Where do you even begin an "update" post when you haven't blogged in 6 weeks??

Are you wondering if I'm still alive? Maybe not, since I'm sure there are all of about two people that even keep up with my blog anymore. I've been a terrible blogger the last few weeks (six and a half, to be exact!) and I feel terrible about this. Mostly, I feel like I've neglected myself. SO much life has happened since I last posted on my blog and I love the way writing allows me to sort through my thoughts and write about life experiences that I always want to remember. I've missed my blog!

Ok, it's time to catch you all up! Where to begin...

Well, the last time you heard from me, Luke and I were still in New Jersey. This is no longer the case! Over Labor Day weekend, Luke, I, and the pups packed up our apartment and car and drove 1700 miles from New Jersey back to Texas. It was crazy y'all, but waaay better of a trip than either of us expected. The pups did great and we were even able to stay the first night with friends in North Carolina, which was a HUGE blessing. We made it to Texas just in time for a Labor Day BBQ with my parents on Monday evening and it was the best welcome home possible!

After our first night in Texas, we got back in the car and headed down to Corpus Christi for a few days to catch up with family and friends. We had many lunch, dinner, and coffee dates with friends and family over those four days and it felt so good to be back in South Texas! I don't think I had realized how much I'd really missed my old stomping grounds until we were back. Luke, on the other hand, kept saying, "I love it here. I'm never leaving again. Why did we leave Texas in the first place?" Ha! Saying this Texas boy is happy to be home would be an understatement. :)

As if life hadn't been enough of a whirlwind up to this point, that next Saturday I hopped on a plane to Vegas for my company's annual convention. I spent almost an entire week in Vegas attending general sessions, meetings, break out sessions, and a trade show, although the pictures below don't quite depict this, ha! Lucky for me, I work with an amazing group of people that know how to both work and play hard. We had a great convention and I just know this next year of work is going to be the best yet!

 

(P.S. Luke stayed in Texas while I was in Vegas and helped my dad get a few things done around the house and ranch. He's the best son-in-law!)

Since I've gotten home from Vegas (about two weeks ago), work and school have both picked up like crazy! Between my job and taking two courses this semester, I feel like I'm talking marketing and information systems 24/7. Over the next six weeks, I'll travel to Houston, the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Austin, West Texas, and New Jersey (twice!). Throw a couple of quizzes and mid-terms in there and this girl has a full plate! But I must confess that I'm loving it and I'm so glad that I decided to go back to school for my MBA when I did.  As stressful as some days can be, I know that I'm right where I'm supposed to be. 

 

{Left to right: homework, working from my parents' house while the baby sister studies, my 1 year appreciation gift from my company}

 

So, I think that's about the best recap/update I can give you guys at this time. There are quite a few questions I haven't answered, such as, "Where are you and Luke living?" and "What's Luke up to these days?" But answers to these questions will have to wait for a later date. Let's just say both are a work in progress and that God is good. Once I have more updates, I'll share, I promise. :)

 

Hope you had a great weekend!

The perks of moving to Houston...

1) These people live in Houston...

{From top to bottom and left to right: Emily (sister), Claire (sister), Cat (friend), Amy (aunt/big sister}

2) These two visit Houston ALL the time...

{Becca (sister) and Mom}

3) Houston means I live close enough to Waco to justify buying season tickets for...

4) Luke and I don't have to give up the "city" life...

5) I get to do research on this website and dream of buying/building a home in the somewhat near future...

And of course, there are many other reasons (being just a couple of hours from family and friends, amazing shopping, some of the best shows/concerts/sporting events, etc.), but these are just a few off the top of my head and especially on my heart right now. 

Houston, I'm getting excited to call you home soon. :)

Our weekend according to Instagram. (What did we do before Instagram again??)

First of all, you should all go link up with my sweet friend, Breanna, over at My Beautiful, Crazy Life and make some new blogging fraaands. ;) This is a great way to start your week! 

This weekend...

+Packing commenced!

+We took pictures of ourselves in Home Depot. :)

+I found a few steals at Target! $17 maxi skirt, $5 sandals, and $9 heels. YES!!

+Half marathon training continued (I thought I was going to pass out, hence my ridiculous face).

+Some pumpkin spice coffee (it was 68 degrees outside, so I took advantage) and wine was enjoyed.

