A Halloween-less Year

I am so sad to say that I will not be participating in Halloween this year. I have class tomorrow night, so will not get to hand out candy. This is the first year as a married adult, that I won't be able to participate. I have been so busy that I didn't even decorate my house for fall. Not a single decoration! It's a shame! Fall is my absolute favorite season!

This month went by very quickly:

The first weekend Joel rode the White Pine Trail to Cadillac and back.

The second weekend I participated in the ColorBurst Tour in Lowel. I rode 17 miles in the cold and rain!

The 3rd weekend Joel and I took a trip to the cabin in the U.P. I stayed indoors Friday, Saturday, and part of Sunday working on homework and studying for a couple of tests. Joel was busy working on projects around the cabin, like building a shower house and fixing his chain saw.

This past weekend I was able to go to a friend's wedding in Stevensville. It was such a lovely wedding and a great party afterwards. I was a blast seeing my friends from Ferris again- Especially my best friend Ashley. We stayed up late talking after the reception- just like old times. I know I miss her, but when I get to see her, it reminds just how much. I am grateful for our friendship.

Here's to getting ready for a busy November as classes begin to wind down. I have a couple of big papers to write and presentations to prepare. Yikes!

My bike on the back of the truck. 

Wet and cold!

Joel finishes his ride from GR to Cadillac and back!

Drive up to the U.P.

 

The new shower house.

 

From the other side

Love this girl! Ashley is my best friend and it was great seeing her!

 

My cute niece and nephew on their first halloween!

Hitting a Rough Patch

Lately I've been in a slum. I'm so busy with work and school and life in general, but that's not the problem. I'm beginning to be very unhappy at work. I've put in three years with my employer (been there longer than anyone else, apart from the owner.) and it's the same old crap over and over and over again. It's really bringing me down. I hate that I am not happy, but I have to keep at it. Today I came home in a terrible mood. As soon as I walked in the door, Joel was there and I couldn't hold back the tears. We talked about our days a little bit and Joel asked what he could do to make it better. I said "Just hold me." and he did. Then we walked towards the living room and he had a present and card sitting on my spot. So I started crying again - happy tears this time. I didn't deserve a gift, but I was grateful that my wonderful husband was thinking of me. I read the card- and more tears. Then I unwrapped my gift and there was a brand new Pink laptop for me! I have never had my own computer before! And this was PINK!!! I can't believe how lucky I am to have Joel in my life! He noticed how frustrated I had been getting with the old laptop (his from when he first got home from his mission) and needed a good one for school. He even got me a new cute mouse and a laptop bag. It's an early birthday present and it just brightened my weekend! He's so thoughtful!