2014 Goals

A bad habit I am going to break is...biting my pens. 

My goodness I am the worst at this and always so embarrassed to let people borrow them when asked. 

A new skill I'd like to learn is...how to change my oil. 

Thanks to my man who is a car guy I believe this will be easily accomplished.

A person I hope to be more like is...Ellen DeGeneres.

The woman is giving and always chooses the positive over the negative. Plus she is always the life of the party. 

A good deed I am going to do is...buy other people coffee at least once a month. 

Why not treat people to something they love because they ordered it?

A place I'd like to visit is...Mexico/Catalina Island.

I am cheating with this one because I know it is for sure going to happen.

A book I'd like to read is...The new duck dynasty book.

I'll probably end up finishing it before 2014. Whoops!

A letter I am going to write is...to my grandmother. 

She sends me letters often and I want to do the same.

A new food I'd like to try is...Moroccan or Indian.

I'm going to do better at...giving hugs.

I am the worst at this and I have no idea why.

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2013--One of the best Years Ever!

Every year has its ups and downs, but I have really loved this year.

And, of course, here is why:

1.) I graduated from college! It only took four years, but I graduated with two degrees and alongside my besties.

2.) I moved to the beautiful state of Washington to Seattle and fell even more in love with the city.

3.) I lost 20 pounds and I wasn't even trying. I am not trying to brag. I was more surprised than anyone. I was fine with my body but walking at work and around Seattle did my body good.

4.) And the best part of 2014 was meeting this guy. He makes me laugh out loud constantly, loves my quirks, and picks me up when I'm feeling low. He has been my most favorite part of 2013. 

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Some Questions Before 2014

Found these questions to be inspiring and reflective and thought I'd share my responses with you all.

1.) What am I most proud of this year?

I finally actually did what I said I would do for the past two years and moved to Seattle for graduate school. I left the life I was used to and threw myself into a new world that I have come to love so much. 

2.) How can I become a better person?

Continue to be more self-aware and work on the goals I have for myself such as:

shop less

save more

rest often

love deeper

give better

3.) Where am I feeling stuck?

I am not feeling stuck anywhere at the moment and that may be a first in my life.

4.) Where do I need to allow myself grace?

School. I am in a graduate program that focuses less on the textbook answer and more on your personal discovery process. I realize I see the negative in me more than the positive and it is time to remember how beautiful I am. 

5.) Am I passionate about my career?

Yes and no. Counseling is still a desire, but I may not be as passionate for it as I used to be. Right now the goal is just to get through graduate school and then see what happens.

6.) What lessons have I learned?

Life always involves risk so go for it.

Love is always hungry and will never be satiated.

We all have stories that can explain us and the life we come from.

Distance can pull you together.

Growing up is hard.

7.) What did my finances look like?

The beginning of the year there was no finances, but now that I have a great paying job there is money to provide for myself and work on planning a future for me. 

8.) How did I spend my free time?

Lots of Ellen video watching, shopping, and working.

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Surviving Grad School 101

Today is the day I can finally say I survived my first semester of graduate school.

Only 8 semesters to go! Oh boy!

This time last year I was playing with the idea of moving to Seattle to start this crazy school and a few weeks later made the commitment to attend. For those of you considering the graduate school student life, here are some ways to survive.

1.) You MUST become best friends with Starbucks or some kind of coffee joint. This is the only way you will survive off the lack of sleep that ensues from working and doing school because lets be real--you can't go to graduate school and not have a job unless your dad is Mr. Banks. 

2.) Have a day that you say is for extra studying, but is actually for extra sleep, laundry doing, showering longer than 8 minutes, or for shopping. Thursdays were my day off from work, my day to go to counseling, and my day to walk into Target without any guilt. Yes, I tended to study because I am an over-achiever, but it was nice to know I didn't have to.

3.) Make a YouTube playlist every month. Have a song that you can't get out of your head? Play it on repeat while you write paper after paper. Seriously, I made a playlist of maybe just five songs each month and listened to them over and over again.

4.) Have people who do not want to talk about your degree program. For me, this happened to my boyfriend. He always asked me about my program, but luckily psychology language is not his first language so he allowed me to disengage from it when I chose.

5.) Have a great support system. My friends have been great in encouraging me and making sure I am surviving. You need someone to call you to make sure you are up in time for your test or to turn in your paper. 

6.) Watch Ellen videos at least twice a week. When you need a break from studying, go watch her. She will give you that quick laugh fix you need to stay sane.

7.) Be okay with surfing the internet while sitting in class. For some reason, grad classes seem to be freaking long. But guess what?! You are an adult and can choose to give yourself a five minute break of surfing the web when you can't focus anymore. Do NOT feel guilty for it.

