   | Change of Plans I love a good plan. When I was 11, I decided I was going to college at Duke. When I was 16, I decided I was going to study graphic design. When I was 20, I decided I was going to work for a magazine. (I did, I did, and I do.) -- When Z and I moved to Winston-Salem in the summer of 2014, we had a plan, naturally. When Z was 24, he would begin his final semester of college. When Z was 25, he would graduate and begin applying for jobs. When Z was 26, he would have a career in law enforcement. (He did, he did, and he does.) -- So the story goes. We map out our lives – our days, our years – anticipating what is to come, working to achieve our dreams. We want to move forward, we want to know what comes next. We create timelines, create down payment accounts, create lists of saved house searches. Sometimes, however, the universe has a different plan. Sometimes, however, there is no such thing as a house on an acre or two of land that is not a fixer-upper. -- Did I mention that I love a good change of plans? Faced with the decision to give up our dream for land in order to purchase a move-in ready home, give up our dream for a non-fixer-upper in order to purchase a home on a couple of acres, or scrap the entire plan and build our own house, we did what any reasonable couple would do. What if we moved into a downtown loft? It was never part of the plan. Yet here we are, nearly a month into this new chapter, living out a new dream, creating countless new memories. We find ourselves falling more in love with the city each day amidst the exposed brick walls of a refurbished tobacco plant, the same tobacco plant where both of my grandfathers worked a lifetime before I existed. It was always part of the plan. And what a good plan it's turned out to be. |
Change of Plans
Different But Same
 | Different But Same A smile crosses his face as he realizes I’ve walked through the door from work. He stretches his arms out, pulls me in close, and speaks four simple words. How was your day? We fall into a familiar routine as I begin to talk about my world: high-resolution files, all-things CMYK, this month’s magazine cover. We go to press next week and I’m still waiting on this one image… not to mention we’re trying to resolve a color-matching issue with the printer. Too much magenta, not enough cyan! Also, I read a manuscript draft of an article that’s slated to run later this year and I may or may not have casually sobbed at my desk. He listens, nods, supports, sympathizes. While his print production skills may not extend beyond the realm of Microsoft Paint, he understands the language. Spot colors and dpi and pdf/x, all packaged into 200+ pages that are read by a million people each month. But enough about me… how was your day? Our cadence continues, roles reversed, as he begins to talk about his world: arrest warrants, homicides, lights and sirens. Did I tell you that I did CPR on a guy at the hospital earlier this week? It’s a lot different than the training dummies! The guy was stable when I left, fortunately. I got in my first foot chase today – jumped a fence and everything before I caught him. Also, I was subpoenaed for that assault case I told you about, so I have to go to court tomorrow. I listen, nod, support, sympathize… and eventually, interrupt. I’ll never again have the most impressive work-day story, will I? We both grin. The wrong shade of teal is a big deal in my universe, and I’m often frustrated when traffic turns my 45-minute commute into an hour. Yet I married a man whose former job required him to create a will and designate a power of attorney when he was still a teenager, whose current job requires him to wear a bulletproof vest. In all things, perspective. –– The stark contrast between our jobs, our lives, is not lost on me. I catch typos; he catches criminals. I preflight and ship; he protects and serves. I review bluelines; he is the blue line. Yet, somehow, it works. My world of FPO and SWOP mixed with his world of FTO and SWAT, our dinner conversations intertwined amidst tales of outside front covers and officers (both OFC, mind you). I may never again have the most impressive work-day story. But I have him – the opportunity to support him as this new chapter of his life unfolds, the blessing of being supported by him as I continue to do the work I always dreamed of doing. Two different people, two different passions, but the same desire to see the other succeed. Plus, despite all our differences, we both carry a couple of extra magazines wherever we go. |
On New Chapters, Again
