Where do I begin? I’ve been MIA on the blog for almost 4 months trying to sort through and prepare for big changes in my life. During those months, I started and finished a long-term assignment working as a substitute teacher at a local high school. I don’t think I can even describe how much I loved that temporary job. It’s so satisfying helping students learn new concepts, study and pass their classes, and just watching them grow over those few short months. A few of them even asked me if I was going to be back next school year and said they would really miss me and want me to visit them *cue the tears*
Also during those months, I started and finished the interview process with the company I’m working for now. I had been trying to find my next “big girl job” and the way this job came to me, I just knew it had to be the next step in my career journey. After interviewing with seven people (woah), I was offered a sales position with tons of growth opportunities…which leads me to my next big life update. With this job came a relocation 13 hours away from home to Waco. I had two weeks to find an apartment, pack everything I can, and move out here before my first day.
Day One: First Stop: Laurel, Mississippi
My parents came with me to help move me into my apartment. We broke up the drive into two days and started out towards Laurel, Mississippi. My mom and I are HUGE fans of HGTV’s Home Town, so we knew we needed to make a stop in Laurel to see the general store, the mercantile store, and the town in general; unfortunately, we didn’t see Ben or Erin that day so I think we’ll need to go back again. When we first arrived, we drove around the town, ate lunch at 320 Pub, and did some shopping. We went to The Rusty Chandelier, which is a local antique shop, where I could have spent hours just shopping for pieces for my apartment. I did walk out with two sets of antique glasses and two gold decorative peacocks (apartment tour coming soon!). After exploring Laurel, we headed to Jackson for the night to prepare for the next day’s drive to Waco.
Day Two: Off to Waco
From Jackson, we began the 7-hour drive to Waco, which is a veryyy long drive. We got in Sunday evening, got rested, and the next day we were moving things into my apartment and beginning the search for furniture. I had three days to unpack, do some exploring, and prepare for my first day on Thursday. We spent some time finding furniture (most was purchased online) and mainly spent the time driving around Waco, learning where things are, trying some food recommendations we were given, and getting me settled in to my new place. And before anyone asks, yes we did go to Magnolia but it was super crazy so we’ll need to go again in the fall.
View off my balcony 
My first day of work! 
Steer in someone’s front yard
It’s been exactly four weeks since I first arrived in Waco. I’ve really enjoyed the exploring I’ve been able to do so far and love my new job and the people I’ve met through it. I’m still terrified being on my own and learning how to be a true adult (I hate bills.), but I look forward to the lessons I’ll learn, the places I’ll visit, and the things I’ll do.
