Graduation, Christmas, and More!

So much has happened over the past few weeks and I honestly have just not had time to sit down and write about it. So I am going to try and fit it all in this one post without it being super long. So here goes..
First thing was graduation! Without a doubt, this was one of the best days of my lives. Although after I walked across the stage I become very anxious and just wanted it to be over where I could get to family. Right as graduation was over I looked up at my family to see my mother and father hugging. I had to look away because I did not want to cry! Graduation lasted FOREVER and when it was finally over we headed to canyons for lunch. This was a great time filled with eating, socializing, and opening gifts. I got a lot of great stuff..yay me! After lunch we went back to my house to finish packing up and we came home with 3 cars full of stuff. I was so exhausted when I came home from Boone, but my best friend Anna had just gotten home and I was dying to see her. We just hung out and enjoyed each other's company...it was great.
On to Christmas, let's just so I was so slack this year in my shopping. I waited till the last minute and I will NEVER EVER do that again. Things were just so busy with graduation and moving home. I got it all done...thankfully! Santa was very good to me this year, although I didn't ask for much besides clothes for my internship there were some great surprises. One which included a legit New Orleans Saints sweatshirt. Christmas morning we went to my grandmothers house, and it was a lot different that most Christmases. After lunch and gifts I went to my dad's and spent some time there. We went to grandma's and I got to see a lot of family. But of course the best part was seeing Chris, Alli, and Patrick. They are so grown-it makes me want to cry when I think about  the fact that Chris will be driving in like a year and half.
Christmas came and went, but the day after Christmas was spent watching my man Drew Brees break the record for the most passing yards in a single season. And watching my Saints defeat the Falcons to win the NFC South...what a great night it was! Yall now how much I love football and Drew Brees.
Next on the list, turing 25 tomorrow!! Oh my goodness I can hardly believe it. I will officially be out of my early 20's. Not real sure how I feel about that. My best friend Anna has planned something, but I have no idea what it is because she won't tell me, but I am excited! I will be sure to let you all know all that goes!
I hope you all had a great Christmas and a happy new year!!

It's Almost Over.

I attended my last college class ever yesterday! I can't believe it. Wednesday I was ball of emotions because that is one of the days where I have most of my Child Development classes and for some of those we don't have exams, so I won't get to see a lot of those people again. I am so excited to be graduating, but I would have never thought I would come to App State and make so many friends. So I am sad at the same time. I would have never survived my classes without some of those wonderful girls. Saying goodbye was hard, and I still have some of the hardest goodbyes left. 
On Monday, I picked up my cap and gown...ahh! I can't believe this day is almost here.  I feel like I have been on this journey forever and it is finally getting ready to come to an end. I really haven't had a lot of time to enjoy this countdown to graduation because I have been so stressed about my Nutrition class. This class has been a struggle for me all semester, probably because I am a Child Development major and I have no background about Nutrition. That exam is on Monday and it is my hardest so prayers would be much appreciated. I have been making flash cards all morning because the final exam is cumulative and it is has 120 questions on it..wow! Good thing I don't have an exam on Tuesday because my brian is probably going to be fried after that. I am studying all day tomorrow and Sunday, and just praying that I do well. After Monday I will have two more exams, but I am not in the least bit worried about them. So after Monday I will be home free! 
Sunday is my last Sunday at Cornerstone Summit. These people at this church have truly changed my life over the past 2 years. I am so thankful that I got involved in a church up here and so thankful that it was this one. I have never grown or learned so much about Christ during my time spent here. I am thankful for a pastor who knows how to "walk down our street" week in and week out. He has taught me things that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Again my emotions will be running high on this day as well. 
All of my roommates will be leaving on Friday, but luckily my sister is coming up on Saturday. I am so excited to spend some quality time with her before my big day (I know I sound like I am getting married). Between Saturday and Sunday all of my family will be piling in. I cannot wait to see all of them...ahhh! It is going to be the best day. I am excited, nervous, anxious, ready. I have so many mixed emotions! 
To all of the college students, Good Luck on your exams! Next time I blog I will be a graduate..

taylor.

