The BIG Move

My life has changed drastically in the last few weeks, and it's time to blog about it!

Unfortunately, my natural inclination to blog about my daily activities and happenings has been put on the back burner. I noticed that even in my final semester at NCU, I wasn't frequenting coffee shops as much, which is where I would normally zone out, read, journal, listen to music, and blog. I attribute most of it to the fact that I've been sharing my most intimate and immediate thoughts with Paul, and then don't feel as much of a need to write, since I've already processed through things with him.

The changes in the last few weeks, however, have required some serious need for reflection and additional processing. I'm hoping to get back into the habit of blogging once again and adding this back into my routine. I have already staked out a coffee shop within walking distance to the house with wi-fi, excellent atmosphere, and even opportunities to display art, should I feel so inspired.

So, where do I even begin?

Since my last post, I've officially quit my job and moved to Washington, and now I'm planning a wedding full-time and living out of 2 suitcases.

The morning I moved, I went out to my car and found that it had been TPed! I was actually flattered that someone had 'pranked' my car because no one had ever touched my things for the 2 years I had been at Northwest Christian. It was much welcomed, and I got a great laugh out of it. On my windshield are the words: "Bye E". (Thanks, Mike!)



Here I am with Kirsten on my last day in Eugene - this was before the tears and the painful goodbye. :(


Paul and I - sitting on the front steps of NCU after loading up the trailer. I was having a "sentimental moment" thinking about all the conversations I had in my tiny apartment, and locking the door behind me. It was emotional and exhausting, but I held it together pretty well...until I tried to put some things away at the house (trying not to call it "his" house anymore). I opened one cupboard and it was full. Opened another cupboard and it was full. Then I gave up, his mom came over, she hugged me, and then thI cried!


Here is the trailer with everything I own packed neatly inside:


Everything I own is now in the garage rather than in the trailer. (It's neatly stacked on the left)


My plants are taking over the house and it looks like a jungle inside! There are seven by the sink, and at least 5 in other places around the house. One of Paul's friends immediately commented "Dude! Your house has been feminized! I like it!" I think that's a compliment?!


As I write this, I'm in Grants Pass at a coffee shop, where I expect I'll be tomorrow, too. It is good to sit here with my mega to-do list and try to tackle some things like:

• Figuring out where I'll get my dress altered in Longview
• Completing the Save-the-Date cards and compiling addresses
• Getting health insurance
• Changing cell phone carriers
• Deciding how to continue registering with Paul, who is 300 miles away
• Trying to answer wedding-related questions that I don't have answers to, yet
• Trying my absolute hardest to find beautiful dresses for my beautiful bridesmaids that don't scream "bridesmaid dress"
• Answering the question "so why on earth did you choose September?! That's so soon!"

I am enjoying this season of my life being a fiance, and I am certainly getting ready to marry Paul. The Lord continues to affirm the timing and my new location. I have been warmly welcomed with a "Welcome to El-Town" party (Longview is referred to as L-Town, so it's only appropriate that I live there now), and so many relieved conversations with Paul.

I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it is to live in the same town and have face-to-face conversations instead of over the phone.

Goodbye, telephone boyfriend.
Hello, same-city fiance!