Reasons I Just Couldn't Be Happier, Simply Couldn't Be Happier

1. THE TEST IS OVER. I have been dreading this test since I applied to the non-thesis based MAE program at DePaul in January of 2009. While I was still working at TBC. Before I was even accepted to the program. Clearly, this dread has blossomed over the past few months as I prepared to take it and has been a break-into-hives-have-bad-dreams-occupy-your-every-thought-don't-want-to-eat-manic-can't-sleep-horrible kind of stress. But I took it Saturday, and I honestly feel pretty good about it. I'd even venture to say it went pretty well. Now. Let's just hope the review committee agrees...


2. I went out without a jacket today. Glorious. Hello, April warmth.


3. I met this guy. He's pretty cool and went so far out of his way to make sure that they superterriblenogoodverybad week leading up to my test was bearable with dinners and Disney movies and pep talks all week. Because he's pretty rad like that. I think maybe I'll see about keeping him around because, honestly, I'm a little over the moon about the whole thing (If you met him, you'd be like...Duh. Of course you are.)


4. For Christmas, Brian promised to take me to High Tea at The Peninsula. We finally were able to make out schedules line up tonight and go and it was just so wonderful. Vanilla bean black tea. Tiny sandwiches. Scones. Hazelnut and chocolate pralines. A view of a garden, feeling so fancy, looking so fine. Having careful heart to hearts as we stir honey in with tiny spoons. Perfect fanciful Brian/Ashley time.


5. I saw Belle this week. She is growing up so beautifully and I love to see the very kind little person she's becoming and hope that in some very tiny way, I had a hand in that.


6. I have many new Spring dresses, Spring shoes, Spring bags. Bring on the warm. Bring on the pretty.


7. So many people made it a point to wish me luck on the test, check in to see how it went, even follow up with flowers. It is so wonderful to have people that love you and support you to the degree that the people in my life do. I couldn't ask for anyone better to materialize.


8. DID I MENTION I AM ALMOST DONE WITH GRAD SCHOOL???


9. Blackberry Cheesecake Cupcake and a Jumbo Dog with ketchup, brown mustard, and relish. Win.