Friday's at Jamberry

      This last Friday, the Support Department at Jamberry had an unexpectedly exciting day!
      Back at the beginning of July, Support had made a goal to resolve 28,000 tickets (in other words, 28.000 customer / consultant "issues"). We met our goal July 31st - just in time! Because we met our goal, some of our friends up in corporate surprised us with blow horns, confetti, balloons and piñatas...2 piñatas. I think it couldn't have come at a better time. It was a stressful day at work and I think most of us needed the moment where bat met piñata. During our "Piñata Party", I learned I still cannot play sports and when things are thrown at me, I will most likely hit the object in the a) wrong direction or b) at someone (aka: as the piñata was thrown to me, I hit it right into the camera man's face. Point for Meg. Good times, good times). Very fun, very fun. It was quite a hoot!

Pre-"Smashing the Piñata Into Johnny's Face" Picture

We thought it would be funny to put one of the blow horns under someone's desk chair who was still at lunch. We were so pumped. However, Aaron outsmarted all of us because when he came back, he sat down and didn't even flinch. Reflexes like a beast! I was impressed!

A couple hours later, we decided to have a Bubble Gum Contest with all the Double Bubble that came from the piñatas. We have some serious bubble blowers at Jamberry.

About 5 minutes after the Bubble Gum Contest, we began playing with Smarties. Jennie was teaching us how to place a Smartie on the outside of our lip and then get it into our mouth - no hands of course! I achieved this goal twice.

All in all, a girl just can't complain when she can hit a piñata and play with the candy afterwards. Now, it's back to reality and back to hard work. But I'm grateful I can spend most of my time with such great people!

Loves!

Reacquainted

Long time, no write! I accept full responsibility for my utter lack of blog maintenance over the last 5 months. As I'm working to "embrace" this new season of life, I will work on making blog updates more of a priority. I figure the best way to get reacquainted is to catch up on what I've been doing since February. I've come to learn through various avenues that people only read blogs for the pictures (*cough, cough - Taylor - cough, cough*), so I'll do my best to update via photographs.

The biggest event is, with no surprise, my graduation from Brigham Young University. I graduated April 24-25 with a Bachelor's Degree in Art History and Curatorial Studies.

A few nights ago, I was skimming some old journals and I was reminded of the numerous times I wanted to quit school; the countless excuses I came up with to justify my internal plea. I am so grateful for the countless people that helped me accept that diploma in April. It is an accomplishment I am thankful to have earned.

I turned 22 on May 15th. For my birthday, the favorites - Caroline, Landon, Taylor (and Hailey in spirit) - and I went paragliding on the point of the mountain. Whew - what a neat adventure that was! I thought I'd educate anyone who is considering going paragliding in the future:
1) Go to the Utah Paragliding Company. They were fabulous! And ask for the boss man to take you up. He was with me and we had a blast.
2) Take off is not jumping off the side of the mountain, as I originally believed. More like you just run (on firm, even ground) and then sort of just lift up. I imagine being "twinkled" will be something like that
3) When the instructor tells you it's time to come down, but he's going to do some tricks on the way, politely decline. You might get a little queasy and even revisit your lunch from 4 hours earlier. Just some friendly advice :)

This was the first time my entire family could be here for my birthday in many, many years. We visited the new Living Planet Aquarium. I think Jacob enjoyed the penguins and sharks most. The family and I went to Bombay House for my birthday dinner and then back to Melina's house for cupcakes. My day was pretty close to perfect. Thank you to all for making me feel so special.

About a month after graduating, I began working for Jamberry Nails in Lindon. My Aunt Sara has been working with them since Christmas time and helped get me my "in". Since I began in May, I've worked in 2 different departments. Now, I guess you could say my childhood "dream" has come true, as I have my own desk with the pictures frames and two computers and phone and blah, blah, blah. Grandma Dixie, I'm more than a secretary, but I certainly get to "play" out my childhood Saturday afternoons at the "office". I work with wonderful people and I feel very blessed. It's not teaching Art History to High School students like I hope to do in the future, but it's certainly something I enjoy doing and could see myself doing for many more years to come.

