Summerness

So before I go into the "real world" I have been trying to soak up my responsibility-free summer (well the two weeks I have left of it anyways) and so it got me thinking... what means 'summer'? What reminds me of the time off school and the blazing hot sun? To me, summer is the feeling of carefree, of irresponsibility, of laying by the pool and slathering sunscreen on. Its driving to the beach with the windows down and my favorite pair of sunglasses on. Its my eyes being so tired from the sun that I fall asleep on the couch around 7 PM. Its trips to the ballpark to watch no-name minor league players, eat hot dogs, and crack open peanuts. Its ordering pizza and hanging out with friends and losing track of time until its 2 in the morning. Its sinking my feet into the soft sand on the shore and reading an Irving Stone book. Its chocolate frozen yogurt and a waffle cone. Its waking up to thunder storms and lightening that makes the night sky look purple. Its a kind of happiness that doesn't exist in fall or winter or spring. I love summer, and I hope that even though I'm starting a new job I'll be able to enjoy it like I always do... So far, I can't complain... :)

Post Grad & Pre Real World....

So I know I have slowly but surely become less-than-admirable at this whole blogging endeavor... but things have been busy and I promise to be better in the future! (therefore, this will be long.. and you have been warned)

Life since graduation has been a roller coaster, to be quite honest. I can't believe its been almost 2 months since I walked across the stage! (I didn't say 'received my diploma' because I have yet to do so... Apparently they don't send those out when you still have charges on your student account from renting a tent and sleeping bags for a weekend excursion to the Grand Canyon.... I guess I should get on that.) Since graduation I have traveled the country (well, across the country), and I was able to visit family and friends along the way.

My mom and I enjoying the sun! Playing with my nephews, Homero and Joshua in the park!Having a wonderful (and windy) picnic in the park with Megan in Louisville!

When I got back to NC I had enough time to take a shower, eat a home cooked meal and do a load of laundry before I was traveling again... but this time by plane (thank goodness!) and to Memphis for an interview for the Federal Reserve Bank... After I got back from that little adventure I worked at Vincenzo's and even took a roadtrip with my sister to see our brother Billy at school.... conviently he goes to UNC-Wilmington... 5 minutes from the beach. :-)

This is my turtle Sandy, Billy demolished her after this picture was taken.

Dispersed throughout the month of May were brothers soccer games....


Beautifying the roadsides for Winston-Salem Day of Service with Joey & our convict-looking-vests...


A pre-Father's day gift of viewing the new Star Trek movie (complete with trekkie t-shirts)...


And movie nights with Jordan & Daniel with a little help of the Snuggie...


phew. THEN I got some great news last Monday morning.... that job I interviewed for in Memphis??? YEP, I got it! I have been super excited ever since, and of course that nervous/anxious feeling you get with every new, unexpected experience comes along with it. I feel so fortunate and blessed to be given this opportunity during the difficult times we are all living in, and so thrilled that its something that I have been preparing for for so long. I will be an Assistant Bank Examiner for the St. Louis Fed, but will be located in Memphis at the branch office there. I was able to visit Memphis this past week to search for apartments... and not only did I find one... I found the perfect one! Here are a few pictures of my favorite parts of my new place!

My new apartment is right down the street from the Memphis, Tennessee temple!! I have my own little patio!!!And my own gas fireplace! :)

I move next Friday (June 5th) and my first day of training is June 15th in St. Louis. I am so excited to start this 'next chapter' in my life that I honestly spend all my spare time websurfing for couches, bookcases, new banks, local restaurants, anything that will get me ready for my new home... and life really...

I have said recently that all the uncertainty surrounding my future that has clouded my world over the past several months has somehow brought clarity to every other facet of my life... Whether it has been within myself or even relationships with others, I have continually looked for ways to improve and learn, despite my lack of direction and 'plan'. I am so grateful for this new beginning, for this nudge in the right direction, for this answered prayer.