River Festival

This past final Friday of the month Regan, Austin, Aleah & I went to the Riverfest. We had a blast. It was just what I needed. A night off and a night out on the town. It was especially what I needed after resigning as a para at the school. It absolutely broke my heart on the last day. Knowing that I don't get to work with all my precious kiddos anymore makes me very sad. I mean, I have never felt like I had an actual, important purpose at anything more than I did at this job, maybe ever. It just felt right. Leaving them, and the staff at the school, was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I hated it. I want Nashville more than anything, but this part is just no fun.

But like I said, this night out was just what I needed. I was with my favorite people. I also hung out with some fellow Starbucks baristas, Paige and Zane. They're great. Here are some photos.

Sidenote - I finally got my new camera!

This was during the parade, which, after Paige's insight, we all agreed was for the purpose of advertisement.

We started walking east for coffee and found this wall.

I mean, I guess they're cute.

When Zane and Paige showed up.

Geez, am I going to miss them.

Reverie!

Just watch the fireworks.

I just realized this might be my last festival for.. a while. How bittersweet. I really do love attending it every year. Downtown Wichita is one of my favorite places. Believe it or not, I like it more than downtown Nashville. Maybe it just feels more like home. But speaking of Nashville, I will be there in 28 days! I can't believe it's already been almost 3 months since I was there last. Which is 3 months too long. I will get to meet my roommate for the first time, and reunite with my sweet Evelyn. Hooray! We have a home to find, y'all. Prayers are appreciated. I'll only be staying on this visit for the weekend. Then, just a handful of weeks after that, I will officially move. It feels like my whole life has been leading up to that moment. And for the first time, I can see myself pulling out of my driveway, early morning, and actually doing it. I mean, I've been able to envision it before, but it has always seemed so unattainable, so distant. Maybe I can see it now because it is so close. I've even packed some of my stuff already. My goodness, everything is changing. For the better, though. I can't wait to see what life will look like when I am living there. 

Thank you for reading. I am having so much fun with this little blog of mine! 

PS - speaking of blogs, my sister (which translates to myself) just redesigned hers! Check it out here. (:

Currently

One of my favorite blogs, Sometimes Sweet, has made "currently" posts for quite some time now. This is one of my favorite things about her blog. I love that she lets her readers into her life in an intimate way. I am not trying to steal her blogging ideas, but rather, admire them. And so I have decided to make "currently" posts of my own. To let the people who look at my blog get a glimpse into what's going on with me, and for me to be able to look back on down the road. And so, please enjoy.

Currently

Reading:
Into the Wild. I am almost finished. It's one of my favorites. Since I am almost finished though, I went to the Library today after work and picked up two F. Scott Fitzgerald books, and a James Patterson book called 1st to die. I'm not sure what it's about but I love crime, so I'll let you know. I can only hope I have the time to read all of these.

Eating:
Not a lot, actually. Which I know isn't good. But I think my emotions are effecting my appetite. Or rather, my lack of one. I haven't been in the mood for really anything lately. And it's making me a little bit sick. I have felt this way since I went on my trip in March. Nothing sounds good to eat anymore. And if I do eat, it's not very much. I am not intentionally doing this. I just think that so much is happening right now, and big changes are coming soon, and I'm much more anxious than I am aware of, and it's affecting my hunger. The only thing I seem to actually want is coffee.

Thinking About: 
What my life is going to look like a year from now.

Enjoying: 
Air conditioning. Like, worshipping it. The heat lately is killer. Absolutely stifling. I expected it to come maybe in June. Not Cinco de Mayo. How lame.

Listening To:
A LOT of Switchfoot. I just can't help it! My friend Austin and I went to go see them in Kansas City a month ago and ever since, they're all I seem to want to listen to. Apart from them, I just bought three new records and I am listening to those as well. Sufjan Stevens' "Greetings from Michigan" album, "The King is Dead" by the Decemberists, and "My Head is an Animal" by Of Monsters and Men. I recommend everyone listen to all of those albums.

Loving:
My jobs. Years from now when I remember being nineteen, I am going to smile. I work with some pretty incredible people. I shudder at the fact that I only have twelve days left as a para. Which means I only have twelve days left with all my precious kiddos. It is heartbreaking to think that I won't get to see their beautiful faces anymore. Who knows if I'll ever see any of them again. And all the other paras and teachers as well. Will I ever see them again?

Two weeks ago, I got to see my best friend! It was long overdue and much needed. We hadn't seen each other in over two months. Which is a long time in the world of best friends. We saw Local Natives at the Granada in Lawrence. Then spent the next morning / afternoon in K C. We ate breakfast at the City Diner, checked out a new coffee shop called Second Best, (that title couldn't be further from the truth, it was first best) and then hung out at my grandparent's for a little bit to take pictures. She is a great photographer. You can check out her work here. Here are some snippets of that. Enjoy! And May the 5th be with you.