life lately..

has been insane. I am transitioning into this post-college, professional lifestyle and keep having these moments where i still feel like i am "playing" adult life. It doesn't seem real that i could be this old, but also I always thought that the end of college would be the end of good times. I think this is because college is hyped up so much, and you always hear people saying "man, college is the best!" "remember that time in college... that's the best time in your life". I was kinda cynical and bitter because of hearing these statements growing up and throughout my past 4 years. What's awesome is that there have definitely been broken and hard times in the past 6 months, but it has been some of the most exciting times in my life! Let me explain..

1. Brokenness
i know it sounds crazy, but i love not knowing where life is leading (sometimes). And for the first time I feel like the Lord is giving me a broken heart for the lost around me instead of me judging them. it is so refreshing and exciting to see the "light" in the darkness and see the "peace" in Him that transcends all understanding. there is something beautiful in the breakdown (thank you, imogen heap)

2. Community
I have been extremely blessed from my living situation to my small group of girls and other aggie girls i am surrounded with in d-f-dub area. living with katy and lauren has been a place of continual rest, continual laughter, and continual baking/dance parties. then my small group of girls have really challenged me to be vulnerable, honest, real, and not say "the things we should always say around church people" at Bible study. it is exciting to be truly known and to know each other deeply in our struggles an dour hurts. Let's be honest, we all want to be known in some shape or form, so i know i wouldn't survive without this community and they keep me going during my hard work weeks. (and bring me chik-fil-a treats when i haven't eaten dinner:D) the best.

3. Coffee
I know this is going to sound random. Coffee is an INTEGRAL part of my life right now. I am obsessed with a coffee shop called crooked tree in uptown about 8 minutes from my work. (i've timed it) I have always wanted to become a regular somewhere and this past week I had my life-defining moment where it happened. I walked in and Joshua, the barista, said, "Your hair looks different today, and good. Vanilla chai, nonfat?" Even if it was a small gesture, it felt good to be known yet again. :) Also, over the past 2 weeks, carly, lauren and i have been dreaming a dream and are pretty excited about opening a college town coffee shop in the next few years.... oh my gosh. i'm so excited to see what will turn out and we did a little market research this morning over a pumpkin scone... absolutely glorious.

4. Books
For the first time in awhile, I have been able to read for pleasure and forgot how much i love curling up in my sweats in my bed and reading for hours. I have already read Same Kind of Different as Me and am currently working on A Severe Mercy. Both so good. But i have to confess, which this will be embarassing, that i have gotten sidetracked by another good book Twilight. Coming to theaters near you, very very soon:)

5. Scarves, Heaters, Pumpkin Spice Lattes
I'm excited to have a REAL fall/winter. I feel more at home in Dallas, because cold weather has finally made its visitation and it is finally time to get excited about the holiday season. To be honest, it was very hard to be excited about thanksgiving in College Station when you are wearing a t-shirt and shorts walking around. There is something to be said for the feeling of walking outside with a scarf wrapped twice around your neck, holding a decadent, warm pumpkin spice latte in hand, and climbing in a warm car.

6. Cookie dough, conversations, chill nights
I feel like i have some of the best conversation and quality time with people sitting on my couch, eating spoonfuls of deliciousness, and laughing one minute to talking deeply about life, struggles, loves, dreams, and work. Man, God is so good.

I'm sure I'll add to the list more, but I wanted to give an update on life, since I have been a litte lax on blogging as of late. As for now, I'm back to work then to High School Musical 3 tonight after. Yeah, don't judge. You know you secretly have been getting "Your Head In the Game" to go see the film. i've got my vocal cords ready to sing along with the 2,000 teeny boppers who will be there tonight... until then, live life and love radically today because you have been given breath. seize it! peace.