Today marks a very special day. Today is my roommate Taylor's 22nd birthday!! My very first semester at App there was a very quiet girl who sat two people over from md in a history class. I would have never thought that girl would be the best roommate and such a great friend as she is now. I met her through that history class and a mutual friend. During the next semester we hung out a few times in a group, but I still didn't really know her. I guess our friendship truly began one weekend when it seemed like everyone left Boone but us. We rented a movie on Friday night (which has now become our Friday night ritual) and went to Los I think (which happens often). Then on Saturday we made breakfast and just hung out. This was only the beginning, Christmas came around and I knew that I needed a place to live for the next year...I was kind of panicking. Come to find out, Taylor didn't have anyone to live with as of yet either, so we said why not? Little did I know that this would be the best roommate situation I have ever been in. We are so different, but like a lot of the same things and so it works. We both like for things to be clean, movies on Friday nights, mexican food, and wine. She loves baseball, and I love football. We both have our days where we are in mad moods and neither one of us wants to talk. We are both graduating December 18th...thank goodness! Now we spend out nights watching Dancing with the Stars, Glee, and Modern Family. We spend Friday night watching movies and most of the time baking something from Pinterest. Last weekend she got to come home with me and experience good ol' Lincoln county. She keeps me sane, and promised me if I ever went to jail she would bail me out! We have made so many memories that I will always cherish! It's hard to believe in less than a few short weeks we will no longer be roommates. 
On this special day, the day of her birth I want her to know what a blessing she has been. Good roommates are hard to come by and I can truly say she is one of the best. I am so glad that God placed us together a year and half ago. 
Happy Birthday Tay! I hope you enjoy your day and feel celebrated all day long! I can't wait to celebrate with you when we get back to Boone. I am so thankful you are my roommate. Love you!

Thankful

As Thanksgiving apporaches I wanted to write about all the things that I am thankful for so here goes..

Family-There is no doubt about it I have the most amazing family in the world. They are so supportive, loving, kind, and only want what is best for me. Yesterday I had one of the biggest scares of my life which made me even more grateful. Side story-my niece Alli had to be taken to urgent care yesterday because she was having some severe stomach pain. They sent her to the hospital to have a CT scan, but nothing major showed up on it just that her white cell blood count was double what is was supposed to be. Needless to say when I heard this news I about had a panic attack. The doctor gave her a shot of antibotic and sent her home saying that it was probably just an infection. Praise the Lord! I talked to her last night, and she seemed to being doing well. I am thankful that she is okay. I am thankful for my parents who have taught me so much about life, love, and being happy. I am so glad that in 28 days I can give them something they have been waiting for for a long time...me graduating college. My sister is also another thing that I am thankful for...she is amazing, and I could not imagine my life without her.

Anna Sipe-I am thankful that I get to see her in just 4 short weeks. I am thankful for that amazing friend she has been throughout the past few years of my life. Although she has been halfway across the world for well over a year now I don't feel that our friendship are waivered one bit. She is the one thing that remians constant in my life, and someone I know that will always be there no matter where life may take us. I am truly blessed to call her my bestfriend.

Taylor- I am so thankful for good roommates, and I have been blessed with one of the best! Taylor and I get a long so well, and I think it is because we are a lot different from one another, but somehow it works. It is hard for me to believe that in 28 days we will no longer be sharing a house together. She has been such a great friend. We realize when one of us is in a bad mood and we know that we should stay away. And yes, we are those roommates who live in the same house and text each other when one of us is upstairs and one is downstairs. I couldn't imagine my life without her in it.

BBQ Crew- I love them. The old crew, and the new group. My life has been made better because some of these people are in my life. I have spent some of the best times with these people outside of work. When you work together it's almost like you become family.

App State Football- Coming from a family that lives and breathes college football. I have to be thankful for it, but most importantly I am thankful that we are going to the playoffs and I get to see at least one more home game as a student.

I am sure there are a ton of things I left out, and there will be another blog to come again soon I'm sure, but these are just the things that have been on my mind lately. Here are some pics of these things I am thankful for..

