Today.

August 19th. Today is the day that I thought I would be boarding a plane to head to Germany for four months. It's crazy how your life plans can change so quickly and you're left to follow a different path than the one that you started on.

Today I am feeling sad and envious, I will admit that. Part of me wishes that I was sitting along side my ladies (and Gary) at the airport, anxiously awaiting to begin this adventure. Although I am feeling sad and envious today, another part of me is feeling excited. I'm excited to hear and see everything my 6 beautiful friends are doing while abroad, but also excited for what is in store for me this upcoming semester/final school year. I may not be getting the opportunity to student teach in Germany, but I have a great feeling about my placement here.

I have big plans for the upcoming year. Not being able to go to Germany now has made me more determined than ever to make some sort of big trip after I graduate. There are some plans in the works to go to California next summer with some friends for Comic Con. There is also an idea that has been rattling my mind for quite some time... the idea of backpacking across Europe. I'll have more on that later.

Currently...

Thinking about: moving into my new apartment and decorating plans. I am so anxious for these next 7 days to fly by so that I can move into my own place. I'm loving the idea of having plants in my apartment so I've been finding a lot of lovely photos on Pinterest to inspire me...

(Sources: Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3 Picture 4)

Listening to: The Alabama Shakes album called Boys & Girls. I just recently heard their song 'Hold On' on a local radio station here in Kalamazoo, and I have been listening to that song repeatedly. It puts me in a good mood!

Eating: I've gone out to lunch at a local restaurant called Just Good Food the past couple days. Their sandwiches are to die for and I have been loving their marinated strawberries. I also feel like I've been eating a lot of food from my job lately, but I really do not mind all of the free pizza and delicious garlic bread.

Anticipating: The move into my new apartment (obviously...) and starting my student teaching. I just received an email from my mentor teacher about a training we'll be having next Thursday and information about our first day back as teachers. Now that I have wrapped up all of my undergraduate courses, I'm just so excited to get started on my student teaching!

Thankful for: my sister and her hubby letting me and Roxie stay at their house while I'm without my own place until the 22nd. It's a full house over here but I'm thankful for the good family that I have.

Watching: I just recently started watching Bob's Burgers on Netflix and that show is hilarious. I have also been re-watching Parks & Rec since my sister just started watching it and is now hooked on the show! 

Dreaming about: I want to get into better shape. My sister Ash and I have started running this summer using this awesome app called 5k Runner. It takes you through an 8-week training period and we're on the 7th week now. I never thought that I would be able to run for 15 minutes straight, but it's happening and I'm slowly beginning to love running and want to start training for a more serious 5k (because the color run was not so serious but I LOVED it and had so much fun and was able to run for some of it). With my busy schedule for the upcoming school year, I'm not sure when I'll find time to exercise but this has been on my list of things to-do for quite some time, and I think it's time I start getting serious about it. 

What are you guys currently watching, dreaming about, thinking of, eating, anticipating? Have a great rest of your week!

** Thank you to Danielle and Jen for the inspiration for this post! Check out their blogs :)

Quiet.

I apologize for it being so quiet over here. I have been caught up in trying to enjoy the last bit of my summer, working a new job, and moving out of my apartment.

Last weekend I had a few friends from Saginaw come and visit and we participated in the Color Run in Grand Rapids on Sunday morning. It was so much fun to get some time to spend with these ladies and participating in the happiest 5k on the planet. After the 5k, we headed over to Grand Haven to clean off in Lake Michigan. Quite possibly the perfect ending to a happy weekend.

                      

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This summer is flying by. I wrap up my last couple summer classes tomorrow and then I get to kind of enjoy my last couple weeks of summer. I started a new job at one of my favorite local restaurants, Martini's. It has been keeping me busy as did moving out of my apartment that has been home for the past couple years. I look forward to moving into my new apartment next week though. Things are going to be changing pretty soon here, and I am greatly looking forward to the challenges ahead.