It's Finals Week!

You heard me! It's finals week!

Which means lots of these:

and lots of this:

The whiteboard actually is a new way of studying for me. I am a memorizer. Whatever test I take I usually have note cards and walk around trying to memorize the information on them. This works great for me, but sometimes I get stuck in my head with all I have memorized and cannot get past this road block. Instead of writing on paper and wasting endless pages, I decided to use a white board so I can easily erase and start over. Best idea yet! I'm glad it's only taken me 15 years of schooling to learn this.

With finals week, also brings a time of remembrance. This is the first Senior class I am actually sad to say goodbye to. We have made some great friends with this class that have poured into our lives so much. While I am sad to say goodbye to them, I am scared to step into the next year. I am going to be a Senior again. Wait! Didn't I just do that? Four years really do fly by fast. Next year is going to be so big with lots of last time college experiences and lots of adult-like experiences coming. This summer I will be applying for multiple Grad schools to start my next three years of schooling! More schooling sounds horrible at this moment, but I also know that is is going to welcome in some awesome life experiences.

For it to be noted, my dream is to go to the Seattle School of Psychology and Theology in Washington and pursue the Psychology track. I hope this is God's plan for my life, but I also know he has his own plan. I've also looked at a couple of schools in my home state, Indiana, and at a school on Pennsylvania. Wherever I go and whatever I do, let it be His!

It's a rainy day here so I found myself listening to good music by Mumford and Sons. They are great music for days like today filled with studying and rain.

Good luck to everyone who are in the same shoes as me studying for finals!



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5 Strengths I Have

1.) Independent- I'm sure this comes off across in a lot of my posts, but I love doing things on my own. This is where a lot of my stubbornness comes out. Tell me I cannot do it on my own and I will prove to you that I can. I try until I realize sometimes two is better than one.

2.) Futuristic- I love this about me! No, I am not a fortune teller, but I am able to envision how things can play out in the future. It is the reason why I pursue some activities and why I choose not to pursue others.

3.) Strategic- I am good at coming up with ways to accomplish things. Strategies are my thing. I think this brings out my competitive side as well. I love winning and I use my strategies to get there.

4.) Planner- I like knowing where I am going tomorrow and in the next 5 years. It can stress me out a lot, but I need a plan on how I am going to get there.

5.) Woo- I actually learned about this strength in my leadership class this semester. It basically means that I am a people person and I am good at winning them over. I can be persuasive and really show your my heart or why I think doing something would benefit you.

I love finding out strengths and weaknesses about others. It helps me understand them and shows how we can better ourselves. What are some of yours?

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Pinnings of the week

Here are a few things that I have been pinning this week on the lovely Pinterst!

 

DIY Polish Shelf

French Bread Margherita Pizza by Panera

I am working at Panera this summer so I cannot wait to try this delicious meal!

 

 Purple Hair

If only I had the guts to do this!

 

 Seriously? Yum!

I am going to have to make this a.s.a.p.

 

 String Lanterns

I think this may be my first DIY project this summer!

 

 So true!

I kind of hope to do exactly this during the summer. I get so caught up in what I want and need. I just want to get lost and see what I find!

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DIY Time

I am sure I have said too many times by now, but...

I LOVE PINTEREST!

Seriously, I cannot get enough of it. My favorite board on my account is my DIY board.

This summer I plan to do a pinterest project a week just so I can actually create more than I pin.

A couple posts ago I mentioned a project I created for my roommates baby shower and I wanted to share a picture of it with you.

These are called Glitter Jars! They were super easy to make. I made about ten in one day and it only took about an hour altogether. All you need is some mod podge and glitter. Put the mod podge on the outside of the bottle and then sprinkle the glitter on to it. It dries clear. The only problem is trying to find a way to keep glitter from falling off. It has not fallen off completely, but it does tend to leave a glitter trail wherever I move it from.

If anyone has any ideas, I would love to hear. One website said clear fingernail polish, but that just seems a little tedious.



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5 Weaknesses I have

This is my least favorite interview question: Tell me three weaknesses you have.