The End of a Good Thing

So today wrapped the last day of my favorite show in the world...One Tree Hill. This showed started when I was a junior in high school and I have been a devoted fan since then! I honestly feel like this show has made me the person that I am today. I seriously wanted to be Brooke Davis. A few years ago my friend Cindy and I went to Wilmington for a One Tree Hill Charity Event. We drove all over Wilmington (literally) looking/taking pictures of all the houses/places that were used in One Tree HIll. We saw Peyton's car The Comet, The Rivercourt which at that time was painted with Peyton's love letter to Lucas that was used at the end of season 5,and the outside of the studio. We wanted to tour it, but they were already closed that night when we went. The next  day was the One Tree Hill Charity Basketball Game. This is where we got to watch all the stars (well the boys) play basketball and then we got to meet the stars and get their autographs. Little Jackson who plays Jamie did the Soujia Boy and Lee Norris (Mouth) told me that my name was beautiful. For me, this was one of the best days of my life! I was getting to meet the people that I watched week in and week out, and who I felt like were a huge part of my lives on Monday/Tuesday nights. I watched Peyton act like she didn't love Lucas, and then she did. Lucas loved Brooke, Brooke didn't love him,and then she did. The Peyton/Lucas/Brooke traingle kept us all wanting more. But knowing in the end that Peyton and Lucas were made to be together. And oh, sweet Nathan and Haley...always and forever. I have watched them love, cry, fight, lose, their success, and their failures, and it has all come down to this. I can't believe after 9 seasons and 187 episodes it is finally coming to and end! 
Goodnight One Tree Hill...Thanks for all the memories!


PS. The season doesn't premiere until Jan. 11, and so there is still that and thankfully I have all the DVD's!!

It's Great to be a Mountaineer

This weekend was so good! I experienced something that I have never done before, but I will get to that in a minute. I was so excited because the weekend was my cousin Forthe's birthday and he was coming to Boone for the weekend. Just a little background Forthe's mom and my mom are sisters. He is from DC and I would have never thought when we were little that I would get to see him as much as do. We both ended up at App State and it has been great becoming so close to him, I am so very thankful for our relationship! 

Saturday was huge day for Appalachian State as we faced the #1 team Georgia Southern. I went to the game with Forthe and some of his friends. When it comes to football Forthe and I are a lot alike...we are both crazy about some football and I think that is a Vinson thing because the majority of our family is football crazy. So anyway we arrive at the Rock and it is crazy, the place is packed, and I have never heard it be so loud. This was a BIG game!! Forthe and I were so pumped. Every time we did something good...scored a touchdown, got an interception, held them on 3rd down, and held them again on 4th down (which happened every time GSU had the ball during the second half) Forthe and I were jumping up and down, hugging one another (and everyone around us) and screaming!! IT WAS INSANE! Our defensive showed up for sure, there was no way that win would have been possible without the defensive, I know by the end they were so tired, but did their job and did it well. There were 5 seconds left and Georgia Southern had the ball. It was 24-17 APP STATE and we knew this was the last play of the game. I don't even remember what happened on that last play of the game I just remember us WINNING that game!! Then all of a sudden people are storming the field and you better believe that Forthe Carson and I were all up in that. I have NEVER EVER stormed the field before! I had to jump off the wall and I was so scared at first, but also so eager to get out there. So I jumped not caring if I fell on my but or what, I was just ready to go! This was one of the BEST experiences of my life! I will never forget this day and honestly I would not have wanted to share it without anyone else. It was madness out on that field, but I was loving every single minute of it. We were out there for a long time, just taking it all in, taking pictures, and enjoying the moment. So App State defeats the #1 team Georgia Southern and I get one of the best experinces of my life. It was a GREAT weekend, and as it always is but even more so today it is GREAT TO BE A MOUNTAINEER!!!

before the game started

madness of the field after the game

craziness!

yosef

woohoo!!

God is Good

God is good! So many great things have happened to me lately and I know that we should thank God everyday, but I often times find that hard when things are going bad. So here are a few things that have been going on. First of all, I got en email a couple of weeks ago inviting to be a part of Kappa Omicron Nu which is the honor society for my major. Being invited to be in this honor society means that I am in the top 25% of my class within my major! Wow-for those of yall who know me know that this is big deal. I was never in anything like this in high school and it wasn't that I didn't have good grades I guess they weren't just good enough. I was so excited when I got this email because it also means that I get to wear some chords at graduation...woohoo! The induction ceremony is next Monday and my parents are coming! I can't wait. Secondly, a few months ago I began to be in contact with Lincoln County Schools in hopes of being able to do an internship at one of the schools that has a preschool program. They responded immediately and told me that they would love the have me and all the paperwork began. I started to get a little nervous last week because they hadn't placed me yet, and I was so anxious to know where I would be working. Well, yesterday was the day. I received the email that I would be working at Childers' Elementary School!! I was so excited, this is one of the schools that I really wanted to be at because I have heard such great things about it! And also this is one less thing I have to worry about this semester because it is done! For some people it is so hard for them to find an internship so I was nervous about that in the beginning. God is showing me that he is good all of the time whether I realize it or not. He is showing me that He will provide, and I need not to be worried about the small stuff (this is so hard for me). I can't believe that in 2 short months I will be graduating college and starting me career as a child development professional...I seriously cannot wait!!

