July 28-30

We went North haha. After work, the weekend started with me driving to Boonsboro. It would have been much less terrifying if the rain weren't absolutely insane. But I did my best and we got there safe. Took two hours but we got there. And then Jess and I were off to New Jersey! Emily's Bridal Shower was on Saturday so naturally the bridesmaids were in attendance. We helped with what we could but honestly, Elizabeth (Emily's sister and Maid of Honor) had it all pretty under control. The party was lovely and everything was super cute and relaxed. New Jersey, or the parts I saw, was very pretty. After dropping off a load of gifts, we spent the evening at Point Pleasant, which is such a nice beach it almost made me want to go more often. And I hate beaches. The boardwalk was nice and, since it was so late, the beach itself was practically empty. It looked gorgeous. At the end of the boardwalk was a cute little aquarium. I haven't been to one since I was little so I was living my best life. There are just so many amazing animals and I'm lucky I got the chance to be so close to them. I saw the littlest terrapin and I cried. And then I kept seeing more turtles and crying. And then, in the same room basically, I saw penguins, and once I realized I had seen my two favorite animals in one place I was so happy I was lightheaded. We spent far too long in the gift shop because I didn't know what to get your dad haha. And then we drove back. The weekend was full of lots of good food, laughing at our own nonsense, and plans for the beautiful September wedding. The venue is gorgeous and I really can't wait. It's going to be such a lovely day. But as for the weekend of cupcakes, cats, and crazy conversations, I'm happy. It was a much needed trip.

Now July is over. I leave for Canada in not even four full days. I'm still a little in disbelief that it's real. But it is. And it's gonna be so great.

December Catch-up

Wow. Have I really not written on here in almost a month? Yeah, I've been busy. But that's unacceptable. Let's get so some smiles

• It's Christmas. Like I know it's not yet, but it's Christmas. And there's pretty lights everywhere and all these fun decorations and outfits and the radio has Christmas music and people are in such a cheerful mood. Yay holidays!
• We keep getting all this amazing food brought to the office. Blessings galore.
• I miss McDaniel and Dog Party and Holiday Cabaret and all those fun things. But it's nice to see everyone else enjoy them and have a whole new generation take part. Plus, Torreke and Veronica danced to Howl's Moving Castle score and I'm still not over it.
• I had my last therapy session on the 9th. I was told that I could always count on my therapist as a resource if I ever needed it, but that I'd gotten to a good place and made a lot of progress in a short time, so I don't need regularly scheduled appointments anymore. I've gotten my anxiety to a manageable place.
• I had a birthday! With lots of fun gifts! And delicious foods. But mostly, with my favorite people. Cutting a cake with my immediate family was honestly so nice. My niece always manages to put a big smile on my face. She even prayed for our dinner and for my birthday. I was a very happy aunt. And the next week, I had a bigger dinner with some close friends. Seeing them was such a treat, but seeing them all get along and become fast friends is truly the greatest gift I ever could have asked for.
• I had a lovely brunch with Jim Dyson, only my favorite alumn ever! We caught up and talked life after McDaniel and RWBY fan theories. He's such a good person and I had a blast. Can't go wrong with Silver Diner!
• I've been able to talk to Nick a lot more. The kid has a life, and finals affect everyone differently, so I am still sad that I didn't get to see him for my birthday, but I refuse to hold a grudge or let that get to my energy. I'm just glad we're talking somewhat regularly again. I'm very happy to have him in my life.
• Michael is such a great friend. He's just so supportive and kind and understanding. I am glad that we've always gotten along so well.
• Hairspray Live happened. It may not have been the greatest thing ever but I had fun and it brought back some sweet memories.
• Pentatonix had their own Christmas special oh my goodness I am way too proud of them.
• I got to see Eric! We had a mini-birthday celebration for the both of us. I need that boy in my life more, seriously, he's a gem and I miss him.
• Brookside Gardens twice. I never ever ever get tired of that place. It's so beautiful and magical and happy. It reminds me of childhood, and it's so fun to walk through, even if it is cold haha.
• Ugly sweater party at church! Even if I didn't win, everyone looked so cute and it's nice to be silly with the youth group every once in a while.
• Christmas party at work was awesome. Exhausting and kinda expensive on my end, haha. But awesome. People are still telling me how much they enjoyed the games, which is always nice to hear. And I just enjoyed some delicious food with people I am proud to call my co-workers. Everyone looked so good. And I got the most beautiful ornament from my boss' wife. There's no way on earth she knew how much I love angels. That's God at work right there.
• Have I mentioned how happy I am that you're here? I hope I have. Because I really am. I almost feel spoiled compared to the 8 years without you right by my side. I have no idea what I'll do when you leave. But I know it's not forever. And until then, I'm loving the mess out of having you in the states.
• There's more. There has to be more. It's been such a good time. I am so very blessed. Bad days happen and bumps get in the way but overall, I am grateful. I pray that the rest of the world be able to feel the love this holiday season. It's a scary time for so many out there, but none of us are alone. And there's always someone, somewhere willing to help in whatever way they can. So I'll do what I can to keep spreading that cheer. And to keep it going all the way into 2017!

