The leaves are starting to change, the weather is getting cooler, and pumpkin and apple items are out in full swing. I love fall. It is by far my favorite season of the year. And I missed it last year. Granted, I was loving my island life, but I did miss the colors, the weather, and apple cider. And as seasons change, so does life. Last night a friend joked about what they were doing this time last year and I thought, this time last year I was working on report cards. My how time changes. In light of that, I have been very reflective over the past few days. Partly because I have been missing Anna something awful, but mostly because life is truly changing. And as each day passes, I am feeling more and more the changes and more and more like an adult. (scary!)
I do not normally like change. Ironically, as much as I love adventure, I am not much on change. I keep the same schedule, eat the same food, and have a place and spot for everything I own. On the flip side, if you leave my personal effects alone, I will try anything, go anywhere, and probably be laughing and enjoying it the whole time. A contradiction. Lover of adventure: hater of change. Yet life is changing and I am slowly learning to be ok with that.
Biggest change, I am finally feeling very settled. Something I never thought I would say nor did I ever think I wanted. After a long time of moving twice a year, living out of boxes and suitcases, and just generally not having any idea where “home” really was, I am officially unpacked, settled, and home. Granted, southern Indiana was not the place I ever thought I would call home, but as the months have passed, I can truly say that I love it here. Perhaps this will not be home forever, but for now, it is home. My apartment is fully unpacked, organized, and starting to look like home. The next item on the agenda is to paint. On the job front, this week marks that illusive 90 days which is crazy to think about. Seems like just yesterday I was interviewing and packing up to move back. I love my job too. Sure, some days are long, but I can honestly say that I really enjoy going to work each day.
Beyond that, I am re-connecting with old friends, making new, and becoming increasingly overwhelmed with how blessed I am by those relationships. Aside from Anna, my closest girlfriends live within 5 minutes of me and while we may not see each everyday, they are a constant source of laughter and encouragement. As I get older, I am so thankful for them and can honestly say I think they will be the friends I keep for the rest of my life. They are my running partners, my cheering squad, and my dinner dates. I am truly a lucky girl.
And not being one to ever sit still, I am tackling a new challenge in a little over two months-a master’s degree. Going back to school was always something I knew I wanted to do. I am a learner at heart and cannot wait to get back into the books. I know, that makes me a nerd. But I am so excited! I am also enjoying not having anything to do in my evenings as soon they will be full of classes and homework.
There are other things coming up that will provide for more blog posts.. not having Internet at home and not doing much has not given me a lot to write about, but I have a race, sky diving, and a birthday on the horizon:)
All in all, life is wonderful. I love it so much! I am so thankful for the people around me, the way God has orchestrated every detail, and even all the changes as they are maturing and growing me in ways I never thought possible.