One Body

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then I urge you to love a life worthy of a calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called-one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4: 1-6


This was part of the focus of our service this morning at Cornerstone Summit. First let me say that I LOVE my church! I also love that this morning my pastor just sat in front of us talked to us like he was having a normal conversation. A message doesn't always have to be someone standing in front of us preaching hard and strong. Today Pastor Reggie talked to us about being one body. We are one body in the kingdom, and we are one body in this community. To be one body everyone has to have a part and everyone has to do that part out of love. All of this really spoke to me this morning because I have been in churches that have not been united together and that is when the devil tries to come in. We as a church and as a body have to stand united. All churches will have their challenges, but it is how a church handles those challenges and overcomes them. 


Loving one another is another point that he touched on. Knowing the people care and love you is a big thing for me. It is such a blessing to me when I receive phone calls, text messages, facebook messages, etc that just say "hey just wanted to see how your week was going." That can change a person's whole week to receive some encouragement from their church family. I will be honest that one of the main things that got me through my aunt's death was those encouraging phone calls that just said, we are praying for you, we love you. Wow...how awesome to know that their are people out there who love and care for you so much. This often amazes me. I realized today that as much I enjoy receiving that love I often don't give it out as much as I should. I need to make more of an effort to call people and tell them that I am thinking about them and that I love them. I am beginning to work on this. 


I thank God for today, and for knowing that I am a part of a wonderful body of Christ, and that whatever my part is it will be done through love. This verse also spoke to me today "But if anyone obey's his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him. Whoever claims to love in him must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:5-6

Wedding Weekend

So the day had finally come this past weekend my friend Meredith and Pedro got married! We all have been waiting for this day for a SUPER long time and I could not have been happier for them. The wedding was perfect and I say perfect because it was so Meredith and & Pedro. It was fast, funny, and sweet. Pedro forgot the words, and Mer put his ring on his right hand. We were all cracking up. I loved this because I often times feel like weddings are so serious that there needs to be a little laughter in there somewhere, hello it is supposed to be the happiest day of your life! We hung out at the church for awhile just chatting and stuff and then moved on to the reception which was so beautiful. The reception was at Rock Barn country club, we ate, we danced, and just had a good time. I will tell you the most exciting part of this night for me was seeing all my old and new BBQ King friends! For once, we got to be ourselves, hang out, act crazy without the stress of work. It was so nice and so fun! I seriously had the best time. Oh, and my friend Donia caught the bouquet so here's to hoping she will be next!! Meredith looked stunning and Pedro looked so handsome. I know that they are going to live a long happy life together! Here are some pics from the weekend...

my girl erica!

donia

jared

chels

robert

erica, me, and lydia

april

sweet little travis and i dancing!

ahhh so many good memories with these girls! i love them all

mommies to be!

the beautiful bride!

Timing

"Faith in God includes faith in His timing." 

I found this quote the other day on Pinterest which is my new obsession (Thanks Tay)! I am really considering posting this in my room somewhere because I seriously need to be reminded of this everyday. I know that God's timing is perfect, but WAITING is the hardest part. Let's just be honest I am not a very patient person. This quote spoke to me in many different ways. It made me realize that not only am I being impatient with myself, I am being impatient with God, which I am sure breaks his heart. Trusting God's timing seems so easy, but when you have been single for many years and everyone around is getting married it is not the easiest thing to do. I know that God is still preparing my husband's heart and mine which is why he has not brought us together yet. So until that time, I am going to remind myself of this quote daily and will learn that no matter when it happens God's timing is ALWAYS perfect! 

In other news, I got an internship!! I am so excited. I am going to be working in a public school in my hometown with the Pre-K program. This is exactly what I wanted for my internship and God provided! I will begin in January, and honestly I am ready to begin now! Children are my heart and I am so ready to work with them day in and day out. Also, for one of my classes I have to do a service learning project and I am going to be working at the First Learning Center at First Baptist Church in Boone. More experience with children...yay! Everything is starting to fall in place which is proof of God's timing and how He knows just what I need at the right time. So I am faithfully believing, trusting, and praying. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me for this next chapter of my life!!