8.) TREAT YO SELF! My friends from Parks and Recreation taught me this. Finished a paper and craving Qdoba? TREAT YO SELF. You read a chapter for class? TREAT YO SELF TO ELLEN. You finished finals? TREAT YO SELF TO THAT FORMAL DRESS FOR THAT FORMAL EVENT WITH YOUR MAN.

And this is how you survive the first semester. 

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Dear Christy, Katie, and Kara

I started reading the last installment to one of my favorite book series and realized I have some words to share with some of my favorite non-fictional characters.

Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn

Dear Christy,

       Where do I even start? I envisioned being you in high school. I wanted to have the strong faith you had and the guy who is willing to wait to date you until you both feel as if God is ready for it. I strove to wait for my own Todd and for a guy who is as great as him. I studied my bible, went to youth group, went on missions trips, and prayed like it was my job because that's what you did. I had fights with my best friend about whether I was more like Christy or Katie and I truly believe I was you in real life. Who knows, maybe I am. Because of you I now cannot date a guy who is unbeliever, doesn't love my family, or who is not willing to wait for me. I don't know whether to thank you or cry because it's going to take some time to find him. All I know is you made me a better person and still do when I reminiscence about our days together.

Love Rachel

Katie Weldon Series by Robin Jones Gunn

Dear Katie,

     I love you! To be honest, I think I am more like you than Christy. We have the spunk, the random freak outs, and the awkwardness thing going for us. Plus it helps I was once a red-head as well and I have dated some duds too. You have been my favorite character to turn to when it comes to my life. You have your honest doubts about faith, you questions whether the next step is really meant to be, and you have the strength to end a relationship that could workout in the future because your desire to follow God's will for you personally is more important. I do not even know how to thank you for your current wisdom and encouragement to continue down the path I am going. You, my friend, have been a life-savior and a reminder to keep fighting for what you believe in and want.

Love Rachel

The Guy I'm Not Dating by Trish Perry

Dear Kara,

      Oh my friend, we have had some great laughs. You are me and I am you. We are clumsy, hilarious, and down-to-earth. We both have given up on dating to fulfill God's desire for whats best for us. We both say things out loud we shouldn't and we both interpret situations in the wrong way at times. What I love most about you is your prayer-warrior status. If something is wrong, you turn to prayer and I wish I still did that. When I am down in my luck, I remember you and your faithfulness to God and then I pray. You are inspiration that not-dating can lead to marriage; friendship is more important and that more can blossom when you take your time. Thanks for always making me laugh out loud and reminding me I have something better in store for my life.

Your dear friend Rachel

Do you all have book characters that you find yourself connecting to so well? Who are they and whats the book? I'd love to check them out

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The Power of Words

I was thinking today about the power our words have and some phrases that can make all the difference. I have had a lot of truth spoken into me lately and it's not always easy to hear. And I started to think about the words that occur in most of our lives that can be life-changing.

"I love you."

Love is that thing we are always searching, striving, and desiring for/of. Hearing the words from a mother, father, friend, lover, husband, etc. can make all the difference in your day. And it's amazing what saying that phrase can communicate to someone. I think of those words and what they mean to me: that I am cared for, that I am appreciated, that I am wanted/needed, that I am loved.

"I'm sorry."

Saying this is probably the hardest phrase I know to say, but I know the value of it. To admit your wrong and to truly want forgiveness is powerful. And to have the strength to say this to someone takes a lot of humbling.

"I forgive you."

I know I have said this so many times, but I do not always mean it. To actually let go of a transgression against me takes a lot of work. This is a phrase that is much more of an action than a statement. To forgive asks you to let go of what was done against you and to not return to it. Easier said then done.

What are some words or phrases that are powerful for you?

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The Gift of Tears

I read a chapter from a book by Alan Jones about The Gift of Tears and it has truly gave grace to my tears. Here are some quotes I took from the reading.  

"Crying is a natural phenomenon and the withholding of tears appears to be dangerous to health"

-NY Times

"Whoever can weep over himself for one hour is greater than the one who is able to teach the whole world."

-Issac of Ninve

"Tears are a gift. Tears flow when the real source of our life is uncovered, when the mask of pretense is dropped, when our strategies of self-deception are abandoned."

"Christianity claims that nothing else matters, but love."

"The gift of tears has to do with both life and joy, for the sake of the restructuring of our identity, for the re-ordering of our self-understanding."

Could my tears be the connection to God?

"Tears also contribute to the building up of the kingdom of God."

"An unsatisfied desire which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction. I call it joy."

