Because, I don't care how cheesy it is, how "over played" it is, this Song became a classic for a reason; and that reason is that everyone has a person in mind when Mariah Carey's Christmas classic comes on the radio every year.
I know I do.
So yes. All I want for Christmas is that special "you" and I don't care how cheesy this post is. I will wish for a special someone every year until I have them and then I will be grateful for them every single year after.
HOWEVER. The real point of this post is to say:
Merry Christmas everybody. I love you all, siblings and friends, near and far. Each one of you has a special place in my heart and I wish you all the happiness and joy that Christmas brings.
Remember the real reason of Christmas and honor it.
December 25, 2011
December 15, 2011
"Oh Holy Night"
because it is Christmas time and this IS my Favorite Christmas song: Oh Holy Night... <--this is my favorite celebrity version, but truth be told (not just to be super proud), my brother Isaac singing this song will always be my favorite.
So. My very first semester of LSU is OVER. Done. Finito. And I finished it pretty damn well, if I do say so myself!!!
A--3
B--1
C--1
P--1
Overall GPA--3.4
:) I am quite proud of myself. I worked VERY hard this semester and it was honestly one of my hardest semesters in college ever. Next semester will be much harder, much busier and much more demanding but I will be in classes with many of the girls that I have become good friends with this semester so that will help a lot. I really like the program I am starting in and I am so excited to continue the observations that are required for some of my classes. At first figuring out the time in my schedule to go out of my way to observe classrooms was annoying, but after the VERY first one, I was done being annoyed. Those kids--I am so excited to have my own classroom someday because I know it is challenging in so many ways but those kids just make it worth it.
I am scared for next semester. 18 credits is A LOT. I fear I will have more of a school life than a social life, but I have enough determination to make it work. I NEED to make it work. 25 is just too young to feel so old. I can do this. I WILL do this. I can have fun in all aspects of my life. Besides, I'm almost done. Two years is NOTHING. I'm almost there....
Another thing that comes with being done w/ my semester is Christmas break--a freaking LONG one! Spring semester doesn't start until about the 17/18th of January! I am so very thrilled to be able to have a month off of school and about 3-ish weeks in UT to spend with my nephews (and yes, new niece!) and my mother and siblings and friends that I have missed so very much. 3 weeks will not be enough. We will just have to fill every minute. Deal?
Good.
One more Christmas song to continue the spirit of the season... (my second favorite)
So. My very first semester of LSU is OVER. Done. Finito. And I finished it pretty damn well, if I do say so myself!!!
A--3
B--1
C--1
P--1
Overall GPA--3.4
:) I am quite proud of myself. I worked VERY hard this semester and it was honestly one of my hardest semesters in college ever. Next semester will be much harder, much busier and much more demanding but I will be in classes with many of the girls that I have become good friends with this semester so that will help a lot. I really like the program I am starting in and I am so excited to continue the observations that are required for some of my classes. At first figuring out the time in my schedule to go out of my way to observe classrooms was annoying, but after the VERY first one, I was done being annoyed. Those kids--I am so excited to have my own classroom someday because I know it is challenging in so many ways but those kids just make it worth it.
I am scared for next semester. 18 credits is A LOT. I fear I will have more of a school life than a social life, but I have enough determination to make it work. I NEED to make it work. 25 is just too young to feel so old. I can do this. I WILL do this. I can have fun in all aspects of my life. Besides, I'm almost done. Two years is NOTHING. I'm almost there....
Another thing that comes with being done w/ my semester is Christmas break--a freaking LONG one! Spring semester doesn't start until about the 17/18th of January! I am so very thrilled to be able to have a month off of school and about 3-ish weeks in UT to spend with my nephews (and yes, new niece!) and my mother and siblings and friends that I have missed so very much. 3 weeks will not be enough. We will just have to fill every minute. Deal?
Good.
One more Christmas song to continue the spirit of the season... (my second favorite)
December 3, 2011
"Just A Kiss"
The whole story of this song is beautiful..."
I was going to wait until my actual birthday to do this post but, it has been on my mind for way too long to wait anymore. :)
I am going to be 25 this year. TWENTY-FIVE. What the hell? A quarter of a freakin' century. I don't know how I feel about that. What have I tangibly accomplished in my life? Not a damn thing. Sure, I graduated high school but no big right? Sure, I am currently heading in the direction of finishing college, but I'm 25 and a significant amount of my friends have already finished their bachelors and are starting or finishing (or have finished) their masters. I have had ONE (count it, ONE) relationship in my life and I was 14/15 and it was Jake and, let's face it, it was more of a train wreck than a relationship. Plus, I was 14/15. I have friends that have husbands and children!
