NYC

I just returned from a trip to NYC.  I have never been at Christmas before, and while it was crowded and cold, it was also really fun. 

 These are from the 9/11 memorial.  There are 2 pools for the towers, plus 2 buildings that are still unfinished.  It was sad to see all of the names, especially the names of women "and her unborn child".

We did many other things as well, including visiting the natural history museum.  It had a lot of cool exhibits,  including a planetarium, dinosaurs and spiders (which are more gross than cool)

Glitter

I used to not be into jewelry at all.  Largely, I think, because the cheap stuff makes me itch--literally.  I was just into clothes.  Then, I got into home decor too.  And, now, unfortunately, I am also obsessed with jewelry.  I should have picked a profession with a higher salary.   

I bought both of these from J.Crew.  The giraffe was on sale when I discovered him,  but they just added the zebra recently.  I love them because they are safari animals but they are also sparkly and cute (albeit heavy).

I have been stalking this bracelet since August I think.  I was waiting for it to go on sale but I caved when J.Crew had a 25% off and free shipping sale.  I love it.

I have also been stalking this top.  (From--where else--J.Crew.  I keep them in business).  They put it on sale so I got it.  I will probably wear it twice a year but it is so sparkly and cute.  Clearly I am into bling right now.  If only I had a cheaper hobby...

Giving Thanks

I am very grateful for many things this year.  I let my stress distract me from my gratitude, and I have to force myself to stop and be thankful.  But, really, I am a pretty fortunate woman.  I am grateful for:
- my family: my mom, dad, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  They are all supportive and loving. 
- my dog Bella.  She is my companion and my comfort
-  my boyfriend, who makes me try new things and is a voice of common sense when I get stubborn/stressed/etc
- my friends, who I love to hang out with and have adventures with
- my job, which I love, even when the kids make me nuts
- my health and my brain, which allow me to be a good runner and a good student, and have gotten me to where I am today. 
- and, the fact that I don't have to drink water that will make me sick, and that I have a home, clothes, food, safety and a working (albeit divided) democracy

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. 

Not Ready

I'm not trying to be a downer, but I am not ready for the Christmas season! Other than the fact that my classes are almost over, I just don't want it to be that time.  It is just because I love fall, and I don't want the leaves or the perfect 60's and 70's temps to go away.  I feel like time just goes by so fast, and fall only seems like a second.  Before we know it, January will be here.  I try to actively enjoy this time and savor all the things I love, but I still feel like it just flies by. 

Fall Break

This week is our fall break from school, and I must say, it is a welcome break. School (both work and graduate school) have been quite stressful.  I don't get a break from grad school, but at least I get to sleep in.  Here are some photos from the week, so far:

 Bella, playing with her ball in Andy's backyard.  It is much (much) bigger than mine. 

 

 

 A peacock at Washington Farms

Pig Races! The red team won! They were pretty cute, I must say.

Early Fall

Unfortunately, August and September turned out to be more stressful than fun, but there were a few highlights.  Andy and I took a trip to St. Simons, and I got to see my friend Stacey who is a pharmacist in Savannah.  And September brought football season, which is always fun.  So, hopefully October will be better.  The leaves are starting to change and the pumpkins are out.  I'm training for a 1/2 marathon in January so more exercise should alleviate some of the stress. I am trying to enjoy the things I love, like lavender candles and cuddles with Bella.  Here are a few cool pictures I've taken recently:

 This butterfly was in our backyard.  He spent a lot of time on Bella's poop but I did not want a picture of that so I "encouraged" him to find a new location.  He did, just long enough for me to get a few photos, then he moved back where he started--which is gross, but he sure is pretty!

Me and Stacey eating before the UGA game in St. Simons. 

Pretty blooms from my otherwise mangy mum.  He is from last year and did not come back like a normal mum, but he is blooming so we will go with it.  Plants are still an enigma to me.

Frog love

Most of my plants are wilting away in this July heat, but the frogs seem to like the dying plants.  This one has been hanging out for several days.  He (She?) had a buddy for a few days, but they left. 

Dominican Republic

Last week I went to the Dominican Republic.  We stayed at the Hard Rock resort, so it was not the real DR, although it was very nice.  The beach is beautiful, and the people were all very nice.  Plus, I got to practice some Spanish!

This is part of the town we passed as we drove to the resort. 

 The beautiful Caribbean! Although it now has my prescription sunglasses : (

 

A very cool palm tree.  I have never seen ones like this! 

We had a free photography session in our package, so we did it. It was a little weird, but fun too.  I like this one because you can see the clouds in my sunglasses. 

Mountains Trip

This week we went to Helen for the day. The weather was great, and I really enjoy being in the mountains.  I think it is a peaceful, beautiful place. 

A baby goose! I am not sure what his proper name is, but he was very cute.  He was snacking alongside his sibling and mama. 

These photos are all from our hike to Anna Ruby Falls.  I have been there a few times before, but I enjoy it every time!

Flower Mysteries

I really like gardening and taking care of flowers.  I have decided that flowers have personalities.  For example:

African Violets.  This one has decided to split in 2, like Siamese twins.  Do I split it up in 2 pots? 

This is my dying succulent.  I have never tried to raise succulents before, so I don't know much about them. The other one is not dying, and they are right next to each other.  But this little guy is quite sad. 

And this is our mystery plant.  We were given bulbs last fall, and I had no idea what it was.  It survived the winter, and now the first one is blooming.  It's pretty different, and cool, I think. 

Growing Up

The baby birds are getting so big, and the other nest is starting to hatch too!

Springtime!

We have three birds' nests in our yard this spring.  I love having them there--the thought of new life and the sound of new babies.  Plus, I think the nests and eggs are so beautiful.  I am always temped to get too close, but I know that will scare the mama off.  I did take a few pictures (with my zoom).