February Finale

• Another sunny day
• Ciara came by the office today! With all the girls in tow. Layla said she liked me haha. I think she found it funny that I was small? But she asked me how old I was and I said I was the same age as her mom. I told her that her mom and I went to school together and she was shocked. She asked if we were friends, and I said of course! And that made her very happy. I got to meet baby Valentina for the first time. She's a few months old now, still so itty bitty. But she's a chunky nugget with big, squishable cheeks and I love her. It was nice to see Ciara again, and to have fun with everyone
• GALA emailed me. I actually got a response. I have a callback, so to speak! Haha they want to see me again. I'm a finalist for the position. Not hired, but a finalist. It's such a confidence boost, honestly. I truly had given up hope on it and thought I'd have to start job hunting again. But maybe not yet. Maybe God has ideas. And she was super sweet, too. Like, wow. This might actually happen
• Shopping for class on Sunday is complete! Hopefully my ideas end up working out.  Shoutout to Claudia who heard I was going to Michaels and was like nah, take my Joann's coupons. Love her so dang much
• CHARLOTTE GOT INTO GRAD SCHOOL! As if there was any doubt but like I'M SO THRILLED FOR HER IT'S WHAT SHE DESERVES MY WONDERFUL BEST FRANNN
• February is over. I made it. I'm alive. Like, not just hey I completed this challenge. But hey, God granted me life and I didn't squander it. I didn't let my demons get the best of me. I actually came out of the dark hole relatively okay. It's not like the clock strikes midnight and March means no more depression. BUT it means that around now is when my body usually starts to wake up again and I get a better hold of my emotions and plans and such. And, God willing, I get to keep moving forward

9-23-16

I went to an Orioles game! Very different atmosphere than the Nationals Park, but fun all the same. I went with a few families from church and we had a blast. I appreciate their generosity and kindness; it was really cool of them to ask my mom and I to tag along. It was such a fun time and, as time progressed, the O's started catching up and the crowd got so much more into it. In the end, we won! 3-2. It was a grand time haha. Glad I got to go, and Glad I had Abi and Keila to laugh with me the whole evening.

12-26-15

Last night was magical! I went to see Signature Theatre's prodution of West Side Story. Karla's friend from high school, Tom, had an extra ticket and invited Karla to go. Unfortunately, she was unable to go because her in laws were coming to town. So, he extended the invite to me! And I felt so humbled. His dad, stepmom, and mom were all so incredibly sweet to me, without even knowing anything about me. Of course they all sent Karla good wishes about baby David. Tom then treated his mom, his friend, and me to dinner at Capital City Brewing (I believe the name was), and it was soooo good. We went in to see the show after dinner and I cannot say enough good things about this production. Where do all these talented and attractive people even come from? Wow the lights were gorgeous and the effects were brilliant. It was ALIVE in that auditorium. The transition from the bridal shop to the gym was FLAWLESS. The actress who played Maria was MY HEIGHT and, though at first I'll admit she looked much younger than her costars, she KILLED her performance. It gave me hope haha. And of course, I couldn't take my eyes off Anita. If I ever want to be in this show I have to take a million and twelve dance classes so I can actually gain control of my body. But I'll do it. Because this story is so important and so moving, and I'd give so much to be a part of it. And, after having done extensive work on Anita and her story, the connection I felt to her character was immense. It's as if I felt proud to know her. And when I met the actresses who played Maria and Anita, they were beyond sweet and complimentary and told me to keep trying and I'd be up on that stage one day. I cannot thank Tom enough for his kindness and generosity. I will treasure this night always.

Unexpected Gifts

I got a lovely pair of earrings today. They're big and dramatic and I love them. If today's picture had been sparkly, I would've used these earrings. I got the earrings as a gift from a lady at church. She said they were a gift for the special I did. Seriously? Because I sang she felt the need to buy me jewelery?! What?!?! How sweet is that?!! Not sweet like cool, but literally kind and generous and loving. That's so darling of her. And it makes me feel so happy that she would feel so strongly about it. My heart is soaring because I did a thing for God and so many people loved it. EEP.

Day 2: On My Street

Slash #tbt to before our door was blue

And google maps caught Karla's car at our house!

Most Wonderful

MY BABIES MAKE ME SO PROUD. All the proud mama syndrome. So my mentees have been working super hard on their presentations. I caught them rehearsing a couple of times. And their performances were today. They were. SO GOOD. They worked well as a group. The transitions were beautiful. Concepts were clear. They were effectively listening to one another. They used drama therapy techniques at appropriate times and it actually helped further the plot. They all did so much work and I'm just incredibly proud of their focus, dedication, and willingness to delve into new things.

ALSO. After my beautiful necklace from you and my sweet card from Jess, Craig anonymously gifted me the new Christmas album from Pentatonix "That's Christmas to Me" (but I'm smart and I figured it out). It's wonderful. And I just cannot get over how kind people have been to me as of late. Lord knows I've needed it. And it has not gone unnoticed. I'm so blessed. So so blessed.

From the Cheesecake

Reason 97: Our dear friend Lauren. So unfortunately, thanks to Hurricane Sandy, our plans for New Jersey were cancelled. I will not see my best friend Storm this weekend. Obviously, Emily and I were disheartened. However, Lauren came to our rescue. Her lovely mom is here all weekend and is taking us around for fun times. We went to Towson Mall (best. mall. ever.) and shopped for ages. And we went to Cheesecake Factory! Tomorrow we may go out for breakfast. I needed a night with my girls. And I greatly appreciate the generosity of this family.

Also, this was the best pick me up ever. Click according to what is appropriate.
More specifically, THIS is all about you