L-O-V-E

This picture pretty much sums up my relationship, and I thought I would share. Hope you are having a wonderful week!

That's all. :-)

I'm thankful for...

I was telling some friends at dinner that my family never does the whole go-around-the-table-and-say-what-I'm-thankful-for thing on Thanksgiving. I always laugh because what people say, although genuine, often sounds cheesy. I can't help but smile and be sarcastic, and it completely ruins the mood. But, I figured that this Thanksgiving I would write down a few things I was thankful for this year. These are not in order, they just happen to be how I thought of them.

1. My college education. I have been very lucky and have been able to attend a good school. My education will (hopefully!) get me a good job in an economy that seems to be going down hill. Either way, I have marketable skills and will be able to sell myself well enough for most any job I need.

2. My family. Seriously, they are awesome. My mom and dad support me in everything I do which I know is not always typical. They paid for volleyball over the years and rarely missed a game, no matter the distance. They give me whatever I need without spoiling me and instilled good moral values into my life. Thanks mom and dad! And, of course, my brothers. We get along so well compared to a lot of other siblings, and they mean a lot to me. They make me laugh, they make me angry, but they always love me. I love them all very much.

Also, the rest of my family! I love everyone! Thank you for being amazing!

3. My friends. All of my friends have had huge impacts on my life. Without them, I wouldn't be the person I am today. Thanks for being my friend through my bitter sarcasm and crazy moments!

4. My boyfriend. Curt has come into my life in such a meaningful way. I can't imagine my life without him, and thankfully I will never have to. Love you, cuddle bug (yep, I called you that in my blog. Deal with it).

5. Studying abroad. I can't begin to explain how much of an impact that my experience in Europe had on me. I gained confidence and new appreciation for my life.

6. Technology. Without it, I wouldn't be able to stay connected as easily with family members and friends that live far away. I wouldn't be able to share pictures with my friends. I couldn't watch my favorite shows or listen to calming music easily. Maybe it's a weird thing to be thankful for, but imagine your life without your computer/TV/cell phone. It wouldn't be easy.

7. My health. I'm pretty healthy, and I'm glad I don't have to deal with a lot of health issues. Thank goodness!

8. Today. I think we take our lives for granted. We think that we will always have tomorrow to finish doing something we started today. Or that the sun will shine tomorrow. I'm happy that I have today to enjoy my life because there are so many that don't.

9. Happiness. Sounds random, but I'm thankful that I can be happy with my life.

10. Being me. My life really is good. My friends and family make my life amazing. I love being me, and I'm so glad that I am me!

I am thankful for many more things in my life, but I figured a small list would keep your attention longer. Thank you for everyone that has made my life extraordinary! If you feel compelled to do so, share in the comments what you are thankful for this year (it's not as cheesy as it looks).

Cleaning out a career

I realized something today.

My volleyball career is over. And, yes, I understood this on Saturday night when my team lost in the Conference Championship, but it really hit me today. Why, you may ask?

I cleaned out my locker.

Trivial, but in actuality, that locker room has been the hub for my Central career. Four years worth of funny locker room stories, celebrations, condolences, team talks, singing in the showers, rocking out to everything from Celine Dion to Justin Bieber. It's where I got ready to play.

It's not like my entire volleyball career happened at Central. I have been playing since the 7th grade. Year-round, in fact. But the most significant part of my career happened there. The most memorable and exciting parts were at Central. The most disappointing and heartbreaking were there, too. The hundreds of practices and countless tournaments I participated in have been mounting towards this anti-climactic moment.  

As I was going through my things, I realized I wouldn't need a lot of it again. My volleyball shoes which I had bought just for this year because I beat the crap out of my shoes last year. My knee pads which are at least four years old, reek beyond belief, and are stained yellow because of sweat. My ankle braces which are no longer white, but stained brown and yellow. These things hold so much value for me, and I never realized it before. Why would these things mean so much to me? 

I piled all of these things as well as extra spandex, socks, underwear, shampoo, etc. into a flimsy, plastic Walmart bag. I gave back my lock and practice shirt. And I walked out the door. It felt terrible to know that I would never have to go back in. And as I went outside, I put up my umbrella (because it is ridiculously rainy) and carried my heaps of things. Two steps out the door, the plastic bag broke and my things tumbled out, spilling all over the wet concrete. I hurriedly put down the umbrella and stuffed my shoes and knee pads back into the bag. But, I no longer had hands for the umbrella. So, I walked back to my room in the cold rain with my volleyball past in my arms. 

The irony was not lost on me. 

I dumped my stuff in my room, and I immediately began to write this post. I'm looking at my wet jeans from where I held all of my wet things close to my body, and my hair is curling around my face. And I wonder why this means so much to me. Stuff is just stuff. But it is what they represent. Before every game and practice I put those shoes and knee pads on. I ran in those shoes and dived in those knee pads. They represent my work and my career as a volleyball player. Those memories I have are not dependent on those things. Sure, I may be reminded of my times playing, but I will always have those memories. With or without my shoes.

Today, I pulled my name tag off of the top of my locker. I've done it before, but every year I knew I would see it again. I looked at my last name on the paper, and I thought about saving it for a moment, just to remind me of the amazing times I had. Instead, I walked towards the garbage can, crumpled up the paper, and threw it in. It was just a piece of paper.