Fun Five Friday returns!

We interrupt this travel recap to bring you the reoccurrence of Fun Five Friday!

Since I haven't done a post like this in a while, these really span the past few weeks, not just this week.

1. Candles. When I was little, I loved to go to Pier One and smell all the candles. My mom would occasionally let me buy a cool-looking one, but I was never allowed to light it since she was scared I'd forget about it (which is probably accurate). In the dorm and in my college apartment, we weren't allowed to have candles, either. But I've recently discovered that having a (non-food) smell in the room while I'm working on things simultaneously relaxes me and makes me more focused. Also, they're nice to have when company comes over.

2. Handwritten notes. I like it when people write something personal on a form letter. My boss at A&M (I worked in an office for three years) always used to do that, and I thought it was nice. I've received a few of these recently.

From one of the Admissions personnel at Candler on a letter acknowledging my deposit.

This one teller at our bank is always cheerful and always writes on the receipts. 

3. This jug we bought randomly at HEB because it had bluebonnets on it and we were feeling nostalgic about moving.

Excuse the cell phone picture.

4. Reading youth fiction. I read almost exclusively fiction all the way up until college. Once in college, all I read was non-fiction. Later, all I read was stuff for school. Most recently, all I did was work and apply to seminaries. So it's been nice to have more reading time lately. I finished off the Hunger Games series on Monday, and then started on my mission to re-read all the Harry Potter books in a row (#23 on my list). I'm on the second one right now, trying to relish the reading-for-fun experience before I get back to school in the fall.

5. Not having finals. Sorry, friends who are suffering, I just have to say it. It's my year off, so I think I'm allowed. It's been wonderful, albeit exhausting, to serve ridiculous amounts of caffeine and sugar to students who are studying, rejoicing in the midst of it all that I don't have to study for anything (unless finding an apartment counts). Again, I'm attempting to treasure the week, knowing that the next six semesters will bring a different reaction. :)

What's made you smile this week? Come buy coffee from me if you're studying!