way back texas

I dedicate this post to the place where I spent four years, and where I developed an affinity for sweet tea, mexican food, and country music: Texas. I just (hardly -- six months ago), graduated from SMU in May, and this is my first time back. 

I was invited to a very special Christmas party that I couldn't say no to, so it was the perfect excuse to plan a trip to Dallas. It is very surreal for me to think that I haven't been back in so long. It seems like yesterday that I donned this cap and gown, and walked across the stage to receive my diploma. 

Just two weeks after graduation, I packed up all of my stuff and moved to the big apple. 

I'm now 23. 

Living on my own. 

Working my first desk job.

Woa. Woa. Time really does fly. Looking back -- I was terrified. I had no idea what I was doing, or why I chose to move so quickly. I was moving to a big city, with few friends, and many new challenges.  It's so easy to fall in the same patterns and routines, and do what's considered "easy". Of course it would have been easy to stay in Dallas, or move back home to Chicago -- but it wasn't what I wanted. I believe that graduation is a time to really spread your wings (corny -- but true), and you should do something that totally terrifies you. Sure, there are days when it's not easy, and I wish I'd done something different, but I've learned more about myself in the past six months then most people learn in six years. 

I'm looking forward to three days of pretending I'm 21 again, visiting with some of my best friends, dining at my favorite restaurants, and soaking up every minute of the Texas sunshine (praying it's warm)!

I hope you enjoy some of my nostalgic college pictures, and that you have a happy happy Thursday! xo