Another part of growing up...

We have a tradition in our family that every June/July one kid is moving. It has been this way for the past 5 years. I was always moving in and out of college dorms, and another kid was moving around. It became a joke that my parents could open a moving service. Last year alone, all three kids moved somewhere different. So this summer, my parents were so excited when they realized no one was moving. WRONG.  I like to keep them on their toes J

Since about January, I have been discussing moving into a bigger place. Kristen, who I met in small group, and I decided to begin looking for a place to rent starting July. We quickly realized we had a big task in front of us. I mean we could have lived here with this awesome pool. 

Both of us are not from the area and thought seriously, how hard could it be.

Well, close to 40 emails later and this spreadsheet, we found somewhere to rent.

Some of the conversations went like this:

Anna: this one looks nice, let’s drive by

Kristen: okay

20 minutes later

Kristen: I think this the house for rent

Anna: how did we even get here, I mean the GPS got us here, but how would we get to work?

Kristen: um, there is only parking for 2 cars, we have lots of friends

Anna: next

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Kristen: Anna I think I found it

Anna: where?

Kristen: it’s in a gated neighborhood. I sent you the link

Anna: laughing, Kristen, unless you want to go to bed around 9pm, I think we are too young for this “Adult” neighborhood

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After arriving to a super cute place

Anna: I like this neighborhood

Kristen: where are we? 

Anna: are we still in Gwinnett? 

Kristen: yes, I think so

Anna: okay, well maybe I should ask my Dad to do a crime check for this area

Papa Sowell:  if that is a question, you can't look at the place...move to the next

We were quite excited when we found the townhome we will be renting. It is in the area we wanted and has every “need” we were looking for. Can’t wait to get to decorating!

Stay tuned. 

On the go!

Where did April go?

I feel like I blinked and May appeared.  April could win the award for busiest month of my life in a long time.   If my head wouldn’t have been attached, I probably would still be looking for it.  By Thursday of every week, I could not tell you what I did on Monday… other than go. go. go!

I have always been a fast paced person… cannot sit still. I have never been one to love a certain TV show or be someone that could just do nothing. I always have to have my hands in something or a project going on.  Since I have been on my own and didn’t have anything to do, I will clean. Yes, mom you heard me. I feel like I am always washing clothes or cleaning. I mean my apartment isn’t that big… and I’m just one person. But some how I have managed to have more trash and more clothes to wash than anyone I know.

But seriously… April was at rocket speed.  Let me just give you a glimpse.

Birthday. Braves Game. Family Weekend. Sister’s Birthday. Alumni Weekend. Birthday Parties. Game Night. Good Friday Service. Easter Dinner for 15. Cookout. Gwinnett Braves Tailgate. Lunch Dates. Dinner Dates.  Work.

I am tried typing it out.

But, I can’t help but think where I was 1 year ago. Getting ready for one of the days you have always dreamed about.  Finishing up a sprint to the finish line…my mind was on all things Centennial, thesis and applying for jobs.  I laugh when I think about what I was able to accomplish on the little amount of sleep I had.  Oh little did I know.

April showers have taught me a lot. I used to hate alone time, now dream of time to just spend in quiet. I used to hate not being around technology, now can do without. I used to hate not having something to do, now long for a free weekend.  I used to hate to clean, now I find it relaxing.

I found an email I sent to a college friend around this time last year. I was down and upset about not having my dream job to step into the day after graduation.  In my mind, I wanted to graduate, move and start my job in the same weekend. I wanted no down time. Yeah, I was crazy.  But instead of that happening, God blessed me with much needed months at home in a slow-pace town to just renew my energy. I had no clue how much damage “going-going-going” did to my body.

Until I was taken out of that “going” state-of-mind, I would have never thought any different about April.  

Now, do not get me wrong. I love hospitality and socializing. It is my middle name. Building a community is so important to me and friendships are not going to grow unless you spend time hanging out.  And April we did just that. Absolutely wonderful.

When I started this blog, I wasn’t really sure how often I would post or what exactly I would write about. I have started many post and then stopped myself. But, I feel like May is going to be a month of renewing energy and I can not wait.

But, don’t worry friends. I’ll still plan small-scale events for us J