Party for 2!

For a 2 year old, that is! Cristina was invited to a birthday party today. The birthday boy is named Daniel, and he is the son of a friend of Karla's. We went to his party together and it was adorable. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme, which is apparently his favorite show. There were cute little chairs and tables, a baby ballpit, finger painting, lots of fruit & juice for the itty bitties, cheese and crackers and grapes for the adults, this delicious orange lemonade, and of course pizza and pasta for everybody. All in this beautiful house. Seriously, it's gorgeous. What do I have to do to get a house like that? What do I even need all that room for omg. But the whole thing was so cute. And Cristina had lots of fun. She "won" a medal for pinning the nose on Mickey. And I'm pretty sure her painting went right up on the fridge!

Look Who's Turning 1!

So. My niece turned one.

DISNEY PARTY!

And we are so so so so so blessed to have this little princess in our lives.

It's one thing when you have a party.

It's another when NOT ONLY does everyone compliment the party you worked so hard on

but the guest of honor enjoys herself, too :)

A Little Party Never Killed Nobody

So rehearsal today was dancing. First we did the maypole dance. Which was exhausting and oh so fun. Then we did a dance to The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars, which will be adorable. And then Ira called rehearsal. So, instead of leave, we all had a dance party. Crazy techno hits and ALL the fun to be had. Seriously, theatre kids are your go-to for a real dance party. A stage. Lights. And the best sound system around. <3

Send JJ Right Over!

Reason 302: So we went to a kids party with everyone from church. If kids parties aren't fun enough, we played Red Rover. We had a BLAST. Mind you, it's a pretty violent game. But it's mad fun. And the kids seriously got so into it. I love hanging with these people.

WARNING: THIS IS NOT ABOUT KARLA!

A baby was born today! A little baby boy. He's my cousin's baby, the one who (supposedly) had the same due date as my sister. He was born today, healthy and happy. Sorry, no picture. I wouldn't post one without parental permission. But I can promise you he is precious. He will be quite handsome, just like his daddy. Welcome to the world, Baby Guzman!

One of Those Nights

Reason 260: Birthday party with my familia! Love it. Mind you, as expected, little to no homework got done and I'm terrified about tomorrow. But today? Enjoy delicious cake, lots of laughter, and all the talk about babies. Happy Birthday Tia Mela! (And Aaron Fellows, who I miss bunches).

Irrelevant to the birthday, this has been in my head ALL. DAY.

What Boys Like

Reason 259: Baby Shower!!! For my cousin's wife, Liza. She's having a boy. Her due date is the same as Karla's! Twinsie cousins!!! Twas very nice outside, and nice to see all the family. With key lime pie, waddup! The gifts were too cute. And it was interesting to see boy gifts. I've been so wrapped up in all the little girl dresses. So jungle animals and sports and cars and dinosaurs and rockets and frogs and turtles and whales. Got it.

So many whales!!

Wedding Bells Will Ding

Reason 49: Love & marriage. Karla & Eric are finally married. It's incredible. Today was all kinds of wonderful. You've probably seen pics before I have (I'm so scared to go on facebook haha). And it was such a wonderful day. Celebrating a wonderful thing between 2 wonderful people. With music! And blue velvet cake. AND BLUE ROSES EVERYWHERE! And there was a rainbow in the sky, even though it didn't rain. God is good :)

 

I didn't cry or take off my heels. I'm proud of myself XD

Other songs that were stuck in my head