We are LONG overdue for a catch up. Life has been busy. Read this to see what I've been up to!
Plenty of fun moments have happened since we last caught up, so I'll pick the top three to chat about!
Thing 1: 26 Nov. AKA: Thanksgiving. AKA: Turkey day. AKA: my favorite holiday.
"We should host Thansgiving!"
Me: "Okay...but I'm not cooking the turkey."
This holiday is all about food and bringing people together. Also, it's in the middle of autumn. Three of my favorite things all packaged together as one. What else could I ask for?! The week was spent juggling classwork with thanksgiving meal prep (yes people, i have my priorities in line). On Sunday we planned the dishes and assigned ingredients to be provided by everyone attending. Wednesday was spent in the kitchen cooking all the sides. On the menu this year: Grammy's dinner rolls, roasted vegetables, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy (that more resembled chicken and wild rice soup...oops from a misunderstood can label), turkey (the centerpiece of a US holiday...made by an englishman), spiced cider, pie, and more pie.
With a previous year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade playing in the background and our BYOCPG (BYO Cutlery, Plates, and Glass) we passed our meal around the table and took turns sharing what we were grateful for. My main reason for giving thanks...I got out of dish duty.
Kidding of course. The day was absoluetly a highlight of my year and a good reflection that my list of things to be grateful for this year is MILES long.
Thing 2: Reunion of the century in Brussels. Yes, i dare say, even better than the Harry Potter and Friends reunions. If only this weekend would have been caught on tape the same way...
The following Saturday at 3 AM, I grabbed by backpack and headed to Belgium to hold up my end of a 6-year old promise. By 10 AM I was running into the arms of my sweet LU! It had been too long since I had seen this wonderful woman and we picked up as if we'd never been apart. Swipe to see the progression of my Saturday morning:
We arrived back at Luana's to eat lunch, drop off my stuff, then head to downtown Brussels to do some touring. Waffles, check. Chocolate, check. Cool architecture, check.
Then in the evening we got dressed up and headed back into the city center. Christmas lights, check. Beer, check, check...check. Frites, check.
The morning after we (very slowly and very quietly) got out of bed and headed to Bruges for the rest of the day. We went at the right time. Christmas markets were all up and the rain and chill in the air made it a perfect time to find a teashop and sip on the best hot chocolate I I've had to date.
Had to leave the next afternoon, so it was a short visit but one for the history books. Stay tuned for more adventures and get ready to keep asking the question "Who let Reed and Luana loose in Europe?"
Thing 3: Finals. It's the end of term! I swear I still go to school.
...and it's going well! Last week was the final week of classes for term one and it feels great (surreal even) to say I am one step closer to recieving my MSc. Even more, it is one of the neatest things to look back over a period of time and identify of all the things I've learned and ways I have grown. Some areas I have grown the most are in critical reading and writing skills, statistical analysis, and in confidence to begin my dissertation for the end of the year. Other, more miniscule lessons I'm still working on: it is really hard to keep track of a school ID card (buy a lanyard sooner) and always remember to double check the building and room number of a class session.
I cannot believe how fast time is flying and that it is already the end of 2022. This year has been one full of milestones and reflection.
Hope to have anothe post coming soon, maybe you'll even see the fam featured in the blog! Let me know if there's anything you want to hear about! AND REMEMBER the Update Me and comment sections are always open. I want to hear from you!
Hugs, thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to read, talk soon <3
You paint the perfect picture with your words! I definitely want to travel to Europe now! So happy things are going so well and you’re growing, learning and loving all your new adventures! Merry Christmas 🎄 and Happy New Year 🎊
Reed, You are such a great writer! I feel like I am practically there. I love that you are so brave and embracing all the new adventures and experiences that are available to you!!!! Merry Christmas!!!
I LOVE reading about all of your adventures! the Christmas markets loo amazing and I think I have a new addition to my bucket list. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and winter break! ❤️