And That's Love.

Well, isn't this just lovely?

A few excerpts from the Modern Love column "When the Words Don't Fit" are below, but really, you'll want to just go ahead and read the whole thing. I promise it will leave your heart smiling.

When the Words Don't Fit

by Sarah Healy

... He walked me to my car, and we kissed in the parking garage, under orblike yellow lights. It was a still kiss, a postcard kiss, a Disney princess kiss, the kind of kiss that makes blue cartoon birds chirp and swirl in the sky, their beaks holding garlands.

And this is exactly where the story should end. It should cut to credits, and the music should be triumphant but soft. Your last image should be of the young girl and the handsome poetry-writing boy frozen in a movie kiss. You should brush the popcorn off your lap and leave the theater smiling because everything worked out the way you knew it would. You can leave remembering that time when you were young and lovely, and things like that could happen.

Because it’s boring to say that things don’t work out like they do in the movies. Everyone knows that. Even 21-year-olds. But it’s hard to resist a great story. If we had lasted, we would have had one hell of a story.

[...]

“You have to believe that the Lord put you together in the first place.” That’s what my father said in his toast. That was his advice to my husband and me, his way of saying that what we had was preordained, that it was divine. And really, it was as good an explanation as any for love.

[...]

So, I suppose that’s the point: Love chooses us.

My husband and I don’t have a great “meeting” story. We met in a conventional way and had a conventional wedding. And in some sense, we lead a conventional life.

But my husband has seen me at my worst, at my most vile. And he has seen me at my best. He knows the things I don’t tell anyone, and the lies that I tell everyone but him. I have made sacrifices for him and been angry about it. Sometimes his flaws are so egregious, so blatant, they are all I see. And sometimes his kindness is so stunning that I am humbled.

And that’s love. Big, epic, fairy-tale love. The kind of love people write about. The kind of love that could inspire a poem.

Work/Real Friends

When you start introducing someone as "my friend... who I met at work... but we're, like, real friends. Not just work friends. Real friends," you know you've crossed that unspoken line between professionalism and personal life -- and there's no turning back.

Today marks LJ's last day of working in NYC... the last 3 years and 10.5 months of which have been spent with yours truly.

Yes, it's true -- my co-worker-turned-BFFAEAEAE is making the big move back to Texas to start a brand new adventure in Dallas!

And while I'm so very excited for what's in store for her... to say I'm "an emotional mess" would be a gross understatement.

I'm trying to hold off on anymore tears for now, because I still have 4 whole days of twirly, winky-faced fun before she hops on that one-way flight to DFW. But that doesn't make today any easier... Honestly, the thought of coming to the office tomorrow and not having one of my best friends right down the hall is really... sad. And scary. And... unfathomable.

Who will join me for DDP breaks? And who will send me walrus wakeup texts to make sure I'm up after a near-sleepless Thursday night on the town? And who will I eat a romantic sushi and wine Valentine's Day dinner with after working until 10pm on a Monday... again? And whose office door will I slam closed when I just need to giggle... or, occasionally, cry?

There's a lot to say... and I will. Just... later. Because nearly 4 years of BFFAEAEAE-ship can't be summed up in the 45 minutes that I have left before we head to LJ's Farewell Happy Hour. So instead, I'll just leave you with some happy memories... of the day that we were reunited, along with Jamie, our third musketeer, here at our current agency. It literally seems like just last week and a lifetime ago... all at once:

Sweet Southern Comfort

March 18th, 2009

If you've had a conversation or two with me since I moved to NYC, you've probably heard at least a few of the many tales of adventure/awkward with my co-workers-turned-friends. Since my first day at my first "real" job, I had a feeling I would soon be thanking God for putting Jamie and Lauren in my life. And it wasn't just because they both hailed from below the Mason-Dixon Line (Atlanta and Dallas, respectively). The three of us, well, we just... clicked.