When I graduated, I moved into a cute little house in south Provo with my friend, Amelia. At the beginning of July, we had an unexpected house guest arrive. The owners were re-landscaping the front / back yard and a mouse landed its way into Amelia's bedroom. Here was my barricade for bedroom / mouse prevention:

Though it was not the reason, a couple days after our house guest arrived, I made the decision to move back home to Draper. If you know me well, you know that I've made waiting for the opportunity to get back to my "roots". While I've enjoyed my time at BYU and Provo, it's never been a place I've wanted to stay. After graduating, I believed the best place for me to be was still in Provo (I am still single after all...). It occurred to me, however, that I want to be where I'm most happy and where I'm going to feel and be my very best. That self wasn't necessarily in Provo. So, I am back as a Salt Lake County resident and overall, really enjoying it. I'm very thankful to have such supportive parents who love and support me. I'm also grateful Provo isn't too far away so I can still see my favorites :)

Loves to all!

 

To My Sweet

To My Sweet,
I need someone who understands my necessity to create a home, which yes, will probably be “feminine” and crafty and potentially girly, but will also be comfortable, safe, peaceful and a haven from the outside world. I need someone who will accept that I am anal about cleanliness and organization and my label maker and I WILL get mad when things aren’t as they should. I crave a calm life. I like Friday nights at home, but I also like to get dressed up and go to fancy restaurants like the Melting Pot or PF Changs or Bombay House. Sometimes I’m a brat and quick to judge other people for their faults, but I hate when people criticize me for mine. Trust me, I am working on this, but please be patient in the mean time. I need you to understand that I pay $5-$7 for each birthday or wedding card I purchase because I’m exceptionally picky. I eat cereal before I go to bed more often than I don’t. Sometimes I’m moody, with really no explanation why. When those days or nights arise, bear with me. It’s probably not your fault. I’m a nag. I recognize this. I’ll try to work on it. I guess you could say I’m high maintenance. I like nice things. I like going to nice places and staying in fancy hotels and wearing expensive shoes and blouses from Banana Republic or J.F. Crew or Nordstrom. With that said, I also like playing Disney Monopoly and eating kettle corn in my sweatpants. I hate the outdoors – I hate feeling dirty – but if it’s something you like, I want you to teach me how to enjoy it as much as you do and I promise I will give it a chance. I am quick to criticize myself and even quicker to question someone’s affections for me, especially in the beginning. Please remind me of your feelings often. I accept that men think differently than women and so you’re probably not thinking of me every minute of every day, but please tell me on occasion when you are because I need to hear it. And after 15 years of marriage, keep telling me you love me and I promise, I will forever keep loving you; every day, every hour, every minute. Even when I hate you, even when I don’t like you, I promise to keep loving you. I need you to understand that I am a perfectionist. It’s hard for me to accept help so sometimes you’ll just need to humor me. Either bump me out of the way and ignore my protests or just bite your tongue. I’ll make up for it later, I promise. I want to give my heart to you, but please don’t accept unless you promise to take care of it; if I’m giving it to you, it means I trust you. If I eat something salty, I’ll need something sweet. I suggest you plan accordingly for picnics. I come with a past, I come with baggage. I have long sense decided and vowed that my past would not dictate my present or future, but I am still a product of those mistakes and those decisions and those temptations and those burdens. I’m not asking you to like all of them, but I am asking you to understand who I am now. And why I live the way I do. I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It will be a part of our home. I long, more so than I could ever wish to articulate anywhere, to walk out the doors of the temple with you, hand-in-hand. I believe He knows me and He knows you. He’ll get us where we need to be so we’ll find (or look up and SEE) one another. I believe He is a part of our lives and He will continue to be if we are faithful and obey His commandments set out to make us happy. I have a lot of goals on my bucket list and many include you. Some are really scary, in which I’ll need you to hold my hand. Others might require your patience as I drag you from museum to museum in Florence or Rome or Paris. But I’ll make you a deal right now: indulge me then and we’ll make up for it later! This I PROMISE. Virginia Woolfe said that every woman should have a space she can call her own. If it’s okay with you, I want a desk that I can sit at and write or read the latest art journals or study. I understand we’ll probably be poor at first, but maybe when we’re “rich and famous” one day, we can work something out. Take care of me. I will get the kids ready for school and make sure our house is clean and dinner is on the table. But kiss me before you leave for work and kiss me when you get home. Let our kids see that you love me and you love them. Say prayers with me every night. Tickle me. Make me laugh. Remind me you love me. I am not perfect and I have a very long way to go before I even reach that sphere, but I will do everything I can to make you happy and to build a glorious life with you. You're the prayer I say every day. 