Really? Who wants to name three things about themselves that they really do not like? Now I have to give you five!

Oh, well. I'll just suck it up; however, I like to say to always turn your weaknesses into a positive so I will most likely put a positive spin on it!

1.) Impatient. I am the worst at patience! Living with people really tests this a lot and I have become better over the years, but I am still bad at it. I love being five minutes early or right on time to things, but my roommates are the kind of people who like to show up fashionably late. It drives me crazy! I usually will be sitting in the living room while they are doing their last minute stuff and I start to keep myself occupied so I do not just get up and leave without them. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 is my favorite bible verse and I want to practice all those ways of love and the "love is patient" part kills me. I want it now, not in ten minute or 100 years!

2.) Emotional. Wow! If you ever meet me, be prepared for water works. Crying is how I express everything. If I'm mad, sad, happy, laughing, or frustrated there will be tears. But here is why my crying can be a good thing: 

"Tears are words the heart can't say."

"Crying doesn't indicate that you are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive."

3.) Blunt. While I appreciate this quality about me, I also despise it at times. Sometimes I just blurt out whatever I am thinking and do not think of the hurt my words can do. If you want honesty, then I will give it to you, but be prepared for the jab my words will carry. 

4.) Liar. This is going to sound horrible, but I am a really good liar. I am the perfect person to keep surprise birthday parties a surprise because I think of the perfect made up story or lie. Now, let me clarify. I do not lie all the time. I have actually been trying to practice being 100% honest. In my Social Psychology class this semester, I have learned that lying is the lazy thing to do, but speaking truth is the strong thing to do. It may hurt, but it is better than hurting someone by being untruthful.

5.) Reading my Bible. I will read any other book before my Bible. Therefore, I go very many days without reading it. If I was to keep track, it has probably been about two months since I have read it for any other reason than class. Every summer I get really good at reading it on a daily basis, but the school year usually kicks me out of the habit. Really, I kick myself out, but I like putting the blame on school. I am supposed to read through the whole Bible for a list of things to do before I graduate so I guess I better get going on that.

There I said it! Now you know five of my weaknesses.; please don't judge me!

Here are some quotes that I have been loving!

"Don't be afraid to give yourself everything you've ever wanted in life."

"Don't give up what you want most for what you want now."

"Sometimes you need to walk alone just to show that you can."

"Those who are hardest to love need it most."

"At all costs, you must love what you do."

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A Typical Day in my Life

If you have not caught on yet, I am a college student so let me you show a typical day in my life.

Mornings: Most of the time I sleep in til the last minute. I do my hair the night before so all I have to do is touch it up in the morning and be out the door within ten minutes of waking up. Then I either head to class or work in the lovely Admissions office. I am the tour guide manager so I find tour guides to show my lovely campus to prospective students. I love the Admissions office and it all it entails!

Afternoons: My roomies and I usually grab lunch in the Marketplace (school cafeteria) or our apartment and spend time laughing and hanging out with a couple of our guy friends. Then on to more class or work. Usually around 4 or 5, I try to workout some days or I play my guitar to take a break from all the studying.

Evenings: Study, work on homework, work if I need to, watch my favorite t.v. shows and goof off with the roommates. This is when I usually read some of my favorite blogs or blog myself.

My day's seem pretty typical to most college students, but here are some things that most people may not do that seem to occur on a weekly basis for me.

Prank Calls at night (usually once a week)

Dance Aerobics every Thursday

Lamifidel Club every Monday night

Intramural's of some sort (softball or indoor soccer)

Tons of Facebooking which everyone does

Pinteresting at least once a day, sometimes more

Anybody miss their college days? Leave me a comment on something unique you and your college friends did that was special for you. Country drives our the thing to do here in Indiana!

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Confession Time

There is something about sharing honest thoughts, beliefs, and opinions with people that just get conversations rolling. So I thought why not have some posts filled with honest confessions of mine or others.

Confession: I am boy-crazy.

