Hopefully you guys are liking these because I’m back with yet another life update post! I have really been loving chatting with y’all about what has been happening around these parts (please read that in a strong southern accent). Here’s what’s new since the last time we chatted:
- I’ve been uploading weekly on YouTube! I have so many fun ideas for future videos this summer so make sure you’re subscribed.
- I graduated college! I still can’t believe it honestly but I’m so happy and relieved to be finished at Temple University.
- My brother graduated high school! This was a pretty big deal because we weren’t sure if he could do it (jk). He’s officially one step closer to starting school at the University of Virginia in just a few short weeks. Since he’ll be a student-athlete they want them to take a summer course so he’ll be moved in and ready to go at the beginning of July! Lord help us all.
- I start work next week. Ryan is already up in the Scranton area for work but I’ll be joining him next week to begin working on the project with him. I’ll just be an office “clerk” for the summer but I’m very excited to make some good money before starting grad school!
- Packing stinks. Ryan and I have been packing and moving things around non-stop since I graduated. We’ll be sharing a video on my YouTube channel very soon outlining all the details because it’s pretty complicated right now! The short of it is that we’re moving!
- I’m up to 11 read books this year (out of my goal of 25)! I’ve read 3 books since the last chit chat post so that makes me pretty happy! I finished reading SINCE WE FELL by Dennis Lehane, THE MAGNOLIA STOY by Chip and Joanna Gaines, and WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR by Paul Kalanithi (audiobook).
- I actually really enjoyed the audiobook experience I had while listening to WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR. Ryan and I listened to MODERN ROMANCE by Aziz Ansari when we were roadtripping in the winter and that was my first audiobook ever! I’m hoping to get some more good recs for when I start commuting to grad school. Hit me up with any suggestions you may have!
- I’m revamping my newsletter. I hope you’re subscribed because there’s some good stuff coming soon!
What’s new with you? Let’s chat! Here are some questions for you to answer in the comments:
1. Favorite summer snack?
2. Most recent read?
3. Thing you’re looking forward to most this summer
Congrats on graduating, Kayla! I just graduated too and I’m also starting a new job!! Aaaa so scary but also exciting- can’t wait to see the great things you do and let’s continue supporting one another!
-Emily
http://norepeatsorhesitations.com
Author
Thank you! Good luck with your new job!
Congratulations on graduating and the new job! I’ve been loving watching all the new videos ? My favorite summer snack is clementines at the moment! They’re just the sweetness that I need during the day! The last book I read was called Sweetbitter, highly recommend it for young fiction! I’m most excited to get back into my blogging groove this summer, I hope I can keep it up.
Kendal // Life With Kendal
Author
Definitely need to check out that book! I’m always trying to up my blogging game in the summer, it’s the perfect time to do so!
Congratulations on everything girl! Sounds like you’ve been busy and will stay busy! Currently my favorite snack is hummus and pretzel chips! I just read the last in The Natural series, Bad Blood, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes! That series is one of my favorites and the ending was absolutely perfect! It’s like criminal minds and the FBI! I’m also super excited to go to Disney World in July (less than a month whoop whoop) and to get back on my blogging A-game!!
Author
Need to check that book out! I love those types of books/shows! Have so much fun in Disney!
If you like audiobooks, you should most definitely read Bossypants by Tina Fey and Yes Please by Amy Poehler! They were some of my first audiobooks and I really enjoyed the experience!
Author
I already read those as physical books but I read Bossypants before I ever watched 30 Rock so I feel like I should do a re-read. Maybe my library has the audiobook!
LOL your graduation cap decoration is so clever! Congratulations!
Author
Thanks Rachel! Decorating the cap was most definitely a process lol
Congrats on graduating! <3 You're so right moving does suck!! Hoping the rest of it will go smoothly for you!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Author
Thank you! At least it’s not far… can’t imagine what the move was like for you!
Congrats on graduating, girl! Best of luck with all of the moving stuff. I’m also trying to move out of my college apartment and it can be overwhelming to say the least!
Colleen | Buckeye Bliss
Author
Thank you! I’m selling SO much stuff haha I didn’t know I had so much crap lol
Wow, congrats on graduating, welcome to #adulting! Hehe, that’s so great. 🙂
Author
Thank you!!! Telling myself I’m not a full adult yet since I’m going back to school… makes it a little less scary 😉
Aw yay! Congrats girly! 1. S’mores. 2. I’m reading An Ember in the Ashes right now (kind of Hunger-Games feel to it) for class. 3. Making MONEY!
Author
Thank you! And yes, cannot wait for that first paycheck! My bank account is hurtin’
Yessss I’m so excited that your brother is coming to Virginia (even though Gabby and I don’t live there anymore)! UVA has such a beautiful campus. To answer your questions, I love watermelon in the summer, my last book was The Phantom Tollbooth and I’m looking forward to making some $$ at my summer job and just relaxing!
