Finals!

Today is the first day of finals.

Last year I remember being so scattered and frenzied, but this year I feel so calm and ready. It's really satisfying to see progress in myself like this- I've learned to be better prepared and to pace myself. My mental calmness and balance has gotten so much better through this year, and maybe it's all the long hours alone in the design labs, but I feel really confident and happy when I'm alone.

I think being able to appreciate alone time is so important. I used to worry that I was antisocial whenever I  didn't want to hang out with friends or go out, but now I know that my introvert ways are healthy for me. Realizing this about myself has made me so happy.

Anyway- to get back on track- good luck to all of you with your finals! I'm probably not helping by talking about how good I feel about finals week- if you need to borrow some of my relaxed vibes I'll definitely send them your way!

love, rudi

Our library stays open super late during pre-finals week, and they shower us in candy and the most delicious donuts you've ever had. 

I love this school. So. Much. Because, yeah, sometimes you just really could use a donut. 

photo courtesy of Maddie Zavala

love, rudi

    I had the greatest weekend with my momma! She drove hours and hours to visit me this wekend. I bought tickets months ago for mom's birthday to see David Sedaris speak! Mom and I have loved David Sedaris family for years and years- his books on tape have kept me alive during the longs car rides home. It was just a dream come true to see him in person- and then we met him!! 

    It was a really great food weekend, too. I started it off with Five Guys- my favorite burger place- with some friends. When mom got into town it only got better with fancy cheese plates and creme brulee french toast.

This is Arianne. On Friday night mom and I went to Harbinger Night, where the newly published Stephens ladies read from their work, and Arianne read from her piece. It was amazing.

     Here's my pretty momma at breakfast :)

     Here I am in some glasses I bought online- they showed up five times huger than they looked. But at least I found a new costume prop :) Hipster parties, here I come!!!

This is the book I gave to David Sedaris when he signed our copy of his book Naked. I thought it was hilarious- it's a manual to better understand humor and the differences between adult and child laughter. Old books are so funny sometimes.

I never realize how homesick I am until I hang out with my family- I was in a real funk after momma left. 

But now I've got finals to distract me....

love, rudi