Good morning and happy Monday! As I sit here, sipping my coffee and looking out the window, I can’t help but disagree a little with the bad rap Monday’s have always gotten. I have a certain sweet spot for Monday’s. A new beginning, a fresh start, a chance to make this week better than the last. An unpopular opinion, but one that I still hold close to my heart.
It’s been awhile since my last coffee & catch-up, and I thought it was about time we have a nice chat about life. Here’s what’s new…
Grad School
You can ask anyone who was with me in the weeks leading up to grad school, and they will tell you that I was less than thrilled to be going back for another year. Although getting my Master’s degree in a year is a huge step forward, I couldn’t help but feel like it was a step backward instead. I have a degree, I’m getting married, and I was working full time over the summer. Going back to school seemed like retracing my old steps.
Once the day finally came around, I put on my big girl pants and moved back to Springfield into a cute new house with my roommates, Nicole and Rachel. The house has been such a gift so far — a refuge in the midst of the homework, comprehensive exams, work, and wedding planning that has taken over my life. I am working as a graduate assistant for the university, and I was blessed to be given the opportunity to continue to work for FOCUS remotely until January. These jobs are sustaining me as I continue my education, and I am incredibly grateful for them. But…that doesn’t mean it isn’t still a bit hard to juggle it all sometimes.
Life this year is extremely different. More different than I expected. My roles in student organizations have changed, my free time is exceptionally limited, and I’m not surrounded by all of the people who made Missouri State so special for me. Many of my friends graduated with me, but they all went to other graduate schools, seminary, or have started full-time jobs. Walking around campus and being reminded of the memories we share there has left a deep ache in my heart. It will take time to adjust, but I’m just thankful that FaceTime exists.
Wedding Planning
I wish this was more of a “look at all of the wonderful things we have in store!” conversation…it isn’t. To be honest, wedding planning is at a standstill. It feels a little like waiting at the train tracks, watching those red lights flash in front of me. The train just never seems to end. With everything else that’s been going on, wedding planning has been put on the back burner. Way, way back.
Ryan and I are both super excited for our big day (obviously!), but the planning itself has us both a bit lost. There’s just so much to do! Flowers to pick out, colors to choose, vendors to sort through, centerpieces to put together. The list never ends! Thankfully, I’ve recruited some help this weekend, and I’m starting to feel much better about it all. Plus, at the end of the day, all that matters is that Ryan and I will become husband and wife!
With that being said, if anyone has any great wedding planning tips or tricks, please let me know! I’m open to pretty much anything at this point 😀
We’ll return to our regularly scheduled posts soon, but thanks for catching up with me over a cup of warm coffee on this Monday morning! Know of my prayers for you as we all tackle this new week and new school year together!
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Extramorginary 
Weird, as I was having my morning coffee, I wondered how you were doing. Super busy as Usual 😜. The time will go quickly, like your stay In CO. You can and will do this. I enjoy your blog. Erv Sent from my iPhone.
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Thank you, Ervin! You know me — there’s never a dull day! I hope that you’re doing well in CO. I miss it all the time.
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