You Haven't Seen Her For A While

It's been months & I am sorry. This move to Georgia has taken absolutely every bit of energy from me - especially since I have to travel to Ohio every few months for Orthodontist appointments (that's so crazy, I know). Being unemployed was alright during the summer. I unpacked our new home & laid by the pool. I explored our area & went to Ohio twice. It was okay. I was too busy, essentially, to get a job.

The move was weirdly hard for Gaston, my cat. He kind of went insane. So, David & I rolled the dice & got another kitten for him. It worked. Gaston is calm & happy. Jean-Luc is about 6 months old now & is (another) black baby who is very mouthy and affectionate. That, has been a huge highlight.

David & I went back to Las Vegas in September for another one of his work conference. I was more adventurous this time around with suggestions from friends of things to do & sites to see. It was lovely & I was happy & felt amazing.

When we returned home is when everything started to get harder. The weather was getting cooler & my back was in complete disarray. I started a job only to find that I couldn't do it because my back was so insanely messed up that standing, sitting, bending, living was completely out of the question. 3 days in & they let me go because muscle relaxers & the public don't tend to mix. Turns out that my back problem was easy fix with some antibiotics, but I'll spare the details.

I was in Ohio again in November, a week before Thanksgiving & even though I haven't been with my family on Thanksgiving since 2010, it was hard to think I wouldn't be there. It's probably because I didn't see them on my birthday (which was yesterday) nor will I see them for Christmas. I'll be back again in late January but the traveling is getting old (as you can imagine). It's hard to put down roots when you're constantly leaving.

I want roots & I am trying to establish them. I tried getting a job, it didn't work. I've applied at approximately 100 other places. I enrolled back in school (with major setbacks) only to find that the program I want into won't be able to accept me until Fall 2016 (because my original major isn't available anywhere close). I have put myself out there to make friends, with going to a craft show with ladies I met through another blog/twitter & also getting together with an old high school friend.  I am doing everything right so what am I doing wrong?

How do you put roots down when they keep getting pulled out? What do you do when your life took a giant step back & now is idling? Where do you go? What do you do? No really, I am actually asking. I am looking for advice from those out there because I honestly don't know.

I am sorry that when I came back it wasn't with a bang. But I am hoping the starting back by asking for help & maybe receiving it, that I can put myself in the right direction with fun things to eventually tell you all.

Georgia On My Mind

I have been living in Georgia for almost a month now & it is both what I expected & not at all. I live about 25 minutes away from Atlanta & I have ventured into the city just a few times. So far, I have been a little too timid to go alone & explore. But, my sister came down to visit last weekend & we walked around some of the real touristy areas.



It's warm & usually sunny, with always a chance of rain daily. I live in an apartment complex which I still haven't decided if it's nice area or not. The little downtown area of my town has really cute festivities, including "Food Truck Friday", which basically is amazing. David did take me to Jeni's ice cream one day when I was feel especially homesick & I spent a hefty $40 on pints of ice cream (worth it). I guess the biggest thing I didn't expect, but welcome curiously, is the large Korean population. I think it's actually quite amazing driving down the road and seeing signs that are all written in Korean with no English translation. 

Truth be told, I am lonely right now. David works all day & his new job is, well, a new job. He is getting used to everything there while trying to get used to his surroundings. Whenever I put it into perspective, it has to be harder for him. But, for now I have him & G (& G isn't much for conversations). I am just trying to reign myself in on being spastic when he gets home from work.

I have been passively looking for a job while I unpack the rest of our boxes, but it's really intimidating because I can't find anything I am used to. Also, I have been on the fence on when I am going back to school and for what. Zoology was always what I wanted, but after multiple conversations, I realized it wasn't that high of a market to get into. It's not a safe major to get into. So, I'm re-evaluating & I think I have an answer, but I'll let you know when I am sure.

The next few weekends will be good, though. This weekend, David & I bought tickets for The Little Mermaid at The Fox Theater (he's too good to be) which I am LOSING MY MIND over. Next weekend, we're going to drive out to Tybee & Savannah to have some quiet time on the beach & the weekend after, I am flying to Ohio for an orthodontist appointment (that sounds insane, doesn't it?).

