Warmness on the Soul

I stole the title for this post from the Avenged Sevenfold song of the same name. Check it out!
Anyhow, I was freeeeezing cold all day long on Monday. When I lived in Wyoming, November marked the beginning of my being cold for the next 7 months. BOO. But I realized that in Washington, it is December that marks the beginning of my perpetual state of frozen. And even better, I will only be frozen solid 24 hours a day for the next 3 months or so. Who loves seasons?! I DO!

Here are a few pictures from my Thanksgiving in South Carolina with Gram and Uncle John. It is so special to me to be able to spend time with family, and we 3 have gotten together for the past 3 years- a great little tradition! We went to the South Carolina State Museum and Gram and I had a photo shoot outside (photo 1) while Uncle John parked the car. I couldn't remember much of the museum since the last time I was there was probably when I was about 8 years old. They have a special exhibit on pirates right now, and Uncle John tested out part of the exhibit (photo 2).

I love going to Gram's house because I have memories of being there with my whole family- dad included. There are pictures of him all around, and the family that I'm with all knew him much longer than I did. Even if we don't end up sharing stories about him, I like the time just hanging with family who loves him and misses him just as much as I do. Photo number 3 hangs in a collage of pictures in Gram's study. I couldn't help but snap a picture of it on my phone.

I always say I grew up on the NU 50-yard line.

Even though my appendages are frozen, this is warmness on my soul.
A special thanks to UJ for making my Thanksgiving journey possible again this year :)
Love Always.

Nutcracker Bum

My house is happily chaotic right now. We've renewed our lease, but one roommate is moving out, and a new is moving in. Jenny, friend and new roommate, will officially join George and me in the house on Wednesday. To ease the moving process (a process that I loathe), Jenny moved all of her things into the living room last week. To ease the moving process for Courtney (whom I am going to miss living with a LOT because she is kind, likes wine, and is a wizard in the kitchen), her things are allowed to be in our house as long as needed before she's able to move into her new digs. Our house is full to the brim not only with "things" but also with people. It's so nice! When extra roomies and significant others are all in the house, it is so happy. I really like the chaos. 

But, the point of that little background story is that I am without all of my house keys right now, and my commute to work is one block longer than usual. Walking to work this morning, there was a bum across the street whistling the tune of "The Nutcracker". Even though we just celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas is clearly right around the corner. I laughed out loud in appreciation of the Nutcracker Bum.

I baked my first batch of Christmas cookies last night, we have solar-powered lights up in our backyard (I have been too busy to charge the lights for the front), and now the Nutcracker Bum is whistling Christmas music to me. 'Tis the Season!

Love Always.

P.S. My laptop is kaput, so I'll go back to posting pictures once I figure out how to resurrect it.

Giving Thanks

I am so thankful for so many things. I hope everyone travels safely to and from friends, family, and home this weekend. Gobble Gobble!

Love Always.

Foxy & Freezing

There is a red fox living somewhere near the Capitol grounds! I left work a few Fridays ago to run something to FedEx before I officially started the weekend, and there it was, bounding down 1st Street! I couldn't believe it. Neither could the gentleman I was sharing the sidewalk with because we shared a moment of complete astonishment together. It is not everyday in the middle of an urban setting that you see a fun, frolicking little creature. I wonder how he got here.

Also, Wyoming is a frozen, winter wonderland right now. Just taking weather into account, I'm so glad I'm not going there for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. I would happily endure freezing cold temperatures, insane wind, and snowfall if it meant time with my mom, brother, and sister but I certainly don't miss the weather. For instance, check out the WYDOT website and look at the road closures happening around Laramie, the town I spent four frigid years in for college. Here are the conditions: CLOSED roads. Slick, Snowfall, Strong Winds, Blowing Snow, Reduced Visibility. No. Thank. You. By the time Wyoming decides to close a road, the conditions are very serious. Wyoming is tough and good at both driving in winter conditions and keeping roads clear, so when they have to close a road, they aren't messing around. I went for a run in shorts and a tee shirt on a lovely, sunny Saturday this weekend. Love!