I guess I'm due for an update on what we've been up to for the past month...
Dustin and I are settling into our Oklahoma life. He's been really busy with football and I got a job at a local car dealership so I've been working full time. I'm not quite ready to call Oklahoma "home" but its feeling more normal to me everyday. Its so weird that one of us isn't going to take off on an airplane and go cross the country. Living in the same place has been great-everything we thought it'd be and more. Things that couples take for granite by being with each other all the time-we know is special becuase we know what else there could be. For the first time in our relationship Dustin was able to pick me up at my apartment for a date. Its little things like that that ae normal to everyone else, are all new for us.
We've met a lot of great people here in Stillwater. We've gone out and experienced the Oklahoma night life...and it is definatly different than anything I've experienced. The culture here has been the biggest change for me. Its definatly a conservative-cowboy-cattle raising-superduty truck- town. But then again theres the other side which has more of what i'm comfortable with. It's an adjustment definatly.
Dustin's doing really well with the football team. He's liking being challenged and all the experiences. Football definatly reigns supreme in this town and in Oklahoma and being connected with it is a dig deal.
SO a month in, everything's been going well. School starts on monday for Dustin and the first football game is the 4th. I'm excited for football and to see this small town go crazy.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
New Beginnings in Stillwater and A Surprise Trip to ATL!
Well I feel like an update is needed as a lot has happened in the past weeks.
On June 30th I left Arizona and headed to Oklahoma. It was weird leaving knowing that this was the last time I'd be here actually living here. But it was all bittersweet knowing that I'd be with Dustin soon. The first day we drive to Santa Rosa, NM. The next day we drove from Santa Rosa all the way to Stillwater OK!
The first few days were spent unpacking and figuring out how I wanted my apartment to look. It's still weird to think that I have my own place. I've never really been on my own and it's still taking some getting used to.
My Family left that following wednesday and it was sad to see them leave. I really appreciated everything they helped me with and did for me. I'll miss them but its time to spread the wings!!
So I didn't have too long to settle into my new home because thursday Dustin was taking me on a mystery vacation! He'd been telling me about this for the past few weeks-never letting me know where we were actually going. I was just told what to pack and to come with him to the Airport. It wasn't until after we'd checked our bags that he reveled where we were going.........ATLANTA! At first I was like "Atlanta, whats there?" The first thing that popped into my mind was the 1996 Olympics with Kerri Strug and the US Gymnastics team, but Dustin soon reveled what our plans where going to be. We would be going to THE WORLDS LARGEST AQUARIUM, the CNN center, the Atlanta Zoo, Atlanta History Center and out for a Sushi Dinner. It was so nice and flattering to know that he took the time out to think of me and plan all of this w/o me knowing about it.
After a few airport delays we finally made it to Atlanta. We had to take the subway from the airport to our hotel and let me tell you it's not something I'd ever want to have to do alone. We stayed at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta and this hotel was huge! it was about 50 stories and the entire inside of the hotel was open so if you stood in the center and looked up you would be able to see until the top floor!
The next morning we got up and headed out for the Atlanta Zoo. After trying to figure out the Atlanta bus and subway system again we finally made it to the Zoo. Highlights of the Zoo? It wasn't too crowded and we got the see Pandas! After the Zoo and 2 bus rides and a brief walk later we were at the Atlanta History Center. They had an exhibit for the 1996 Olympics which I loved and other exhibits about the Civil war and the history of Atlanta. That night I took Dustin out for a (belated) birthday dinner at Bennihannas and then we headed back to the hotel.
The next day was AQUARIUM DAY! This was most defiantly my favorite part of the whole trip. This aquarium was huge! Highlight of the day was getting to go on a behind the scenes tour of the Aquarium and seeing their 6.2 million gallon tank with 4, 20 foot Whale Sharks. It was neat to be able to see how everything works and see a different perspective. I don't know why but I love aquariums and the Georgia Aquarium was the reason why Dustin decided to take me to Atlanta.
Our behind the scenes wasn't over since we were next heading over to the CNN center where the CNN headquarters is. We were able to go on a behind the scenes tour of the center and even get to see a live broadcast and meet two of the reporters. After CNN we headed over to our dinner reservations at the Sushi Restaurant and then head back to our hotel.
The following day we said goodbye to Atlanta and heading back to Oklahoma! Overall it was an awesome trip and I am so thankful and appreciative that Dustin took the time to plan it and think of me.
Well now we're back in Stillwater it's time for me to crack down and find a job! Today I actually have two interviews today so I am hoping those go well and soon I'll be employed!
