Hiatus

.... a pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process.

Well I've been out of the blogging world for a little while now. Reading back through some of my old posts, I don't even believe it was me writing all those things. 

I've recently been inspired, thanks to alot of people. Going through my instagram, facebook and other means of sharing life events via the Internet, I noticed something. People are doing things and I love that we have the Internet to share all of them! Whether it is having babies (which is blowing up my news feed right now), getting promotions, working out and making money with it, writing books, starting businesses, traveling, producing music and/or short films, speaking at conferences, graduating with a masters degree, adopting pets and/or babies, buying houses, making amazing cakes, creating hilarious YouTube Videos, winning instagram awards, getting married.... and the list goes on. When I scroll through one news feed to the next - I can almost be overwhelmed at how much people are doing and growing and changing! 

Sometimes after a long scrolling, I am like... "Well, I worked really hard at my job this week and I will enjoy a glass of wine after I do the laundry and then will meal plan for the week. Oh, I also completed the bi weekly budget for my husband and I, while we try to break free from school loans..." 

....Isn't that enough? 

Now, this could be (and most likely is) my insecurities, that I would like to think most people develop when looking through social media. It could also be my inability to make what I do on a day to day bases look as cool as everyone else. What is that filter on instagram that everyone uses and automatically looks cool.... VOSCAM, VOSICAN?? 

The bottom line is, insecurities or inability to look cool - I'm sure I'm not alone. 

So, this blog is a place where myself and others can be Audacious. We can share opinions on TV shows, critique the easiness of a recipe, review a movie that sucked or made us cry for hours, come up with some great wine club topics and whatever else....  Whether you just bought a house, published a novel, are traveling, became a mom or are working full time... all are welcomed to share their opinions here. ... I can't wait to hear them!

My blog will consist of what I think of TV shows, food, restaurants, wine, crafts, people, movies, current events and I guess, other life things. I'm sure I'll fill you in on me every now and then. 

Latest Update: It's almost 8:00, I'm finishing my glass of wine, watching an episode of Gilmore Girls and going to bed. If I feel real adventurous, I'll bust out the chips and salsa. :) 

So, I'm back. 

I've forgotten how much I enjoy writing. 

I'll be back with my first review this week. 

- Hales

This is for all my fellow women who are thrilled to be graduating but also a little scared to death.

It's been a long time. My life has been a whirlwind of craziness, but I am happy to report- good, fun, craziness! I went to Florida a couple weeks ago and visited my grandma, who is awesome. The entire trip was sincerely needed- I was so happy to get out of Lynchburg for a while. This weekend Katie is visiting and then next Justin and I are headed to Michigan. After that my old froomie, Nicolette is visiting and then a few short weeks later, my birthday. After that, the semester ends, graduation, wedding in Michigan and hopefully back to Lynchburg for another year with all sorts of new events! So, that's my update.

Here's my post: 

I am 22. A young, entrepreneur minded, spirited, emotional, highly opinionated and incessant planner. I  do not believe I am one of a kind and that's why I am writing this post. This is for all my fellow women who are thrilled to be graduating but also a little scared to death. I came to the conclusion that I am fearful of graduation because after that is when I really start to take responsibility for my own life. Yes, I am a hard worker and I have made some pretty decent decisions in my little 22 years. But all the decisions I am choosing after gradation- are my choices, I will be held responsible for them. I made the biggest decision of my life  after high school, I chose to go to Liberty University. This was a choice that made all decisions for me for the next four years. Now, I have no decision that will hold me captivate for four years.

Today I was reflecting on freshman year. Moving in the dorms along with 60 other girls, just about four years later and we are all on different paths. Some are married, some have children, some are still single. Others have mourned the loss of a loved one. A few are still here at Liberty and others are lost in the world trying to find the next step. Some girls suffered from sickness while others remain spiritually lost. No two stories are the same. No two girls share the same life. This got me thinking, many things can happen in four years.

As a woman I tend to get lost in the details. I over complicate things. I analyze and over analyze again. I read between the lines creating issues that do not even exist. I can be dramatic and blow situations out of proportion. And all these problems seem to double when I am job and house hunting. These qualities seem to ooze out of me as a consequence of the stress when searching for life post-graduation. Remember the whole control freak thing? This does not help during the entire planning post grad process. And sometimes I think I am the only one, does anyone else feel this way? I know they have to, but you all hide it very well!

 I've really been challenged lately, to trust something will be provided. Looking back at my life now, I made the hard decision of moving 13 hours away from home. While I was scared and cried every day for a long time the Lord faithfully provided me. He provided me with so much more than I ever needed and He will provide again. Waiting is difficult because I want him to provide for me how I want and right now. But often He will provide how He wants and in His time. So, that might mean I won't get the highest paying job or  have the most beautiful hardwood floor and spacious kitchen apartment. That might mean I will get not married in my perfect timing or I move closer to my family. It could mean I will be single for 40 years and move even further away from my family! But I can honestly say, the things in my life God took away- I know were for a purpose and even when it hurts or I'm confused or frustrated and think it is not how my life should go- He knows what my life should look like and He will provide. I have been reading through the book of  Daniel and I can see how God provides throughout the book. He took care of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He took care of Daniel. He (eventually) provided for King Nebuchadanezzer to be rescued. Before the King is restored he said,

"...and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation or generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?" ....for all His works are right and his ways are just and those who walk in pride he is able to humble."

I know he will take care of me. It just may not look like how I envisioned.

In the Bible Study I go to we are reading a book by Nancy Demoss. And in this book she asked questions to inspire self reflection, I have listed a couple that really got me thinking:

1. Am I purposeful and intentional in my use of time seeking to invest the moments of my days in ways that I will bring glory to God? 
2. Do I habitually verbalize the goodness and greatness of God? 
3. Do I speak works that are critical, unkind, untrue, self-centered, rude, profane or unnecessary? 
4. Am I content with the material resources God has given me? (This was big one for me)
5. Am I disciplining my mind to get to know God and his word better?

