Well, Here We Are!

This post is long overdue, especially since we've been in Charlottesville almost a month! Wow, the time really flew by! Moving is always stressful, but you finally get to the point when you've almost figured out where to hang all your pictures and you can take a few moments to pause.

We had an awesome summer hanging out with family and traveling, but there is something great about settling down in your own place and starting to put together your life again. We aren't living out of suitcases anymore!

Matt just started classes last week, so our schedule has changed quite a bit since then. Matt is gone for most of the day and I have a lot of flexibility with how to use my time. Although it is strange to not be studying or writing papers, I have to say that my new-found freedom is definitely a welcome change. I can do anything! So far, I've joined the local chamber orchestra and signed on with a group that helps adults improve their writing and reading skills. I just recently found out that this same group teaches civics classes to prepare immigrants to apply for US citizenship. As a politics buff, teaching civics is definitely one of my passions, so I am supremely excited to be involved.

We are really loving Charlottesville so far. We've been able to explore many of the local restaurants and met some really awesome people. Here's to the next 5+ years!

Matt putting together a bookshelf in our living/dining room. Fortunately our house doesn't look like this anymore!

Matt and his family in front of Bodo's Bagels, a classic Charlottesville establishment.

Matt and me at Carter's Mountain Orchard near town.

Eating Wayside Chicken with my family--another Charlottesville classic.