Well, we have returned to Minnesota (and Arden Hills more specifically). My parents are out of town for the rest of the month, and so we are house-sitting (of sorts) until they return, at which point we will be still be living here, but we will live on one floor of the house, and we will live on another. It's not a long-term thing, but should work for a few weeks while we determine if we are staying in Minnesota more long-term, or if we are heading elsewhere.
It's a bit of an adjustment coming back, particularly when we don't know how long we will be here. It's nice that it will be at least a few weeks, which gives us a chance to see family and friends that we only see briefly or miss altogether when we are here for a few days over Christmas, but a little odd as it feels a bit nomadic, which isn't my usual state of being.
As an update, we moved out of our apartment at the end of July, and moved our belongings into our friends basement while we waited to see which way we were moving. So, we went down to Connecticut for a week to spend time with my sister and her family while we were waiting, and it was a great opportunity to catch up, spend some time at the ocean, etc. (other than getting the flu briefly, which I wouldn't recommend!). When we figured out Minneapolis was our next destination, we drove back up to Ithaca, loaded our belongings into our lovely moving van (with a/c, comfortable seats, and a cd player, we were quite happy about it), said goodbye to some friends, and proceeded to spend about 20 hours driving from Ithaca to Minneapolis. The drive went pretty well, all things considered, with a 16 foot truck towing our car behind, I thought it could have been a lot worse. We drove for about 15 hours the first day to Rockford, IL, where we spent the night sleeping before we got up in the morning to drive the last several hours back to Minnesota.
Since then we have been unloading our belongings (although the vast majority of them are still in boxes until we figure out where we will be more permanently), going through the stuff that was intentionally or unintentionally left behind at my parents house when we moved to New York, and trying to spend time with people we don't get to see very often.
It's a little weird having space after living two years in our rather tiny apartment, but its nice as we are trying to go through everything as well. We are enjoying the chance to be back though, and are going to try to do as much as possible while we are in town, until we know where we are going to end up!
--brianna
Friday, August 14, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Less than Two Weeks Left
We are in full swing packing up our apartment. There are boxes everywhere-- some are packed, and others are just waiting to be packed. I am also continuing to get everything cleaned up as well-- it seems that there is a constant list of things that need to be done. Fortunately, it seems to be going relatively decently. I'm not a big fan of packing and cleaning, but it does give me something to do other than applying for jobs.
On the job/move front, we are still unsure of where we are headed. There are some possibilities, but we are waiting to see what happens over the next week. Either way, we are leaving Ithaca at the end of the month (around the 30th). Cody has a little more than a week left at work, and then we have a few days to get everything done that's left at that point. It's exciting and scary to not know what the future holds, but I am learning to be patient-- through forced patience as that's really my only choice, but I guess I have to learn somehow. I'm used to being in control, so this is definitely different. We will be sure to update when we know more.
--brianna
On the job/move front, we are still unsure of where we are headed. There are some possibilities, but we are waiting to see what happens over the next week. Either way, we are leaving Ithaca at the end of the month (around the 30th). Cody has a little more than a week left at work, and then we have a few days to get everything done that's left at that point. It's exciting and scary to not know what the future holds, but I am learning to be patient-- through forced patience as that's really my only choice, but I guess I have to learn somehow. I'm used to being in control, so this is definitely different. We will be sure to update when we know more.
--brianna
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wishing We Knew More...
Happy July! We have been a little (or lot) neglectful in writing, but things got a little crazy in April and May. I made it through my final exams/papers just fine, and even managed to graduate. Both sets of 'rents made it out to celebrate for graduation, which was a lot of fun. The thesis stuff was even able to get worked out, and my academic advisor agreed to read my thesis. It was very exciting to find out graduation day right after I crossed the stage that he had approved of my thesis and signed off on all the necessary forms just a couple of days earlier, so my thesis was submitted officially in bound form a few days after graduation.
Since then I have been searching and applying for jobs, catching up on sleep, spending time with Cody and other friends, and trying to enjoy the aspects of Ithaca that I missed out on last summer. We managed to spend our anniversary together this year, so we decided to go camping for a couple of days in Watkins Glen to celebrate.
