25b425: My 1st goal and a special ode.

So... here I am again. I have neglected this blog once again, and clearly so much as changed since I last blogged here. If you can remember, over a year ago I wrote this blog post 25 before 25. I was feeling ambitious and inspired at that moment in time, and now as I scan over my list I have done absolutely none of those things. How can I go 14 months without completing anything on that list? How could I be so foolish to think that I could possibly complete anything on that list? What did I even do this past year? As soon as I start getting down on myself about how foolish I have been and as I'm sitting here in a coffee shop in a different state, I finally came to the realization that I have reached one goal on my list... Move to a different state. Which brings me to the point of this whole post: I have officially moved to Evanston, Illinois!

This move has taken lots of planning with apartment and job searching but you can now find Roxie, Jon, and I living the life over in Evanston. We would love to have you :)

Now here is where I begin to get sappy and a little emotional. I have spent my whole life living in Michigan, and am so in love with everything about that state. But there is one place in particular that will always hold a special place in my heart and that place is Kalamazoo. I have spent the past 6 years of my life there, which have been the most important years of my life. I have grown and discovered the type of person I am, and that is all thanks to the people that I have met there and all of the great things that Kalamazoo has to offer. 

I also have been especially lucky to have lived in the same city as my sisters. These two women inspire me in so many different ways on a daily basis and are my absolute best friends. Whew... getting all choked up over here. 

My momma drove all the way from Saginaw to cook us a special meal for my going away dinner. I feel so incredibly lucky sometimes. 

I can only say positive things about living in Kalamazoo and still can only hope that I will come back and live there again someday. As for now, I am only a 2 1/2 hour trip away and will be back as much as I can. 

As I have now completed at least one goal from my list, I think I need to spend some time revising my list and make some goals that are more realistic and in reach. Maybe even make it into a list of things I want to at least do before I turn 30. There are so many wonderful things to do in this life, I just hope that I have the time and resources to be able to do it.

Until next time... which I hope is much sooner than later. 

Currently.

Time moves fast and as I get older, I am learning this concept more and more. I try to keep track of each day and then as soon as I know it, it's eight months later and I have neglected this blog, still have unpacked boxes, and avoided some necessary and very important tasks. I can't simply give you a play by play of what my life has consisted of these past eight months, but I can sure give you a glance at what is currently going through this cluttered mind of mine. Currently I am: 

Enjoying: The fact that daylight is lingering a little longer each day. I get done with my day around 5:30 and come home to a dog with all of this energy pent up inside. I am lucky enough to have a nature preserve right down the street from my current apartment, and have been utilizing this time after work to not only let Roxie get some time to release her energy but I also get to have a solid 40 minutes of quiet and mind clearing time. These are some of the best moments.

Anticipating: The arrival of spring is so close but feels so far away. This winter has definitely been one of the roughest and longest winters that I have endured during my time here in Kalamazoo. I have also been a victim to more car troubles during these past few months than I have ever experienced with my car. Flat tires, dead battery, and a mirror knocked off. I am ready for warmer weather and more time being spent outside.

Watching: This isn't something that I am currently watching at the moment, but I recently finished the entire series of 'Breaking Bad'. It took a couple months, but I'm so glad that I spent all a good portion of my free time watching this show. I am so glad that I did.

Listening: Records upon records. One in particular has been a recent purchase of mine from one of my favorite record stores in Grand Rapids. The Head and the Heart has become a recent and quick favorite band of mine. I am seeing them perform live in April and could not be more excited. I guess you could say that is another thing that I am anticipating within these next couple months.

Drinking: Grapefruit Moon IPA from Harmony Brewing in Grand Rapids, MI. This beer has my heart and I was able to bring a growler of it back with me a couple weekends ago. I could drink this beer all day, everyday. Drinking it makes me anxious for warmer weather with a glass of this in my hand.

Reading: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. Without giving too much away about the story, let me just say that this book is creepy but so beautiful. Check it out.

I am going to leave you with a song that seriously could brighten anyones day, and if it doesn't then there is clearly something wrong with you. It's an oldie but so so good. Catch ya later :)