currently...

listening: to Bon Iver and car tires driving through the rainy streets outside

thinking: that I have homework to do after I type this up

smelling: perfume I put on at Sephora earlier, scones baking in the oven and peanut butter... typical.

wearing: my favorite cozy sweater from Gap, favorite jeans, and Ema's headband

dreaming: really weird things, lately...

loving: the weather in Chicago lately. 70 degree April days, sunshowers, and lightning = favorite.

[written 4/15, writing my posts in advance now like a champ] 

about hope

what do we look to when tragedy strikes? do we turn to a president, a parent, a friend? do we "hope for the best"? 

wait. what exactly are we hoping in? fallible humans? the greater good? 

perhaps there is a different question to ask. 

who is our hope? 

"If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied." 1 Cor 15:19

this past week has been marked by tragedy in more ways than one. my heart breaks for people I love who are grieving, and for a country in panic and fear. I am shocked. my heart feels heavy. I think about the fact that I can't even empathize. 

when we sit in that moment of despair, fighting off worried thoughts, a still small voice comes whispering in. he is the greatest comfort anyone could ever ask for. why? because he is the only one who has the power to give hope. anything else we look to in this world will disappoint, fail, or decay. 

{Easter Weekend in Indiana}

For Easter weekend, my roommate Ema and I had a chance to go home with our friend Anneliese. We packed up on Good Friday, ate Chicago blend popcorn in the train station, rode a train (!!! I love trains, as a side note) to Indiana. Her wonderful family graciously took us in, fed us, and let us take a much needed chill in their house for a few days.

I wore green pants and took this picture to show Kylie. I also borrowed this sweatshirt from Anneliese and sent a picture to my friend Amu, who flies planes. She wanted me to steal it, but I didn't. We had a Passover meal and ice cream, watched Anne of Green Gables, and headed off to bed.

 We dyed Easter eggs! I have not done this in so long- as in, maybe not since I've had two digits in my age. Needless to say, I was pretty much giddy about the whole affair, and got pretty into it. 

We went slack lining! Anneliese is a pro, and Ema and I were trying for the first time. Most of this learning entailed attempting to stand up on the line. Also, Ema and Anneliese tried to lay on it. As seen in the second set of pictures, this did not go well... 

We also made and ate a lot of food, slept, lazed about, watched Anne of Green Gables, and played this game. The name of the game escapes me, but it was really fun. Especially when you were Mr. X. 

And of course, on Sunday, we donned our Easter dresses and pretty shoes and headed off to Anneliese's church. Love these two! I think we're pretty cute. 

After going on an indoor hunt for candy and peep filled Easter baskets, we had to head back to homework and dorm rooms. It was the perfect time of day for a sunny train ride. 

The End, xoxo, and all that jazz, 

Emily

my day in iPhone pictures

This was April 3rd. It was Ema's 19th birthday. They spelled her name right on her drink even though I didn't ask for one 'm'. I accidentally discovered the coolest way to peel a clementine. It was beautiful but pretty chilly out. We went to the lake to go slack lining and had the best time. Then we got amazing chocolate covered dessert (no photos, oops).The end. 

Poll Time: Answer this Question!

I just put up a new poll question on my blog's Facebook page! The link is here, go answer it, and like my page while you're at it :) I'd love to hear some feedback from readers. You can also answer the questions in the comments section of this post, if you'd like! Thanks in advance for the feedback.

Ten for Tuesday

1. My feet will walk in at least three countries this year. 

2. I have spent way too long today reorganizing my Pinterest. No regrets- I'm on break (so I can do whatever I want) & it is going to be so pretty... not even done yet.

3. Between one day in January and one yesterday, I put together at least 7 trash bags full of clothes to giveaway. 

4. By the time I wake up in the morning, there will be a whole foot of snow in my city. Loving every bit of it, from indoors that is. 

5. I always forget how much I love skiing. On Saturday, my highest speed was 40mph...ooh. 

6. It is hard coming up with 10 things... maybe I should try a theme next time. 

7. I am trying to figure out what direction I want to go with this blog. I'm asking myself tough questions to figure it out, like this, "What do I have to say, anyway?" 

8. Being lazy and trapped indoors by a snowstorm all day is one of my favorite things ever.

9. I like reading again. Up next, writing. I used to love that too... one step at a time. 

10. Making lists like this that are so all over the place and random probably makes me sound like a mental person. I kind of am. 

Spring Break Likes {Part 1}

I have been home for a full week now! Loving spring break so far. This week has been crazy, next will be more restful as the boyfriend and best friend go back to school Sunday... cue the *awww*... I have been doing a LOT of visiting, adventuring, eating, and shopping. And surprisingly, not enough sleeping. That for sure will change next week, I need to catch up! Here are some things I've been reading/watching/listening to so far on break, let me know in the comments what your likes are at the moment! :)

{source}

1. 20 Hair Tutorials by "A Beautiful Mess" Blog

I definitely need to try some of these out soon! 

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{source}

2. Kellyn's post about our adventure to Rock Rimmon 

It was so so fun, and I'm glad she captured so many pictures! From left to right that is Joseph, Kellyn, me, Zach (the boyfriend, if any readers were wondering), and Ema (the roomie, of course). Love you guys! PS. Check out the rest of Kellyn's blog in the source link below the picture!

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3. Taylor Swift's "22" video

If your a fan, this needs no explanation. If you are not, you will receive no apology. Goodness, I miss my full bangs. They will make their return on Monday, I believe. Blessed to have a roomie/hairdresser on call, haha!

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4. Bloglovin' 

I have had an account for awhile now, but quickly set everything up when I heard that they're getting rid of Google Reader! To import your blogs from Google Reader to Bloglovin', click here.

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5. My new Kindle! 

I just got a Kindle Paperwhite, mostly to get some ebooks for next semester, but at the moment I am having so much fun with it! I know it will help me get back to bookworm status, something I held through most of my childhood.

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Fingers crossed I remember to add 5 more *likes* next week! 

Emily