Until we meet, I love you and I’m praying for you!

Love, me

"Frozen" Ice Castles

I guess it shouldn't come as much surprise that after I saw the new Disney Pixar movie “Frozen” last Friday night, I was hooked. It is adorable and I highly recommend it for the young and the old. I guess you could say I’m a little bias, but it has some very specific features that I personally think just MAKE the film. For example…

v  The movie is about 2 sisters who, as little girls, play together inseparably, but then grow up to be distant acquaintances. But throughout the movie, they reconnect and once again, become “best buddies” and learn the true meaning of love and sacrifice. Being that I am the youngest of 3 sisters, it’s only fitting that I could relate to some degree or another      

v  During the song “For the First Time in Forever”, Anna is dancing and singing through the castle when she comes into a room with floor to ceiling paintings. For me, the highlight of the sequence is when she jumps on the couch and as she is “flying” through the air, she is placed before a painting of a young girl on a swing. The irony of the painting is actually called “The Swing” by Jean-Honore Fragonard and is one of the most famous examples of Rococo. The best way I can explain the Rococo style is to quote one of my former study abroad comrades, which described Rococo as “cotton candy porn”. Beneath the pastels and frilly dresses are concrete messages about secret love affairs, losing your virginity, and, to put it frankly, love making! So I get great, great pleasure seeing this scandalous painting in a Disney movie. Mwhahaha! It pays to know your Art History! ;)

v  Olaf is probably the best friend any girl could ask for and he says, in my opinion, the best line of the film: “some people are worth melting for”   

Because of my new found love for “Frozen”, and because he was the one who took me to see the movie in the first place, a friend asked me on a date Tuesday night to see some ice castles in Midway. They were so neat! They looked just like the ones in the movie! I felt like a little girl again as we explored the different tunnels and “hallways” made of ice. The loveable Olaf even made an appearance, for which I naturally insisted on getting a picture. Thanks for taking me, Riley!

Today, I've been watching my cousins and I took them to see the Ice Castles. While we were waiting in line, Princess Elsa, Anna and Jasmine came up and greeted the guests. I tried to get Maddy to take a picture with them, but she was feeling a little uneasy. But every time they waved at her, she got a pretty big smile on her face. It was very neat. The kids LOVED the ice castles. We went through different "mazes" and tunnels and even found an ice slide Portry went down. I think that was his favorite part. They also enjoyed seeing "Olaf" there too. I'm grateful to live close enough that I can be apart of these kids' lives. I sure LOVE them! 

 Crawling through tunnels 

Loves!   

Year in Review

Happy 2014! It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone already. 2013 has been a great year for me. In fact, as I’ve thought about the last 12 months, I think I’d happily concur it was my best year yet! Here is a little bit of my “Year in Review”!

The first thing that came to mind when I thought of 2013 was, of course, my BYU European Study Abroad. I went on my Study Abroad from April 30 – June 7. I went to Greece, Italy, Austria, Germany, France and England. It’s been the best decision I made in the 4 years I’ve been at Brigham Young University. I’m so grateful for my outstanding professors, Heather and James, and their families, knowledge and experiences they shared with me and my peers. I’m grateful for each of the cultures I visited, the people I met, the art I viewed, the food I tasted, the friendships I made. In the words of Melina, I caught the “travel bug”! I can’t wait to see WHERE I go in 2014! And I can’t wait until I step back into magnificent Rome, romantic Florence, charming Paris and enchanting London.