I am sure most girls can relate to this, but I need to be honest here. For some reason, I hold this thought that I have to constantly be looking out for my future husband or next boyfriend. I feel like I am on a roller coaster at times with how I feel about guys. Some days I am completely alright with being single and enjoying the time God is allowing me to discover myself. Other days I just wish God would show me that guy He chose for me. It seems like it is a race and I am losing it. I'm only 21, but right and left people my age are getting engaged and marry so it seems as if the pressure is on at times.

I hit my low point this past week. I blame it on Facebook and it's ridiculous amount of ads, but really I am to blame. I saw a friend had clicked on Match.com and I have always had this curiosity about dating websites, not to try them for myself but to see why so many people join them. Well, I clicked on the ad and then found myself filling out a profile. It was free to look, but you had to pay to communicate with other profiles. What was I thinking! This was my low point for sure.

The next day on Facebook I saw a status that said, "Maybe if I stop looking, it will find me." The status hit me hard and I un-subscribed from the Match.com facebook site and any other relationship type of site. This time is supposed to be me preparing myself for the future with someone and to discover so much about me. Why can I not just be satisfied with being single? I want to be able to enjoy the time by myself and learn more about who God created.

Does any one else feel the pressure to find the "one" like I do? Maybe it is just me, but I want to beat this pressure and try to really understand the purpose of singleness and the blessings that come with it. Let's help each other enjoy this time in life. 

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10 Pet Peeves

1.) Un-confident people.

It drives me crazy when people do not have confidence in their selves. My parents taught me to proud of who you are, and while I still have days where my confidence is low, most of the time it is at a high level. You can only tell someone so much how awesome, beautiful/handsome, and great they are, but you have to believe it yourself to truly have confidence.

2.) People with huge ego's.

Have you ever met those people that you know are so into themselves before you even talk to them? These people drive me insane! At least be humble about your accomplishments in life instead of making everyone so annoyed with you.

3.) Truth in Jokes

There are times when jokes are funny, but there are also times when jokes contain a hidden message that can dig deep. Most of the time this is sarcasm. I am definitely guilty of this and makes me sad that I can be like this at times. I know I have hurt a lot of people with sarcasm, but after having a wonderful talk with a beautiful lady in my life she introduced me to the bad sad of sarcasm and encouraged me to stop doing it. Sometimes it still slips, but I have learned when to use sarcasm and when to not.

4.) People who step in front of me or push through me.

I am a short person so when I go to concerts that require you to stand up, it is always hard for me to see. Recently, I went to the NEEDTOBREATHE concert and three groups of people pushed me to get in front of me to see! I don't hide my emotions very well so I stared them down for most of the show. Think about the little people!

5.) Dependent People.

I am overly independent; stubborn to a point that I only ask for help if I broke something or have exhausted all my ideas. For people who instantly ask for help without trying on their own first, kill me! Doing things for yourself is empowering so go and do it!

6.) Judging eyes.

There are people who you can see judging others just with their eyes. I am sorry, but if you are going to judge someone you probably do not want to get caught so how about you try not to stare with your eyes and put that smirk on your face that makes you think you're better than others. I am also guilty of this one!

7.) Movie seat kickers.

This is usually little kids, but the worst is when it is older adults. Have some respect!

8.) Bad Customer Service.

I work in a restaurant and I understand it is hard to deal with people all day, but it is still your job to be pleasant and treat others how you would want to be treated.

9.) Bad Tippers

Since I work in a restaurant, I understand what goes on with a server during a shift. Sometimes they have had an awful day or something bad is going on in their family. It makes me so mad when people tip badly because she was not enthusiastic enough for them. Take a second and put yourself in their shoes. Oh, and if you do not tip at least 15%, then never go out to restaurant ever again!

10.) Ageism.

Just because you are older does not mean you are better than me. I understand you have been living longer, but each person's life is different. You cannot say yours is more difficult than mine or that you have a better understanding of things than I do. Sometimes you might, but other times I may just have it better together than you.

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My Most Embarrasing Moment

Wow! Only one? I don't think that it is really possible for me to only choose one.

Just for you I will list a few of every one's favorites!

