I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving! I had a spectacular five days at home for the first time in almost four months, and have been anxious to update everyone on the latest in SC.
Everything is starting to come to a close for the semester here at USC - I cannot believe it! While I have missed home since the day I arrived, I must say that the semester has really flown by. We have just a week and a half of classes left and then a few final papers before I officially complete my first nine graduate school credits - here's hoping to land that 4.0 this semester? We'll see!
Work is still great, and this past week I found myself intentionally reflecting on how thankful I am for those that I work and interact with on a daily basis. Our office truly has a great balance of hard working individuals, humor and overall passion for our work at this unviersity - I'm one lucky girl to be among such a fantastic bunch!
My little apartment is still standing, although sometimes I wonder what appliance might "go" next! Since arriving I've had everything replaced besides the washer and dryer - I'm so thankful for the flexibility and willingness of the realty group, but sometimes wonder how the person before me survived?! Let's just say it's a cozy little place that get's a "pretty penny" for rent because of its awesome location. I've been awfully lucky to call it home this year, but look forward to changing things up next year and moving in with a super sweet girl that I met at USC and is in the same master's degree program. Additionally, because of the close quarters, this is the first year I won't have a Christmas tree in the place I'm renting, but had to show some holiday spirit (and dress up our very beige hallway)! A big thank you to Carly Gilchrist for the fun day of wreath making a few weeks ago!
1. I was originally supposed to fly home Tuesday night, but due to a last minute flight change I was lucky enough to be flying into an airport closer to home and at an earlier time.
2. Rather than tell Drew about my new travel plans, I called my best friend Brooke and her lovely fiance, Bobby, and together we set up plans for a double date (of which Drew thought would just be him and Bobby for dinner and bible study).
3. I arrive in Lancaster around 6pm on Tuesday evening - Brooke and I promptly head to the restaurant where we wait for Drew and Bobby to arrive. While waiting, one of the employees at the restaurant was talking with us and found out that I was surprising Drew after not seeing him for 2.5 months (who's counting? This girl.) Upon finding out about the surprise, she got me one of the restaurant's uniforms and told me to go behind the counter where your "order." When the guys entered the restaurant she said "Hello there, how are you guys doing tonight?" which was my cue to jump up from behind the counter and say, "Hello, welcome to Seniorita Burrita, how can I take your order?"
4. So fun! Surprise "execution" credit to Brooke Schreiter and Bobby Rhoads - you guys are the absolute BEST!
After Tuesday's surprise, I enjoyed a fabulous day in Millersville on Wednesday, having lunch, coffee and dinner with dear friends and co-workers that I have missed SO much. Let's just say, I would love to settle for a while in that area of the state!
Thanksgiving day was wonderful, as I shared it with my parents, sister, grandma and fantastic family friends. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were very relaxing and consisted of a brisk hike, double date with my parents, an afternoon at Starbucks while visiting some local shops, some extra sleep and lots of laughs. So blessed and cannot wait to return home.
Until December...
PS: Here is a little teaser for my next post...this Saturday I'll be visiting the famous, Biltmore Estate in NC - it's all decorated for Christmas, and I cannot wait to get into the holiday spirit! Pictures to come...
Love you all, miss you always, and I promise to "post" again soon!
SCD
