The fact that I have not blogged since February is ridiculous. My life has changed so much since then.
First off in March, I met with an advisor at MCC to discuss what was next for me. Little did I expect for her to be printing off information about transferring to another school... I applied to Northern Illinois University on a whim. As my mom said " do it, what's the worst that could happen?" Two weeks after NIU received all my paperwork I got an e-mail informing me I had gotten accepted. It was actually on Easter, while my family & I were packing up our stuff at hotel in Los Angeles, California from out family vacation.
Everything seems like a whirl wind from there. Two of my friends from MCC were also transferring to NIU in the fall & it just fell into place that we would find an apartment together.
In May my parents & I drove the hour trip to NIU for orientation. I was filled with mixed emotions. I still felt like everything was happening too fast. This was far from my normal and change has always been hard for me. By the end of orientation I was signed up for classes
Summer is always a crazy, but enjoyable time for me. My parents surprised me with a big 21st birthday party where all of my friends & family joined us! It was truly one of the best moments of my life and I am so thankful to have those memories.
I headed off to Country Thunder with my best friend, Abby Sue, mid-July. It was an entirely different experience from the previous year. I loved every moment of it and it is something I will forever be reminiscing about!
Somewhere in there I received a note in the mail from Abby, asking me to be her maid of honor in her wedding. That too is moment I will always remember. She had asked me if I had gotten anything in the mail, and another friend of her's that was asked to be in the wedding had put something on facebook, so I had a hunch I was going to be asked to be in the wedding. Never ever ever did I expect to be asked to be the MOH! I remember my jaw literally dropping & I thought I was going to cry. I was so floored and excited! This next year is going to be so much fun helping my "older sister" plan her big day!
End of July I signed a lease for a townhouse in DeKalb. Everything from there till now seems like a blur. I've been on my own for three weeks now. I wished and hoped to be out of my parents house for so long, that its surreal that it's actually happen. The fact is, living on my own and being responsible for household responsibilities isn't as scary as I thought. It's been strangely easy to make sure everything is is clean, in order, presentable, and paid.
This new experience has taught me so much about myself in such a short time. For one, it taught me how much I really do appreciate my parents. Their help financially, emotionally, and physically has blessed me beyond belief. My parents have always been long time thinkers. They made decisions when I was a baby that are now tremendously paying off.
Never in a million years did I think moving out would be so hard emotionally. I've been home twice since I moved and every time I have to say good-bye I choke up and get teary eyed. I know it's not really good-bye, for real, I live 60 minutes away. But it's a change not to be waking up in the room I spent 12 years of my life in. It's hard knowing that when I walk out that front door, I'm not gonna be in a town I literally was born & raised in. It's crazy to think that if something happens, there is still 60minutes between me & the people I love. It's made me appreciate my family so much more then I ever thought could or would happen.
Because of the move and the change to a four year university, I am no longer really working. The plan is to occasionally work on weekends, and I have jobs already lined up, but life seems extremely boring when you go from working 45+ hours a week to working none. Saying good-bye to my babysitting families was hard. I cried with every good-bye that came. Again, I know it's not good-bye, but these people became apart of my daily and weekly life. They were my "normal" for three years! I had the privilege of watching these kids grow up! Life seems dull now with out them.
Classes have been a change as well. My teachers are totally different then the teachers I've ever had! It also is a huge religious change. I went from a private school where we prayed before every class, to a school that NEVER dropped the word "God" or anything related, to a school that openly embraces diversity. Maybe it's the classes that I'm taking or the fact that I'm now in a new area, but each person's differences are openly discussed and welcomed almost in every class. It's been an eye opener to the "real world".
Another huge change that as come my way is the journey of loosing weight. A week after my birthday my family & I joined anytime fitness. Since then I have lost 25lbs & 12inches. I was going strong all summer. Recently, I've struggled with getting to the gym in a new town and I still have not brought myself in to meet the new trainer, but I refuse to let this new routine fall to the waste side. It feels good to work hard, eat healthy, and physically & emotionally feel like a new person. My goal is to drop several dress sizes by the time Abby's wedding rolls around. But not only that, I want to be confident in the way I feel and carry myself. I've never been shy person or allowed my weight to hold me back. But now that I fighting against my weight, I see how it has held me back with out me even knowing. I refuse to allow that to continue. I want to be healthy, fit, and active. I want to live life to the fullest, I want live up to what I am MADE to do & be!
