Random Acts of Kindness

Friday started as a normal and productive day. I worked out, worked on my applications for different jobs, and then quickly showered and got ready to meet Matt for lunch. He wanted to walk the trail around his office, and since it was a beautiful day, I immediately agreed. Our walk ended at the Green Mesquite! A BBQ joint around the corner from Matt's office. While we were waiting for our bar-b-que sandwiches at the counter, we started talking to the man next to us. He noticed Rex outside and was a fellow dog lover who has been in the area since 1968. We talked about our background and where we were from. He found out that I am looking for a job in preservation and spared no time getting on the phone with one of his friends who works for the State Library and Archives Division. He left me with her name and email, and told me to email my resume to her right away. I was blown away and in shock over his kindness and willingness to help! I'm not sure if it's a new place with new people, or if they are nicer, or if I am just now noticing since I am looking for a job, and with the exception of Matt, don't know anyone, whatever it is, I am thankful that there are still genuine, good people around.

Austin by Night

Last night, Matt came in from walking Rex and exclaimed, "the sunset is beautiful! we have to take some photos with the camera!" We hopped in the truck and drove down to the river to capture the moment. Unfortunately, we were a little late and the sun had already set (in a matter of 5 minutes!) but we still had fun taking some of the following photos.

Heading West... Or South...

I'm writing this on the road. We are passing through Meridian, Mississippi on our way to Vicksburg. We are looking forward visiting the battlefield despite this cold weather! 

We've totally changed our route due to the snow in the northeast. Instead of taking the interstate through Tennessee, we decided to head south first and avoid the snow and mountains. This morning we made another split decision to travel south again after visiting Vicksburg. We'll be staying with Matt's college friend in Natchez. I'm looking forward to seeing the early nineteenth century plantation homes.

Last night we stayed in Birmingham, AL and had the most amazing meal!! We had fresh fish at the Fish Market in downtown. I've never had such tasty snapper! Plus the ambiance really made us feel like we were in the south. A small New Orleans style band was playing some great music. 

Last Friday, but the beginning of a first...

Today is my last day at the AOC. It's so bittersweet. Matt and I are moving to Austin, Texas to begin the next chapter of our life together. I have enjoyed working with everyone at the Capitol, and can't imagine not seeing them on a regular basis.

One of my bosses has stopped in each day this week to say "It's your last Monday! Tuesday! ..." Every day this makes me sad to think that we are actually moving away from a place that has been so good to us, and has given us so much. Matt and I met, fell in love, and started our life together in this city, and it will always hold a special place in our hearts. But I have to think positively; yes, today might be my last Friday, but tomorrow will be the first day of our adventure out west together and that's pretty powerful. I can't help but draw the connection between the church calendar and the season of Epiphany. While planning my last Sunday School class, we talked a lot about new beginnings. Whether it's a new year's resolution, new job, new outlook, new relationship, or a new place... I think we have to be open to change because it can only lead to our mental, emotional, and spiritual growth.

Check out this cake that my coworkers made for my going away party yesterday!

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday! I'm thrilled to see my family in a few short hours (I hope traffic doesn't hold them up!)

It's Matt and I's first year hosting the big dinner and I am a little nervous... Matt would probably say psychotic! I am sure everything will turn out fine! ...Right?!

Thanksgiving will not be the same this year without Gracia attending some part of the Lyerly festivities. We're going to miss her so much!

Check out me and Hannah's blunt cut bangs, circa 2010/11

A Winter Morning

Good Morning Everyone,

I hope you had a nice weekend. I'll write about mine soon.

Here is a photo I took from the Capitol looking at the sun rising over the Library of Congress Jefferson Building last week. enjoy. :)

The Farm Life

This past weekend we ventured out to western Virginia to a beautiful farm outside of Scottsville with our two friends Sara and Paul. The weekend was perfect in every way. We relaxed, caught up with friends, visited a few wineries, and visited an apple orchard. The dogs, both Sara and Paul's golden retriever and Rex, thought they had died and gone to heaven- and at times, so did I! Here are some photos with captions.

The guest house over the garage where we stayed

We had a toasty fire burning Saturday night out here

Cutest Chicken Coop I've ever seen

Getting ready for adventures in the morning

Playing around with the Nikon and caught this beautiful couple! 

Winery #1 Thistle

Matt's lunch entree at Trump Vinyards

Love this champagne flute! 

It was such nice weather we were able to sit outside

More Photos of the Farm

The sweetest horses 

Camouflage Kitty

Bimmey's Pond

Carter Mountain Orchard