As I tend to get caught up in everything with planning and stressing, I often forget to remember how much the Lord has provided for me. When something seems to not work out- I go into panic mode. I am really working at training my mind and heart to have a thankful spirit. [I'm pretty sure that will be a life-long training] No matter what happens, I know the Lord is in control. And just because I don't have the 'next step' figured out yet- doesn't mean God doesn't. Again, like every other post, I am working on enjoying. Enjoying the time of the unknown. Enjoying and getting excited to see how the Lord will provide for me next. Enjoying the last months of my life now, because in May- it will all change. 

So, that's where I am right now. I hope wherever you are in life, you are enjoying. I hope you are not too lost in the unknown and not getting to upset about broken plans. You will be taken care of. You will be provided for. Here are some verses that have guided me through this process:

Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord. - Ps. 27:14

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth visible and invisible, where thrones of dominions or rulers and authorities- all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things and in him all things hold together. - Col. 1:16-17

Before I lose Focus... AGAIN.

So, I figured something out about myself this weekend. Shocker right? When will I know everything and never make mistakes again? When people?! :] 

I cannot stay focused.

I'm not talking about ADD or ADHD [Are those the same?]. I'm talking about real focus. I know I wrote about this before, but here I am wrestling with the same thing again, self-centeredness. [Is that a word?]

My family had a family verse growing up [Pastor's kids] it was something like, "Do not be focused on your own interests, but be focused on the interests of others." I remember once this summer I tried to quote it and totally messed it up I said something like, "Only look upon your own interest not the interest of others." ....and I WISH that's what the verse said!! You would think after 22 years of one family verse, I would remember it. [I guess that's a parenting lesson in itself.]

The type of focus I am talking about has really nothing to do with that verse, but it's a good thought. :] [Insert fun family memory there.   Check.]

How often do I live a day thinking about myself? What I can accomplish, what mistakes I made, what messes I need to clean up, what relationships I need to fix, what meetings I need to attend, what wrongs I have done... and so on.

Lately I have found myself overcome by fear and worry. Why? Well, I think part of it is the phase of life I'm in, alot of things are changing. And  because I am focusing so much on ME.

But, why am I focusing on myself? Why am I depending upon myself? Why am I staring at my failures and faults? Why am I living as though God has made a mistake in planning my life? Do I really need to take ahold of my life and worry and plan and fix things because God isn't taking care of things?

I have lost focus. When I focus on ME, everything seems really scary. When I focus on my strength, everything seems impossible. When I allow my sin to slap me in the face, It begins to reign.

But, when I focus on Him. God's love, mercy, justice, grace and perfection, everything seems to be okay. Why do I worry? Why am I fearful? Because I am thinking about ME. [UGH. So self-centered.]

 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? ...... But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." [[Matthew 6]]

And for the days you can't stop worrying: 

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober casting all your spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.  [1 Peter 5]

And: "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." [Colossians 3]

Off I go to open my planner and get my day moving. Here's for trying to stay focused and trying to be a little less self oriented. Happy Monday... and stop worrying! [In case you didn't catch it the first time... it doesn't add a single hour to your life! annnnnd you're not in control anyway :] ] 

Consider this disclaimed.

Readers- Please excuse all the large and annoying black boxes with the triangles in them! I'm not sure what happened or what I did to have them appear as huge eye sores for everyone to see... but I assure you, they will be fixed- quickly!

I have been reading some articles, watching videos, and as a result some thoughts have been floating around my brain. Some of the content I viewed became decently thought provoking for me. I was compelled to share all this information with you and also wanted to put it all in one place. I hope some of these things get your mind floating everywhere as well! 

*Disclaimer: Just because I post something, does not mean I totally 100% support it or that I am 100% against it. If you want to converse about it, let me know.

1. There is a Facebook App that allows people to set their last status, ever. I think creepy.. Would you want your last words to be on Facebook? I'm not sure. Read about it here.

2. And of course... I'm sorta sick of him now. 



3. Found this on my friends Facebook.. "Why I don't believe in Christian Accountability."

4. I wasn't too sure what SPOA was and ect. Here's a little summery of the whole issue. I found it helpful.

5. It comes out soon..... :]


6. Mark Driscoll interview entitled 'Just Grow Up.' Most thought provoking part for me:

You’ve talked a lot about twenty-somethings today living in a sort of extended adolescence. Why do you think that is?

I think, in particular, it’s young men. Perhaps to some degree it is young women as well, but we’re finding more women are getting better grades, more women are graduating high school, more women are graduating college, more women are buying homes, more women are doing things that are more adult and responsible. We’ve created this. It’s a sociological category. It used to be you go from “boy” to “man,” and now you go from “boy” to “guy” to “man.”

It’s just extended adolescence, where 20s, 30s, sometimes even in his 40s, he doesn’t really want to get married, doesn’t really want to have kids, doesn’t really want to pursue a career. He has a lot of hobbies, got a lot of buddies, watches a lot of porn, gambles, has a lot of fun, maybe plays in some band or is in a guild of World of Warcraft, or something ridiculous like that. And they’ve even got little [mottos] like, “It’s all good” and, “Bros before hos.” It’s just this whole adolescent, juvenile culture. .... and I think part of the problem is, as well, that the Church in large part has accommodated that.

Those guys tend not to go to church. If those guys do show up at church, it’s usually just to find a couple of gals to break the commandments with. And the Church doesn’t really know what to do with them, so the least likely person in America to go to church is a guy in his 20s who is single. Without knowing what to do with those guys, they commit crimes, they get women pregnant, they’re a drain on social services, they don’t raise their kids, they don’t contribute to church, they’re not getting ready to lead the next generation. I’d say it’s nothing short of a crisis, it’s a real problem.

While Driscoll was hounding on the men, I was left with the question, and what are women supposed to do?


7. Gay Rights.


8. I very much enjoyed this article "Women, stop submitting to men." Is there such a thing such as Godly or Biblical feminism?

