In summary:

Since I spoke last, a few things happened.

1. I got my Master's. 
2. I moved home to Phoenix. Haboobs. 
3. I started teaching. College students. They're not very forgiving when you make a mistake. ;)
4. I applied to graduate school. Goal: Make a difference in Psychology
5. I didn't get in. That was humbling.
6. I fell in love with teaching. Like, madly in love. 
7. I applied to graduate school, again. Goal: Make a difference in Education using Psychology.
8. I got in. 

Funny how things work out, huh? Look out, Tucson. I'm comin' for you.

HABOOB!

Last night, Phoenix erupted with dust. It was the first major haboob (Arabic, type of intense sand storm observed in arid regions throughout the world) of our annual monsoon season. We're no strangers to haboobs, but this one was pretty ridiculous. Check out the photos I took last night on my little ol' camera phone.

You can see the dust rolling into the valley...

And the wall of dust approaches...

And my favorite, it reaches the neighborhood...

Here's a video from AP, originally via ABC15. The haboob was estimated to be 17 miles WIDE. 17 MILES. Seriously, wth? I received some desperate phone calls this morning from pals across the country, very concerned I may have been killed. WE ARE OK! :) Just a little bit dusty.

Wine Night 2010

Wine Night has become an annual affair at the Meyer abode. Good thing, too, because it's a really fantastic time.

Adulthood bites...

(photo via nonsensegrandcentral.com)

I've been having a hard time finding my groove. So, I graduated, moved home, and got a job. I'm up early in the morning, going to sleep early at night, and enjoying my evenings in. What happened to me? Sure I've taken the oh-so necessary outings with my pals to keep myself young and fresh, but it's rather unfortunate... That adulthood has slowly creeped upon me. I'm not sure how to navigate. Surely I'll find my  niche, where exactly I fit in. (I actually just finished this book, "20 Something Manifesto." Great idea. Unfortunately I didn't get much out of it... I felt the author was just coming up with unique ways to say... "It's life. Deal with it." I mean really... Give me something tangible.) I feel good about the possibility that things will come around, but I'm in a lull.

Crossing the Street

(photo via concierge.com) 

Welcome back to Phoenix, Lauren. You're not in New York; you're on Mill Avenue. Follow the rules. Stay on the sidewalk until the pedestrian sign lights up. You simply cannot wait in the intersection. Otherwise, you may get killed.

Box Canyon

I went hiking with some pals yesterday! We took a drive up to Box Canyon, just north of Payson. So gorgeous. The canyon was so beautiful, and green! (Oh yes, we have some greenery in the desert!) More photos to come! :)

10K

(photo via insidesocial.com)

I'm running in the Lost Dutchman Marathon 10K race on February 20th, 2011. My dear Sister suggested it, so we're going to do it together. And recently, my mom jumped on board. It's going to be a lovely bonding experience for us! So, I'm registered for the 10K starting at 8a.

Here's the dish, I'm not much of a runner. But, I want to be. So, I've officially started "training." While living in New York, I was motivated by my dear friend Amy to run along the West Side Highway. When I returned to Phoenix, I decided to run on the treadmill instead (running in 110 degrees, not happening). So, come the last week of September, I'll start running outside again.

So then, consider this my official commitment.

Photo Sesh

Jeff Ambrose is so stinkin' talented! Check out the photos from my graduation photo session... Thanks, Jeff! :)

See more of his work, and more of me (duh!), at jsambrose.com. 

My Return to Phoenix...

(photo via fffound.com)

Has been really lovely. I know I've been MIA - lots of stories to share. (Not gonna lie, it made my heart tinker when I started hearing from you, inquiries of my whereabouts!) Plus, Cue is gonna get a re-vamp. It's time for a change... Since New York City isn't my venue anymore. (Sigh.)

I miss it, as expected. I miss my independence. My own apartment. My own walk to work. My own Starbucks across the street. I made the right choice migrating west. But, I still miss it. 

"Life is a hell of a thing to happen to a person..." - Rossi

Plenty more to come. 

Phoenix

Indeed I just graduated, and I'm getting a lot of "What's next, Lauren??" and "Find a job yet??" and even a few "The real world is scary! Are you ready??"

So, what is next? Here's the story...

After careful consideration, I've decided to move back to Phoenix. Pause for reaction.

I've mentioned it in blogs here and there, and perhaps alluded to my excitement for returning to my hometown. The truth is, I miss it.