 

 

My original plans had me graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Art History and Curatorial Studies in December 2013. However, there was a little misunderstanding with my credits so the cap and gown will have to wait until April. However, I did complete my Senior Thesis this December. I delivered my thesis, along with 12 others of my peers, in the BYU Museum of Art. The title of my thesis was “The Battle of Generations: The Response to Homosexuality in the Art Work of Trevor Southey”. I’m pleased with how it went and it’s certainly a relief to start a semester without that bad boy weighing down on my shoulders. And it’s certainly fun to think my REAL last “first day of school” begins Monday. Hooray for only 4 more months!!

After I finished presenting my thesis, we took some pictures at the museum and then went to Goodwoods for dinner. Yum-yum! 

 

Some of my best friends got married in 2013 and it’s been great fun to see my dear "soul sisters" so very happy. It’s neat to see where each of us goes; from meeting at 18 to meeting on the front steps of the temple for wedding pictures. Congratulations to you all! I can’t wait to see where each of you go in the future!

I’m so thrilled for these two who became OFFICALLY married in December. What a wonderful way to end 2013! Congratulations ladies! :)

 

My bucket list is a big deal to me and I have to brag for just a moment. I knocked off 19 goals on my list. Woot-woot! Now only 132 “to do’s” to go! **List also VERY subject to change as I think of more activities to do!! ;)

Of course, I couldn’t talk about 2013 without mentioning a little bit of my most favorite time of the year! Indeed, the holiday season is this girl’s happiest, most cheerful month of all 365 days of the year. I absolutely adore Christmas time! I love shopping for presents, the twinkling lights, the Christmas tree lit up, wrapping gifts with shiny paper and sparkly ribbon. I love the Christmas music, the Christmas movies, the overall feeling of greater love and charity to others. When Christmas morning finally arrives, I become the little girl who excitedly awaits for her parents to wake so she can see what Santa Clause delivered in her stocking. Once again, my family was exceptionally blessed this Christmas. We were all able to be together by the end of Christmas day. Dad, mom, Melina and I woke up late Christmas morning and had a delicious breakfast. After which, our day was pretty low key until about 7 p.m., when Mark, Elise and Jacob finally arrived. We gathered at the table for an excellent Christmas dinner including Honey Baked Ham, “stringy potatoes”, steamed vegetables, homemade rolls and strawberry pretzel salad. Christmas dinner is my FAVORITE dinner of the whole entire year. I’m serious; I look forward to it ALL YEAR LONG. Yummy!! After we ate, we unwrapped Christmas gifts. Santa and Mrs. Clause got me a cricket. And no, not the insect, the scrapbooker’s, card maker’s, crafty’s woman’s dream!! It’s really just beautiful. I’m on a scrapbook HIGH now. It’s been such fun. Melina framed my oil painting I bought in Florence and I can’t wait to put it up in my apartment! I’m thankful to have more books to contribute to my bookshelf too. One of the best gifts of the year was having my sister and brother-in-law here and my favorite little guy, Jacob. He turned 18 months on Christmas Day and he is a busy little boy. I sure love him and I love his kisses even more! I'm also very grateful to have spent some much needed time with Melina and my parents. It was an EXCELLENT day!!

 
Over the break, we’ve had lots of chances to play. Grandma and Grandpa babysat Jacob and the 4 of us kids saw Saving Mr. Banks. I recommend it! It’s a good one. We’ve had some time to go shopping, play lots of games and do some much needed relaxing. No complaints here!

My family celebrated New Year’s Eve with a homemade Chinese dinner. My mama sure can cook because it was delicious! After we put Jacob to bed, dad, Melina, Mark, Elise and I played Disney Monopoly. Melina won by a landslide! We welcomed in a New Year very quietly, but still very enthusiastically. Our first day in 2014 was spent together as a family sledding up Little Cottonwood Canyon. We found a PREMO spot! We’ve already agreed we’ll go there again next year. It was Jacob’s first year and I think we’ve concluded that after a few cautious runs, he likes the snow! 