9. Mark Driscoll and his wife wrote a book on marriage. One review is here.  [Also, Driscoll is speaking at Liberty this Spring. Insert [Eeeeeeeeek] here. I hope he talks about the previous article posted.]

10. A company used the new Facebook Timeline to create an Anti-Drug campaign.

New year, Less baggage.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! :] I know this is a tad on the late side... But I feel like I haven't had a second to breathe the past 2 weeks! Honestly, I feel like I should be doing 10,000 other things besides blogging- but I have a few things on my mind I want to hash out here.

So, 2011 is OVER. Done-zo. Finished.  [I insert my yay here]. As my 2011 ended, I found myself in an Applebees celebrating with a few waitresses and my friend, Monica. We discussed our past years, made predictions of 2012 and may have bet a little bit of cash over the future events of 2012. This past year was a crazy one for me [to say the least]. But as Monica and I reflected I found myself saying "2011 was the best year of my life." Monica seemed to be a little taken back by that and honestly I was too. 2011 was difficult, embarrassing, a battle, complicated and so on. But in that year I learned the best lesson of my life…

Throughout 2011 I struggled with two little words, guilt and baggage. I was fixated on my past sins. I dwelled on them, frequently. I reflected on them, repeatedly. I gave my sin so much more power in my life then they ever should have held. It was almost like I clung to my mistakes and issues because letting them go was letting go half of me.

I read an article and I found this quote " I once heard it said that someone who cannot forgive themselves for their past is not struggling with the sin of guilt, but with the sin of pride." Then, I think it all hit me...

When it came to dealing with my personal sin, it was like I was too prideful to think that someone else could handle it. Really? Since when were my sins too big for God to forgive? Am I some royal sinner who is too good for the blood of Christ? [OMG someone slap me in the face.]

How did I allow myself to live this way for an entire year? I lived most of 2011 blinded to God's forgiveness and stubbornly resisted the joy His grace brings.

I was being SO prideful when it came to my own SIN. I wanted to deal with it myself, I wanted to make it go away myself, I wanted to confront it myself, I wanted to handle it myself. [OMG someone slap me in the face, AGAIN]

Now, of course there are consequences to sin and stupidity. I'm not saying forgiveness excuses the problems that sin creates. But I am saying I had no excuse to live in guilt. I had no excuse to blame baggage for my problems. I am forgiven and have been rescued by my Savior. And that my friends, is an awesome way to bring in the New Year.

As I finally started to piece this all together, I found much comfort in Scripture reassuring what I had been dealing with.

 ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. ⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. ⁹ The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

 Philippians 4:4-9

For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it—for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while— ⁹ I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. ¹⁰ For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. ¹¹ For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter. ¹² So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the offender nor for the sake of the one offended, but that your earnestness on our behalf might be made known to you in the sight of God. ¹³ For this reason we have been comforted.

2 Corinthians 7:8-13

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14

I have many New Year’s Resolutions I would LOVE to tell you about…. And I will. But, right now, I need to get back to work. I just wanted to share this little thought with you. While my sin is a never ending, heart breaking, and reoccurring issue in my life- I have a Father who will always forgive... I just need to get over myself and give it to Him. *sigh. :]

Happy, Joy-filled New Year to YOU!

Wedding Bliss

After a crazy break in Michigan, I went back to the burg to leave and head North in the same week!! I am currently on my way back to Lynchburg after celebrating my friend Ashley Kelly's beautiful wedding! Me and four girls all packed in a car and made the 9 hour trip to New York! We had a blast.. Missing tolls, singing to some oldies, watching movies, dancing, getting lost in Dirty Jersey, getting dressed up ad celebrating Ashley's marriage!!

We are all ready to get back to the burg and get some much needed sleep.. 6 more hours! This wedding was a wonderful way to end my Christmas break!

I hope everyone had a beautiful weekend as well! Enjoy your Sunday afternoon! Here's some pics from the weekend!

Blah, Blah, Blah.. South and North

As everything is finishing up for the semester, I have found myself reflecting on the idea of finishing. This is my fourth Christmas here, in Lynchburg Virginia. I assumed moving down here in 2008 this would be my last one, actually I thought I would have been out of here by now [that's for sure], but here I am, still here.

Many of my college friends and colleagues graduated this semester. Those friends who suffered through COMS 489, created campaigns with me, brainstormed and bounced ideas of each other, compared and contrasted each other projects, many of them are now gone. I'm happy for them, like I am happy for myself.. finishing up college with an Undergraduate degree, not only feels great, but is a wonderful accomplishment!! [Yay us! And everyone else with degrees!]  I'm proud of myself and so proud of my fellow classmates! [Who I hope to run into often in the PR world].

The point of all this rambling...[I think] is things end. Seasons fade. Time transitions. Life is different. It is so weird to think, although I have been here for four Christmas breaks, each one of them has looked different, felt different and has been an entirely different experience. It's just strange to me. And the even stranger thing is that time will only continue to make life more different. Life will begin to look, feel, and be entirely different.

I think part of it might be 'growing up' and part of it might be I am maturing [a little] and part of it might be I gain more and more responsibility each year...but I know part of it, well, a lot of it is change. That is the one guarantee in life isn't it? Change. I think I am only getting used to it though, because I know it happens so frequently- I need to enjoy the moment and time I have, because it will change. So, for me this means, I need to hurry up and enjoy. Sometimes, I don't enjoy enough! I analyze, think, reflect, re-analyze, double check, over-analyze, question, wonder, ponder, think some more, and then before I know it I missed out on enjoying! I was far too busy wondering about the what if's and details that I forgot to enjoy the moment! [Seriously, this happens.]

 Blah, blah, blah... All I'm trying to say is- Enjoy this season.

