the countdown to 26

People are still in awe of the fact that I moved here practically by myself. Its funny to think about it now, having lived here over 2 years. I was talking with a brand new friend after church about what it is like to live by myself (she having only had roommates and now a husband) and moving to a completely new place, etc. I chuckled at her questions and genuine interest in this strange path that I've chosen. As the 9 of us made our way to dinner, I realized what a gift I have been given. I have finally found a church that I am proud to be attending and have some people that I can sit with and go to dinner with after the service. Although I barely know these people and I am the only single in this group of long time friends, it feels good to eat together, laugh, tell stories and hear of their history together. Sure, it makes me very aware of how much I miss my college friends and our history together, and my singleness is all the more apparent when the bill is split by couple and then me. But just one year ago I doubted all of my decisions leading to this point and wondered if this is all actually worth the work it takes to live so far from all of the people I love. Now I can't imagine living anywhere else. I think its funny how life takes surprising twists and turns.
I was talking to a friend today, over Chipotle, about how transitional my life still feels, despite these great things in my life. As I face turning 26 head on, I have gone through an internal crisis about what my life looks like and how desperately I have tried to make decisions to feel settled or at least less transitional. yet the truth is I am a real adult, pushing myself down an unknown path which leads me to somewhere also unknown. Yet, God is faithful, he has a plan and it is for my good. I know these things. and I do have faith that they will come into fruition. But I realized being transitional is okay. Moving from apartment to apartment is okay. Not knowing where I am headed is okay. Hoping for something more permanent is okay. Feeling unfotunately single in a sea of married friends is okay. And that riding my bicycle all over town is freaking awesome.

bicycle, bicycle

just start calling me biker-dee instead of chef-dee

that's right, I bought a bicycle. I am so excited about it. I plan on biking all over town, using less gas, less wear on my car, and in a way I'm really trying to make my life a little more "green."
I'm pretty sure that the last time I rode a bike for any length of time was when I was in Jr. High. So, this is definitely going to take some serious practice and some coaching from my friends but I'm going to get good at it. But don't worry too much, Mom, I bought a really good helmet.

i'll post pictures soon.

holy humidity

I forgot, did I move to the South or something? the humidity has been torturing me. The air has been so thick that it is sometimes uncomfortable to breathe. I don't know how you southern folk do it. I guess gallons of sweet tea would help...
Last night we had the most incredible thunder and lightning I've ever seen or heard. As I was going to bed it was nonstop. INCREDIBLE to watch and kind of scary to listen to.