 | On New Chapters, Again My sleeping habits rival that of a teenage boy, which works in my favor when my husband is up before the sun. The hum of the coffee pot, the rustling of the closet hangers, the deafening squeak the ironing board makes when it opens, not even the beeping of the security system being armed can lure me from my slumber. Until it can. It happened just once, a few months ago, my mind suddenly aware of his presence in the room well before my own alarm went off. I was in no state to have a coherent conversation, for what it's worth, but I was conscious, which is more than I can say about most mornings at 5 a.m. "It's okay," I heard him say as I began to stir. "I'm getting ready to leave. Go back to sleep." I nodded in agreement, my eyes still closed as he walked around to my side of the bed. He bent down to kiss my forehead and I reached up to wrap my arms around him. As my hands clasped together against his back, I had only one thought. What is that? His training involved a great deal of physical fitness, but no back muscle could possibly be that solid. Right? Surely I would've noticed it before now. Yet here he was, an impenetrable mass from his shoulder blades to his waist. It felt more like steel than muscle, to be honest. I suddenly realized oh, yes, the bullet proof vest. I knew he had one, in theory. I had seen it from time to time, stashed in a corner or tucked away near the back of our closet. I knew he wore it, in theory. I had heard him mention it on occasion while swapping work stories in the evening. Everything up to that point had been exactly that, though – in theory. All of a sudden, the reality of the situation – of the new chapter that was about to start in our lives – was no longer theoretical. This is actually happening. The man that I love and adore more than any other human being is now in a position that requires him to wear a bullet proof vest. Every single day. It was a life-changing hug. Tomorrow he'll take an oath, an oath to protect and to serve. While the words will differ from the oath he took over seven years ago, his heart remains the same – filled with courage, integrity, selflessness. A journey more than three years in the making, culminating with months of physical, educational, and tactical training, he'll soon swap the scenarios for the streets, trade the theoretical for the tangible, his life – our life – changed forever. At least in theory :) |
Two Ships Passing
 | Two Ships Passing His alarm goes off at 4:30 most days. At least that's what he tells me – I've never actually been awake to confirm. Uniform on, gear squared away, out the door before I even begin to think about crawling out of bed. Before I even begin to think, period. I don't get to see him in the mornings, yet I do. The cup of coffee, extra creamer, waiting for me on the nightstand. The freshly ironed clothes draped over the end of the bed, ready for me to wear to work. The text message on my phone: Safely here. I cleaned the cat's litter box this morning, so don't worry about that. Your lunch is in the fridge. Miss you already. I love you. — Our days are long, although mine don't involve running seven miles around a semi-frozen lake in the middle of a winter storm. Mine also don't involve spending eight straight hours in a classroom, a classroom where both coffee and cell phones are prohibited. I don't get to see him in the afternoons, yet I do. The instax photo taped up next to my office computer, his face covered in scruff I've secretly missed these past six months. The ring he gave me almost four years ago, occasionally catching my gaze as my fingers move across the keyboard. The hand-written note stashed in my desk drawer: I hope you're having a good day at work. Missing you lots. I love you. — My work day ends well after his, and somewhere between the extra hours at the office, the commute, the traffic, any of his remaining energy has faded by the time I get home. If the stars align, we might get thirty minutes together before he drifts off to sleep on the couch. The stars rarely align. I don't get to see him in the evenings, yet I do. The stack of dishes in the sink, the smell of dinner still lingering in the air. The pair of black boots by the door, buffed and shined and ready to do it all again tomorrow. The phrases he mutters in his sleep, mostly gibberish, something about taking a shower and a rebel army and wait, what was that? I love you, too. — Our lives at the moment look a lot like two ships passing in the night. Yet we continue, continue treading water until we get a chance to catch our breath, or even better, to swim. We continue to make the most of the time we get to spend together. We continue to remember that this, too, is just a phase, that all dreams require hard work and sacrifice, that the end result is almost always worth it. For now, we continue to pass like two ships; yet as long as we keep sailing in the same direction, toward the same dot on the horizon, I think we'll be just fine. |
Currently // January
