It is weird to think I am approaching sixth months on post graduation and living in Connecticut. I have had some moments of homesickness, but I think I am finally making my way in this town...
First off, I am blessed to be able to live with my parents for the time being in order to save up money for graduate school and for future expenses. It is different for me since I never grew up with my biological dad and I am older and living at home but it was a move has been beneficial in my life. My parents are always looking out for me, making sure I eat (asking what I ate, if I want something to eat, so on), my stepmom will get things for me when she is out (including cookie butter - my favorite thing EVER; winterboots, etc.), supporting my decisions, and so on. The other day, my dad brought my coffee to drivers ed during break time because I forgot it (and almost scared me half to death when I saw him in peripheral). Also - the next day, I forgot I left my debit card in pants pocket and didn't realize it until I went to buy sparkling waters and a couple of other things at Aldis before work. My dad went through my pants pockets and brought it to me at work. He also made sure I had an inhaler on me because I left it in my pants too (I had one on me, but I do have a tendency to misplace them - so I have three loose rescue inhalers).
Next - this one was a surprise to me and interesting how it all played out. I put my two weeks in at Subway last week. I didn't think I made any impressions during my time there but I guess I did. The managers, J, at one of the stores I commonly cover shifts for has been interested in having me at her store. Interestingly enough, she will be transfering to the my "home" store next month. Upon finding out that I was leaving she was really surprised and encouraged me to stay on (fill in as needed or if my schedule allows it). I kind of brushed it off and said that it wouldn't be possible - THEN my home store manager, M tried calling and texting me (after a managers meeting from what I found out) and asked if I wanted to stay on rather than quitting... I was surprised but knew that J and my training manager, Sp, wanted me to stay upon hearing I was leaving. I will be staying - I will trying to work on Saturday during November and see how it goes. Like M said, it would be good for me to stay on in case the other job didn't work out or something came up.
Then I have found a home church only a half a mile away from my house. This was the first church I visited upon moving (and I visited one winter break prior to a merger) and was immediately included. I have to thank R for making me welcome and for including me (granted I give her grief now) The first visit to church I was invited to a ladies meeting at Panera after church - I was super nervous but met several people that were close in age and were super friendly, and since then have became friends with them. They have also made me feel welcome in the community. Since that meeting, i have been to several more of the Panera Bread meetings, potluck meals after church, a choir interest meeting, worship nights, and to help in children's church.
Speaking of children's church - it feels so good to be working with kiddos in the ministry again! I was hesitant to jump back into ministry again (I did Sunday School, bus ministry, and youth choir prior) but I am glad I did. That is a gift that God has given me and I have seen it, especially when during my time at camp and how challenging days were but my love for those kids made it worth. At this church, I am one of the adult (seems so weird to me) helpers and get to work with teenagers starting out in the children's ministry. It is pretty cool to give them pointers and tips from my experience with teaching Sunday School, helping with VBS, and working in bus ministry. The kids have grown on me too... This was seen in a text that I got from R that her daughter said that children's church was fun out of nowhere (like that made my entire day, so much I kept the screen shot) and when one of the kiddos asks me if I am teaching/helping and wants to sit on my lap (or melt haha).
Things are slowly coming into place for me here. I know my way pretty well around Bristol (and I am still willing to walk places) and I am learning places around Bristol (I know Southington, Waterbury, and Plainville okay - Wolcott and Terryville are very pretty). I also have some local favorite places I love to go to - like Memorial Boulevard Park (I enjoy when i can go through the park and sit at the benches, see the trees, etc), Supernatural Deli (I am not a foodie but I love the fact that their food is fresh), the library, and Rockwell Park.
I am also going to the gym regularly at Planet Fitness (well 2 to 3 times a week) - at least the front desk people are pretty familiar with me. I have also achieved some fitness goals of mine (i.e. running 20 minutes straight without stopping, learning resistances machines, and incorporating yoga into my routines) - and I am toning up in my arms - which I never expected.
Stay tuned for more adventures with the new job, finding out about graduate school, and of course, the holidays (and who doesn't love Christmas music)
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