Friggin' Life

Graduating college. Many ponder and dream of their days of finishing school forever (unless you're smarter than me and have higher aspirations for your life and continue on to grad school or even medical school in which case I say "bravo" to you!). I know I did. I wondered what it would be like, how free I would feel, and what I would be doing on my homework free evenings. Walking across the stage at Reed Arena in that cap and gown, shaking the president's hand and hearing cheers from family members in the audience was an amazing feeling. And I will admit, it was very much a liberating and momentous occasion.

No more papers. No more sitting down in the library researching topics I only pretend to care about.

No more taking notes and studying for 4-7 straight hours the night before tests.

No more expensive textbook purchases.

No more schedules and finals.

No more projects.

No more late night desperate prayers to god, or putting a roll of pennies on Sully's boot in a last minute attempt to squeeze out a passing grade on an exam.

No more GPA's.

No more freezing cold walks across the campus.

No more book bags.

No more stress.

Ok, that last one might isn't true. Because it has been a month since I have graduated college and there is still stress. Now it just comes in a different form and for different reasons. Such as:

electric bill

cable bill

health insurance

car insurance

rent

a career

student loan debt.

To be honest, I have to thank my father and my upbringing for preparing me for almost everything the real world is bringing my way. I have been paying for my own rent, groceries, gas, bills, etc. since I have entered college. I never had the "cut off" moment from my father once I graduated. I had a gradual relinquish of funds from my father over the past 4-5 years and once December of 2010 hit, I was prepared. My introduction into the real world was not as big of a shock and I am very grateful for that. Of course, I am not used to handling an almost 20K debt, but with the financial knowledge I have gained over the years, I am confident I can handle the repayment of my student loans.

None of the above are making me nervous in the current moment. I know what I want to do for the rest of my life, and I am lucky enough to have a man who is more than willing to support me while I tackle this goal. However, there has been only one life changing decision that makes me nervous and excited all at the same time.

Moving out of the state of Texas.

It has always been the dream of Jordan (and myself) to have a wonderful and fulfilling career with John Deere. We have known that this meant a 90% chance of him having to work outside the state for a few years. We have discussed this possibility ample times over the 5 years we have been together. It has been no secret between us and it has never been a hard decision to make. If Jordan was given the offer, we would move in a heart beat. Nothing would make me happier than to see his life dreams come to fruition.

A few days before Christmas, he got an offer.









In Fridley, MN.

Fridley? Where in the hell is Fridley? Obviously in Minnesota, but where in that very, VERY northern state is that located? When Jordan first told me about the job, I instantly hit up my loyal friend Google and learned the following about Fridley, MN:

1.) It's friggin' freezing in Fridley.
2.) Fridley is on the northern outskirts of Minneapolis. Again, NORTHERN portion.
3.) It's a predominantly white, Christian suburb.
4.) It's freezing.
5.) They experience all 4 seasons and all types of weather. Even some I have never even heard of before, such as "derechos."
6.) It's 16% more expensive to live in Fridley than it is in Houston, TX.
7.) It's freezing.
8.) The town is beautiful and has a lively entertainment atmosphere.
9.) Snowmobiling is a popular hobby for the citizens of Fridley.
10.) It's freezing.

Besides the fact that it's friggin' freezing there and 1100 miles away from the wonderful state of Texas, I began to ponder the fact that I could be moving to Minnesota. Jordan thought, researched, and thought the offer over some more. We prayed, we discussed, we analyzed and we decided.


We're friggin' moving to Fridley.




Of course I am going with him. Of course I am overjoyed and excited and anxious to see what this has in store for us. Of course I realize it's far and yes, of course I, Shirley Anne Stevenson the most cold-natured female to ever walk the planet, realize it's friggin' freezing in Fridley, but given all that...

I am so friggin' excited!!!!


I love Jordan with my whole heart and nothing makes me happier than the opportunity to go out and experience something new and riveting with him. To go out and make the most of life is what I have always wanted to do, and to have him by my side makes this chance 100,000x more appealing.

So, after accepting the position and breaking the news to our families, Jordan and I have begun the planning process for this new adventure. I have put in my two weeks at work. My snow boots and pants have already arrived in the mail. Airfare is being researched, and goodbyes will soon begin to be said.

So ya, who knows what kind of fruits this opportunity will bear. Who knows if we'll be successful or failures. Who knows if Minnesota will be the answer or just the beginning to a long and adventerous path of life God has planned for us. Who knows? The only thing I know is that I have full faith in God and his works and everything he has set out for Jordan and I in the future.

And I friggin' can't wait to freeze my friggin' butt off with my boyfriend of 5 years whom I friggin' love enough to move to friggin' Fridley, Minnesota.