And we're back...

To begin this post- I present several pictures of our new apartment here in Princeton. I hope you enjoy (especially you, mom, since they are late after all) :)

An orchid AJ bought for me. Lovely, isn't he?

Our living room- the furniture is awesome, and nearly all borrowed from a generous couple who lives in China for now.

One of two paintings by Star's mother. She is the woman AJ stayed with last spring. I LOVE the paintings- they were a wedding gift from Star. How wonderful.

Another shot of our living room (with the other painting in the back). I love our new home.

Our small kitchen table with a shot of our patio in the backdrop. We have another larger table for guests (or sewing machines).

One-half of our small, yet adequate kitchen.

The other half. We finally discovered how to make our burners run on low. (even if it took a maintenance guy coming over to show us) :)

Our extended kitchen. Gotta have all the room when you have a gourmet chef as a husband!

One of the four valences I sewed this week. Makes our bedroom a little more cozy.

Our bed and dressers. Also generously loaned by the China couple.

My dresser/vanity. Check out the wedding bouquet.

Our small yet adequate bathroom.

Our multi-colored shower curtain goes surprisingly well with the pink tile. I'm actually growing fond that dreadful pink.

Our "let's make this apartment a home" supplies in the corner of our office by the new deep freeze AJ's parents gave us upon arrival. So handy!

One half of our office. My "Study" chair.

The other half of our office- along with my husband who tried unsuccessfully to get out of the photo. :)

For those who have been extremely saddened by my lack of posts this summer- I have good news. I am back in action here in Princeton, and I'm hoping my environment inspires me to continue on blogging in a diligent manner. This time, as a married woman living in an apartment!

I am officially a middler. A middler, for those who are unfamiliar with seminary lingo, is a 2nd year student who generally happens to have a busier schedule than incoming students and outgoing students alike. The 2nd year brings with it an intense course load and the addition of a field education placement. Regardless of the busier schedule, I KNOW PEOPLE and I know what I am doing....which makes the beginning of a school year infinitely easier. And fun.

AJ and I have been here for 2 weeks now, and we are settled in fairly nicely. I've actually been waiting to post this blog until we had our apartment put together enough to share pictures. The wait was unnecessary, I realize, but it's fun to show people the "real deal" when it comes to our living situation. And I must say, this whole married life thing makes me enjoy being domestic way more than I ever anticipated. I sewed valences for our office and bedroom windows. Yeah, I know, my skill set is pretty broad! :) (thanks, mom).

Ah, so much to say, so little ambition to write. Briefly- I will mention that I've been at the hospital where my field ed will take place, and I'm getting excited for this year. Plenty of learning in a completely new environment. A hospital. Also, I've been working at the Institute for Youth Ministry again, this time enrolling people into our forums. I enjoy it, and my boss is really nice....so I'm grateful a had a job as soon as I came back this year!

AJ and I have enjoyed our apartment so much the past few weeks. We are getting prepared to host 2 gatherings this Saturday. You heard me, 2! The first is a brunch for my single friends in the dorm- an "open house" of sorts so they feel welcome and comfortable in our apartment. the second is a belated birthday party for my friend Rachael and my married folk friends. It already looks as if this year will be a juggling act of the best sort- a full social life, a full class schedule, and a full work schedule. Did I mention I just got married this summer? So, I will add in the newlywed component, and you can get a picture of what my year will be in a nutshell.

One random note- this evening AJ, Katie, and I went to a Princeton Art Museum "Nassau Sampling" event. Basically a variety of restaurants on Nassau gave out samples of their food, and the public could taste them all and receive a few freebies as well. It was a fun evening, complete with a Princeton University A Capella choir for entertainment.

I will not waste more time with details. I'm sure plenty will come again soon. I begin class this Monday- and my schedule will be included in the following post (because of course everyone is REALLY excited to hear all about it). :)

Love you all, may the love of God reach you in unexpected ways this week.

Em