I do have a few prayer requests that I would ask for you all to help me with...

1. To find a subleaser to take over my room in January since I will be moving home!

2. Patience with my roommates...living with 5 girls is not the easiest thing I have ever done.

3. Stress-free semester. This may be asking a little too much, but because I stress out about  everything, I am trying to do better with this and not stress out so much.

Happy Thursday! 

September 11

On September 11, 2001 I was sitting in Mr. Shanklin's ELPS class at East Lincoln High School. We had just returned from lunch and Mr. Shanklin had the tv on. We saw what was going on and I think we were all shocked. I can't even imagine what the look on my face was. I was thinking what in the world? I have never witnessed anything like this in my life. What do I do? What do we as a nation do? How could someone do this to our country? All of these thoughts were running through my head. Luckily, it was good to be in that class at that time because being in an History class, Mr. Shanklin wanted us to know that this day would be a huge part of history one day. He started to explain things, but we all pretty much just stared at the tv for the rest of the day. I was shocked, my heart was breaking, and couldn't imagine being someone who had lost a loved one in those towers. Now, when the plane hit the Pentagon I was even more of a wreck because my Uncle Trey works there, and oh my goodness I was in panic mode. I was calling my mom, she was calling my grandma, who was calling my aunt (uncle trey's wife). When we finally received word that he was okay, I thought I could rest easy for a little bit. 
I say all of that to say this tomorrow marks 10 years since this tragic event happened. Honestly, to me it still seems like it was yesterday. It is hard for me to believe that there are people who were so young or not even born yet who have no idea what happened on this awful day because for me this is something that I will NEVER EVER forget! 
As we remember those who lost their lives, let's remember their families who have to deal with the daily struggle of living their life without the person they love. Let's remember those who are still fighting for us everyday. For those who have served and are currently serving in our armed forces...THANK YOU! A big shout out to my cousins Justin, Josh D., Seth, and Josh P. I hope you all know how much I love and appreciate everything you do for this country! 
Let us never forget that we are AMERICA and we stand UNTIED now and always!!!

Tyler Hilton

I have been trying to write this blog for a few days, but I am having a really hard time putting into words how great this night really was. Most of you know that One Tree Hill is my favorite show in the whole world. I love everything about it! Before this concert, I didn't really know any Tyler Hilton songs except for the ones that he played on One Tree Hill which I loved. My friend Matt loves Tyler Hilton so I thought why not go this could be fun! This concert was SO GOOD!! I loved it, everything about it. Well almost everything the things I didn't love were the crazy drunk girls and the jersey shore boys (at least they gave us a good laugh). One of the main things that I loved about this concert was how laid back it was. Tyler was so laid back and even forgot the lyrics to his songs twice. Most singers would have a panic attack about this, but he just brushed it off. The second time it happened a girl in the audience had his cd in her hand, and handed him the lyrics...this was hilarious! Needless to say during this concert I found a new love for Tyler Hilton. After the concert we hung around because Tyler signs autographs and takes pictures...this would be my favorite part! I am all about meeting famous people. We hung around until the line died down because Matt wanted Tyler to sign his guitar (so cool) so we tried to wait until the end of the line. When we finally got up there Matt asked him to sign his guitar and so Matt went to get it. I was next, I went up. Tyler asked me what my name was and this is how the converstation went. 
Tyler: What's your name?
Me: Winter
Tyler: Really? That is such a badass name!
Me: Thanks (ps. i was dying at this point..haha)
We take our picture and then...
Tyler: If I have a child I may just have to name them Winter!
Me: You can...I'll let you. (again I was dying)!
For those of you who know me can imagine my reaction at this point...I WAS FREAKING OUT!! I was trying real hard to hide it, but that is not my nature. Our picture was perfect, he was wonderful, and the night was amazing. After this Tyler signed Matt's guitar and Matt was in heaven. Have I said that Matt loves him? Cause he does. When we were leaving, My friend Cindy said I am going to start telling people that I have a cool name because every time we met people like this they make a big deal about my name! 
The next morning I got home and went in the kitchen. I said to my mom thanks for naming me Winter and she said WHAT? Someone write that down. Because I have not always loved my name. I told her the story that I told yall above and she just laughed and laughed! I am so thankful that I got see Tyler in concert. I had the best time...here are a few pics from the night!