I'll share pictures from our vacation a few weeks back when we get back from Tybee/Savannah next. Again, apologies on the silence. It's been one hell of a month. 

xoxo

Viva Las Sammi (Times Are Changing)

Again, sorry I have been absent. I have been to Vegas and back for the past month & school has been over for a few weeks. Now, I have just been hustling because of a big change...but we'll get to that later.

Anyway, Vegas. I had a lot of fun for as little as we did. David was there for a conference, so I was riding solo for the majority of the time. I think some people would be bothered by this, but I didn't realize how desperately I needed some alone time until it was actually happening. So, let's talk about it.

I sat by the pool everyday that I was there. The temperature was between 80-85 the entire week & I honestly just relished in it. I needed the sunshine. I read a few books & I also worked on a few papers I needed to finish up for school (which is thankfully over).

Honestly, we only did one "attraction" which was the Sigfried and Roy "Secret Garden". I am still up in the air on how I felt about it. I really like animals, clearly & it was awesome thing to see the White Lions & White Tigers, but meh..those enclosures seemed tiny.

While there, I got to meet up with my best, Kate. It had been almost two years since we've seen one another & I was so thrilled to just have dinner with her and then lounge in the hotel room just to chat. Fortunately, I'll be seeing her more this year & some of our friends' weddings.

Vegas was, for me, relaxing. Which, I don't think is really the point on going to Vegas. I don't know if we'll be back any time soon because the hustle & bustle along with the go-go-go atmosphere isn't really my thing. I am much to leisurely for a place like that, but I definitely understand the draw to it.

A few weeks after we got home, David was back on a plane again down to Atlanta, Georgia. He was only gone for a day but it was a really great day. Because...We are moving to Atlanta in 2.5 weeks!! I know, I can't believe it either. David & I both recently decided that we wanted to stay in Ohio for a few more years before this company contacted him. We figured that he might as well here what they had to say and everything just fell into place perfectly.

We are moving down the first week on June, though, I don't really know what day yet (depends on the movers). We are actually going on vacation in Savannah/Tybee Island with my parents from 7th-14th so it's all going to be crammed really tight. Also, I'll be going back & forth to Ohio for awhile because I am staying with my same orthodontist for my braces (it's a specific braces treatment for TMJ & I didn't feel comfortable switching docs mid-treatment).

So, if you guys have any friends or loved ones in the greater ATL area, PLEASE let me know! I won't be working for a while until we get settled & would love to meet people!!

Again, hopefully it won't be long until my next post. There had just been so much going on in the last month that I didn't have time to sit down to tell you guys the big news!

xoxo

Don't You Forget About Me

I have been the worst, I know. I had really intended on writing a lot more, but I guess I didn't really know how much time & energy school would take up. I sincerely apologize!

The past few months, as I said, have been super busy. I cannot believe it's already the first on April! Don't get me wrong, I am super excited about it. Especially since next week, I'll be in VEGAS with David! We both have never been to Vegas before so I am equally excited & nervous. I'll probably be spending a lot of time at the pool and in the hotel room, getting a research paper done. That doesn't sound super exciting, but David will be in a conference all week, so I'll have a lot of alone time.

So, sorry to leave you hanging on the "bad news" from the last post. I have been pretty bummed & I know it's not that bad, but still. I have braces now. Like, on my teeth. So far, they are only on eight teeth, four on each side, but I will get the rest in about four to five months. I have pretty severe TMJ & this was the next step since my splint didn't work for me. Granted, a LOT of adults have braces more than ever, but it has still been sort of humiliating. I feel 12. Don't worry, though. I am getting used to them & I know I'll probably post pictures when I get the full set. For now, just a lot of closed-lipped smiles.

On a weird & hilarious note: A few weeks ago, I had my cat neutered. Totally normal, right? No. Nope. My cat FREAKED OUT from being under anesthesia & legit hallucinated. He was screaming & terrified of everything, attacking me, David, & furniture It was insane! After a really long night of him barrel-rolling in his carrier, we had to but him, in his carrier, in the bathtub, surrounded by cushions to keep him safe. It was a nightmare. My next cat will come fixed already.  

David's birthday was this weekend, and while originally I had a lot planned for the day, he decided he just wanted to chill out at home (except when we went to the movies & saw the new Arnold Schwarzenegger movie "Sabotage". Seriously. Your assumptions were right, it was terrible).

