New Home, New Hope

After going through a couple scheduling issues, Mom and I FINALLY got the opportunity to drive to Stillwater to find a place for me to live. I had to work until 1 P.M. last Sunday, so we ended up leaving Kearney about 1:30 or so. It's a 6.5 hour drive from Kearney to Stillwater, around 420 miles, so we got there around 8 P.M. It was a nice drive, and it's always great to spend some time talking with my mom. :)

Mom was much more excited about apartment hunting than me. If I had it my way, I would look at one apartment, it would be "perfect," I would sign the paperwork, and spend the rest of the day doing something fun. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Good thing Mom was enthusiastic, as her energy pushed me through the day!

First, we looked at some apartments that were decently close to campus. The first was an expensive dorm-style; I've spent 5 years at an undergrad, and NO MORE, so that was scratched! We looked at 3 more close to campus. One was decent, but a bit expensive for the space. The others weren't so impressive. I went into one, and immediately knew it wouldn't work, because it had one small light on the living room ceiling. I NEED a good amount of light to function!

Apartment #5 was much more promising. It was probably around 3 miles from campus, but it was on the bus route. The complex was quiet, clean, had good upkeep, had a pool, was down the street from a gorgeous park, and was a great price for the 820 sq. feet I would get. I would have been OK with signing on the spot for this view:

...but Mom wanted to keep looking.

Over the course of the day, we probably looked at a dozen apartments, including one house. Finally, I decided the apartment by the lake was my new home!! I passed the credit check, so BOOM!... I will get to move into our apartment mid-August!!! 

After signing, we explored the lake (with running trail - BONUS!) It was a good time. :)

I'm pretty excited about my new home. I've noticed a new hope and spring in my step. I'm almost leaving for a brand new adventure!!

Question #2

I bought a basketball last week. I drove by the outdoor basketball court near my house almost every day, and one day, I got the urge to buy one. I wasn't entirely sure why.
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When people see my life, I often get two immediate questions: 1) some variant of, "How do you motivate/push yourself to do that things you do?" and 2) "Do you have any hobbies, anything you do simply for fun?"

I know the answer to Question #1 is a routine-centered thing. Working hard at activities I enjoy gives me a push in life to be the best me I can be. The answer to Question #2? I've shoved that one off for years. After all, I enjoy flute playing and I enjoy running...heck, I often even enjoy studying.

Yet, the times when life usually feels most unenjoyable are the times of year most people look forward to - summer break and winter break. These are the times in which obligations and deadlines temporarily stop. For many, this is a welcome release, but for me, this is the danger zone. Why? Because of my lack of response to Question #2!

The last time someone asked me Question #2, I paused to really think about it. I realized that, besides watching random TLC shows on Netflix, I didn't really have ANY activity that I did for fun and purely for FUN! Music has become part of my career pursuit, and running is off and on. Sometimes, it is fun, but often, the inner expectation to be fast or fit or thin makes it feel like a stale obligation.

I've taken my new basketball to the court down the street twice so far. Once, I went with another person and chatted while shooting hoops. Today, I went by myself, turned on my Christian tunes, and cleared my mind. Am I good at shooting a basketball? No! I'd say I miss 85% of the shots I take at this point. But it just for fun, so it doesn't matter! Now I know why I had the urge to buy a basketball. This purchase was part of a response to Question #2.

As I write this, I am sitting in a beautiful park. I only live 1/4 of a mile away from this park and the basketball court across the street, yet I hardly ever come here. Look at these pictures, and you can see how silly it is that I don't come to this beautiful, peaceful place more often!

I hope I have found part of my answer to Question #2. I am looking forward to seeking out other outlets for personal regeneration and growth. I really want to go to the library and check out some quality literature to replace all the empty TV shows I've been watching. Someone once told me that we all have an emotional bank account. When we empty it by working and giving of ourselves, the only way we can keep going is by filling it back up again. I recognize I have sometimes let my well run dry, and am accepting that it is OK to take the time to fill it up. I hope, that by investing in an answer to Question #2, it will help fuel my response to Question #1. Together, the things God has put into my heart will lead to a full, purpose-driven life!