Love

PERFECT 

The Help

I know I mentioned this a little bit in my last blog, but I am going into more detail. So last weekend at the beach, I starting reading "The Help." I knew that I wanted to read it because I wanted to see the movie. If I don't read the book first, then I will never read it after the movie. Mainly, because I am not a big reader. I say that I am not a big reader, but once I get into a book I cannot put it down. I started this book on Friday and I was halfway through by Saturday-that is huge for me! Anyway, back to this book. The book is set in the 1960's in Jackson, Mississippi. This is a time where the blacks and whites did not get along. The book is about this white girl Skeeter who wants to be a writer. She decides that she wants to write a book from the point of view of the help. Back then most colored women worked as maids for white families. They did all their cooking, cleaning, raising their babies, and so on. By the way I could never imagine having someone else raise my child-that is nuts. Anyway, Aibileen is the main character in this story and she is the first maid to say that she will help Ms. Skeeter. Now, I don't want to give anything away, but I will just say that this is a must read. I finished the book on Wednesday and went to see the movie last night. I will say that I was very impressed with the movie as well. I thought they did a great job of trying to stick to as close to the book as possible. The one thing I was sad about was that the love story was not really  prominent in the movie. I am sucker for the love story-always have been. But other than that I thought it was great. Of course they were a few tears shed durning the movie! The book and movie are truly inspiring. It is crazy to think that although this story is fiction, things like this really did happen during the 1960's in the United States and I think that is horrible. I cannot imagine making a colored women use a different bathroom from me. We are all the same in that we are all people, and have feelings regardless of color. So if you haven't read this book I would say GET TO READING!! You will not regret it, I promise. 

LAST semester

Well the time has come again. School has started. I really can't believe that this is my LAST semester of college! I am so ready. I know that everyone says once you get out you wish you could go back, but for those of you who know me know how long it has taken me to get done so to say that I am ready is an under statement. That's not to say that I have not loved every single minute I have spent in Boone (expect for the wondrous blizzards, of course), but I am just ready to be done with school. I honestly would love to live in Boone again at some point because I do love this town. Why in the world I decided to take 17 hours my last semester, I have no idea. I can already tell this semester is probably going to be the death of me. One of my teachers emailed the other day and said that they were changing one of my classes that was supposed to be Tues/Thurs during the day to only be on Thurs nights. Which means I have class on Tuesday nights, Wednesday night, and Thursday night. In cause I haven't mentioned it already I HATE night classes. They last so long, and by the time they come around I am drained from the day and just want to go home. Also, I am starting my days much later than normal. My earliest class is at noon and I am so not used to that. I have been waking up at 8 and not knowing what in the world to do without myself until time to go to class. Thankfully, I start my job tomorrow and will have that to keep my busy. Oh, and the new education building is FINALLY ready. The FCS department where I work and all my classes are, are in that building and I love it. It is so nice! I am still not really in school mode yet, but I guess I need to be because I already have a million things due next week. Oh well, maybe it will hit me this weekend. I am just still trying to get adjusted to my classes, my house, etc. 

In other news, I finished reading The Help today. What an amazing book! The second book ever that I have cried when reading it. I would definitely recommend it for all. You really start to feel for the characters and get a real taste of what life was like back with blacks and whites didn't get along. I am going to see the movie Friday with some of my roommates and my friend Jessie! I am so excited. I am glad I finished this book before I really got into the swing of things at school because I would have no time to finish it, but I did...yay!

Here's to my last semester at ASU praying and hoping that I will make it through. Can't wait to walk across that stage December 18th.

