Unless something changes overnight and I suddenly become a daily blogger, this will most likely be my last blog of 2008. It's been awhile..3 months and 3 days to be exact, but one of my dearest friends has suckered me in to updating :)
Staying true to my blog title, my life has remained ever-changing in the past three months and over the past year... I expect even more change to come with 2009.
A quick review of 2008:
Survived senioritis and graduated with a BA in Journalism, PR
Quit a job that I loved
Started my first salaried job with good benefits and fun co-workers - a jumping point
Became a true adult - which includes paying all my bills
Fell in love, fell out of love
Broke a few hearts, had my heart broken
Moved into a fabulous apartment in the DFW metroplex
Lost friends, made new friends
Discovered a great church community through my roommate
Attended the first wedding of a close friend and previous roommate
Had countless other friends get engaged
Became the proud owner of a Beta fish, Zeus, and a crazy cat, Mohawk
Saw Death Cab for Cutie live
Took a roadtrip across California
Lived in Waco while not attending school
Experienced life... so much so that I can't paraphrase all of it, but there is a glimpse.
I have a few "new years resolutions" or goals for 2009 that all center around the idea that to be able to succeed in life you must be ready at each moment for anything that life throws at you. So if I think I should better something about myself, then there is no time like the present.
So as the new year draws closer I'll take just a bit more time to reflect on this past year and move forward to the blessings that await.
Love God,
Love people.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
late night movies...
For whatever reason it is 1 a.m. and I'm not tired... I am hungry though and there's nothing to eat, I really should have remembered to go to the store earlier.
So I'm watching "Something to Talk About" - I've never seen all of it so thought I should indulge tonight as I love Kyra Sedgwick and Julia Roberts. One thing I enjoy about movies is when they have that one line or one conversation that just sums the whole movie up. Here's the one for this movie...
Jamie: I'll say one thing, you southern women sure are easy to please.
Grace: I guess that's what comes from centuries of being bred to keep your expectations low.
While I am an easy going southern woman, I don't think it's about having kept low expectations. I think it's more about embracing life and learning to enjoy every moment. But then again..maybe there is a part of me that says if I care too much I might set myself up for a dissapointment and I'd rather not experience that. I mean if I am going to be completely honest. It is a small part though. The rest of it is just not wanting to miss out on anything. Maybe I'm talking in circles about many things :) Maybe it's time for sleep. Just think about it - if you are easy going then why and if not, then why not?
Goodnight all.
So I'm watching "Something to Talk About" - I've never seen all of it so thought I should indulge tonight as I love Kyra Sedgwick and Julia Roberts. One thing I enjoy about movies is when they have that one line or one conversation that just sums the whole movie up. Here's the one for this movie...
Jamie: I'll say one thing, you southern women sure are easy to please.
Grace: I guess that's what comes from centuries of being bred to keep your expectations low.
While I am an easy going southern woman, I don't think it's about having kept low expectations. I think it's more about embracing life and learning to enjoy every moment. But then again..maybe there is a part of me that says if I care too much I might set myself up for a dissapointment and I'd rather not experience that. I mean if I am going to be completely honest. It is a small part though. The rest of it is just not wanting to miss out on anything. Maybe I'm talking in circles about many things :) Maybe it's time for sleep. Just think about it - if you are easy going then why and if not, then why not?
Goodnight all.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Missing city life...
I did a bit of celebrating for my birthday today. After church I went shopping with my best-friend and used some birthday money to buy a couple of things for work and for my sister's birthday - we're only a few days (and years) apart. Shopping cures all for me. It's one of the few ways in which I'm an a-typical girl. Aftwards I met a friend and my parents for dinner and games at Dave and Busters. I'm a sucker for skee ball and anything that wins me tickets. What great joy than having 1000 tickets to get all the crap you never wanted? Like an LED ring, something you would wear to a rave, or a Cinderella key chain. But it's all part of the fun :)
On my way home from D&B I had a craving for something sweet. I had the idea to grab a shake at the McDonalds just around the corner from my sister's apartment, but at 9:10 p.m. their lights were off. In fact, everything but Wal-mart and Steak n Shake seemed to be closed but as I was on the opposite side of the street, I decided to check out the local H-E-B.
In north Dallas, local H-E-B's are a bit different than in Waco, especially this one which is a Central Market. Instead of your typical supermarket, there is one entrance. As you are greeted by a fresh array of fruits and vegetables, you begin to weave your way throughout the store which is set up to take you by every aisle before once more arriving at the front to checkout. It really is ingenious, a great marketing tool, though it was a bit frustrating as I just wanted some ice cream. But all was good after I found my favorite Ben & Jerry's - AmeriCone Dream. Quite seriously, though, Central Market is a fabulous store. It's similiar to Whole Foods, which I love as well. It holds a fabulous array of wine and out of season flowers. The flowers I know about because we went there last summer to get tulips for a wedding- definitely not a hot summer Texas flower.
In short, my little adventure to satisfy my sweet tooth proved that living in Dallas does not neccessarily mean I live in a city. My sister's address may say Dallas, TX but her neighborhood is just a reflection of suburbia just off a major highway. Everything here is so spread out. I was just discussing with a friend at lunch today that I knew where hubs of activity were in Houston, San Antonio and Austin, I'm just ready to find it in Dallas. Not just the occasional concert downtown.. Is there any part of this town that stays awake past 10 p.m. on a normal, non-holiday day? I just miss the business, day and night. Even if I don't want to do anything, it's just knowing that I can... ultimately... it's not New York. I guess that's what I miss the most.
Hopefully you've found a place to live that makes you fully happy :)
Love God, love people.
On my way home from D&B I had a craving for something sweet. I had the idea to grab a shake at the McDonalds just around the corner from my sister's apartment, but at 9:10 p.m. their lights were off. In fact, everything but Wal-mart and Steak n Shake seemed to be closed but as I was on the opposite side of the street, I decided to check out the local H-E-B.
In north Dallas, local H-E-B's are a bit different than in Waco, especially this one which is a Central Market. Instead of your typical supermarket, there is one entrance. As you are greeted by a fresh array of fruits and vegetables, you begin to weave your way throughout the store which is set up to take you by every aisle before once more arriving at the front to checkout. It really is ingenious, a great marketing tool, though it was a bit frustrating as I just wanted some ice cream. But all was good after I found my favorite Ben & Jerry's - AmeriCone Dream. Quite seriously, though, Central Market is a fabulous store. It's similiar to Whole Foods, which I love as well. It holds a fabulous array of wine and out of season flowers. The flowers I know about because we went there last summer to get tulips for a wedding- definitely not a hot summer Texas flower.
In short, my little adventure to satisfy my sweet tooth proved that living in Dallas does not neccessarily mean I live in a city. My sister's address may say Dallas, TX but her neighborhood is just a reflection of suburbia just off a major highway. Everything here is so spread out. I was just discussing with a friend at lunch today that I knew where hubs of activity were in Houston, San Antonio and Austin, I'm just ready to find it in Dallas. Not just the occasional concert downtown.. Is there any part of this town that stays awake past 10 p.m. on a normal, non-holiday day? I just miss the business, day and night. Even if I don't want to do anything, it's just knowing that I can... ultimately... it's not New York. I guess that's what I miss the most.
Hopefully you've found a place to live that makes you fully happy :)
Love God, love people.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Here's to 23 years...
I turned 23 on Wednesday. Let me tell you, it was one of the most uneventful birthdays I've had yet. Simply put, I had the displeasure of experiencing one of the worst cases of strep throat all week, which of course meant a lot of time spent at the house. But finally, I'm feeling normal again. I even got out of the house for the first time this week to accompany my parents and sister to the Plano Balloon Festival. With my sister and a friend from church, I was able to go shoot some photos on the field of skydivers and the balloons being inflated.. and then battery died. But I was able to spend time sitting with my parents and friends; I was a bit tired by then anyway. We did enjoy the standard fair food of corndogs, lemonade, and funnel cakes. Greasy and good!
Back tracking a bit... The 12th was my official last day with the City of Waco. It was definitely hard to say goodbye. I had lunch with my boss and coworker at one of my favorite spots, Homestead Heritage. It's just a short drive out of town but they have the best sweet potato jalapeno soup. The people are so friendly, it's a sustainable Christian community, but if nothing else - try the soup. After lunch my boss surprised me with a precious photo of my dear kitty, Mo, and a subscription to his favorite magazine Oxford American. The OA is quickly becoming my favorite as well.
My return to Dallas was just moments before Hurricane Ike hit (though it ended up curving and bringing just small amounts of rain to central and north Texas..). And after a quick stop to check in on Mo, I drove to see the grandparents with my parents. We also got to see my baby cousin and do a slightly belated celebration for his first birthday. He is precious :) But visiting the fam was where we also visited the doctor...but at least that brought medicine.
After once more returning to Dallas and just one day before my birthday, I got a very exciting call. The week before I had interviewed for a Marketing Specialist position, it seemed to go well and it apparently did as the call was to offer me the job. I never expected to land a job so quickly and if I hadn't been sick, I probably would have been much more excited but thankfully everyone else held excitement for me. So with just a bit of paperwork standing in my way, I will soon be gainfully employed!
Honestly, not having my Baylor friends around me on my birthday was definitely a hard experience. Not only was it the first time in four years to be without them, it was also the first time to not have a themed party. It may seem silly but it's true...Freshman year it was all Baylor, with tons of green balloons and streamers-thanks to my bestest. Sophomore year was the infamous Purple Party, followed by an 80s theme for my 21st. Last year my best-friend (soon to be roommate!) and my younger sister threw a killer 20s party for me. I seriously have some of the most precious friends who have created amazing memories for me. Yes, this year was very different, but now they are in different countries like Thailand and the Netherlands, different states like Mississippi or Indiana, and different cities like Houston or Waco. I can say my lovely girls at the City gave me a precious call to sing Happy Birthday. Also my Dad picked out an awesome chocolate cake with Bavarian cream - seriously amazing.