1.) During my sophomore year, we had this funny saying called "back it up." We always used it when someone said something and we wanted them to give the evidence for it. Well, we had a residence event called Taboo Topics where we talked about sex, eating disorders, and a few other things girls struggle with. It is super serious in the room and for whatever reason the speaker said something that I thought needed a "back it up" statement with it. While I thought I just said it in my head, I turned to my left because my friends were giggling and it was a super serious moment. They were all looking at me shocked and trying not to die laughing; then it hit me, not only did I say it out loud, but I shouted it. That definitely taught me to be in the moment more.

2.) Another time during sophomore year, we were all hiding in my room from our guy friends trying to convince them to bring taco bell to our window. I thought it would be funny if we pretended to flash them. Well, I was being goofy so I went to lift my sweatshirt up to flash and I forgot my phone was in my pocket. It smacked me in the mouth and gave me a fat lip for a day. Not only did people ask what was wrong with my lip, but I had to deliver the embarrassing moment to explain it.

3.) This one isn't so funny (at least not to me). During my Senior year of marching band, we had prelims for Nationals at 9 p.m. We were all exhausted, but the show had to go one. It was a really neat show where we had these balls that we through back and forth and did tricks with on these poll things (I wish I had pics so you could understand). Well during one part, we run in a circle with the poles and ball. Somehow I get up and start running, but trip and fall flat on my face. What felt like forever was really only a second, but I jumped back up and finished running to get back into place. At the end of the show, I burst into tears because I was so embarrassed. It may sound ridiculous, but I was for sure I had made us lose prelims because of my fall. Watching the video, you can barely tell I fell and I actually got complemented for recovering so fast, but I was not feeling that way during that week.

I'm sure I have more that I could share; I'll be sure to ask my friends and maybe I'll add some more later.

What are yours? I'm always up for a good laugh and if it includes anyone falling, I will love it. It may be mean, but I just lose it when people trip and fall. 

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Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my father's birthday and I believe he is turning 49.

In honor of him, I will now post some reasons why I love, appreciate, and admire him!

1.) That head of hair! Still rocking it to this day!

2.) Your faith; always so strong and so trusting of God.

3.) Marrying my beautiful mother. She was a lucky pick!

4.) Music: I may joke about it a lot, but I really do love your sound and your passion for it.

5.) Our love of biking; thanks for always being my biking partner!

6.) Christian example; you have shown me how a man should treat his wife and family.

7.) Persistence: you never give up and keep trying.

8.) Me! Without you, I would not be here so thank you for giving me life!

9.) Servant Heart: you are always giving of your time (especially for me) and truly care for others.

10.) Stories; I hear them all the time, but I secretly love hearing them and laughing at them.

11.) Food: we share the same taste in food which calls for some wonderful lunch dates at Roscoes or Los Tapitios!

12.) Challenging: you have always pushed me to be a better person and challenge me in my faith.

13.) Strict, but in a good way. You have always showed me that there are consequences for my actions and that I need to think them through.

14.) Forgiving: through all my mistakes you still welcome me into a hug and let me know how loved I am.

15.) Loving: You show me love in so many ways whether its by paying for something, disciplining me, or by taking time and spending it with me.

16.) Trusting: you are one of few people who I trust with everything. I find myself wanting to come to you when I make mistakes because I know I can trust you.

17.) Encouraging: while you always make sure I see both sides, you always tell me to trust myself and encourage me to take the chance and risk.

These are just a few of the reasons why I love this man, but let me go a little more in depth with why.

Dad, I don't think I can explain how much I love you. We've had a pretty rough year and a half with the whole church thing, but your strength through it all has amazed me. I spent multiple days crying while I never saw you shed a tear. You were the backbone for our family and continued to keep us looking for the light at the end of the tunnel.With all of that, you still never gave up on your dream. You continued to play and let God use you through the storm. What an example of a godly man! You have given me an example of what I search for in a husband: a man who will continue to support his family, lead them spiritually, and love them constantly. Thank you for being this man. Thank you for also being the dad who forgives constantly. I know you don't necessarily love all my decisions (nose ring), but thank you for still loving me through them and allowing me to make my own path in life. I love you dad!

