So Far, So Good!

Ever since I arrived last week, I've been dying to update you all. Things are constantly busy though, and I haven't had the chance.

I left Tennessee last Tuesday, and spent the night in Iowa. Since the drive was 14+ hours, I wanted to break it up. I took Millie, and she did fairly well. She cried for the first hour or so, but slept the majority of the way up. The drive was super easy, and mostly through rural areas that felt like home. I saw the St.Louis arch, which was beautiful, and took pictures of all of the state signs as I drove through. I finished up the drive on Wednesday, and arrived at the hotel that I'll call home until mid-October. It's definitely not ideal, but my apartment won't be ready until then, so I'm making it work. My hotel is cheap, but as a result, isn't the most fantastic place I've ever stayed in. There is no gym, which I absolutely hate. I'd been working out daily at home pretty intensely, and working out in my room, or strolling the streets just isn't the same. I found a yoga studio that offers a Vinyasa class on Mondays so I'm going to visit there this coming Monday to try it out. I'm definitely missing it, and itching to get a good workout in. I've been trying to compensate with my food, so there have been lots of salads and juices. A little planning has made eating well easier, but I've definitely enjoyed some of the local food, too. In fact, today for lunch I hit a burger joint that'll be close to my new apartment and had a pretty big burger stuffed with goat cheese and slathered in some sort of blackberry sauce. I also tried cheese curds since I've never had them. Now I'm drinking green juice for supper, ha! I'm anxious to visit some of the breweries around here. There are so many really unique places and beers, that it's hard to not go out often! I keep reminding myself that I'll be here for at least a year, so there will be plenty of time to do it all. Minnesota is amazing, and I love everything about this area.

My favorite season is fall, and it's much more fall here than at home. The trees are already beginning to turn, and they are lovely! I'm hoping to explore the waterfalls this weekend that I couldn't find last time I was here. I know where they are now since they are so close to where I'll be living. I'm glad it's cooled off a bit. People here aren't excited, and I know they aren't anticipating the winter, but coming from 100 degrees and high humidity is making me appreciate the chilly days. And though I may change my mind at some point, I'm pretty excited to see some real snow. Like, over the top, cannot wait.

I started work officially last Thursday, and things are going wonderfully! My job is awesome. It's definitely busy as I am learning, but everyone is nice and I already feel right at home. Not having an hour commute to and from work makes me feel like my day is so much longer! A 10-minute drive is nice. My boss is patient, and an awesome teacher. Watching him work reaffirms my decision to be here; the experience is valuable.

So, onto complaints. I really don't have many. I miss everyone, though. It's different knowing that people aren't right around the corner. And truthfully? I could use a really good hug. I'm sure it'll get easier once I establish a social circle. But that's it. I'm enjoying this new phase of life, and I'm so excited that I said yes to taking a chance and stepping out of my comfort zone. Turns out, it's not quite so scary after all.

Saying "See Ya Later"

Leaving Tennessee happened quickly. With so much to do, the time flew by, and before I knew it, it was time to drive north. I was overwhelmed with the amount of support that I received though! I had dinners, going away parties, received sweet gifts, went to a concert, and got to love on all the people dear to me. I'm already looking forward to my Christmas visit home!

 

 

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard" - Winnie The Pooh