There's is my quick look at the past birthday and the upcoming job. More updates to follow...
Love God, love people.
Back tracking a bit... The 12th was my official last day with the City of Waco. It was definitely hard to say goodbye. I had lunch with my boss and coworker at one of my favorite spots, Homestead Heritage. It's just a short drive out of town but they have the best sweet potato jalapeno soup. The people are so friendly, it's a sustainable Christian community, but if nothing else - try the soup. After lunch my boss surprised me with a precious photo of my dear kitty, Mo, and a subscription to his favorite magazine Oxford American. The OA is quickly becoming my favorite as well.
My return to Dallas was just moments before Hurricane Ike hit (though it ended up curving and bringing just small amounts of rain to central and north Texas..). And after a quick stop to check in on Mo, I drove to see the grandparents with my parents. We also got to see my baby cousin and do a slightly belated celebration for his first birthday. He is precious :) But visiting the fam was where we also visited the doctor...but at least that brought medicine.
After once more returning to Dallas and just one day before my birthday, I got a very exciting call. The week before I had interviewed for a Marketing Specialist position, it seemed to go well and it apparently did as the call was to offer me the job. I never expected to land a job so quickly and if I hadn't been sick, I probably would have been much more excited but thankfully everyone else held excitement for me. So with just a bit of paperwork standing in my way, I will soon be gainfully employed!
Honestly, not having my Baylor friends around me on my birthday was definitely a hard experience. Not only was it the first time in four years to be without them, it was also the first time to not have a themed party. It may seem silly but it's true...Freshman year it was all Baylor, with tons of green balloons and streamers-thanks to my bestest. Sophomore year was the infamous Purple Party, followed by an 80s theme for my 21st. Last year my best-friend (soon to be roommate!) and my younger sister threw a killer 20s party for me. I seriously have some of the most precious friends who have created amazing memories for me. Yes, this year was very different, but now they are in different countries like Thailand and the Netherlands, different states like Mississippi or Indiana, and different cities like Houston or Waco. I can say my lovely girls at the City gave me a precious call to sing Happy Birthday. Also my Dad picked out an awesome chocolate cake with Bavarian cream - seriously amazing.
There's is my quick look at the past birthday and the upcoming job. More updates to follow...
Love God, love people.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Great Wolf Lodge
Last weekend my lovely friend invited me and four other girls to spend a free night with her at with Great Wolf Lodge. I've been wanting to write a blog about it, but have had a crazy week, so what better time to write than while sitting in one of my favorite coffee shops?
So last Friday night, six of us girls infiltrated Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine on a mission to have some fun! We had a two bedroom suite and our stay (as does every stay) included access to the indoor waterpark.
For a greater part of Friday evening there were only three girls, as the other three planned to come much later. Not wanting to waste anytime, we set out to explore and soon decided to join all of the kids running around playing the hotel-wide game, MagiQuest. We began our quest by having our wand activated (yes, a wand) and consulting the wizard in the tree. Our first quest required us to light up four torches before gaining our first token which advanced us, the Mac Mamma Magis, towards becoming the Quest Masters. I know, it sounds pretty crazy, but you actually get into it and it's obvious that the kids love it. There are things to find on each of the eight floors and your quests are accomplished by waving your wand and lighting things up. Guess you'll just have to play to understand...
After conquering a few quests, we decided it was time for dinner and soon after that - the waterpark. One of my friend's co-workers told her that she would need to ride the signature ride, the Howling Tornado, at least four times to fully enjoy it and I do believe she was correct. Watch the video on their web site and you can see how amazing it looks, but you can never understand the rush without experiencing it first hand. It's completely safe, but as your tube soars from side to side it feels as if you will fly out.. Sounds scary but it's really cool. I will admit though, I would give it a try first in the daylight, when the funnel is lit, and then at night. Once the sun has gone down, the funnel is pitch black with a few strobe lights to enhance the ride into a heart-jumping experience.
Truly though, the entire park is cool. We were only able to experience the inside park as the outdoor park closes after Labor Day. But we rode everything from individual to group slides, floated through the river, and soaked in the hot tub. After about two hours that evening, we returned with more girls the next morning, at which point we re-rode the Howling Tornado and tried out a few more slides.
I can say with confidence that the Great Wolf Lodge lives up to its name of being great. There is so much for families to do together and it is set up to encourage family activities. Aside from MagiQuest and the waterpark, there is Storytime, an arcade and weekly activities. So book it for a family weekend or plan your next family reunion there, I highly recommend it. While you have no need to leave the lodge, in a place like Grapevine you can and still have plenty to do as the mall is few blocks away and Dallas is just a short drive down the highway.
Go, enjoy.
I did :)
So last Friday night, six of us girls infiltrated Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine on a mission to have some fun! We had a two bedroom suite and our stay (as does every stay) included access to the indoor waterpark.
For a greater part of Friday evening there were only three girls, as the other three planned to come much later. Not wanting to waste anytime, we set out to explore and soon decided to join all of the kids running around playing the hotel-wide game, MagiQuest. We began our quest by having our wand activated (yes, a wand) and consulting the wizard in the tree. Our first quest required us to light up four torches before gaining our first token which advanced us, the Mac Mamma Magis, towards becoming the Quest Masters. I know, it sounds pretty crazy, but you actually get into it and it's obvious that the kids love it. There are things to find on each of the eight floors and your quests are accomplished by waving your wand and lighting things up. Guess you'll just have to play to understand...
After conquering a few quests, we decided it was time for dinner and soon after that - the waterpark. One of my friend's co-workers told her that she would need to ride the signature ride, the Howling Tornado, at least four times to fully enjoy it and I do believe she was correct. Watch the video on their web site and you can see how amazing it looks, but you can never understand the rush without experiencing it first hand. It's completely safe, but as your tube soars from side to side it feels as if you will fly out.. Sounds scary but it's really cool. I will admit though, I would give it a try first in the daylight, when the funnel is lit, and then at night. Once the sun has gone down, the funnel is pitch black with a few strobe lights to enhance the ride into a heart-jumping experience.
Truly though, the entire park is cool. We were only able to experience the inside park as the outdoor park closes after Labor Day. But we rode everything from individual to group slides, floated through the river, and soaked in the hot tub. After about two hours that evening, we returned with more girls the next morning, at which point we re-rode the Howling Tornado and tried out a few more slides.
I can say with confidence that the Great Wolf Lodge lives up to its name of being great. There is so much for families to do together and it is set up to encourage family activities. Aside from MagiQuest and the waterpark, there is Storytime, an arcade and weekly activities. So book it for a family weekend or plan your next family reunion there, I highly recommend it. While you have no need to leave the lodge, in a place like Grapevine you can and still have plenty to do as the mall is few blocks away and Dallas is just a short drive down the highway.
Go, enjoy.
I did :)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Transition Phase 2
Transition phase 1 was easy, well, compared to phase 2. Phase 1 consisted of college graduation and working all summer in Waco. Phase 2 consists of finding a real job and moving out of Waco.
I have finally decided to move to DFW to room with my best-friend; I have come full circle as this was the plan before graduation! Now the trouble is finding a job. Everyone is eager to assist me and I have been eagerly applying, but nothing has come about yet. Both of the girls I work with, my boss, my boss' boss, my friends, my parents and one of my professors have been sending me job posts. Now if I can just get to the interview stage.. But as my friend Meagan said, the job will arrive when I least expect it and when I need it most. Patience is what I will have to have until then.
This summer was amazing. I was finally able to devote a full schedule to working at the City and I grew in my understanding of events, marketing and pr. I truly love my job and all the people I work with. I love my office, even though it isn't very pretty and two large pa speakers take up most of one wall. My boss has refused to turn my resignation letter over to HR, so I believe that means he doesn't want me to leave.. Actually he's told me to stay time and again, as have my girls, but I really think it's time. I have lived in this city for 4 1/2 years, a long time for my history, and over the past year I have finally fallen in love with it. I have always loved Baylor, but now I love Waco too. But this is a sad love story, one which I may return to if fate shall have it, but for now I must look for something else. Another town in which to grow and become the adult I like to pretend I am.
On Friday (September 5) was supposed to be my final day at the City, but I've agreed to return next weekend. So I am officially at a loss as to when my last actual day will be, but I am certain that I am moving my things to Dallas on Friday. I need stability and there is a faint shadow of such in Dallas at the moment. I am excited about next Saturday; we are having our Puppy Plunge Day at Waco Water Park. It's the weekend before the pools are drained for the winter so we are allowing any and all nice dogs to come swim and play. I have spent so much time in the planning, sponsor gathering, creating ads, and such that I would hate to miss it.
Well it's rather late.. I wish I had blogged more over the past two months, but it's in the past now. The quickest update I have is the following: Mo is nearly 6 mo and is getting big. I have a fish, Zeus. July 4 was amazing with our final Brazos Nights concert and fireworks, Fourth on the Brazos. I spent a couple of weekends in San Antonio with some fabulous people, while also traveling to Houston for a work conference and Branson for a family vacation. More of my friends have gotten married and even more engaged; one for which I will be a bridesmaid. I miss New York and the general hustle and bustle of a large city. I feel weird being in Waco with all of my friends in different cities, states and countries..
That's all I have for now.
Love God, love people.
I have finally decided to move to DFW to room with my best-friend; I have come full circle as this was the plan before graduation! Now the trouble is finding a job. Everyone is eager to assist me and I have been eagerly applying, but nothing has come about yet. Both of the girls I work with, my boss, my boss' boss, my friends, my parents and one of my professors have been sending me job posts. Now if I can just get to the interview stage.. But as my friend Meagan said, the job will arrive when I least expect it and when I need it most. Patience is what I will have to have until then.
