Happy 4th of July and a Move to Monterey!

Happy 4th of July weekend! What's that you say? You thought I must have died or quit blogging because I haven't posted to this blog in over a month? Well, I don't blame you for thinking that! But, I promise I am alive and well and...living in Monterey now! To be exact, Stuart and I are now living in Pacific Grove (or "PG" as I am told the locals call it). It feels like a dream - we are now in an adorable little old house rental within walking distance to the ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Stuart's new workplace.

Over the past few months, I've alluded to the fact that Stuart was preparing to graduate from Cal Poly's City and Regional Planning masters program and was job searching. Things got hot, heavy, and stressful the past few weeks as he navigated interviews with several interesting planning companies in different locations. For a couple weeks, we had no idea where we would end up - just that when we knew, we would have to act FAST.

In mid-June, Stuart graduated from Cal Poly and Monterey because a reality. On June 23rd we ended up finding a new home to rent after a week of intense rental hunting. The housing market in this area is no joke, people! (For most rentals, think very expensive + very outdated). Then, exactly one week later, we moved in on June 30th which just so happens to have been our third wedding anniversary. Some might say we are crazy, but I actually think it's quite fitting to be starting a big new adventure on the same date that we started the biggest adventure of all!

We have spent the last few days unpacking, settling in, and exploring the area. It's truly amazing to live so close to the ocean and experience the daily fog, spot sea otters and sea lions on our walks, and see all that blue water when you're just driving to the grocery store or running errands. "PG" is an adorable sleepy little town that feels like you walked back in time. It's filled with old hardware stores, Victorian houses, and almost no chain stores to be seen. We tried one amazing restaurant so far for our anniversary dinner (Passionfish) and can't wait to check out more.

Stuart starts his new job tomorrow, so send good vibes his way! If luck is in our favor, I'll soon find a new job of my own and we will be calling this area our home for a while to come.  Here are some photos that sum up our past few weeks...

 

Graduation Day!! 

 Pretending to ride a Vespa after our last meal out in San Luis Obispo. See you later babe, have fun with the moving truck!

Luckily, moving was made better by the world's cutest little helper, Dr. Watson. If only I had kidnapped him (and if only our new rental allowed pets).

 Our new place probably doesn't allow pets because it looks like this...quaint and adorable, non-working fireplace and all.

 

 Our little living room, finally unpacked and decked out with my signature string lights, a staple decor that's been twinkling since my college dorm room in 2005.

 Happy 3rd anniversary! Can you tell we are about to fall asleep on the table?

 Yum. Eat at Passionfish and get the halibut special.

 

 This is our new backyard. No big deal.

 Hiking the gorgeous trails earlier today at Point Lobos.

4th of July grilling, accomplished in our first-ever backyard/deck area! We can't wait for many new firsts and good memories in this new home base.