I hope you have the happiest 49th birthday a dad could have!

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10 People Who Have Influenced Me and Why

1.) Mom

My mother is British and has stayed in America for our family So many times I can see that she longs to be closer to home, but she constantly puts all of us first before herself. She is also that mother that I hope to be. She comforts you when you do not want it and lets you fight your own battles when you want her to. Yes, that sounds horrible, but it has been such a blessing over the years. She has taught me when I need to accept comfort and shown me how to stand strong. I also get a lot of my blunt honesty from her and I believe that is a characteristic the defines me. Thanks to her I have learned what it means to stand your ground in a storm. Love you mom!

2.) Dad

 My father and I share a lot in common; not only physical characteristics, but also how we think and observe life. He is such a great spiritual leader as well; he is the man who continues to rely on God and trusts Him in all things. I strive to be like him in this way, but I am so appreciative that he can be the strong one when we all feel like giving up. My dad also has never given up on his dream of music. He continues to play every chance he does and allows his music to be his gift from God. I could go on forever about either of my parents, but there simply is not enough time in a day.

3.) Nanie

This lady is my wonderful grandmother. I like to call her my best friend because she and I can get in so much trouble together which is rare for a grandparent and granddaughter relationship. This woman has shown me how to stick with your gut and get a laugh out of almost every situation possible, even the bad and ugly times. 

4.) Natalie

My lovely sister has always been that person I know I can trust. It took till we were both older to really understand our relationships as sisters, but over the last several years I have found such a confidant with my sister. While my parents may not like this, my sister has also showed me independence and how to take responsibility for your actions. She has always chosen her path and stayed strong on it which I love. My sister showed me how to love yourself and be proud of yourself in all you do.

5.) Geoffrey

He would never know this, but my brother has always been someone who has held me accountable. When I think about doing something, I often think about how my decision will affect him or encourage him. He has also been that person I can completely goof off with or fight with. In the end, he always loves me and I know he cares even if he does not show it.

6.) Becca

Becca was my discipleship coordinator during my leadership role sophomore year of college and she is a women I truly admire and desire to be like. She is a woman who relies on the Lord and it is evident in her walk. Her influence has helped me trust God in times I did not want.

7.) Roommates

These ladies have been with me through the good, the bad, and the ugly. They constantly questions my actions and call me out when I need it. Both also encourage me everyday. Without them, I probably would make a lot of bad choices because I would not have them to bring me back to the reality of a situation. They have also showed me God in so many ways. Their walks encourage me to be stronger on mine. They also keep me laughing and seeing the good in life!

8.) Chris

He was my youth leader in high school and he allowed me to find a passion with middle school students that I never knew existed. He has also been a great representation on what it means to be a Christian that walks in faith everyday. Not only has he influenced me, but he was a strong influence on our family during the roughest time in our life. He also allowed my brother, mom, and I to share in the middle school program together.

9.) Mr. Davis

He was my substitute teacher during English class my sophomore year and was such a real person. He was open to sharing about his life whether it was the positive or negative. For some odd reason, he always stayed in the back of my head and helped me remember to be true to yourself and keep pushing on through life. 

10.) Izza

My beautiful camp friend! She impacted me so much while I was in Washington and was one of the reasons I was able to survive the whole summer. We bonded so quickly that she felt like a friend I knew my whole life. Her honesty and uniqueness reminds me every day to be secure in myself.

 

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Life Update

Sometimes I just get way too busy and some how lose my self in the mix.

That is what has happened over the last couple of weeks. After returning from spring break, I had 2 papers due, 1 presentation, 2 big tests, multiple quizzes, and a lot to worry about at work.

With all that, I also had Easter Break which meant two summer job interviews, three days of work, and a day of singing at church which also meant practice.

Let's just say I have been tired this week and that means tired in every possible way: physically, mentally, emotionally, behaviorally, etc.

By Friday, I was just ready to relax but that did not exactly happen.

My roommate turned 21 on Monday so we celebrated her birthday by going out to dinner and seeing Cabin in the woods. Let me preference that the night before I went to see my favorite band NEEDTOBREATHE and Ben Rector in concert so I was out late and then I had to be at work by 7 the next day. By the time the movie started, I was just a little cranky and struggling to keep my eyes open, but I trudged along and stayed awake through the whole thing.

