Okay, so I know I haven't blogged in months, but I thought I might try this thing out again. So, here's the summary of the last few months: (a) Massive panic, extreme craziness, and lots of packing (b) a delightful wedding day which flew by entirely too quickly (c) a few nights in Natchez, a quick stop in Monroe, a night in Waco, and a loooong drive to California. (d) Half a night in our apartment followed by six magnificent days in Maui (see pictures here). (e) Trying to make an apartment full of 100 boxes (literally) into a home.
I have been interspersing unpacking boxes with spending gift cards for weeks now. I've discovered that it's really fun and exciting to unpack boxes full of new, never-been-used kitchen gear, but it's not as fun to unpack boxes full of clothes that I've had for a while. The good news is: after unpacking 80 something boxes, I'm down to only a few. Of course, they're full of things I have no idea what to do with, like stacks of pictures and things I don't really need but can't bear to part with, and since Stephen moved in before I did, he took up the space for such random items.
We had a wonderful first Christmas together. Though I struggled with being away from my family, I love his family very much and felt very welcomed by them. Unfortunately, we have all just heard the news that Stephen's oldest sister, Susie, has been diagnosed with cancer, which obviously, takes away from our cheer. We would greatly appreciate your prayers for Susie, her husband Jac and daughter Julia and they face the chemotherapy and other treatments for her Multiple Myeloma. They live in South Carolina, which makes it harder on everyone as we all wish we could be with them to help.
I am now unpacking the few boxes and learning my way around. I now know how to get to at least three different Targets (you can't be too careful), several grocery stores, an awesome mall, and yes, even Walmart (which is just as bad here as it is in Louisiana). I'm making my peace with traffic jams and long lines, trying to reming myself that I like people, and I need to learn to like them en masse, because that's what we're dealing with here.
Though I struggle sometimes with how much I miss my family and friends and miss AAPC, I LOVE being married and am so happy to be here. My big task remaining is to look for a j.o.b. I updated my resume and am ready to face the challenge. Please pray for me that I will find something enjoyable, challenging, and not too far from home.
I know I owe thank-you's to tons of people. I'm working on the notes, but chances are good that I can never express my gratitude for all the wonderful, amazing, sacrificial help and kindness of my friends. I will never be able to express how blown away I have been your kindness, generosity, and willingness to help. XOXO!