New... Everything

Henry David Thoreau said "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." Just prior to my move I received many gifts and cards with this quote on it. This was exactly what I needed to hear before making the bold move to the East Coast. I have always been an independent and confident woman. But as most people do, I began to question my abilities more and more as the move got closer. I asked myself: Can I really do this? Will I be able to handle being so far away from family and friends? What if I made the wrong choice? What if I am not what my new staff expects of me? 


Then I looked over this quote and it helped me realize that as long as I am confident in who I am and what I want out of life, I will succeed. I know that this move is going to be an amazing opportunity for growth and self discovery... I had not really experienced a big move like this in the past, alone. This is why it feels a little scarier than any other challenge I have experienced... 

I have yet to begin official work, but I have been lucky to begin connecting with my new staff members and friends. They have all been so welcoming, and that has definitely made my transition easier. 


Today is the first day that I feel a little homesick... It is Saturday night, and I have nothing to do... My apartment is still not quite home because most of my stuff is still in boxes... I guess I had never really experienced homesickness... I should have expected that I would feel this at some point, but I can honestly say this was not expected... I am not sure what I am supposed to do with it... I have been talking to many friends and family from home and that helps... I am sure this will pass... Its just that right now it is a little bit hard... I need to focus more on unpacking and settling in, so that my apartment looks more homey... I was looking through quotes, which we all know I love, and discovered this little gem:

"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts" -Eleanor Roosevelt


It is so simple, but so powerful. Sometimes I notice that I start to get into routines, and forget that each day is special, and provides an opportunity to learn or experience something new... Oftentimes, days start to feel monotonous. We find ourselves doing the same things, and ignoring minor differences... Sometimes we need a big shake to make us realize it is important to look at each day as a new opportunity to LIVE life not just go through the motions... It is this move and my new surroundings that have inspired me to take the opportunity to explore something new everyday, and really learn more about as much as I can. 




Day 1: I explored my new apartment

My Favorite Room

My Bedroom

My WALK-IN CLOSET!!!

My first day here was rough... My flight was a red eye... This inevitably screwed up my sleep schedule. I felt like a zombie until the next morning. I managed to get a few items unpacked and went to a store to pick up some basic toiletries for my first night in my new home. Other than this I slept incredibly weird hours in order to try and recuperate and adjust to the time change.






















































Day 2: Explored UNH and Portsmouth, NH

 Portsmouth, NH Harbor 

On the second day I walked around campus. I explored my building, my office and various areas on campus. It is absolutely gorgeous. Exactly what I would imagine a New England college campus to look like. Bricks buildings everywhere surrounded by luscious greenery everywhere. I feel really blessed to be on such a beautiful campus.







Day 3: Explored the surrounding wilderness

On the third day I decided to explore the nearby river and reservoir on a run that lead me to hike. I Google mapped the area and discovered that there is a river that runs right along side campus... So I went on a run to discover this river... I got a little lost going to the wrong direction at first, which was fine because it gave me an opportunity to run a little more. Finally, I discovered the trail that runs alongside the river. It was beautiful. The day was gorgeous, there was a swift breeze and lots of shade provided by all of the trees. The views were spectacular... I of course got bitten by a mosquito... As usual I did not think of the fact that I was going to be in the wooded area with stagnant water everywhere... The ultimate mosquito breeding ground! I forgot my bug spray and definitely paid for it... I escaped with just one or two bites, but it was totally worth it... I also went to see Harry Potter with a bunch of Hall Directors... I was worried that I was going to be lost, but I wasn't as lost as I thought I would be... And for those who care what I thought of the movie: I enjoyed it, but did not read the books, so take it as you would like.


Day 4: Explored the surrounding town
On this day I went and explored Durham... Or what I could of it, on foot... It is a quaint little town with lots of character. I also went to dinner with a couple of the other hall directors. They are great! I am getting excited to meet everyone and start training in August. For dinner we had "Mexican food." I put it in quotes because it definitely was Mexican inspired food, but it paled in comparison to what I am used to being from Southern California. I am excited to try some East Coast specialties... which mostly consists of seafood... I will let you all know how the following week goes...


All of this new exploration gives me strength and confidence. I am pushing myself out of my comfort zone... Eating at restaurants alone, talking to strangers (which truthfully is not really out of my comfort zone). But I am definitely putting myself in situations I might not have under different circumstances... Lucky for me, everyone I have come into contact with here in New Hampshire has been nothing but friendly and welcoming. 


I would like to apologize if this entry feels scattered and disorganized... It is how I am feeling... So it is hard to express all of the thoughts and feelings in a cohesive manner...