On June 30th I left Arizona and headed to Oklahoma. It was weird leaving knowing that this was the last time I'd be here actually living here. But it was all bittersweet knowing that I'd be with Dustin soon. The first day we drive to Santa Rosa, NM. The next day we drove from Santa Rosa all the way to Stillwater OK!
The first few days were spent unpacking and figuring out how I wanted my apartment to look. It's still weird to think that I have my own place. I've never really been on my own and it's still taking some getting used to.
My Family left that following wednesday and it was sad to see them leave. I really appreciated everything they helped me with and did for me. I'll miss them but its time to spread the wings!!
So I didn't have too long to settle into my new home because thursday Dustin was taking me on a mystery vacation! He'd been telling me about this for the past few weeks-never letting me know where we were actually going. I was just told what to pack and to come with him to the Airport. It wasn't until after we'd checked our bags that he reveled where we were going.........ATLANTA! At first I was like "Atlanta, whats there?" The first thing that popped into my mind was the 1996 Olympics with Kerri Strug and the US Gymnastics team, but Dustin soon reveled what our plans where going to be. We would be going to THE WORLDS LARGEST AQUARIUM, the CNN center, the Atlanta Zoo, Atlanta History Center and out for a Sushi Dinner. It was so nice and flattering to know that he took the time out to think of me and plan all of this w/o me knowing about it.
After a few airport delays we finally made it to Atlanta. We had to take the subway from the airport to our hotel and let me tell you it's not something I'd ever want to have to do alone. We stayed at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta and this hotel was huge! it was about 50 stories and the entire inside of the hotel was open so if you stood in the center and looked up you would be able to see until the top floor!
The next morning we got up and headed out for the Atlanta Zoo. After trying to figure out the Atlanta bus and subway system again we finally made it to the Zoo. Highlights of the Zoo? It wasn't too crowded and we got the see Pandas! After the Zoo and 2 bus rides and a brief walk later we were at the Atlanta History Center. They had an exhibit for the 1996 Olympics which I loved and other exhibits about the Civil war and the history of Atlanta. That night I took Dustin out for a (belated) birthday dinner at Bennihannas and then we headed back to the hotel.
The next day was AQUARIUM DAY! This was most defiantly my favorite part of the whole trip. This aquarium was huge! Highlight of the day was getting to go on a behind the scenes tour of the Aquarium and seeing their 6.2 million gallon tank with 4, 20 foot Whale Sharks. It was neat to be able to see how everything works and see a different perspective. I don't know why but I love aquariums and the Georgia Aquarium was the reason why Dustin decided to take me to Atlanta.
Our behind the scenes wasn't over since we were next heading over to the CNN center where the CNN headquarters is. We were able to go on a behind the scenes tour of the center and even get to see a live broadcast and meet two of the reporters. After CNN we headed over to our dinner reservations at the Sushi Restaurant and then head back to our hotel.
The following day we said goodbye to Atlanta and heading back to Oklahoma! Overall it was an awesome trip and I am so thankful and appreciative that Dustin took the time to plan it and think of me.
Well now we're back in Stillwater it's time for me to crack down and find a job! Today I actually have two interviews today so I am hoping those go well and soon I'll be employed!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Goodbye Arizona I'm off to Oklahoma!
So here I am on the eve of my departure from Arizona to Oklahoma. Its a bittersweet feeling. Dustin and I have been waiting for this moment for the past 3 years. Its insane to think about what we've been through during this time and the distance that separated us. When I look back on that time-it does seem as if it's just flown by, but then it seemed as if it'd be forever until we got to this point.
When Dustin and i first got together, we had a plan for what our lives would be like after we graduated, and things didn't go the way we had planned. I can still recall the day we found out Dustin didn't get into ASU's athletic training program- it was a crushing blow as we came to the reality of our situation. There was no way I was going to spend another year away from him.
It's a strange thing to be leaving Arizona, I've grown up here and it hasn't really hit me yet that I'm leaving. It feels like this is my version of "going off to college" since i didn't go out of state. I'm saying goodbye to all these places and people I've seen everyday for 18 years.
I'll miss my family and the comforts of home and I am appreciative of all of their support and love these past fews years and with this decision. I know its not easy for them for me to leave, but they know that it's time for me to start something new.
I am a firm believer that nothing in life is fate-that everything happens for a reason. Never did I think I'd go on a vacation to Indiana and meet the love of my life and never did I think it'd be at this point-about to leave my childhood home and move to a place where I only know him. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I'd be moving to Oklahoma, but here I am going. But as I leave I am confident and know that I am making the right choice. I love him more than anything in this world and am so excited to start this new chapter in our lives.
