! Lots of great things happening to people, I love it!!
How fun this adventure will be and great that you will get to see your husbands family too, I bet they are so excited! This will be so fun to follow you through this journey! I bet its amazing there!
Congrats! xoxo
exciting Times for us both Katie. I am thrilled for you and your family. I’ll be toasting a glass of wine to you tonight.
WOW! Lindsay this is so exciting…so thrilled for this life change for you guys – seems like it comes at a good point in time…and I’ll definitely be following the journey!
We are currently in the merging lane…merging back into life in Calgary after traveling and being away ourselves. Time to get settled back down, grounded somewhere, and commit to working (for money…we’ve been working a lot for nothing lately!). Transition in the opposite form of you guys! And watching God provide and show us that this is the way at this point in time.
Oh – and GREAT Kombucha post! Wow…loved it and want to give a shot!
Oh merging, thats always a fun transition. But you are right in that God is providing every step. So excited for you now Bonnie!
That’s so awesome!! I would be so excited to move to New Zealand for a few months, and I know your husband has to be super stoked to be going home! Be sure to take SO MANY photos, that place looks like one of the most gorgeous places on Earth! So happy for you!
He wants to go now. I know he misses home. I am happy for him to be with family too. thanks Katy.
I’m so excited for you! This is amazing news—and the pics are beautiful. Looks like enough of a reason to slow down and enjoy the scenery of life 🙂
yes, i think now it about that slowness and stillness and REST (for a while at least)
WOW! So crazy! Love following God’s paths though and seeing the amazing places He carries us. Can’t wait to hear more and watch it all happen.
amen to that Tina. And I will keep you updated! Hope your mom is doing better. been praying for you guys.
WOW, what exciting news!!! For some reason, I had a feeling you were going to tell us that the Cotters are heading to NZ. I knew it! Soo excited for you!!! I’ll come with you 🙂 Can’t wait to hear more about this adventure. Embrace the ride and enjoy it!!
you can read my mind sabrina, or maybe you just know us well.
😛
I know I joked about Portland – and was wondering if this was really it! 🙂 I am SO VERY excited for you two – this will be an incredible journey, made even more so because I know you will appreciate each moment of it, and make every moment count!
I will be with you all the way!
believe it or not we were really thinking about moving to Portland, we love it, and of course YOU! We will definitely be back. And I am still holding out for your austin trip.
<3
of course I believe it, Portland rules and the Cotters would make it all that much better!!
perhaps AFTER NZ? it’s cooler here, in weather ways and others!
XO
i am so darn excited for you!!!!! yay for taking a chance and going……keep looking for signs along the way they usually guide us in the right direction.
thank you Kalli. I am liking these signs.
Congratulations!!! What a wonderful idea and such a great and exciting way to slow things down and experience a different way of life. I’m so happy for you two! 🙂
thank you jenny! And I know that your lane with will be changing soon with all the job stuff. Keep me up to date!
So happy for you. I know you had mentioned getting back there soon. I will say, we still need to meet!!! Can you make a plane stop in Little Rock PLEASE?
well we leave around thanksgiving so we must figure a meeting!! maybe half way in dallas? pretty please
I KNEW IT!!! I am so happy for you guys – you are going to totally enjoy that presence together and in a gorgeous country. I can’t wait to hear more!!!
you and Jo know me too well or rather you can just read my mind I swear.
LINDSAY! that is SOOO exciting! Definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity that fate presented itself with! I couldnt be more excited for you! Sneak me in your bags, paaalease!
i will sneak you in for sure. I need someone to watch bachelor with me.
This is so exciting!! I’m so happy for you two and can’t wait to hear about your adventures there! Can I please come along in your suitcase 😉 haha
yes, hop in! ALL LIndsay’s with an A are welcome! hehe.
