...and let's see what's changed since my last birthday when I turned 22. Well, I don't clean offices anymore. Now I work at Jimmy John's.

I'm now a full-time student.

We're very close to getting a house that will be an awesome blessing if the offer goes through. One: our housing bill will pretty much be cut in half. It won't be called a mortgage because we can't get one. (Only JJ's income counts. Tips and work study don't. So, a good $475 can't be included in our "official" income when applying for a mortgage. "Official" income has to be documented and year round.) Two: We'll pretty much own the house. Yay cash offer and maybe a small personal loan. Three: No shared walls and Mike can put pictures on the wall (which he's been dying to do). Four: We'll be closer to church and family so we can visit family and minister more.

The house was appraised last week. The appraisal now goes to the negotiator, then to the seller's agent, then our agent and then us. It can take two to three weeks. We're getting there!

Having a year of marriage under my belt is also an interesting experience. I understand how couples can get stuck in a rut but my tendency to get bored after doing the same recreational activities for a long period of time helps with that. Money would help too but we're still having a blast regardless! I found myself adjusting to things I never thought I would have to. And, the things I thought I would have a hard time adjusting to I didn't have a problem with. The main thing is that I love to read. All my spare time would be spent reading. With Mike being home at the same time I would feel guilty reading. He's not a sports guy so it's not like I can cuddle up with a book while he watches the game. He's been playing video games more often now so that helps. I'd have to say that that's the main thing that I'm still adjusting to.

Up north was a particular challenge, even while we were dating. Going/being up north was my reading time. I read all five of the Hitchhiker's books in 3 days! So, yeah, that's the thing that still has to be worked out. He always says I can read whenever I want but I have a hard time doing so unless he's doing something else. We'll see if I grow out of it.

So, yeah, being 23, not that much different than being 22 so far. Just more work and more school. We'll see what turning 24 looks like. Lord willing. ^^