Finally...

I'm back blogging. I have been thinking about this post for a couple weeks now but just haven't had the time to write. You see, I have been busy with school (which kicked my butt this quarter) but now I am done and can breathe again.

In the midst of it all, I managed a weekend away with my friend Christina to go to Joshua Tree National Park and visit friends in Palm Springs!

Canon Powershot self timer at work..works like a charm & never fails!

Christina and I went on a couple "hikes"

Peace Sign! The universal, "Hi Mom" pose

And we got to spend some time with our friends Susan and Renee in the desert! We experienced a little bit of their Desert Princess life, not a bad way of living :)

At the Clubhouse after lunch at Leon's

Group Shot: Downtown Palm Springs

We saw Marilyn Monroe's underwear ;)

Christmas:
I have purchased zero Christmas gifts thus far BUT I received one today!! Thanks to my favorite sister thinking oh-so cleverly about what to get me for Christmas, I found a little package at my doorstep this evening. And it couldn't be more perfect for me. Included in my box: Sample perfume, nail polish, face mask, super cute travel ziplock,  eye shadow and gift card to rent the runway . 

My First Birch Box. 

FABULOUS!!

Work/School:
This combo gave me a run for my money this past quarter but I survived and couldn't more happy about it. My first quarter is officially done. I am 1/3 of the way through grad school. I have a three week break, which I will soak up and savor each and every lazy day, early night in and pressing of my snooze button. 

Oh yeah, I'm praying all of my hard work pays off with straight A's. I already have one on the record (which I called my mom about with pure excitement!).