February 26

Ah, my Strasbourg ladies. As Danielle said it, no matter how long it goes without us seeing each other, the moment we do, it's like no time has passed at all. I guess I thought going to France last year was going to be just a cultural experience. But I really met my best friends there too, and we have a bond that could not have been made here. I love you guys :)

February 25

Again, one of those things you really don't know why it's funny, but I just wonder how people come up with names for their companies. I feel like this could've been a more capturing, appealing name.

February 24

Happy Birthday Ashley! Her mom came into town to help out for a few days and took us all to lunch at Patachou (French food, good friends, Adelyn...it was awesome!)

February 23

FINALLY!! It isn't dark when I get downtown to work in the morning! And, regardless of the snow, I heard birds outside my window this morning. I am looking forward to the change in my mood when spring comes. Finding beauty will be much easier :)

February 22

Adelyn Sue Burns is finally here!!! I should wait to publish this post because I am too tired for the true meaning of this child to be accurately portrayed. All I can say is how amazing the birth of one life can change so many other lives. She is the sweetest baby. Holding her while she smiled at me, thinking back to the day when Ashley found out she was pregnant, and all the ups and downs since then, it was just...so emotional. I love you Ashley, Mike, and of course Adelyn.

February 21

Her water broke!! She went to the hospital late Saturday night. Mike met us there and he was definitely needed for support and comic relief (as seen in these pictures). Our energy was so strong, and the excitment was intense, as we all patiently waited for the little baby to come out. Unfortunately, after 25 hours of horrible pain, the baby was still not here and our excitment became irritation, fear, exhaustion. Until tomorrow, when the best surprise ever came..

February 20

I don't know why I think some things are funny, because they're really not. But maybe it's good just to notice things you never noticed before. Like the fact that there is a cheese called "Drunken Goat."

February 19

I made a bet on the Superbowl with my friend from work, Eric. Since German chocolate cake happens to be the favorite between both of us, this was the stakes: the Colts win, I get a German chocolate cake. Well, obviously we know who had to make the cake. But, what he doesn't know is, the cake batter actually made two! So Ashley and I kept one for ourselves.. :)

February 18

I have loved staying with Ashley these past few days. I feel so much more relaxed as I almost have an excuse to stay in and chill. It's been so nice for both of us to just talk about anything and everything. Her baby's room is all finished too! The excitement and anticipation is looming over us!

February 17

It's funny that I am staying with Ashley in case she goes into labor, and I actually feel much more rested and less stressed. Haha-This is the sunrise leaving for work one morning. It has been nice to relax with her and not be at home.

February 16

Happy Mardi Gras!! I had such a great outlook on today because it's my favorite number, but almost anything that could go wrong, went wrong. It wasn't enough to ruin my day, but it definitely tried. And today is the first day that I am staying with Ashley because she is due any day now. We had a mask-making rendez-vous with FSA in honor of Mardi Gras. It was pretty awesome...and there was plenty of pizza.

February 15

I picked up my friend Jean from the airport tonight. The last time I was in the airport, I was coming back from my horrible stay in Chicago. But really, I love being in the airport. I love the feeling of knowing that so many people are leaving to meet loved ones, or coming home to see someone special. There is such a great energy in an airport. I remember the line from "Love, Actually" where it said that if you want to see love, go to an airport. Because it's everywhere.

February 14

Happy Lover's Day! Although I had to work all weekend, I got some wonderful surprises. On my pillow, a box of Godiva chocolates from my wonderful mom. Sunday, a box of Godiva chocolates from my manager. Monday, my friend Jean brought me back Madelenes from Japan! Yay for sweets :)

February 13

All I need to say: Quiche Lorraine, Pork Loin with Apple Vinegar Dressing, BEAUCOUP DE FROMAGE (cheese), and wine.
Seriously, one of the best meals ever.

February 12

Downtown looked crazy this morning! It looked like it was completely on fire. There was smoke coming from the streets, and pretty much every building down there. This picture doesn't do it justice, but it looked pretty neat while the sun was rising.

And the other picture proves why my bank is better than yours. Not only are they always kind, but today the lady gave me heart-shaped cakes for Valentine's Day!

February 11

It's really a shame the first picture is so dark (I hate trying to work the flash on my camera). I drove past this house in the morning on the way to work and made a note to myself to go back at after class in the evening to take a picture. There could very well be plenty of logic behind this, but from an outsider's view, I thought it was amusing. Instead of having your mailbox on the street, facing the street, it appeared with all of the snow, that this person has their mailbox in the middle of their yard, facing the opposite direction. I don't know why I thought it was amusing.