The searching for and applying for jobs has been a bit frustrating as there have been lots of applications, but very little in the way of responses. I have a potential opportunity with HUD, but am waiting to hear back on that. If it comes through, it means we could be living just about anywhere in the country in early August (from Seattle to Boston to Atlanta or Kansas City to name a few options), which we are trying to potentially plan around. Our lease is up at the end of this month, so either way our time in New York will be up shortly. If things don't come together by the end of the month, I think we will be back in the Twin Cities for at least a little while while we figure out what comes next (it may turn into a longer-term thing though, as neither of us are opposed to staying there permanently if the right opportunities develop). I'm trying to be patient and hopeful right now, but at times that gets difficult. If you have any leads or thoughts for either of us, please let us know, we would be very appreciative!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Sleepless Nights
It's 4:30 in the morning as I write this, and I have been up since 3:00. Life feels pretty stressful and out of control right now, leading to an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Classes end next week, which in some ways feels pretty incredible. I have almost completed my master's degree, which seems pretty unreal. My parents will be arriving for graduation in just about a month, which is crazy.
But there is still so much left up in the air. As of right now, I have no job for after graduation. My current part-time job at Cornell ends next week. And I have no idea what comes next. I like to know what comes next-- it's how I function. I like to think that I am relatively flexible as well, but I like having a plan. This is part of the reason why this semester has felt so crazy.
I have to take a quiz/exam this week, and a paper to hand in next week. A week after that, I take the only final exam I have this semester-- for financial accounting. After May 6th, I will be done with my classes. That gives me about 2 1/2 weeks with not a lot to do until graduation.
But my thesis still feels like it is looming over my head. I don't like to talk about it or think about it more than necessary-- it creates a sense of impending doom. That may sound overly dramatic, but that's the way it feels. It's also why I am awake right now--because the sound of footsteps coming from the apartment above mine at 3 in the morning woke me up, and I am so unable to relax that I immediately started thinking about everything that hasn't come together yet, including (especially) my thesis. A large knot forms in my stomach, and creates a complete inability to fall back to sleep. Once I have given up on actually going back to bed, I get up, check my email, and attempt to do some more work. This is problematic because it means I will be exhausted tomorrow during class from 8:30-4:00. It almost makes me wish I could become nocturnal. There are fewer things to get distracted by in the middle of the night, other than stress. And stress is motivational. Although, the downside is that I unfortunately need sleep to function, and so far this method isn't really functional-- particularly in any kind of long term sense. But it is the reality of my life right now.
--brianna
But there is still so much left up in the air. As of right now, I have no job for after graduation. My current part-time job at Cornell ends next week. And I have no idea what comes next. I like to know what comes next-- it's how I function. I like to think that I am relatively flexible as well, but I like having a plan. This is part of the reason why this semester has felt so crazy.
I have to take a quiz/exam this week, and a paper to hand in next week. A week after that, I take the only final exam I have this semester-- for financial accounting. After May 6th, I will be done with my classes. That gives me about 2 1/2 weeks with not a lot to do until graduation.
But my thesis still feels like it is looming over my head. I don't like to talk about it or think about it more than necessary-- it creates a sense of impending doom. That may sound overly dramatic, but that's the way it feels. It's also why I am awake right now--because the sound of footsteps coming from the apartment above mine at 3 in the morning woke me up, and I am so unable to relax that I immediately started thinking about everything that hasn't come together yet, including (especially) my thesis. A large knot forms in my stomach, and creates a complete inability to fall back to sleep. Once I have given up on actually going back to bed, I get up, check my email, and attempt to do some more work. This is problematic because it means I will be exhausted tomorrow during class from 8:30-4:00. It almost makes me wish I could become nocturnal. There are fewer things to get distracted by in the middle of the night, other than stress. And stress is motivational. Although, the downside is that I unfortunately need sleep to function, and so far this method isn't really functional-- particularly in any kind of long term sense. But it is the reality of my life right now.
--brianna
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Beginning of the End
I could be living in a different state in two months.
I have no idea what state it will be. I know which ones I would like, but the last couple years have taught me that the unexpected can work out. Bri and I spent the second weekend of spring break exploring two cities on the East Coast that we view as possibilities for our next destination. During out 24 hours in Boston we walked for 7+ hours. We roamed around the downtown/financial district for the bulk of our time, simply because it was the location of our hotel. We took the metro to Fenway park to explore a neighborhood that Bri has applied to work in, and we continued to Brookline, which one of my customers recommended. We basically loved all of our time in the city. Every neighborhood we encountered offered exciting possibilities and challenges.
