What person wouldn't get use to this?

We finally have all of our ducks in a row and settled here in Orlando, Florida!  We have enjoyed learning about and exploring our new home together.  We have always said it is the little things that we enjoy the most. . finding the closest/best grocery store, locating the post office,  searching for the little hole in the wall place to go eat where you can always find locals, and the festivals and events to enjoy on the weekends to get us closer to our new community. 

Even though we know that Florida is called the Sunshine State for a reason, we are still amazed each and every day when we can leave the house wearing shorts, short sleeved shirts, flip-flops (!!!),  and what jackets were you talking about??  Oh that's right, the jackets I left in South Carolina and okay without.  ;)

After all the unpacking and some buying for our new home, we were left with a lot of broken down boxes.  We decided we needed to find the closest recycling center.  We located one just 2 miles down the road (score!).  We loaded Ryan's truck down with what seemed over 100 boxes and started on our short journey.  When we arrived, all we could do was laugh. . . 

It looked as if it had not been opened in a year and was not your typical recycling center.  Talk about "local".  We finally did find a home for the boxes.

We also did a "test drive" to Ryan's work so that he could find the best route to downtown Orlando.  He works in a gorgeous part of town where you can always see palm trees!  Something that I desperately missed living in Nashville.  This picture was taken right beside his building. 

I am so glad and proud to say that Ryan is beyond thrilled with his new job.  It is such a great opportunity he has been given.  Two weeks into his new career with Black and Veatch, he was given the opportunity to travel to New York for business.  Talk about one jealous wife!  New York is gorgeous this time of year!  To this day, our all time favorite vacation was when we went to NYC during Christmas.  Amazing memories!

A picture Ryan sent me while on the job!

Our trip to NYC back in December 2009.  Can't believe it was that long ago!

We also treated ourselves to a nice date night to celebrate how far we have come as a married couple (little did I know what was going to happen a few days later. . .).  We went to a yummy place called Bahama Breeze right down the road from us.  Delicious!  I actually felt like I was in Disney World at one of their restaurants, so of course I loved it even more!  

We laughed, joked, talked about our goals, celebrated, and enjoyed our time together!

Next up on our list was decorating for Christmas. . and only four days after moving in to our new home!  We were so excited, we just kept going and going!

 

Needless to say, I almost literally tackled our Christmas tree a short week later.  As you can see, it is blocking our sliding glass doors to our patio, a/k/a our only source of natural light into the living room.  Therefore, after ornaments and everything were placed on the tree, this gal picked the tree up and moved it to another part of our home.  It also left a trail of about 30 ornaments from where I dragged
 carried the tree.  But, mission accomplished!  

Meanwhile. . this is all that Peanut was and still is good for. . .at least he isn't in the tree!

If you know me, I am a die hard fan of J Crew. . Target. . .Hobby Lobby. . .Francesca's. . .AND IKEA!  I have never lived in a place where one was nearby.  Well, that has now changed.  I have one 20 minutes down the road!  Ikea knew we were eventually going to live here! ;) And well, of course, we took the trip to Ikea!

They have a child watch area so that parents may shop "freely", a food court, two levels, and there are arrows, yes arrows, on the floor pointing you in the direction to go, or yes, you will get lost.

We loved this kitchen!

I see a painting in our future. . .

The brick was stunning!

And then the end of our fairy tale story so far in Florida.  Exactly ONE WEEK after living in Florida, I was asked to interview for a position within a school.  I had spent 5 hours the previous day e-mailing, calling, and re-searching about teaching positions.  This is how my interview went. . .

One week from that date I was teaching!!!!  Yes folks, after two weeks living in Florida, I snagged a teaching job.  This gal is teaching again! Still in shock. . still feeling very blessed.  We are where we are suppose to be! :)

Until next time. . . 

~Elizabeth and Ryan~