Realization

I don't give myself enough credit for my own potential.

Still floundering...

Saturday

Sorry about being a little blog light lately. A few reasons for this- one being that I have been uncommonly busy this last week with extreme productivity! Finally, right? And the second being that, although busy, there has been some considerable writers block of some sort. Ironically, this writer's block came the same day I finally took the plunge and added a writing class to my schedule next quarter and it has hung around ever since. Hmm. Quite suspect, if you ask me. 

My annual floundering of minds is back and I'm starting to question my major. (It's about that time again, right?) I've been finding myself overwhelmed with questions of the future and how what I want versus what I am good at fits together. 

Geez. 

Haven't we been here before? I am sort of getting sick of this. No. I am sick of this. 

Ugh. But you know what I need? I need to be more trusting in God's plan instead of trying to forge my own. And I need to pray for patience. Why am I trying to do this alone? Come on, Julia. Pull it together. 

Oh, Tenenbaum.

The Patton Christmas tree is officially complete and it stands tall and bright with the splendor of a thousand suns.

Being in a new house every Christmas typically poses some fun challenges like where in the world to put all of our boxes and boxes of christmas decorations. With this house being significantly smaller than usual, lil' Lindy and I considered downsizing the decor and sticking with the Christmas theme of less is more. But, after deciding that downsizing decor also proportionally downsizes Christmas Cheer, we ended up putting out all we had to give and never looking back.

A major example of the opulence is seen in our beautiful, hand picked delivered tree that we adorned with colorful lights and hundreds of ornaments that my mother has collected over the last 30 years.

My favorites are always the adorable wooden Bavarian men she got when she lived in Germany in college. They are presh. 

After we put up the final ornament, we took a step back and stood in awe of our creation. But we both agreed that there was something missing. The tree, although beautiful needed one more touch of Christmas Joy.

Eventually it was decided that I crochet some cheerful yarn garland (or, as I like to call it: yarland).

So, me and Ryan Gosling spent last night snuggled up by the fire, watching Cowboys and Aliens and putting the finishing touches on our tree. I couldn't ask for a better boyfriend. ❤

After I crocheted up all the red and green yarn Michael's had to offer, we hung it on the tree (so glad R.G. was there to reach the tall parts) and voila! It was perfect. What a Christmas Miracle! And look-- it compliments the adorable picture of Toddler Julia so nicely!

BAHAHAHAHAHA

HAHAHAHAHAHahahahahaaa...hahaha...ha...ahhh....hahahaha....haha....aaaahhhhhh.....

It's funny because it's true.

Kitchen Crisis

I'm in the middle of making dinner for all my favorite BIOLA girls to feed their overworked and undernourished bodies in their finals week madness and I am loving this cozy rainy weather, but something is going awry with the sauce on the chicken. I don't know what. But it's just off.

Then again, if anyone of you B-10 ladies is reading this, rest assured that you will be enjoying a delicious meal by tonight! I promise....

I think.

Walking on Sunshine

Remember how I told you little kidlets to hurry up and watch Bill Cunningham: New York? Because it was amazing and inspiring and because Bill Cunningham is weird and adorable? Well, even though none of you have watched it yet, I have taken the lessons of Bill and his crusade of fashion fun with me. Something kind of funny has happened and now whenever I get dressed in the morning (or... let's be honest... usually more around 11:00) I think of poor Bill riding around NY on his bike wondering where all of the creatively dressed people are. So I put down the jeans and indulge in a little more imaginative outfit.  

So the other day, when I was being fiscally responsible and returning an unneeded pair of shoes to the mall, I stumbled across these beauties. Typically, my wardrobe consists of lots of pattern and color while still standing firmly on the side of practical. I never buy anything that wouldn't match with lots of other colors. And I never buy anything that seems to attract a lot of attention. I smiled at them and thought of all of the great outfits they would complete, but then walked away leaving them for a more bold shopper to make the move. 

Then I heard the voice or Mr. Cunningham in my head whispering, "Why not? Don't be so dreary!" So, before the courage left me, I turned around, grabbed the pair, walked up to the salesman and confidently stated,"Size 8, please!"

10 minutes later, I walked out of the store with a new pair of glitter covered shoes. 

Somewhere in New York, Bill Cunningham is smiling. 

Now I just need to build up enough confidence again to actually wear them outside of my room. 

I'm still sick.

But I do feel somewhat better. Or. Wait. No. Not better. Just different. What was simply a throat thing yesterday has turned into a head whatever today. So hopefully by tomorrow, this sickness will have continued upwards in my body and will either attack  my hair or just leave my whole body for good.

Even though my day has so far consisted of one outfit change from pajamas to sweats, one Peet's run for my favorite Xiao's Blend Tea and a lot of couch sitting and internet surfing, I feel that I have picked up little random beads of information and joy that have kept this day from being a total loss.

Let me elaborate.

Here are the things that I have learned today:

1. I'm really starting to miss these goons. Olivia just sent me an onslaught of memories that made me go "Aww..." and reminisce over the last quarter.

2. I want to see this movie.


3. According to Frances, this is the "best song of the season." Let's see if you agree.

Meanwhile, my number 1 play of the holiday season is the Mamas and the Papas rendition of Dream a Little Dream.

4. SCAD was just ranked as 1 of the top 8 schools for a Fashion Education! How great! (How in the world did FIDM make the list...)

5. There's something really great about being sick at home during winter with nothing to do. Laziness is my forte and I feel that I am really excelling at it at the moment.

At the same time, I would love for the pounding in my head to stop so I can start doing something of actual merit. Hmm..