Hannah
Author
I still have yet to see the campus but I’m excited to go with him! I’m excited for the money too, definitely! #brokecollegekidprobs
Congrats girl!!! 1. strawberries 2. haven’t really been reading!! !oops 3. I am looking forward to a lot for travel!!!
Author
Yeah, you’ve been quite the jetsetter already this summer! Enjoy it!
Congrats girly! I always love a popsicle from King of Pops. The raspberry one is the best. I’m in the middle of reading the Power of Yes.
http://goldclutter.com
Author
Power of Yes is actually on my list! You’ll have to let me know what you think of it
I’m actually reading When Breath Becomes Air right now! Congrats on graduating and good luck with everything! I signed up for newsletter – I can’t believe I wasn’t signed up before!
Author
What do you think? The audiobook experience was probably way different from the actual book. The neuro nerd in me was loving it in general haha. Thanks Alyssa!
I found the book really powerful! I struggled occasionally because I am not really a science-y person, and I found it a bit verbose at times. Overall though I really enjoyed it, and was in tears during the wife’s epilogue!
Author
It switched from a male narrator to a female narrator at the end and it made it so much more powerful. The ending was so emotional! I’m glad you liked it!
CONGRATS ON GRADUATING!!!! It will honestly feel weird for the next 4 or 5 years – every fall you’re going to think you need to go back to school but then you don’t have to! haha!
Author
Well, I am heading to grad school in August but I think I’m going to feel weird once that’s over. 19 years of school is a little crazy haha! I’m not gonna know what to do with myself! THANK YOU!
BAH AH HA okay AFTER grad school! Read this comment in 2-3 years
Congrats on graduating! I love reading. I will check out those books.
Author
You’ll have to let me know what you think if you decide to read any of them! Thanks Melissa!
I actually plan on reading both Modern Romance and The Magnolia Story soon! Right now I’m reading the Husband’s Secret (don’t really like it yet but I’m only 3 chapters in) and The Summer I Turned Pretty (about halfway done with this and love it!). I’m excited for the new newsletter!
Author
Thanks Caitlyn! Modern Romance was really cool as an audiobook and NOTHING like what I was expecting so be prepared! I read The Magnolia Story in one afternoon… it’s so cute and good!
My diploma came in yesterday and I got emotional! GO US for graduating…now on to grad school! 1. Fave summer snack: avocado toast + smoothie bowls 2. Most recent read: The Universe Has Your Back 3. Most excited about: Redecorating the speech room for my new SLPA position (I’m a nerd AND I also love interior decorating, haha!)
Author
I’m waiting anxiously for mine! Can’t wait! One of my life goals is to have an amazing speech room… hope you’ll share pics on your blog!
I had no idea you had a YouTube channel! So excited about keeping up with your videos. Congrats on graduating. Woop woop! Love your cap!!
Author
Thanks Tiffany! I started it last summer but I’ve just begun uploading regularly!
Omg, I just finished when breath becomes air, and congratulations on your graduation!!
Author
The ending made me cry… in the audiobook the narrator switches from a man to a woman and it made it so much more emotional idk. Thank you!
I am going to have to check out When Breath Becomes Air. I’ve never been into audiobooks. I also really enjoyed this post and you’ve inspired me to do a weekly round up on my own blog. congratulations on graduating!
Author
Yay! They’re actually really fun and I’ve had a lot going on lately so there’s actually stuff to update y’all on haha. Audiobooks are weird but they are definitely growing on me! I listened to this last one and colored one of my adult coloring books right before bed, it was really relaxing.
Congrats on graduating! Such a great accomplishment and good luck with moving!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Author
Thanks Greta! I’ll need it haha
Favorite summer snack: berries. Current read: Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris Looking forward to this summer: BEING REUNITED WITH MY DOG. Anyway, I love reading these posts. Happy almost-new job!
Author
How are you liking the book? I’ve heard some good things about it! Enjoy puppy time!
Wow! 11 books so far this year?! That’s amazing. My goal is to read one a month and so far I’m at 6 books 🙂
Jennifer Ashley
http://www.prettylittledetails.com
Author
You’re right on track! Awesome girl!
1) Watermelon!
2) “Where Did You Go, Bernadette” So good!
3) Exploring with my boyfriend!
Tori || Victori Media
https://www.victorimedia.com
Author
Sounds so fun! Where are you hoping to explore?
CONGRATS ON GRADUATION woooooo so exciting!! and I’m trying to get into audiobooks as well so lemme know if you have any other suggestions!
Author
I will definitely let you know! I have a few that I bought but I haven’t started listening yet. “Finding Audrey”, “The Help”, and “The Happiness Project” are the ones I have!