The other picture is outside a flower shop, and I hope they spelled it like that on purpose.

February 10

Our oldest dog, Bear, doesn't like people. In fact, he doesn't like other dogs, or squirrels, or furniture. Bear is what we call a grumpy dog. But every once in awhile a little bit of affection is shown and we love it. So here he is sitting on the top step next to Herb and, although he won't look him in the eye, he has placed his paw on Herb's arm. Adorable.

February 9

Hahaha this is great. My brother, Herb, and I were shoveling snow and had all 4 dogs outside with us. We kept having to watch the new puppies because, as Herb stated, with the snow it's hard to see where the "pridelands" end. I always appreciate our Lion King references. Anyways, so Bella (the darker puppy) goes in the middle of the street. Herb starts yelling for her and goes out to "rescue her." In return, he slips on the snow, starts to have a seizure, and is attacked by both puppies. I, in the meantime, cannot get up from the driveway after laughing so hard. I love my brother and his ability to laugh at himself.

February 8

Snow again! But this was really pretty because it looked so fake. The woods and the overpass of trees and snow was so great to drive under (don't worry, I was in the passenger seat this time). As much as I am a summer person, I think we need snow and freezing weather to really appreciate spring and summer that much more. This, of course, is not a new idea, but I like being reminded of it every year.

February 7

Today is a day I don't like to talk about because of the outcome of the Superbowl. However, our company party was today, and as always, it is great to be with my Ruth's Chris family.

February 6

4-wheel time! My dad bought a new 4-wheeler so we took it out on the snow and ice. Besides the fact that I lost 8 fingers due to frostbite, this ride was awesome! I can't wait until summer, or at least when temperatures get above 18 degrees, to take this bad boy out on some trails or fields.

February 5

I almost hate taking more pictures of the snow, but this blog is about beauty, and snow can be so damn beautiful sometimes. We had our biggest snowstorm this winter and it was pretty awesome. I figure if it's going to be this cold, we might as well have the snow. So, Patrick, if you are reading this post, at least you're not stuck in this weather!

February 4

Today was such a great day. After class, I had an hour before I had to be at a meeting, so I decided to go sit by the canal and chill for a minute. So I sat on the edge of the water and just closed my eyes. All I heard were a couple birds and the few runners going by. It was so relaxing. I focused on the feeling of my heart; I breathed in so deeply-and the air smelled so good. I focused on the fact that I am healthy, and so happy to be.
Taking pictures today was both easy and difficult. I felt so beautiful, and I just couldn't capture the feeling I had inside of me on camera. I feel so happy, not just one day, but a deeper feeling of happiness. The part of me that was so sad and resentful for being here and not being able to travel right now (everyone seems to be going out of the country!) has definitely been subdued by taking all of these pictures. This resolution has really helped me more than I thought it would.

February 3

This day is dedicated to funny signs. The first sign I took while driving (definitely not recommended) that says "Crap Only." Aw, truck drivers. The second sign speaks for itself.

February 2

This is Ben. He is three and he stole my heart. I love kids anyway, but if I have kids one day, I really hope they are like him. He is just such a good kid and I reminded him every 23 seconds that I love him. :)

February 1

Happy February 1st! According to Jeff, my picture-taking-madness skills should be a habit by now! Today I got off a very busy day of work and decided to take a walk to relax for a minute. I walked down the same street that I have walked down hundreds of times, but realized that I never walked on the other side of the street. I found a creek that I never knew was there! There was a massive metal pole half-buried in the leaves and just one portion of the creek was not frozen. I just remember as a kid, nowhere was off limits. We would cut through yards, walk in the woods, get dirty, and now, we keep to the sidewalks, worry more about our jeans or shoes. So it was really refreshing to walk in off the track and find something new.

The other picture is a letter my friend asked me to mail. I noticed that he just stuck the stamp on the envelope, as you can see, sideways. It made me laugh because I never thought that it really doesn't matter what way the stamp goes on the envelope. It's the little things...

January 31

Today was a very special day for me. Everyone already knows this about me, but books are the core of a lot of my life. Reading has always been such an escape for me. As a young girl, I will always remember the scene in Beauty and the Beast when he gives her the library (dboule-level, if you will), that was so large you needed ladders to get the top! Today I bought my first bookshelf! It's no library, but it's my start. Putting it together has also shown me that I love working with a hammer, haha. So here is my bookshelf, all ready to assist and support my accumulation of knowledge. :)