Long Time, No See

Hello lovely readers,

Please excuse my six-month absence! As you can imagine, school, work, and life have been taking priority these past months, but I am very excited to share with you how it's all been going and the future blog post ideas I've come up with.

Life Updates:

Being a part-time professional, a full-time Master's student, and a life-time wife (EEEP!!), this little life has definitely been kicking me in the butt, but I am still so grateful for the amazing opportunities this time has presented to me. Here are a couple of life updates from the past six months:

• I got a part-time position with The Barthwell Group as a Research Analyst at the end of October last year

• I finished my first semester of my Master's program in Worms, Germany (and earned the equivalent of a 3.6 GPA!)

• I read 43 books (comment for recs)

• I visited many cities in 4 different countries

• I developed a B2/C1 German level -- which means nearly fully proficient!

• I gained 10 pounds of muscle (imagine I'm flexing right now)

• I got to meet and board 4 new dogs through Rover (and enjoyed every second of it!)

For all these beautiful experiences that I am so grateful for, there have also been some serious setbacks during these times.

• A close family member was diagnosed with late-stage cancer

• We lost two sources of income due to situations outside of our control

• A project I worked on for over a year might get cancelled because of the trade war

• We broke at least four wine glasses (not as heartbreaking but still an L)

Life is complicated, and as lovely and perfect as it can feel in one moment, the next might swing in the exact opposite direction. Overall though, I am so grateful for my friends, family, supporters, and husband for the infinite ways you all show me love and bring me joy. I hope these next six months bring just as many new opportunities for learning and pleasure.

What's to come?

After not writing for so long, I also wanted to give you all a sneak peek of my plans for the next blog posts, and what you can look forward to learning more about:

• A trip to Zurich

• Some love for Heidelberg

• What to know before making the move to Germany

• Moseying through Mainz

• Tips for getting remote work

• Rochester: The best of upper-state New York

• Finding your book genre

• Oh Canada: Ft. Toronto

• Europa Park & Rulantica Review

Thank you for your patience. If there is any other topic you want me to post about, please commend below. Sending thoughts of love and peace to you all!

Best,

Hailey