This summer was amazing. I was finally able to devote a full schedule to working at the City and I grew in my understanding of events, marketing and pr. I truly love my job and all the people I work with. I love my office, even though it isn't very pretty and two large pa speakers take up most of one wall. My boss has refused to turn my resignation letter over to HR, so I believe that means he doesn't want me to leave.. Actually he's told me to stay time and again, as have my girls, but I really think it's time. I have lived in this city for 4 1/2 years, a long time for my history, and over the past year I have finally fallen in love with it. I have always loved Baylor, but now I love Waco too. But this is a sad love story, one which I may return to if fate shall have it, but for now I must look for something else. Another town in which to grow and become the adult I like to pretend I am.
On Friday (September 5) was supposed to be my final day at the City, but I've agreed to return next weekend. So I am officially at a loss as to when my last actual day will be, but I am certain that I am moving my things to Dallas on Friday. I need stability and there is a faint shadow of such in Dallas at the moment. I am excited about next Saturday; we are having our Puppy Plunge Day at Waco Water Park. It's the weekend before the pools are drained for the winter so we are allowing any and all nice dogs to come swim and play. I have spent so much time in the planning, sponsor gathering, creating ads, and such that I would hate to miss it.
Well it's rather late.. I wish I had blogged more over the past two months, but it's in the past now. The quickest update I have is the following: Mo is nearly 6 mo and is getting big. I have a fish, Zeus. July 4 was amazing with our final Brazos Nights concert and fireworks, Fourth on the Brazos. I spent a couple of weekends in San Antonio with some fabulous people, while also traveling to Houston for a work conference and Branson for a family vacation. More of my friends have gotten married and even more engaged; one for which I will be a bridesmaid. I miss New York and the general hustle and bustle of a large city. I feel weird being in Waco with all of my friends in different cities, states and countries..
That's all I have for now.
Love God, love people.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Living in shades of grey...
Update - no job prospects, no location prospects, no direction.
Main reason - no idea what I want to do or where I want to live.
Upside - I have a new kitten. Mohawk or Mo. He's learning to be sweet and I'm not allergic to him.
The rest.. well maybe Colbie can explain that for me...
"Waited all my life for this day to come
I feel like letting go, life goes on
Wasting no more time
So much to be done
Everything works out
So they say
Over my shoulder, it's tough getting older
Yeah, yeah.......
(Chorus)
Seems like nothing is black and white anymore
Shades of grey and I feel a weight over my shoulder
It's tough getting older
I always thought that I knew where I'd want to go
Now I'm here and I find that I'm still getting colder
It's kinda tough getting older
Here before my eyes, many roads ahead
Time for me to choose one way now
If I take a chance
What lies down the road
Feeling so confused, turned round
On and on, on and on
yeah yeah....."
(abridged)
Main reason - no idea what I want to do or where I want to live.
Upside - I have a new kitten. Mohawk or Mo. He's learning to be sweet and I'm not allergic to him.
The rest.. well maybe Colbie can explain that for me...
"Waited all my life for this day to come
I feel like letting go, life goes on
Wasting no more time
So much to be done
Everything works out
So they say
Over my shoulder, it's tough getting older
Yeah, yeah.......
(Chorus)
Seems like nothing is black and white anymore
Shades of grey and I feel a weight over my shoulder
It's tough getting older
I always thought that I knew where I'd want to go
Now I'm here and I find that I'm still getting colder
It's kinda tough getting older
Here before my eyes, many roads ahead
Time for me to choose one way now
If I take a chance
What lies down the road
Feeling so confused, turned round
On and on, on and on
yeah yeah....."
(abridged)
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Unsure but moving on
It's odd how being unsure about one thing in your life can affect the entirety of who you are.
I don't know what I want to be when I grow up or what I want to do, but honestly.. I'm not too concerned. I get concerned at times when my friends at work harass me to find a steady, full-time job, but I know they really just want me to find one in Waco. They really don't think I'm leaving.. sometimes I can imagine not leaving,but deep down I know I am. In exactly 2 months. Here's the crazy part. I have no idea where I'm going or what I'm doing, but I'm not scared and that is not the part of my life that is confusing me.
No the part that is confusing me.. that part has me all twisted up. That part has led me to make one too many poor choices in the past few months. But it's also led me to discover some really amazing people, one in particular, and really just left me more confused than ever.
I have just reached a point in my life where everything that I ever wished for or dreamed of, was coming true - or so I thought. When it all came crashing down I was like a child caught in a crumbling building, not knowing why the earth was shaking. I walked away shaken, but only slightly cut and bruised. The scars are still there, but only I can see them. For awhile I blamed this experience as my reason for acting out. My reason for being careless for what I had been holding dear - my belief. My belief was still there, I couldn't get rid of it, but I was scared of it so I pushed it as far away as I could. I kept pushing and soon it was far away. Soon I couldn't blame proceeding events on the first incident, no, I needed new excuses. But I couldn't think of any and I still can't. Just the other weekend a friend was getting out of her car, trying to explain my actions to others, but as I overheard her I knew she didn't know me. I may not know or understand myself, but I know what is not.. that was not.. now just to figure out what is... And to figure out why what I do matters so much to others. Am I supposed to be that perfect? When the situation is reversed, it's not a big deal for them, but put me in the limelight and suddenly I'm being judged from every angle. I'm not perfect and I wish to make my choices or mistakes, if they turn out to be such, myself.
So continue to assume that you know me. Continue to assume that you understand this blog. But I can assure you that you don't on either account. I barely know myself..and you'll probably now assume something worse than the truth from my lousy metaphors.
Here I am. Unsure and unaware of where to go from here. Should I cling back to my old beliefs, should they be modified, should they be trashed and recreated? What do I believe in now?
I'm off to find answers.
I do know this though:
Love God, Love People. Ultimately it will make you happy.
I don't know what I want to be when I grow up or what I want to do, but honestly.. I'm not too concerned. I get concerned at times when my friends at work harass me to find a steady, full-time job, but I know they really just want me to find one in Waco. They really don't think I'm leaving.. sometimes I can imagine not leaving,but deep down I know I am. In exactly 2 months. Here's the crazy part. I have no idea where I'm going or what I'm doing, but I'm not scared and that is not the part of my life that is confusing me.
No the part that is confusing me.. that part has me all twisted up. That part has led me to make one too many poor choices in the past few months. But it's also led me to discover some really amazing people, one in particular, and really just left me more confused than ever.
I have just reached a point in my life where everything that I ever wished for or dreamed of, was coming true - or so I thought. When it all came crashing down I was like a child caught in a crumbling building, not knowing why the earth was shaking. I walked away shaken, but only slightly cut and bruised. The scars are still there, but only I can see them. For awhile I blamed this experience as my reason for acting out. My reason for being careless for what I had been holding dear - my belief. My belief was still there, I couldn't get rid of it, but I was scared of it so I pushed it as far away as I could. I kept pushing and soon it was far away. Soon I couldn't blame proceeding events on the first incident, no, I needed new excuses. But I couldn't think of any and I still can't. Just the other weekend a friend was getting out of her car, trying to explain my actions to others, but as I overheard her I knew she didn't know me. I may not know or understand myself, but I know what is not.. that was not.. now just to figure out what is... And to figure out why what I do matters so much to others. Am I supposed to be that perfect? When the situation is reversed, it's not a big deal for them, but put me in the limelight and suddenly I'm being judged from every angle. I'm not perfect and I wish to make my choices or mistakes, if they turn out to be such, myself.
So continue to assume that you know me. Continue to assume that you understand this blog. But I can assure you that you don't on either account. I barely know myself..and you'll probably now assume something worse than the truth from my lousy metaphors.
Here I am. Unsure and unaware of where to go from here. Should I cling back to my old beliefs, should they be modified, should they be trashed and recreated? What do I believe in now?
I'm off to find answers.
I do know this though:
Love God, Love People. Ultimately it will make you happy.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Trying to slow down.. and figure out life.
Sometimes, new isn't always best or good.
I'm starting to figure that out.
I've always embraced the new. But then again, I've been running towards it most of my life. I have moments where I stop and embrace the present, but usually I'm looking forward to the future, to what's next.
Let's take graduation. I was so excited to be done. I hated half of my classes and I just wanted to never study again. But I'm through and I still have a mile-long list of things I have to do that never seems to get done. And while I was ready to move on to the next chapter in my life, I barely realized or accepted the fact that it probably wouldn't include most of my friends. I forgot about the fact that my summer roommate moving in meant my little sister was moving out. I didn't take into account how far away some states are or how unlikely it is that I'll actually make that roadtrip to see that person, even if I really want to.
So yeah, my future holds new faces, new places and lots of promise.. But I'm starting to wonder if I'll run right through it as well.
How do you slow down when you're so used to running? Can you really switch to a marathon or relay from a 100 meter dash?
The other scary part.. When I have slowed down, it came with heartache in some form or fashion. I don't want heartache. And while some new things on the horizon are interesting and tempting.. They're also scary.
How do you know you're making the right choice? What if you choose one thing and in the process miss something better? I know you just have to take a chance sometimes, but that is sometimes.. what about the other times? How do you know when to take a chance and when not to?
So life goes on. Perhaps at a slower pace. I don't want to miss anything, I want to enjoy the friendships and the life I currently have, but I don't want to go at such a speed that everything becomes a blur in the end.
I think I'll take up jogging. ;)
I'm starting to figure that out.
I've always embraced the new. But then again, I've been running towards it most of my life. I have moments where I stop and embrace the present, but usually I'm looking forward to the future, to what's next.