+We went for a family walk on Sunday morning.

+Church was watched online (Thanks First Houston!).

+And all we wanted for dinner on Sunday was veggies, so this happened. And it was awesome!

Hope y'all had a great weekend!!

Running, shopping, and packing (Oh my!)

Linking up with Britt over at The Magnolia Pair for this Friday's Love List!

Running...For the last couple of months, I have been wanting to sign up and train for another half marathon (you can read about my first half here), but something inside me was holding back. Now, I know why! Had I signed up for the run in Philly or the other run in Brooklyn that I was looking at, I wouldn't have been have been able to follow through with these runs because of our move back to Texas. 

{Half marathon training in the rain = gross, but so much fun!}

So, what did I do immediately after I found out about our move back to Texas? I committed to not one, but two half marathons: the Houston Half in October and the Rock and Roll Half in San Antonio in November. These two races are only three weeks apart, so there isn't too much of a training lull between the two. I'm running the Houston Half with my sisters and if anyone in Texas wants to join me in San Antonio, come on! 

Shopping...Do any of you gals shop at Piperlime online? To be honest, I never really have. The first time I ever heard of Piperlime was when they sponsored the "accessories wall" on Project Runway a few seasons back. But I was on the Old Navy website the other day looking for some layering tanks/tees when I noticed that not only does the Old Navy website link to Gap and Banana Republic, but it also links to Piperlime. So, I checked it out. And (whoops!) ended up with a few items...

{top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right}

{Major sale, flattering style and can be dressed up or down = SOLD!}

I mean, who can blame me? Piperlime is having a huge sale right now plus, I found a 15% off coupon at RetailMeNot, AND Piperlime offers free shipping + free returns. I. Could. Not. Say. No! Oh, and fall shoes are 25% off right now. You're welcome. :)

Packing...Luke and I are headed to Home Depot this weekend to buy some packing boxes, bubble wrap, etc. so that we can start the packing process. As much as I loathe packing and moving (this will be my 9th time to pack up a house/apartment in 7 years, yuck!), I'm excited that this time around, we're not going to be driving all of our stuff back to Texas. **happy dance** I got an amazing deal with a moving company that was recommended to me by a couple of friends that have moved cross-country. We will pack up our apartment and fill up a cube/pod-type box with our belongings, this company loads it on a truck, and drives it to Houston. Plus, they store it for you until you need it and then deliver it to you for free. Score! 

{This could be me in the next couple of weeks, ha! via}

Luke and I are so pumped to be able to relax, drive our own vehicle, and have an entire back seat for the pups to stretch out and sleep. I think we may actually have a chance of getting back to Texas without either of us strangling the other. :)

Have a great weekend!

One day at a time.

Moving...As you could possibly expect, life has been a little crazy around here lately. If you didn't read my previous post, I was offered the opportunity to relocate back to Texas and Luke and I are moving back in a little over 5 weeks. It took a few days for the dust to settle (we jumped straight into budgeting moving expenses, figuring out where we're going to live, etc.), but I'm feeling really great as everything is falling into place for the big move!

{Ha! This made me laugh. via}

Work...Everything is going great, but soon I'll be shoulder-deep in transitioning from my current territory in the northeast down to my new territory in the southwest. This will include me helping train someone new to take over my old position AND me being somewhat trained for my new position (although the latter should take less time). I've got a work trip to Vegas in September, one in New Jersey in October, and another in Florida in November. This girl is going to be on the MOVE! And this doesn't include my many shorter distance trips to Houston, Austin, San Antonio, West Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley throughout the fall. Summer is almost over y'all and this means work is about to kick into a whole new gear of busy! 

{via}

School...One thing I haven't talked about on the blog just yet is school. Back before we had any idea about being relocated, I decided that it was time for me to go back to school for my MBA. This is something I've always wanted to do, but the timing just hadn't been right until now. Back in June, I was accepted into UT Dallas' Naveen Jindal School of Management Professional MBA program. This program feels like it was created for my unique work and travel schedule. It might take me three years to finish it, but I can't wait to get started and to someday have my MBA!

