Not a shopping blog, Ross.

Fall is here. Tonight was crispy as I took Avery home. I said goodbye to her. It's probably the last I'll see her at least until Christmas (assuming I come home for that, if not, it might be a year). We chatted all evening while I began the dejunking process. I have five garbage bags of old letters, photos, mix cds, clothes, and just plain garbage - anything with a negative conotation really. I'm ready to let go of the baggage.

If need be, I could have my entire room packed into my car by the end of tomorrow. I can't tell if this makes me feel better or worse. Or maybe just the same. Lighter though. That, for sure.

I'm anxious about applying for schools. I'm worried about saving up enough money to support myself without any help from my parents. I'm panicking about finishing my Book of Mormon class. I'm nervous about all the changes happening and overanalyzing even the simplest things. But even so, I'm happy I'm finally moving forward. I'm tired of living someone else's idea of my life. I'd like to practice being me the way I see myself.

Whatever that means.

San Diego in 7 days. It's going to be so fun. And a welcome break from my worries. After that, it's just a matter of being patient until my move. I hope I can make it.

Devotion

Friends, I'm back with the random shopping links and Project Runway blogs. Beware!

Last night was the season premier of cycle 5 of Project Runway. Mmmmm. Don't try to contact me on Wednesday nights between 9 and 10, because chances are, I won't be available.

I haven't decided who I'm rooting for yet. It's a little soon to tell. I was surprised the garbage bag dress didn't go home last night. I felt it was less innovative, though also less frightening, than the shower curtain rain coat. And generally the judges prefer something a little more outrageous over pure blaaaaah.

It was good to see Austin back from season 1 as a guest judge though. I have such a crush on his lisp. Adorable!

So my latest shopping obsession: Lush. I have been lusting after the Buffy Body Butter and the Honey Waffle Soap. I've decided I'm allowed to buy neither of these until I finish my online Book of Mormon class (which I've been dreading but severely need to get out of the way if I'm going to go back to BYU in the winter). I tried the Buffy at the Lush store at Bellesquare and it's wonderful! Got bumpy skin? This'll take care of it straightaway. And it moisturizes AS it exfoliates. Incroyable! And most of their products are vegan. Yay!

Oh and new favorite thing from Sephora: Givenchy Phenomen'eyes Mascara. I really want to try this. The applicator looks perfect for those hard to reach inner lashes.

Seattle/Tacoma salon goers: anyone know a good place for eyebrow threading? I can't wax until I'm off Accutane, but apparently eyebrow threading is allowed. These caterpillars are getting a little out of control, so if you know of anywhere nearby that isn't completely sketch, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Lastly, Beach House. Why didn't I know about this before? Where have I been? Sigh, sometimes I'm so behind. Anyway, thoroughly enjoying both albums.

A move forward and a glance back

2007 was a rocky year. There were a lot of ups and downs. But it ended on a pretty high note and I have high hopes for 2008, though I suspect it will be more of an interim year than a dynamic one. I suppose one never knows for certain though until the thing itself actually happens.

I'm applying for BYU for either Spring or Summer term. I'm really hoping I get in. I'd like to get back into school. If I don't, I've decided it won't be devastating. I'll just take online classes, continue working, and reapply for Winter 2009.

I'm currently working for my parents, with whom I also live. Saying this makes me feel like a slacker, but honestly, I love it. I love my family. I have an adorable adopted baby brother who I'm still getting to know and having time to be around him and the rest of my family is really uplifting.

I'm learning a lot about the Gospel these days. About what it means to be a member of the church and how we can have an effect on other people. I have some goals for the coming year, some of them abstract, some of them concrete, but I feel like they will all help me to become a better person, and hopefully they will strengthen my testimony.

I'm thinking I'll document my personal changes on here. But I'd also really like to document any projects I do this year. For the most part I let my creativity go to waste the past twelve months, but I'd like to change that. So crochet how to books, here I come!

Anyway, I hope if you're reading this, you'll come along on the journey. I can't promise it will always be interesting, but hopefully it will have it's moments.