Yes, I love, love, love Manhattan. I have developed a sincere passion for this big city lifestyle. But, I'm ready for something else. Will I find it in Phoenix? Maybe. But, I know I've looked for it here, and I haven't found it. The next year will give me the opportunity to seek some field experience, now that I've completed my degree. And, I'd like to obtain my PhD one day, but the reality is... Money is a bit tight and it would be wise to spend my summer making a genuine investment in my future, that is studying for the GRE (Yikes!) and writing phenomenal letters to schools. And even better - spending some quality time with my family and friends. I miss my dear Miss Kate, my wonderful Sister, my supportive parents, and my lovely friends. I'm ready to make Phoenix a home, even if it's a temporary transition to something else. Sure, I've gotten some grief from some pals here in NYC, like I'm giving up on this lifestyle, like I couldn't hack it, like I disliked it all along... They joke, of course. But, the reality is... I did succeed here. I'm not giving up, simply moving along, heading in another direction.

So, I have a wicked to-do while I'm home! I still have four crazy weeks left in New York City. I've got some research to wrap up, and a few tasks to take care of. Naturally, I plan to make the very most of my final days in the city, embracing the grace and charm of this city. But, here are a few things on my mind...

1. Eat at Pita Pit with my gal pals. 

2. Shop at the H & M in Scottsdale with my Sister (Cha! There are H & M's in NYC, but I'd like to dig into a little big city shopping as a desert rat.)

3. Central Coast Wine Tour. 'Nuff said. 

4. Dance. Dance. Dance. 

5. Take an Aqua Zumba Class

6. Canoodle with my Mom, Sister, and Baby Kate

7. Go swimming. In a swimming pool. While it's 100 degrees outside. 

8. Cosmic Bingo! My friend Kristin piqued my interest yesterday. 

9. Drive. A car. With the windows down.

10. Get a good haircut. (I really only trust my hairdresser in Phoenix. Snobbish? No, just selective.)

11. Eat at Postino with Brie.

12. Do the Scottsdale Art Walk.

13. Go on a hot air balloon ride.

14. Go Salt River Tubing.

15. Find a job? Whoa, how did *finding a job* make it on this list?

16. Visit the Cave Creek Thieves Market. Have you ever heard of this??

17. Visit First Friday in Downtown Phoenix, hosted by ArtLink

18. Go Bowling. 

19. Join the gym again. Amen. 

20. Surround myself with family and friends. 

Guest Blogger - Katherin

I think I inherited my passion for the written word from my mother... I asked if she would like to contribute a little something to CueTheSunshine. She laughed, and then agreed. I think we both knew she would have something lovely to share about our dear Miss Kate - my dear sister's daughter... 

One of the best things about my job is my days off - freedom to do as I wish. Hours stretching out to read, relax, watch TV, or just sit and contemplate life. Today is one of those treasures and it is being spent with Miss Kate, a two-year old bundle of energy with an always ready smile and a mischievious glint in her eye.

My legacy... What life is truly about! We read books together, hop on one leg, run in circles and laugh as we tumble to the ground with the world spinning around us. I once read that the true meaning in life is shining our light into other people so they may discover things they've never before known. This may be true; but, there is nothing more rewarding than rediscovering your inner child with the help of an expert. With my granddaughter at my side, I am relearning things about me... Some I had forgotten and others I'd never before known.

- K.W.M.

Jeff Ambrose Photography

Who appreciates good photography? Ah, this girl does! Please check out the photography of the very talented Jeff Ambrose. He does Arizona wedding, portrait, and travel photography. I can seriously jump on his website and lose track of time, glancing over at the clock 30 seconds later... realizing 30 minutes have passed. I've already recruited him for my graduation photos... He just doesn't know it yet... :)

My most recent favorites...

Oh my, way to capture this moment!

How amazing is this light?!

And, I know these young ladies. Down-right phenom! 

No, I'm not kidding. This is legit. 

Easter

Happy (belated) Easter, my friends! I was out galavanting around the Cherry Blossom festival yesterday, enjoying a little Easter weather. However, check out the lovely goings-on in my hometown of Phoenix this past weekend...

(Baby Kate is turning into such a little lady!)

(These tulips make me love pastels even more,
if that was at all possible! Thanks for sharing, Brie!) 

Happy Birthday, Mama Meyer!

Dear, Mother. Happy Birthday!