So goodbye Arizona-it's been fun and don't worry I'll come back and visit.
When Dustin and i first got together, we had a plan for what our lives would be like after we graduated, and things didn't go the way we had planned. I can still recall the day we found out Dustin didn't get into ASU's athletic training program- it was a crushing blow as we came to the reality of our situation. There was no way I was going to spend another year away from him.
It's a strange thing to be leaving Arizona, I've grown up here and it hasn't really hit me yet that I'm leaving. It feels like this is my version of "going off to college" since i didn't go out of state. I'm saying goodbye to all these places and people I've seen everyday for 18 years.
I'll miss my family and the comforts of home and I am appreciative of all of their support and love these past fews years and with this decision. I know its not easy for them for me to leave, but they know that it's time for me to start something new.
I am a firm believer that nothing in life is fate-that everything happens for a reason. Never did I think I'd go on a vacation to Indiana and meet the love of my life and never did I think it'd be at this point-about to leave my childhood home and move to a place where I only know him. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I'd be moving to Oklahoma, but here I am going. But as I leave I am confident and know that I am making the right choice. I love him more than anything in this world and am so excited to start this new chapter in our lives.
So goodbye Arizona-it's been fun and don't worry I'll come back and visit.
Friday, June 11, 2010
St. Thomas & The Next Step
Well we got back from our vacation in St. Thomas last week and really enjoyed it! We are very thankful for my mom doing the whole trip for us and being there. St. Thomas is a very pretty area and the resort that we stayed at (Marriot Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star) is amazing. When we first got to the airport it seemed like we were going to land in the water because the runway literally starts right where the water ends. The airport is very small and when you get off they have FREE rum shots for you to take. I am getting to old to do shots nowadays and decided to pass that opportunity up. There was also a guy who was playing Caribbean music and it was a nice welcoming. We then got our bags and were on our way to the resort. The water there is beautiful and the downtown is all stores to lure tourist in. We stayed there for a week and got to see St. Johns, go snorkeling (even though Gina is afraid of fish), parasailing, layout, go up to the pool bar, eat at this restaurant called Paradise Point, and shopping. It was the first, and probably the only, time I saw Gina actually not buy anything and kinda complain about shopping (due to the humidity). I was absolutely amazed at what was occurring as I am usually the one wanting to get out of there. But to conclude with St. Thomas it was pretty, fun, and a great experience.
Now I am currently in Stillwater, Oklahoma at Oklahoma St. University working with their football team. I love the facilities here and the people. It truly is a great place to work and everyone her enjoys life and what they do, so it’s defiantly a good thing to be around with. I moved down this past weekend and it was roughly an 11 hour drive from home. My dad helped me move and you never really notice how much “crap” you have until you actually move it. I am living by myself and waiting on Gina to move down to OK! Living by yourself has its ups and downs. I enjoy the silence and time to yourself but you do get lonely. It will nice to have Gina down here (which will be around July 4th weekend) so I can have something to look forward to when I get off work. This is going to be a HUGE step in our relationship but is something that we have waited for, for a looonnnngggg time. I can’t wait to be able to enjoy a “normal” relationship and be able to experience “date night” and just spending time together whenever we want. It will be nice to finally have time on our side, which will be forever, because Gina is the love of my life and the one I want to spend forever with!
Now I am currently in Stillwater, Oklahoma at Oklahoma St. University working with their football team. I love the facilities here and the people. It truly is a great place to work and everyone her enjoys life and what they do, so it’s defiantly a good thing to be around with. I moved down this past weekend and it was roughly an 11 hour drive from home. My dad helped me move and you never really notice how much “crap” you have until you actually move it. I am living by myself and waiting on Gina to move down to OK! Living by yourself has its ups and downs. I enjoy the silence and time to yourself but you do get lonely. It will nice to have Gina down here (which will be around July 4th weekend) so I can have something to look forward to when I get off work. This is going to be a HUGE step in our relationship but is something that we have waited for, for a looonnnngggg time. I can’t wait to be able to enjoy a “normal” relationship and be able to experience “date night” and just spending time together whenever we want. It will be nice to finally have time on our side, which will be forever, because Gina is the love of my life and the one I want to spend forever with!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Graduation Glee and the next steps..
So I guess quite a lot has happened in the past few days.
This past weekend Dustin and I both graduated from college. Dustin graduated from Purdue on Sunday and I graduated from ASU on Saturday. It was sad that we couldn't be with each other on our graduation days, but we're happy we'll get to see each other soon!
