Texas! And other life updates!

 Happy Sunday! I am going to write about moving to Texas. As you all know, one of the biggest changes of my life happened recently. I graduated, had my first (and probably last) real summer in years, and then moved from Pennsylvania, where I've lived all my life, across the country to Texas. It has been very exciting but also very stressful. 

Graduation was tough. I had my toughest and last final in the morning, and graduation was 6 hours later. Since COVID vaccines had just come out, it was outdoors, and that day was pouring in the stands. Mak, Ayah and I decided not to go but rather attend remotely. Wasil and Hamzah joined us on Discord as I graduated on the couch, and then ate Pita Cabana after. Of the two options, I am very glad we did the couch option and did not stand in the pouring rain. But it was sad to graduate and not see my friends. 

Summer was fun. I had not had a summer since high school due to summer classes, and I lived between State College and Indiana, seeing friends and family. My mind was blank during this entire time. There was nothing to think about. I had no classes or job search to think about. I spent the last four years wondering if I would make it to where I made it this summer. It was so nice.

Moving was exciting and also tough. It was so great to see Amin, Kak Cah, Feyruz, and Fayyad after not seeing them all for years and 110% worth the extra miles. But moving into my first apartment on my own was stressful and sad at first. Furniture stores were empty or on backorder entirely, and I was itchy and hungry throughout most of the entire move. 😩  But I was so glad that I had family there helping me move in. I was sure it would be much worse without.

A few days after moving in, Muhsin and I went to California to visit Wasil! This is going to be a separate post, because this was an entire week of exploring and also my birthday week. I turned 22, and flew back to Texas the day after.

California picture teaser!

After moving back, I've been trying to make friends and keep busy. I have learned how to rock climb, a scary and exhilarating experience! I now go every week (Tuesdays). I also have started mat pilates every Saturday, a challenging core/bodyweight exercise, as well as going to the gym most weekday mornings. I am trying to eat more so that I see more results, and also reach a healthy body weight in general. There are other classes I'm excited to try as well that my gym offers with my membership, like kickboxing and yoga. 

Rock climbing with friends!

I have also invited friends over several times for grilling and swimming as I learn how to grill, and to use the grill stations right next to the pools at my apartment. I have bought/brought several plants and am trying as hard as I can to take care of them. I watch Penn State football on my computer on the weekends and text my friends about it excitedly. I play Stardew Valley with my Indiana friends on Wednesdays. And as I begin to rebuild my savings, I search for furniture that both match my vision and are also affordable, with Facebook Marketplace and Ikea. I bought a washer and dryer last weekend and have never felt so independent. 

Trying new foods! This was a vegan cheese pizza.

Friends, swimming and grilling!

I bought a cowboy hat at a rodeo.

Running away from statue stampedes.

That's all for now! Stay tuned for more updates! I'm quite busy but always up for phone calls or Facetime calls in case any of ya'll miss me. :)