End of Summer

I cannot believe summer is almost over, it has gone by entirely too fast! I wanted to update you on what has been going on. This past weekend we celebrated my friend Meredith's bachelorette party. She is getting married on September 24th and I am so excited for her. We spent the day at the lake, went to dinner, and back to her grandparents place for a night of fun and laughter. We played some fun games and watched Mer open her presents. She got a lot of cute stuff. Funny story though my friend Erica and I bought her the same thing. Guess great minds think alike! I used to work with almost all the girls in attendance and one of them I have known since high school. We all used to be so close, and this weekend made me realize how much I miss spending time with them on a regular basis. We used to do something together every single weekend, and now we hardly ever see each other. I guess that is all a part of growing up considering most of them are married, have kids, or engaged. It's funny because it seems like yesterday we were all having fun, enjoying life, and didn't have a care in the world. Boy, have times changed. I am so glad I got to spend some quality time with the girls!
Sunday, I went to a Vi shake party at my friend Jessie's house. Afterwards we laid out at the pool and went to dinner. I enjoyed this time with her as well. Jessie worked at South Mountain Baptist Camp all summer so I have not seen her at all. We got to catch up on things that had happened this summer and things that were currently going on in our lives! We also talked about how excited we are that this semester our houses are in walking distance of one another in Boone. It is going to be so great, being so close to one another, almost like old times when we used to live together! 
Thursday I am going to the beach for a much needed vacay with the girls. I am so stoked. I have not been to the beach all summer. I think this is just what I need before school starts and I have to get focused. I am going to the beach until Sunday and then back to school on Monday. It will be a busy time, but I am excited to just relax at the beach. I can't wait to smell that ocean breeze...ahh!
So as summer draws to a close I am preparing for one last beach trip with the girls and then getting ready for my LAST semester in Boone. Life is good.

Moving Day!

So this past Sunday, my parents and I packed up my furniture to move all my stuff into the house that I am living in this semester. We have been so lucky that this is the only year that we have to had to move furniture. The other years my apartment has always been furnished, so it has never been an issue. I felt so bad for my parents because the weekend before they had to go to Columbia to move my sister into her new place. Then they had to turn around the very next weekend and move me in. Let's just be honest, my parents aren't as young as they used to be and I.B.'s health isn't as good as it used to be. So I was really worried about him doing all this moving. We loaded up the truck Saturday night with the box springs, mattress, and my dresser (that was my granny's and isn't the lightest thing in the world). I put a lot of things in my car including my desk chair, tv & vcr. I wanted to take everything I could this weekend because I am not going back to stay until August 22, and school starts on the 23. Lucky for me I am going to the beach the 18-21 so there will not be a lot of time for packing and all that. The only thing I left to take is my clothes! Anyway, we head off Sunday morning and of course we have to pull over several times because the tarp keeps coming undone...are you kidding me? We tied that rope as tight as it could go and it still came loose when we started driving. I.B. finally got it tied down and we were on our way. Mom and I prayed the whole way there that I.B.'s truck would make it because last time they came to get me in the blizzard his transmission went out! Thank goodness we made it this time!! About the time we hit blowing rock it started raining..of course! I checked the weather the night before and it said afternoon showers it was 11 am. Anyway, most of the furniture was covered except for some few open spots in the front. We arrived at the house, and hurried and got all the furniture out in the rain with my roommates help. We actually got everything done in a good amount of time! The only thing we didn't get to do was put my sheets and stuff on because my mattress was still a little damp from the rain. I wasn't sure how I would feel about my room, but once we got it complete I loved it. I am so excited about it. All in all it was a good day besides the tarp not cooperating and the rain. Thanks so much to parents for all their help. I don't know what I would do without them! 

It is hard to believe that this is my last semester of college!! I am excited to see what God has in store for me during this last semester and for my future!

Making Life Simpler

So I found this great article whenever I was STUMBLING...yes Anna Sipe I said stumbling! This article really hit home for me, so I wanted to share it with you guys. The words highlighted in this blue color are my takes on this advice! So here you go...Enjoy!

When we were young life was easier, right?  I know sometimes it seems that way.  But the truth is life still is easy.  It always will be.  The only difference is we’re older, and the older we get, the more we complicate things for ourselves.

You see, when we were young we saw the world through simple, hopeful eyes.  We knew what we wanted and we had no biases or concealed agendas.  We liked people who smiled.  We avoided people who frowned.  We ate when we were hungry, drank when we were thirsty, and slept when we were tired.

As we grew older our minds became gradually disillusioned by negative external influences.  At some point we began to hesitate and question our instincts.  When a new obstacle or growing pain arose, we stumbled and a fell down.  This happened several times.  Eventually we decided we didn’t want to fall again, but rather than solving the problem that caused us to fall, we avoided it all together.

As a result, we ate comfort food and drank alcohol to numb our wounds and fill our voids.  We worked late nights on purpose to avoid unresolved conflicts at home.  We started holding grudges, playing mind games, and subtly deceiving others and ourselves to get ahead.  And when it didn’t work out, we lived above our means, bought things we didn’t need, and ate and drank some more just to make ourselves feel better again.