It would take quite a bit of rambling (yes, even more than usual) to recount all of the reasons these girls have helped to make my life in New York as simply fabulous as it is today (and as you'll see, many of the stories have already been detailed for your enjoyment on Lulled and La La La anyways). From Spy Adventures to Wee Mee's to Karaoke to countless hours spent discussing celebs and recapping the previous night's must-see tv, our work days were anything but mundane. (Disclaimer: While we were right on point with our green circled predictions, Jason No Longer = Muffin. GROWL. But that's another rant for another post.)

Needless to say, when the time eventually came for the Showtime Girls to part professional ways (technically for the second time, but we won't speak of The Dark Ages otherwise known as LJ's Eight Month Hiatus...), it could only be summed up as "bittersweet." I know that I for one was anxious to see what the future held, but the idea of not working with two of my best friends every single day?! Two words: womp wooomp.

So it will come as no surprise that my excitement for tomorrow is reminiscent of all those Christmas Eves I counted down the hours until Santa and his reindeer finally landed on my roof. In a strange, wonderful turn of events, tomorrow will mark the day that all three of us are back where we belong - embracing our media nerdiness together. In the same agency.

Love. It.

I have no doubt that our friendship would've easily stood the test of Midtown Separation - Goodness knows we'll always have Brunch Story Worthy Nights - but I am just oh-SO-happy for a return to the days of quarter collecting and puppets.

L.O.V.E.

Love you, LJ... more than any HR Department should allow. Here's to showing the Dallas Media World how we do it in a little place called New York City :)

Happy Wednesday Things

Just a few things that are making this rainy Wednesday morning a little less dreary:

1. A "happy wednesday" email from my sister at 6:52 a.m. that contained nothing more than the following fluffy face:

2. The Civil Wars and a 5-shot Venti Americano with a dash of cinnamon. (No judging, please. Sometimes 5 shots of espresso are just necessary.)

3. Sharing a blueberry Special K bar with my new cubemate/bus buddy, Smam.

4. A new pair of cutie cute flats paired with a sunshine yellow cardi, because I refuse to accept that Spring isn't here to stay.

5. A sweet little card from my sweet little BFFAEAEAE.

6. Finally checking off the box on this pesky little Post-it that's been haunting me for the past few weeks:

7. And lastly (and really, the most happy of all these things), a notification from American Airlines telling me that I am now eligible to check-in for my flight to Austin tomorrow! Which means that I'm just a day away from celebrating the marriage of two of my very dear friends, Katie and Bri Bri Brian!! After watching these two lovebirds grow together for the past 6 years, this is sure to be a weekend filled with plenty of love, laughter, Theta Kites and champagne -- can. not. wait.

Love y'all! See you so soon :)

A Loved One at Their Sides

Well, if this news doesn't make for a Happy Friday, I don't know what does...

Excerpts from The New York Times article "Obama Widens Medical Rights for Gay Partners" are below, and read the whole thing here.

“'Every day, all across America, patients are denied the kindness and caring of a loved one at their sides,'Mr. Obama said in the [April 15th] memorandum, adding that the rules [aimed at granting hospital visiting rights to same-sex partners] could also help widows and widowers who rely on friends and members of religious orders who care for one another. But he says gay men and lesbians are 'uniquely affected' because they are often barred from visiting partners with whom they have spent decades.

Richard Socarides, who advised President Bill Clinton on gay rights issues, said that while the memorandum on its own did not grant any new rights, it did 'draw attention to the very real and tragic situations many gays and lesbians face when a partner is hospitalized.'

[...]

In some instances in the past, hospitals have barred bedside visits by the person who held the medical power of attorney for a patient.

Gay rights advocates said the rules change was inspired by one of those cases involving a same-sex couple, Janice Langbehn and Lisa Pond, who were profiled in The New York Times last year. After Ms. Pond was stricken with a fatal brain aneurysm, Ms. Langbehn was denied visiting rights in 2007 by a Florida hospital. Although Ms. Langbehn had power of attorney and she and Ms. Pond were parents to four children they had adopted, the hospital refused for eight hours to allow her and the children to see Ms. Pond, her partner for 18 years. Ms. Pond died as Ms. Langbehn tried in vain to get to her side.

Ms. Langbehn, represented by Lambda Legal, a legal advocacy organization, brought suit against the hospital, Jackson Memorial in Miami, but lost. On Thursday night, Mr. Obama called her from Air Force One to say that he had been moved by her case.