-C.S. Lewis

"Learning to love without possession and finding that one is loved without condition is what it is to receive the gift of tears and to be surprised by joy."

"The gift of tears is a sign of the mending of creation."

"Tears are inevitable. Tears soften, clarify, and open."

"When the believer begins to see just how much she is loved, the tears flow."

"The soul is restored through tears."

"Tears are the means by which we have the chance to see things differently and be rescued from whatever little hell we may have chosen for ourselves."

"Our weeping is caused by the love of God."

"Tears give love a chance to happen."

"A face bathed with tears has an undying beauty."

"To know one is standing in the grace and love of God is what the gift of tears is all about."

I highly encourage everyone to read chapter 4 about the gift of tears. It is beautiful and if you are a crier, it brings beauty to your tears. 

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So did I tell you I have a boyfriend?

In case you did not know, I did some dating when I moved to Washington.

And by did some, I mean quite a few.

My first few weeks were plan-less and meeting new people sounded like fun so I took a risk and tried OkCupid! after a friend had suggested it.

To save my boo's identity a little bit, I will call him B*. 

B* and I started off texting and he asked me to hangout twice before I finally said yes the third time. We met at Red Robbin because I was craving myself some sweet potato fries. 

When he walked in, I was first shocked at how tall he was. I'm 5'2 and B* is at least 6'2. A giant compared to me. He also looked like a southern boy which you do not see many of them out here so I was instantly loving him. Did I mention he has red hair? Yeah, I was in heaven.

So dinner started and the boy sure knows how to talk. It was the most naturally flowing conversation and I loved it. It wasn't me having to do all the "get to know you" work. He actually wanted to get to know me. From dinner we went to Alki beach to grab some ice cream. I was freaking out about his awesome ride and I am sure he was just trying to get me to look up so he could see my face.

He drove me home like any gentleman would do and then met my roommate which proceeded to even more talking. Our second date did not go so well, but we won't go there. Thanks to his lovely mother who talked some sense into him, he gave me another chance and we've been pretty inseparable since. 

And here's why:

1.) The boy loves the laugh I make that I think would scare any man away. He keeps trying to get me to laugh like that again because he thinks its cute.

2.) He will race me to doors so that he can open them for me because he knows I sometimes am too independent to let him do it.

3.) He won't let me quit school even though some days I highly consider it.

4.) The boy talks! I mean he is really good at this and not in a bad way. He actually enters into deep conversations with me because he wants too. No teeth-pulling here.

5.) He acts like a southern boy all the time. I love it!

6.) Did I mention he has red hair? I am such a sucker for the red-heads. 

7.) I have cowgirl boots and he has a cowboy hat. Could we be any more perfect?

8.) The boy is honest to a T. Even if I don't ask, he is going to tell me. Yes, sometimes it shocks me but then I laugh and remind myself how nice it is to have someone so straight-forward like me.

I could go on and on, but I think that's enough sap for today.

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Love: My Life Theme

So for school this week, I had to write a paper called "The Tragedy Paper."

Yes, it is as terrifying as it sounds. Now, this post is not going to go into detail about that paper because it will take at least a year of counseling and probably three years of school before I feel comfortable talking about it.

I am going to talk about the theme of my life that I discovered from that paper.

It really was not too surprising for me, but the way it revolves around my entire life was. 

So the life theme for me is Love. 

Sounds great right?

Well, what I've learned from school is that love is a craving or a hunger that can never be fulfilled.

Once you get an ounce of it, you want another ounce, and another. 

Find love today and you will want even more love tomorrow.

It sounds like you'll never be satisfied, right?

And that's what I struggled with.

What if the love I got today is all I will get?

Can I be okay with that?

I feel like the obvious answer is no because I will always want more.

And then I thought about love in my relationships.

I seek it out, I perform tasks to receive, and I give much of myself to get more back.

It's a fuel that pushes me but also pulls me. 

I desire love and seek it out. I've been searching for it for a long time.

Yes, I have found it so many times, but I have also missed it so many times.

Writing this portion of my paper started to make me question the mission of being love in my life.

Why would I live out a life of love if it may never be enough?

And then I realized I would much rather live a life constantly craving love than a life that has no desire to find it.

What's your life theme and what does it say about you?

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360

It is crazy to think about where I was a year ago today.

I was in the midst of my last year at undergrad trying to figure out the next steps for my life.

This time last year I had just returned from Washington from my interview day and I was overwhelmed.

I had no idea if this is really what I wanted for my life.

Move across the country?

From family and friends?

From familiarity?

To say I was freaking out would be an understatement.

I was terrified.

Probably because I knew I would move across the country from everything I knew if I got a letter saying I was accepted.