Let's take graduation. I was so excited to be done. I hated half of my classes and I just wanted to never study again. But I'm through and I still have a mile-long list of things I have to do that never seems to get done. And while I was ready to move on to the next chapter in my life, I barely realized or accepted the fact that it probably wouldn't include most of my friends. I forgot about the fact that my summer roommate moving in meant my little sister was moving out. I didn't take into account how far away some states are or how unlikely it is that I'll actually make that roadtrip to see that person, even if I really want to.
So yeah, my future holds new faces, new places and lots of promise.. But I'm starting to wonder if I'll run right through it as well.
How do you slow down when you're so used to running? Can you really switch to a marathon or relay from a 100 meter dash?
The other scary part.. When I have slowed down, it came with heartache in some form or fashion. I don't want heartache. And while some new things on the horizon are interesting and tempting.. They're also scary.
How do you know you're making the right choice? What if you choose one thing and in the process miss something better? I know you just have to take a chance sometimes, but that is sometimes.. what about the other times? How do you know when to take a chance and when not to?
So life goes on. Perhaps at a slower pace. I don't want to miss anything, I want to enjoy the friendships and the life I currently have, but I don't want to go at such a speed that everything becomes a blur in the end.
I think I'll take up jogging. ;)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
I might not be the golden one..
The grades are in, I passed, and on Saturday I graduate from college. Two days and I will officially be done with my undergraduate career. But of course I'm not done yet. No I still have memoir to write, a look back at my past four years at Baylor.
So far I've found that college is about learning responsibility, and as proven by me needing to write this, it is full of shunning that responsibility.
But let's recap.
Freshman year... I loved living in the dorms, really. There was always someone next door, down the hall, in the lobby, etc, to go to dinner with or catch a movie (I probably used my cell the least that year). Our entire hall in Kokernot, the K-knot Flamingoes, became close and most of us remain so today. There were also so many traditions to learn and experience. Much as the upperclassmen pretend to despise freshmen, we also know that without them we wouldn't keep most of our traditions alive. Honestly, we just hate that they are replacing us and there is no "back" button to be in their place again.
That year was also a lot about running away. I embraced freedom with a hungry desire to do whatever I pleased. I pushed the past to the farthest corner of my mind - and pushed a few people away, that's the part I regret.
But I don’t regret the friends I made. Two of my best-friends were made that year. During welcome week every minute is full of things to do, in a rushed attempt to acclimate and initiate freshman into college life. One of those things was a pep rally. I was half-interested and thoroughly bored once I arrived. Thankfully so was the girl next to me, Caroline. So we skipped out and walked back to the dorm together. Since that day, the girl has taught me more about myself than most of my friends. A few days later we had a hall dinner, which is where I met Shelly. Ha that girl has put up with more than anyone else. And through it all she has been a great friend.
Here's the funny thing about college friendships. Some people have strong best friends that they are inseparable from... but most change it up a bit...
Sophomore year I lived with two precious girls that helped strengthen me spiritually, and whether they know it or not, they helped me stop running. I think God intervened a bit too. Through circumstances, I was without a car and forced to rely on others and since I was the one always driving people to the frat parties, I was now hindered in going to them. But we had our own fun and our apartment, Tenneff, was known for its fun parties and hospitality. It came as a shock if a night passed and no one dropped in -- or there wasn't a thump on the wall from our neighbors telling us to come over. So new friendships were born and my ones from freshman year were pushed to the side some.
I also earned the nickname "button" along the way, I believe it was that fall... Anyway, that brings me to my other two best-friends: K and Tinks. They have been great. Through fights, laughter, ridiculous nights, boy drama and all - we're ending our college years together as the three musketeers.
It took me a year and a half to realize that all of the Cs, that I had actually tried to hard to get, were probably a good sign that business was not a good degree choice for me. So I switched to journalism, and dropped BIC - another source of Cs. Soon I was excelling and making the Dean's List. Sometimes it really does take just trying something to know what you will like and what you will be good at.
Junior year... In the fall I learned the difficulties of being an artist, and I learned I wasn't half bad. So studio art was officially my minor.
I also spent all of my time away from my house. It was a last minute choice and affordable, but I wasn't close to my roommates and it was so far from campus that I felt disconnected. So I took up temporary residents at the duplex where seven of my guy friends lived. Really, I was there during the day and only home at night. But I learned a lot from them... I learned what true Christian guys are like. They aren't perfect by any means, and at 20 and 21, they are still very immature :) I'm sure they'll love to hear that, but truly their love for Christ and their respect for me and other girls was always first and foremost.
That fall was also spent looking forward to the spring. From the first time I visited Baylor campus and learned of the Baylor in New York program, I was determined to go. My chance came Spring 2007. While it wasn't on Baylor campus, it was definitely my best Baylor experience - if I had to choose just one.
I learned that semester that sometimes independence can be lonely and frightening; you really need others to be there for you and with you. I also got a taste of the real-world through my internship with a public relations agency. Unfortunately, I mostly learned what I didn't want to do and what I do want to do became more vague. But our Baylor professor opened our eyes to the post-modern culture. The city opened me up to life outside of Baylor and family. The group as a whole was challenging. Most of us came away close friends, but while in NY there were fights, pettiness, and loads of gossip. I think we also balanced it with real conversations, random outings, fun nights and Grimaldi's pizza. Overall, we could have had a tame taping of the "Real-World" - like maybe a CW version or something.
Those three years led me to my Senior year.
Now everything has come full circle.
I moved into an apartment with my little sister and true best-friend. I also became best-friends with a girl I met freshman year, but it wasn't until this year that we really grew close. But it was this year that we needed our friendship. Amanda and I are probably two of the most different people on so many levels, but we have our similarities and grow from areas that we are different in.
On many levels senior year has begun to mirror freshman year... I have once again become a regular at Common Grounds. I have spent more time with my K-knot girls. I have partied a bit too much. I have dated more; experiencing good times and heartache. I have embraced more traditions. My house parties have brought together a very random assortment of four years of friendships - proven to the extreme by my final party as a Baylor undergrad.
In some ways this year started out relaxing and turned into a mad dash to the end. All along it has been very reflective... I have learned a lot in my four years - which is the longest time I have ever spent at one school.
I have learned to love and be loved. I can now say with confidence that I am an artist (I even had a piece chosen for the student art show) and I'm not a half-bad photographer. I learned that friendships come and go, but the ones that stick through the hard times really are the best. Marriage really isn't the main goal or the answer if you have no idea what to do with your life (some girls here still haven't learned that one). Everyone has insecurities and just wants to be listened to. Finding balance and doing nothing in excess; those are important life goals to live by. According to two of my roommates, success is made possible through two things: making a spreadsheet and networking. I think they have something there. Honestly I could not begin to name everything I have learned or just how Baylor has shaped who I have become, and how the experiences here will continue to shape me.
My darling sister once wrote something that I think is true to everyone as they embrace who they are:
"This is your life. Choose your backdrop; your characters who will shape what you will become, what you have become; the clothes you will be wearing when your breath is taken away; and the soundtrack that will play whenever, whatever.
Bring a smile to someone’s face. In fact, smile at those that hate you. They'll just be confused."
In the end the two most important things are these:
Love God.
Love people.
So far I've found that college is about learning responsibility, and as proven by me needing to write this, it is full of shunning that responsibility.
But let's recap.
Freshman year... I loved living in the dorms, really. There was always someone next door, down the hall, in the lobby, etc, to go to dinner with or catch a movie (I probably used my cell the least that year). Our entire hall in Kokernot, the K-knot Flamingoes, became close and most of us remain so today. There were also so many traditions to learn and experience. Much as the upperclassmen pretend to despise freshmen, we also know that without them we wouldn't keep most of our traditions alive. Honestly, we just hate that they are replacing us and there is no "back" button to be in their place again.
That year was also a lot about running away. I embraced freedom with a hungry desire to do whatever I pleased. I pushed the past to the farthest corner of my mind - and pushed a few people away, that's the part I regret.
But I don’t regret the friends I made. Two of my best-friends were made that year. During welcome week every minute is full of things to do, in a rushed attempt to acclimate and initiate freshman into college life. One of those things was a pep rally. I was half-interested and thoroughly bored once I arrived. Thankfully so was the girl next to me, Caroline. So we skipped out and walked back to the dorm together. Since that day, the girl has taught me more about myself than most of my friends. A few days later we had a hall dinner, which is where I met Shelly. Ha that girl has put up with more than anyone else. And through it all she has been a great friend.
Here's the funny thing about college friendships. Some people have strong best friends that they are inseparable from... but most change it up a bit...
Sophomore year I lived with two precious girls that helped strengthen me spiritually, and whether they know it or not, they helped me stop running. I think God intervened a bit too. Through circumstances, I was without a car and forced to rely on others and since I was the one always driving people to the frat parties, I was now hindered in going to them. But we had our own fun and our apartment, Tenneff, was known for its fun parties and hospitality. It came as a shock if a night passed and no one dropped in -- or there wasn't a thump on the wall from our neighbors telling us to come over. So new friendships were born and my ones from freshman year were pushed to the side some.
I also earned the nickname "button" along the way, I believe it was that fall... Anyway, that brings me to my other two best-friends: K and Tinks. They have been great. Through fights, laughter, ridiculous nights, boy drama and all - we're ending our college years together as the three musketeers.
It took me a year and a half to realize that all of the Cs, that I had actually tried to hard to get, were probably a good sign that business was not a good degree choice for me. So I switched to journalism, and dropped BIC - another source of Cs. Soon I was excelling and making the Dean's List. Sometimes it really does take just trying something to know what you will like and what you will be good at.
Junior year... In the fall I learned the difficulties of being an artist, and I learned I wasn't half bad. So studio art was officially my minor.
