My first lessons learned in NJ.

1) You cannot turn left at a traffic light, nor can you make a U-turn. You must slightly exit to the right and follow a "jughandle" to redirect yourself in the appropriate direction. Please see a better explanation here. Apparently, the people up here think this is genius and way safer than making a left turn at a traffic light. I think this is dumb, but whatever. I don't write the traffic laws in New Jersey.
2) People in New Jersey are surprisingly nice. They smile when they talk to you, hold doors open, give you directions, and show you their apartments when leasing offices aren't open on Saturdays. Yes, this happened. Yes, I was safe. Yes, I took pictures of some random lady's apartment with my iPhone to text my mom. You've got to do what You've got to do. 
3) Texas and New Jersey have many of the same store and restaurant chains. This is more comforting than you know! There are a ton of authentic stores and restaurants here as well, but sometimes it's nice to see a TGI Fridays and Kohls. 
4) I miss these three more than anyone could possibly understand. I cannot believe Luke and I did long distance for 5 years. That was nuts! It's been one week and I'm going crazy over here. New Jersey won't really be home until they get here...

Working from home.

Today concludes my first entire week of working from home. And I'm loving it! I have a feeling that I'll love it even more once I'm settled in my cozy, little apartment in NJ/NY. Which by the way, hasn't been found yet. Although, I have a feeling that we are on the right track. The Hintons will hopefully have a new home on the east coast by Oct 8th. Prayers please! Until then, you can find me working at this little desk in Texas. :)   

Atlanta!

Right now (about 10:45pm), I'm sitting in Luke's office while he does a little late-night work. And you know what? I'm a little anxious. Tomorrow, I fly to Atlanta to officially begin what I can already tell is going to be a great adventure. God has been preparing mine and Luke's hearts for this next chapter of our lives for a while now and tomorrow the big stuff begins. I will meet the other members of the JH Field Marketing team at our national convention. I will dive deep into what my new job is going to look like over the next few months and it will be information overload. I will learn the ends and outs of my new company, and from what I've been told, will have an amazing time doing so! But still, I'm anxious. 
It's funny, you know. My whole life I've dreamt about what it would be like to get that big break; to get the opportunity to move up to the east coast and chase my dreams; to do what I truly love in a part of the country that has stolen my heart. I thought this time of my life would never come and now, here it is. I am overwhelmed by the love and support of our family and friends. I'm still a little stressed about finding us a home in a part of the country I don't know that well. And just like the first day of school, I hope they like me. 
Sometimes I wonder if you every fully lose that feeling on the first big day of whatever lies before you.  My guess is, probably not. And I actually sort of hope not. Because I use these nerves as motivation. It's time to make a great first impression and to be the confident 25-year-old marketing professional that I am. This is where the rubber meets the road and I know I'm ready. This small town girl is ready to take a leap of faith, knowing that the God who has brought her to this point isn't letting go now. He's always had me in the palm of His hand and I know He'll never let go.
I won't have time to blog from Atlanta, but I can't wait to tell you all about it once I'm home! Say a prayer for me, ok? Thanks friends. 

Friday Letters

Dear Family and Friends, Thank you all for the love and support that you have shown Luke and me over the last couple of days! Moving to New Jersey is probably the biggest decision we have ever made, second only to getting married. We are are so excited about this new adventure and knowing that we have so many people behind us is a huge blessing. We could not love you all more!!

{Jersey City skyline}
Dear Luke, Your love and support this week has overwhelmed me. I am so glad God gave me you. And when we get to New Jersey, I will buy you all the winter clothes your heart desires. :)

Dear Birchbox,

Thanks for all the fun items in my September box! I'm seriously in LOVE with the blue nail polish titled "Insta-this." Plus I cannot wait to use my $25 Madewell giftcard. 
Dear God, Thank you for the rain, for answered prayer, and for Your peace.