And obviously, by now, you know I did just that.

I up and moved to this state I fell in love with.

The whole thing still blows my mind.

I am still stunned every time I see Mt. Rainier.

I am still shocked when I look at the weather forecast and see a week full of rain ahead of me.

I still have yet to wear my rain boots on the rainy days.

I still can't believe that I find myself at Starbucks frequently each week writing papers or doing readings for class.

It's just plain weird and what is even more weird is the I'm adjusted.

The idea of going home for Christmas for two weeks seems too long because it means being gone from my new home. (It's also difficult to pack for two weeks with two carry-on's!).

This is my home.

Anderson is home.

Greenwood is home.

Is it possible for the heart to have so many homes?

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The Girl in the Window Sill

She climbs onto the sill and sits looking out the window. 

She watches the people move about, the cars pass by, and sun-rise turn to sun-set. 

She sits thinking about all the possibilities in her life. 

What will I do when my time is done here?

Will this be my home forever?

What significant things will happen in the next three years?

She thinks about the past and how it has brought her to where she is today.

Because of him I learned how to move on.

Because of her I know what a true friend looks like.

Because of family, I have learned to how to love imperfect people.

And as she thinks her mind wanders in and out of many thoughts.

She catches herself sometimes and reminds herself to just breathe.

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

As she breathes, she's reminded of the goodness.

The goodness of having another day to start again.

The goodness of community.

Of love.

Of faith.

Of hope.

And she finds herself happy.

--I was inspired to take a break from school and throw myself into writing. To write about this girl that I may wish was me or includes many parts of myself. Sometimes there is just beauty in being willing to enter into writing without having any idea where the words will flow.--

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MIA Blogger

So I realize I have been missing from the blogging world lately.

Yes, I have been writing a post every few weeks because that is all I can really handle in my life at the moment. School asks a lot of me and requires I do a lot of personal work which is not easy.

I spend most of my days just exhausted--sometimes its physically, other times mentally, and most of the time emotionally. When I think about writing a post, I just cannot even comprehend what to write about.

I guess I want to apologize, but I also do not want to. I think taking a break from blogging every day has been good. I read a quote today that said those who take time to write usually are more profound than those who find it easy to write. I am not saying those who have lots to say are not profound, but this is a quote that seems to be reflecting my life lately.

I write paper after paper and my words are becoming few. So many thoughts come out of my mind each week that it is sometimes too difficult to engage in anything else. I do want to say thank you to all of you though. Coming and reading your posts gives me a break from school and allows me to find rest. Most of the time it brings laughter and a smile to my face which I am so appreciative of. 

I am not sure if I will ever return to my "blog post every day" day's. For now, blogging when I feel truly inspired will have to be enough and I am okay with that.

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November Goals

It has been a while since I have done a monthly goal list.

Life has been so busy that it has been difficult to do much more than just breathe and survive. 

But I am finally in a routine and probably able to accomplish something.

1.) Be thankful--it is the month of thanks and I want to do a better job at expressing it this month.

2.) Save more, spend less--I am keeping track of all my expenses this month to see how much money I am wasting. It's November 4th and I've already spent a butt-load of money. Someone needs to get their act together.

3.) Spend time with those I love-- I finally live in near some of my favorite people and I have been doing a horrible job at seeing them.

4.) Live for the spontaneity of life--I want to get back into welcoming unexpected conversations, random adventures, and a life that is not always planned to the minute. 

5.) Come up with Christmas gift ideas for the family--can you believe it is almost here?

I think that's a pretty good list to start with.

Just some monthly encouragement!

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Someday I will...

If you've never read The Daily Tay's blog, then today is the day to do it.

I am so excited to link-up with her!

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="http://www.thedailytay.com/" title="The Daily Tay"><img src="http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a595/helenesula/somedayiwill_zpscd21806a.png" alt="The Daily Tay" style="border:none;" />

Someday I will...play my guitar and sing at an open mic night.

Someday I will...be a soccer mom and teach my kids how not to be an angry player and to enjoy the game.

Someday I will...complete everything on my to-do list for the day and then reward myself with a shopping trip to target.

Speaking of target, Someday I will...walk into the store and buy whatever I want without thinking about how much I am spending.

Someday I will...learn how to walk into a church without feeling like everyone in the building is going to hurt me.

Someday I will...work with teens again and be reminded of the passion I have for their generation.

Someday I will...spend all day reading a book in a hammock not on the beach but in the woods.

Someday I will...cook an entire thanksgiving dinner and not poison anyone who eats it.

Someday I will...think of more things I would like to do today, but today is definitely not that day. 