I also spent all of my time away from my house. It was a last minute choice and affordable, but I wasn't close to my roommates and it was so far from campus that I felt disconnected. So I took up temporary residents at the duplex where seven of my guy friends lived. Really, I was there during the day and only home at night. But I learned a lot from them... I learned what true Christian guys are like. They aren't perfect by any means, and at 20 and 21, they are still very immature :) I'm sure they'll love to hear that, but truly their love for Christ and their respect for me and other girls was always first and foremost.
That fall was also spent looking forward to the spring. From the first time I visited Baylor campus and learned of the Baylor in New York program, I was determined to go. My chance came Spring 2007. While it wasn't on Baylor campus, it was definitely my best Baylor experience - if I had to choose just one.
I learned that semester that sometimes independence can be lonely and frightening; you really need others to be there for you and with you. I also got a taste of the real-world through my internship with a public relations agency. Unfortunately, I mostly learned what I didn't want to do and what I do want to do became more vague. But our Baylor professor opened our eyes to the post-modern culture. The city opened me up to life outside of Baylor and family. The group as a whole was challenging. Most of us came away close friends, but while in NY there were fights, pettiness, and loads of gossip. I think we also balanced it with real conversations, random outings, fun nights and Grimaldi's pizza. Overall, we could have had a tame taping of the "Real-World" - like maybe a CW version or something.
Those three years led me to my Senior year.
Now everything has come full circle.
I moved into an apartment with my little sister and true best-friend. I also became best-friends with a girl I met freshman year, but it wasn't until this year that we really grew close. But it was this year that we needed our friendship. Amanda and I are probably two of the most different people on so many levels, but we have our similarities and grow from areas that we are different in.
On many levels senior year has begun to mirror freshman year... I have once again become a regular at Common Grounds. I have spent more time with my K-knot girls. I have partied a bit too much. I have dated more; experiencing good times and heartache. I have embraced more traditions. My house parties have brought together a very random assortment of four years of friendships - proven to the extreme by my final party as a Baylor undergrad.
In some ways this year started out relaxing and turned into a mad dash to the end. All along it has been very reflective... I have learned a lot in my four years - which is the longest time I have ever spent at one school.
I have learned to love and be loved. I can now say with confidence that I am an artist (I even had a piece chosen for the student art show) and I'm not a half-bad photographer. I learned that friendships come and go, but the ones that stick through the hard times really are the best. Marriage really isn't the main goal or the answer if you have no idea what to do with your life (some girls here still haven't learned that one). Everyone has insecurities and just wants to be listened to. Finding balance and doing nothing in excess; those are important life goals to live by. According to two of my roommates, success is made possible through two things: making a spreadsheet and networking. I think they have something there. Honestly I could not begin to name everything I have learned or just how Baylor has shaped who I have become, and how the experiences here will continue to shape me.
My darling sister once wrote something that I think is true to everyone as they embrace who they are:
"This is your life. Choose your backdrop; your characters who will shape what you will become, what you have become; the clothes you will be wearing when your breath is taken away; and the soundtrack that will play whenever, whatever.
Bring a smile to someone’s face. In fact, smile at those that hate you. They'll just be confused."
In the end the two most important things are these:
Love God.
Love people.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
I want to draw you a floorplan of my head and my heart
Sometimes I wonder if I am too open with who I am, how I feel and what I think...I have always had this wish to be mysterious, but it just isn't me. Looking beyond that; should I guard who I am? Should I make sure you are worthy to know who I am? But maybe I'm not as open as I feel I am or maybe you're just not listening, because you there are times when you make comments that make me wonder if you know me at all.
I do have secrets. Things that no one else knows, but most of them are not too interesting. At times I think about documenting them here- both as an attempt to understand myself better and to let you know more. But whenever I begin, I rarely finish. My words can't express somethings and others beg to not be expressed. I'm learning some secrets are better left untold and others are discovered when you least expect it by someone who knows your depths.
It's interesting to think how many layers of ourself that we have. Layers that are presented all as one piece to certain people, or individually to others. Layers that can become secrets... Layers that ultimately define you, whether you like it or not. I am not just a girl, I am more than that. I am a pastors daughter, a Christian, a writer, a lover, a friend, a sister, a cousin, a student, a photographer... My layers define me and define my likes/dislikes. But do you know all of them? Probably not. I doubt if anyone besides God knows all of them. Sometimes I wonder if I know all of them; I do know there are more to come.
Perhaps I am more mysterious than I give myself credit..
Perhaps I should finish reading for psychology...
I do have secrets. Things that no one else knows, but most of them are not too interesting. At times I think about documenting them here- both as an attempt to understand myself better and to let you know more. But whenever I begin, I rarely finish. My words can't express somethings and others beg to not be expressed. I'm learning some secrets are better left untold and others are discovered when you least expect it by someone who knows your depths.
It's interesting to think how many layers of ourself that we have. Layers that are presented all as one piece to certain people, or individually to others. Layers that can become secrets... Layers that ultimately define you, whether you like it or not. I am not just a girl, I am more than that. I am a pastors daughter, a Christian, a writer, a lover, a friend, a sister, a cousin, a student, a photographer... My layers define me and define my likes/dislikes. But do you know all of them? Probably not. I doubt if anyone besides God knows all of them. Sometimes I wonder if I know all of them; I do know there are more to come.
Perhaps I am more mysterious than I give myself credit..
Perhaps I should finish reading for psychology...
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Love.. As Defined by "Psychology in Context"
Passionate Love:
An intense feeling that involves sexual attraction, a desire for mutual love and physical closeness, arousal, and a fear that the relationship will end.
Companionate Love:
A type of love marked by very close friendship, mutual caring, liking respect, and attraction. (intimacy+commitment)
Triangular Model of Love:
The theory that love has three dimensions: passion (including sexual desire), intimacy (closeness), and commitement.
Romantic Love:
Passion + Intimacy
Liking:
Intimacy Alone
Empty Love:
Commitment Alone
Fatuous Love:
Passion + commitment
Infatuation:
Passion Alone
Consummate Love:
Passion + Intimacy + Commitment
Growing Love:
Feeling understood by your partner; feeling “validated,” that is, feeling that your emotions and point of view are respected; and feeling that the other person cares for you.
An intense feeling that involves sexual attraction, a desire for mutual love and physical closeness, arousal, and a fear that the relationship will end.
Companionate Love:
A type of love marked by very close friendship, mutual caring, liking respect, and attraction. (intimacy+commitment)
Triangular Model of Love:
The theory that love has three dimensions: passion (including sexual desire), intimacy (closeness), and commitement.
Romantic Love:
Passion + Intimacy
Liking:
Intimacy Alone
Empty Love:
Commitment Alone
Fatuous Love:
Passion + commitment
Infatuation:
Passion Alone
Consummate Love:
Passion + Intimacy + Commitment
Growing Love:
Feeling understood by your partner; feeling “validated,” that is, feeling that your emotions and point of view are respected; and feeling that the other person cares for you.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
It was good in the beginning...
Over the past few days this complex thing called "love" keeps appearing in conversations with unrelated, and usually random, people. I think everyone has a grasp of friendship love, sibling love, and such, but when it comes down to romantic love.. well.. where to begin..
I guess it's more complicated because everyone in my generation has their own ideal of how they will fall in love, or possibly when or with whom, but you kind of think you know what it will be like. All of our ideals, however, are dramatically influenced by the media and movies. I have admitted it before and I'll admit it again, I want the fairy-tale movie love story, but what I question is if it exists and if so, on what level.
It's just so strange.. I imagine love as this abstract presence that everyone on Earth is trying to grasp, but it floats just out of reach, except for the select few have conquered it and maintained a fast grasp. Is it true that some think they have grasped it, or think they've fallen in love, but they haven't really? But if they have, can you fall in love multiple times? And if you can, does that discount the idea of a soul mate?
One of my friends said that she was once told that she shouldn't look for someone she can live with, but someone she can't live without. Yet, as she has grown older she has flipped that view and truly believes she should find someone she can live with. But I would say find someone you don't want to live without, but also someone you can live with.. Well that just gets complicated again.
Overall, the general consensus has been that love typically appears when you least expect it.
Love itself scares me. Too many people abuse the use of word they say "I love you" as simply as they say "hello" and then the question arises as to whether they love you as you should love everyone, or do they mean "I am in love with you." Now we approach the two phrases that mean something completely different. I myself have only told two people in the past that I loved them, in the sense of being in love. At the time of each I truly believed it; now, looking back, I know for certain I wasn't in love with the first, and the second.. time still needs to answer that one.
While the idea and this concept of love may forever confuse me, and confront me as more of my friends are married off, I think I will just continue to pray that one day it will all be clear and make sense, without explanation. I just see it as something I will "just know."
Well, these are my rambling thoughts and here is a proverb that is my reasoning for being ever so cautious with serious relationships and silly boys..
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
Prov. 4:23
Love God, Love people.
I guess it's more complicated because everyone in my generation has their own ideal of how they will fall in love, or possibly when or with whom, but you kind of think you know what it will be like. All of our ideals, however, are dramatically influenced by the media and movies. I have admitted it before and I'll admit it again, I want the fairy-tale movie love story, but what I question is if it exists and if so, on what level.
It's just so strange.. I imagine love as this abstract presence that everyone on Earth is trying to grasp, but it floats just out of reach, except for the select few have conquered it and maintained a fast grasp. Is it true that some think they have grasped it, or think they've fallen in love, but they haven't really? But if they have, can you fall in love multiple times? And if you can, does that discount the idea of a soul mate?
One of my friends said that she was once told that she shouldn't look for someone she can live with, but someone she can't live without. Yet, as she has grown older she has flipped that view and truly believes she should find someone she can live with. But I would say find someone you don't want to live without, but also someone you can live with.. Well that just gets complicated again.
Overall, the general consensus has been that love typically appears when you least expect it.