I am writing this post mostly for myself,  because here I sit, in Virginia, in 60 degree weather, so mad I don't have snow. But how many Michigan winters did I wine and complain about the snow? Instead of spending my time complaining, I should have ran outside and made a freaking huge snow man while loving every second of it.That's just one example. Here's another one:

For the past three years, I complained about the South and small towns and how much I hated them. [Please take note of this: I still LOVE the North and fully intend on moving back. I am not a southerner or southern bell in anyway, shape, or form. I am NOT a Northern girl turning Southern. Got it?] But, the other day I was running super low on gas [college student] and I could only muster about $2.00 in change to put in my gas tank. [college student...you've all been there]. I went to pre-pay for my little bit of gas to get myself home and eat my Ramon noodles [college student] and there was line... of course I stood there with my hands on my hips, semi-rolling my eyes, clearly irritated that this was taking forever. [In the north people are so much more efficient.. I was thinking in my mind] When it was finally my turn to pay I gave the cashier my $2.00 in change.

"Is this all you got to put in your tank? Are you outta money?" He asked in a very thick and southern accent. Clearly embarrassed that he would announce to the entire store/world I was only buying $2.00 of gas I answered, "Yep, I'm a college student. I just have to drive to my house." Without any hesitation he told me he would add a $1.00 to my gas tank to make sure I would get home.

I know, a dollar isn't much, [college student] but the cashier didn't have to do that. I was pleasantly surprised and thanked him. He seriously made my day.

I think once I move away, I'll miss little things like that from good ole Lynchburg, VA. I'll miss people chatting in the middle of the grocery isle blocking the way for everyone else. I'll miss people asking me how I'm doing and then telling my about their sick niece while we are waiting in line. I'll miss people chatting in the drive through holding up the line making me late for wherever I am going. I will miss seeing people in old pick up trucks without shirts on, wearing overalls, with massive beards smoking a ginormous cigar... wait. I don't think I'll miss that one.

So, again, blah, blah, blah, all this too say here's to me- Enjoying. Enjoying this Christmas season, without snow, with snow, in the North, in the South, with gas, without gas.. no matter what it may bring, I will enjoy. 

Enjoy this Christmas season, enjoy this phase of life you are in. No matter what age, hardship you are in, frustration you are facing, or happiness that has knocked on your door- Enjoy. Because, most likely next years Christmas will look entirely different.

Discombobulated.

This week has been a strange one. Nothing really crazy out of the ordinary has happened, but it has seemed a little discombobulated. Do you ever feel like you are sitting still while everyone and everything is flying around you? Almost like you are in the eye of a hurricane, just sitting still while life whirls around ... I've felt like that this week. It has seemed like everyone is going and learning and changing and making decisions and having things happen. And I'm just watching.

If I could give my 'college years' underlining themes they would be: 

1. Even in your biggest life crisis... life will continue on, whether you want it too or not.
2. My plans are not the best and sometimes having no plans is best.

 The first three years of college, I was a go, go, girl! ( I still am to an extent) But, this semester has been SO different than any year of my life here. I work a 9-5ish job and have weeknights off. I am only taking 12 credits and next semester only 6! Now, for those of you who don't know, last year I worked full time at basically nights shift (7pm-2am) and took 22 credits, while being involved in extra things. So, this semester has sort of turned my life upside down. I love being busy, I love working; I love being dedicated to something. But, something that really sticks out in my mind when I look back to my busyness and accomplishments, something that I can't get over...back when I 'felt good' because I was doing so much, I had such a lack of focus on my spiritual aspect and my relationship with Jesus Christ.

For the years in my life when I thought, beyond a shadow of a doubt, I was accomplishing goals, I was good at something, I could pass my classes with barely studying, I received a promotion at work, I had a boyfriend, I bought a car, I moved into my first apartment... I thought I was just living the life.

I cannot get over my self-focus through all those years. 

So, back to my themes.... 

I'm only 22. What sort of crisis can a 22-year-old girl be in, right? Well, I would argue a pretty big one. Through my two short years in the '20's' I've seen myself grow the most, lose the most, immature the most, become the most defeated, mature the most, and have the most victories. I can so happily say now, I am blessed enough, to overcome a more recent trial in my life. But, I think I am all too quick to forget the growth and learning that comes with brokenness. In my crisis I thought life would stop, I was certain my life would and time felt as if it stood still... but now, here I am, months and months later, moving forward, moving on. 

I can only attest to where I am now through the grace of my Lord. As time moved on, so did I. And as time moved on, God grasped hold of my heart... He had my full attention. Wherever you are in life, remember life goes on, life will keep moving, we can't stop it! God hasn't and won't give up on you. I hope that comforts you and inspires you to get a move as well. 

Next, my plans are not the best plans. They are not. Really, they are not! Since July I have been trying to plan for what will happen in May. [You can laugh at that, I know it is ridiculous] But, you know what, I have recently become okay with not knowing. Today I applied for Grad School at Liberty and I'm prayerfully considering many other options over the next few months. But, bottom line- I do not know what is going to happen, I have no idea, so what good is worrying about it?! Seriously, what good is that? It's not. I'm doing my utmost best, to wake up, and actively give God my day, because I know that is all I have. Why do I worry about my next rent bill? Or if my car breaks down? Or when I will get married? I've found enjoy every day, every moment, serve the Lord and he will bring you the next 'thing.' I did a good job of this last week, but this week I have been slowly taking each day back.. I recently became overwhelmed with decisions and choices and the next thing, I realized these thoughts are not for me to worry about. Serving Christ in the moment he has given us, in the situation where he put us in, matters. Someone said, I don't remember who, but, if we are faithful to God in the little things, he can trust us with the bigger things. So, while I am craving something new, something different, a new chapter, a job with more esteem, I need to remain faithful now to build habits for faithfulness later. And not having a plan causes me have faith God will provide the next thing. 

I've been saying the past couple of weeks, I feel like I am actually becoming a woman! :] I’ve started cooking more, cleaning more, and enjoying baking! But, with growth comes growing pains, and dealing with my immaturity and habitually sin filled lifestyle hurts. But understanding value in brokenness, I think is a sign of a woman. 

And I've noticed, I cry alot more. So, Fergie, you are so not right.. Big girls do cry. 

