May 4, 2021

To Whom it May Concern:

I think it's about time I update you guys on the goings-on in my life as of late. Soon after my last post, 124 2A (which I received the loveliest feedback on), my life was turned upside down. In a year like 2020, the discomfort and stress that plagued my life were fitting- pandemic aside.

Last June, I returned to my home in Texas. Andrew finished his summer session and joined me two months later. The entire move was stressful and the uncertainty that followed would prove to be worse. I began a full-time curriculum at my university in the Fall as well as a new job. I was essentially supporting us both, and our two dogs. Oh, so much to catch up on, so let's take a dive into what I've been up to in the last year.

Texas

For someone who was dying to leave their hometown five years ago, I started missing my home state almost immediately. Everything from the big skies to the grocery stores (HEB for life) was dearly missed, and to be completely honest, I never felt quite at home in the southeast. It was beautiful, and we did some pretty fun stuff. But looking back-- even at my own blog posts-- I was falling in love with every city that we visited because, well, they weren't where we lived. When we traveled out of the region I felt as though I could finally breathe. I missed my family, and I missed breathing.

It wasn't until I moved away that I understood what they meant by "big Texas skies."

Enter: Pugsley & Wednesday

My mom had been telling me about two puppies that she found and was getting ready to take to the animal shelter. I know myself and I know that when I see an animal, I become instantly attached. I put off meeting those nameless puppies, making up excuses about being busy or having too much schoolwork to go and see them. All I knew about them was that my mom heard shrieks one rainy night and found them in a puddle under a pile of old wooden planks. They were just a few days old. They were a litter of three, but their brother hadn't made it through the thunderstorm. I also knew I'd fall in love and be absolutely torn to shreds when it came time to take them to a shelter. And that's exactly what happened.

Spur of the moment Halloween shoot with my children ♡

My mom ambushed me one Friday and asked me for help with something she was working on. As I approached, I made out two small black figures in her arms-- I was done for. I gave them both a bath that day, cleaning the fleas and ticks from their underbellies, and watched as they became comfortable in my arms. I got on the phone with Andrew that night and told him all about them. Without hesitation, he said, "okay, let's keep them." They've been a handful ever since, but I can't imagine our lives without them.

University

I can't tell you how long I'd dreamed of the day when I'd be able to complete my degree and start planning the rest of my life. I took a summer course last year, and have been a full-time student ever since. As nerve-wracking as it was, the academics weren't what challenged me the most, it was my job. Although I've had jobs concurrently with my studies, I've never worked 35+ hours per week in addition to a full-time curriculum. There was no shortage of stress and tears at first. I eventually got the hang of it and accepted it as my new normal. I love knowing that when push comes to shove, I can get shit done and then some. I've finished off every semester since with straight As.

Andrew's New Job

Remember how we'd moved twice in 2020 and how exhausted and emotional and stressful it was? Well, there's a good chance that 2021 has yet another move in store for us yet. Andrew recently landed a job in the Northeast and while we aren't totally sure about where we're going to end up, both of us are expecting to have to relocate in the coming months. I'm still coming to terms with this, but that's a post for another time.

& Everything in Between

As much as the pandemic has dampened my returning home (however short my stay here will end up being), I absolutely love being able to get in the car and drive over to my dad's house whenever I want. I love taking naps on the couch with two puppies snuggling up to me. I love the big sky and the sunsets. I love knowing where everything is. I love the smell of oak trees in the morning and citrus in the afternoon. I'd be lying if I said that I wanted to leave, and the prospect of moving across the country has me clinging to my Texas roots. Hell, I'd even be ok with moving somewhere else in the Southwest (I've been petitioning for Phoenix if we can't stay in TX). I truly don't know what comes next, but I'm going to focus on enjoying my moments here instead of worrying about something that may or may not happen.