Love itself scares me. Too many people abuse the use of word they say "I love you" as simply as they say "hello" and then the question arises as to whether they love you as you should love everyone, or do they mean "I am in love with you." Now we approach the two phrases that mean something completely different. I myself have only told two people in the past that I loved them, in the sense of being in love. At the time of each I truly believed it; now, looking back, I know for certain I wasn't in love with the first, and the second.. time still needs to answer that one.
While the idea and this concept of love may forever confuse me, and confront me as more of my friends are married off, I think I will just continue to pray that one day it will all be clear and make sense, without explanation. I just see it as something I will "just know."
Well, these are my rambling thoughts and here is a proverb that is my reasoning for being ever so cautious with serious relationships and silly boys..
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
Prov. 4:23
Love God, Love people.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils...
I have always been interested in this idea that the person you walk by today could be your best-friend or lover tomorrow. I was discussing it with a friend this past weekend; she graduated a year and a half ago and has since become friend with other alumns who live in Dallas. She thought it was crazy that they were in school together but were friends after; they could have had class together, or ate at the same restaurant, or attended the same party.
I never understood my obsession with this idea.. until today. My favorite movie is "You've Got Mail" - it's the only movie I can watch over and over again. It's also the first movie to really make me fall in love with New York. Anyway, the opening scenes show Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan on their morning walk to work. The visit the same places, just seconds behind each other, then pass each other without notice, only for the movie to end with them falling in love. Never again would they walk by and not notice each other...
So be kind to everyone you see today. Wear a smile on your face. You never know how they will impact your life today, tomorrow, a few years down the road... No matter what you'll walk away with memories :)
I never understood my obsession with this idea.. until today. My favorite movie is "You've Got Mail" - it's the only movie I can watch over and over again. It's also the first movie to really make me fall in love with New York. Anyway, the opening scenes show Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan on their morning walk to work. The visit the same places, just seconds behind each other, then pass each other without notice, only for the movie to end with them falling in love. Never again would they walk by and not notice each other...
So be kind to everyone you see today. Wear a smile on your face. You never know how they will impact your life today, tomorrow, a few years down the road... No matter what you'll walk away with memories :)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Diary-esque..
I'm an artist and an actress.
Ok, well, I am an artist.
Today marks my first gallery appearance. Our student and faculty art show reception was this evening; which consists of browsing the walls and pedastals to see if your work made the cut. My basket did, my two photographs did not. But out of 180 entries, that were cut down to less than 80, I think I did well enough. Maybe one day I'll have a gallery full of just my photographs.
My basket is made of jute wrapped in ribbon, titled Raindrops and is currently listed at $300, if anyone is interested.
As for being an actress - I was in my close friend's documentary today. She had asked me for help in recruiting guys, which I did, but at the last minute two of her girls didn't show so I was chosen to fill in. There were four guys, four girls, and the topic was the history of kissing in movies. When it comes out and she becomes famous from this Q&A, make sure to watch it and see how incredibly awkward I was.
That's pretty much the gist of my exciting day, on top of work and class. This weekend proves to be entertaining with a play, a Women's Leadership conference, and a fabulous Ethan Durelle concert.
Sorry that my blog is less informational and more diary-esque... hope you are enjoying my random thoughts and recaps of my life.
Love God, love people.
Ok, well, I am an artist.
Today marks my first gallery appearance. Our student and faculty art show reception was this evening; which consists of browsing the walls and pedastals to see if your work made the cut. My basket did, my two photographs did not. But out of 180 entries, that were cut down to less than 80, I think I did well enough. Maybe one day I'll have a gallery full of just my photographs.
My basket is made of jute wrapped in ribbon, titled Raindrops and is currently listed at $300, if anyone is interested.
As for being an actress - I was in my close friend's documentary today. She had asked me for help in recruiting guys, which I did, but at the last minute two of her girls didn't show so I was chosen to fill in. There were four guys, four girls, and the topic was the history of kissing in movies. When it comes out and she becomes famous from this Q&A, make sure to watch it and see how incredibly awkward I was.
That's pretty much the gist of my exciting day, on top of work and class. This weekend proves to be entertaining with a play, a Women's Leadership conference, and a fabulous Ethan Durelle concert.
Sorry that my blog is less informational and more diary-esque... hope you are enjoying my random thoughts and recaps of my life.
Love God, love people.
Friday, March 21, 2008
A week of new adventures...
May 2008 marks the date of my graduation from university. On the 17th I will receive my Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in journalism and a minor in studio art. After that day I will begin making my way into the real world. So what is a girl to do with drastic life changes looming in the distance? Travel. She should travel.
I may not be graduating for another two months, but I decided that Spring Break would be a fabulous time to see sights I have never seen before. With my best friend Amanda on board for a trip, we decided on California, as neither of us had ever been. From there we pitched around ideas of what city to visit, until the idea was given to us of driving down the Pacific Coast Highway. So we booked two one-way tickets, on in two San Francisco and one out of San Diego, we rented a car and we took off.
The PCH or Highway 1 is breathtaking, both in its beautiful views and its slightly frightening turns and sheer cliff drop-offs. It's similiar to riding a rollercoaster.. All the tension and build up while rounding the mountains, then a relaxing moments driving through berry farms, vineyards, and dairy farms.
As I said, our vacation began in San Francisco.
After a quick change of planes in Denver, we arrived just before lunchtime, giving us most of the day to explore. We quickly hit up Chinatown, after a drive through the "historic" sites. We found what is rumored to be the first Fortune Cookie Factory, but is definitely one of the oldest where the cookies are still hand-made. Two women make about 20,000 a day!
After that we headed to Fisherman's Wharf and in Ghiradelli Square we discovered a small cupcake shop with heavenly treats and the softest icing I have ever tasted- Kara's Cupcakes. They have only two locations, both in SF, and their ingredients are virtually all locally obtained and organic from Californian farms.
I selected the Rasberry Dazzle- a chocolate cupcake with sweet rasberry buttercream. It was positively divine and a must if you are visiting the city.
Of course, our trip would not be complete without driving across the Golden Gate Bridge and just simply taking in the lovely architecture which makes the city so unique... and of course, there are the hills, Lombard Street, and fighting to keep your car from rolling backwards.
After a night's stay in San Mateo, we drove to the in San Jose. It is a gorgeous Victorian home built by the late Mrs. Sarah Winchester, who inherited the Winchester rifle family fortune. After her baby and husband died, she saw a psychic who told her that the spirits of those killed by the rifle were attacking her. He said the only way to avoid the spirits would be to move West and build a house that she never finished. So for 38 years, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, she built. She oversaw everything and had a working farm as well. She included windows in the floor, doors that lead to walls, and stairs to the ceiling in her design to confuse the spirits. It's really amazing and so worth visiting.
It was after this that we were finally able to make it down to the PCH. It's probably the most beautiful from Santa Cruz to Monterey.
In Monterey we visited their Fisherman's Wharf and had a divine seafood dinner at Isabella's. Everyone along the wharf was begging us to choose their restaraunt, but I think we chose well.
The evening was spent at the Howard Johnson, which is nothing like most HJs. It was more like a sad, seaside motel. But we did drive by a few lovely bed & breakfasts, such as The Green Gable. The next morning we had an organic breakfast at the Wild Plum Cafe & Bakery. It was delicious. The eggs were better than most restaraunt eggs - they were real. Also, it was reasonably priced. If we weren't so full afterwards we would have tried one of the scrumptious looking muffins.
After a quick walk around Cannery Row, we drove on to Big Sur. There we were supposed to find a waterfall that runs in to the ocean. I'm still a bit confused by it, but I believe there is a Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and a Julia Pfeiffer State Park. Anyway, we visited the first, but should have driven on the the second. We did fina waterfall, but it wasn't too powerful and it runs into the river. Overall we hiked about 5 miles in 3 hours. We find a fabulous view from the top of one mountain, with more mountains to one side and the ocean to another side.
The hike wore us out, but we were spurred on to the Hearst Castle outside San Simeon.
Unfortunately, we missed the last tour by about half an hour but I hope to go back one day.
That Tuesday was our longest travel day, but we made it into Santa Barbara by nightfall. Hotel Oceana was our stay for the night. It was really pretty and just across the street from the ocean. Unfortunately, it was a bit too chilly to enjoy the water the next day. We did however visit the Mission.
On Wednesday, the PCH took us into Malibu. There we had lunch at Geoffrey's. The view was gorgeous (that seems to be a constant comment that I make). The restaraunt is mostly outside and we sat the balcony overlooking the ocean. It is definitely on the high-price side, but you pay for the view and the we both enjoyed our food as well.
Malibu is very pretty and all located along the coast. Santa Monica was just as nice. We walked along the pier and the beach, passing just by the tents holding a film crew and Adam Sandler... sadly, there was no view of him.
Our evening that night was spent in Torrance, just by Redondo Beach.
We decided to spend it in and watch a movie. My friend Hunter came to visit us. It was great to see him as I haven't since my semester in NY.
Oh this is getting long... but it was a week :)
Moving on..
We visited Beverly Hills first on our full day in LA. We got Jamba Juice and walked Rodeo Drive, followed by a large cupcake from Crumbs. Mainly it was big and messy, but it was good too. We were searching for Sprinkles, but somehow we missed it.
Afterwards we attempted a drive of celebrity homes.. unfortunately the map we had was for more D-list celebs. So we made our way to West Hollywood. We drove along Sunset Blvd, saw the stars along Hollywood Blvd, and viewed the imprints in front of Mann's Chinese Theater. It was rather dissapointing though. It's dirty and we happened to walk up on the end of fight, after being surrounded by school groups.. But at least we can say we saw it and the sign. My favorite part was shopping at H&M on Sunset. I so love that store :)
For fabulous Italian food in Torrance you must try Aliotta's Via Firenze. As the menu says, the dishes will take you back to Italy (I suppose even if you are like me and you've never been). The exterior is deceiving as the interior is charming and warm. Try it, you'll love it.
