Saturday, May 18, 2013

Saying Goodbye


This post is going to count how many times I cried before I left. Crying is super rare for me. So I feel like I should document it. It's almost comical how many times it happened.
Saying goodbye to my family was so difficult. It was so weird to think that I wouldn’t see them again for seven months. Fortunately my mom is coming to visit me in October, so I’ll get a little taste of home.

1. My brother Zeb and I are very close. Seven months is the longest we have ever been apart from each other. He had to work Friday morning so he couldn’t come to the airport with us. He said goodbye on Thursday night and I just about lost it. He gave me a hug and just wouldn’t let go! First time I cried.
We were going for a serious picture but Wyatt didn't get the memo.
 2. I went to my grandparents house Thursday night.  They were telling me to be careful and I was fine for 30 minutes. But then on the way out, my grandpa gave me a long hug and I lost it.
3. Zeb texted me Thursday night after he left to say how much he loved me. Cue the tears.
4. Friday morning I went to Allie’s house to say goodbye. She is basically my sister so that was difficult. Aunt Linda definitely didn’t help with the sad faces :)

5. My dad wasn’t able to come with us to the airport so I had to say goodbye at home. I like to consider myself a daddy’s girl, even if it isn’t as extreme as it was when I was younger. We basically couldn’t speak to each other so we just hugged and did our little hand sign thing we do.


Please excuse the extremely tired face and huge dark circles. I didn't sleep much.
6. My cousin Beverly called me on the way to the airport. When I was younger, she used to take Zeb and me to the movies and ice cream about once every week. It was so fun hanging out with her. She called to tell me how much she loved me and to be careful. So I teared up. Again.
7. My mom, Callaway, and Wyatt took me to the airport. They walked me back to the security line and we sat down to talk for a few minutes.  I even got to call my other grandma before I left. I didn’t think I was going to cry. But then my mom prayed over me. Having people pray for me always makes me cry, especially if it’s my mom. Then Cal and Wyatt hugged me (which is rare for us) and I teared up at that. After they left, I had to go to the bathroom to dry my tears for a few minutes.

So basically, I had really red eyes all throughout security, check in, and the first flight. I haven’t broken down sobbing yet. I don’t really expect that to happen. But it was definitely an emotional 24 hours. I just love my family so much!
I’m extremely excited for this new adventure, but I will definitely miss those people.
Good thing we have skype and email!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Happy Things

Day 14 of the Challenge: Things That Make Me Happy

falling asleep to the rain...chocolate...traveling...a really good book...spending the day outside...sitting around the dinner table with my family...snail mail...solid quiet time with just me and the Lord...fresh flowers...

And the thing that is making me the happiest of happy right now? My new camera!

One of the first pictures I took!
My wonderful grandparents, aunts, and uncles got me a camera and two lenses for graduation. I've been trying to figure it out these past few days. So much fun!
I couldn't believe it when I opened it. Can't wait to take pictures in Europe. Thanks everyone!!


Sunday, May 12, 2013

To My Mother

Happy Mother's Day to the most wonderful mother. I could not have asked for a better role model and I thank God for you daily. You have set such a good example for the boys and me. Thank you for being so loving, so selfless, and so supportive of us. I love you so much!






Saturday, May 11, 2013

10 Words

I'm a college graduate! With my roommate at graduation last night :)


Well we're on Day 11 of the challenge! While I haven't done all of the topics, I have blogged 10/11 days! That's a major improvement considering I only blogged three times in April. Whoa.
Day 11: Sell yourself in 10 words or less

compassionate
graduate
stubborn
observant
musical
teacher
dedicated
positive
adventurous
intuitive


*I had to throw in "graduate" because I'm now done with college! Pictures of graduation are coming soon :)

Friday, May 10, 2013

Graduation Day

May 10, 2013: Graduation Day

Ahh how crazy is that?! I'm graduating from college today. Whattttt?!?!?!


These past four years have flown by. I can't believe it is all ending today! I have loved every second I've spent as a student at THE University of Georgia. I am so proud to soon be an alumna of this amazing school. I am going to miss this beautiful city so much. But I'm excited to see what the future holds.

My family is coming to Athens again tonight to celebrate with me in Sanford Stadium.
My mom and dad both graduated from UGA, along with MANY other family members. UGA is kind of a family tradition and I'm proud to keep it going!

I wrote in the last page of my journal last night and I thought, "How fitting!" To end a journal as I'm ending my college career. I'm proud to say that today, I am graduating with honors from the University of Georgia.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Big Moment

Today is a big day! We have our commencement ceremony for the College of Education. My plan is to update this post later this afternoon with pictures. Because who doesn't like pictures?!

I can't believe graduation is actually here! The actual graduation ceremony is tomorrow night. Woohoo!
Today, I celebrate my education school accomplishments.
It has been a fun journey learning about myself as an educator.
There were definitely days (weeks, months, etc.) when I didn't think I could do this forever.
But student teaching totally restored my faith and now I'm ready to teach!
(After I gallivant through Europe, of course.)

So here's to accomplishments! Let the celebrations commence!
(pun intended)


Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Advice

There are so many pieces of advice I could give. I couldn't decide on one, so I chose two. Two is better than one, right? Right.

1. Life is not always perfect. There are going to be storms along the way. Even though I'm only 22, I have definitely weathered some tough storms. But that's the beauty of life. If it were perfect, it wouldn't be much fun. How you conduct yourself during those storms speaks volumes about your character. I once heard someone say that in life, we are either in the middle of a storm, coming out of a storm, or about to face a storm. I'd say that's pretty accurate. So embrace it! It may not be fun. It may not be easy. But if you allow yourself to grow and learn through the tough times, you will be stronger in the end.



2. "If you're twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel - as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them - wherever you go." -Anthony Bourdain

{Seriously how perfect is this quote for me right now?!}