 

I don’t have any more pictures to share or significant “events” to articulate. And too much of my 2013 has been a quilt of personal experiences threaded with newly founded confidence and self-respect. I’m comfortable with my love for art, for nice things and a calm life. I’m at ease with my need for a clean and well-organized (and clearly labeled) home, for my unrealistic notions that fairy tales still exist and my satisfaction with Friday night movies with hot cocoa and fire places. I’m happy with who I am and where I’m going. I’m grateful for the relationships I have and I look forward to the new ones to come in the future. I’m looking forward to 2014 and the exiting adventures that lie in store! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Loves!     

Happy Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving from Arizona!

This year, we decided to spend Turkey Day with Grandma and Grandpa Moldenhauer in sunny, 75 degree Mesa, Arizona. It’s been pretty relaxing, I must say. I’m quite enjoying the freedom of being away from Provo and being away from SCHOOL. So not to impose, mom, dad, Melina and I are staying at Uncle Dan and Aunt Debbie’s house (just a couple streets down from Grandma and Grandpa) while THEY are spending Thanksgiving in Soda Springs with their kids. I’m sure grateful for my family….all of them!

As always, we were blessed with a splendid meal, courtesy of my wonderful Mama (and homemade rolls from sissy). I must give a special shout out to my Grandpa because he ordered a honey baked ham too! I’m not a huge Turkey fan, but I LOVE ham so I was nothing less than thrilled. It was fun to sit around the table and eat and eat and eat: mashed potatoes, cauliflower, rolls, stuffing, pomegranate salad, green beans and bird (or in my case, pig). And of course, pie! Mmmm…I love food J During dinner mom had prepared various questions on slips of paper that we could pick out randomly. We enjoyed getting to know each other more, especially Grandma and Grandpa. After today, I’ve concluded that much of my spunkiness comes from Grandma. She was feisty [and REBELLIOUS] when she was a young person! Some of her stories had all of us bent over with laughter. It was a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. When we got back to our temporary home, we put in Elf and Melina and I played Phase 10 while mom and dad relaxed in the lazy boys.

Mom and dad went to bed early and Melina and I put in Miracle on 34^th Street. Eventually, I was falling asleep so I tucked myself into bed around 10. About 11:30, Melina ran into my room claiming she heard someone close a door somewhere in the house. I jumped out of bed and together we opened my door slowly and she said “hello”. Most likely my imagination got the best of me because I thought I heard someone reply back with a “hello”. We screamed, jumped back on my bed and both whipped out our phones to call mom and dad who were simply down the hall. They came out of the room and searched the house and, of course, nothing was out of order and all was well. However, that did not keep me from getting a bad case of the “scardsies”. Melina and I started texting from our individual rooms and I was reminded that we are truly sisters because when I asked her what she was doing, she was looking for a Disney movie on Netflix. Many can tell you that if ever I'm nervous, that’s always my go-to. Anywho, we decided to find strength in numbers and she came and slept with me. It’s so silly because at night, when you’re scared and alone, you can’t close your eyes. However, when you know someone is right next to you, you can curl up and fall asleep with the sound of The Aristocats in the background with no problems at all. This morning, mom and dad said they forgot we were 28 and 21 and felt like they were dealing with 7 and 4 year olds. Whatever, it was scary at the time. All in all, it was a perfect Thanksgiving.

Melina and I turned into ninja’s when we opened our doors, coming face to face. Yeah, we could have totally taken someone on in a fight…

Like so many others have done, I would also like to share a few things I’m grateful for:

I’m grateful for my wonderful family and extended family.  I am very lucky to live so close to so many of my relatives. I’m grateful for my parents, who, from day 1, have worked hard to give me and my sisters a good life. I’m grateful for my sisters and the lives they’ve created for themselves and the examples each are to me. I’m grateful for my smarty-pants brother-in-law Mark and my nephew Jacob. Both make are family better. I’m thankful for my grandparents and what I can learn from all of them. I’m grateful for my aunt, uncles and cousins and for those who will one day come into our family.

I’m grateful for my terrific, supportive friends. I’m learning it’s more important to have a small number of good friends than a big number of mediocre acquaintances. I have found myself some great ones and I am richly blessed because of them. As of late, I am extremely humbled by some of their support, encouragement and tenderness towards me.