I hope some of this rambling encourages other twenty-something women out there, you don't have to have it all together, you don't have to have a plan, remain faithful now, serve the Lord now, and the next thing will fall into place. 

P.S. -- I recommend this book for all twenty something women...  'The Mature Woman.'  

Happy Almost Friday!

ENJOY!

This weekend was so much fun! I hiked up a mountain, I know, a freakin' mountain. And I cooked chicken! And green beans and mashed potatoes... nothing burned... although the potatoes did kind of explode... but, no one was hurt.. :]. I went to church and got a bunch of stuff done last night, I went to sleep feeling accomplished and ready for anything new.

And I woke up today thinking... I need to enjoy life more. I know I have blogged about this multiple times-- but I think that shows it is a continual left lesson for me. I get so caught up in the next thing, or what is new, what new goal can I accomplish this week, or what task will arise for me tomorrow. Gosh, it is EXHAUSTING.

I want to know what is going to happen with the rest of my life? I want to know if I should attend grad school? I want to know if I should move to a city or stay in a town? I want to know where God wants me next, I want to know who my spouse will be.... But, you know what, sometimes I think it is best if we don't know. That might be right where God needs us to be. Not knowing, for me, can produce anxiety or stress, when really, isn't not knowing the perfect time to demonstrate faith?

The only thing I do know, is that God has me here, right now, and that's all I have.

"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away."

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Instead of sitting and thinking and planning and dreaming and wondering... I need to just stop, look at what I have in this moment and enjoy. Because, let's be real, if I don't start enjoying life now, I'm not sure I ever will. That's another thing I'm learning, practice good habits now, so you don't have to break bad habits later... but I'll leave that for a different post.

Enjoy your week!

-Hales

Christian Music Throwbacks

I'm not a big fan of Christian Music now. 

I was raised with the classics: 















After all that, I think Christian Music really went down hill...

But, I really like this song. Just a good reminder that with God's Grace we are free....



Also, If you use Pandora- Try the 'Enter the Worship Circle' station. Thanks Taylor Guffey! :]

Happy Tuesday!

Sometimes my brain is so self centered.



Pinterest

 It is that time in the semester, the first feeling of crunch time. I think there is something about the changing of the seasons that makes everyone kick it into high gear, transition mode. As my last year of undergrad has gotten into 'full swing,' I have found myself wondering about what comes next. I know, I have blogged about the stress of wondering about the next step before, but this weekend I found myself thinking about it often.
Today I talked to my dad, (who is so great) and he reminded me of something very important. An aspect of life that I often forget to partake in. In the midst of my ramblings and questions and what if's he stopped me and reminded me to enjoy.

In all the self evaluation, planning, analyzing, thinking, searching and exploring- I so often forget to take off my high heels shoes and pencil skirt and sit down, and enjoy a moment! Why do I find my value in how packed my planner is? Why do I find value in how busy my week can be?

I love my planner. I love making plans. I love making plans to make plans! I look at my planner on Sundays and configure when I will be with this person here or how I can minister to that person there- and it is just so absurd! The fact that I think I can control my life through making my own plans and still believe that I have given God the control is appalling. It's laughable really, sometimes my brain is SO self-centered. Why would I think that my plans are more important than making myself available to be used by God?

When thinking about what I want to do with my life or where I want to go with my life. What career path to pursue or what city to move to or where I should further seeks education- I realized I am thinking about the wrong person. Why do I think I have the right to say, ‘I want to choose a lifestyle which will give me the most out of my life?’ Shouldn’t it be ‘I want to choose a lifestyle in which He can use me for his glory…whatever that is, I’ll do it.’

My dad also encouraged me to find enjoyment in my everyday because then the next 'step' or 'thing' will come, and I will be ready to enjoy. It reminded me of Ecclesiastes, (Such a great book!)

"There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?" Ecc. 2:23-25

"Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going." Ecc. 9: 9-10

Also:

"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." James 4:13-15

Well, all this to say- Enjoy today. Enjoy your life. Take the time you need to assess your life, your motives, your heart... but don't forget to enjoy.

Here are some little things that I enjoy, you should try some too!

Paint your nails a FALL color! And black totally counts as a fall color!!!

Go for a drive and enjoy the changing seasons!

Make some YUMMY dessert!

Get some bubble gum and watch baby mama!

Watch some friends!

Organize your closet!

I start things. But, today I finished!

I am not a finisher. In fact, I am the opposite, I am a starter. I love thinking of awesome ideas and thinking of creative ways to do them, and then I get excited about them, and then I start them! But then, after I start my 'brillant' idea, a lot of the time, I realize the idea probably wasn't that awesome to begin with, and it is much harder then I thought it would be, so I stop. Not finish, stop. 

I write, every morning. I have to. (I have many thoughts, so sometimes writing them down actually makes my mind stop and think a little more in depth about them.) And this morning I finished my summer journal!  I finished! YAY! I went back and read my first entry and then I finished my last. I started on May 30th and I finished September 19th. I finished. Yay. There is something about finishing a journal and finishing reading a book that just makes me feel super accomplished. 

The one aspect of writing I love the most, is seeing how my life has changed over a time period of one journal. I can honestly say, my life has taken a drastic shift from May 30th to September 19. I can gladly say finishing this journal is an encouragement to me because this 'journal of my life' is over. I will never have to experience that time of my life again. But through the pages I can see the knowledge and wisdom I have acquired through those times. I've kept a journal since 2nd grade, and let me tell you, it is so funny to go back and read about things I worried over in elementary school, especially in comparison to now. I can only imagine I will be saying the same thing about my college journals a few years down the road.

Anyway, I guess I am just writing to let you know, I think you should journal. And I'll share my last thoughts in my journal with you...

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3: 13-14.

I think this verse is a great start for my next 'journal life' and really, every day. Happy Monday, now go finish something!

Warning: This post is full of summer secrets. Enjoy!

