I hope you don't mind that I put down in words...

Today is my ONE year anniversary of living in Bellingham. So naturally, it's a good day. I cannot believe how fast time has whirled past me! Wasn't I just in Iowa, hating every minute of it? Wasn't I just packing twenty boxes to ship here? I guess that's the funny thing about time. It goes by so fast when you aren't thinking about it...or you are enjoying everything in the meantime. Which is exactly what I have been doing. Sure, I have had a few hiccups every now and again but the whole experience in Bellingham cannot thoroughly be summed up in words. This picture above is the fabulous South Hill Apartment complex. I live there! You can even see my blinds that are closed in the front. I cannot believe how lucky I was to find this place. Everyone is so kind...well, everyone I know. Don't get mad at me but I don't actually know some of my neighbors. Oops! Either way, the place is located in the cutest neighborhood flooding with children and gorgeous houses! Not to mention it's a two block walk to campus. How convenient! I've loved this place...even if my walls are completely bare and my kitchen is the size of a yoga mat. I've survived! There are worse things...really.
The view behind my building is alright...I guess. It makes it extremely difficult to not be thankful.
I have had several visitors over the past year! I am so glad that my family and friends have been able to see this glorious place. Sure beats those cornfields! Unless you prefer cornfields to mountains, then that statement doesn't pertain to you. You should also seriously reflect about that point of view.
The weather last summer was phenomenal. Almost unreal. If I had a penny for every beautiful sunset, I'd be rich. God's beauty folks.
The experiences I have had here significantly affected my lifestyle and way I see things now. Certainly for the better. I am so thankful for everything that has happened to me in the past year. I have met incredibly people that I will never forget and cannot wait to spend more time with as well as meet more people! School has been...an experience. Mostly fantastic but I cannot lie, it has also been the culprit of some of my worst experiences. But, let's not dwell on that. I'm surrounded by (some) family and friends and therefore, life is great. Don't worry, I miss my family and friends at home. I'm lucky I can travel home every so often to give them hugs and laugh until my belly hurts. There you have it. One year down. Many to go! The Pacific Northwest is not going to get rid of me that fast! They can try, but I put up a pretty good fight.

Finally, I'd like to thank my brother John for coming up with the name of this blog. Not only is it clever and witty in the same way that John's personality is, but it's literally true. Bellingham has saved me. I would have never thought I'd be here several years ago but taking a cross-country leap of faith has made the biggest impact on my life. So thanks John. Thanks, Bellingham.

Best,

Anne