Remember Me?

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Well hello there, blog friends.  Its been three months since I've blogged, which if officially the longest I have been away from my special little place on the internet.  I've gotten messages from several readers asking if I'm alive, and I'm happy to report that yes, I am alive.  And even better, I'm doing well!  Things have been crazy busy these past three months, and free time (aka time to write on Smart and Sassy with Sprinkles) became a thing of the past.  But I'm officially back, hooray!  And to kick things off,  here is a quick run down on what's been happening with me lately.

I studied my ass off for my licensing exam.  Because you know, six years of grad school, a Ph.D, and a postdoc aren't enough to prove I'm competent in what I do.  This exam is notoriously hellish, having nearly everyone in our field in a tizzy.  I started studying in February, lost focus during all the house-buying craziness, then hit the books again hard for two months starting in July.  Every spare minute was devoted to study binders, flashcards, practice tests, and audio guides.  Studying for this text was literally life consuming for these two months.  It was hell.  Thankfully...

I passed my licensing exam!  Hell yes, woo hoo, praise the Lord!  I felt awful after taking the exam, certain I had failed.  I cried the whole drive home from the testing center and then proceeded to flail around at home for thirty minutes, whining about how awful I did and how I couldn't bear to take the test again, etc.  Matt tried to calm me down, reassuring me I had done fine.  Two anxiety filled weeks later, I got the call that I passed.  Relief, tears, pride, gratitude, and joy ensued.  Followed by lots of champagne (and some teasing from Matt about my post-test freak out).  So grateful to have finally hopped that last hurdle!

We've continued to work on the house like mad people.  Over this past month especially, it has truly started to feel like home.  We love our little house.  It's not perfect and there is still so much to do, but it is ours, and that feels oh so good.

My little brother has come and gone after living with us this summer as he completed an intership in Chicago.  Having him here was so fun, and both Matt and I agreed that our house felt oddly empty after he left.  I miss that little guy like crazy, but am so thankful for the memories we got to make this summer.  I also love that even after he has come and gone, we continue to call our second guest room "Ryan's room." :)

I ended my postdoc and started a new job.  The transition has truly been bittersweet.  After years of working in a university setting, I decided to take a risk and try something different.  My new job is going well so far, but it was certainly hard to say goodbye to my coworkers and the incredible students I was privileged to work with.  I think of them often and feel so grateful for such an incredible year.

And because life isn't all serious, I feel the need to include a few frivolous updates as well...

I got a new gold + glittery iPhone case.  It brings me more happiness than is probably normal for a $12 piece of plastic.

We bought an Xbox + Kinect, and sometimes I stay up till midnight playing Dance Central by myself.  Completely normal, right?

I booked two trips to Texas within the next three weeks.  Dallas next weekend and San Antonio two weeks after that.  It's been too long since I've breathed Texas air.

I have discovered Trader Joe's pumpkin Greek yogurt.  My life is forever changed.

I have clearly guzzled the Instagram koolaid.  Come find me there.

One of my coworkers and friends sent me a gorgeous plant the first day of my new job (thanks Marisa!), and I have managed to keep it alive for two months now.  New record in our house.

We joined a gym, and I discovered Zumba.  What took me so long?  I'm smitten.

So there you have it.  The semi-short story of what's new (and not so new) with me.  I'm excited to be back in my little corner of the internet, connecting and sharing more everyday moments with each of you.

Have a fabulous Monday!