Happy Monday!!

Whew, it's been over a month since I moved to Missouri. I've definitely enjoyed myself and have loved getting to know Marty better in the same city.

My job is going well (I'm actually enjoying it!). It's been nice to get to know some of the people I work with. In a typical week, I work during the day twice and at night once. I hope to add some more hours, but for now I'm thankful that I even have a job.

Last weekend, Marty and I ventured 11 1/2 hours in the car to Santa Rosa, Florida. It's a small beach community between Destin and Panama City Beach. We were supposed to meet up with two other couples, but due to sickness and snow, it ended up just being us. It was a nice weekend to learn more about each other and enjoy uninterrupted time together. Highlights included a great walk on the beach followed by a beautiful sunset, time in the sun (it was a little cold... but it was definitely warmer than chilly St. Louis!), and a funny seafood hunt. We were thankful for the house that was generously given to us for the weekend.

So, life in St. Louis isn't only a giant blessing, it's also really fun!

What do we do out here? Well... we cook, run, play, laugh, go to the park, walk around the museums (I haven't mentioned yet, but a bunch of great museums and the zoo are all free out here! Can't beat that!), learn, watch Jeopardy (and lately the Olympics), work, chat, and enjoy life.

Life is good.

Oh, and Marty says hi.

:)

Feeling settled in St. Louis

I'm well into my third week in St. Louis. I'm finally feeling settled here... I know my way around and it feels like "my" city.

St. Louis is a neat city. The sunny days are BEAUTIFUL. The cloudy days are frigid, but I remind myself that it is February after all...

The job hunt was a little frustrating. Coming to Missouri, I thought I'd be able to apply at a few places and get a job. I was proved wrong. I ended up applying at over 20 different places: coffee shops, clothing stores, REI, Restoration Hardware, cupcake bakeries, and other places. I finally got a job at a place called Time for Dinner. It's a place where people come and prepare meals that they take home, freeze, and cook later. I think it'll be a fun job with good people. I'll continue to look for another job, but for right now, this one seems like a good fit.

My little apartment is treating me well, too...

The other day Marty showed up with some tulips...

My room is small but cozy...



Last weekend, M and I went on a spontaneous weekend getaway to Greencastle, Indiana. Population: tiny. We spent the weekend with his dear friends Bob and Jamie Jedele. Bob and Jamie are the parents of Marty's best friend, Paul and they have a wonderful, welcoming home. We laughed... a lot. We went sledding and laughed even more. We shot guns off the back porch... which was not a laughing matter (even though we laughed at how good I was, even though it was my first time!). On Saturday afternoon we met up with some of Marty's friends, watched Kentucky Basketball and later sat around the camp fire. The weekend was precious to me because I was able to see Marty in his element... so comfortable, so free, so himself. The company was awesome -- I wouldn't mind taking another trip to the "Jedele Retreat Center" again!

So, needless to say, things are going really well. Visitors are always welcome... there are plenty of things to do and see in this city! It would be fun to show my friends and family this place that I get to call "home".