About Time!

The other day I gave driving directions to a family. As I got into my car afterward, I figured that since I've been here long enough to tell someone how to get around, I really should get my act together and blog about this major life change.

So here we are.

After not blogging for this long, it's kind of intimidating attempting to cover all that has happened in the past 3.5 weeks. Here's where I'm going to let some photos do the talking (with minor captions for future memories sake:)

Leaving UT was tough. Really tough. As we left, we had on a Thule and two bikes on the rack. Due to the sheer amount of money in items we had in the car, we drove straight through across the country. 26 hours of no sleep. Thank you No Doz pills, copious amounts of caffeine, and definitely prayers. 

(View as you pull into campus.)

As we pulled into our apartment parking lot, we were thrilled to finally be here. We had the keys from the office, and we opened up our front door. Umm... FYI, 850 sq ft just isn't that big. Aside for the size, it is a cute grad school housing apartment. 

As C left to go sign the lease, Whit and I started to dance to Bon Jovi on my laptop because I was fighting a panic attack. What better way to combat anxiety than dancing? C then walked through the door and informed me the car would not turn on. AH! A neighbor helped us jump the car, we bought a new battery, and took the car to Ford to have them install a $300 cable that was causing corrosion. 

The next few days were filled with lame occurrences. On top of the car drama, our fridge died. Then the dishwasher had issues. I cried. Maintenance came. Then the only day Ford could fix the car was on Monday, my first day of work. Which brings me to these priceless photos... 

(First day of work outfit. No time for real posing due to having to rent a car, hence the toothbrush.)

For years I said I'd never drive a minivan in my life. Karma bit me the bum. The only car they had for me to rent was a van. I paid my $18 and drove off for my one-hour-commute-one-way. I looked pretty hot in this silver beauty. All the farmers in Decatur (where I work) were definitely eyeing me. 

This photo was taken in the unpacking stage. Let's be honest, we're still not all the way unpacked. Don't mind how exhausted I look in this photo. I was emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted. Having moved tons of time before, I had a good idea of how hard this all would be. Except in hindsight, I kind of didn't. I have never had to move all my own crap before. I'm serious when I say paying movers to pack and move us in 2 years is a very real option.

A week after we moved here, Whitter turned 3 months. He seriously had gotten me through all the traumatic experiences since moving in. We love our little man. 

After I got through my first week of work, C was off to orientation. He definitely got his $1,000 worth in that week. (Seriously, $1,000 for a week of orientation... Ridiculous much?) For that bargain price, C got to go to the Commodities Exchange in Chicago, as well as on a boat cruise. He also got food all week, "free" Illinois merchandise (I use free lightly since we're paying for it, let's be honest), lectures, and warned about the intensity of the program. It wouldn't be a grad school orientation if they didn't try to scare you, right?

 

(Officially a grad student!)

(Commodities Exchange. C nerded out and was excited when they showed the students the VIX. 

I love that my man loves marketing AND finance.)

(C and Jared)

Since moving we've gotten pretty good and making some awesome meals. One of our favorites is enchiladas.

I've been working long hours at work. A 45 hour week + 11 hours in commuting per week makes me tired. By the time Friday rolls around, I collapse onto the couch. Then I make by way to the floor to cuddle with Whit. C captured this photo a few Fridays ago when Whit decided to sleep by me. Please note my arms... I do not normally sleep like that. I swear. 

Call Me Maybe just came on while I'm listening to Spotify. That means I need to wrap it up... Here are three final photos. Just some of our favorite things here in IL...

(Big 10 football. Even if the Illini are "meh". Let me be very clear though, I will always love the Utes the most.)

(Taking our little man on walks.)

(Saturday morning runs. My view as I start. I love 7am runs!)