Some Things Lately

I went to Seattle to visit some of my besties (with testes)(jk). Janna Gallagher and Jillian Iverson. They're both pretty amazing gals and I loved having them be in my every day life. I liked sleeping in their beds with them, staying up late talking, waking up lazily, and getting to see them every minute they weren't at work.

Some wonderful things I did:
Lay in the sun and read magazines
Watch G.G.
Mani/Pedi
Set up for and enjoyed Lauren's birthday party
Going out to eat
Seeing the INCREDIBLE view from Yanka's apartment (the Spice Noodle, Lake Union and Gas Works all included)
Went to play trivia
Saw Gatsby and had the best theater experience of my life (Ipic)
Went for walks
Played Wii fit while my friends were at work
Had a slumber party for Janna's birthday with pizza, the best cookies I've ever had, and a nail bar

It was a great time. I need to remember to always keep them.

ArtHistoryNerdLove

Today I defended my master's thesis. I feel like my entire graduate experience has pushed me so far out of my comfort zone. I feel like I've been really stretched and often. It has forced me to do many things I thought were impossible physically, temporally and mentally. Even when I feel like I am not the best at what I do, at least I know I've done something hard and many things I can be proud of.

I woke up early after 4 hours of sleep, practiced my presentation and went into the conference room feeling cold and sweaty. Todd, the angel who stays up late at night finishing my papers when I don't have the mental capacity, woke up after little sleep to come support me. I saw my friends coming down the hall to watch me present as well. I was so relieved to see them, because instead of being more people to present in front of, they are my cheerleaders who tell me what I did right and how great I am when I feel like everything I do is total crap.

After they were forced out, I sat alone with three professors whom I admire, while they told me about the good and interesting points of my thesis, but mainly parts that could and should be explored to improve it. After sweating and nerves, but mostly a delightful experience (minus all of the physically draining adrenaline), I was asked to leave while they deliberated. I went to see my friends who all cheered and clapped and hugged me. It makes me want to cry (because I cry all of the time), but I am so grateful for them and their support. They're the group that has gone with me through everything in the past two years. Everything hard, we've done it together and been able to help each other through with words of encouragement. I know I wouldn't have survived this program without them and Todd. I am pretty sure I would have dropped out of any other program had I not had wonderful friends who support me like this. And they're a lot of fun.

I love you guys.

a real friday night

Todd and I went to sushi in SLC last night with my lovely B Dahlin and her date, Ryan Beck. It was absolutely delicious and they were great company. Afterwards, we went to see Verdi's Il Trovatore at the Capitol Theater all dressed up, held hands and had a loverly time. I feel like city lights are magical and I am so excited to move somewhere for our next adventure together.