You are truly the anchor of our family; we're so very blessed to have you in our lives. You have this magical strength to make things better with your listening ear and kind heart. Truth be told, I would have never ever made it to where I am without you. And I know others feel the same. I look up to you, more than you know - more than I tell you. I love you, Mom.

xoxo

Some stats

(photo via ffffound.com) 

I'm four weeks into my last semester at John Jay.
I'm four weeks into my externship.
I'm two months(ish) away from better weather.
I'm four months away from moving back to Phoenix.
I'm four months away from moving away from New York City.
I'm three months away from graduating.
I'm three months away from entering the real world. (Yikes.)
I'm seven months away from turning 25. (Crap.)
I'm ten months away from submitting my PhD apps. (Whoa.)

I'm two months into what will likely be the craziest year of my life.

Gosh, do things seem to be moving awfully fast??

We Put Ornaments on Palm Trees

It was a very mellow trip home. I spent a lotta time with my family re-establishing some of those family ties, while canoodling with my pals. Baby Kate has gotten so big! She's nearly talking, but still terrorizing the house, just as a two-year old should. We did the whole ZooLights thing this year, which was totally fabulous. Plus, I was able to share in the festivities at Jen and Matt's wedding! Oh yeah - and I watched the Suns get killed on the court a couple times. Bummer.

Ahh, a photo journal of my trip...

Bye Bye, Vacation!

Ahh, I won't lie to you. My vacation has been downright wonderful. (I even extended my trip by a few days, just so I could soak up the glorious Phoenix weather a bit longer!) I have so many silly stories to share about my trip. I got a crazy awesome hair-cut! I was in a wedding! I galavanted around town with my mom and sister and girlfriends! I saw some good movies... And some stupid ones... I ate. So. Well. (My dear mother and sister are fantastic little bakers.)

I'm back in the city on Sunday with tons of big things (and little things) on the docket! Can't wait to return to my groove!

Have a happy weekend. Plenty more to come! :)

Hello, Vacation!

(photo via azcentral.com)

Hello, Phoenix. Hello, 75 and sunny. Hello, late mornings. Hello, freshly brewed coffee (courtesy Mama & Papa Meyer). Hello, Mom & Dad. Hello, Sister. Hello, Brother. Hello, Baby Kate! ;) Hello, dear friends!  Hello, Mill Ave. Hello, Arizona State. Hello, Sedona. Hello, dancing! Hello, shopping. Hello, manicures and pedicures. Ahhh, hello flip flops...

New York, I'll see you in a month!

I bought a new dress!

And when I say I bought A new dress, I mean... I bought two new dresses. Mom, stop reading now.

My dear friend Jen is getting married next month (Ahhh!!) and I decided it would be nice to wear something new and sweet for the rehearsal dinner. The wedding is in Arizona and since I'm already home for Christmas, I decided to have it shipped directly to my parent's house. (Whoops.) So anyhoo, I'm down-right obsessed with Francesca's Collections. I was introduced to it several years ago while I was still living in Phoenix... It's a cute little boutique that sells sweet little dresses and gorgeous little earrings (among other things...) They have a website (AMEN!), so I've been able to feed my addiction from the comfort of my little shoebox in Hell's Kitchen.

The Winter Fling Dress

(photo via Francesca's Collections)

Paisly Mantra Dress

(photo via Francesca's Collections)

I plan to sass these up with some bodacious accessories. Done and done. Happy Tuesday! :)

Dear Lady Friends...

(photo via ffffound.com)

I've been feeling a little homesick, missing myself a little bit of honey from my girlfriends back home.

So, here is my dedication to my gal pals in Phoenix/Tucson/Flagstaff/SoCal/NoCal/Denver/Washington D.C./NYC/etc...

I have been blessed to be surrounded by a wicked group of fine lady friends. I met several of them in elementary school, junior high, high school... Several of them I met in college and several more in graduate school. I seem to share something special with each one of them, but there is one constant variable among them.

They push me to be a better person.

For me, it's absolutely imperative I surround myself with those who are changing the world in their own way - engaging their environments and teaching those around them what it means to wear her shoes, but carrying with those lessons an element of sheer enlightenment - to walk away from a learning experience with them and see things more clearly. I've learned something from each one of them and I'm confident I'll continue to do so.

Dear lady friends, thank you for impacting my life in one of those most wonderful ways possible. I'm a better person because of the relationships we share.