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Integration of Faith and Career

If you did not know, I am going to graduate school to receive my masters in Counseling Psychology. I am also attending a school that integrates faith into my classes. I have had a lot of questions on why this is important to me and today in class I realized why. 

If I did not believe in the Resurrection of Jesus, then I could not be a counselor. 

Now I am not saying you can only counsel people if you believe in God. I am saying that I could not counsel people if I did not believe in God.

I realize that as a counselor I have to believe my clients can die to their habits, tragedy, issues, whatever you want to call it. And then I need to believe they can rise again from death. 

If you are not tracking with me, then I am sorry. Putting this idea to words is difficult.

To make more sense I will give you an example from my life:

My first few weeks in Seattle were more difficult than I expected. I did not realize until lately that I had entered into depression and it was taking me to my grave. It seeped into every aspect of my life and I lost a little bit of who I was. Then one day the depression ended-it entered its death and I rose again back to the person I remember. 

The Resurrection story is so important to my career. 

I'm curious on how faith is integrated into your own career.

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Thankfulness

I was asked in class today to live a life that takes the mundane and see the extraordinary in it.

So here it goes:

Time to try new experiences and build new relationships.

Skype sessions with my brother and our bond over AU.

Rainy days for the renewal they bring.

Brakes that stop at just right moment when you are hydroplaning.

Quality conversations filled with honesty. 

Driving and having the privilege to do it. 

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The life of a crier...

So have you seen this video before?

Well, if you haven't, click play right now. Then re-watch it after you stop laughing.

Now let me explain why I used this video to describe the life of a crier.

As Kristen says so delicately, "If I am not between a 3 and a 7, then I am crying."

Well, this is the life of a crier. If I am not in those levels, then I can guarantee you can find me crying away. 

If I am angry, sad, happy, frustrated, laughing too hard, choking...whatever it is, I am crying.

You can also find me crying if someone else is or trying to fight the urge to break into tears.

For some odd reason, the big man upstairs deciding to grace me with the ability to cry in all circumstances and sometimes for no reason what so ever.

One day I was doing the laundry and started crying for no reason what-so-ever!

Are any of you bloggers out there criers too? 

Or am I the only one in this gang?

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Dear Rachel

We need to have a talk.

 

Your life has been busy, there is no argument there.

You moved across the country, started graduate school, and began a new job.

You moved into a house with four strangers, you've spent time getting to know people in your program and outside of it.

 

You spend many hours reading, few hours sleeping. and many moments not appreciating.

You keep wanting to jump ahead, but I think you need to slow down and smell the roses.

Yes, I just told you to smell the roses. Pump the brakes and just stop for a minute. Stand outside and appreciate the weather, listen to what your roommate is sharing with you, and be aware of your surroundings.

 

I know you love being busy and all, but just stop it.

Just breathe. Just rest. Just be.

 

The future will still be there if you do this. Your tomorrow is still being granted to you.

Can you just say thank you for this minute, this hour, this day?

Can you just let life be and welcome what is given to you?

 

I want you to love yourself through these changes in your life and to give yourself some grace.

Sometimes you're not going to make the best choices, actually, you're going to make some pretty bad ones, but its okay. Get up, brush the dirt of your knees, and start again.

Forgive yourself and love yourself.

You are not perfect nor were you created to be.

You are human and with that comes the actions of being human.

 

Love yourself dear friend, love yourself.

 

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Feeling Like A Baby

Usually I am not someone who thinks about age. I see people for who they are and not for the number they identify with. However, since I have been in Seattle I have never felt more like a baby. 

In my house, I am the youngest.

At work, I am one of the youngest.

At school, I am one of the youngest.

And I am struggling. No one has purposely labeled me a baby, but its the little actions that make me feel like I am the youngster. I haven't lived as much or learned as much. My opinion isn't as qualified as someone older than me.

Once again, no one has said these to me, but it's hard not feel that these thoughts or words may be passing between people around me. 

Have you ever experienced this feeling? How did you overcome it?

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Brave, Courage, and Haunting

You must listen to this song while you read this post so pres PLAY now.

A dear friend and lovely woman said this the other day at orientation:

"I hope courage haunts you."

I was immediately struck at the beauty of that sentence. To be haunted sounds terrifying, but to be haunted by courage sounds like to biggest gift I could ever receive. Bravery has been my life word for the last month. 

If you didn't know, I moved across the country from all familiarity to a city, a huge one to be exact. I came knowing very few people and moved into an area that I had never lived in. I began a job that I had way too many concerns about and constantly face the new environment every day. I also started dating which is just scary by itself. 

Being brave is what wakes me up every day. I have found myself just turning off my alarm and laying in bed trying to convince myself that I can conquer the day. Some days I lay there for a few minutes and others it seems like an hour. All I can do is be brave. 