Wow!!! This is huge!! I am so excited for you guys and so SO amazed at the leaps of faith you take in your journey together. I just find it so inspiring. And New Zealand? Gorgeous. And James gets to see some family and friends? Even better. We’ll miss you stateside though…and now that I am NOT going to Austin – sad face that I likely won’t get to meet you anytime soon! But back to you (hehe) – SO excited for you guys!!
what!!!? no visit?! I’m so so sad. Please come anyway. I will make you healthy bites!
So exciting! And so happy for you! 😀 The Kiwi and I were in NZ for 3 months this year, for their summer…it was amazing, I love it there so so much! <3 Cannot wait to come along with you on your NZ adventures through your beautiful blog! Big smiles, Yolie xxx
oh I wish you were going again! that would be too fun! We will definitely keep in touch friend.
SO happy / excited for you guys! Taking those adventures when they come along is so much more fun than letting them pass you by 🙂 Can’t wait to join the ride!!
sure you don’t want to change your mind and move to NZ instead? haha.
Whoo that is so exciting to hear 🙂 I’m sure it will be such a refreshing time in your life and I know already that the Lord will bless those 3-4 months in NZ. The new lane that I am waiting for is the lane of when to move out, when to start my ‘life after college’
I dont know what Google Reader is. Haha I am SUCH a lame technology person. I dont know ANYTHING. Im surprised I can comment on your blog and write my own!!
Oh allie, you are a lot more tech savy than you think. And I know that Move out lane is coming, get ready to go for it!
How exciting!!! I am so happy for you and your hubby! 🙂
What lane am I in? It feels like we’re stuck in traffic to be honest!
oh traffic stinks, but you will get through it and see a glorious GO sign! I will be cheering you the whole way Holly.
How exciting!! Congrats and good luck- it’s going to be amazing!
Oh MAN am I excited for you guys or what?! And definitely a wee bit jealous…
oh madeline, I was dying to tell you! please come, please!!
Awww, congratulations!!! This is so exciting! I am actually contemplating applying for a rotation in Germany (the hubs would join me, of course), so I totally understand what you’re feeling right now…scared about the change, wondering if you made the right decision, but EXCITED for the future!! I think you guys are going to have a blast, and I’m so excited for you!
ahh, so cool! Go for it Erin. IM GERMANY!!!
That’s awesome! I’ll be praying for ya’ll in this journey!
thanks for the prayers Gen. They mean a lot!
congrats! I am so excited for y’all!!
thanks Alex. Hope we stay connected!!
THIS IS FABULOUS!!! Can’t wait to follow your journey there 🙂
The lane I’m in involves a lot of dance competitions, traveling, and school.
thanks liz! And I am loving the lane you are in, its got a great veiw!
;P
I am incredibly excited for you! It’s a huge step and your relationship will only be stronger.
Cannot WAIT for the updates! If you have any random moving questions, I’m here for you! And we’ll have to meet up!
Nichole, are you in NZ? If so, where!? Can’t wait! for some reason I thought you were in UK.
Wow!! Congratulations! What an amazing opportunity! I will be living vicariously through you… 🙂 As for me, I’m in the fast lane: life is going by way to fast!
i know, life is fast. I hope you get some down time soon Meg.
<3
OH MY WORD how exciting!! So happy for you two, and I am so in awe of your outlook on everything. Your perspective and attitude is really something to look up to.
(I promise this is really me writing and not a sentimental/serious alter ego!) 🙂
CHEERS!
haha, I’ll take it as the real you Sarah. ALthough I love both sides. Come for a visit? Maybe a marathon? hehe.
Woooooooooooooo How exciting!! I hope you keep up with blogging, I can’t wait to hear all about it! We keep talking about going on a trip to New Zealand!! 🙂
of course i will keep up with blogging. So much to post and see! yea!!!
Maybe you guys should take that trip soon.
🙂
That is so exciting! It sounds like to works perfectly for you guys…I hope it all turns our great and definitely keep blogging! Since a mini research project New Zealand has been on my list of places to visit so be sure to post photos too!
Well i think you need to check off that list soon friend and come visit!