My feelings about graduation are mixed. Don't get me wrong I am VERY HAPPY to be done with college. But its an odd feeling to be done. At this point I don't foresee any more schooling for quite some time. It feels like a weights been lifted off of me and I can finally say I've done it. Initially, I didn't want to walk at my graduation ceremony. I didn't really know anyone in my major and it just didn't seem important to me to walk. In the end I'm glad I did. I am able to say I was apart of that and it helped to really sink in the fact that I'm done!
Sunday meredith and I went to go see GLEE live in concert! OMGlee!!! Dustin got my tickets for a graduation gift and I am so thankful that he did. The show was amazing and it was awesome to see all these characters in real life, and they actually can sing!
The next step is Vacations and then moving! Dustin flies out to Vegas this weekend for a boys trip and then I'll be flying to Indiana on Monday. Then on Thursday we'll all fly to ST. THOMAS!! oh i need a vacation so badly and I am so excited to spend this time with Dustin! After St. Thomas, Dustin will head out to OKlahoma and I'll go back to work for a month until I head out there in July.
I heard from my apartment complex today and got the finial word on my apartment and all the details that go along with it. It's all starting to become a reality. I can't believe we're finally going to be living in the same place together; something we've been waiting for since we first met. I'm so excited to see him everyday and for our adventure that awaits us in Oklahoma!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
I doubted if I should ever come back...
I had the pleasure this evening of spending some time with my good friend Maggie She's one of the few people from high school who I've kept in contact with and still make a point to see at each chance I get. We had a wonderful date night of revolving sushi, a walk on mill ave to tempe town lake, QT smoothies and youtube videos.
I enjoy spending time with her because I am able to talk to her about life and she's able to give me advice. We chatted obviously about my move to Oklahoma to be with Dustin and where our lives had ended up. Her and I both agreed that we are no were where we thought we'd be four years ago, but its not a bad thing its a good thing. I am extremely thankful for Dustin being brought into my life and cannot believe that I chose to take this path that lead me to him. What is scary to look back on is-I almost took the other route-I almost didn't fly out to indiana that summer. It baffles me to think about where my life would be right now if I hadn't chosen that path. Were Dustin and I destined to find each other in another way? or was my decision the key puzzle piece that solidified our futures.
As I am about to graduate from college, I look back and these past four years and see how wonderful they truly were. Many people say college is the best years of your life. I agree it was wonderful-and it wasn't for any scholastic or "college parties" reason-it was because in college I learned who i am and what is important to me. I grew up and realized I didn't have to settle for what was there- i needed to branch out and find something new. I feel in love-deeply and forever in love. I've grown up a lot since the last time I put on a cap and gown and I'd like to think I got more out of these past four years than a degree to hang on the wall.
As I sat on the bench overlooking Tempe town lake, i thought to myself "am I ever going to come back here". It was an odd thing to think about-leaving a place you've come to call home. But in reality home isn't a physical place, its in love you have for others and those who love you. I'll be home when I'm with Dustin and I know I'll always have a place here too.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Dustin's Weekend Trip
Friday night after he got in, we went to Benihana's for my birthday dinner. I've never gone there for a birthday dinner and always wanted to. I hadn't eaten all day, so I was ready for all the food! I defiantly had a food baby! (for those who don't know what a food baby is....its when you eat way too much and your stomach sticks out like you're preggo! Thanks meredith for the terminology!) We named our food baby "Sam" after our (very Japanese) cook named Sam.
Saturday, Dustin and I went to the Phoenix Zoo. I don't know why but for some reason I love going to zoo's and aquariums, I guess it lets me hang on to my childhood. The zoo was very crowded, but all the animals were out so we got to see everything. Including some things we wish we hadn't! Dustin has really liked goats ever since he was little, so his favorite part was the petting zoo where he got to see to goats butt heads with each other.
After the zoo we went to lunch at Lucille's BBQ at Tempe Marketplace then went over to Ikea to check out some things for our apartments in Oklahoma.
That evening, Dustin and I and the rest of the family went to the Diamondbacks game for Meredith's birthday. Afterwards we came home and meredith opened bday presents.
Sunday Dustin was leaving so we had breakfast at home and then just relaxed until he had to go to the airport.
It's weird to think that this was the last time Dustin would come out to Arizona as us being in a distance relationship. We're coming to the end of the long distance and while we're both very exciting-its strange to fully grasp. We've been together almost 3 years and we never known anything else, but I am so excited to finally be in the same place as he is and am looking forward to our future in Oklahoma!
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