Size Matters

The place I'm living now is about half the size of my loft in Topeka. It also has far less storage than what I had in Topeka--which was three large closets and plenty of open space. Now I have one small closet and it's in my bedroom. I will have to get creative when deciding what to do with a few of my things (namely everything that was in my desk, since the desk had to be sold because I knew it wouldn't fit).

However, despite that, I really like my new place. I like having a smaller amount of space. Something about it being smaller makes it seem cozier. It will also be easier and cheaper to keep cool/warm, since I no longer have ceilings that go to the sky.

And really, space is just a means for us to accumulate things.

First Day

First day of work is in the record books. The first part of the morning was spent in orientation. Benefits, policies, picture-taking. Very important stuff.

I have a variety of thoughts going on right now. And I'm struggling with putting them all out in a coherent way. So I'm going to do bullet points.

• all the dudes here, at least that I've met, say ma'am and sir. I like this
• accents are pretty cool
• I love being able to walk to work
• I also love that I have many food options within walking distance
• I need to get cowboy boots (I was the only person in a meeting today NOT wearing them)
• it feels like spring/beginning of summer; reminder--it is the end of January
• Denton is a pretty cool place

Also, I'm very glad I chose a place that has a washer and dryer. It really is the best thing ever.

Saying Goodbye With Hugs

The month of January was essentially a month of goodbyes. It was tough. I'm not good at goodbyes. Maybe I am and just don't know it.

Anyway, the saying goodbye allowed me to hug and be hugged by a lot of people. Hugs are great. They are actually vital for survival. Hugs relieve stress and just make us feel good.

Sadly, I think I will be in a hug drought for a little while. So the next time you hug someone, make it a little extra longer just for me.

Bring It, 2015

This photo exactly captures my life as it is right now. 

In 2013 I moved to Topeka, Kansas to start my first job out of grad school. I had no idea what I was doing. Seriously. That first year was a lot of practice. Then 2014 came and I felt like I knew more than before and could at least sound intelligent and confident in my job; it was a good warm up.

In 2013 I dated some. I spent nearly all of 2014 in an on/off relationship. It ended, obviously, and while it wasn’t how I wanted it to end, it too was a learning experience. 

Now it’s 2015 and I’m in a new state with a new job. It’s game time, 2015.

I Live in Texas, Y'all

In Denton, to be exact. I made it here with all my belongings and my very fat cat. I have already been to two different movie theaters. I love my local grocery store. I got lost a few times. It'll feel like home in no time.

Peace Out Top City

When I moved out to Topeka my mom and oldest niece, Ivy, drove out with me. They were in Topeka for three days. They flew out on an evening flight out of Kansas City. As I hugged my niece and then mom goodbye, I was a bit overcome with emotion. It’s always a bit sad to be left behind as people you love leave. The drive back to Topeka was a quiet, reflective one. Every possible thought went through my mind: what was I doing in Kansas? Would I make friends? Had I made a mistake? Would it end up being a huge mistake? As these thoughts were tumbling around, I rounded the corner of the freeway and boom—there was Topeka lit up at night. I could see the Jayhawk Tower and the Westar Building and the BNSF building. It was beautiful. Due to the curves of the freeway and the City’s location, it was hidden from my view as I approached, and was only noticeable after turning a corner. 

Seeing Top City lit up like that made me feel good about everything. My two years in Top City were some of the best of my life. The people I met there changed my life.