 | Currently // January CELEBRATING three years of marriage with an afternoon at IKEA and date night at The Cheesecake Factory. I was sick on our actual anniversary (super romantic, I know), but our day in Charlotte more than made up for it :) As cliché as it sounds, it's crazy to think that we've been married for three years – it's gone by SO quickly! My sister once joked that Zach is the best thing that has happened to me since contacts, but I think he might just be the best thing that has happened to me, period. CHEERING the Carolina Panthers on in the NFC Championship game this weekend. I'm liking these "cats vs. birds" match-ups, because (spoiler) I have a cat and I know exactly how that ends. Meow. ENJOYING the 52 Lists Project, a journal by Moorea Seal (photo above). I love everything about it: the once-weekly writing prompts (unlike those every-day-for-five-years journals... that level of commitment stresses me out!) and the beautiful design + layout. Five stars, definitely recommend. HANGING all the things! I'm not sure what it is about January – the idea of a fresh start, the emptiness of the house once all the Christmas decorations are put away (so sad!), or some combination of both – but I'm totally into redecorating our living space this month. New artwork, new shelves, new plants, a giant new mirror – it's fun to watch a few home decor purchases completely transform a room. LOOKING forward to 2016, even though it brings a lot of uncertainty (although really, what year doesn't?) We have lots of life changes on the horizon with Zach's career, but also a trip to New York City to look forward to in March! Plus, we're hoping 2016 will be the year we maybe make our largest grown-up purchase yet, so fingers crossed for successful adulting these next twelve months. PLAYING this song on repeat – perhaps the most underrated song by the Black Eyed Peas, honestly. It's rather appropriate on MLK Day (One tribe, one time, one planet, one race / it's all one blood, don't care about your face / color of your eye or the tone of your skin...) and equally fitting for this year's presidential race (I don't need no leader that's gonna force feed a / concept that make me think I need to / fear my brother and fear my sister...). And that's all I'll say about that ;) SMELLING all the candles! (Or should it be COLLECTING all the candles?) Zach's favorite go-to gift to receive is a bag of dark roast coffee beans (and Christmas did not disappoint, as we currently have a large enough stash to open a mini-Starbucks), but me? Give me something I can light on fire that also smells good, and I'll love you forever :) My number one is currently Autumn Sky from Bath & Body Works (which smells more like the best men's cologne of your life than anything autumn-related), but close favorites are Grey Moss from Pottery Barn and Espresso from Anthropologie. Mmmm. SNAPCHATTING more than all other social media combined, go figure. I post a photo on Facebook or Instagram occasionally (you know, to let the world know that I'm still alive, still not pregnant, and still not running a marathon); I tweet when I'm feeling sassy and sarcastic (so more frequently, for sure); and I pin basically never (is that still a thing)? Find me on Snapchat (@simplybeffie) for somewhat-more-consistent updates :) |
Holiday Card Design | Crisis Control Ministry
   | Holiday Card Design | Crisis Control Ministry This year, I had the opportunity to design a Christmas card for a local nonprofit. Proceeds from the card benefit Crisis Control Ministry, an organization that serves the greater Winston-Salem area and assists individuals in crisis by meeting essential life needs (short-term emergency rent/utility payments, food, and prescription medication). These cards make great Christmas gifts and help support a wonderful (and much-needed) cause in our community. I'm so excited that over 1,000 of the cards have been sold so far! To learn more about the "Beth Jones card" or to make a donation & purchase your own, visit ccmcard.org. Cheers! |
Currently // November
 | CURRENTLY // NOVEMBER • 11.30.15 Sneaking in here with just a few hours to spare, because goodness, November was filled with lots of good things & I want to remember them all. ADVENTURING throughout the state. Fall 2015 will forevermore be known as the season of all the day trips! From the Carolina BalloonFest in Statesville to the Renaissance Festival in Huntersville, from the mountains outside of Brevard to the Panthers game in Charlotte – Zach and I have spent the past few months driving and exploring and making the most of the time we get to be together. CELEBRATING my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary. They got engaged on their 6th date and were married less than three months later because, well, when you know, you know :) They are – hands down – the cutest couple I have ever been around. You should've seen my Papa sneakily trying to get my Maw-Maw under the mistletoe last Christmas! CRYING (no shame) while watching The Peanuts Movie in theaters on opening weekend. Y'all, I've been a fan of Charlie Brown and the gang my whole life, so I had some pretty high expectations. The whole movie – the script, the score, the animation – was beyond perfect. Five stars, definitely recommend. FEELING extra grateful for a family who loves so well. FINISHING up our Christmas cards, which is always one of my favorite