MIMM: First day jitters

Life has been full of ups lately, so it's only appropriate to link up with Katie for Marvelous in my Monday!

Today is the first official day at my new job, making this Monday especially marvelous, but also a little nerve-wracking. While I can't update on that just yet, I figured I'd look back on all the wonderful little things that have made me smile lately.

About two weeks ago I had won a giveaway from Roots hummus through Alexis' blog. This stuff is INCREDIBLE. My favorite so far has been the lima bean hummus...total shock since I never eat lima beans.

Still mourning the end of this tub...

Other flavors in the package included original, black bean, chipotle, red pepper, and thai coconut curry. I've only cracked into the first two so far. It's fantastic to have all of this hummus on hand, but of course it presents this typical first world / white girl problem:

One of the parents of the individuals on my caseload at my old job gave me this bracelet from India as a thank you/goodbye gift. It was such a sweet gesture, it really meant a lot!

A new job of course means new clothes. And what better than outlet shopping and sales? Nothing.

Hot pot lunch! No explanation needed.

Spending Saint Patrick's Day with a good friend, and snapping a super flattering selfie of the two of us. Love it, and her!

I hope everyone's Monday is just as marvelous as mine!

Half empty or half full, at least I have a glass.

The last few days have been tough for a number of reasons, but it has put some things into perspective. Life is a learning experience and I've definitely gotten my money's worth of lessons, good and bad, this week. 

I found out I didn't get that job that I interviewed for. I wanted it so badly and I was so upset. But it lead to a really meaningful, honest conversation that I've been avoiding for the last three years. Keeping that in mind, I think this is all meant to be. 

That same day, a good friend went through a traumatic experience that is leading into an ongoing battle. My heart goes out to her and her family as she deals with the situation. I can't even justify being upset about my own things when she has all of this going on. Life is so fragile and we need to appreciate what we have. You never know when it's going to be taken away. 

Times like these really put the memories of my dad in the forefront of my thoughts. I miss him so much. Three years, three months, and six days ago, and it still doesn't feel entirely real some days...