{My sweet friend sent me this after she found out I got into grad school. Love her!}

Luke...This guy is amazing, y'all. I've been so grateful to have him by my side as we've decided to relocate back to Texas and make another huge life transition. He's wrapping up work in NJ and has already started the process job hunting in Texas. Please say a prayer for us as he goes through this process! God is already opening doors and we just want to be prayerful and faithful as we seek His will for this next step in Luke's career. Also, Luke is the mastermind behind all things moving (renting the truck, planning the route, budgeting the cost, etc.) and I'm so thankful for this! As you can see, this girl has A LOT on her plate as is. And at the end of the day, this guy lets me cry, scream, laugh, and just talk it all out as I self-induce panic attacks when thinking too much about all of these big changes.

I'm just taking it all one day at a time. But I must say, these temps in the mid-60s sure are helping make this week a lot less stressful. It's like a tease for fall, pumpkin spice lattes, and baked apple pie candles (I can't wait!).

Hope your Thursday is blessed. :) 

Here we go again! :)

I still can't believe I'm typing this, but if you've heard the rumors, then I'm here to confirm them as fact. The Hintons are officially moving...   BACK TO TEXAS!!!  

You're probably wondering why/how. :) 
Long story short, a spot on my team at work recently opened up in Texas and I was offered the opportunity to relocate. After weighing the pros and cons and praying about it, Luke and I decided that long-term, moving back to Texas is the best thing for our family and an opportunity we just couldn't pass up!   Ok, so now for some answers to a few of everyone's favorite questions:   1) When will you be back? In about 6 weeks. Sooo soon!!   2) Where will you live? This position is based in Houston, TX.   3) Will you still be doing the same job? Yup. I'll just manage a different territory.
And, of course, a few of the things we're most excited about with this move: *being so close to our friends and family again *authentic Mexican food, but most importantly: chips, salsa, and margaritas *a new city to explore (neither of us have ever lived in Houston)  *Baylor football season and homecoming *being able to conceal and carry (that's Luke's two cents, ha!) *and just being back in the greatest state that ever existed: TEXAS!!    Please be praying for Luke and I both as we make big transitions at work, pack up our apartment, and make that looong, 1700-mile drive back to Texas. We've got a lot going on, but we know that God will be protecting and carrying us the entire way.
See ya soon Texas!

Home.

Almost immediately after Luke and I decided that I would take a new job on the east coast, I began to pray about the place that we would call home. There is something about being a wife that makes finding and nurturing a home one of my top priorities in life. I want a cozy place for my husband to come home to after work; a place that smells like a baked apple pie candle and always has fresh flowers on the kitchen table. After accepting my new job, I knew finding our home in New Jersey was my next big task.
I didn't head up to New Jersey right away, but first began packing up life in Texas. One of the first days I spent packing, Phillip Phillips' song "Home" played on Pandora and for some reason, I began to tear up. Luke and I were still in the initial shock phase of the move where we couldn't believe we had actually said, "yes" to moving 1800 miles away from our family and friends. Although we both knew this move was a total God thing, Luke was definitely overwhelmed. As these words played on Pandora, I couldn't help but feel as though they were the words I wanted to say to Luke, but just couldn't form myself...
"Hold on to me as we go, As we roll down this unfamiliar road. And although this wave is stringing us along, Just know you're not alone. Cause I'm going to make this place your home."
I knew that God would provide a place for us and in fact, already had it picked out. This gave me peace, but searching for this new home was no easy task. His humor is funny though. It just so happens that after 6 days of searching (I'm talking all over North Jersey, Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, and Brooklyn!), I decided to go with the very first apartment I saw, a sweet little place in Morristown, NJ. This decision did not come without it's share of fear, anxiety, and tears. But on Thursday, about 5 hours before it was time to make a decision (we had this apartment on hold for 72 hours), that same Phillip Phillips song came over the radio at the little cafe mom and I were eating at. The words I could make out over the conversation in the room sang the familiar words I had listened to at my house in Texas while packing...
"Settle down, it'll all be clear. Don't pay no mind to the demons; they fill you with fear. Trouble, it might drag you down. If you get lost you can always be found. Just know you're not alone,  Cause I'm going to make this place your home."
I am a firm believer that God can talk to you any way He wants. Yes, He speaks to us through the Bible. He can also speak to us through other believers or through worship music. But on that day, it was through a secular song on the radio. He wanted me to hear that familiar song that had touched my heart just days earlier. My heart had been heavy because I was worried about finding a home for my family, but God knew that I, too, needed to hear these words. I needed to be reminded that my Father lovs me, that he has led Luke and I to this point, and that He is going to make this new place my home, no matter what area Luke and I settle in. Hearing those lyrics gave my heart the peace I needed to get through those last few stressful hours and I'm so glad that God has placed us where He has!
So, want to see some pics of the new place? I thought y'all might. Just take into consideration that these were taken on my iPhone (not the best quality) and that the apartment isn't furnished. Once we get everything moved in, I'll post new pics to give you a better idea of what the place looks like.