Saturday allowed me to sleep in, but I was just not my normal self. For once, I just wanted to do nothing that involved work or school. So I attempted to do that. I watched t.v. shows that I needed to catch up on and then I broke into my creative side and made some glitter jars which I will definitely share later. However; my relaxing Saturday ended quickly. My roommates and I needed to get supplies for the baby shower next weekend so we left to do that which resulted in at least an hour of shopping and then we had a party to go to at 9 and a school event to go to at 10.

I am tired! Yet, here it is on Sunday and I know this is the day I do everything: homework, papers, emails, cleaning, and so much more. I know I sound all gloomy, but here's the good part.

Today I woke up and I came to my computer and said "Just surf the Internet and be content with that." So I did exactly that. I checked Facebook, I looked at blog sites I follow, and I blogged. Blogging is so relaxing for me because it's a creative activity for me and a way to express myself. While doing all this, I realized how mornings like these seem to put the icing on the cake. It comes after all the mixing and baking, but once its on you know its complete. This week was long, but this morning just proved to me that it was worth it. I need reminders like this in my life every so often and am very grateful it came to me this morning.

Just to talk about some of the fun events this week:

1.) NEEDTOBREATHE and Ben Rector were amazing! I could not really see anything since it was a stand-up concert, but the music was beautiful. I love artists who sound the same live and I would even say they both sound better live.

2.) Cabin in the Woods-What an interesting movie. Yes, it was definitely scary; it had me screaming out loud multiple times in the movie, but it also had me laughing by the end with a confused face. I would say wait until the movie comes out on DVD to see it, but if you're looking for a movie with a huge twist then it is definitely a good one. Not only does it have 1 huge twist, but it has 2!

3.) Glitter Jars-It has been a while since I have invested in doing crafts from my pinterest site, but something told me I needed to do this craft a.s.a.p. Turns out it was a good idea because they are now the center pieces for the baby shower, but I love them! Glitter appeals to me so much and these Jars are perfect. Gold glitter and clear jars. Mod podge helps the glitter stick and it is perfect. I cannot wait to post a picture to share with you!

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What is your dream job and why?

As I entered my Freshman year of college, I was set on being a youth minister. That is why I chose a Christian college, but I did not realize God would have other plans for me. I took my first religion class Freshman year and I struggled. I would call my dad so furious because I did not agree with what the class was saying. We would have long talks about how this occurs in the church a lot and how he has handled situations like this in the past. During this time, I was also dabbling with the idea of doing social work. It seemed like an area I could see myself in, but I also had this feeling that I would leave work crying everyday and I already cry too much. With that, I said no to youth leadership and social worker and found myself undecided. 

I ended up loving my religion class but I was not feeling drawn to a career in the church anymore. So, I headed over to the career development office at good ole Anderson and met with an adviser. She advised me to take a class in every area I was interested in, which was Christian Ministries, Psychology, and Business. I did just that. I took Intro to Church Ministries, Intro to Business, and I had already taken General Psychology so I knew Psychology was a class I enjoyed. 

I loved both of the classes I took, but I really desired to do counseling. Psychology became my main focus and I chose Business as a complimentary major. Best decision ever! Both of these degrees fit me perfectly and I love most of the classes I take in each field. After I choose these two degrees, I began to have a lot of people question why I wanted a Psychology and Business degree. Eventually I just got fed up with people asking me and began to look for an answer that would blow them out of the water. 

While my response to people tends to blow them out of the water, I also discovered that this is God's plan for my life. When graduate school is done, I want to be a family/relationship counselor for a couple of years. After those couple of years, I want to begin my dream. I will own a Bed & Breakfast and a halfway house. Individuals who need help getting back on their feet will stay at the halfway house where they can receive free counseling and learn life skills. To earn their own money, they will work at the B&B and find a sense of worth in earning things on their own. 

That is just a quick snippet of my dream, but I cannot wait to start it! 