little projects to kick off the season. Snail mail is my love language, and I can't wait to send & receive bundles of it all month long! GETTING ready to cheer my youngest sister on at her first 5K race this weekend. Corrie has dealt with more than her fair share of health issues for over two years now, but she's currently abscess-free and the doctors seem to think she won't have any further complications. We're cautiously optimistic, but also so proud of her for working to reach this goal. What a milestone! LOVING the chance to go on an overnight trip to the plant where the magazine I work for is printed (as well magazines and catalogs for so many other major companies: Us Weekly, Kohl's, Samaritan's Purse, etc.). The pre-press, the printing, the binding – it's the. most. fascinating. process. I have such a deep appreciation for everything that goes into turning a pretty little digital file into a real-life product. STUFFING my face with so many tasty goodies ('tis the season), but also feeling super proud of myself & Zach for participating in a 1000 Calorie Workout Challenge on Thanksgiving morning. Two hours of hot yoga for me + two hours of circuit training for him = extra room for pumpkin cheesecake bars, thank you :) |
Keep Pounding
           | KEEP POUNDING • 11.09.15 A few months ago, I completely surprised Zach for his birthday with two tickets to the first Panthers home game of the 2015 season. Neither of us had ever been to an NFL game before, but seeing how Zach's two man crushes (J.J. Watt & Luke Kuechly) were set to play each other, it seemed like a solid first game to attend ;) We live just a little over an hour away from the stadium, but we left super early and arrived before the gates even opened. Fortunately, it was an absolutely beautiful day... plus some super enthusiastic fans were handing out blue & black Mardi Gras beads while we waited (?), so, there's that. We got to watch all of the pre-game festivities including Thomas Davis being honored for receiving the 2014 NFL Man of the Year Award and Steph Curry hitting the "Keep Pounding" drum. In an attempt to have a super authentic NFL game day experience, we also hit up the merchandise store and spent half our life savings on a couple of hamburgers and fries. Elite fan status, am I right? Nearly three years into this whole marriage thing and I still love to point out every Jones I see. (Like Colin Jones, #42) – "LOOK, ZACH – MAYBE WE'RE RELATED!" I'll have you know that Zach appreciates my "maybe we're related" jokes almost as much as he likes all of the physics-related jokes I cranked out about the Watt / Newton match up. The force, the power – truly an electrifying day for sports, y'all. I snapped all sorts of photos in the couple of hours leading up to kick off, but got caught up in everything once the game actually started and didn't even think to pick up my camera again until the very end of the third quarter. Thinking there was a good chance we'd score (the Panthers were first and goal), I looked through the lens, clicked twice, and... well, if you're only going to have two photos of the actual game, you should probably make sure they involve the quarterback legitimately flipping through the air to score a touchdown. We ended up winning the game (and winning all the games so far since then–what?!) and I think Zach and I would both agree that good times never seemed so good (so good, so good, so good). ;) We'll be back, Sir Purr. 'Til then... keep pounding! |
Currently // September
 | CURRENTLY // SEPTEMBER • 09.18.15 DESIGNING all the things! The past few months have been filled with more freelance projects than normal: invitations, résumés, business cards, brochures, and Christmas cards (yes – 'tis the season). I might not be able to save the world, but I can stop a few people from creating their own marketing materials using clipart and Papyrus, which is basically the same thing. EATING Cookout because today is National Cheeseburger Day and our office does not miss an occasion to have a catered meal. Or a potluck meal. Or a "this-is-being-featured-in-next-month's-issue-so-here's-all-the-leftover-food-from-the-photoshoot" meal. Y'all, the freshman 15 has nothing on the Our State 20 ;) FEELING ridiculously undeserving of the selfless love Zach shows me every day. As I mentioned, Z started his full-time job a few weeks ago, which means our days of him being at home and helping our lives run smoothly are over. However, I'm still waking up every morning to a cup of coffee on my nightstand and a packed lunch in the kitchen with a little note, despite the fact that he's out the door by 5:30 a.m. GETTING excited about our first NFL game this weekend. Because if you make my coffee in the morning, I'll buy you tickets to watch your two man-crushes (Luke Kuechly + J. J. Watt) play against each other. Seems fair ;) LOVING my job a ridiculous amount. I feel like I gush over this all the time, but y'all, getting to play a role in this brand, this magazine – it's the