Giving in to Temptation

I'm a sucker for anything eclectic or vintage. If it has ruffles or peacock feathers on it -  I want it. It really is quite the obsession, but I've managed to keep myself in check. I shop at Ross, or Target, and I can do sale %s in my head better than anyone else. Usually my connoisseurship of all things cheap, keeps me guilt free in the shopping department. 

Until now. 

Greensboro has recently introduced an Anthropologie store to the consuming masses. Ha! Who did they think they were fooling?? I went to visit it, but I was never going to fall for those overpriced tank tops, fancy furniture, duvets to-die-for and ... OMG that's the cutest dress I've ever seen. 

So that's pretty much how things went. I decided to be good and walk away though - really I did! ... but 2 hours later when I realized that the tax return I had forgotten about was direct-deposited into my checking account ... I pretty much decided it was a sign that the dress and I were destined to be together. 

Although I will admit the internet picture does it NO justice, this dress is really fabulous and just feels like ME! I've vowed to not buy another one until my and Shawn's 3 year anniversary next August ... so until then, my new dress and I will enjoy many adventures like Charleston, my birthday and 4th of July. Yeehee!  

Charleston Hopes

So the Spring Semester is quickly underway and classes actually seem slightly more manageable than last Fall (knock on wood). I will be going with my Architectural Conservation class to Virginia and then Pittsburg in April to see Monticello (I think?) and then Falling Water! Although I'm not a huge fan of the modernist movement, Frank Llyod Wright (architect of Falling Water), is a legend and I'm thrilled to be able to see one of his masterpieces (despite the structural issues that I've heard it's now facing!). Here is a photo of it:

Shawn and I will be heading to Charleston in the mean time, just for a few days though, to renew our spirits and have a little getaway over Spring Break! It should be fun, we're staying at the Inn at Middleton Plantation, which is on National Geographic's Places to Stay list! Below is a photo of the Battery in Charleston, SC. 

Inn at Middleton Place (What our room looks like!) 

It should be a fabulous time, I can't wait, only a month to go until our trip!

I've also been looking into an internship in Charleston at the Historic Charleston Foundation, and if that doesn't pan out, then perhaps Drayton Hall Plantation. I really think Charleston has some amazing preservation examples that I'd be able to learn a great deal from, but as these are tough economic times NO ONE can afford to pay interns, which means that I have to fork over $2000 of my savings to intern in Charleston. It's somewhat disheartening really, but I don't want to pass up what could be an amazing opportunity. Hopefully the Lord will provide something that will allow such a move to be affordable! :) Below is a picture of Drayton Hall

Orientations & Charlotte!

As I begin my cram session of orientations here at UNCG I can't help but think that everyone must assume I'm walking around confused on the campus because I'm a new freshman. I wish I could wear a sign saying "NO! I'm NOT a freshman and NO I won't be living in the dorm near you!" 

I've found out after my registration session with Dr. Filene that I am the ONLY Historic Preservation student in the History Department! Everyone else is Museum Studies, and I'll instead be sharing a number of classes with Interior Architecture students - pretty neat! I have my History Graduate Assistant orientation tonight and then regular Grad orientation in the morning, followed by the History Grad orientation tomorrow night, followed by a welcome party at Dr. Barton's house. Wish me luck! 

After a packed week, Shawn and I will be heading to Charlotte for the weekend and staying at the Historic Dunhill Hotel in uptown Charlotte to celebrate our 2 year anniversary!!! How exciting! We're dying to get a break from everyday life and spice things up a bit with a night on the town! :) 

A ton of things will be going on in the next few weeks - I'll keep everything posted! 

Perry McKenzie