Life has given me some unexpected changes in the last 6 months. I've managed to put my anxiety and worries aside and so far have enjoyed the ride. I'm excited to see what's in store next!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
The Best is Ahead
It's been almost two months since my last entry. Kind of disappointed in myself, but truthfully, not much to write about. Life has been strangely, normal. I go to school, I work, I try to stay organized. There has been a lot of work lately, which I am so incredibly thankful for. In the last couple of weeks, however, it has left me missing my friends... a lot. Once again, it is a valuable lesson in scheduling for me. Although I love working and dedicating a majority of my life to working, I still have a need for "friend time". Organizing myself so that I have a few days completely and totally off from school and work is a necessity so that I can unwind and laugh with some of the most important people in my life.
I thank God every day for the people, the moments, the opportunities that have come my way in life. I am beyond blessed and my hope is that I use these blessings, these gifts, these advantages to get a head in life, to better myself, to become independent. But also to touch another person's life, to give them a blessing, to do on to others what others have done on to me. Although I am young, and {hopefully} have many years ahead, I feel the clock ticking. Not in a bad sense, but in a I am becoming an adult. There are moments in a day where I find myself completely shocked how "adult" I sound. No doubt about it, I have a long way to go, but slowly, the best days are ahead.
Living to Learn...
I thank God every day for the people, the moments, the opportunities that have come my way in life. I am beyond blessed and my hope is that I use these blessings, these gifts, these advantages to get a head in life, to better myself, to become independent. But also to touch another person's life, to give them a blessing, to do on to others what others have done on to me. Although I am young, and {hopefully} have many years ahead, I feel the clock ticking. Not in a bad sense, but in a I am becoming an adult. There are moments in a day where I find myself completely shocked how "adult" I sound. No doubt about it, I have a long way to go, but slowly, the best days are ahead.
Living to Learn...
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Happy New Year!
Two nights ago I rung in the new year with two of my closest friends. I can not believe it's 2013!! I feel like I just wrote a post about ringing in 2012!!!
Twenty Twelve was a whirl wind year. It flew by! I ended my first year of college, started my second year with a new major and career path. I turned 20, officially leaving me teen years behind! I have been working my butt off building a group of families I regularly work for.
My brother went off to college, my sister became a "upper class-man" and got her license. SkyeLeigh Rae turned three!! Abby Sue, my best friend & older sister, got engaged! I went to Country Thunder for the first time and had a blast, hopefully making it a tradition. My friendships have expanded and grown.
My goals for 2013 are to budget myself and save more money. To start paying more of my own bills. To work hard and set up things that I can rely on for years and years to come. To find a school that will be a right fit for me in the future and to hopefully make plans of moving out or something
Every day is another step in the right direction. Growing up. Living and Learning.
Twenty Twelve was a whirl wind year. It flew by! I ended my first year of college, started my second year with a new major and career path. I turned 20, officially leaving me teen years behind! I have been working my butt off building a group of families I regularly work for.
My brother went off to college, my sister became a "upper class-man" and got her license. SkyeLeigh Rae turned three!! Abby Sue, my best friend & older sister, got engaged! I went to Country Thunder for the first time and had a blast, hopefully making it a tradition. My friendships have expanded and grown.
My goals for 2013 are to budget myself and save more money. To start paying more of my own bills. To work hard and set up things that I can rely on for years and years to come. To find a school that will be a right fit for me in the future and to hopefully make plans of moving out or something
Every day is another step in the right direction. Growing up. Living and Learning.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Engagement
Today was the Christmas!
The last couple of days have been great and I am so blessed!
The best news was when my phone rang tonight. My friend who I have known forever was calling. I picked up and she proceeded to tell me she was engaged!!! I have known for more than a year of these plans but it finally happen! I am so excited for the two of them! I don't see them as individuals any more, they are Abby&Phil. I have to admit, I cried a little.
I am so happy and overjoyed by the news, I can't wait to watch two great people spend the rest of their lives together!!!
The last couple of days have been great and I am so blessed!
The best news was when my phone rang tonight. My friend who I have known forever was calling. I picked up and she proceeded to tell me she was engaged!!! I have known for more than a year of these plans but it finally happen! I am so excited for the two of them! I don't see them as individuals any more, they are Abby&Phil. I have to admit, I cried a little.