Despite my bitching that you have ALL heard, those aren't the things I consider accomplishments in my life; or rather, unaccomplished things. Those are things I strive for (sometimes desperately), and want at some point.
Want to know what I feel I have accomplished in my life of 25 short years?
1) I have become the best and most dedicated and loving aunt to my nieces and nephews that they will ever need.
2) I have been fortunate to be BEST friends with some of the most amazing women I have ever known. They made me stronger, better and they never doubted me and what I could do
3) I have been able to live my life in a way that I found out what I want to do with my life through life experience rather than numerous classes
4) I have been considered a loyal and good friend. I have made mistakes, but those who have considered me this, know that I am just an idiot who sometimes just gets in my own way.
5) I have had more opportunities to see the country than most people my age and in my circumstance do in a lifetime
6) I am aware of myself and what is best for me, regardless of the views of others (as hard as it may be sometimes)
7) I know when and how to ask for help.
8) I have developed a love for service that will carry me far.
9) I have an intellectual mind as well as a compassionate one.
10) I have developed a geniune love and compassion for people around me
I know to a lot of people that really doesn't seem like much but to me, right now, that is enough. I will eventually achieve the tangible accomplishments that are heading my direction (college degree, Peace Corps, relationships, etc), but until then I know I have lived a good life. I have had experiences that have been very very hard, but I have had experiences that have made me so much better than I ever expected. There are so many people who have been a part of that. Just to be fun (but to be clear this is in NO WAY the only list), I put together a list of the people who have been my Best Friend's at the "5's" in my life:
5 yrs: Valarie
10 yrs: Megan, ShaNae, Ashley
15 yrs: Megan, Ally, Deysi, Jess
20 yrs: Sarah, Rachelle
25 yrs: Emallie, Taylor, Nicole
I am not thrilled about being 25, because of the non-tangibles but I am thrilled that I have the chance to try again....and again....
Just for the viewing..er..hearing?...pleasure, here is another song I have been LOVING lately.
I was going to wait until my actual birthday to do this post but, it has been on my mind for way too long to wait anymore. :)
I am going to be 25 this year. TWENTY-FIVE. What the hell? A quarter of a freakin' century. I don't know how I feel about that. What have I tangibly accomplished in my life? Not a damn thing. Sure, I graduated high school but no big right? Sure, I am currently heading in the direction of finishing college, but I'm 25 and a significant amount of my friends have already finished their bachelors and are starting or finishing (or have finished) their masters. I have had ONE (count it, ONE) relationship in my life and I was 14/15 and it was Jake and, let's face it, it was more of a train wreck than a relationship. Plus, I was 14/15. I have friends that have husbands and children!
Despite my bitching that you have ALL heard, those aren't the things I consider accomplishments in my life; or rather, unaccomplished things. Those are things I strive for (sometimes desperately), and want at some point.
Want to know what I feel I have accomplished in my life of 25 short years?
1) I have become the best and most dedicated and loving aunt to my nieces and nephews that they will ever need.
2) I have been fortunate to be BEST friends with some of the most amazing women I have ever known. They made me stronger, better and they never doubted me and what I could do
3) I have been able to live my life in a way that I found out what I want to do with my life through life experience rather than numerous classes
4) I have been considered a loyal and good friend. I have made mistakes, but those who have considered me this, know that I am just an idiot who sometimes just gets in my own way.
5) I have had more opportunities to see the country than most people my age and in my circumstance do in a lifetime
6) I am aware of myself and what is best for me, regardless of the views of others (as hard as it may be sometimes)
7) I know when and how to ask for help.
8) I have developed a love for service that will carry me far.
9) I have an intellectual mind as well as a compassionate one.
10) I have developed a geniune love and compassion for people around me
I know to a lot of people that really doesn't seem like much but to me, right now, that is enough. I will eventually achieve the tangible accomplishments that are heading my direction (college degree, Peace Corps, relationships, etc), but until then I know I have lived a good life. I have had experiences that have been very very hard, but I have had experiences that have made me so much better than I ever expected. There are so many people who have been a part of that. Just to be fun (but to be clear this is in NO WAY the only list), I put together a list of the people who have been my Best Friend's at the "5's" in my life:
5 yrs: Valarie
10 yrs: Megan, ShaNae, Ashley
15 yrs: Megan, Ally, Deysi, Jess
20 yrs: Sarah, Rachelle
25 yrs: Emallie, Taylor, Nicole
I am not thrilled about being 25, because of the non-tangibles but I am thrilled that I have the chance to try again....and again....
Just for the viewing..er..hearing?...pleasure, here is another song I have been LOVING lately.
