Settling In

Nathan and I are adjusting to the idea of being apart longer than planned. Within one day of job hunting, I had a position at rue21 (a trendy teen and young adult clothing chain) lined up. The store opens next week in the mall five minutes from where I live. Tomorrow is my first day, as it is for everyone else. I won't be the only one dealing with the new employee feeling! I haven't worked a retail or a fashion job before, but I am really looking forward to it. I will be working part time at minimum wage, but as the purpose is mostly to pass the time and provide structure, I do not mind.The location, store hours, and shifts are exactly what I was looking for. Although I was offered a job in cellular sales, I decided to try something new, and I'm excited about it.

I opened a gym membership at Planet Fitness, also five minutes from me. I went for the first time this evening, and was reminded how much I enjoy going. I had a membership to a health club when I lived in Maryland, and I definitely missed it. The game night in the cafe has become a regular part of my week. I also met some of Nathan's friends, and have been spending time with them. Although I would rather be with Nathan, I am settling in well to a longer-term lifestyle here in Michigan.

Over the past two weeks, I moved all of Nathan's belongings from the basement to the living room, sorting through everything from his babyhood to now. It was fun to see bits of his life before I knew him. I had quite a pile of things I wasn't sure what to do with, so we skyped twice and sorted through it together. Doing so brought up lots of memories and stories, and his parents joined the reminiscing too. At this point, everything is back in the basement, but sorted- some things coming to Okinawa, others not- just waiting to be packed.

Nathan splits his time between four chapels on three camps. With the chaplain on vacation, he has had extra responsibilities, including buying necessary items at the commissary. He frequently utilizes the library resources, his latest being Japanese language cds he listens to on his drive to work.He is becoming more confident and trusted in his duties with each day. He also appreciates the donuts left over from some of the services at his chapels.