I am so happy and overjoyed by the news, I can't wait to watch two great people spend the rest of their lives together!!!
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Holiday Season
Well,
I feel behind in my Thankful days of November. But we are now full swing into December. Maybe next year I will keep up... probably not, but three cheers for goals!
Thanksgiving was good. We went to my Uncle Darrins house and spent a few hours with them. Then we headed down to Gilberts, IL to Jimmy's Charhouse where we sat around a resturante table with my great aunts & uncles, my Grandma & Grandpa, and 2nd cousin.
It was a great meal, and great to see some faces we don't normally see. But it didn't feel like Thanksgiving. There is always next year for the home cooked meal.
The Christmas cheer is spreading like wild fire. Songs are blaring, tree's are up, lights are lit, and all the Elf on the Shelves are watching kids. I am almost done with my shopping. Just need to find something for my brother and dad. Other than that, I am done! I am very excited about the gifts I'm giving. I made a majority of them! Thank you Pinterest!!!
My semester is ending. I have two finals on Monday & I'm done. It's good to be done. It was a bit stressful at the end there, trying to get all my observation hours in for a few of my classes. It wasn't easy, but the assignment taught me some valuable lessons.
My babysitting is crazy as usual. I love my time doing it, but my goal for this month is to slow down a bit, enjoy the company of my own family and friends. Make time for "me". As hard as it is, it's good to have a break. It keeps me sane and nice.
After the new year I need to start thinking about my future plans- schools, houses, plans... it's all over whelming, but no rush and no preassure. Just breath!
Last night I went to Adam & Alex's basketball game. It really made me miss some of my high school memories. I missed watching every basketball game, I missed seeing those guys every day, I missed hanging out with them and laughing non stop. No matter how close I am to them, we are growing up and our relationship is growing. I love those boys, they are like my brothers. I am so excited for them to go off to college and play basketball on a bigger level. But a part of me is sad too, knowing that another change is going to happen in our relationship. They have been great friends and pray that we are friends for years to come, even with changes ahead.
Living to Learn
I feel behind in my Thankful days of November. But we are now full swing into December. Maybe next year I will keep up... probably not, but three cheers for goals!
Thanksgiving was good. We went to my Uncle Darrins house and spent a few hours with them. Then we headed down to Gilberts, IL to Jimmy's Charhouse where we sat around a resturante table with my great aunts & uncles, my Grandma & Grandpa, and 2nd cousin.
It was a great meal, and great to see some faces we don't normally see. But it didn't feel like Thanksgiving. There is always next year for the home cooked meal.
The Christmas cheer is spreading like wild fire. Songs are blaring, tree's are up, lights are lit, and all the Elf on the Shelves are watching kids. I am almost done with my shopping. Just need to find something for my brother and dad. Other than that, I am done! I am very excited about the gifts I'm giving. I made a majority of them! Thank you Pinterest!!!
My semester is ending. I have two finals on Monday & I'm done. It's good to be done. It was a bit stressful at the end there, trying to get all my observation hours in for a few of my classes. It wasn't easy, but the assignment taught me some valuable lessons.
My babysitting is crazy as usual. I love my time doing it, but my goal for this month is to slow down a bit, enjoy the company of my own family and friends. Make time for "me". As hard as it is, it's good to have a break. It keeps me sane and nice.
After the new year I need to start thinking about my future plans- schools, houses, plans... it's all over whelming, but no rush and no preassure. Just breath!
Last night I went to Adam & Alex's basketball game. It really made me miss some of my high school memories. I missed watching every basketball game, I missed seeing those guys every day, I missed hanging out with them and laughing non stop. No matter how close I am to them, we are growing up and our relationship is growing. I love those boys, they are like my brothers. I am so excited for them to go off to college and play basketball on a bigger level. But a part of me is sad too, knowing that another change is going to happen in our relationship. They have been great friends and pray that we are friends for years to come, even with changes ahead.
Living to Learn
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Cancer Sucks
Today my heart aches for my dear and near friend, Sam. Her amazing auntie is slowly being swept away into Heaven's gate. Aunt Dee is an amazing person, through and through. The fact that the cancer is slowly taking over, just plain sucks.
My other friend lost her father this week. She is a strong fighter, but this will tear a person down and I am praying for her. God has a will for everyone, but this I just do not understand. Period.
So many people in my life have been effected by cancer. No words can comfort them. No action can make it go away. Cancer sucks.
