Falling Leaves & Wedding Bells

Okay, Ladies & Gents:

So, it has been some time since I updated everyone on the goings-on in my life! Sufficed to say I've been a busy little worker bee...and don't worry, I promise I haven't forgotten about the previous two posts I owe you (Miss California 2011 & the end of summer PLUS Platform & DV Awareness updates from this past month of volunteering in the city!)...

I would like to start this post with some joyous news (and the promise of yet another post...we're up to three now!): the wedding of one of my dearest friends, Shelby Jean Macdonald to an equally incredible individual, Jake Peterson! I promise to include all the pictures in a post to follow, but since I'm on my BRAND NEW iPad, I don't have those on me just yet. The week-long extravaganza included a Bachelorette Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe in San Diego and getting to spend the few days leading up to the wedding with my bestie in style. We had an incredible time primping and pampering for the big day and I gave a toast to the bride and groom at the rehearsal dinner (nearly broke down, but I made it through the whole speech!)...for me, this was such an incredible honor and privilege, particularly being able to share my thoughts and wishes for their future amongst friends and family. Thank you for allowing me to be a bridesmaid and for welcoming me into your homes and hearts, I love you both dearly and can't wait to see what adventures lay ahead for you both...

In the meantime, I've been working really hard at school and in dance and the fruits of my efforts are beginning to ripen! I'm excited to say that I turned in my undergraduate thesis: Redefining the 'Mediterranean identity'--cross-cultural investigations through the study of Southern European, Near Eastern, and Northen African commerce, language, and culture (manifestations in notable monuments). WOW. That's such a mouthful...and it's going to be even more of one when I present it in my final Spring colloquium! Words can't describe how exciting it's been to compile the work I've done over the last four years, and I must say it hasn't all been roses, particularly when narrowing down my rationale and colloquium topic (luckily, I have a brilliant advisor, Prof. H. Franks, who has been working so hard to help me both in the calassroom and out!! Also, she's my role model and graduated from Harvard with a PhD, so blessed to have her...but let's hope I can live up to her standards!)

The second exciting update I want to share is that for the second year in a row, I might be spending Christmas and New Year's in the city...this time, I unfortunately won't be working at Free People (5th Ave flagship shoutout!) but will be participating in a professional Winter Dance Intensive :) details on that one to follow, because that deserves its own post (don't want to spoil the surprise!)...just know that it's a highly respected company and I'm SOOOOOOO excited!!!! (...I guess that makes it 4 posts I owe you now?!)

I must bid you adieu, for I have Public Speaking in 20 minutes, but I wish you all a beautiful beginning to your week & continued Autumn cheer!
LIATG,
xox M

PS: HOW COULD I FORGET?! I also owe a FIFTH post dedicated to the newest member of the Guarro family, our New York puppy, Harlem (aka Harley)....you're all just going to melt when you see pictures of him! So cute!!