My First Trip Post-Grad to MO

Last week was the first time I had been back to Missouri since moving home after Graduation. It was such a weird and exciting trip. I went out to Missouri for one of my sorority sisters weddings. I was so excited that I got invited and I knew that this was an occasion I could not miss no matter how far away I am! I did not have the money to fly, so I took a risk and took a bus all the way to St. Louis. It was quite interesting. I plan on writing a go-to guide of what to know about traveling on the bus and tips that I would tell other first time bus travelers. It was a 22 hour ride but it was worth it in the end.

I left PA at 4p.m. on Thursday and I arrived in MO at 12:30p.m. on Friday. I did manage to gain an extra hour of sleep due to the time zone difference. I read some of the way, slept a lot, and did lots of people observing. It was definitely an experience I will remember and one that I have lots of laughs from.

I went to the wedding which was in Lincoln, IL. It's a small town about 20 minutes away from Springfield, IL. In front of the hotel we stayed in there, there was a huge wagon with Abe Lincoln in the driver's seat. I got my picture taken by it! It was so big but really cool.

The wedding was beautiful. It was amazing to see all of my sisters that were in the bridal party. They all looked gorgeous and I even teared up! A rush just came over me as they came down the aisle and then when Rachel started walking, I was just in shock. She looked so beautiful and I looked at my sister as this strong woman that was taking the step to starting a new life. She was walking down the aisle to meet the man she is going to spend the rest of her life with. It was great to be able to be there and be a part of the whole celebration.

The reception was made by all of my sister because we just danced our butts off and had a great time. We all caught up on where we are in our lives and what we want to do in the future. Overall, the wedding was a great time and it was my first post-grad experience with people from SEMO. I would do it all over again and for another one of my sisters no doubt.

After the excitement and catching up with sisters, I went back to St. Louis to relax and spend time with my family. It was so nice to hang out with my cousins and just joke around. My 9 year-old cousin cracks me up and uses such big words. He was talking about conquering something and I was impressed that he knew what the word conquer meant. He is one of the first cousins that I have gotten to see grow up. I remember holding him as a baby. Its crazy and surreal.

Overall, my first trip back to MO was amazing. I got to catch up with some sisters that was much needed. I also had the chance to spend time with my brother which I loved! It was nice to see my Grandma and my Auntie Holli and the cousins. :) It was really hard to leave St. Louis. It has always been my second home and I have spent a lot of significant time there. I cherish all of my Missouri memories and I know that I will continue to go back. Every time I go back, I get the same exciting warm feeling throughout my body. Missouri has been my home at school and is a place I encourage others to experience.

So here is to the new chapter of my life! CHEERS! I am so happy even though currently I have a part-time job and not a lot of money. I am in a great place in my life and I am ready to continue to do and experience things for ME! I have had more closure on a past relationship which feels amazing and I am ready to take control of my thoughts and dreams and make things happen! I did some soul searching through my short trip to Missouri and it could not have happened at a better time.

Until next time...
xoxo
Amanda <3