Life is Good

I was told by my lovely friend Liz that I hadn't updated my blog in a long time. And she is absolutely right!

I just left everyone (well, the two people that read my blog) hanging about my engagement and my life. Well, since February, not much has been going on at school. I have two large papers left to get done in the next three weeks and a final. Otherwise, I'm pretty much doing nothing.

I do have three jobs (yes, three)!! First one is at Applebee's for the summer. I needed a job and serving at a restaurant will get me some cash. Second one is the assistant JV coach at Central! Whoop! I get to stick around campus and play the sport I love. The third one is a full-time paid internship in Central's Communications department! I get to write lots and lots of press releases for the school as well as build up a portfolio of work. Seriously blessed to have all of these opportunities!

And on top of that, I just won a journalism award, The Steve and Joyce Bell Excellence in Journalism Award. Along with the recognition of hard work on the school newspaper the past two years, the award came with a check! Thank you to the Central Communication Department and Steve and Joyce Bell! Very unexpected, but I am very grateful to receive it!

In March my future in-laws paid for us (as well as Curt's brothers and their wives) to go on a cruise! First time cruising, and I can't lie, it was pretty amazing. We visited Cozumel, Mexico, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and a private island in the Bahamas. Loved it all! Can't wait to go on another cruise in December (yep, going on one with the parentals to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Honduras, and Belize).

Parasailing in the Bahamas!

As for the wedding plans, I am waaaay ahead of the game. We set the date (April 13, 2013) and I have been looking at Pinterest everyday since. It's an addiction. I have a venue, church, photographer, and dress...all the big stuff done except catering. It all just fell into our laps very quickly, and I'm okay with that!

Overall, life is good! Hope you all have an amazing day!

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).

Cheers to the freakin' weekend!

I'm over half way done with my first semester of senior year, and let me tell you, I'm super excited to see Christmas Break!

Don't get me wrong, this semester has been flying by. Volleyball is getting closer to being done (if we do well, we could still have a few weeks to go. If we don't, we could be done as early as Nov. 1). Senior night is over, so I have no more games on Central's floor. Ever. My 22nd birthday is in four short days! I have over 100 pages of reading to do for tomorrow. I need to go shoot some pictures for my photography class before tomorrow. Oh, I got a puppy! I don't have one of my classes for a week. It's cold and windy most days which means winter is on it's way. But today is a lovely 70 degrees. I just finished my last volleyball tournament ever (we went 4-0). I broke two school records for career digs as well as season digs. My knees are extremely swollen and bruised because of it. The wonderful fall day is calling me and my book. I love weekends. And I'm lovin' life. :-)

Me and Belle! Isn't she cute?!?

So, I know that was a lot to take in, but I don't have a ton of time because of said homework. I'm looking forward to this week, so I hope it's a good one! Have a wonderful week!

Senior year

Well, I know I haven't posted in quite a while. I never finished my last challenge either, but at the present moment, I really don't care. I'm starting my senior year of college! I'm not sure how I feel about it, yet. I want to be done with school, that much I am sure about. But, at the same time, I wish I didn't have to leave.

My classes this year should't be difficult: I have volleyball class (yes, I took volleyball class), photography, 19th century literature, and literary criticism. To be honest, literary criticism will be a pain in the ass, but the rest will be a least a little fun. The tough part will come in editing the school newspaper and being a tutor on top of volleyball.

The past two weeks has been taken up by volleyball preseason. We have had 15 practices in a week, and my body is exhausted. Although I'm 21, my body feels much older. I found out that I have some pretty nasty tendinitis in both of my knees and just a few days ago my quad started hurting badly. I sat out of practices today, so I hope I get to play tomorrow. *fingers crossed*

Basically, this is my last year of competitive volleyball, and it is probably a good thing because I'm not sure my body could handle it anymore. I think what makes me most sad is that I can't share my last season with the rest of my family. Most of my family members have never seen me play, and I wish I could share my love for the game with them. But, they all live really far away. I'm very thankful that the family and friends I have close by get to watch, but on senior night, I won't have the huge cheering section in the stands, and deep down I wish I did. I know that most of my family and a lot friends can't be there, so I can't hold it against them, but it's still upsetting.

Okay, enough of the sad stuff. School has been in session for three days, it's nice outside, and life is going decently well. I need to get to bed to get up early, but there was a little update on my boring life and some of the things I have been thinking about. Until next time...

Hopefully

In the past week alone, I have been asked the same question more times than I had heard it in the past few months. It is a dreaded question for all soon-to-be college seniors, all recent college graduates, and even high school seniors. You know exactly what I'm talking about. It is almost always the first question a new acquaintance asks me after learning my name:

"So, what are you going to do after you graduate?" or "What are you going to do with your life?"

I smile on the outside, but I cringe on the inside. It's something that I know I must think about, but I don't want to. I feel like sticking my fingers in my ears, running around in circles, all the while blabbering: "I can't hear you!"

Too much? Maybe, but there's always going to be a little part of me that doesn't want to grow up. But, at the same time, I don't want to stay in school forever. Homework for eternity? No thank you! I have the perfect solution: stay in college forever, hang out with friends, go to fun classes that have no homework, have a cafeteria that cooks all my meals, play volleyball, throw in some study abroad, and then repeat. Okay, not realistic, but sounds like a ton of fun.

