soap operas

Earlier this week a good friend told me that my life was like a soap opera after giving her a condensed version of my "life story." Maybe it is a little like a soap opera, but you know what? It has brought so many blessings that wouldn't have happened otherwise.

Despite starting a new semester this week, I've had more free time than I'd anticipated. I started going through some old photos and letters of the mama's. I've wanted to make a photo book of her life for a long time, but since almost all of the photos need to be scanned in I've been a little overwhelmed by the prospect. SO... I was looking at these old photos and letters and I just felt so grateful for the people in my life who made all this possible -- who have memories of her and share those with me -- even if they are part of the "soap opera."

And yes, that photo book will get done!

London calling...

Remember this post? Well...

step 1: request time off and have it granted

step 2: start the application process

step 3: get paperwork signed from home institution allowing me to study elsewhere

step 4: finish application

step 5: pay deposit (ahh!)

step 6: renew passport after acceptance

step 7: apply for summer aid

step 8: get summer aid

step 9: GO!

(obviously saving $$$ is an ongoing step...)

All of this hopefully leads to a 4-week LIS study abroad program in the U.K. this summer! Steps 1 and 2 are done and hopefully step 3 will be started tomorrow. London has been on the top of my bucket list for YEARS. This would be a dream come true. The program cost is only a few hundred more than my standard tuition in my LIS program for the same amount of credits AND 4 weeks in England (3 in London itself). Also includes: Edinburgh, Bath, Stonehenge, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford plus 4 days wherever I want in Europe.

{Wheal Coates / Cornwall, via} | {Stonehenge, via} | {Warwick Castle, via}

{Bath, via} | {Edinburgh Castle, via}

all images found on Pinterest