Very easily I can say the best decision I made this year and one of the top 5 things I am most grateful I have experienced in my life so far ever has to be going on my Art History Study Abroad. It changed my life, as simple as that. I’m grateful for the sites I took in, the art I stood before, the friendships I made and the lessons I learned. I cannot wait until I can return one day…

I’m grateful for my health and for excellent health insurance so I can meet with my doctors and order my medication each month with ease. I’m grateful to be receiving a higher education and that the finish line is in sight. I’m grateful for my wonderful job at the BYU Kindergarten and Preschool. I’m grateful to work with individuals that care about me. I’m grateful to interact with such sweet, gentle souls each day. I’m grateful to have a car that takes me from Point A to Point B to Point K to Point R. I’m grateful for the Christmas season which is now officially upon us. I’m grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I’m grateful for His love, His forgiveness and His plan.  

I’m grateful for my legs, so I can run and let myself be free for 40 minutes every day. I’m grateful for my large green eyes which allow me to see the world and have personal experiences that allow me to see the world in a certain way. I’m grateful for my ears, so I can hear music and laughter and others. I’m grateful for my nose which allows me to smell freshly baked chocolate chip cookies or pine needles on a Christmas tree. I’m grateful for my wide smile and big mouth that lets me speak what I think and maybe bring a little sunshine into the day of another. I’m grateful for my heart that beats unceasingly and fills with warmth and love for others. I’m grateful for my hands that can write and take pictures and work. I’m grateful to wake up each morning, to live my life – even on the bad days and I’m grateful I can go to bed each night with the thoughts of the day still fresh on the mind.

What a wonderful life we have! I’m grateful for Thanksgiving to think about the little things the Lord grants me each day.

Much love to you all! Happy Thanksgiving!! And welcome Christmas season!!  

Loves!

31ish Hours

I decided to name this blog 31ish Hours because it felt like the best way of representing how the life goes these days. 31 is the number of hours I spent working in the library last week. The “ish” is included because Saturday I might have been IN the library for 8 hours, but I was probably only PRODUCTIVE for about 4-5 of those hours. Oops...Hello, senior year! Hello, senior thesis! 

I've embraced the naked truth of what are my days and even, and perhaps most somberly, many of my evenings. From these dragged conclusions, and due to the nature of my need to plan everything, I laid in bed Sunday night (9 days ago) and began yet another elongated, mental grand task list for the impending school week that lied before me. I realized that if I had any hope of not being a cranky, little snot and scaring away all my friends with my sometimes unpleasant, “very stressed out, tired moods”, I would need some way of coping with the progressive fatigue and anxiety that has become my life. 

So, with this thought in mind, I decided right then and there, as I lay curled up in my twin size apartment provided bed and listening to the fantastically soothing John Mayer, that I would keep track of all the delightful tender mercies that happened to me each day. This way I would be reminded that despite the fact I’m potentially a big, fat FOOL for pursuing higher education, I would still know that someone was watching out for me. While I was not always successful in maintaining a round the clock "happy" mood, counting my blessings certainly helped the situation a bit.  And it’s these tender mercies that I've decided to devote the rest of this post too:

Monday:

Monday morning came bright and early and with it was the list of “to-do’s” at work. One of those boxes in need of being checked was wrapping each of the Preschool / Kindergarten children individual books for their Christmas presents from teachers. If you don’t know this already, my favorite time of the year is Christmas. I love the holidays! I feel like it’s when I’m most happy. So, I turned on Bing Crosby and Mannheim Steamroller for some pleasant background music as I wrapped lots and lots…and lots of Corduroy books. It was perfect.

60 down, 60 more to go!

Southern Comfort Eggnog. Enough said.

  

Tuesday:

I got to spend a couple hours with the artist I am focusing my senior thesis on. His name is Trevor Southey and he is one of those people that I walked away from wanting to see again. Trevor is about 76 years old and is suffering from cancer and Parkinson’s. Still, that hasn't damaged his spirits and he is still working everyday on his art. He has such a unique perspective on life and religion and relationships and was an absolute delight to spend time with. I picked him up from his home and we drove to the Kneaders at Riverwoods where we discussed art and beauty over some comfort food. He even gave me a copy of his “coffee table” art book as a thank you for having interest in his work. Little does Trevor know that I am the one who is grateful for him.

