The Transition into Twenty-Four
However, I was scheduled to move into my new apartment on the last day of June so as nice as it was to lay around all day without a care in the world, I had to start packing! I knew I had a lot of stuff but it seems to multiply when I attempt to pack everything into boxes. Books, video games, clothes school supplies, food and so many other little things that I barely even think about had to be emptied out of my old place and be transported to the new one. I was so excited to find a one-bedroom apartment so roommates are a thing of the past but that also meant more shopping!
I am eternally grateful for my sister and her boyfriend who spent their entire Saturday helping me and it was going rather smoothly until we had one last large piece of furniture... a couch. This couch is what I grew up with back in my childhood home and it was annoying to move but it's comfy, large and has a special place in my heart. So you can imagine the disappointment and frustration when this couch couldn't fit inside my new door! No matter how we turned or pivoted it, the thing would just not squeeze inside. It is currently sitting near my dumpster, soaking wet and probably infested with rats.
It's still very sad to me and it truly feels like an end of an era but I have already found a new and improved couch that is on its way. I am praying it fits and looks/feels good in the space. Once that gets sorted out, I still need kitchen chairs, a microwave and maybe a bookshelf. However, my bedroom has a wonderful carpet and my bed, desk, end tables and piano all fit without issues and my closet is huge! My living room and kitchen are slowly becoming more "homey" and all those small items are finding their new spot!
Just a few days after moving in, I drove up to Maine with my sister, her boyfriend and my oldest brother for the weekend after Independence Day. We had a rainy but fun holiday at my cousin's house and I had the best time hanging with my second cousin and his friends (who are elementary students). I haven't seen them in a while and they were so cute playing wiffle ball and I asked them all sorts of questions. We continued the tradition of playing Spoons, a very competitive card game that always ends with a ripped table cloth.
Once in Maine, we spent almost all day out by the lake, surrounded by even more family. I love this week because my parents fly up from Florida and we get to visit relatives from my mom and dad's side. Again, I gravitate towards the younger cousins that continue to grow and they were so much mature and thoughtful than just last year! We were sad that my older younger brother couldn't make it out but we look forward to August where we all plan to visit Florida. On Sunday, I celebrated my 24th birthday with running a 5K and hiking a large mountain. I felt very loved and appreciated those around me before we had to head back for work today!
As each year passes, I find myself achieving more than I thought possible and it's always great to be proud of the new and cherish the consistent, including family or friends that go out of their way to wish me a happy birthday. I am currently sitting in my new apartment, excited for my new couch to arrive later this week and eager to keep working as a tutor through my school's summer program! There are some slight changes ahead for next academic year but I am trying not to focus too much energy on that now and enjoy living in the moment! Here's to another great year!