 I am about 5 days away from crossing my summer finish line. My summer has been a challenge and something I needed to really experience, to say the least. As these months flew by I had alot of stuff to deal with, as you know if you have read through in my last couple of posts. I think I stopped blogging so much because I had much reflection to do and honestly, nothing to write, I was completely blank.

I am happy to say, now nearing the end of my precious summer months, I think I am ready to head back to school. I'm ready to finish up my Senior year with a BANG! :]

But, as I begin this last journey of school, I will bring with me some lessons I have learned. I think they are lessons every person should at least consider... So here!! Consider! (I even added pictures because that makes everything funner! Yeah, I said funner!)

1. Country music does not suck... and 90's rock does not suck either!

I think this little lady changed my mind about Country music.
http://youtu.be/a1KqNJXryXc

But they also had a little something to do with it as well:
If I die young- The Band Perry
Dirt Road Anthem - Aldean Jason
Just another picture to burn - Taylor Swift
Remind Me- Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley

2. Eating healthy food is actually really good for you. Last semester, I literally lived on Goldfish crackers [only the flavor blasted, of course] and progresso soup. But I learned this summer that cherries and blueberries are actually yummy. ...Like, really delicious. And eating healthy is not that expensive.

3. Sometimes mascara and blush is all you need. Natural is so much prettier then orange skin.

4. A guilty pleasure TV show is good for you! Now, some people may say 'That is a waste of time!' And if you would have asked me 5 months ago, I would have been one of those. But now, well, now I see reality TV as a comfort that I am not the craziest person in the world. Actually, comparing myself to reality TV, I am quite normal. Don't know which one to watch? Here's a list to help you!

1. Keeping up with the Kardashians. I learned that one sister is enough and that people can become minsters via the internet. 
2. The Bachelorette or the Bachelor. Now, there is this whole big debate I hear from Christian circles saying, "That show is degrading to men and women! That is teaching bad relationships and bad relationship habits!" And I say, "If someone is honestly looking to the Bachelorette for any type of relationship help or view it as a good way to meet people... Well, then you might deserve that reality TV show kind of relationship." Really, just chill and watch it or don't. Learn to enjoy the stupid things in life and laugh.
3. My Strange Addictions. The season finale was a women eating her husband's ashes.... Doesn't that make you wonder how they will top next years?!?!
4. Super Nanny. She seriously ROCKS. I wish I could be her intern.
5. Extreme Home Makeover. You'll leave feeling good. Like you were helping the family in need by watching an episode. Watch it. But have some tissues near by.
6. Toddlers and Tiaras. You'll be thankful for the annoying parents and bratty children in your life. Because they could never be as terrible as the ones on the show.  Well, unless you're one of them, and if you are... sorry, you're terrible. 

5. Cooking meat is not as hard as I thought it was. I made hamburger helper, chicken and tacos this summer! 

6. The iphone is as incredible as everyone says it is. (I no longer have to google words when I am texting... spell check is right on it!)

7. Going out to eat, to the beach, to the movies, to get ice cream and shopping is totally, 100% okay to do ALONE. Seriously. DO IT! If you are nervous, bring a book!  And since you won't really read it, bring any book... you can look super smart and sophisticated if you bring the right one. [I may or may not have brought an encyclopedia with me once.]

8. It is okay to go on dates for the free food.

9. And it is also okay to have your roommate call you and pretend her car broke down so you can leave the date.

10. And it is NOT okay to get fist pumped on a first date, especially twice.

11. I learned that my car is old, and needs alot of help. And I learned it feels pretty awesome to be able to pay in cash for car repairs... but that might have been a one time deal.

12. I learned God is too good to me. And I don't deserve anything from him. I also learned forgiveness and grace is an incredible feeling.

13. I learned that sunglasses are supposed to be too big for your face... really, it is okay the Kardashians say so! SEE!

14. I learned to embrace when your exhaust pipe has a hole in it...Even if you get a headache from driving your car. Turn the music up!

15. I learned it is funny the high school friends you keep up with. Because, seriously Jason Jung, who would have thought we would hang out like 5 times this summer?? Honestly, I never thought I would see you after graduation....Thanks for the dinners!


16. 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation ROCK. Watch them. If you haven't already. WATCH THEM!

17. Netflix is not as cool as I thought it was.

18. Tina Fey's book 'Bossypants' was one of the funnest things i ever read.

19.  Uptown Girls is ALWAYS on TV.

20. I learned it is okay to use wrinkle cream at 22. Anyone who says 'That's stupid' is just mad they didn't think to do it before you did.

21. I am funny. I really am.

22. Sometimes drinking out of a fancy glass and lighting candles while eating pizza is a MUST. Everyone deserves to feel fancy... light those candles and order that pizza!

23. I learned don't pay for a crappy cup of coffee, ask for a better one.

24. Paying $35 for a haircut is a great investment. [And so is getting your eyebrows waxed]

25. I learned the dollar store has some nice things.... I know, I know, but you should really check it out every now and then.

26. Everyone should have some sort of cabin in the woods.

27. I learned to say 'Hello' and smile at random people. I learned this from a man who was always, always at the pier with his dog, on the same bench every day. He was missing a leg and his dog was missing an eye. And it never failed, I saw him every day... morning, evening, whenever. And he always said 'Beautiful Day!' Rain or shine... But, I guess every day should be considered beautiful.

28. I learned, don't curse people out over the phone while in public... because no matter the situation, you look like the curse words you're saying.

29. Grand Haven rocks.

30. Anything that can be categorized as a 'Summer Comedy' Sucks. Such as: Horrible Bosses, Bad Teacher and Friends with Benefits. Please, can I have my money back?

