Sweet Summer

It's been a long time! Wow, I didn't realize how long it really had been since I had posted.  The past month has been a blur! I have been helping Adam paint furniture and get ready for his big move to Knoxville, TN as well as helping Kaitlin move into her new apartment behind my apartment.  It's definitely been a bitter-sweet time in my life.  Nonetheless, I think I have learned a lot about relationships in general this summer.

Me sporting my Tacky Christmas Sweater and red shorts for "Christmas in July" 

One of the biggest things I think I am taking away from this summer is how much more important it is to build, cultivate and maintain relationships than it is to devote all  your time and energy into pursuing education.  I'm not saying pursuing an education is wrong, (obviously not since I'm continuing my education in graduate school) however, I chose not to take courses this summer so that I would finally have a real "break" as I have taken many a summer class the past few summers.  As I reflect back on this summer, I see how I was able to really invest time with friends I normally wouldn't have had time to because of school and other obligations.  I had a lot of sweet fellowship this summer.  I'm so thankful that Kaitlin initiated "Women's Fellowship Nights." Thursday nights were definitely the highlight of the week as we had themed potluck dinners planned each week. I think my favorites were "Christmas in July" and "Mexican Fiesta Night."  Life really is about others - loving them and serving them...And I got to do a lot of that!

I think one way I was able to really love and serve was by helping Adam prepare for his "transition" to Knoxville.  If you aren't aware, Adam, my boyfriend, moved to Knoxville, TN to begin graduate school at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.  This summer, I cannot (literally) count how many times we took trips to Peddler's Mall and Murray Merchant's Mall looking for unique antiques and furniture for him to use in his new apartment.  It was a lot of fun though! We could start our own show as much as we love hunting for antiques and bargains. We even hit up some yard sales around the Murray area.
 

Adam with his Grandfather in front of the Budget truck that was 

rented to move all of his stuff to Knoxville

Reflecting on how much fun we had doing all of this, this summer really makes me miss him, but surprisingly enough, I'm really beginning to embrace the long distance relationship.  It's only been a week so far, but I've been coming up with some really neat ways I can serve him and love on him from a distance. I would share them here, but in case he reads this, I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise! I'll post some of them after he knows about them for sure.  Most recently, I purchased a MacBook Pro and was excited to Skype with Adam for the very first time!  I'm so thankful for Skype...I know it will help us out a lot.  We scheduled our second Skype session for tonight at 9 p.m. my time...so I'm excited about that.  Over the past few days, I have been really busy when Adam has called and haven't been able to give him my full attention and I know how frustrating that is for him.  As soon as we get on a routine, I know things will be easier for the both of us.

Me with my new MacBook Pro!

As for now, the orange in my wardrobe is ever-increasing and I'm enjoying loving on and serving others.  I hope all is well with you all!  I hope you take some time to reflect on your summer and think about some of the major "take-aways"...you might just be surprised!