Winter Wonderland in Read

As winter break and the holidays are almost here, I wanted the ultimate Christmas photos for my blog before I left for home. Luckily, all I had to do was look into the room across the hall from me.
























Gabi spent an entire Saturday transforming her and her roommate, Shelby's room into the most creative holiday exhibit I've seen yet in a residence hall. Complete with garland, lights, snowflakes, and even mini stockings for nametags on the door, her decorations catch everyone's eye as they walk past. Gabi also caught my heart by playing my favorite Christmas radio station from back home online as she decorated!

You Know 'Tis the Season When...

Out of your window at Read, you see the giant Christmas tree being assembled through the window of the Musical Arts Center. It is lit a section at a time. The giant statue looks out at the cold weather. Ballet and music majors on your floor seem to have disappeared to the land of dress and tech rehearsals, while the Land of Sweets is being assembled behind the curtain. You know the holiday season is officially here when The Nutcracker arrives.


Since last year, my friend Michele, whom I danced with at my studio back home, and I have started a tradition of going to see all the ballet performances, and The Nutcracker is our favorite. My friend Kelli from the dance program also came with us to the Saturday matinee performance at 2 p.m.


The show, as usual, was amazing. Since it was a matinee performance, there were a ton of small children there with their families which reminded me of going to see ballets as a child and not being able to stand not being the one dancing. The same was true this time, as The Nutcracker might be the only such inspiring thing to make me wish for the week ahead of dance classes instead of the weekend.


As you can see, the show was very well attended, and with good reason. The live music was fantastic and the dancers, costumes, and scenery sets were all beautifully amazing. If you have not yet, I encourage you to see The Nutcracker or the fall or spring ballet at least once in your time at IU.

Thankful for a Family-Filled Break

The picture above sums up my Thanksgiving break: full of family, chaos, and love. It also sums up why my family is incapable of taking group photos, but that is a whole different story. My brother and his new family of four came from Arizona to stay with us, as well as my brother and sister-in law from Indianapolis with their two daughters, and my two grandparents from Dover, Tennessee.


I was able to see my nephew, Elek, again, who I am convinced may grow up to be the most handsome boy on earth. Everyone finally met his little brother, my precious nephew, Gavin, for the first time.


In addition to celebrating Thanksgiving, and a little bit of Christmas as my talented family members took turns playing Christmas carols on piano, we also celebrated my niece Lillie's birthday. Although the stomach flu was passed around my family, the company, dinners, and desserts more than made up for it. It was a much-needed relaxing break, and I have never been so happy so see a group of people together in one place before.