31. Bridesmaids...Did you see it? Cause, if you didn't you missed out. Rent it... NOW! 

32. Bedtimes are overrated... just drink alot of coffee in the morning.

33. Aziz Ansari is hilarious.

34. I learned the Radio kills songs.... But, as overplayed as it is, this is my theme song.



35. Britney Spears has still got it!

36. This was my summer jam.



37. It is okay to carry around your iphone and let it play Pandora all the time to make your life feel more like a movie. Don't worry, you're so allowed to do that

38. Kayaking is not just for granola eating, bike riding, outdoor individuals.

39. I learned if you don't like your haircut, go back to the salon and have them fix it!

40. I learned who Bon Iver is. [Thank you E]

41. I learned your best friends will be content watching stupid TV and drinking lemonade outside with you on a Friday night.

42. I learned you can replace vegetable oil in cup cake mix with apple sauce to make it less fattening. But, I say, if you're making cupcakes, make them as fattening as possible!

43. I learned 2 bowels of ice cream a day keeps the blues away!

44. I remembered slashed learned I need to journal every day. EVERY day.

45. I learned belly shirts are coming back in, Yeah, I've embraced it.

46. I learned old jeans make wonderful daisy dukes.

47. I learned how to change my oil.

Well, if you made it to the end of my list, YAY! I am proud of you! Thanks for caring that much about my life and what I learn.

I am now heading to bed and hopefully, living these last summer days to the fullest.

Goodnight.

Michigan. That's all I need.

Moving to Virgina was an interesting experience for me. I really learned how ignorant people are when it comes to the north in general and specifically, Michigan.

Some reactions after telling people I'm from Michigan:

1. The assumption I grew up in the ghetto. After saying I'm from Michigan people get that look on their face like 'I think this girl could kick my butt because she grew up selling drugs on the street while rapping with eminem.' So, then they sympathetically say something like "Oh, Michigan. Too bad what's happening up there." My response, "Well, Detroit is not all that's up there. There is an entire state." 
2. My FAVORITE reaction is when people say "Oh my gosh! Michigan! How do you deal with all that snow! Isn't it like always winter? Are you going back for the summer? Do you own shorts?!" Depending on my mood I sarcastically inform them that Michigan is not the north pole and the sun shines up there too... or I will say "Yeah, it's always cold, I wear a parka home."
3. One time I made up a story about how the Great Lakes freeze over and we all drive our cars on them. Judging by how cool everyone said that was, I've told that story a couple of times.
4. Everyone comments about the Great Lakes. Michiganders know how wonderfully, amazing these bodies of water are... but most people do not understand how big they are. So many people make fun of their size. [I get greatly offended] I just remind them you can see the Great Lakes from SPACE....they have to be pretty big? Right?  Those overly trendy and way to laid back West Coast people refuse to think a Great Lake could be anything compared to the ocean. Sigh.
5. "You're from Michigan? Can you swim in the Great Lakes? Oh wait, it's like winter all the time there right? So, they are probably always frozen over."
6. "You're from Michigan... where is that?" [I'm not kidding.] I said, Michigan is the state that looks like a hand. It is hard to miss on a map.

Once I learned about the Pure Michigan campaign, I was thrilled to show off these advertisements and prove to all the ignorant people that Michigan was amazing!

"The Pure Michigan campaign is designed to introduce to the nation the attributes that make Michigan such a popular and unique destination," said George Zimmermann,Vice President of Travel Michigan, a business unit of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

And I think it does just that.

This is for those who assume Michigan can not have beaches.
This is for those who think fall is prettier in the mountains.
This is for those who really think Michigan is all snow.
This is for those who think Michigan is full of empty cities and boarded up houses.
This is for those who think the ocean water could be superior to our Great Lakes.

Studying advertising at Liberty, I have found a great appreciation for these commercials and the advertising team behind these genius ads.

This campaign won the Best State Tourism Advertising (2007), Best State Tourism Television Commercials (2007), and Best State Tourism Radio Campaign (2008).

I could go on and on about how wonderful this campaign is and what a dream it would be to work for them. [Gosh, I think I would pinch myself each day]

Seeing the pride I have in my state made me think of all the other Michiganders out there... Do you also get excited when one of these ads play? What do these ads do for you? They often give me a flash back of an amazing Michigan summer night or a breathtaking Michigan moment. Moving out of the state has given me so much pride for my state.

So many people keep talking about the economy, education and all other Michigan issues.

Although we have state issues, I think we all hold a pride for Michigan in our hearts. Whether it be a city, sports teams, the UP, a job... we all have something to be proud of, Michigan.

I think this ad says it best:


And of course, the Michigan pride was all over the U.S. during the 2011 Superbowl.

As 'bad' as everything is in Michigan right now, I have hope in the Michiganders as people. We love Michigan, we hold pride in  Michigan and no matter what is happening, no one can take that away from us.

Like Chrysler said, 'the blue collar attitude can change the white collar world.' Michiganders know how to work hard and we know what it means to survive. That is why I love this state so much.

Not only is it beautiful, unique and a hidden oasis. Michiganders hold pride in what we have and provide hope for whatever is Michigan's future.

We are Michigan, and that's something to always be proud of.

Another First Day Of School.

As I was going to sleep last night the 'first day of school' gitters crawled up my spine and into my brain. I couldn't stop thinking about how the first day of school was going to be. Thinking about my classes, getting back into the routine of life, seeing old friends who were gone all summer, and thinking about the new challenges this semester would bring- i just laid there, finally escaping into my dreamworld. I woke up abruptly to my alarm, sitting straight up I found my energy and excitement running through my body dispute the lack of sleep.

So, this Fall semester begins. 

I started getting ready for the day, and found myself excited to get to class and see what Dr. Fowler had to say to all of us. I reflected over past 'first days' of school, and began thinking about what 'THE' first day of school outfit should be. After much debate, flat iron action, makeup placed, shoes on and coffee in hand, i left my apartment. I hopped in my car, and started driving to school.

Pulling out of my neighborhood there is a stop sign, I stopped and looked over to my left, there stood three little girls and there mom waiting for the school bus. I looked at the small girls going to what I assumed first grade. Looking at them I could tell, they were excited. All three little girls were sporting their new non scuffed pink tennis shoes, hot pink and purple backpacks, most likely full of new hot pink binders, folders, pencils, and crayons. Each girl's hair perfectly in place they chatted amongst one another creating excitement the first day of school brings to elementary school children with each other. Watching these girls forced my mind to rewind back to my hot pink backpack first day of school memories.

