i'm coming home.

(Disclaimer: This was supposed to be Friday's post, but I saved it as a draft instead of posting, so here it is now...)

I’m becoming a bit of an i-Phone addict. I switched over from my Blackberry to an iPhone last spring, and it has been a love affair ever since. Though I liked my B-berry (as I called it), I was never one of those “Crackberry” people, constantly holding it between my two hands while my fingers worked ferociously to respond to every text message, answer every e-mail. My iPhone however, well, that little guy is attached to my hips. And, I hate to say it, but I am becoming slightly addicted. My newest iPhone obsession is searching for cool new apps to dress it up with. My latest favorite is Hipstamatic, a super fabulous photo app that allows you to change up your lens, and photo effects. And my new favorite muse for this Hipstamatic app is my workplace. There is just something so beautiful about a college campus in the fall. And, Hipstamatic’s sweet editing features only make it appear more breathtaking. Check out these shots I snapped yesterday..

Totally beautiful, right? So, yesterday I found a little bliss tucked away in each corner of this beautiful Washington & Jefferson College campus. Yes, I may have looked like a crazy person trying to juggle my lunch box, coffee travel mug, purse, keys, and tote bag, while snapping pics on my way to my car. And yes, students on campus may have thought I was a bit creepy and trying to take their photo, but I don’t mind. These pictures are gorgeous and remind me why I love autumn, and just how lucky I am to work in such a beautiful setting.

So speaking of beautiful college campuses, this weekend is homecoming at my alma mater (feels old to call it that), Westminster College. Frankly, I could not be happier about this. Four years ago, in one of the most irrational, anxiety-ridden moments of my life, I became a Westminster Titan. At the time, I was a complete and utter mess over it. I was bitter, I saw the glass empty, not even half-empty, I’m talking completely bone-dry-not-a-drop-of-goodness-left empty. I second guessed my decision entirely. Until one day, something snapped. I do not recall when it happened, or really why it happened. But for some reason, I was happy again. My heart opened up, and Westminster completely filled it. Heck, it overflowed it. The professors, the friends, the activities, the clubs, the dorm rooms, the bells, the trees, the squirrels, the smell, the kindness. If Westminster is one thing—it’s kind. How is a campus kind, you ask? I still haven’t quite figured it out, but it is something I am certain of. I guess you just have to experience it yourself to understand.  

Today, I get to return to my second home. I get to laugh with my second family again. I get to embrace the kindness all over again. And for that, I am filled over the top with bliss today. I haven’t been to Westminster since May 21, my graduation day. Honestly, I think that I might burst into tears at the sight of the exit off of the highway as I drive up there today after work. I know that on Sunday I will leave there with a large pain of nostalgia, but my heart will also be full. Full from my favorite people, favorite things, and one of my favorite places. 

Overall, I am feeling pretty blessed today to be spending my work day on this gorgeous campus, and to be spending the weekend at the one that stole my heart first.