coolest. The story of how I ended up here is, well, nothing short of sweet serendipity... and I couldn't be happier. PLANNING to attend some of the 240th anniversary events at the church where I grew up. A really great article about the church was featured on the front page of the Winston-Salem Journal this week. Although Zach and I made the decision to attend a different church when we moved to the area last summer, my "home church" will always have a special place in my heart and I'm looking forward to the homecoming celebration this weekend! ROCKING the photobooth with Zach during last weekend's Bookmarks Festival (see photo above). I'll be honest: we went for the food trucks and new gallery exhibit at Sawtooth, not really for the books and authors, but we had a great time nonetheless. TRYING to figure out how I feel about my bangs. They've had a good little run for the last two and a half years, but I think I'm ready to start growing them out. Maybe? Until I'm ready to commit, they're in the super awkward too-long-to-hang-in-my-face-but-not-long-enough-to-be-tucked-behind-my-ear phase, so, there's that. Happy weekend, friends. Cheers! |
Arts and Crafts
 | ARTS AND CRAFTS • 09.09.15 I painted these wooden letters last year for my sister's classroom (she's an elementary school resource – special education – teacher) and figured now's just as good a time as ever to pop in and share them :) aka, I bought an iMac last summer and just got everything set up last weekend, so now I'm on a photo uploading + organizing binge! As a visual arts major in college, my emphasis was on design and printmaking and photography and anything that's not painting, so a brush is the last thing I prefer to have in my hands. (But give me a burnisher, squeegee, or wireless mouse all day long, please. You know, the usual art supplies.) However, I can't say no when my sister asks for something – for the kids, y'all – so a paintbrush it was (and roughly a hundred coats of paint because this wood was sucking up everything I threw at it). Overall, a pretty simple little project that turned out rather cute – and looks even better in my sister's adorable classroom! With that being said, cheers to all the teachers starting off a new school year. Wishing you lots of patience and energy – and an occasional five minutes to yourself ;) |
On New Chapters
  | ON NEW CHAPTERS • 09.06.15 A little over seven years ago, I received a phone call that changed everything. "Beth, what would you think if I joined the Marine Corps?" Just like that, for a brief moment, time stood still, his words hanging in the air. I had no way to know that my answer, his decision, would inevitably change the paths of both our lives, yet I knew that exactly. We had only been dating for six weeks. It was the first of many crossroads we'd face together—the moments throughout our relationship that determined what came next. Two roads diverged, both with pros and cons, both with great uncertainty and great promise, both marking the start of a new chapter. It's the ultimate "Choose Your Own Adventure" book, this life, minus the skipping-ahead-to-read-both-scenarios-before-making-a-choice part. I didn't need to skip ahead to see how the story unfolded. I chose him. –– I chose him four years later, his enlistment in the military drawing to a close. Two duty stations, a combat deployment, multiple promotions and medals and ribbons, all leading up to yet another life-defining choice, another new chapter. "Beth, what would you think if went to college and got my degree in criminal justice?" The question had changed, but my answer had not. I may not have known exactly where our lives were headed, but all over again, I chose him. –– I chose him a year ago, the days ticking down to graduation. Countless papers, exams, a semester-long project involving a decaying pig corpse (don't ask), all culminating in such a familiar–although entirely unfamiliar–crossroad. One chapter was ending, for certain, but the new chapter was his to write and the possibilities as to what came next were limitless. "Beth, what would you think if I pursued a career in law enforcement?" I had a lot of thoughts, that's for sure. Some fears, some concerns, some selfish, some not so much. But ultimately, I thought it such a privilege to be in this position, to watch the man I love more than anything work so hard to turn his dreams into reality, to swell with pride as he accomplishes his goals, to support him as he pursues a job in a field he is passionate about. I chose him–and I continued to choose him–this past year. Through tests, through interviews, through psychological profiles, through background investigations. Through an unexpected situation this summer when we thought his journey had ended before it had even begun, and through the weeks that followed as he fought to overcome the odds, refusing to give up his dreams based on a technicality. And guess what? It paid off. It always pays off to believe in the people you love, to stand by them through whatever adventures life throws your way, to be their biggest fan as they figure out what their new chapter looks like. Hundreds and hundreds of applicants for thirty-some recruits. And he's one of them. –– So that's where we're at right now. Not much is different for the time being. There are still months of training, tests to pass, miles to run. At the same time, though, everything is different. It might not feel like it now, but one day we'll look back on this past week as the moment that everything changed, the first page of a new chapter. And what a chapter it's going to be. |