Made perfect sense! Beautiful decision- I’m so jealous and you guys will have a blast! Can I come?
sure! training camp during the winter!!
That is SOOO exciting and maybe a nice break from those TX summer days too huh? (Although I don’t know what kind of weather you are headed to). A change of location can be such a good thing for so many reasons and what a great adventure for you two! Your readers will enjoy “tagging along” via the blog!!
oh yes, the weather will be like austin spring! perfect! i hope, haha.
You will be there soon! when is your race in NZ?
How exciting! What a wonderful adventure 🙂
If you ever happen to pop across to Australia and need a buddy, just say the word 😉
maybe we will! how fun!
SO excited for y’all! And SO thankful we had the chance to catch up on the phone today. I still miss you, though. 🙂 The Bird & Bee might just need to make it down to visit you and James! Love this post, and the way you described God’s plans for our lives with your driving/road analogy. Just perfect. Love you.
Will you please get SKYPE so we can chat a lot while I’m there. Or better yet, will you and Billy come to NZ for your birthday present? PLEASE!!
Sounds like such a great trip! Wish I could pick up and go somewhere right now. Will of course keep reading, and can’t wait for more photos!
you never know, maybe you can in a bit! and yes, pictures will be coming!
Jealous. I kind of hate you right now. well, not really. BUt you know.
I am new to your blog but am excited for this new adventure. Way fun! Right now I am in the midst of a job change (mucho stress to mucho less stress) and also in the midst of fertility treatments so basically my husband and I are trying to continue to focus on where the Lord is leading us. We are trying really hard to keep our eyes and ears open to His peace and direction for our lives… so that is the lane we are in right now!
Glad to “meet” you Brittnie. Sounds like God has you down a crazy road but I know it will be good in the end. Trust! thats all we can do, right? Keep me posted on how things go.
Cheers!
LC
Been a while since I’ve been on Blogger so I’m just now seeing your new page and I love the new layout!!!
So excited to follow you on your journey abroad! What a fun adventure to embark on 🙂
thanks Gina. Good to hear from you and yes, so excited!!
so happy for you guys! NZ is my fave country! i have loved the times i spent living there. what a great opportunity!
hilary, lets all go back to NZ. good training, eh? I’ll cook!
Oh my goodness I am SO excited for you 🙂 This is such awesome news. I have a big smile on my face for you both! A little jealous 😉 but I cannot wait to see and read everything about this new adventure!
thanks Meg and can I just say that it is so good to hear from you! missed you.
WOW!!!!!! seriously sounds amazing!!!!!! so so so excited for you all!!!!!!!!!!!! super exciting 🙂
How exciting!!! You are going to have a blast!!!
Yayyyy!! I’m so happy for y’all…how exciting! I can’t wait to follow along on your New Zealand adventures!
Lots of love <3
me too! we better stay in touch friend. Oh and your healthy bites will be shipped out tomorrow!!!
Wow, Oh, WOW!!!! How excited! May God bless you both in your travels! So excited for you! 🙂
thank you so much Talia. I know He will!
YAYYYY im so excited!!
Congrats, that is amazing! Those pictures are breathtaking wow.
This summer I was on cruise control but doing all great things and staying happy. And tomorrow to be exact my life is about to shift into the fast lane. As in full classes start, work continues, skating starts, and my internship begins as well. Oh and I hope to continue blogging through it all! Speeding ticket status?
fast lane indeed!! but enjoy it, speed tickets happen. haha.
That is so exciting! I am new to your blog so I don’t know the whole story, but I’ve never been overseas, and I can only imagine what a great time you will have!
I graduated college in May and spent most of my summer looking for a job, but landed one five weeks ago and began working in my field. I guess you could say that’s when I changed lanes :)…from college student to working woman.
oh thats so exciting Emily! This lane will be the “grown up” lane. right? haha. It is fun though! I am glad you the blog too. My husband is a professional triathlete from New Zealand so this is huge for us! I can’t wait to start this journey and share. In the meantime, lets stay connected!