Sometimes, I think ours is the greatest love story I'll ever know.

who said you could breathe?

So, the whole (morning) summer classes thing?

WHY DIDN'T YOU JERKS STOP ME?

I've gone four days and I already feel like I'm dragging myself out of bed. And $250 on textbooks. For two classes. Gag. ME.

(And here's the moment where I pause to realize that I am so very fortunate to be able to go to school without worrying about student loans and other things of the like) (And here's the bratty side that says I DON'T CARE IT IS SUMMER LET ME SLEEEEEEP) (Like I registered for these classes against my will).

Anyway.

This week has been trying to clean up my room (everything has... exploded) and the usual heart-melters from this dude.

As per usual, I watched my nephew Vincent for our Friday. When it got around naptime, I put him in his bed (it seems he cannot fall asleep cuddling with his auntie anymore, tears tears). After a couple hours, my mom came over and he was still in his crib, but when she peeked in his room he was just waking up, so she snagged him and took him out to the living room. After a few minutes, he got down and stood next to where I was laying on the couch. I stroked his head for a second, then picked him up and he just snuggled right in with me for a bit, like he knew I missed it.

Have I mentioned that I LOVE this kid?

Other thoughts from the week:

1. Pearl Jam. What back burner have you been hiding on for all my life? I can't stop listening to "Nothingman."

2. Red lips are probably going to become a thing this summer. I just need to find a lipstick brand that I like (the lip gloss I've been wearing is a tad too sticky for my taste, boo).

3. I'm making my mom go see The Avengers with me sometime soon (hopefully tomorrow). I have a feeling it's going to solidify my need to have Whedon babies. Because my kids are kind of required to be awesome, and if they're Whedons, this is pretty much a guarantee.

Yeah, I just went there.

(FYI: Joss Whedon wrote/directed The Avengers and everything else awesome. And I am fully aware that he is married. I just need babies).

4. Graeter's Black Raspberry Chip Ice Cream is simultaneously the best and worst thing to ever happen to me. It's THAT good.

5. Why do I always end up making lists for my blog posts?

6. I set up Netflix to our TV through the Wii. Also one of those best/worst things ever.

7. I found Meredith of One Sheepish Girl, who is just downright adorable. She makes me want to knit. And bake. And generally be cuter.

6. If you haven't seen it, this is where I subtly push you to look at my previous post, because there are about 8 mix CDs that are unclaimed.

Don't forget to love on your momma's this weekend!

school's out!

You guys.

I'M FREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Well. Not yet. But in about eight hours, I'll be on my way home.

And, I mean, not totally free, because I'm taking a couple summer classes at the local community college until June, but whatever.

Technicalities.

It is ridiculously close to summer. I have one exam left (which I'm predicting to go very well). This post has been sitting in my drafts for like a week. And I want to celebrate. And what better way to celebrate than through music?

One of my very favorite things is to make mix CDs. I've made them as birthday gifts for friends, I made one for my Open House invitation when I graduated from high school. Before I got my new radio in my car (which has a USB hookup for my iPhone, that I am IN LOVE WITH) I had dozens of CDs in the center console.

I also have tried to make it a tradition to make an End of the Year/Christmas mix to give to the people closest to me, but, unfortunately, I totally dropped the ball this past year. I had a 40 song long playlist and even started the cover art for it, but it never got out of the production stages. Which wouldn't have been a huge deal if I hadn't told a few people that I was making it. And gotten their addresses from them. Hashtag: shameful.

So, I give thee That Sweet Summer Sound, a summer 2012 mix by yours truly.

 that sweet summer sound (< click that link if the player above doesn't work) from lexichelle on 8tracks.

Which kind of stems from my guilt of the total failure to get that last mix made and in the mail. But also because I've really been enjoying these songs and think I will continue to throughout the summer. And I think you will too. Aaaand I love to subtly force my good taste on people.

Kidding!

...Maybe.

Anyway. You can listen to the mix above on 8tracks, which has an Android and iPhone app if you're of the tech-geek/attached-to-your-smart-phone persuasion.

Here's the tracklist:

As much as I would love to send a physical copy of this to EVERYONE--because I mean, who doesn't like to get mail?--I've decided to make fifteen copies. A few of those I am setting aside to balm my shame of The End of the Year Mix That Didn't Happen (Hope, Jessica, Brittany--I'm lookin' at you), but the rest are up for grabs. Just comment below with your email address (or some other way to contact you if you "win"!) and one of your favorite songs for the summer: 2012 or from summers' past if you're feeling nostalgic. Because I'm nosy and want to know what you're listening to.

Depending on how many people comment, it will either be first come, first serve, or I will use a random name generator to pick the winners.

Or I will be handing them out on the street. I am prepared for all possibilities.

So, enjoy, and/or good luck! & share the tunage with your friends. Because that's what good would friends do. I'll be picking the winners on Monday, the 7th.