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During my freshman year of college (which gladly still feels pretty recent), I started receiving a personalized daily email from The Universe. The emails are usually witty, often inspiring, and sometimes dead-on insightful.

Anyway, when you sign up for the service, you are asked what tangible thing you really want in life. You know, a new car, or an engagement ring ... something to look forward to getting someday. This item is often mentioned in the daily emails as a source of encouragement.

I had a rough time coming up with an item. I knew I wanted a career, to live in a new city, see the world ... but I couldn't really come up with a tangible object that would motivate me on a daily basis.

So, I kind of cheated ... I told The Universe I wanted a house. And, in all honesty, I guess I do want to own a house someday. But what I really wanted more than anything was to feel a sense of "home." From the time I entered college, home became more of an idea than a place, and throughout college I looked forward to the day that I could connect the two -- the idea and the place.

Well, it looks like I need to come up with a new dream item now.

Our Asian-inspired living room

I adore the home that Jamie and I have made. It's more than the idea and the place -- it's ours, and that makes it more meaningful than anything else.

Oh, Henry!

To add to the list of ever-growing changes in our lives, Jamie and I adopted a dog this weekend.

Henry BarFight is just about as sweet as can be. He's a German Shepherd/Chow mix and, at 6 months, is already 30-plus pounds!

Sweetest face ever! I am so in love with this dog.

His previous owner abandoned him, and we became his new parents, thanks to the thoughtful suggestion of some friends. I was worried that his rough start would contribute to some behavioral issues, but he's been pleasantly well behaved. Getting him housetrained is a practice in patience.

In related news, my mind is on the verge of breakdown from all of the huge changes I've experienced lately. Life needs to slow down and I need to get more sleep.

I'm still grateful and happy though -- without a doubt.

Cloud Nine

I officially graduated from Georgia State University on May 12.

Jamie and I moved into our Candler Park apartment on May 19 -- since then, we have painted the study/guest room, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Only our bedroom remains to be painted. Our little abode is about as cozy as can be, and I couldn't be happier with the neighborhood. Meeting neighbors is happening slowly but surely, and it seems that we already know a few of them.

That same day, my friend Yasirah got married. I had the honor of being one of her bridesmaids, and Jamie caught her garter. It was the first wedding we had attended together, and it gave us plenty of ideas for our ceremony. (Target date: September 2008)

The following day -- May 20th -- my parents held a graduation party. It was a huge success, I think, and Jamie and I received plenty of goodies for all of our hard work at GSU. No matter how stressful things can get with us , it reminded me how much I love my family.

Jessi, my roommate from freshman year and dear friend, had her baby on May 27. Jack was the most perfect little guy I had ever seen. Meeting him just hours after his birth was another first -- and wonderful experience -- for me and James.

And, as of last week, I am an real, full-time, paid employee. With benefits. I really don't think I could love my job more. Yes, I'm saying that even though I have to get up at an insane hour every day. I don't care. I am so, so lucky.

Also, as of yesterday, Jamie's employed, too. He's freelancing, which is a great opportunity while job hunting.

Life almost seems too good, especially compared to how rough things were this time last year.

Whew. Photos of the apartment coming soon.