I'd love to hear others dream jobs as well so please leave a comment and let me know!

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What are 5 passions I have

1.) Purity

In middle school, my mother insisted I attend the purity retreat at church and I wanted nothing to do with it. I was in 8th grade and hanging out with friends who did not encourage me spiritually so I was learning the idea of rebellion. Well, since I cannot drive, I was forced to go and was mad about it the whole time. By the end of the retreat, my eyes were re-awakened to God and I began to have a craving to learn all that I could about purity. I guess maybe I should explain my view of Purity. I am not a pure person by any means; I have made many mistakes that do not reflect this idea of purity. Purity is a beautiful thing that calls for redemption and a new start. I have spoken at 2 purity retreats and both have taught me that being pure does not just mean being abstinent. While that may be an aspect of it, it also means having pure thoughts, hearts, and words. It also allows for forgiveness. I could go on for hours and would love to talk to any of you about purity and its beauty. Just ask!

2.) Youth

High school showed me the love for middle school students. Maybe it is because I had a really rough time in middle school, but I loved the attitude of middle school students. They are honest, blunt, and easily influenced, but they are smart, endearing, and have a craving for knowledge. It has been a while since I have helped with youth activities, but I plan to add it back into my life in the near future.

3.) Music

I am a singer and musician. Since I was little, I have been writing songs. Yes, most of the time they are ridiculous, but I love creating tunes and imagining them becoming a number one hit on the radio. I do not like singing in front of people often because of insecurities, but I love singing and if I sing in front of you it means I like you. Playing guitar has also become my passion. It is so much fun to play a tune and sing along at the same time.

4.) Creativity

Thanks to the website Pinterest I have found my creative side. I love being crafty and making things from objects I have or find. Pinterest has inspired my creativity and has had me creating numerous artworks with paintings, jewelry, and so much more!

5.) Family

For some odd reason, I have always desired a big family. I always say I am going to have 8 kids and while I do hope this happens, I also know it is a big responsibility to take on. My family is growing now and I have added friends into the family mix. I am excited to see what life holds for my family and for me!

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A Very Thankful Daughter

My dad has been on my heart lately. Since being at home, I have been able to see the life my family has been living. I knew that we were struggling, but now I can see it the faces of my parents. My mother is trying to be strong and supportive and my dad is trying to trust God. I respect my parents so much after being with them this week. A time that has been stressful and down right horrible, they have been able to love, laugh, and live. They are real; they struggle with God, question Him, trust Him, and wait on Him. Their strength is beyond words; it is so strong.

I broke down in tears at multiple times today as I am doing right now because of my family. We could have let this situation affect our lives in a negative way. We could have let it beat us down and break us, but all of us have chosen to rise above. Yes, we have all had our bad days. The days when we say we want to give up and that we don't trust God, but at least we are being real and honest. Our faith is messy, but so was Peter's and Paul's.

I am just thankful and very appreciative of the parent's God has blessed me with. My mom has a heart that is beautiful. Her laugh, her smile, her goofiness; I just love everything about her. My dad's contemplative-ness, trust, and faith is admirable and inspiring.

"When the clouds are heavy, the rains come down. When a tree falls, whether south or north, there it lies. If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. " Ecclesiastes 11:3-4 If you wait for life to be perfect, then your going to miss it. Be thankful for the hard times, for the trying times, and for all the times in between. Pin It

Hardest thing I have ever experienced

To sum it all up, I would say sophomore year.

I entered it off the high of my Freshman year expecting it to be amazing and life changing and let's just say sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for.

It was life changing, but not in the way I expected.

I broke up with my boyfriend, celebrated my sisters wedding, suffered from my dad losing his job, and then spent months fighting with a friend.

Sure, my sisters wedding was tons of fun and one of the best parts of the year.

It was just the other stuff that led to the hardest experience ever.

I have talked about it so much on here that it is becoming repetitive.

If you want to read all about it; just click one of the links at the bottom.

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5 Things that make you most happy right now

1.) Family- My family is growing and I will be welcoming a little niece or nephew in the next couple of months. It's weird to think that it will not just be my immediate family, but that soon each of us will start having kids. Although, I still have a couple of years before that and so does my brother.

