I keep waiting for real life to start. When I was in college, it was waiting for graduation. Then I graduated, and it was waiting for David to graduate. Then we were both alumni, and I was waiting for med school to start. And now that we've begun this grand adventure, I tell myself that real life will begin when I get a real job (instead of freelancing) or when we have kids...
But I think the joke's on me. This is real life, and it is wonderful. So I'll give you some highlights of our new, wonderful life in Arizona.
Conquering allergies
No joke. We moved to Arizona, and I thought I was coming down with the black plague. After days of illness, I realized they were allergies. Thankfully, I have an awesome grandma who is an allergy expert, and I have fully recovered. (This is my new favorite drug.)
Legally changing my name
I'm
embarrased to admit it, but (after one blissful year of marriage) I was
still Jessica Cameron Ward as of last Monday at 11:09. But as of 11:10,
I submitted my paperwork to the social security people and have become
Jessica Cameron Larsen! And there was much rejoicing.
Pesto sauce
I'm kind of a panini addict, and NO grocery stores in Provo carry this stuff. But I went to the local Winco here (love!), and they had two kinds of pesto for my choosing. I saw it as an omen that we were meant to be here.
Our apartment
I
really loved last apartment (with its Church carpet, cinderblock walls,
and convenient shoebox size) because we had great memories and, well,
it was our first. But I love this apartment because it's actually nice. I
have twice the room, David let me get my own bookshelf, he has a
study area, and we ordered a great couch. As soon as the couch is here
(and the pictures are hung!) I will give everyone a video tour because
it's too fun!
David starting med school
David started med school (!!!!!) at Midwestern University. So far he loves it--well, as much as anyone can enjoy studying for tons and tons of hours. It's just the beginning of a long haul, but I look back at where we were a year ago (writing essays, submitting applications, wondering where we would be), and I much prefer now. Luckily, two of his good friends from BYU are here as well.
Freelancing
So (in case you didn't know--ha), I am a bit of a worrier. And although I have yet to find a job (job hunting is currently on the list "things I hate" along with parallel parking, buying new tires, and eating cabbage), I have been blessed with many freelance opportunites thanks to my old job with the Friend. Its fun to get paid for something you love to do! I also finished a personal website (jessicaclarsen.com) in case anyone knows of potential employers who need full-time or freelance work! :]
The local library
I am such a nerd, but our move felt real (as in, real life beginning) when I got my Arizona library card. The library is a block away, and I think I've already been there twice in a week and a half! I've been catching up on my YA fiction (has anyone else read Delirium? It was amazing!) and renting movies to tempt David away from studying. We had a small marathon the Saturday before he started and watched Disney oldies like Candleshoe and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. So fun.
As I'm writing this, I think of more things to add (our wonderful ward, the Walmart date we went on last Friday, putting together my Crate&Barrel unpaintings), but I have to save something for later! Suffice it to say, it's a wonderful beginning because (yes!) real life has begun!