November 28, 2011
"I Hope You Find It"
Whatever "IT" is, I hope that I find it...
Finals.
Yep. A whole semester has come and gone already....insane............
This week is the last week of class. Next week is the dreaded FINALS week. I think I will just barely make it out alive. Seriously. 8-\
What do I have to show for my 4 months in Louisiana?...Honestly, other than a few new friends, not much (I don't have final grades yet).
But in about 3.5 weeks I will be in Utah for a 3 week visit! Yay!
Then I'll be back...for the semester from HELL.
Okay...must sleep while I can...
Finals.
Yep. A whole semester has come and gone already....insane............
This week is the last week of class. Next week is the dreaded FINALS week. I think I will just barely make it out alive. Seriously. 8-\
What do I have to show for my 4 months in Louisiana?...Honestly, other than a few new friends, not much (I don't have final grades yet).
But in about 3.5 weeks I will be in Utah for a 3 week visit! Yay!
Then I'll be back...for the semester from HELL.
Okay...must sleep while I can...
November 17, 2011
"Looking Forward to Looking Back"
Because I really am looking forward to looking back. But in a good happy way.
On Wednesday I had the opportunity to do a little volunteering with my friend Emily Richard at the Volunteers of America for Greater Baton Rouge. At the beginning of the semester LSU had a club fair with all the clubs from LSU and affiliations that work with LSU and I immediately went and found out about all the volunteer/service opportunites. I signed up to find out more information about a bunch and the Volunteers of America was one of them. I have been on their email list and have been waiting for an opportunity to help out.
Truth is, there have been a lot of them. I have just made the classic excuses of "I'm too busy; I have homework; I don't have anyone to go with me". The were all just that--excuses. Then as the semester continued on, I found myself getting more and more stressed out and continuously more distant within myself. I was trying so desperately to find a place for my social self while still maintaining good grades that I forgot about myself and what actually makes me happy. I have seemed to find that in my life, I feel most at ease, most comfortable and most focused when at least some significant portion of my life is focused on service and volunteering. I feel the most happy when I am not just worried about myself. I forgot that. I let that part of me go and I felt a true difference. I won't let that happen again.
So like I said, my friend and I went and volunteered on Wednesday. We helped wrapped 33 presents for 33 children in need. We wrapped books. It was truly so much fun! I got to know a friend from class better and it was in general a good experience. I even enjoyed the too early Christmas music and decorations! :)
I have also let my active status slip in the Habitat for Humanity. I hate that. I think someone read my heart and mind because there is a build this Saturday in Lafayette. I immediately jumped at the opportunity. So excited!!
What I need to remember always is this: There is always time in person's life for service, it is just about perspective--and good planning. :)
On Wednesday I had the opportunity to do a little volunteering with my friend Emily Richard at the Volunteers of America for Greater Baton Rouge. At the beginning of the semester LSU had a club fair with all the clubs from LSU and affiliations that work with LSU and I immediately went and found out about all the volunteer/service opportunites. I signed up to find out more information about a bunch and the Volunteers of America was one of them. I have been on their email list and have been waiting for an opportunity to help out.Truth is, there have been a lot of them. I have just made the classic excuses of "I'm too busy; I have homework; I don't have anyone to go with me". The were all just that--excuses. Then as the semester continued on, I found myself getting more and more stressed out and continuously more distant within myself. I was trying so desperately to find a place for my social self while still maintaining good grades that I forgot about myself and what actually makes me happy. I have seemed to find that in my life, I feel most at ease, most comfortable and most focused when at least some significant portion of my life is focused on service and volunteering. I feel the most happy when I am not just worried about myself. I forgot that. I let that part of me go and I felt a true difference. I won't let that happen again.
So like I said, my friend and I went and volunteered on Wednesday. We helped wrapped 33 presents for 33 children in need. We wrapped books. It was truly so much fun! I got to know a friend from class better and it was in general a good experience. I even enjoyed the too early Christmas music and decorations! :)
I have also let my active status slip in the Habitat for Humanity. I hate that. I think someone read my heart and mind because there is a build this Saturday in Lafayette. I immediately jumped at the opportunity. So excited!!What I need to remember always is this: There is always time in person's life for service, it is just about perspective--and good planning. :)
November 14, 2011
"Fall To Pieces"
Nothing behind the song, just...yeah.
School. Three weeks left of it. Can anyone else believe that I have been here that long? Cuz....I can not. Nope. Not true. It is just not...possible that this semester is almost over. Panic. 8/
Okay, it is not that bad. I am doing...fine. I am at least above water instead of under it (is that a cliche thingy?). It is just wow. WOW!