This year has just been really exciting so far & I cannot wait for the rest of the year to unfold. So many great things are already planned & It's going to be pretty awesome.

I PROMISE I'll write about my trip to Vegas once we get back. In the meantime, enjoy some photos of a few fun things that happened in the past few months!

My friend Kara & I made this cake for David for Valentine's Day. It came out so perfect, I cannot even believe it.

Kara got married! She had the cutest little home wedding, ever & she through it all together herself since she has a long distance love with James. It was absolutely incredible & I was honored to be there! I can't wait for the summer - that's when James moves here, from England, for good!

We went to the Columbus Zoo the day we had Gaston neutered. I was a perfect & sunny day with barely anyone there. I am pretty excited to get there several more times this year! They have a new exhibit, Heart of Africa, opening in May!

 

See you guys soon!

xoxo

photos: my own!

I'm An Addict For Dramatics

Winter has always been my greatest enemy. I don't like being cold, I don't like layering my clothes & I don't like boots. I love green trees, flowers, sandals (or bare feet!) & shorts. I am used to the Ohio winters & I am fortunate that Columbus doesn't get it as bad as my hometown. But, this winter has been brutal with snowstorm after snowstorm & temperatures in the negatives. It has really been bringing me down & this weekend it just all boiled over. I had a decent sized meltdown over all the things I hated about winter & how I wanted to leave the house, but leaving the house meant having to bundle up & still be cold. To me, there was no solution. Fortunately, David knows just to let me have my time & still managed to get me out a little bit.

After that mess, I thought about the things that are pretty awesome in my life & so, I compiled a small list of happiness that is making all this grey & cold sort of worth it.

This Friday is Valentine's Day! I've never really celebrated it before! Last year, David & I stayed home because I was ill & before that (with boyfriends past), it never really seemed right to celebrate. This year, though, I am going all out! I have a great navy dress with hearts all over it & red tights to go with it. We have dinner reservations at an awesome restaurant & I have so many surprises in store! 

Cuddling. I am a cuddler. I can be constantly cuddled up to David, my cat, or even my parents still. But, no one really likes to cuddle when it's hot out. The winter has me here. Winter is cuddle weather.

School has been going really good so far. I know I am only a few weeks in, but I am getting the hang of it & I am feeling pretty confident. I even did great on my first exam last week, which I was super nervous about.

Last week, I received some pretty discouraging news, but I am slowly starting to realize that it is going to be the best thing for me. Don't worry, I'll be sharing eventually. I'm sort of in a state of embarrassment & shock over it still.

I have several weddings that I am going to this year & I am actually super excited for them. I am not remotely the biggest fan of going to weddings, seeing as most of them are much the same. These are some of my best friends getting married, though & so that makes them so exciting & special. 

There is 116 days until I'm at the Beach. there is only 56 days until Vegas & there is only 37 days until Spring. But, who's counting?  

I guess, despite all the gloom, everything is going pretty good. I should remind myself of the good that I have going on. 

Do you guys get down in the winter? What are some ways you perk yourself up? I'd love for some ideas! xoxo

pics: here and here!

(Trying to Be) The Favorite Child

I headed home this past weekend, solo. It's been a long time since I went home just by myself. Usually, I have David in tow because we actually have something to do there like a holiday, wedding, etc. Love the man, but it was good to just spend some QT with my parents. He ended up going down to Cincinatti to visit friends & have a man-weekend. Win-win. I pictured my cat having a Home Alone-esque weekend by his lonesome at home.

I went up there because my mom broke her ankle in three places two weeks ago & she had surgery last week. My plan was to do as many chores as possible for her and my dad. I did some things, sure, but if we're being honest, there was a Harry Potter marathon on TV...so...woops. My dad cleaned out my car for me (& chastised me for it's messiness in the process), my mother waddled from room to room with her walker, & there was a blizzard & it was too cold to function (unsurprising for NEOhio in the winter). Sadly, I only got to see one of my friends, but I am going to try to make an effort to go visit more this year, to at least see my friends.

As I am writing this, I realized that I haven't been to downtown-ish Cleveland in over a year and a half. Make your jokes, but Cleveland to me is still just the best. In my opinion the food & restaurant scene there is far better than Columbus & I probably tell people that on a weekly basis.