'I was so humbled that he would know Lisa’s name and know our story,' Ms. Langbehn said in a telephone interview. 'He apologized for how we were treated. For the last three years, that’s what I’ve been asking the hospital to do. Even now, three years later, they still refuse to apologize to the children and I for the fact that Lisa died alone.'

[...]

The memorandum is intended to 'help ensure that patients will be able to face difficult times in hospitals with compassion, dignity and respect,' a White House spokesman, Shin Inouye, said Thursday night. 'By taking these steps, we can better protect the interests and needs of patients that are gay or lesbian, widows and widowers with no children, members of religious orders, or others for whom their loved ones are not always immediate relatives. Because all Americans should be able to have loved ones there for them in their time of need.'"

This Movie Gets Me EVERY Time

"Don't you think that daisies are the friendliest flower?"

... Why yes, Kathleen Kelly. As a matter of fact, I do.

Texas on My Mind / New York, King of All the Cities

I woke up this morning with Texas on my mind... and I'm literally counting down the minutes until my flight to Dallas tonight. I can't believe it's been an entire year since I was standing in the Texas sun. Where on earth does the time go??

Despite my intentions to post a video of Pat Green performing this wonderful song that I'm quite delighted to have stuck in my head today, nothing I found on YouTube really did it justice. Luckily, Liz tweeted a link to this video earlier to fill the void... A nice little "Ta Ta For Now!" to New York, king of all the cities.

Jamie - this one goes out especially to you. I have to go ahead and say that from 01:43 on, Stephen comes pretty darn close to the glory that was his report on The Nights in Rodanthe. Wish you were here so we could do a few spins in our chairs together. xoxo

You May Say I'm a Dreamer

Riley, Kate and I just finished watching this week's episode of Glee, and it was even more fabulous than usual (and not just because we were polishing off the leftover Jell-O Pretzel Salad from Thanksgiving... meep.). Even after watching the cast's performance of "Imagine" seven or so times in the last couple hours, it's still giving me goosebumps! L.O.V.E.

Side note/Lesser known fact about me: I took American Sign Language for a few years in high school and really, really loved it. I often catch myself wishing that I'd kept up with it, and now I'm wondering if I might need to look into taking some classes again... Hmmm... More on that to come, perhaps.

Psalm 23

Our pastor, JR, gave a sermon on Psalm 23 today, and it could not have come at a more perfect time for me - I can't wait until the sermon is uploaded to the Apostles site so I can share it with you. I've heard and read this beautiful psalm many, many times before, but hearing those words tonight was truly an answered prayer. It was a much needed reminder of my Shepherd's perfect love and the comprehensive care He provides. Christ already showed that he is capable of saving me by laying down his life - how can I possibly doubt that he has the ability to lead me through the days of this life? I have no reason to fear or worry because He is protecting and comforting me every step of the way.

Psalm 23 (ESV)
A psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
² He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
³ He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
⁴ Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
⁵ You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
⁶ Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.

The Giving Tree

Shel Silverstein narrating The Giving Tree... This book still makes me happy cry. I love a good happy cry.

Thanks for the find, Nickey!

Home.

"So, where are you from?"

It's a common enough question. Anyone who meets someone new and continues a conversation for more than a minute or so usually hears it. And I suppose it could be easy enough to answer. But it doesn't always have to be... When you think about it, "Where are you from?" is asking so much more than to simply name a city. To me, those four little words are asking something that goes a lot deeper: Where did you become who you are? Where is your family? Where is it that helped shape you throughout the years? Where is your heart? Where do you call... home?

Where do I call home?

... Montana, and its miles and miles of awe-inspiring land and towering, untouched mountains. Montana is rolling hills leading to a far-off horizon. Montana is the sort of place that has the power to make you stop in your tracks and praise God for His beautiful creation. Montana is where I was born. Montana is where my dad grew up and eventually met my mom. It's where they fell in love. Montana is where much of my family still lives. Montana is Hot Fudge Banana Nut Whips at Dairy Queen with my cousins. It's beading and scrap-booking and causing all sorts of trouble with my aunts. It's winters of snow drifts that reach up to the roof, and it's sunshine reflecting off the creek in the summer. Montana is picking apples at Grandpa Art's, and feeling so cozy by the fire in his log cabin-y house. Montana is big family dinners (and breakfasts, and lunches...) at Grammy's, filled with delicious treats and generations of laughter. Montana is home.

