Catching Up

Well, I finally decided to hop on the blogging bandwagon!  After thinking about it for quite some time, I decided that given my circumstances (being 2,352 miles!!! away from home) it would be a good way to keep my family and friends in the loop with what's going on with me (and Jake).  And I figure blogging can count as journaling, right?!

So, for those who don't know much about the past 2 years of my life, here's a little rewind to catch up:

Fall 2012

My fresh start.  I had just started my sophomore year at BYU (After deferring a couple of semesters between my freshman & sophomore years).  It may come as a surprise to some, but I pretty much HATED my freshman year at BYU... and looking back I at least partially know why.  I did the freshman experience ALL WRONG and it primarily had to do with the fact that I lived off campus--in Glenwood....otherwise known as Glen-hood (HELL).  I was hardly able to make friends with people my age and let's just say I didn't have the best attitude about the BYU life because of it.

Anyway, I got myself out of Glenhood, took some time off, made some personal life changes, and went into the Fall 2012 semester a new me.  I had a renewed appreciation for school after taking time off, so I worked hard and excelled as a result.  In addition to being a full time student, I was working as a bridal consultant (weird, I know) where I was SERIOUSLY blessed to meet some of the coolest girls and create some amazing friendships. 

When I wasn't at school or work I was all about going out, being with friends, intramural sports etc.  HOWEVER, I didn't want to date.  I WAS DOIN' ME, you know?? hahaha. Then Jake snuck into the picture.

There are a million things I love about my Jake and there were several indicators that let me know he was my perfect match but I'll spare everyone the mush.  Basically we owe our relationship existence to Chris Rostrom.  It's the typical "met through a mutual friend" story.  But in all seriousness and without going into too much detail, the timing of this relationship was crucial.  I just have to say that there was definitely some divine intervention going on there.

2013

Soo blah blah Jake and I dated for almost 8 months before he proposed.  Here are a few pics we took while dating.

Jake proposed in late April down near Vegas at Red Rock Canyon.  It was a COMPLETE surprise and 100 percent perfect.  I'll probably blog our proposal story at a later time :)

During our 4 months of engagement, I worked while Jacob finished his Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science at BYU and applied for medical schools.  There are 7 medical schools in Ohio, which is where Jake is from and held residency so we began making plans to move out there. Our reasoning for moving right away was primarily because we knew Jacob would have most of his interviews in or near Ohio and it made the most sense for us financially to just be out there rather than fly back and forth from Utah.

This plan put my education on hold once again, but we knew that in the end I was going to have to finish school in Ohio anyway because I still had 2 years left and we only had a 1 year break before Jake started school.

Anyway, the summer flew by and Jacob graduated the week before our wedding with top honors.  He was even asked to sit on the stand at graduation to represent the Exercise Science department! (#proudwifemoment)

We married in the Columbia River Temple on August 24th, 2013 (almost one year ago).  It was a beautiful/emotional day and we were beyond happy to share such a special time with our family and friends.  Side Note:  One of my favorite parts of the whole day was at the reception when Jake sang to me a cover of the song "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes--Hence, the title of my blog.  I felt like it was applicable because since our marriage, I've been taken on such an adventure.  We've gone through and will continue to go through change over the next few years.  It's as though each day is a new first day of my life. :)

Anyway, I'll probably also blog about our wedding day at a later time but here are a few pics.

Sooo yeah, I know getting married at 21 is crazy.  No, it's not for everyone.  Yes, I'm confident that I made the right decision. I've never been happier.

After honeymooning in the Pacific Northwest, we packed our car and made our way to the midwest.  Jake interviewed for med schools, we worked a ton, and we enjoyed the abundance of time we had together (knowing we wouldn't have so much time when he started school).  Jake received some med school acceptances but ultimately chose Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.  From the time we came down for his interview, we almost knew this is where we were supposed to be.  I too was admitted to Ohio University to finish my undergraduate degree.  We were both very excited!

2014

I would be lying if I said that moving so far from everyone I cared about was easy but my AMAZING new family has definitely made it easier.  I'm so thankful for their loving, welcoming arms!  Not only am I comfortable around them but I am able to have so much fun with them and for that I'm very thankful! :)

After both of us working hard for several months, we were able to save up for the trip of a lifetime.  So for one last hoorah before school started, we spent a week in the Western Mediterranean and were fortunate enough to do so with our good friends Merilee and Garrett.  (blog post coming soon)

We moved to southern Ohio shortly after.  Jacob started school in early July and I start next week!  Overall, we've really been enjoying Athens.  The ward is tiny but VERY nice. We are in love with our new little apartment.  It's quaint and perfect and tucked in the woods.  Things couldn't be better!

Til Next Time...
xoxo Michelle