Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Swept me off my feet...

Many people have asked about my "change in relationship status" on facebook so I figured this would be an ideal avenue to fill everyone in.

My first semester in Minnesota I wanted to focus on adapting to life in the Twin Cities and away from my family as well as get myself acquainted and comfortable with the U, my program, and faculty. I also wanted to begin building a social network up here by meeting people and specifically establishing girlfriends. I feel like I successfully navigated those "tasks" last semester and decided that this semester I would focus on my professional development (I am presenting my own research at a national conference in May, and also plan on getting some publications out of my thesis) as well as continue focusing on my friendships.

A couple weekends ago my friend Amanda invited me to attend one of her friend's birthday party with her. I figured it would be fun and an opportunity to meet some new people. Little did I know I was about to be completely swept off my feet. Kirk was one of the guys within our "group" of people and I noticed him instantly when I walked in (and have since found out he also noticed me). We ended up talking some, dancing some and overall having a really fun time. At the end of the night he asked for my number and, although I wasn't looking for a relationship, I decided that the connection I already felt was too much to ignore. We ended up going out with a group of friends for sushi the following Thursday and then he asked me on a date for that Saturday. We've obviously hung out and gone out a couple other times since.

I realize that many of you may think this all happened really fast or too quick, and we are aware of that, but are not going to allow society's "rules for dating" to dictate our relationship. For that matter I think we have broken every single dating rule so far (he didn't wait three days to call, we talked about anything and everything you aren't supposed to on the first date, etc.). All that matters to me at this point is that he and I connect in a way I have never connected with a guy before, he fulfills almost everything I am looking for in a guy (lets face it, no one is going to fit perfectly...the most a person can expect is 80%), he is the MOST communicative/articulate guy I have ever met, AND he accepts me for me (I don't have to apologize for being an intelligent, strong, independent woman). My mom always told me that someone would come along and sweep me off my feet when I least expect it...and that is the epitome of what happened with Kirk.

Kirk makes me extremely happy and I am so glad to have him in my life. I'm excited for our relationship to grow, evolve, and change and see where we end up.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Back in Minnesota...

Returning home for the first time since I moved, I realized that I feel as though I have two separate lives now, one in Kansas and one in Minnesota. It was kind of a bizarre feeling. Although I loved spending time in my "old stomping grounds" I was VERY ready to return to Minnesota after my two week visit home. One of my guy friends in Manhattan noticed a change in me that I have also recognized during my time up here...I seem to be more independent and self-assured, and less shy or timid about things. These are changes that I feel have emerged as a result of me moving to a new city alone and being forced to be more self-sufficient and less shy in order to build a social network up here. I know that without the strong attachment I have to my family this would not have been possible. I am so thankful that my parents instilled in me strong roots, to keep me grounded in family and who I am, but also gave me wings and allowed me to be independent. Not all parents are capable or willing to "let go", so I am blessed that my parents have done so and been so supportive.

My first weekend back in the Twin Cities confirmed why I was so excited to return. I am truly blessed by the AMAZING people I have met in my first semester here. I have established friendships that I feel will last a lifetime. I went out dancing at the Imperial Room this weekend with my friends Amanda and Sophia and honestly had the most fun I've had in a LONG time. Which says a lot because I have had a blast every time I've gone out in Mpls. These two girls are very special and am I so glad that God brought them into my life. I also met some new people this weekend while I was out, some of them carrying a XY chromosome pair, which is exciting because I have really missed having guys to hang out with!

Although my life back home "fits," my life up here "fits" me too. I really love living the "city girl life" and am absolutely thriving here. I know this is where God intends me to be. Life really couldn't be much better....stay tuned on the whole "guy sweeping me off my feet thing"...but for now I am very content focusing on school, work and my girlfriends.