Tonight...

I started to pack.

The strangest part now is turning to how to explain how I feel about it. The best word to describe it is probably "beautiful." Strange?

It's true though. For some reason as I'm packing all of my mission clothes and pining for my tag, I feel really pretty. I'm just in sweats with my hair back and no makeup, but as I'm preparing to give myself completely to the service of my Heavenly Father I feel beautiful. No alterations needed.

Part of the reason I started packing is because I'm antsy. The other part is to figure out what I'm missing. As it turns out I'm doing really well. I have just about everything sans bag and tiny things like tights and slips. My shoes came yesterday and they are PERFECT. Cute, comfortable, durable. Love them. I have a feeling I'll keep buying pairs like them after I get home.

(I think they look cuter on than in the picture. Never fear.)

So much is odd about this process. It's weird that I have to finish the next two months of schoolwork on my own within the next 2.5 weeks. It's strange that when I say goodbye to my coworkers it's unlikely that I'll ever see any of them again. It's odd that this has become a normal blog post. It's weird that at this moment I don't know any of the people who will surround me in a month, and I'll repeat the get-to-know-you thing another 7 weeks after that. It's weird and wonderful that once I am back in Provo Austin will be home in 2 months. I think I've done pretty well for myself while he's been gone, but being together again will be inexpressible. Especially after everything will we have gone through and learned by then. 

I am so grateful for everything. All of it. What a beautiful life.

I'm in love.

Austin says I'm allowed.

In honour of this most glorious occasion

This is technically our first picture together.

This was our first dance.

This is our song.

This is my favorite picture of him.

Can I just say that being best friends with who you're dating indispensable? Ours is a basis of respect and faith above all else, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I've never seen it happen first hand like this, and to be honest I never thought I was worth the trouble he goes through. I never thought I would be with someone who treats me so well and makes me so dadgum happy all of the time. That's not to say we don't have our ups and downs, but what I mean is that its been worth it. Every once in a while a thought will float through my mind wondering if I should try a different direction or go elsewhere. The thing is that before I can really even register the idea, I find myself laughing. Its just a comical notion. If I have it my way, I'll never see the day where I belong to someone else.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Austin, he stands between 5'9" and 5'10" depending on how much he's slouching. He's that guy that perpetually has gum, and he only likes a particular flavor of Extra. Austin is a phenomenal photographer, but has an even larger passion for people and a strong desire to be of help to them. His favorite music artist is Andrew Bird, favorite movie is Rear Window. He's from northern Kentucky/ Cincinnati, and Alex Christman has been his best friend since high school. He sticks his tongue out when he's concentrating really hard, has had bad luck with cars, and would typically rather use public transportation. Austin hates smiling normally in pictures, likes opportunities to wear the bow tie I bought him, and is a fan of Justin Bieber. He's pretty lousy at remembering names but considers anyone he's ever had a conversation with to be a friend. He writes obscene amounts of reminders and notifications for everything, looks really good in pullover sweaters, and is more than I ever realistically wished for.

For the record, I'm allowed to be cheesy/ridiculous/mushy on my own blog.

Por fin,

I love you, Austin Dressman! Cheers to the past six months.

"You pull me out of the dark and now it's light."

I love these trees

Incredible things are happening in the world.

Magical things are happening in this world.

El hogar es donde yo estoy contigo

I've come to the conclusion that there are only three material possessions I need in this life to be happy.

This phone,

This car,

And a beagle.