What could I possibly find more motivating than discovering a painting (COMPLETELY by accident) by my artist hanging on the second floor of the library?! It was fate.  

When I got home from the library late Tuesday night, there was a lovely plate of goodies and a handwritten note on my kitchen table with (shockingly) my name on it! It looks like the treats were some homemade Kris Krispie Treats. The card was very nice and I’m suspecting visiting teachers, but the jury is still up. Anonymous treat and love note giver: THANK YOU! I bet your treats were wonderful, but I never got to try them because the plate mysteriously disappeared from the table the next morning. But it’s the thought that counts and I’ll take it!    

 Wednesday:

The first tender mercy came in the form of a parking spot. For those familiar with Zoobie land, you will agree with me when I say parking is not always idyllic. In fact, it’s NEVER idyllic. I was running behind for work and was nervous I would be late because I’d have to park far away – even at 7:15 a.m.! Much to my surprise, there was a very unoccupied spot right in front of the lot. Happy Wednesday!

On Wednesday’s, I have classes from 1-9 p.m. with only a one hour break from 5-6 p.m. It makes for a long day. However, my senior thesis class got out early, which allowed me enough time to go home, eat an actual supper and breathe for a moment. Thank you Martha Peacock, thank you!  

This display has currently taken residency in the Art History Department of the Jesse Knight Building. Upon closer inspection I noticed this gem.... 

...family members can testify that I have said this VERY thing long before it was EVER posted on campus. I'm not pleased. My genius plan to find my "Noah" or "Logan" is going to be ruined!! Errr...

Thursday:

Temple Thursday has become a favorite for me. Caroline and I have officially reached the status of “regulars” and it makes me very happy. It’s certainly humbly to know I can provide service for those on both sides of the veil.

The Clegg’s love food. Being that I am indeed a member of the crazy clan, I enjoy myself a nice meal now and again. And when it can be coupled with fantastic company, there will be no complaints coming from me.  Amelia, my other half at work, and I went on a dinner date to Café Rio and let me tell you, that creamy house dressing and sweet pork will be my saving grace every time. So. Good.  

Our "Thankful Tree" at work

Mia added this gem Thursday night. I was dubbed the nickname "Mini-Me" 5 days after we met over a year ago. The more we get to know each other, the more we find it's freakishly true! 

Sometimes it's nice to be appreciated at work. Thanks for the sweet compliment, Chloe!  

Friday:

It rained today! Yes, it might be sincerely atrocious to some; it’s purely splendid for me. I love the cold; I love bundling up in sweaters, boots and scarves with cherry noses and gusts of smoky air about as conversations emerge. I love the chill in the air; the sounds of droplets hitting my umbrella. It’s a more “chilly” sort of comfort, but a pleasure no less.

After a long week of typing and researching and editing, sometimes a girl could only need some mindless entertainment to heal some of the brain cells. So tender mercy number….a lot is in the form of Netflix’s and Amazon Prime! Just...bless you!! :)

Saturday:

Running around the atrium stairs on the first floor is an excellent way to relieve stress. I learned this Saturday…and so did the people that watched me do it over. And over. And over again. So, I guess you can say my tender mercy for the day was the ability to have strong legs that carried me around those stairs so, so much. 

I also discovered that some necessities for a productive night at the library are as follows: first, leggings and a big sweatshirt or sweater. Second, David Lanz on Pandora. Just…trust me. Third, snacks. I recommend Oreos (yes, mom, I ate them. My stomach didn't hurt that bad though so it was okay. And I needed them real bad!!) and Dr. Pepper. Fourth and last, post-its and multiple highlighters for easy color coding of notes. Have those 4 things and you will leave with success.

I did not write this...but I did not stop it from happening either. Guilty...

Here’s to surviving until December 19^th!

Loves!