So there, most of the week was finished.
Friday we drove out to Riverside and met my cousin Zach for lunch at his school, California Baptist University. It was so good to see him.
After that we drove in to San Diego, hoping to lay out on Pacific Beach, only to find that it was much cooler than LA... so much so that we were wrapped up in sweatshirts. But it gave us time to drive around the City and over to see the Hotel del Coronado. I hope to stay there some time.
Our hotel was supposed to be in San Diego, but it was actually about 30 minutes away.. We did try out the hot tub, before showering and heading out to the Gas Lamp District. There we had a rich souffle at Bella Luna.
Our final day was spent at the San Diego Zoo. Amanda wanted to see the pandas :) We bought a value pass so that we could take a bus tour and got a quick overview as we only had 2 hours. We did miss the monkeys, but we took a gondola or "skyfari" trip over the zoo.
For lunch we had In-And-Out, which was what I really wanted. It was really good, but just like any Mom-and-Pop shop. So definitely a bonus for fast food. But we took the drive-thru since we had to drop off our car... did I mention we drove a PT Cruiser.. hmm... that was something else.
Well, our plane brought us back. And though I miss the rolling green mountains of California, I plan to go back soon and check out everything I missed, including Disneyland!
I may not be graduating for another two months, but I decided that Spring Break would be a fabulous time to see sights I have never seen before. With my best friend Amanda on board for a trip, we decided on California, as neither of us had ever been. From there we pitched around ideas of what city to visit, until the idea was given to us of driving down the Pacific Coast Highway. So we booked two one-way tickets, on in two San Francisco and one out of San Diego, we rented a car and we took off.
The PCH or Highway 1 is breathtaking, both in its beautiful views and its slightly frightening turns and sheer cliff drop-offs. It's similiar to riding a rollercoaster.. All the tension and build up while rounding the mountains, then a relaxing moments driving through berry farms, vineyards, and dairy farms.
As I said, our vacation began in San Francisco.
After a quick change of planes in Denver, we arrived just before lunchtime, giving us most of the day to explore. We quickly hit up Chinatown, after a drive through the "historic" sites. We found what is rumored to be the first Fortune Cookie Factory, but is definitely one of the oldest where the cookies are still hand-made. Two women make about 20,000 a day!
After that we headed to Fisherman's Wharf and in Ghiradelli Square we discovered a small cupcake shop with heavenly treats and the softest icing I have ever tasted- Kara's Cupcakes. They have only two locations, both in SF, and their ingredients are virtually all locally obtained and organic from Californian farms.
I selected the Rasberry Dazzle- a chocolate cupcake with sweet rasberry buttercream. It was positively divine and a must if you are visiting the city.
Of course, our trip would not be complete without driving across the Golden Gate Bridge and just simply taking in the lovely architecture which makes the city so unique... and of course, there are the hills, Lombard Street, and fighting to keep your car from rolling backwards.
After a night's stay in San Mateo, we drove to the in San Jose. It is a gorgeous Victorian home built by the late Mrs. Sarah Winchester, who inherited the Winchester rifle family fortune. After her baby and husband died, she saw a psychic who told her that the spirits of those killed by the rifle were attacking her. He said the only way to avoid the spirits would be to move West and build a house that she never finished. So for 38 years, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, she built. She oversaw everything and had a working farm as well. She included windows in the floor, doors that lead to walls, and stairs to the ceiling in her design to confuse the spirits. It's really amazing and so worth visiting.
It was after this that we were finally able to make it down to the PCH. It's probably the most beautiful from Santa Cruz to Monterey.
In Monterey we visited their Fisherman's Wharf and had a divine seafood dinner at Isabella's. Everyone along the wharf was begging us to choose their restaraunt, but I think we chose well.
The evening was spent at the Howard Johnson, which is nothing like most HJs. It was more like a sad, seaside motel. But we did drive by a few lovely bed & breakfasts, such as The Green Gable. The next morning we had an organic breakfast at the Wild Plum Cafe & Bakery. It was delicious. The eggs were better than most restaraunt eggs - they were real. Also, it was reasonably priced. If we weren't so full afterwards we would have tried one of the scrumptious looking muffins.
After a quick walk around Cannery Row, we drove on to Big Sur. There we were supposed to find a waterfall that runs in to the ocean. I'm still a bit confused by it, but I believe there is a Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and a Julia Pfeiffer State Park. Anyway, we visited the first, but should have driven on the the second. We did fina waterfall, but it wasn't too powerful and it runs into the river. Overall we hiked about 5 miles in 3 hours. We find a fabulous view from the top of one mountain, with more mountains to one side and the ocean to another side.
The hike wore us out, but we were spurred on to the Hearst Castle outside San Simeon.
Unfortunately, we missed the last tour by about half an hour but I hope to go back one day.
That Tuesday was our longest travel day, but we made it into Santa Barbara by nightfall. Hotel Oceana was our stay for the night. It was really pretty and just across the street from the ocean. Unfortunately, it was a bit too chilly to enjoy the water the next day. We did however visit the Mission.
On Wednesday, the PCH took us into Malibu. There we had lunch at Geoffrey's. The view was gorgeous (that seems to be a constant comment that I make). The restaraunt is mostly outside and we sat the balcony overlooking the ocean. It is definitely on the high-price side, but you pay for the view and the we both enjoyed our food as well.
Malibu is very pretty and all located along the coast. Santa Monica was just as nice. We walked along the pier and the beach, passing just by the tents holding a film crew and Adam Sandler... sadly, there was no view of him.
Our evening that night was spent in Torrance, just by Redondo Beach.
We decided to spend it in and watch a movie. My friend Hunter came to visit us. It was great to see him as I haven't since my semester in NY.
Oh this is getting long... but it was a week :)
Moving on..
We visited Beverly Hills first on our full day in LA. We got Jamba Juice and walked Rodeo Drive, followed by a large cupcake from Crumbs. Mainly it was big and messy, but it was good too. We were searching for Sprinkles, but somehow we missed it.
Afterwards we attempted a drive of celebrity homes.. unfortunately the map we had was for more D-list celebs. So we made our way to West Hollywood. We drove along Sunset Blvd, saw the stars along Hollywood Blvd, and viewed the imprints in front of Mann's Chinese Theater. It was rather dissapointing though. It's dirty and we happened to walk up on the end of fight, after being surrounded by school groups.. But at least we can say we saw it and the sign. My favorite part was shopping at H&M on Sunset. I so love that store :)
For fabulous Italian food in Torrance you must try Aliotta's Via Firenze. As the menu says, the dishes will take you back to Italy (I suppose even if you are like me and you've never been). The exterior is deceiving as the interior is charming and warm. Try it, you'll love it.
So there, most of the week was finished.
Friday we drove out to Riverside and met my cousin Zach for lunch at his school, California Baptist University. It was so good to see him.
After that we drove in to San Diego, hoping to lay out on Pacific Beach, only to find that it was much cooler than LA... so much so that we were wrapped up in sweatshirts. But it gave us time to drive around the City and over to see the Hotel del Coronado. I hope to stay there some time.
Our hotel was supposed to be in San Diego, but it was actually about 30 minutes away.. We did try out the hot tub, before showering and heading out to the Gas Lamp District. There we had a rich souffle at Bella Luna.
Our final day was spent at the San Diego Zoo. Amanda wanted to see the pandas :) We bought a value pass so that we could take a bus tour and got a quick overview as we only had 2 hours. We did miss the monkeys, but we took a gondola or "skyfari" trip over the zoo.
For lunch we had In-And-Out, which was what I really wanted. It was really good, but just like any Mom-and-Pop shop. So definitely a bonus for fast food. But we took the drive-thru since we had to drop off our car... did I mention we drove a PT Cruiser.. hmm... that was something else.
Well, our plane brought us back. And though I miss the rolling green mountains of California, I plan to go back soon and check out everything I missed, including Disneyland!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Leavin on a jet plane...
In just over 24 hours I'll be headed to southern California. I'm so ready to get out of Texas. I love this state, but currently it's a bit suffocating.
In 10 weeks I will be walking across the platform at the Ferrell Center and receiving my undergraduate degree in journalism. Then look out world, this writer and photographer plans to make her mark. Not that I have any idea as to what that mark will be... but time shall tell.
But despite the fact that graduation is still two months away (such a short time!!), I am benefiting early with my trip to Cali. My sister got to go to New York, and while I adore the City, I chose a warmer climate that I have yet to experience. And experience it I will.. Flying in to San Francisco and driving the PCH to San Diego. I feel so blessed and excited! And very impatient..
So that's a very quick update. Short and sweet.
Here's my favorite song for the week:
Dave Barnes
The L.A. Song (cd: brother, bring the sun)
.....................
She drives down on Sunset
With the windows down
Just so she can let it in
She knows he's far-gone now
But there still are pieces
Pieces there still left of him
He uses love like a bullet from a gun
She's careful like a surgeon
Everywhere he goes they all know to run
But she can't help but love him
Love him
There is a picture sitting by her bed
Her reflection in his face
She has been meaning, meaning to move it
But it's always been his place
He uses love like a bullet from a gun
She's careful like a surgeon
Everywhere he goes they all know to run
But she can't help but love him
Love him
City of angels, everyone is sleeping
4 am and she's awake
She is moving, moving that picture
Someone will fill that space
Someone will fill that space
In 10 weeks I will be walking across the platform at the Ferrell Center and receiving my undergraduate degree in journalism. Then look out world, this writer and photographer plans to make her mark. Not that I have any idea as to what that mark will be... but time shall tell.