Print Design: Birthday Edition
Currently // June
 | CURRENTLY // JUNE • 06.18.15 It's been a few months since a "currently" post (or any post, for that matter), so here's a snapshot of my life at the moment. CELEBRATING one year at my job, as well as back-to-back promotions in the last two months! I love this magazine, this company, this brand – y'all, I genuinely look forward to coming to work every day and getting to do what I do :) CHECKING things off our summer bucket list :) Last summer was a little crazy with the whole commuting-160-miles-every-day thing, not to mention moving across the state in the middle of July and Zach's two-week cross-country road trip, so we're taking advantage of more time for regular summer adventures together. CHEERING Zach on as he works so hard to pursue his dreams. The past month has been filled with some seemingly impossible obstacles, but we've made it to the other side (whew!) and are so close to making his dreams a reality. CRUSHING so hard on this newest trailer for The Peanuts Movie. You'll know where to find me come November 6. Speaking of movies... LOOKING forward to having everyone on my mom's side of the family over (Florida cousins included!) this weekend to take advantage of our apartment's 21-seat home theater. We've got it booked for the entire weekend, so some Netflix marathons may or may not be occurring as well... PLAYING with the newest member of our family: Schmidt "Schmidtty the Kitty" Jones :) We rescued a six-month-old kitten from the SPCA this spring and he's legit the coolest. Schmidt demands lots of attention (like me), is quite fond of napping (like Zach), and we recently discovered that he's a coffee aficionado (like both of us, although we're trying to be more careful about where we set down our coffee mugs, oops). REMINISCING on summer camp and summer love and summer adventures, as is typical for this time of year. It's hard to believe it's been seven summers since I first developed a crush on another counselor while working in the mountains of Virginia. Spoiler: he liked me back ;) WANTING to really establish a sense of community and find a solid group of like-minded(ish) people to spend time with. I feel like a lot of people our age are: (a) still a few years off from getting married and enjoy hanging out with all their other non-married friends, or (b) already have a couple of toddler-aged children and enjoy hanging out with all their parent friends. Zach and I are awkwardly between the two stages (and have zero plans to join the second group any time soon). Surely we can't be the only ones, right? Any thoughts? -- ps: All currently posts can be found here. |
Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis
   | TAKE STEPS FOR CROHN'S & COLITIS • 04.20.15 Last April, my family participated in Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis, an annual walk to raise money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). At the time, my youngest sister was living with an ostomy after needing surgery to remove her entire colon due to severe ulcerative colitis. What a difference a year makes! Since last year's walk, Corrie has had multiple surgeries to create a makeshift colon (a j-pouch) and spent countless days in the hospital with complication after complication. As of last month (fingers crossed), we'll need to update our team shirts to say "UC didn't beat me." Cue the happy tears. My family has seen first-hand how devastating Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can be, and that's why we're participating in Take Steps again this year. Over 1.4 million American adults and children, including BOTH of my sisters, are affected by these digestive diseases, and it would mean so much if you joined us as we "take steps" toward finding a cure... because an actual cure would be so much better than the "hi-there's-no-hope-let's-just-remove-your-organs" cure! For Christmas this past year, Corrie not-so-subtly hinted that she would love some hand-painted canvases for her walls... so I did just that. Using India ink and watercolors, I created canvases with two of her favorite Bible verses: 2 Timothy 4:17 and 1 Corinthians 16:14. As a way to thank those who continue to support my family + the CCFA (and perhaps even as a donation incentive?), I'm giving away a 5x7" print of either canvas (your choice) to anyone who donates $15 or more to the CCFA on behalf of Corrie's Team. If you donate $25 or more, I'll send you an 8x10" print of either canvas. Click HERE to donate. And friends? Thank you for supporting us through the last almost-two years, for learning about Crohn's and colitis alongside us, and for helping us spread awareness. We appreciate you so much – we couldn't have done this journey without you! |
