A whole decade has passed and I can’t help but reminisce. Ten years ago I moved to Baton Rouge and transferred to LSU halfway through my college career. Other than my brother, who was already going to LSU due to Katrina, and my fiance Brandon, who moved to the city soon after I did, I didn’t know many people here at the time. So many changes have taken place throughout these last ten years, and my life now looks so different.
I rode the bus to class in those days, stayed up late studying and slept in late/took naps whenever possible. When I wasn’t busy doing that, I was working at the Blockbuster right off campus. Brandon and I watched every movie we could.
We found a local church and made countless friends, some of whom have been constant. I learned much about alternate labor/birthing options (for the first time ever) and got a glimpse of motherhood from these ladies.
I graduated, Brandon and I got married, and we moved into a new apartment. We had a friend live with us for an extended period of time. We endured snow and a hurricane there. I changed jobs three times and started blogging on the side.
Flash forward several years to present day. We bought a house in a suburb and had two kids. I fall asleep before 10:00 most nights. Sometimes I am awakened early by talking or playing heard over the baby monitor. Frozen is currently playing on loop.
We attend a different church, where we are in a different stage of life than before, and have made even more friends. Most conversations usually include kid milestones and poop (you know it’s true).
I’ve celebrated ten years of birthdays and holidays here. I made the shift from boot-cut to skinny jeans here. I have a new local jeweler favorite. I’ve been in three weddings here.
Baton Rouge, in some ways, has always reminded me of where I grew up – in Kenner right outside of New Orleans. It’s a large area but a tight-knit community. The food is delicious and every holiday has a parade. There are so many family-focused events available. The people here are friendly and we know our neighbors. I’m looking forward to our kids being in school and other future activities here.
I don’t remember if my original intent was to stay here long-term. But here I am a decade later, along with so many memories forever tied to this place. While the traffic may frustrate me, I’m happy to call Baton Rouge home.
