Bragging rights

We are 5 hours away from December.

Is anyone else in complete shock?

No?

So you must own a calendar huh?

You must have a job that reminds you of the date?

Well.........that makes sense.

I, however, have allowed December to sneak up on me.

25 days, y'all.

So many movies to watch, sweets to bake, gifts to buy, parties to attend (I wish), & glasses of wine to drink!

I hope everyone has lots of fun plans for the Christmas season :)

I'll try to share some of my best Christmasy moments over the next few weeks.

BUT FIRST - I just have to share a mini victory in my life.

While I was home for Thanksgiving I went to the Gap clearance store.

It's always been a sweet little hidden gem near my parents' house but now that Piperlime is a part of the Gap/Banana/Old Navy family...this place is like heaven.

If you're willing to dig and pick through racks and piles (my favorite hobby but not for the faint of heart), you can really find some steals.

For instance I bought:

These 3 sweaters from Gap (that are currently in stores) all for $9.99 each.

This sweater from Banana for $12.99 and Joes jeans for $29:

Selfie shot. Haven't done one of these in a while!
(excuse the bra in the background - that "decorative" ladder becomes my drying rack)

And this vest from Banana (also currently in stores) for $29:

Come. On.

It was a religious experience you guys.

Which is why I had to brag!

I knew you fashionistas would appreciate it ;)

So, did yall do any Black Friday shopping or outlet shopping the last few weeks?

Get any to-die-for deals?

You know I want to hear about it.

la biblioteca

Hey fancy faces.

It's Friday again.

And I can't decide if this week went by fast or slow.

So I guess that means it went by...normalish?

Anyway, I have good news and things to share!

First, I have an interview at a fantastic organization.

For the sake of not jinxing it or revealing too much about whether it's a full time job, part time job, volunteer opportunity, internship, etc...that's all I'm going to say.

But - YAY!

Say your prayers and cross your fingers.

I'll share more when I can :)

Second, I'm on a big library kick lately.

Borrowing books is free.

Borrowing books is fun.

Borrowing books makes you smart.

Borrowing books causes nostalgia.

I can't make a better case than that.  If you're not convinced by that argument then you might just have a stone cold heart...or an iPad.  Or maybe I'm not that good at arguments.

Guess that's why I'm the only one of my friends not  in law school ;)

So here's what I'm reading now:

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.  

It's set in the 1800s.  

Tragedy.  Love.  Strength.  Transformation.

I'm about 60 pages in.  Because I'm a bit of a wuss, it was hard to get through the beginning of the story as it's quite heartbreaking but now I'm hooked and thankful my boyfriend went out with his friends tonight because I curled up in bed with tea and got to read this totally girly book. Who knew?

Anyway, I totally recommend looking into it.

Next up:

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling.

This is kind of a no-brainer right?  This woman can do no wrong in my opinion.

Has anyone read this yet?  What do you think?

Harry Potter fans unite! 

And after that:

Matched by Ally Condle.

I've been told it's similar to Hunger Games with a bigger focus on romance.

Sounds right up this girl's alley!

(by the way, I've always found that to be a very dirty phrase. just me?)

The best part about this book is that it's a series.

Needless to say, me and LexPubLib are becoming quite cozy with one another.

Anyone else reading something fantastic?

Thankfulness

In case you didn't know...it's almost Friday. 

Happy Dance.

I have no plans this weekend and in true old lady fashion...I'm very happy about it.

I will be watching UK pound Maryland on Friday of course. GO CATS!

The rest of the weekend will look like this:

clean, laundry, read, watch a movie, eat yummy food, drink wine, 

laugh with friends, and enjoy the 60 degree weather in November.

Party on Wayne.

But first, I have to get serious for just a moment. Uh oh!

I voted on Tuesday.

My family voted Tuesday.

My friends voted Tuesday.

Kentucky voted Tuesday.

I am so proud!

But we lost.

And in all honesty, I'm still pretty bummed and scared for the next 4 years and my job situation.

BUT...

Despite my sadness and disappointment (and a bit of venting on Twitter), I've been trying to stay positive and remember that at the end of the day, my life is not my own. 

My life is God's.  

He is the King of the universe.  

He wants the best for me and my family.  

He promises to prosper me and give me hope and a future. 

He never fails.

We all need to be reminded of that, especially me.

It got me thinking about the direction of our country though.

We are losing our traditional values.

We are losing our moral compass.

We are losing our faith in and reliance on God.

And it breaks my heart.

No wonder our country has become spoiled, lazy, entitled, promiscuous, critical, angry, self-absorbed, cut-throat, and confused...just to name a few.

Humans are not meant to live without a relationship with God.

We are not meant to make things up as we go along.

We have a purpose.

We've been given a guide.

And very few are using it and living it.

And it is a tragedy.

And a crisis.

And I hate, truly hate, that everyone doesn't know the freedom and satisfaction and love that comes from following our Creator.

So I find myself turning from angry and disappointed over an election (how trivial) to thankful for Christ and humbled by His decision to give up His life for me.  

Just the fact that I was chosen to know Him and worship Him is incredible.  

There are so many people that don't know His love.  

How blessed am I to have a personal relationship with him that anchors my life and directs my path?

So although I know the next 4 years will have their ups and downs, I also know that God will provide.

I can wake up every day with that peace.

What an amazing gift.

Since this is the month to be thankful...I have to say...I know exactly what I'm the most thankful for.