Updates

This blog hasn't been updated lately because...

A. Both of us have jobs now.

     Derek began a new job back in June. He started looking into new opportunities back when we were living in San Antonio because he was worried about the possibility of an NBA lock out. I thought he was crazy. Sweet kid hasn't even said "I told you so" once. He really likes what he is doing now and I'm proud of him for being able to see this situation coming and for all the hard work and courage that it took to step into his new job.

     After hunting for about two months, I accepted a position a wonderful local non-profit. I truly love the work that I get to do everyday. It makes me very happy to be working in a role where I spend most of my day actually helping people. I'm honored by that opportunity and encouraged by the people I get to work alongside. I also get to set my own schedule and that flexibility works well for me. Most of all I'm just grateful that Derek and I are both employed in fields that use the degrees we worked so hard for. We are blessed.

B. It's football season.

     Since Derek used to work in the OSU ticket office, we have some of the best seats in the house for an incredible season of Cowboy football. I have to admit that when I put on an OSU orange tee shirt, it still feels all wrong. And is objectively not as flattering on me as my beloved burnt orange. But it has been really fun to take little road trips this fall, visit family, and be part of a great game day experience. I'm enjoying it more as the season goes on. Initially, I couldn't really relax because I felt like people would know that I was an imposter. It took real effort not to throw my horns up when good things happened.

     We also made it down to Austin for the UT vs. OSU game. We got some much needed relaxation at my parent's place in Wimberley and enjoyed spending time with my dad and brother. Texas lost, but it was great to be back on the forty acres for the day.


C. We've had a lot to celebrate.

     Since the last posting, we celebrated our first wedding anniversary. We had a perfect lazy Sunday just enjoying spending time together. It started with pancakes, bacon, and coffee in our favorite "his" and "her" coffee mugs and it ended with some wonderful cake: fresh not frozen.

     For fun and a challenge, we opted to exchange traditional wedding gifts of paper. I got Derek's diploma, our wedding invitation, and a watercolor of the place where we got engaged framed nicely. Derek gave me a beautiful bible with my new name on it. Actually he gave me two because one is an enormous "mom bible" and the other is more travel friendly. I love them and it kind of made me tear up when I opened the box.

     We also celebrated 9 years of togetherness. Ridiculous, right? Maddie stayed with my parents and Derek and I had a fabulous night out on the town. We had dinner at Hattie's and it was romantic and perfect. I daydream about those fried green tomatoes. 

     We stayed the night at The Magnolia because I just needed to get out of the house for a night. I love that I can work from home, but sometimes it makes it hard for me to fully relax when I know that I have paperwork hidden in the cabinet.

     
     Last weekend, we got to celebrate at the wedding of our friend Lindsey. Arkansas is gorgeous this time of year and it was a fun trip for us. The wedding was beautiful and joyous and we are so glad we got to be a part of it. I got a little sentimental because Lindsey is my last close friend from high school to get married. When the wedding party was announced "Allen"..."Ellis"..."Ringler"..."Tolleson"..."Mr. and Mrs. Dykes" I realized that all these girls who are precious to me have new names. It really hit me that we are all very grown now. Grown and blessed to have found so much love and happiness early in life.

     Besides being a great chance to catch up with old friends, it was also a great time to dance. By far my favorite moment was when the band played "No One Else On Earth" by the incomparable Wynonna. It was such a perfect moment for Lindsey's wedding. I remember belting that song in her car and in our dorm room. So much fun to belt it at her wedding.
    

D. We have the neediest dog in the world.

     Even as I type this, she is edging her wet nose between my palm and the laptop begging me to pet her. She is whining and staring at my ardently. It's pathetic and it makes blogging difficult. But how can I resist the snuggles?