Currently // March
 | CURRENTLY // MARCH • 03.27.15 Sneaking in a currently post before March is over... -- APPRECIATING everyone who worked so hard to make me feel loved a couple of weekends ago when I filled in (at the last minute) on the leadership team at a Christian retreat at Camp Bethel. I'll definitely be sharing more in a future post! ENJOYING the extra daylight. I love sleep (possibly more than the average human), but I'd gladly give up an hour every weekend if it meant more sunlight in the evenings. I recently came across the quote "daylight is my love language" and, well, what more needs to be said? Amen. FEELING extra happy after getting to have dinner last night with one of my dearest friends from college who went a little out of her way to make a stop in Winston-Salem while passing through the state. GAWKING over this reusable notebook. Sure, I can wrap my mind around a notebook being smart enough to back up handwritten pages on the Cloud (although, really?), but being able to stick a notebook in the microwave for 30 seconds and watch the ink on all 100 pages disappear? I can't even. PLANNING to break out the acrylics this weekend for the first time in quite a while. Look out, world. SEEING my name in print on the newsstands at Barnes & Noble for the first time :) I've seen the magazine that I work for on newsstands at multiple other locations across the state (Target, grocery stores, drug stores, etc.), but Barnes & Noble holds a special place in my heart, and I recently realized that I was eight issues into this publication and had yet to track down a copy at my favorite bookstore. Pretty sure my teenage bucket list is now complete. TAPPING into my inner nerd with some Sporcle quizzes lately (countries of the world, anyone?), but Zach and I both got into this HIMYM + Friends character quiz. I'll be there for wait-for-it you... VISITING my youngest sister in Boone. Zach was out of town as an advisor at a youth conference last weekend, so my mom, my other sister, and I enjoyed a girls' day in the North Carolina mountains. WATCHING all the basketball! Cheer extra for my Blue Devils tonight, okay? ;) -- ps: All currently posts can be found here. |
Scenes from a Snow Day | 2015
I was beginning to wonder if we'd get an actual snow day this year. Snow days are pretty hit or miss here in central North Carolina (mostly miss), and when we hadn't received much of anything by the middle of February, I figured winter 2014/2015 had come and gone without much of a show.
Lady Winter did bring us a bit of a tease the week after Valentine's Day, but not enough to cover much of anything (although still enough for the Old North State to completely lose her mind).
Then finally (FINALLY), at the very end of February, we got our one actual snow day of the year. I was super stoked to wake up to this winter wonderland:
It's our first winter living here, so it was especially crazy (and magical) to see our backyard completely covered in white!
So many nature scene pictures, but it really only happens once a year, if that.
Safe to say that Zach got to enjoy the snow a little more than I did (grown-up working world, womp womp), but I loved coming home to a husband who couldn't have possibly been more excited to show off his sledding and snowman-building skills.
Seeing as the high tomorrow is in the mid-70s, I think it's safe to say this will be the only snow day post for the year ;) It's fine by me, though – as much as I love a winter wonderland, I love sunshine and warmth 1000x more!
'Til next year...
ps: Last year's snow day post can be found here.
Lady Winter did bring us a bit of a tease the week after Valentine's Day, but not enough to cover much of anything (although still enough for the Old North State to completely lose her mind).
Then finally (FINALLY), at the very end of February, we got our one actual snow day of the year. I was super stoked to wake up to this winter wonderland:
It's our first winter living here, so it was especially crazy (and magical) to see our backyard completely covered in white!
Safe to say that Zach got to enjoy the snow a little more than I did (grown-up working world, womp womp), but I loved coming home to a husband who couldn't have possibly been more excited to show off his sledding and snowman-building skills.
Seeing as the high tomorrow is in the mid-70s, I think it's safe to say this will be the only snow day post for the year ;) It's fine by me, though – as much as I love a winter wonderland, I love sunshine and warmth 1000x more!
'Til next year...
ps: Last year's snow day post can be found here.
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