I pray that it will get better for my friends. I have faith God is working in their lives. But I do not understand it. Cancer brings no good, just pain.
I pray that some brilliant person out there someday soon learns of a cure for this. In the mean time, I'm gonna do what I can to fight against this bitch!
Cancer sucks. I'm living to learn. We are going to win. Someday, someday soon!
My other friend lost her father this week. She is a strong fighter, but this will tear a person down and I am praying for her. God has a will for everyone, but this I just do not understand. Period.
So many people in my life have been effected by cancer. No words can comfort them. No action can make it go away. Cancer sucks.
I pray that it will get better for my friends. I have faith God is working in their lives. But I do not understand it. Cancer brings no good, just pain.
I pray that some brilliant person out there someday soon learns of a cure for this. In the mean time, I'm gonna do what I can to fight against this bitch!
Cancer sucks. I'm living to learn. We are going to win. Someday, someday soon!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
November Days of Thanks Day's 12-18
I am so behind in my Thankfulness posts. It's always on my mind, but day are busy and sometimes there is no time to write it down.
Day 12 I am thankful for my best friend and older sister Abby Sue. I often tell people that she met me the day I came home from the hospital. I'm not really sure if that's true but she's been there since my memories began. She has always been my best friend, my older sister, and role model. I know that we haven't always been the closest, but she's a great person and I am happy to have such a person in my life. I know that she will stand up at my wedding, welcome my kids into this world, and for everything in between and after!
Day 13 I am thankful for my health. I am a healthy person with no pressing issues. There are so many people out there sick or hurting. I am thankful that is not the case for me. Life is sweet and I don't want to miss a thing
Day 14 I am thankful for little kids. They have such an excitement for life. The little things make them happy, bring a smile to their face, and bright up my life. Those little grins, belly laughs, and need to please is what makes me day better!
Day 15 I am thankful for Country Music! I am a singer, I enjoy music. It has a story, a meaning, a power. No matter my mood, I am calmed by music. Plus I'm excited for Country Thunder ! Great fun, great friends, and great memories. Not to mention Great Country Music!
Day 16 I am thankful for Fridays. Friday's excite me. It's an end to a busy week and an excuse to go out with friends... or in my case an excuse for others to go and me go work and make money. Either way, every Friday is a breath of fresh air and reason to loosen up and relieve the stress of the week. It's something to look forward to !
Day 17 I am thankful for mornings to sleep in. Although I only made it to 8:30am, I still got to wake up without feeling the need to rush out of bed. I was relax and had time to get up. I spent the morning cleaning an organizing. I love those days!
Day 18 I am thankful for I am thankful for laugher. Laughter is good for the soul. I am thankful for the laughable moments.
Day 12 I am thankful for my best friend and older sister Abby Sue. I often tell people that she met me the day I came home from the hospital. I'm not really sure if that's true but she's been there since my memories began. She has always been my best friend, my older sister, and role model. I know that we haven't always been the closest, but she's a great person and I am happy to have such a person in my life. I know that she will stand up at my wedding, welcome my kids into this world, and for everything in between and after!
Day 13 I am thankful for my health. I am a healthy person with no pressing issues. There are so many people out there sick or hurting. I am thankful that is not the case for me. Life is sweet and I don't want to miss a thing
Day 14 I am thankful for little kids. They have such an excitement for life. The little things make them happy, bring a smile to their face, and bright up my life. Those little grins, belly laughs, and need to please is what makes me day better!
Day 15 I am thankful for Country Music! I am a singer, I enjoy music. It has a story, a meaning, a power. No matter my mood, I am calmed by music. Plus I'm excited for Country Thunder ! Great fun, great friends, and great memories. Not to mention Great Country Music!
Day 16 I am thankful for Fridays. Friday's excite me. It's an end to a busy week and an excuse to go out with friends... or in my case an excuse for others to go and me go work and make money. Either way, every Friday is a breath of fresh air and reason to loosen up and relieve the stress of the week. It's something to look forward to !
Day 17 I am thankful for mornings to sleep in. Although I only made it to 8:30am, I still got to wake up without feeling the need to rush out of bed. I was relax and had time to get up. I spent the morning cleaning an organizing. I love those days!
Day 18 I am thankful for I am thankful for laugher. Laughter is good for the soul. I am thankful for the laughable moments.
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