My Sister's Wedding (Reception)

My sister, Chrystal, recently had her wedding reception after eloping in the Maine mountains. Ah, to elope in the mountains! I support her 100% for not including anyone else in the wedding ceremony. I suppose it's difficult for some to fully support a sibling or family member in eloping instead of having a big wedding, but I truly feel that that is what a marriage is all about. It's an extremely intimate thing that should come with an intimate ceremony. I can't wait until I get to experience it.

But all in all, Rochester is a beautiful city, somewhat resembling Pleasantville, and is equipped with gorgeous trails, quaint houses, friendly neighbors, nearby lakes, and sweet radio stations. It's the kind of place I would want to raise a family if I were to stay in the U.S.

More than anything, this trip made me realize how much I had missed my family since moving to Ohio. As quirky and slightly dysfunctional as they are, I love them dearly and I appreciate where I come from more and more all the time. It's funny how growing up makes you realize just how much like your family you really are, but also that it doesn't bother you so much anymore to know that; I know now that they are intelligent and good-hearted people just trying to live life the best way they can. I really only get to talk to them on the phone now, and traveling is a financial burden in itself. I just wish someone would invent the teleporter already.

The New Place

This was our fridge for the first 4 days we lived here. It all started when we were moving on Thursday or Friday, we were hot and exhausted and the water wasn't near cold enough out of the tap for us. The only logical thing to do, then, was to fill every glass we had brought over with water and refrigerate all of them. It proved to be really handy for us since we don't have one of those filters. I am proud to say we still have all those glasses in our fridge full of water, and we refill them. I hope it sticks.

Our apartment is slowly but surely coming together. I applied for a shelving position at the library. Oh please, God, let me get that job! I was never meant for Starbucks and you, of all beings, should know that.

This apartment is so inspiring. I never thought some brick walls could do the trick, but it seems to put me at ease. I only wish Christopher didn't have to work so much. Or go to school so much. What am I saying, I have it good. We'll see how the rest pans out.

Chapter 3: Cincinnati

So, in case you were even curious, chapters 1 and 2 of my life were Springfield and Columbia, both in Missouri. For the first time, I am living out of state, essentially on my own with the gracious encouragement of my wonderful boyfriend, Christopher. We are getting an apartment together soon (pictures to come) and needless to say, I am more than ecstatic. The top 3 photographs were taken in our current, snug apartment on Chase Avenue, where we had an incredible view of the impending storm the other night. The bottom photograph is of the statue on the corner of Clifton and Ludlow.

I feel like this city is growing on me every day I spend here. I'm finding new corners, new people, REAL people, and not just students. That was exactly what I was looking for and I'm so glad I finally found it. And it certainly doesn't hurt that the love of my life is here with me to experience it...

Today, I got hired at Starbucks again. Honestly, it was my last resort, but I'm banking on a job at the bookstore come November. I really want a job at the library downtown, but it seems like the only people they hire have degrees in library science. I just miss being around tons of books at my workplace, even if I can't read them on the job.

Ah, my Yashicamat does wonders.

Let me just say that I really like the first photograph with the mess-up developing in the corner. It makes it tangible and beautiful. I think this will be the camera I take around the world with me.

This was the rehearsal dinner, almost as cute as the wedding, where anyone could ride the bikes that were parked at the bed and breakfast that this was held at. Luke and Natalie got the tandem, of course, before someone broke it.

The colors look so washed out on here, I don't understand, but oh well. This is the last installment of digital photos and the next post if the one I am really excited about. I recently got back the results of my new Yashica Mat TLR, and they are gorgeous. Not to brag, it's honestly just the camera and film that make them so beautiful.