Mardi Gras and Lent

Today is Mardi Gras. I've never been crazy about celebrating it, although I do love a good hurricane! :) But, each year I try to give up something for Lent.  Often it is sweets or candy.  This year, I am going to try to give up something a little harder to resist--worrying.  I often stress about things I cannot change, and I have to remind myself that God has a plan and His timing is perfect.  I have improved in my ability to reduce worrying over the years, but it is still something I need to work on, as it adds stress to my life.  So, that is my goal over the next 40 days:  to worry less and live more.  I hope that by Easter it becomes a habit I have formed. As a part of this goal, I am also going to resist interacting with a certain toxic person, whose place in my life is no longer positive.  I think that will help too. :)

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.