Spare {summer}time.

I absolutely love the summertime. After working hard for the entire school year, it is so refreshing to have a change in my routine and the opportunity to have a little bit of free time! Because I plan on being a teacher, I look forward to enjoying future summer "breaks" (even though I will still be working) because having two months away from school allows me to accomplish many of my goals that end up being put on the back burner. Although this list is definitely not complete, there are several things that I wish to accomplish this summer, so I am writing this post mostly to keep myself accountable!

1. Fix up the broken and shabby desk that I have been using since middle school. (strip, sand, stain, replace hardware, etc.) Though I have plenty of experience making crafts and artwork, I have never done a DIY project this intense. I will definitely be posting about this when this undertaking is complete.

2. Become more experienced in the kitchen. After 4 years of receiving all of my meals at my sorority (I'm so thankful for this), I will be cooking for myself for the 1st time next semester. Although I am not a complete beginner, I would love to expand my repertoire of recipes. In order to do this, I am trying to make dinner for my family at least once a week (this is my for sure mom's favorite goal...She despises making dinner).

3. Pass my AEPA exams. I will be taking them in July, and after looking at the study guides, I'm more nervous than I thought I would be! I will be house/dog sitting the entire week before the exams, so I am hoping to cram in a big chunk of studying at that time, but I still need to being studying soon.

4. Finish two commissioned paintings, and just continue making art in general. One of the paintings I am making is for my cousin, and I'm really excited to start working on it. It will be so nice to make a little extra money doing something that I enjoy.

5. READ READ READ! Reading is one of my favorite activities. Give me a good book, my two pups, and a comfy couch and I become the most content girl on the planet. I will have nearly no time to do this next semester, so I am trying to maximize my reading potential this summer.

{I may have been feeling a bit ambitious at the library last week}

Today is my little sister's first day of summer, so we planned a fun "summer sis day"! With that, I am off to go tackle her in bed gently and quietly wake her up!

Playing Catch-Up

The past couple months have been absolutely amazing. My lack of blogging was due to the fact that I was putting the majority of my efforts toward savoring my last moments in Chi Omega, and my time as an undergrad at U of A. Although I do not graduate until December, I will spend my days student teaching in a high school off-campus, so my experience next semester will be completely different from the way I have spent the last 4 years. My "sunday smiles" have been absent, but not because I haven't had any reasons to smile. In fact, I have spent a ridiculous amount of time smiling, cherishing every moment, and having a dang good time with my best friends. Now that I am home in Scottsdale for the summer, I have a bit of time to relax before I start nannying, so I would like to take this opportunity to *attempt to* highlight some of the reasons I have loved the past few months. 

Signing the lease for next semester on the most perfect little house with my best friend from high school!

Spring break in Mission with my sorority sisters was so great! I made so many memories and am so thankful that we were able to spend such quality time together. 

The end of lent + Easter brunch dessert buffet = heaven on a plate

Senior week included different events every night, plenty of irresponsibility, costumes galore, and more laughing/crying/dancing than should ever be allowed. 

The closing exhibition for my 2nd grade art class was such a success! They were so adorable, talented, and enthusiastic!

Spending so much time with my best friends for the past four years. I am truly blessed. 

Watching (most of) them graduate was so much fun! I'm so proud of them all. 

I am so thankful for my mom. Mother's day always reminds me of how she so selflessly gives for my sister and me, and I don't know what I would do without her. 

Lastly, coming home to this sweet little guy. Paco loves to hang out on my bed when I come home...he is the greatest cuddle buddy. :)