2.) Friends- Knowing who your true friends are is a wonderful to discover and having friends who will always be honest with you even when you do not want it is even better.

3.) My style- Materialistic, I know, but knowing what looks good on you and having a sense of style is so much fun. If you would have asked me 5 years ago to go shopping, I would have ran the other way, but now I have to avoid stores because I know I will be tempted to buy something.

4.) Independence- Going off to college has shown me how independent I am and how able I am on my own. While it sometimes gets me in trouble, I have discovered a lot of myself with being independent.

5.) Softball- I am in intramural softball season and I seriously end up laughing so hard at each game. Our team is so random, but so much fun!

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10 Things I would tell my 16 year old self

1.) There is no need to be so dramatic.

The world is not ending and you are strong enough to get through it!

2.) Boys: they are not that important! This is the time to enjoy being single!

The right man will come along; just be patient!

3.) Love your music! Be confident and let others hear your voice.

4.) Watch out for the people you call your "friends." There will be some people you just need to say goodbye to.

They are not always worth the fight.

5.) Appreciate your family! Don't wait til Senior year to see the beauty of family.

6.) Put more emphasis on school. Grades do matter and you are smart.

7.) Invest in your creative side. You have no idea how talented you are!

8.) Stop fighting with your brother! You will be close to him in the future!

9.) Appreciate yourself! You are beautiful and lovely!

10.) Enjoy nature. Don't conform to the Internet craze!

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Anderson University School Pride

A-N-D-E-R-S-O-N-R-A-V-E-N-S, RAVENS!

This is my favorite cheer to yell at Anderson sporting events.

We may be small, but we sure do love our school, especially me.

It is weird to think I almost did not apply to Anderson because I was nervous about the cost, but I thank the woman every day who encouraged me to apply. The minute I walked on to campus I knew that this was the place I wanted to be. This is the school that would become my home, my future, my past, and so many memories.

Freshman year proved that I choose the right school with tons of fun CAB (campus activities board) events, late night Ricker and Deluxe Doughnut runs, and pranking!

Sophomore year would be the hardest, but filled with discovery. Friendships would go, break-ups would occur, and family hardships would persist. Anderson, though, stayed ever present; a safe-haven from all of life's troubles and a place to find answers to them.

Junior year exceeded in the most learning, taking classes that I enjoyed and finding that I choose the right degree for me!

Anderson has given me so many opportunities for the past three years and I know my Senior year will be filled with the most.

From the Career Development office to the teachers who sit down and build a personal relationship with you, I have discovered my love for AU.

My classes have been tough, but the knowledge has stuck.

Teachers I thought I could never like have become my mentors and wonderful examples to learn from.

I have also discovered why people say you make your best friends in college. From the minute you move in, there are always people to meet and become friends with, which is exactly what happened on the first day of Freshman year.

As for the experiences, they are numerous. The admissions office is not just my job, but my family and possibly my future. Lamifidel, one of six social clubs you can join on campus, has become my Monday night ritual and my sisterhood.

Many people may say you cannot have that much fun on a Christian campus, but they are wrong. Choosing Anderson is the best decision I have ever made. This is the school that will allow me to Soar and Soar I will.

In the words of Switchfoot, "This is home. Now I'm finally where I belong, where I belong. Yeah, this is home. I've been searching for a place of my own. Now I've found it. Maybe this is home, yeah this is home."

 

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3.) Relationship with parents

Since I am growing up and about to enter the time in my life when I become independent from my parents, the relationship with them is a little confusing. I am finishing up my third year in college and each year results in my wanting to be more independent and learning how to rely on my parents less. Therefore, the relationship is hard to define.

I recently got my nose pierced and I feel like that might have been my first step to being almost independent. They were not very happy with me, but they also are allowing me to deal with the consequences of my decisions.

I love my parents and all they do for me. Sometimes I do not agree with their decisions, but I have learned they only make their decisions because they think it is what is best for me.

I thank the Lord above for my wonderful parents!

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