 

In awesome news, I booked my vacation with David & MY PARENTS this past weekend. We're heading (back) to Tybee Island in the beginning of June. Growing up, we really didn't do many family vacations. My dad wasn't able to get the time off from work & the age gap between my sisters & I was much bigger then. I never minded it, though. I guess it's probably because I didn't know better. But, I decided this year I wanted to take my parents to my very favorite place & to show them everything about Savannah, Georgia that I am crazy about. Plus, my parents need & deserve a vacation. 2013 was one hell of a year for them. It's going to be interesting, to say the least. There is a running joke in my family that my older sister, Crissy (the middle child), is the favorite or the "golden child". If it isn't apparent by this post, I am trying to nudge her out

Did you guys plan any vacations for this year? Georgia isn't the only place I am going. I am heading to Vegas in April & also in planning mode to see Kate this year too! Hooray for 2014! I feel like it's going to be the best.

photos: here & here 

Sammi's Back, Tell Your Friends.

So sorry I have been pretty absent the past month. There was equally a lot & nothing at all going on. I had a whole post about the getaway David & I took up to Frankenmuth, Michigan but decided to scrap it because I couldn't figure out how to put into an adequate amount of words about everything that happened. It was probably 10 paragraphs. Woooof.

I really, really like my cat.

To shorten it, if you have never heard of Frankenmuth, you aren't alone. I hadn't heard about it until David told me that's what he "got" me for my birthday. A getaway. But, you may have heard of Bronner's CHRISTmas (seriously) Wonderland which is the "World's largest Christmas store". I love Christmas time. The lights, the decorations, hiding Jesus from my mom (don't judge), the music, the giving, all of it. It's so magical. Driving into Frankenmuth and ALL the lights brought me to tears. It took us over three hours to go through Bronner's & I cut myself off at about $100 spent. I could have spent thousands. There was so many cute shops in town & the waiters all wore lederhosen at the restaurant we went to. Sure, it was freezing & snowing, but it added to the allure of it all. It was absolutely the best gift I have ever received. It was only a 4ish hour drive for us from Columbus. If you can, go visit. We'll definitely be back.

He seriously posed this way.

Christmas was a little stressful, only due to travel. David & both are from two different parts of Ohio. Him, Athens. Me, Akron. So, we had to get to both families in about 36 hours. Not to mention, it was the first time that I met his extended family & he has a LOT of family. My family is small, we usually just have my parents, my sisters, nephew, & my uncle and aunt over. But, by how loud it gets, you'd think there was 30 some of us. I was able to see one of my best friends, received some school supplies, and ate some good food. Also, I bought Dane green pants. He loves them.

I worked New Years Eve, like always. We're only there until six & I always take the stance that the night has just begun & we can go out. We stayed home. Watched the ball drop (which I realized is INSANELY anti-climatic) & drank mini bottles of champagne. If how you're New Year's is spent is how your year will go, I'll take being comfortable, warm, happy, & slightly buzzed over anything.

Oh hey. Safari Sammi, here.

I start school on Monday. Which, probably isn't that big of a deal except I haven't been in school for a while. It took me a long time to decide what I wanted. I went from journalist to translator to hair dresser (most unlikely) to public relations to pharmacist to nurse to finally, zoologist. How did I land there? Easy. I reminded myself that from age 7 until high school that all I wanted was to work with animals. I was pretty discouraged in high school when people told me all the math I would have to take, so I scrapped it. But, at 26 I realized that this is what I am meant for. I am meant to scoop elephant poo & cuddle with baby tigers. I am meant to spray off penguins and lay down hay for the rhinos. I haven't completely decided if I'll go onto vet school after that (ultimate dream). I figured I'd cross that bridge in a year or two. But, animals. That's it. That's been it forever. 

 I am pretty insanely nervous about going back. The idea of math paralyzes me. The thought of professors calling on me & I don't know the answer makes me want to vom. I have a great support system, though. I have David who is super good at math & my family & friends cheering me on. I know in a few weeks, once I get into the swing of things I'll be okay. But for now, I'm losing sleep, tearing my thumbs apart, & freaking out every second.

I'll try to be better at this, but please be patient! I'm still getting the hang of all this. I'm excited about everything 2014 has is store for me & I am even more excited to share it!

photos: first two my own. last one, here!