When we had walked until we couldn't go a step further, we got in the car and drove down to Providence. Caveat: I continue to be amazed at how large and small the East Coast is. New York is huge, massive, and 95% of it has nothing to do with the city. On the other hand, we made it from downtown Boston to the center of Providence in 45 minutes, crazy. Anyways, we met our old friend Jeff just off Brown's campus in a really cool neighborhood of Providence. It basically reminded me of a grown up version of the neighborhood in Ithaca where I work. We grabbed some quality Greek food and really good coffee, then proceeded down to Jeff's house in East Greenwich. It was fantastic to spend time with Jeff and Lisa, people I have known since college and who have been through similar experiences as us. They moved to RI 3 weeks before we moved to NY. We had the opportunity to attend their church and see and hear about their lives. It was great to spend a significant amount of time with people who know us outside of Ithaca and to get their perspective on our lives and the new opportunities we have.
And so, I find myself back in Ithaca, with a better sense of the possibilities ahead of us, and two or three months left in this grand adventure.
Our lives are still progressing here. We met with our pastor this morning, and after an amazing conversation about our lives, or history in the church, and our future, we made the choice to become members. It is odd to realize that we will be in this place for such a short time as members, but it is also a great blessing to have a place in Ithaca to call home. It is funny that we spent so much time here trying to find another House of Mercy, and in the end we found a completely different place that has filled our needs.
Bri will be done with classes in a month. Graduation in the 24 of May. Our lease is done the last day of July. These are our guarantees. The rest will come together in its own time.
Blessings
-cody
I have no idea what state it will be. I know which ones I would like, but the last couple years have taught me that the unexpected can work out. Bri and I spent the second weekend of spring break exploring two cities on the East Coast that we view as possibilities for our next destination. During out 24 hours in Boston we walked for 7+ hours. We roamed around the downtown/financial district for the bulk of our time, simply because it was the location of our hotel. We took the metro to Fenway park to explore a neighborhood that Bri has applied to work in, and we continued to Brookline, which one of my customers recommended. We basically loved all of our time in the city. Every neighborhood we encountered offered exciting possibilities and challenges.
When we had walked until we couldn't go a step further, we got in the car and drove down to Providence. Caveat: I continue to be amazed at how large and small the East Coast is. New York is huge, massive, and 95% of it has nothing to do with the city. On the other hand, we made it from downtown Boston to the center of Providence in 45 minutes, crazy. Anyways, we met our old friend Jeff just off Brown's campus in a really cool neighborhood of Providence. It basically reminded me of a grown up version of the neighborhood in Ithaca where I work. We grabbed some quality Greek food and really good coffee, then proceeded down to Jeff's house in East Greenwich. It was fantastic to spend time with Jeff and Lisa, people I have known since college and who have been through similar experiences as us. They moved to RI 3 weeks before we moved to NY. We had the opportunity to attend their church and see and hear about their lives. It was great to spend a significant amount of time with people who know us outside of Ithaca and to get their perspective on our lives and the new opportunities we have.
And so, I find myself back in Ithaca, with a better sense of the possibilities ahead of us, and two or three months left in this grand adventure.
Our lives are still progressing here. We met with our pastor this morning, and after an amazing conversation about our lives, or history in the church, and our future, we made the choice to become members. It is odd to realize that we will be in this place for such a short time as members, but it is also a great blessing to have a place in Ithaca to call home. It is funny that we spent so much time here trying to find another House of Mercy, and in the end we found a completely different place that has filled our needs.
Bri will be done with classes in a month. Graduation in the 24 of May. Our lease is done the last day of July. These are our guarantees. The rest will come together in its own time.
Blessings
-cody
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Leaving Town (at least for the weekend)
It's spring break this week, and I am happy to have the chance to work on all of the "other stuff" on the to do list. You know, the stuff that needs to get done, but when there is little time available, is simply not a priority. This has involved the chance to do laundry that had been piling up for couple (or several) weeks, washing the dishes that have been piling up (a task that still hasn't been completed), mopping the kitchen floor, etc.
In addition to that lovely list, I have also been able to work on several other important things-- sleeping more than 6 hours at night, working on my thesis, applying for more jobs (although this is something I do daily, now I don't feel like it's squeezed into any available 30 minutes I manage to find in my schedule), and planning our trip to Boston. As a city Cody and I are contemplating moving to, it seemed worthwhile to see what it is we are considering doing-- checking out the city as well as the chance to get away from Ithaca for awhile.
So, Friday morning we are getting up early and driving to Boston (a trip that should take a little over six hours I think). Hopefully, it should be a good weekend-- not only a time to relax, but to see if this is someplace we could spend some serious time in the future. I'm looking forward to it, partially because I've always wanted to go to Boston (neither of us have ever been there), and partially because I like the opportunity to get away.
If anyone has any suggestions on things we should/must do while gone, feel free to let us know, we are open to suggestions.