... Delaware, and a perfect little cottage on Indian Street in South Bethany, right across from the ocean. Delaware is countless happy summers with my grandparents. Delaware is splashing in the waves at my beach and walking the boardwalk after our trips to the Royal Treat. It's watching my little cousins stare out at the ocean with stars in their eyes, and knowing exactly how they feel. It's the wonderful fact that the Wiffle Ball Toss and the Teacup Ride at Funland will never get old. Delaware is where I painted my hair pink as a mischievous toddler when my Papa wasn't looking. It's where I gathered sea glass with my Grandmom, and helped her piece together a quilt that she would eventually finish and surprise me with 10 years later. Delaware is their house on Horseshoe Drive, every corner filled with our drawings and pictures from over the years. It's talking in the early mornings over Froot Loops and the humid nights on the screened porch, wishing our visit could last forever. Delaware is where I experienced the true heartache of watching someone you love slip away. But Delaware is also where I learned how to find comfort knowing that they're with Him now, and that I never actually lose the people who are so close to me - not really. Delaware is home.

... Washington, and its bustling Seattle suburb - Issaquah. Issaquah is where I grew up. Issaquah is where I spent 13 years in a sunshine-yellow bedroom in Brookshire on the Plateau. Issaquah is Discovery Elementary, Pine Lake Middle, and Skyline High. Issaquah is 10 years of piano lessons, and it's bike rides through the forest with Mariah, the most lovable and loyal dog a family could ask for. Issaquah is Friday night football games followed by trips to Red Robin for bottomless fries. Issaquah is Saturday nights in Seattle, racing back home to beat curfew. It's cheering on the Mariners with my dad in the Kingdome as they clinched the A.L. West Championship in 1995 (and why I'll never truly be a die-hard Yankees fan, I suppose). Issaquah is curling up on my mom's lap, as she reads to me from The House at Pooh Corner and The Little Witch. It's a pantry wall, with pencil marks that tell the story of Steph and I growing up through the years, and the excitement I had when my mark finally passed hers. It's childhood friends who I can go months without talking to, and it's still like no time has passed at all when we meet for a night of dinner and wine. Issaquah is where I first discovered His saving Grace. Issaquah is my first dance, my first straight A's, my first job, my first car, my first kiss. Issaquah is home.

... Texas, and its Horned Frogs at TCU in Fort Worth. Texas is where I found the independence I thought I was ready for, and soon realized that maybe I wasn't so grown-up after all. Texas opened my eyes and mind to new opinions, and helped me figure out exactly why it is that I believe what I believe. Texas brought me four years of learning - both in the classroom and out of it. It's where I went to my first rodeo, held (but didn't shoot!) my first gun, ate my first chicken-fried steak. Texas is where I spent 2 1/2 years living in the room above the awning at the Theta House in The Greek. Texas is theme parties and formals and tailgates and Spring Breaks. It's where I spent many sleepless nights - studying? Yes, but more important were the nights spent with my friends, laughing into the morning and making memories I wouldn't trade for anything. Texas is where I found the friends who have been with me through some of the happiest, and some of the most daunting, chapters of my life. It's where I finally realized that I could do more than dream big dreams - I could actually make them come true. Texas is where my parents live now, making it pull at my heart even more when I'm away. Texas is home.

