I spent Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday with Rob and my parents at the lake. I announced on Saturday night, "I won't be doing anything tomorrow," and that's exactly what I did. Nothing. All day. I didn't even get out of my pajamas.

I also forgot my camera's memory card, so I used my dad's camera to snap some photos of the nothingness in all its glory.

You know there were snacks.

And tea in pretty cups.

And books.

And some quality time with this cute guy.

Hoping you had a relaxing weekend as well. Happy Monday!

On Saturday afternoon I found myself back at the lake.

Rob has been visiting some friends in Oregon for a few days, so I thought I'd take some time that would have otherwise been spent alone in Charlottesville and hang out with my family. Sometimes, a quiet road trip on your own can be nice.

I stopped in Roanoke first and saw my friend Andy, then met up with my mom, dad, and brother for dinner. We went home after dinner and watched a movie before I went to bed and passed out. I'm really not good at staying up past 10:30.

I got up on Sunday and hung out with my mom on the couch. She's been kind of sick with a little cold lately, so we made some tea and just talked for a while. Then we went to mass downtown and got breakfast at Mill Mountain, which has always been my favorite place.  For as long as I can remember, that coffee shop has been part of my life. When I was little, my parents brought me there so they could get coffee. When I was in high school, my friends and I would go really early before school or we'd meet up there on the weekends. And I worked there as a barista during summer and winter break when I was in college. As dramatic as it may sound, no other physical space has ever meant so much to me.

Mill Mountain Blend

Salad with my eggs and sausage. So paleo.

Some more snapshots from my weekend at home:

Family photos.

Tea

I really liked my stuffed animals as a child.

Mom

Brother

Waiting for breakfast at MMC&T.

This is our church. It's sort of awesome.

Sean really loves his apple cider.

Bite-sized desserts that I frosted for a work party.

Choppin' dem herbs.

The more I visit, the more I miss it.

Emma, one of my lovely best friends, came to Charlottesville yesterday to stay with me for a few days. We've been relaxing together, sitting on my couch with our laptops, catching up, drinking coffee, napping, window-shopping in fancy stores, and going out to eat. And Shawna came over last night, so the three of us spent a couple hours cuddled up together telling stories. Our group of girlfriends rarely gets to spend time all together in one place, so it's always extra-special when more than two of us have a few moments together.

I really thought these few days were going to be lonely with Rob on the other side of the country, but the past seventy-two hours or so have reminded me how lucky I am to have been blessed with these friends and family. 

I don't know if you know this, but my last day off was October 29th. Seriously. All I can say is that I am so very tired. 

So I'm sure you'll believe me when I say that I have not only been looking forward to these next few days, but that I really need them. After work today at noon, I'm going to Roanoke until Friday. I'm not bringing my computer. I'm just bringing Rob, some laundry, and a few books.

I can't wait to get to the lake.

I am thankful to be working so much, but I'm also thankful for the chance to slow down, spend a few days with my family, and take the time to remember what's really important in life.

Like breathing. 

Wishing you and yours a very wonderful week of Thanksgiving.