I've started grad school and I literally wanted to run away the first day. How did I get here? Do I seriously want to study for another three years? The real answer is no. I do not want to be in school for another three years, but the reason I don't want to is because I know there is going to be a lot of change with grad school. I of course chose a program that not only teaches you, but asks you to take what you learn and apply it to your life. Being brave is the only thing pushing me through it.

So for some odd reason I've invited courage and bravery to haunt me. I have asked them to awake me every morning and to push me when I am choosing to stand back. 

I am choosing to be brave.

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What I've Learned About Seattle and Myself

 1.) The bus will very rarely be on schedule.

2.) Tourists are every where and they will not be leaving anytime soon. 

3.) I can wear whatever I want and look like a fashionista.

4.) It smells like pot everywhere.

5.) There will always be traffic.

6.) Mt. Rainer is always beautiful and breath taking.

7.) Men carry messenger bags.

8.) I will never understand recycling.

9.) Saying "I miss you" on the phone or through text nearly brings me to tears every time. 

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Life Learnings

Let's just say this is not an easy post for me to write because it includes something that I am sad to admit. I have always thought I was that great girl to date--you know the one who is laid back, doesn't care if you take your time, and makes dating easy. Well, apparently not!

I have realized recently that I am bad at allowing people(ahem-guys) to pursue me. I guess I'm what you could call an alpha female. And not that there is anything wrong with being a strong female, but I have slowly come to realize that as a female I need to allow the male population to pursue me.

Why should I do that?

Because I am tired of being the one that makes a relationship happen. I shouldn't have to "make" it happen, I should allow it to happen. Yes, I need to do my part--show my interest, flirt, express how I feel. I don't have to be the one who starts the DTR talk or ask the guy out.

I am not sure how to describe it, but there is something feminine about allowing a man to express his interest with you naturally. Does anyone know what I am talking about or understand?

Can anybody relate? 

I guess I am going through this phase in life where I feel like I have to have it all. Is this a natural feeling for college graduates? 

I keep reminding myself to just breathe and let life come. 

I've finally realized to stop and live life. I fought myself from taking a work shift because I knew I could make good money, but I needed a break and so I told myself no. 

I am sorry this turned into just life and the stuff I am dealing with. Can anyone just assure me that I am okay and I'm where every typical 22 year old is at in life?

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Pranking

I am 22 years old and I still believe in pranking.

Some of you may think its childish, but I think it is the most fun and brings people together.

Disagree, but I think I'm right.

One of my favorite pranks would be prank calling. My two best friends and I would spend hours prank calling people. We would be laughing so hard that we could barely get through the call. Let me just tell you, when you get prank called its more enjoyable for both parties if you just play along. The people who don't will probably keep getting prank called to annoy them. We, however, only called the people we knew would make it entertaining for us. If you have never prank called, use an accent to disguise your voice and think of the most ridiculous things to call about such as: gypsies, vampires, etc. 

A second weird prank was coning people. In high school, I stole cones for some weird reason and most people knew that. I'd be walking through the hallway and someone would run up to me with a cone to add to my collection. In college, we attempted to steal some cones and put them all over our friends yard. It was my 21st birthday and that's how you have a good time when you go to a school that allows no drinking. One thing to know when you prank is that you need to be conspicuous and stealthy. I was not that. We decided to drive around campus collecting cones and left them in my car overnight. Campus Police was very good at their job and documented the cones in my car with pictures:

And while I probably shouldn't brag about this, I created a really good story that resulted in no fines for me.

Finally, pranking is a necessity as a camp counselor. The last week I worked at camp we had plenty of time to think of different ways to prank each other. One of my favorites was finding out a co-counselor had taken my toothbrush and toothpaste and frozen it in water. It took a whole day for that sucker to unfreeze.

I of course got him back in the middle of a prank by dumping 3 gallons of water on him.

Seriously, I do not believe you are too old to prank. It lightens up the mood and creates fun for most people. No, I am not encouraging you to go gallon-smashing or even t-ping as that can cause some damage. But I do encourage you to have fun, and be creative!

Is anyone else guilty of being a prankster?

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First Kiss

After a very stressful week, I spent a Saturday afternoon reading blog posts just to relax and make me laugh. I found a post about first kisses and I love it. It of course took me back to mine and you've guessed right. I am going to share it with you!

Let's just say I've always been a little boy-crazy. Since I can remember, there was always a boy I thought was cute or was pining after. With that said, I made it to age 18 until I had my first boyfriend and first kiss. Pretty impressive if I say so. We met on facebook and slowly realize we had both gone to the same high school at one point and he knew my best friend. So we eventually met and then eventually started dating. 