Over the course of time, we made our lives more and more difficult, and we started losing touch with who we really are and what we really need.

So let’s get back to the basics, shall we?  Let’s make things simple again.  It’s easy.  Here are 60 ways to do just that:

Life is not complex.  We are complex.  Life is simple,
and the simple thing is the right thing.
- Oscar Wilde

1. Don’t try to read other people’s minds.  Don’t make other people try to read yours.  Communicate.
2. Be polite, but don’t try to be friends with everyone around you.  Instead, spend time nurturing your relationships with the people who matter most to you.
3. Your health is your life, keep up with it.  Get an annual physical check-up.
4. Live below your means.  Don’t buy stuff you don’t need.  Always sleep on big purchases.  Create a budget and savings plan and stick to both of them.
5. Get enough sleep every night.  An exhausted mind is rarely productive.
6.  Get up 30 minutes earlier so you don’t have to rush around like a mad man.  That 30 minutes will help you avoid speeding tickets, tardiness, and other unnecessary headaches. I struggle with this one. I always want to sleep until the last possible second.
7. Get off your high horse, talk it out, shake hands or hug, and move on.
8. Don’t waste your time on jealously.  The only person you’re competing against is yourself. So true.
9. Surround yourself with people who fill your gaps.  Let them do the stuff they’re better at so you can do the stuff you’re better at.
10. Organize your living space and working space.  Read David Allen’s bookGetting Things Done for some practical organizational guidance.
11. Get rid of stuff you don’t use.
12. Ask someone if you aren’t sure.
13. Spend a little time now learning a time-saving trick or shortcut that you can use over and over again in the future.
14. Don’t try to please everyone.  Just do what you know is right.
15. Don’t drink alcohol or consume recreational drugs when you’re mad or sad.  Take a jog instead.
16. Be sure to pay your bills on time.
17. Fill up your gas tank on the way home, not in the morning when you’re in a hurry.
18. Use technology to automate tasks.
19. Handle important two-minute tasks immediately.
20. Relocate closer to your place of employment.
21. Don’t steal.
22. Always be honest with yourself and others.
23. Say “I love you” to your loved ones as often as possible. One of my favorites! 
24. Single-task.  Do one thing at a time and give it all you got.
25. Finish one project before you start another.
26. Be yourself.
27. When traveling, pack light.  Don’t bring it unless you absolutely must. This is so hard for me.
28. Clean up after yourself.  Don’t put it off until later. Amen.
29. Learn to cook, and cook.
30. Make a weekly (healthy) menu, and shop for only the items you need.
31. Consider buying and cooking food in bulk.  If you make a large portion of something on Sunday, you can eat leftovers several times during the week without spending more time cooking.
32. Stay out of other people’s drama.  And don’t needlessly create your own.
33. Buy things with cash.
34. Maintain your car, home, and other personal belongings you rely on.
35. Smile often, even to complete strangers.
36. If you hate doing it, stop it.
37. Treat everyone with the same level of respect you would give to your grandfather and the same level of patience you would have with your baby brother.
38. Apologize when you should.
39. Write things down.
40. Be curious.  Don’t be scared to learn something new.
41. Explore new ideas and opportunities often.
42. Don’t be shy.  Network with people.  Meet new people.
43. Don’t worry too much about what other people think about you. Love it.
44. Spend time with nice people who are smart, driven, and likeminded.
45. Don’t text and drive.  Don’t drink and drive. Amen
46. Drink water when you’re thirsty.
47. Don’t eat when you’re bored.  Eat when you’re hungry.
48. Exercise every day.  Simply take a long, relaxing walk or commit 30 minutes to an at-home exercise program like the P90X workout.
49. Let go of things you can’t change.  Concentrate on things you can.
50. Find hard work you actually enjoy doing.
51. Realize that the harder you work, the luckier you will become.
52. Follow your heart.  Don’t waste your life fulfilling someone else’s dreams and desires. yes, yes, yes!
53. Set priorities for yourself and act accordingly.
54. Take it slow and add up all your small victories.
55. However good or bad a situation is now, it will change.  Accept this simple fact.
56. Excel at what you do.  Otherwise you’ll just frustrate yourself.
57. Mature, but don’t grow up too fast.
58. Realize that you’re never quite as right as you think you are.
59. Build something or do something that makes you proud.
60. Make mistakes, learn from them, laugh about them, and move along.