It's been 4 almost 5 months since I have graduated from Grad school... What is there to say besides I simply love having my nights and weekends to myself?! I love just going to work and not have to think about planning which assignment I need to do when I get home. I love only spending 8 hours a day in front of a computer Monday-Thursday, and then not looking at one again until Monday. I enjoy not having to look at my planner to see what is due and what I need to start freaking out about. It was strange, I will admit, to not wake up the 29th at 6 in the morning to start planning the next four months. But, I do have to say, it was nice to not have to do it. I think taking a couple years off before going after my PhD was a really smart idea.
What have I been doing instead of school work?! Let's see... there are so many things! I have been reading nonstop and dedicating my spare time to bookclub. I have been knitting--two scarfs and one hat, to be exact. I have been enjoying the weather and changes in the season. Sitting in the backyard enjoying the koi pond, sitting in the living room with a fire ablaze, cooking, baking, spending as much time as possible with my beloved, who I fall in love with more each and every day.
Speaking of the beloved, we are going to look at 6 houses today! He is wanting to buy a house, and we saw two in the beginning of August, and now we are seeing 6 today! My favourite number! I know he doesn't want to rush anything, but I think he needs to move, especially after a certain roommate flooded the bathroom and caused water damage.
I am making a mango shortbread, and it smells freaking delicious.
We started composting, which is really exciting because I want a garden next year! I want to grow my own veggies.
I am going to DC at the end of October to see my lovely friend for a week. It was kind of a splurge, and something I couldn't really afford, but I figure... I am young, don't have that much of a permanent job, and need to see as much as the world as possible. So I am leaving the 26th and coming back the 1st. Luckily, I have a free place to stay and just had to pay for my flight and then pay for the things we do there. Luckily, most of the museums are free, the zoo is free, and I plan on going full tourist! Plus, I have all these hours of annual leave, so I essentially will have a full paycheck, even though I am not actually working. :) Also, the one friend I made in England, is going to be in DC while I am there! I haven't seen her in three years! It's going to be such a beautiful reunion and I am so stoked!
October is my favourite month. The leaves change, the air changes, you start wearing scarfs and hats to protect yourself from the wind... Fall in Flagstaff is by far my favourite. Although, I heard I would like Boston in the fall too. I just haven't been there.
One day, I will own a cute little cottage in the English countryside.
I don't know if I have ever loved so much in my life. I love my life, I love my friends, I love everything around. And I love the beloved... more than I have ever loved anyone. He surprises me everyday with his kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, humour, and love. I have never had so much fun with someone in my life. I have never not fought with someone... we are two peas in a pod, that's for sure. And I am loving every moment of it.
Life is beautiful.