One morning he came to the prayer group that I led on Thursday mornings and hung out with the group. It was a little awkward because everyone knew he was my boyfriend and it was just a weird place for them to meet him. Now prayer group was at 6:00 a.m. and if you know me, mornings are not my thing...at all! I am still unsure how I led a prayer group each week that early in the morning, but I did it for four years. 

Anyways, its time for us to all head to school and I drove some of the students to school in the morning. So out we go to the parking lot and I turn to say goodbye to my boyfriend. Next thing I know, I am saying see ya later and his lips are on mine. He kisses me and that I turn quickly and finish my sentence. 1.) Because I couldn't believe what had just happened. 2.) Because I felt a little weird that he had kissed me in front of my prayer group. 

I of course started talking more than was necessary and he looked at me, smiled, and said "calm down, I just kissed you, it's okay." And then I believe I blushed and told him I'd text him later. 

Not the most romantic first kiss, but it at least was not completely horrible. Plus, he turned out to be a pretty good kisser!

What's your first kiss story? Was it from the movies? Was it completely awkward or terrible? 

Tell me! I'd love to know!

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What I Love About Me

Can I just tell you how many doubts enter your head when you move?

Well, it's a lot! I have been experiencing a lot of doubt within myself since I've gotten to Washington. I've wondered if it was worth it, if I was crazy for leaving all familiarity, and if I will actually survive for three years by myself out here.

And then there are the days when you just have to be a little self-centered and remember why you are great and what makes you strong. So yes, this entire post is about what I love about myself.

You should try it, it's amazing how it will change your perspective on things.

1.) I love my persistence. If I want something, I work to get it. If I have a dream, I achieve it.

2.) I love my work-ethic. Yes, some may call me a work-a-holic, but I thrive from working hard. I'm willing to give it my all if I am 100% into it. 

3.) My goodness, I love my hair! I am so thankful God knew the type of girl I am--one who has no desire to spend hours to look cute. These locks of wave make my life so much easier and make getting ready to go out simple. Pin it back and I'm done. 

(For example: This date took a total of 15 minutes to get ready. Shower, let hair air dry, and then put some eyeliner on. BAM! Ready for the day!)

4.) I love that I don't deal with the crap. Be dramatic, lie to me, or completely be a mean person--go ahead! I just won't spend my time on you.

5.) I love that I'm a girl who his hips. Yeah, you won't find me in a bikini, but I will rock that one piece like its my job. 

6.) I love that I stand my ground. I've got standards and I've got rules when it comes to dating. Sure, you can try to get past them, but I can guarantee you that there will most likely not be another date in your future.

7.) I love that I can laugh at myself and rock my embarrassment. Just the other day I walked out of the bathroom with toilet paper stuck to my shoe. Oh yeah, I definitely hurried to get that paper off my shoe, but then I preceded to laugh at how funny it was and allowed my face to be red for a few minutes.

8.) I love that I am a people person. It can be exhausting at times, but I love my relationships and enjoy building upon others.

9.) I love my bargain shopping. Three tops and a scarf all for $21. Yes, I should do this for a living!

What do you love about yourself? 

And if you haven't been loving yourself, it is time to start!

Take yourself out to a movie, get that pedicure you've been waiting for, buy that shirt you've had your eye on for weeks now, or just stand in the mirror and admire who you are.

TREAT YO SELF! LOVE YA SELF!

(Sorry ghetto Rachel just came out)

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My Generation is Leaving the Church

For weeks I have been reading multiple articles about Millennials leaving the church. Basically all of these articles are talking about me and many of my friends. It's hard not to read them because its an older generation trying to pinpoint the reason I left church or why my friends are.  Sure, some of them have some great points, but overall I have been frustrated with the words from them. 

They all have different reasons for why we are leaving:

1.) We are not converted.

2.) We don't have a strong desire to attend church.

3.) We want a church that is more hip for us.

4.) It's the church's fault we are leaving and they've had it coming.

The list could go on and on...but I really don't want to give you a list of more reasons why we are leaving. 

What I really want is to stop being described as a collective and be recognized as an individual. I want the older Christian generation to recognize that they can group us all they want, but it really comes down to our own personal decision to leave the church. Yes, it seems like many people my age are leaving the church, but I am not jumping on the bandwagon because its hip.

 I've left the church because I didn't find what I believe was the body of Christ. 

I left the church because church hurt me. You can read all about that in many of my posts, but to sum it up the church betrayed me. The body of Christ that I grew up with turned its back on me, spread words about my family, and stopped showing me love. 

