I want a life that sizzles and pops and makes me laugh out loud. And I don't want to get to the end, or to tomorrow, even, and realize that my life is a collection of meetings and pop cans and errands and receipts and dirty dishes. I want to eat cold tangerines and sing out loud in the car with the windows open and wear pink shoes and stay up all night laughing and paint my walls the exact color of the sky right now. I want to sleep hard on clean white sheets and throw parties and eat ripe tomatoes and read books so good they make me jump up and down, and I want my everyday to make God belly laugh, glad that he gave life to someone who loves the gift."

-Shauna Niequist, Cold Tangerines

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Top 10 Reasons I'm Grateful Today

10. I'm not taking any math classes this semester.
  9. The warm cookies were m&m today in the dining hall.
  8. I realized that I have so many opportunities to do what I love at this school.

  7. It's midterm week here at SMC... but I don't have any midterms!
  6. I get to talk to camp people like Coll, Annie, Maggie, and Molly throughout my whole day.
  5. Kristina and I never fail to make each other laugh even when we are tired or completely stressed.

  4. I got a B+ on my first History exam!
  3. In 6 days I will be in Harry Potter world with my mom.
  2. All of Taylor Swift's new songs are the bomb.

   
1. I know that God loves me and knows just what I need. I feel so good about that.


Monday, June 4, 2012

friendship defined

The dictionary has this to say about friendship:
"the emotions or conduct of friends; the state of being friends; a relationship between friends"

I think this definition is flawed and incomplete. Friendship is so much more than a relationship or a conduct. Friendship is so many wonderful things.

Friendship is support. It is showing up when it counts and going to watch lacrosse games, piano recitals, choir and band concerts, plays, shows, and performances of all kinds. It is giving a pal support in good times and bad and cheering them on in all their endeavors.



Friendship is eating together. Seriously, there is no greater time than sharing a good meal with someone you love. Food is such a cultural gem and is always bringing people together. And having common favorites (for example: Diet Coke)? That pretty much forms an unbreakable bond. That common love for some food (or drink) brings friends together and it's just really great.







Friendship is having common interests. It is loving activities, movies, games, songs, and places, all together. Common interests bring us all together and allow us to bond over something as simple as a television show or a song. 








Friendship is silliness. It is the refusal to always take each other seriously, because that's just no fun. Friendship is about laughing so hard you pee or cry or roll on the ground-- real knee-slapping laughter. It's about jokes and fun and craziness.







In the end, friendship is loving someone no matter what. It is sharing Christ's love with another person and never abandoning them. Friendship is love and I for one hope to embrace all of my relationships with this mentality so that we can grow as friends and children of God-- loving and appreciating each and every person in our lives and each and every day we are granted.

Monday, February 6, 2012

daily affirmation style.

So, SO excited that Sar is living with me for a few more days this week.
We have lots of big craft plans and it's going to be so fun.

In the spirit of Jessica...

I like my 2-hr delay after the super bowl.
I like my Malcolm in the Middle.
I like my crafts.


I like my Pinterest.
I like my Camp Tecumseh-inspired playlist.
I like my pizza (with stuffed crust).




I like my friends.
I like my teachers.
I like my drill.


I like my hometown.
I like my country music.
I like my Diet Coke.


Praise God for a wonderful, joy-filled day.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

"Lots of prayer, make that your life motto"

Today was just a nice relaxing day. I watched some tv, started a new friendship bracelet, and did some shopping with mom. To put off my weekend homework just a little longer I decided to blog. The part of my day that brought the most joy was right at the beginning of mass. An elderly woman who is in the choir with me smiled as she slid into the pew and said,
          "Oh to be young and a teenager! Not an old grandma like me. A great-grandma! You know, I have 18 great-grandchildren! Lots of prayer, make that your life motto. Then you'll grow to be as old as me. Did you know I'm 92 years old?"

I said there was no way she was 92 (She really didn't look it!), but she insisted she was. I thanked her for her truly inspiring advice to pray often. I'm so grateful I had this encounter with this woman today. Little moments like that make me so happy.

In other news, I worked hard on a new craft with Sarah this week. After hours and hours it's finally finished.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

time to cheer up

So I've been having a rough time finding joy lately. Between school, work, family obligations, and typical high school drama, the exhaustions and setbacks of everyday life have left me feeling a little gloomy. These song lyrics have helped cheer me up the past few days and have inspired at least a little joy each day!


Everyone’s fine if you ask them; like we’re pulling a fast one with our smiles
            -Jon Mclaughlin

You made my mind up for me when you started to ignore me.
            -Hilary Duff

I’m not the girl that I intend to be.
            -Sara Bareilles

Never mind, I’ll find someone like you.
            -Adele

You and me together nothing is better.
            -Adele

Just close your eyes. The sun is going down. You’ll be alright. No one can hurt you now.
            -Taylor Swift

Standing here, it’s all so clear. I’m where I’m meant to be.
            -Tangled

Forgive me first love, but I’m tired. I need to get away to feel again. Try to understand why, don’t get so close to change my mind. Please wipe that look out of your eyes, it’s bribing me to doubt myself; simply, it’s tiring.
            -Adele

I’m not the one who went and made a mistake- I wanna walk away too, but I want you to say you’re sorry.
            -Sara Bareilles

I’ll be alright once I find the other side of someday.
            -Sara Bareilles