But despite the fact that graduation is still two months away (such a short time!!), I am benefiting early with my trip to Cali. My sister got to go to New York, and while I adore the City, I chose a warmer climate that I have yet to experience. And experience it I will.. Flying in to San Francisco and driving the PCH to San Diego. I feel so blessed and excited! And very impatient..
So that's a very quick update. Short and sweet.
Here's my favorite song for the week:
Dave Barnes
The L.A. Song (cd: brother, bring the sun)
.....................
She drives down on Sunset
With the windows down
Just so she can let it in
She knows he's far-gone now
But there still are pieces
Pieces there still left of him
He uses love like a bullet from a gun
She's careful like a surgeon
Everywhere he goes they all know to run
But she can't help but love him
Love him
There is a picture sitting by her bed
Her reflection in his face
She has been meaning, meaning to move it
But it's always been his place
He uses love like a bullet from a gun
She's careful like a surgeon
Everywhere he goes they all know to run
But she can't help but love him
Love him
City of angels, everyone is sleeping
4 am and she's awake
She is moving, moving that picture
Someone will fill that space
Someone will fill that space
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sonnet 85
My tongue-tied muse in manners holds her still
While comments of your praise, richly compiled,
Reserve their character with golden quill
And precious phrase by all the muses filed.
I think good thoughts whilst other write good words,
And like unlettered clerk still cry amen
To every hymn that able spirit affords
In polished form of well-refined pen.
Hearing you praised, I say "'Tis so, 'tis true,"
And to the most praise add something more;
But that is in my thought, whose love to you,
Though words come hindmost, holds his rank before.
Then others for the breath of words respect,
Me for my dumb thoughts, speaking in effect.
-dear, wonderful Shakespeare.
While comments of your praise, richly compiled,
Reserve their character with golden quill
And precious phrase by all the muses filed.
I think good thoughts whilst other write good words,
And like unlettered clerk still cry amen
To every hymn that able spirit affords
In polished form of well-refined pen.
Hearing you praised, I say "'Tis so, 'tis true,"
And to the most praise add something more;
But that is in my thought, whose love to you,
Though words come hindmost, holds his rank before.
Then others for the breath of words respect,
Me for my dumb thoughts, speaking in effect.
-dear, wonderful Shakespeare.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Trip down memory lane.. and into a curious mind...
I love to blog, but I seem to always run into a technical difficulty, such as the other night when it just wouldn't post and ended up closing. So lame. On the occasion that I take the time and it does actually post, my blog is usually one of random thoughts. I've begun to wonder if it's worth reading. I mean, I could continue to blog for my own entertainment, but I apologize if it is not entertaining to you. If you want entertaining, I know a boy who blogs about as often as I do and his is rather quirky - thought it is about a band... This is just about me... Anyway, enough of that.
So once again, my parents are moving. As usual this calls for the packing and "re-packing" of old memories, keepsakes and books - the only things I really have left at my parents house. Most of this was already in boxes, waiting for a time when I have more space of my own. But this weekend I sorted through all of it again.
Some of the things I held so dear to my heart in high school, seem completely useless and unimportant now. Other things I couldn't get rid of because it oddly seemed wrong, and yet I have no use for it other than to put it in a box.. Like my cheerleading uniform from junior high. What use is that? But who else would want it? I dont know. There were some interesting things to rediscover - like old love letters. When I was a freshman in high school I dated a junior. As this was a time before text messaging, note passing was still ever popular. In fact, this boyfriend of mine would type notes to me at home, after talking to me on the phone, and give them to me at school the next day. I don't know why I kept these (they were trashed this weekend..), but it put a small smile on my face when I read the notes that said nothing. I'm sure I was really excited to read it when I was 15, but now it just echoes the past empty conversations in shallow relationships. Hmm the joys of dating in high school :) Aside from that there were a few proclamations of desperate love from others.. only a few... but still fun to read.
I also read through a few assignments I kept from junior high, which actually made me cringe as I read them. They were terrible. Ok, my reports were good. I was a decent writer. But when writing anything personal, well, I just lost all creative writing expertise. I hope my writing now is not so awful, if so, divert your eyes immediately! But as for my old English teachers.. well bravo to them for bearing through!
As I left home yesterday, I left three boxes of mementos. A few boxes of toys and kids books that my parents will one day let me kids play with, and a house that I may never see again. Oddly enough, I'm only sad that I can't help my parents move - only because it is a lot of work and they need the help. But I really won't miss the house. Probably something to do with moving somewhere around 25 times in my lifetime...
Well, I'm off to a Texas Baptist Media Forum - because that's what writers do.. Or at least Baptist writers? I don't know. It's just to give me some direction for the future, if possible :)
Go listen to Matt Costa.
His music will make you happy.
Or.. you could always listen to some more sleeperstar, as I know you constantly have it on repeat. ;)
Love God, Love people.
So once again, my parents are moving. As usual this calls for the packing and "re-packing" of old memories, keepsakes and books - the only things I really have left at my parents house. Most of this was already in boxes, waiting for a time when I have more space of my own. But this weekend I sorted through all of it again.
Some of the things I held so dear to my heart in high school, seem completely useless and unimportant now. Other things I couldn't get rid of because it oddly seemed wrong, and yet I have no use for it other than to put it in a box.. Like my cheerleading uniform from junior high. What use is that? But who else would want it? I dont know. There were some interesting things to rediscover - like old love letters. When I was a freshman in high school I dated a junior. As this was a time before text messaging, note passing was still ever popular. In fact, this boyfriend of mine would type notes to me at home, after talking to me on the phone, and give them to me at school the next day. I don't know why I kept these (they were trashed this weekend..), but it put a small smile on my face when I read the notes that said nothing. I'm sure I was really excited to read it when I was 15, but now it just echoes the past empty conversations in shallow relationships. Hmm the joys of dating in high school :) Aside from that there were a few proclamations of desperate love from others.. only a few... but still fun to read.
I also read through a few assignments I kept from junior high, which actually made me cringe as I read them. They were terrible. Ok, my reports were good. I was a decent writer. But when writing anything personal, well, I just lost all creative writing expertise. I hope my writing now is not so awful, if so, divert your eyes immediately! But as for my old English teachers.. well bravo to them for bearing through!
As I left home yesterday, I left three boxes of mementos. A few boxes of toys and kids books that my parents will one day let me kids play with, and a house that I may never see again. Oddly enough, I'm only sad that I can't help my parents move - only because it is a lot of work and they need the help. But I really won't miss the house. Probably something to do with moving somewhere around 25 times in my lifetime...
Well, I'm off to a Texas Baptist Media Forum - because that's what writers do.. Or at least Baptist writers? I don't know. It's just to give me some direction for the future, if possible :)
Go listen to Matt Costa.
His music will make you happy.
Or.. you could always listen to some more sleeperstar, as I know you constantly have it on repeat. ;)
Love God, Love people.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
New Year...
I recently became reacquainted with an old friend... Hard to explain, but in this process I told this dear girl some of my past, and well, let's just say it didn't sound too pretty on my ears. I think everyone regrets something from the past, but I regret a lot. There is really nothing I can do to change the past, but in talking to her and with the start of a new year, I realized that I can continue to change my future. I made a lot of excuses for what I've done in the past, but here is the truth of it - I screwed up a lot and in some ways I'm a better person for it. In other ways, I'll just make sure to not make the same mistakes again...
So this new year has begun with some musings of the past and thoughts on the future.
This is the year I graduate from college. May 17th to be exact. I'll receive my diploma and jump to another stepping stone. The question now is - which stepping stone? May keeps approaching, yet each day just brings less clarity. I could be a bum, I could move to Latin America/NYC/Spain/Anywhere, I could work in PR, I could find a writing job, I could travel endlessly, I could go to grad school, I could stay and work in Waco, I really could do anything... My options are endless. How exciting! And how very, very frightening.
Besides life-altering decisions, this year also has promise...
Promise that I will reach my goal of graduating, promise that I will see some of my dearest friends married and happily in love, promise that I will see new children in the arms of other friends, promise that my God is forever great, promise that there is a plan for my life, promise that my parents house will sell.. promises are hiding at every corner, waiting to be discovered :)
A new year also holds new beginnings.
I have a new favorite band: Sleeperstar.
I also have a new boyfriend who sings and plays the keyboard in this band. He's amazing.
After May I'll begin a new stage of life (as mentioned earlier).
New friendships are developing everyday - that's exciting.
And there are millions of new things to come.. most I'll never expect, but I'm excited to experience.
So here's to a new year and new beginnings. Let's leave the past in the past and look forward to an exciting time in 2008.
Happy New Year Friends :)
So this new year has begun with some musings of the past and thoughts on the future.
This is the year I graduate from college. May 17th to be exact. I'll receive my diploma and jump to another stepping stone. The question now is - which stepping stone? May keeps approaching, yet each day just brings less clarity. I could be a bum, I could move to Latin America/NYC/Spain/Anywhere, I could work in PR, I could find a writing job, I could travel endlessly, I could go to grad school, I could stay and work in Waco, I really could do anything... My options are endless. How exciting! And how very, very frightening.
Besides life-altering decisions, this year also has promise...
Promise that I will reach my goal of graduating, promise that I will see some of my dearest friends married and happily in love, promise that I will see new children in the arms of other friends, promise that my God is forever great, promise that there is a plan for my life, promise that my parents house will sell.. promises are hiding at every corner, waiting to be discovered :)
A new year also holds new beginnings.
I have a new favorite band: Sleeperstar.
I also have a new boyfriend who sings and plays the keyboard in this band. He's amazing.
After May I'll begin a new stage of life (as mentioned earlier).
New friendships are developing everyday - that's exciting.
And there are millions of new things to come.. most I'll never expect, but I'm excited to experience.
So here's to a new year and new beginnings. Let's leave the past in the past and look forward to an exciting time in 2008.
Happy New Year Friends :)
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