--Brianna
In addition to that lovely list, I have also been able to work on several other important things-- sleeping more than 6 hours at night, working on my thesis, applying for more jobs (although this is something I do daily, now I don't feel like it's squeezed into any available 30 minutes I manage to find in my schedule), and planning our trip to Boston. As a city Cody and I are contemplating moving to, it seemed worthwhile to see what it is we are considering doing-- checking out the city as well as the chance to get away from Ithaca for awhile.
So, Friday morning we are getting up early and driving to Boston (a trip that should take a little over six hours I think). Hopefully, it should be a good weekend-- not only a time to relax, but to see if this is someplace we could spend some serious time in the future. I'm looking forward to it, partially because I've always wanted to go to Boston (neither of us have ever been there), and partially because I like the opportunity to get away.
If anyone has any suggestions on things we should/must do while gone, feel free to let us know, we are open to suggestions.
--Brianna
Thursday, February 26, 2009
I Have Been Remiss...
Having just looked back over the last 6+ months, I realize that I haven't remotely pulled my weight on a blog of my own creation. To be honest, I can't remember the last time I added my own thoughts here. So, here is my last six months in a nutshell. I made coffee, spent lots of quality time with Bri, went to MN for Christmas, and started attending a new church. All the rest is kinda details that aren't too important.
As Bri has pointed out lately, our time here in Ithaca is drawing quickly to a close. It is pretty amazing that we have been here for over a year and a half. As much as Ithaca has driven me nuts, I have come to love it in its own odd and quirky way. I doubt I will ever live any place like it again in my life. It has been an incredibly growing and challenging experience to live and work here. I have met some incredible people at work who have become friends more than customers.
Looking ahead, there is once again a tremendous amount of uncertainty. We are once again contemplating moving to a city that neither Bri nor I have ever been to. The possibility of moving to Boston originally came up as an opportunity for me to go to Seminary at Gordon Conwell, but has grown into a solid opportunity for Brianna. It now looks like Seminary will go on the back-burner for a couple years or until I find some kind of generous patronage.
I once again find myself job searching, which is one of my least favorite things to do. Thus far, it hasn't been terribly stressful, but some of that is due to it being a very general search right now. It is odd looking for work when you don't know what city you will be living in! I am currently abusing every connection I have in the church, mainly my new in-laws! So far, they have been very gracious and hopefully I will come away with some good ideas.
Bri and I have begun attending the United Church of Christ, Congregationalist church in the last few months. It has been a pretty big switch for us, but it has really been a blessing. The sermons remind me at times of House of Mercy, but aimed at a slightly older generation. We are definitely an oddity in the church as most members are over the age of 50. That being said, there are some really cool things going on in the church, plus, it is really interesting to be around a large number of Cornell professors and retired big wigs. They have a lot of interesting advice and stories to tell.
I make no promises that I will be better about posting, but I will do what I can.
Peace
-Cody
As Bri has pointed out lately, our time here in Ithaca is drawing quickly to a close. It is pretty amazing that we have been here for over a year and a half. As much as Ithaca has driven me nuts, I have come to love it in its own odd and quirky way. I doubt I will ever live any place like it again in my life. It has been an incredibly growing and challenging experience to live and work here. I have met some incredible people at work who have become friends more than customers.
Looking ahead, there is once again a tremendous amount of uncertainty. We are once again contemplating moving to a city that neither Bri nor I have ever been to. The possibility of moving to Boston originally came up as an opportunity for me to go to Seminary at Gordon Conwell, but has grown into a solid opportunity for Brianna. It now looks like Seminary will go on the back-burner for a couple years or until I find some kind of generous patronage.
I once again find myself job searching, which is one of my least favorite things to do. Thus far, it hasn't been terribly stressful, but some of that is due to it being a very general search right now. It is odd looking for work when you don't know what city you will be living in! I am currently abusing every connection I have in the church, mainly my new in-laws! So far, they have been very gracious and hopefully I will come away with some good ideas.
Bri and I have begun attending the United Church of Christ, Congregationalist church in the last few months. It has been a pretty big switch for us, but it has really been a blessing. The sermons remind me at times of House of Mercy, but aimed at a slightly older generation. We are definitely an oddity in the church as most members are over the age of 50. That being said, there are some really cool things going on in the church, plus, it is really interesting to be around a large number of Cornell professors and retired big wigs. They have a lot of interesting advice and stories to tell.
I make no promises that I will be better about posting, but I will do what I can.
Peace
-Cody
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