I left the church because I wanted to discover my own faith personally without people from all sides telling me what I need to believe.

I left the church because I wanted to it. 

Yes, other things pushed me to that decision, but it was my choice. It was not your doing. 

Just like it's your choice to stay, it is also mine to leave.

With the reason I left admitted, I think there is another side that the older generation is missing.

While we are not going to church or being apart of the church, we are still pursuing our faith. 

I am still praying, I am still reading truth, and I am still striving to be like Christ.

I am just doing it outside of a building and I feel FREE!

My generation is still being spiritually fed; we are just doing it in new ways. 

For years, I have heard that I am the generation of change and change is what we are doing.

We are finding fellowship in grabbing coffee and having discussions about our faith.

We are evangelizing by sharing our faith with our friends and allowing each other to have our own opinions.
We are loving people and accepting them for who we are because we are called to love not judge.

We are worshiping while we drive to church, at concerts, or by playing music in our rooms as we study.

We are holding each other accountable via Skype, Facetime, texting, facebooking.

We are still being a body of Christ; we've just improvised the way to do it.

Just because I haven't stepped foot through church doors in months does not mean I am not as strong of a Christian. If anything, I've become stronger in my faith by not stepping through the doors. I've seen God in the people I sit with on the bus, in the people I serve meals to at work, and in the chance encounters I have with people every day.

How about we stop coming up with reasons or ideas of how we can get us back into the church?

Instead, let's continue to encourage my generation to integrate faith into their life in the way they find God most. Let's continue to love each other without having to fit the typical "good Christian" stereotype. Let's just accept each other as we are and leave the big man upstairs to do the judging. 

If you are wanting to hear another millennials thoughts on this matter I very much loved reading this girls insights as well here.

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Hello Blog World!

HELLO!!

Seriously, I have been trying to blog for a week now and it just seems there is no time when you move somewhere new. I have been busy moving into my house, getting a job, and spending time at camp. I am sure you are all just dying to know my thoughts about my move and all it entailed.

I'll break it down into points for you.

1.) I miss my friends and family in Indiana. I knew this would probably happen, but I did not realize how homesick I would get so quickly. Distance makes the heart grow fonder and I am loving my family and friends from a distance so much. Thank God technology is way more developed today than it was ten years ago or I would not be surviving.

2.) I will never ever drive to Indiana from Washington or Indiana to Washington. Three days of driving is horrible. My love for driving is no more. All I want to do is never drive again. (Drama over!) Really, it was beautiful to drive through all the states I had not been in, but it was also hard sitting for hours on end.

3.) I love my house. I cannot wait to post pictures of my room and the new place I call home. I've just been busy with moving in and job searching that taking pictures has really been at the back of my mind.

4.) I got a job! That's right. I was here for a week and got a job. I will be a server at the Cheesecake Factory. No, this does not mean I am going to bring you cheesecake so don't ask. Just kidding, I'm sure I may be nice and bring you a piece! I am excited/nervous for this job. Corporations have not been my favorite, but its worth giving it a try and seeing what happens. I am sure I will have many stories to share with you all on that.

5.) I am now just volunteering at camp rather than working. I needed to find my heartbeat in Washington and working 24/7 was not working for me. It was the best decision I could make for myself.

I cannot wait to share with you more about my adventures here once I get internet in my house and a consistent schedule.

And here's a picture just to remind you of what I see everyday!

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Road Trip 2013

Hi there! If you are reading this, then you should know I am on the road to Washington.

I AM MOVING! 

With that said, I am going to be M.I.A. for a while, possible a few weeks.

Please don't cry! I know it's upsetting, but I promise I will be back with some awesome stories about the end to my summer and the start of my new life in Seattle.

For your entertainment pleasures take a look at these pictures to see where I will be and what I'll be doing:

 My father and I will be stopping here to look at these faces!

I'll be waking up to beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

And I'll be showing my dad where I will spend most of my time at for the next 3 years.

AND if that isn't enough for you, check out some of my most popular reads and my first summer waking up to beautiful sunsests and sunrises:

Popular Posts

Superstar Days

Serving Life

Washington Visit/This is why I am moving!

Some embarassing stories to make you laugh

Four Years

Rainy Days

Camp Posts

Dear Indy

Camp Counselor

Washington: Day 1

Seattle Day 2

Bellingham Day 3 and 4

Bellingham Day 5 and 6

Week 1 of Staff Training

Week 2 of Staff Training

Week 3: Olympia

Week 4

Week 5: Camano Island

Week 6

Week 7: Lummi

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Life After Camp

Follow me on Instagram to see more pictures of my road trip and first weeks in Washington: RAYJAYOHYAY

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