... New York, and the city that never sleeps. New York is where I risked it all. New York is where I thought I'd spend a year or two, where I thought I'd just have a little adventure before going back to a "real" life. But New York is the place that captured my heart. New York is where I'm supposed to be. New York is Apostles Church, a community that loves the Lord and this city, and supports and challenges me in my faith. New York is long aimless walks through the Village that always seem to end with cupcakes. It's dates that I swear must have been written for one of my favorite sappy romantic comedies. New York is the advertising and entertainment industries, and the feeling I get every time I see my clients' campaigns lining the streets that makes all the late nights seem like a small price to pay. It's bumping into celebrities on the corner, brunches that last all day, and Broadways shows on a Wednesday, just because we can. New York is dreaming of the day that I can live on Gramercy Park, but loving my cute little apartment because for me, for right now, it's perfect. New York is watching each season's beauty come and go to Central Park. New York is painful, as I make dear friends, and then say goodbye. But New York is also knowing that we'll stay close across the miles and that we still have plenty more adventures in store. New York can be hard, really hard, but New York is worth it. New York is sitting on the East River as I write this, watching dusk settle in and turn the sky a perfect mix of pink, yellow, and blue. New York is home.

P.S. This post is part of a "Blog Carnival." Today, some blogger friends and I all writing something about "home." No other guidelines, just our thoughts on "home" - fun, right? You can find links to the rest of the bloggies at the end of this post, so be sure to check everyone out. Happy reading!

Live from New York!

The short story: We camped out all of Friday night for standby tickets to see Taylor Swift host and perform on SNL. And we didn't get in.

The real story: We camped out all of Friday night for standby tickets to see Taylor Swift host and perform on SNL. And we didn't get in, but the entire experience ranks up there with some of my favorite New York adventures. 

Jamie staked out a spot in line around 6 p.m. Friday, and was later joined by LJ, then Hannah. I met up with the ladies just before midnight and it was already a chilly 38 degrees. We were armed with chairs, layers upon layers, our puffiest puffer coats, and blankets galore. Not to mention the Papa John's we had delivered to 30 Rock, plenty of treats, and oodles of optimism. 

As the hours wore on, the temperature went down, and the silliness ensued. By the time the wind chill had the thermometer at 31 degrees, Jamie was reading to us from Harry Potter, voices for each character and all (her "Ron" is ridiculously impressive, I must say!). Hannah burrowed down in her pile of plaid blankets, displaying her excellent survival skills. LJ documented my need to attempt to lay horizontally and I stared in disbelief at her impersonation of a snowman in need of a hug... Before we knew it, the sun had risen. It was almost 7 a.m. and time for us to collect our standby tickets - we'd survived!

After getting home and spending some quality time with my big comfy bed (I may or may not have slept until 2:30 in the afternoon. No judging.), it was time to head back to 30 Rock for our shot at the dress rehearsal. With tickets #42 - #45 in hand, we were nervous but convinced that the Country Music Fates were on our side. Heck, we'd been Tweeting to Taylor all night and day - maybe she would come out with special tickets for @BethanyNYC, @LaurenJ27 & friends! Right, not likely, but like I said: We had oodles of optimism.

So when they only had room for tickets #1 - #27, to say our bubbles were burst would be an understatement. But it didn't take us long to realize that the night was young and full of potential. With that, we set off for Jamie and Hannah's apartment on the UWS for a New Yorky movie night followed by watching our girl Taylor live. After a quick stop at the grocery store and wine shop for "supplies," we were happily watching Sex and the City, ooo-ing and aww-ing over the outfits and love stories we'd all memorized long before.

Taylor's fab performance on SNL was the icing on the cake (though Amy Poehler's surprise appearance for the Really!?! segment with Seth Meyers was decidedly more like salt in our wounds...). Her monologue and spoof on Twilight had me in exceptionally long fits of giggles... Goodness, I love her.

So that's the real story: A cold slumber party outside of 30 Rock and a weekend of memories with some of the best friends a girl could ask for. As LJ so eloquently put it Saturday evening as we were seeking out Puppy Chow ingredients, "This will no longer be the night we didn't see Taylor Swift on SNL. It will be the night we drank lots of wine and had a fabulous time with each other."

LOVE from New York, if you will.

12:30 a.m: Prior to the temperature dipping below freezing... i.e. sanity still intact.

2 a.m.-ish: Story time. It was about now that Jamie realized the true brilliance of the Snuggie: "I need a blanket... but one with arms!"

3 a.m., cold and silly: "LJ, I just kind of need to be horizontal for a moment."