So what's a girl to do when faced with the dreaded question? (Yes, it's so serious it needs to be italicized.)

Well, I answer like this, "I want to go into publishing. Hopefully."

And yes, I always add the "hopefully." The chances of me becoming a book editor are slim to none. I realize that one. The publishing biz is a tough one to crack into, even tougher when I'm really not that fantastic at it. I love reading. I love editing. But I never really thought about the fact that it might not be enough to just love to do something. You kinda have to be good at it. Imagine that.

My problem is this: I like too many things. How was I supposed to narrow it down? If I could have, I would have been an education/history/Spanish/English major with an emphasis in writing/procrastination/marketing/graphic design/photography/volleyball. Impossible, yet, I almost wish it wasn't. Even if it was possible, there is no way in hell I could manage it. Let's be serious, my emphasis in procrastination would kick in.

But let me tell you something I have learned as a not-so-wise guru, ungraduated college senior, and a generalized know-it-all: real life kinda sucks. Eloquent, no?

Unfortunate there really is no other option. Here is a list of things I want to do after graduating, followed by the reason why I can't do it.

1. Travel around the world...and yet I have no money. When someone invents a way to grow money on trees, I am planting a huge one!
2. Invent money growing trees...I'm not at all sciency. But totally possible. Someone...get on that.
3. Play Olympic volleyball...oh wait, my volleyball skills aren't up to par.
4. Be a photographer for National Geographic...travel and photography rolled into one! But, my picture taking skills aren't the greatest.
5. Write a book...As much as I love to write, my own ideas just aren't good. That's why I like to edit. I can tell other people their ideas are terrible. (Okay, joke. But, seriously.)
6. Become the world's ultimate translator for sarcasm...totally doable. I'm already half way there.

Of course, that list could go forever. I still haven't given up my dream of being a bizillionaire because of my fantabulous singing skills. I just had to put those dreams on hold while I went to school.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy being an adult. I'm making money (well, the little money I get paid on minimum wage), I get to make my own decisions (as long as the government doesn't take that away), and I get to start my own life (as long as mommy and daddy say that's okay).

But to be completely honest, I would be very happy with graduating, finding a job, getting married, and having the 2.5 kids everyone is supposed to have. But, there will probably be a part of me that thinks, why didn't I do this when I was younger? This is another reason I'm very glad I studied abroad--I got my chance to experience another life. Although, it just whet my appetite for traveling.

This is all probably a little too serious for someone that isn't even 22 yet, but it's something to think about. I don't have many regrets in my life, and I would like to keep it that way. I have my entire life ahead of me, but it feels like the whole world is pushing back saying, "[Fill in the appropriate action] now!"

Everything has to be done this moment. But why? I want to enjoy my life, relax a little. And this may all sound very privileged, and maybe it is. I am used to living a good life. My parents were nice enough to provide everything for me. Because of that, I was able to go to a good school, study abroad, and do what I want with my life. And for that I'm very thankful.

Here is something else that I have learned: real life can be really fantastic. My friends and family are amazing. I love them all very much. I am so blessed to be surrounded by people that love me. I think it can be summed up by a very insightful Beatles song:

All you need is love, all you need is love,

All you need is love, love, love is all you need.

When I look around, I see a really amazing life. I can be what I want to be, when I want to be it. Back off, world. Here's my advice (just because I'm giving it, doesn't mean you should take it): do what you want because you love it, when you want to.

So the next time someone asks me the question, I'll smile, and answer, "I want to go into publishing. Hopefully."

Life is just full of twists and turns

The past few weeks have been hectic to say the least. It has been difficult to find the time to do anything that I actually wanted to do, and today is the day I officially can. I am done with my first semester of my junior year, but it hasn't come as quickly or without stress and heartache.

Almost two weeks ago, my grandfather passed away. I found out just two days before that he was in the hospital and was going to have surgery for intestinal blockage. The surgery did not go as well as planned. The surgeons had no idea how blocked his intestines were until they were actually operating. He went into the ICU immediately after surgery and just never woke up after he developed an infection. I had been receiving updates from my mother, and I knew when that phone call came, that I would never get to talk to my grandfather again. It was the first loss I have ever had in my family with someone that I was close to.

If I hadn't had my family and friends around me, I don't know how I would have taken it. But because I have such an amazing support group in my volleyball team, I was able to make it through the funeral knowing that my grandfather is in a great place. I know my family took the loss hard, and of course, we will continue to feel his presence in our lives. There is nothing I can do now but pray that my family makes it through this holiday season with my grandpa in our hearts...I loved him very much, and I will miss him more than he will ever know. But, I do know this: as tough as it is to admit, life goes on. He wouldn't want us to mourn him forever, but to live our lives and to remember him through fond memories.

Through my tears, I smile because somewhere up there, he is having the time of his life playing a round of golf, riding his Harley, and enjoying some fishing. Thanks, grandpa, for being a fantastic man and a hell of a guy. Thank you for loving me and your family. We miss you very much.