The kitchen!
Remember, this is a pre-war building.
Those lovely shelves are built in!
The sink and more shelves are on the other side.






The left side of the bedroom. <-------
The right side. ------->
Check out those sconces! (on the left)
The FRIENDS apt had them, if you've never noticed, ha!

Bedroom closet

on the left.

Bathroom

on the right.

Luke and I

will survive,

I hope

promise!

That's our front door. I'm standing in the living room. 

Another view of the living room. This is from the foyer.
So, there she is. All 700 sq. ft. of our quaint, pre-war (but very well maintained!), and humble abode. :)
Oh, and one more thing. Right after I signed the lease, mom and I headed over to Ashley's Furniture to look for a new mattress. She had just gotten a great deal on a new mattress for their house and we wanted to see if the same promotion was going on in NJ. Not only did I buy Luke and I a new but, but I also got a steal of a deal on a 7-piece living room set. I'm in LOVE with it! The lamps might be my favorite part.

Luke and the pups get here in TWO WEEKS!! I can't believe it's been two weeks since I last saw my loves. I hope the next two fly by even faster! Please continue to keep Luke and I in your prayers as we are apart, as we travel, and as we continue to chase this new adventure. Your love, support, and prayers mean the world to us!

Our Big Annoucement!!

"Load the car and write the note. Grab your bag and grab your coat.  Tell the ones that need to know, we are headed north." -The Avett Brothers
I have dreamed many times about what a blog post like this would look and like. I've also wondered what it would feel like to write it. Well, here goes nothing! It is with much excitement and anticipation that I tell you...
Luke and I are moving to New Jersey!!!
Yup, it's true. And I'm sure you're wondering, "Why New Jersey? What's in New Jersey??" Well, let me explain a little further... 
First and foremost, this is utterly and completely a God thing. I had been looking for a new job for a while. Although I liked my media sales job in Corpus Christi and it served it's purpose, I never got to the point where I felt like it was something I'd do long-term. I had done a few interviews for jobs in both Texas and out of state over the last few months, but nothing stuck. This was incredibly frustrating. By August, I was at a point where pretty serious tears occurred about once a week and I found myself explaining to my sweet husband that I just wasn't happy, I didn't feel like I was reaching my true potential, and that my heart yearned for more. And then a couple of weeks ago, I discovered that the corporate office of the same company my parents own a franchise of was hiring for a marketing position in New Jersey. I applied, but didn't think too much into it. I mean, at this point my heart was a little raw and I didn't see much hope in a job out on the east coast. But God knew what He was doing. He had been preparing an amazing opportunity for Luke and me and it was finally time for Him to unveil it! On September 7th, I received the call that offered me the job!!
Here are a few facts about my new job: 1) My official title is Field Marketing Manager for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. I am one of five field marketing managers (who all live in other parts of the country) and I will manage the marketing efforts for our offices in the New England states.  2) The corporate office is in Parsippany, NJ, about 28 miles west of Manhattan (you cannot even begin to imagine how happy this makes my heart!). 2) Luke and I must be in New Jersey by the middle of October. This means we have just a few short weeks to wrap things up in Texas. This part does overwhelm me quite a bit, but I know we can do it!  3) We aren't required to live in Parsippany, we just need to be close to it. So, we are doing a ton of research and will take an apartment-hunting trip up there in the next couple of weeks. 4) I technically work from home, but will travel often. Although I drive a lot for my job in Corpus, this new job requires an entirely different type of traveling (flying/rental car/train/subway). This will be an adjustment, but I'm up for it. I've always wanted to travel for work! 5) I am headed to Atlanta next week for Jackson Hewitt's national convention. Talk about hitting the ground running. I'm really excited about this!
I know this announcement may come as a shock to a lot of people. Luke and I are South Texas kids, born and bred. Such a huge percentage of our friends and family are in Texas and yes, we anticipate this being a huge transition for everyone. As easy as it could be to turn this opportunity down and stay where we are comfortable, we are ready for the next great adventure. We believe that it's when we step out in faith into the unknown, God is able to grow and teach us the most. We're looking forward to the way He is going to use this move to grow and strengthen our marriage. We are excited to see what church He'll plant us in and to meet the friends He has chosen for us. We're still processing all that has happened in the last few days and all that will need to happen before we move. But we are ready to go wherever the Lord has called us and we know He has big plans for The Hintons in New Jersey!
Please, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. There are so many things to work out: packing/shipping/driving our lives to the east coast, where we'll live, what Luke will do once we're up there, etc. But again, God would not have called us to New Jersey if He didn't already know the plans He has for us (Jer. 29:11). And make sure to keep up with the blog! I know I've been neglecting the ol' blog lately, but it's because so much has been going on personally and I needed to bite my tongue until everything was finalized. Now, I cannot wait to share this great adventure with all of our family and friends!