I always took days to pick out the perfect first day of school outfit. My mom would pin my hair up into a bow. Dad and mom would walk with me to school, and push my little brother in the stroller. I was always excited to walk into the class room and find MY desk with MY name tag. Having something with your name stuck to it is quite the ego booster for a 7 year old. Who was I going to sit next too? What boy would be my next crush? Who would become my new best friend?

Driving away I left the young girls to wait for there bus, I couldn't help but smile. Bringing myself back to the present moment, my 'Fall Semester Jam' came on the radio, I cranked the music up and drove to my last first day of Fall Semester Classes.

HOME.

This time next week i will be in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan [one of my FAVORiTES places in the entire world]. You see I have spent the past 20 summers there, and this, being my 21st summer of living- I'm not there. It's been strange not spending my summer where I have been in the years past with my family. But for some reason the transition has been  unexpectedly smooth  for me.  I think its because I know, and understand that my life is changing, and my summers are going to be different. So are my falls, Thanksgivings, Christmases and springs. Life always change- but that doesn't mean we cannot go back to how things used to be for a moment, or for a week & a half. Needless to say- I am SO excited. This trip is exactly what I need! One road trip up north with my best friend in the whole world. Then to spend a week with my family and have some time to just escape. :D!

                                                                                                        5 Days! <3!

i found this.

I remember writing this journal entry... the beginning of last summer. I came across it in my facebook notes- I published it June 20th 2009. Now I'm 21, and I have applied this lesson learned.

...and don't worry- I can work a can opener! Now, i just need to master the blender...

"..... It amazes me, how people can float through your life. Not really float, that makes it sound pleasant.. well yes, there are pleasant floaters of course… people who pleasantly come in and smile at you- the kind of person that you would go on a picnic with and laugh all day long. But, you never really connect with them, you never really try to influence each other. You just simply have fun… and when they are gone, its not a big deal. Because together you had so much simple, on the surface fun, or fluffy fun, not depth to your relationship whatsoever. . But, then there are the not floaters, in fact the opposite of floaters… I don’t even know what to label them. The…the… oak trees. Sounds silly yes. But they are planted in your life then, they grow.. it starts small… but they you make a connection, and you begin to grow higher and higher… then you start to sprout leaves, and then make memories like details along the bark. And tell secrets the size of acorns too each other. You become a place of safety to other people, and you just grow deeper and deeper in different friendships like the roots in the ground. Then eventually you are grounded in this idea of love. Depending on the amount of storms you go through together, you grow deeper and greener. Then you reach a point of security, an you become incredibly comfortable around each other. You can hang out with each other in the shade, and sit on each others grown out roots and tell stories and laugh together as the wind flies through your hair. Then one day, the whole gigantic oak tree, that has come and rooted itself in your life, the one you have made home, and grown to love… is ripped out. There you look. It’s gone. The big gigantic stationary object in your life has been removed. No more home to look at, no more shade to play in, no more secrets to share, or friendship to grow. All that is left is a big giant hole in the ground where your love once grew. A big giant hole. You try to fill it in, with pretty flowers, or things you like to look at. Or fill it in with more pleasant trees, like the dogwood. Dogwoods are pretty to look at, but you soon find out very thin a weak. There are no stories inside a dogwood, and no stories to tell about them. They are pretty, but one can look right through them. So there it is a big hole in the ground to remind you that something is missing. Something big is gone. This is the part where I am supposed to talk about how it will make you stronger. How having a hole in your life to fill in can be fun, you will find new things, and better trees to hang out and grow up with! There is so much more out there for you to discover—and now you can! No roots holding you down! No more love to fulfill. But, after a while of that tree being gone, you finally realize that there is nothing that will replace that big of a hole in your earth… you get scared. And you wonder. Will this hurt forever? Will I be without my giant oak tree forever? Yeah, sure maybe I will find one… but will the love ever run that deep? Will the roots of my life that were ripped from my heart ever heal? I have this big giant hole in my life and it seems like it will never be filled. The memories will never be able to be shared with someone else, and home… when I looked at the oak tree, I found home. I saw home, I was home. Will I find home again? The bark we had, was full of stories, was full of memories, and the acorns of secrets among us were beyond listing.


All I have now, is a big giant hole in my world. That feels like it will never be filled. And really, I truly believe apart of it won’t… deep down there will be a small acorn of secrets and a small piece of bark full of memories. Always...."

Being home has been a little on the funny//weird side for me. Thinking over the past year, just one year of my life- how many different people i have been in contact with. && its so strange, every person who has been in and out of my life- could be labeled- some are floaters, some are oak trees, some are dogwoods, and I'm sure that someone really smart out there has done a study, and maybe has more legit names for it. lol. But, really- sooo many people have come in and out of my life. and I know, that God has done that for a reason. Like, every person is walking on there map, and sometimes it intersects with others- and then later on in the map, the 2 lines will cross again, could be simply finding each other again on facebook, or having your kids in the same soccer league.... I hadn't journaled in forever, so i tired to pick it up again, i wrote this a looong time ago, and stumbled across it- and it reminded me of what I am experiencing right now.... but the most important thing now i am learning is, there are more oak trees out there- yes, different. and yes, you won't be able to share the same memories, but- there are more memories to make! There are more funny times to laugh at. there are more inside jokes to remember, and there is more. Life doesn't just stop- the world doesn't stop turning. your world just becomes different, and learning to find people to grow with, is the most important lesson i think i have learned this year. My life is SO drastically different then it was a year ago. But, different doesn't mean you give up, giving up old oak trees does;t mean you don't find new ones... Your world is just different, and you are growing up. Therefore, your world will change, and change should happen while you grow.


Growing up is so weird. ha. im 20, and i still can't work a freakin' can opener. :]. I still answer people that i am 18 when they ask! haha...