It's Quite Lovely: A Whirl Wind Year of New Adventures & Change

It's been 1 full year since I moved down to Oregon from my hometown in Washington. A lot has changed in that year and I can't believe it sometimes.
When I first decided to move to Oregon I was hesitant because of all the great things I was leaving behind back home; my new baby nephew, a sweet new management position, my friends, family, and most importantly: my comfort zone. Since my move 1 year ago, I literally swear by that total cliche about life starting at the end of your comfort zone. Leaving my little comfort zone completely changed my life in the most obvious and non-obvious ways.

I got a job that I never thought I would. When I first left I had to quit two great jobs that I really enjoyed. I left both those jobs to move to Oregon with nothing lined up. I got a nanny job and it was completely out of my comfort zone, but now I get paid to play outside on the hot sunny days!

When we first moved to Oregon we had only 1 week to pack up and get down here. It was intimidating going out to look for a new home in a state we knew very little about. We found our own place and it has been so fun decorating, taking care of it, and making memories in it. Not so much the bills that come along with it, but it's taught us a lot about money management and independence!

The greatest part of moving down here was that it refocused my sight on school again. I was "taking a quarter off" back in Washington, but once I got here I enrolled in school full-time with a new major and finally got my ducks in a row. I even completed an internship! The best part about this great adventure is that I actually get good grades again.

I think that the biggest change was inside me. Being away from my total comfort zone has made me go out and meet new people, see new places, and be whoever I want to be. I have been so much riskier in my own small ways; with things like my clothes, makeup, starting this blog, and even exploring places! I am lucky to still be able to visit home very often and I have the best of friends that are constantly making trips down here. Every time someone comes to visit it's like a mini-slumber-party-vacation-fiesta-weekend-getaway :) I've come to appreciate my friends and family more this way.
This time last year I never would've been able to even dream about the life I have begun to build. Now I know that the possibilities are endless and I can't really imagine where I will be this time next year, but I am no longer afraid to dream of anything I want for my life.

Here's some fun adventures & memories from the past year that I just love:

Fourth of July 2014!

My puppy, sister in law, and her pup('s butt)