Also, something random for the readers pleasure...(aka my sisters and mother): I think--THINK--I have finally begun to appreciate the fabulousness of my curly hair. Sometimes. I wear it down almost everyday and it usually lasts until about 7 or 8 o'clock at night before it is whipped (you all know the "whipping" motion I am speaking of) up to a ponytail/bun. This for me, is a GIGANTIC improvement.
But I have also ventured into expanding my headband obsession into the addition of hair bows instead of ponytail ties and braided headbands (as in my hair is the headband) instead of regular headbands. They are so cute!
That was random.
Louisiana is cold. NO ONE TOLD ME! WTH?? South=hot; west, north=cold. Duh! It isn't (so far at least) like deeply cold, like I need a winter coat, gloves and a scarf cold but it is COLD. I was not expecting that. It is warming up some, but geez. Warn a girl, won'tcha?
And lastly, I will be in UT for a much needed winter break! Almost a full 3 weeks! YAY! Nephew, family, and (OF COURSE) friend time galore! Yay yay yay! :)
And that is all for now. :)
School. Three weeks left of it. Can anyone else believe that I have been here that long? Cuz....I can not. Nope. Not true. It is just not...possible that this semester is almost over. Panic. 8/
Okay, it is not that bad. I am doing...fine. I am at least above water instead of under it (is that a cliche thingy?). It is just wow. WOW!
Also, something random for the readers pleasure...(aka my sisters and mother): I think--THINK--I have finally begun to appreciate the fabulousness of my curly hair. Sometimes. I wear it down almost everyday and it usually lasts until about 7 or 8 o'clock at night before it is whipped (you all know the "whipping" motion I am speaking of) up to a ponytail/bun. This for me, is a GIGANTIC improvement.
But I have also ventured into expanding my headband obsession into the addition of hair bows instead of ponytail ties and braided headbands (as in my hair is the headband) instead of regular headbands. They are so cute!
That was random.
Louisiana is cold. NO ONE TOLD ME! WTH?? South=hot; west, north=cold. Duh! It isn't (so far at least) like deeply cold, like I need a winter coat, gloves and a scarf cold but it is COLD. I was not expecting that. It is warming up some, but geez. Warn a girl, won'tcha?
And lastly, I will be in UT for a much needed winter break! Almost a full 3 weeks! YAY! Nephew, family, and (OF COURSE) friend time galore! Yay yay yay! :)
And that is all for now. :)
November 4, 2011
"Losing Touch"
Because I LOVE The Killers right now and that is why I'm Losing Touch. Ha!
But seriously. The Killers are freakin' amazing!
Okay, enough about that. School/Louisiana. That is the point of this blog.
I feel like I'm going to EXPLODE with information and sunflower seeds (my study snack of choice)!
It has been in-freakin'-tense all up in here! I have had paper after paper after presentation after x,y, and z over here! I need a breather alright! But alas, no.
I have a test and presentation Monday. I have a research paper due Tuesday. Then I can breathe for like a day. Then I have another presentation, another research paper, many more tests, etc, etc.
Is it Christmas break yet?
GAH! So maybe I wasn't lying when I said I am losing touch. (see how I linked the song twice? that means LISTEN! :) )
Oh, and I just have to say that I am so so grateful for my GOOD friends back home. I miss you guys so much and I am so lucky that I have your support in this new adventure of mine. It sometimes feels like I was CRAZY for even attempting it, but you all in your own way remind me that I am not. Thank you Thank you Megan, Serria, Taylor, Nicole, Kari, Ashley, ShaNae, and Emallie. I love love you guys!
But seriously. The Killers are freakin' amazing!
Okay, enough about that. School/Louisiana. That is the point of this blog.
I feel like I'm going to EXPLODE with information and sunflower seeds (my study snack of choice)!
It has been in-freakin'-tense all up in here! I have had paper after paper after presentation after x,y, and z over here! I need a breather alright! But alas, no.
I have a test and presentation Monday. I have a research paper due Tuesday. Then I can breathe for like a day. Then I have another presentation, another research paper, many more tests, etc, etc.
Is it Christmas break yet?
GAH! So maybe I wasn't lying when I said I am losing touch. (see how I linked the song twice? that means LISTEN! :) )
Oh, and I just have to say that I am so so grateful for my GOOD friends back home. I miss you guys so much and I am so lucky that I have your support in this new adventure of mine. It sometimes feels like I was CRAZY for even attempting it, but you all in your own way remind me that I am not. Thank you Thank you Megan, Serria, Taylor, Nicole, Kari, Ashley, ShaNae, and Emallie. I love love you guys!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)