"B... Will you hug me? I think it will make me warm..."

4 a.m., colder and sillier: "B! You're an elephant!!"

7 p.m. Saturday night: Back at 30 Rock, fingers crossed...

10 p.m. Saturday - 2 a.m. Sunday: A happy happy ending, indeed!

Happy Halloweekend!

I l.o.v.e. Halloween (more fondly known as "Halloweekend" ever since my days as a TCU sorority girl... but that's quite another story, I suppose). I guess my love for this holiday should come as no surprise - I mean, who am I to pass on a chance to play a lovely game of Dress-Up and Make Believe??

As much as I would love to kick off Halloweekend by wearing my costumes to the office, I'm just not sure Rosalie (circa '08... oh yes. Yes, I did.) or Hermione (coming '09.... oh yes. Yes, I am.) would be welcome in the working mortal/Muggle world of NYC. Next best thing though?? Year Two of J's and my trusty Target Sparkly Pumpkin shirts from our moms, of course!

I don't think I could sum up our silliness much better than Jamie just did, so with that, I give you PTTP's first Guest Bloggy feature (and really, I wouldn't have it any other way than for the first edition to be from my dear LulledByTheTrain :) ):

Happy Halloween

“Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story.”

-Mason Cooley

(Not sure if sparkly pumpkin Target shirts from moms fall under "clothing" or "costume," but B and I are clearly making a statement and telling a story. A really riveting, childlike story involving Harry Potter, Theta Mix, awkwardness, WeeMees, blogs and pumpkin spice lattes.)

(*Please note: My curly-ish hair situation is in preparation for Hermione's first appearance tonight. xoxo)

For the Birthday Girl

I'd like to wish the very happiest of birthdays to one of the most loving, selfless, gracious, strong women I know...

... my mom :)

A few weeks ago, the birthday girl came to NYC and was my very first visitor in our brand new apartment - nothing like having your mother stay with you for a few days to get a few of those "finishing touches" in place! Mom and I had a beautifully New Yorky Fall weekend of playing around the city. We roamed everywhere from Central Park to Brooklyn, giggling the entire way... 

Strolling along the High Line

Empire State Building from the High Line

West 14th Street from the High Line 

The High Line's old railroad tracks

Indian Summer

Central Park = Love

One of the year's first sightings of the leaves changing in the Park!

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

My mom and my city... i.e. happiness

Piglet sidled up next to Pooh from behind. 

"Pooh," he whispered.

"Yes, Piglet?"

"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw. "I just wanted to be sure of you."

-A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

Happy Birthday, Mommy! I'll love you forever.

Baby just say, "Yes."

I love Taylor Swift. Her music aside, everything about her is just stinking adorable. A co-worker tried to tease me about my cowboy boots and "y'all's" awhile back by calling me Taylor Swift... imagine his surprise when I squealed with delight and thanked him for the most fabulous of compliments! Jamie, LJ and I even got to meet her a few months ago at a Rolling Stone luncheon. Between her killer purple heels from Top Shop and her bubbly personality, I left plotting a master plan to become her new BFF...

So it's no surprise that when Taylor just Tweet-ed about "an awesome cover of Love Story" by a guy with a "beautiful voice," I clicked through immediately... and discovered this week's Happy Friday! Happy Video! Yessss...

The artist, Gabe, rewrote the lyrics of Taylor's "Love Story" so that it's from Romeo's perspective instead of Juliet's:

Juliet I'll save you, they'll never come between us

Just hold on and love is gonna free us

Don't be afraid, oh we'll make it through this

It's a love story... Baby, just say, "Yes."

The cute spin on the story, combined with Gabe's dreamy voice, pretty much made my heart melt... Sigh.

Hope you enjoy and Happy Friday!

Where Does the Time Go?

