Sad to say I haven’t taken the time to write since New Year’s Day. However, a lot of positive changes have happened  in my life in the past few months, and I feel the need to share an update with my fellow readers. For those that don’t already know, I moved to Louisville, Kentucky just before Christmas to start a graduate assistantship with Housing and Residence Life at the University of Louisville, but most importantly to be with the love of my life. I am still graduating from the University of South Carolina with my master’s in higher education and student affairs, but am just finishing my last two elective courses at the University of Louisville. I made a rather non-traditional decision within my program to leave early, but I don’t regret it for a single moment. I have truly enjoyed my assistantship experience this past semester, and have appreciated the time away from chaos to do a little soul searching and job exploration in the city.

In February, my birthday weekend to be exact, I took my master’s degree comprehensive exam! Sure am happy to share that I passed, but that was one heck of a stressful birthday celebration. Now that I have passed my comprehensive exam, I have hit a serious road block in academic productivity. In case you were curious, senioritis is a true epidemic. Haha. Anyways, I’ve been trying to muster up the motivation and energy to finish out these last two courses. I have also been pretty heavy into my job search. I would love to continue working with Housing and Residence Life at the University of Louisville, but the job openings are looking pretty slim. Either way, the job search has been a true test of my faith. Fortunately, I know in my heart that God has a very special plan for me and my entry-level job, so I just need to be patient and trust that He will see me through.

Although school and work keep me pretty busy, I’ve been trying to establish a social life in the wee hours of my weekdays and weekends. I have met some pretty awesome people so far, and am truly enjoying the friendships I’ve developed with colleagues. I am also trying to sell my beloved first car, LOVABLE. She’s gotten me through the best of the best and the worst of the worst, but am ready for an upgrade after our seven year driving affair. It’s been a bitter sweet process. I practically broke down last night over trying to get her sold and trying to find a good deal on a new vehicle. Those that enjoy car shopping, there is something truly special about your brain because I have not enjoyed this process in the slightest. Anyways, if you’re interested in a new car, my beloved beauty is a winner.

I had the pleasure of experiencing my very first Kentucky horserace this past weekend at Kenneland with some great friends. It was an absolutely beuatiful day, and the races were epic! Pretty cool experience if you’ve never been. Not to mention, the Lexington, Kentucky area is some of the most beautiful countryside you’ll ever see. Not to change the subject, but to change the subject… Benjamin and I are officially furniture owners! I am not talking hand-me-down furniture; I am talking brand new furniture owners! Pretty exciting stuff- minus the money we spent. However, proud to say we stayed within budget. To change the subject again, my good friend, Kelsey, and I got to present at a national conference for our profession this past week. It was an honor to have been nominated to present! Such a cool experience.

In other really freaking exciting news, my best friends from home got engaged at the beginning of March! HUGE SHOUT OUT to my best friends Sarah Graf and Kyle Sipos for getting engaged and being an amazing role model for true love and happiness. I am truly honored to be standing next to my best friend as her Maid of Honor, and am super freaking excited to be part of this new journey with them.

Well, friends, I think that’s all I have for now. Hopefully, if I can remember, I will share another update early this summer- pending Courtney Carol Tipton becomes a full-time employee at a bad ass school or company. (Job prayers are very much needed and appreciated right now! Haha.)

With hopes of being a better blogger,

Court