{The Hintons in NYC, circa 2010}
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." -Henry David Thoreau

Movin', movin', movin'!!!

This is the weekend! All day tomorrow, I will finish packing up the last boxes. Then Sunday, we move! I'm more than ready for Luke and I to finally be living in the same place and so is he. If you think of it, say a prayer for us Sunday. I'm sure Luke and I will get on each others nerves after hours of moving furniture down 3 flights of stairs repeatedly, but we'll make it and we're pumped!

{Pictures of the new house to come after these two lovebirds make the move!}

And speaking of moving, guess who is about to be back in Texas after a semester abroad in Europe? THIS girl!!! We're all so ready for Claire to be back in Texas. The Martisek girls come as a 4-pack and it's been such a weird three months without 1 of the 4. Hurry home kitty girl! Thanksgiving at Aunt Kathy's and the 3rd Annual Poopek Partners Meeting are waiting on you. :)

Big news!!

So, The Hintons have a pretty cool announcement to make...

WE'RE MOVING!!! 

Yup, Luke and I are moving out of our two bedroom apartment in Corpus Christi and into a house out at Camp Zephyr!! For those of you that don't know, Camp Zephyr is the Christian camp/retreat facility where Luke has been working full-time in guest services since the summer of 2008. Before that, he and I both worked at the camp as summer staffers during our summers in college. This magical place has played a huge role in our lives as Christians and as a couple. We both would not be where we are today without our Zephyr family, both past and present, and can't wait to invest even more into God's ministry at this camp by moving out there. 

Plus, Luke and I will FINALLY be living together in ONE PLACE! This. is. huge! After almost 6 years of long distance dating and now almost three months of marriage while living part-time at camp/part-time in Corpus Christi, we will have one home. We can't wait!!!

"Now, how is this going to work with Sara's job in Corpus?" you may be asking yourself. Well, with this move comes adapting to change in other areas of life as well. Instead of a 15 minute drive to work, I will now have a 50 minute drive to work. At first, I wasn't so thrilled about this part. I mean, come on, what non-morning person would be? But after some calculating, we've learned that this move will still be positive for us financially, despite the gas it will take to get me back and forth. Plus, I have family and friends in CC that will let me crash a night or two during the week at their places to help save on miles. And I must admit, I'm really excited to decorate our first little home. :)

We still don't have a set move-in date, but it will probably be sometime after the 1st of October. It is our plan to be all moved in and settled by the end of October. The more we talk about it, the more excited I get! Camp life, as I've learned from the other camp wives, can be difficult at times. Living at a place like Camp Zephyr takes sacrifice and selfless love. It takes looking at the big picture and putting hundreds of other peoples' needs above your own. It can mean not spending time with your husband for days at a time (mostly during the summer). But ultimately, it means being a part of something so much greater than yourself and having the humbling opportunity to effect the Kingdom of God in a mighty way. It is my current prayer that God would start changing my heart as I move from the mindset of "summer staffer" to that of a "camp wife."

{Summer 2008, as summer staff}

{Dec. 2009, Engagement picture at the gates of Camp Zephyr}

We've always known that God was going to take us, as a couple, on some crazy adventures. I really believe that this move is one of those adventures. Look out Zephyr, here come The Hintons!!

"But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

Ruth 1:16-17