I feel like a broken record because I seem to catch myself asking that question ALL the time, but I really have no idea where the weeks have gone. All of a sudden it's half-way through August! And as rumor has it, that means Fall is just around the corner... Out of control. This summer has been filled to the brim with more happy adventures and memories than I could ask for, but I just don't know how it's going by so fast... So, in an effort to make up for lost time/blogging, here's a quick (but far from complete) snapshot of the last couple months:

• Confession: I've been cheating on one of my true loves... Starbucks. Sigh. I feel like I should have an big scarlet 'A' emblazoned across my chest, but Dunkin' Donuts Iced Coffee (large w/skim and three Splendas, please) is just so darn tasty and convenient on my morning walk to work.

• Miss Bliss got maaaarried! I spent the last weekend of June with a handful of my dearest friends from college, celebrating with Laura and JJ at what was one of the most joyful and magical weddings you could hope for. Let's just say I've never been more thankful for waterproof mascara than I was during that ceremony...

The Jansens' First Dance

"The TCU Thetas" - Yes, we had a reserved row with the Bride's family :)

Theta Love

• I recently got promoted! I'm loving my new account and role, even if it's meant a few more long days. Tune-in to History for a peek at some of the fun things I'll be working on now...

• Thanks to a 22-week series at Apostles ("Wealth Redefined") and a 9-week Beth Moore study with some girlfriends, I've been diving deep into Ephesians and Esther lately. God has been teaching me some powerful lessons through these Books this summer. To say I'm thankful for the ways He continually opens my eyes and my heart through His Word and fellowship just doesn't seem to do it justice.

• After three long years, I finally made it back to the Great Northwest. If you follow me on Twitter, you probably wanted to block me after the 287th or so Tweet about "L.O.V.E.-ing this!" and "L.O.V.E.-ing that!" but honestly... Words can't even begin to describe how happy my heart was during those 10 days. 10 days away for a much-needed break from the fast-paced life of NYC. 10 days with my parents, who I hadn't seen since Christmas. 10 days spent catching up with the friends I grew up with. 10 days surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountains, lakes and trees you'll ever see. To put it mildly, 10 days of... perfection:

All of the "kids" from the old neighborhood reenacting a game of Kick the Can at Stacey and Jason's beautiful wedding.

The view from Pastor John and Linda's house on Camano Island

One of many delicious trips to Victor's, my favorite coffee shop.

Pike Place Market

With my dad, shortly after I hugged the Space Needle. Not even kind of kidding... And not even kind of ashamed.

• My roomie Renee and I found the most adorable new apartment and will be moving in just a few short weeks! Can. Not. Wait. Stay tuned for details about an Apartment Warming/Twister party like you've never seen before... And if you happen to know, or happen to be, a strong young man looking for a way to flex your muscles and would like to help us make the oh-so-short trek just three buildings down from our current place, we will gladly repay your services with baked goods. Or pizza. Or some other TBD delicious treat.

• I've come to the conclusion that there is nothing as lovely as spending a New York summer evening with friends on a rooftop/patio/garden/[insert pretty much any outdoor venue here], and this season has seen plenty of those: Fireworks on the Fourth. Relaxing Wine & Cheese nights. Birthday BBQ's. Cosmos on the West Side... Oh! And don't even get me started on lazy days in Central or Madison Square Park - can't get enough of those either.

Patriotic for the Fireworks over the Hudson

"Then followed that beautiful season... Summer....
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood."

-Henry Wardsworth Longfellow

A Glorious Reunion

Dearest Seattle,

I know it's been almost 3 whole years since I've been back, and you must know how sorry I am for this neglect. You know I love you and think the world of you! I still don't even consider naming a place other than you when I'm asked where I'm from... You and I - we have more happy memories than I can even begin to name.

And guess what? In exactly one week, I'll be on a plane headed your way for a reunion unlike any other! 10 whole days of us together, me back in the beautiful Northwest. Can you hardly stand it?? I'm so giddy, I don't even mind if it rains a time or two...

So get excited, my friend. Please prepare The Pink Door, Snoqualmie Falls, Triple X Root Beer, Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and eeeverywhere in between... Because you and I both know that it's been far far too long. See you soon!

xoxo,

me

"It doesn't matter where you are, doesn't matter where you go
If it's a million miles away or just a mile up the road
Take it in, take it with you when you go
Who says you can't go home?"

-Sugarland & Bon Jovi