Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. It's good to take time and reflect on where you come from. On Sunday afternoon I had the chance to attend a fundraising banquet for Young Life in the town I grew up in with my mom. Young Life has played such a huge role in my life and has been the foundation for my faith. I was so encouraged by the way God is continuing to show up boldly in the lives of high school kids there. 
2. In the same vain, I had brunch with my closest high school girlfriends on Saturday. There's something so wonderful about catching up over an egg scramble and a bloody mary. High school girlfriends are irreplaceable. 
3. I've been a terrible long distance friend lately. Right now as I sit here typing I can think of 4 different friends of mine that I owe not just a phone call but probably a long weekend of undivided attention. 
4. I've overdosed on chinese food. Last week I ate chinese food three times in five days. It felt like a wonderful idea at the time. I assure you, it was not.
5. I'm an ENFJ. My roommate Kelly became obsessive about personality test and has been making everyone in her life take it. They really are fascinating, I learned a lot more about myself... like I prefers harmony to discord, I often have a diverse range of friends and acquaintances, and I seek approval from other people. Other ENFJ's? Abraham Lincoln. I am in good company. 

Eight Dollars

Jacket: Free People. Sweater: Gap. Skirt: Francesca's.
Tights: Gap. Boots: Nordstrom. Purse: Etsy (The Bag Shop.) Sunglasses: F21
Necklace: Jewelry Party. Earrings: F21. Bracelet: Renegade Art Festival. Nail Color: OPI "ski teal you drop"  

On Saturday my bff/roommate Kate and I went back to the town I grew up in. We had a lunch and then walked around for a little bit. I like this outfit for a lot for two different reasons.

First. I was perfectly dressed for the temperature on Saturday afternoon. Sometimes in the fall it's hard for me to pick the right amount of clothing to wear. Tights? A jacket? Or maybe a coat? I never really know. But a-ha! I nailed it with this one.

Second. The necklace. I'm starting to accumulate a handful of statement piece necklaces but the best part about this one is its price. Only $8! A good friend of my mom's had a jewelry party where everything was $8. This necklace looks more expensive than that to me and I'm not mad about it. I love a good bargain. 

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. Bookstores are the best place to spend a rainy day. Every month I (try) take a day of solitude. It's one day each month where I turn off my cell phone, don't check my email (or facebook/twitter/etc.) and try to be still and not be ruled by my schedule. On my schedule day of solitude it was super rainy which stifled my plans of sitting at park all day, so instead I headed to Barnes & Noble. I could spend hours looking at books. I recommend it!
2. There's something special about being at my childhood home. Both Friday and Saturday I got to spend time in the town I grew up in. There is always a calmness exists when I'm there. Home is a good place.
3. High school girls are just the greatest. Saturday night I had a sleep over with 6 high school girls that are involved in my local Young Life club. I can't remember the last time I stayed up until 3 AM or the time I laughed so hard. Can't believe that's part of my job.
4. Self serve frozen yogurt is a dream. My order? Original frozen yogurt, raspberries, graham cracker crumbs, and dark chocolate chips. Heaven in your mouth.
5. It's good to be around friends that know you the best. My close friend Lisa from college stopped through Chicago on her way home from a wedding and spent the whole day with me on Sunday. Even though she lives in Colorado we've been able to see each other six different times in just over a year. Thankful for so many opportunities to be with her. There's something so freeing being with people that just know you.