D-O-N-E, DONE!!!

Above: Me writing papers at the NYU library the other night, The little speck behind me that I am staring at is the Empire State Building, lit up blue and white. Too bad I don't have time to go out and actually enjoy NYC!

I just finished printing off my LAST final paper for my first semester of grad school. Yes, I feel pretty dang proud AND relieved at this moment. I was strugglin' quite a bit at the beginning of the semester...and the middle and end. Let me be real, here. I was miserable. BUT, because of the wise teachings of my parents and the gospel of Jesus Christ, I knew that with challenges come strengths and lessons learned. Most important lesson learned this time: I CAN get through it and even do well at it! Even when miserable! Haha..ha.

So, tomorrow I attend my last two classes, turn in my last two papers, and then get on a plane bound for HOME! :) I have never been more excited to return home after being away, except for maybe when I was coming home from my mission. And it's Christmas time! I love Christmas time, but I never really feel like it is until I am with my family. Therefore, starting December 16th, I will officially become aware of the holiday season.

Upon my return to New York, I will be moving into Manhattan! Things have worked out so well. I had hopes to move into this very apartment, because it contains some very dear friends of mine. Unfortunately, one of them is leaving and that's how I am able to move there. BUT! She won't be far. Life in the city, so I'm told, is a must-have experience (duh) and quite different than the Brooklyn experience. I'm grateful I get to experience both.

The photo below is the amazing, humble little branch I am leaving behind. I will once again be in a singles ward (heaven help me). But I guess I better take advantage (?), because before I know it, I'll be getting the "you're too old" boot!
I'm also leaving behind this little guy. He's kept me company through what felt like the toughest four months of my life! We totally bonded. Who woulda thought, I even get attached to animals?! Oh wait...I did. I knew that would happen. :(