The past month

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged last, so here’s an update on the big things that have happened in the past month:

1. GRADUATION

I MADE IT! I actually graduated! Okay, it really wasn’t that big of a surprise, but it was still a pretty strange experience. My graduation weekend was one of the most special weekends of my life. It all started on Thursday when some of my family started coming into Columbia. My Mom, Nanny and Bobbob, cousin Emily, and good family friend Rebecca and her daughter Annie came in town. We, along with my boyfriend Jeff, all went to dinner to celebrate graduation weekend.

Then, Saturday the rest of the family made it to COMO. We all stayed at the Taylor House Bed and Breakfast. We had the entire house rented out so it was more like a mini family reunion than a graduation. Mom and Nanny brought up pictures from home so that it felt more like home. Saturday, Jeff’s parents Don and Darla Wertenberger came in town to celebrate with us. We, along with my roommate Natalie Johnston’s family, celebrated with a delicious meal before graduation.

It was the weirdest feeling walking across that stage. With those few steps I left behind my college self, and turned into an “adult.” While I don’t think much will change in terms of my personality and such, I do know that my focus and time will be spent on things other than hanging out with the girls of 3004 and piddling around Columbia, MO. I am very sad to leave college, but at the same time very excited to start my life in St. Louis. Here are some pictures from that weekend:







2. BEACH TRIP

In celebration of graduation, my friends from high school rented a house at Miramar Beach, FL. 18 of us headed down to Florida the day after graduation and spent a week relaxing by the water. We ate great food (oysters FOUR times), did a little shopping, spent many hours lounging in the sun and celebrated our time not only in college being over, but the fact that our friendships are still as strong as they were before we went. This trip allowed me to spend time with friends who I have known for many, many years. Some, as long as I can remember. Here are some pictures from that week:





3. MOVING

And finally, the biggest, most exciting change thus far. I MOVED TO ST. LOUIS!! When Jeff and I got back from the beach we immediately drove to Columbia. Three hours, and many sore muscles later, we were all packed into the biggest UHAUL I have ever seen. We made my final drive from Columbia to St. Louis and drove straight to 530 Union Boulevard (my new apartment). My friend Jenna and I are living in an old hotel called the Embassy. It has even completely refurbished into an apartment building and it is amazing! We have the old architectural features of a 1920’s hotel, a free workout room, a theater, a pool and a dog-walking park just for residents. The apartment is in the Central West End part of St. Louis city. It’s city living, but very safe. The area is a very fun place to go out, and only 10 minutes from work. I am so excited about the new home and to see what it has in store for me.

So, there’s a rundown of what has been going on over the past month. Check back for more updates as I start my life in St. Louis.