Last summer one of my most favorite people introduced me to the movie 'Blow' which instantly became one of my favorite movies. So, thanks, you know who you are.
'May the wind always be at your back, and the sun always upon your face, and may the wings of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars.'
Day 5: Compose a letter to someone who has changed your life.
Have you ever met Erin? Erin McKenzie Englert? She's my sister, my older, beautiful, funnier, happier, my wonderful sister Erin. She's 26 years old, red hair, big green eyes and a heart bigger than anyone I've ever know. The only difference is that she has cerebral palsy, which causes her to be a little less communicative than normal. But nonetheless, she's my hero. Needless to say, writing a thank you note was quite the task. I could have chosen my father, who for the last 22 years of my life has done everything in his power to support me and my family, who taught me how to play tennis, taught me how to drive, sent me to college and now law school. A thank you note to him would be an easy task. I could write a thank you note to my loving and beautiful mother. I could thank her for being my best friend, my shoulder to always cry on, she's my stable source of advice, my shopping partner, wine buddy, and the best mom ever, she definitely deserves a thank you. Or I could write to my brother, who without knowing is my best friend ever. Even though he doesn't realize it, he gives the best advice. He watches over me, defends me, loves me, and always supports me. My entire family deserves a thank you note. Or a thank you note to my best friends, that regardless of locations, time, fights, school, boys and anything in-between have been there through it all. I have a plethora of people to whom I can and should write notes, but today, I'm writing to my big sister, and even though she'll never read it, I know she feels it and knows how thankful I am for her.
Dear Erin,
Thank you, thank you for being my older sister, my role model and my inspiration. Thank you for constantly having joy, and for sharing that joy with all who meet and know you. Thank you for showing me that regardless of situations and circumstances it is possible to be happy and find the best in everything. Without even knowing you have taught me patience. You have taught me gratitude. You have taught me that it is okay to ask for help. Thank you. You taught me that not everything is based on whats on the outside, though I think you're beautiful, you taught me that its whats in your heart that matters.
After coming back from college and school, or even running errands, you greet everyone with the biggest hello and hug, you taught me to live with wide abandon. Erin, you have shown me that through hardships and trials, that nothing is impossible. You taught me to trust people with everything and love unabashedly. Thank you for being my older sister. Thank you for being the biggest part of my life. Thank you for being you. I love you.
Kristen
we made a pact a long time ago;
boys, college, nursing school, law school, ups&downs, fights, breakups and all the in-betweens-
it doesn't matter.... we're soul-mates.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. -Nelson Mandela
My brother's so rad. He's always looking out for me. This is one of my favorite quotes and he sent it to me while I was in Boston, and it applied so adequately there, and it seems rather fitting now.
It just recently hit me that I'm moving to Nebraska. Ne-bras-ka. After finding directions via mapquest.com I found that Creighton University is 20 hours and 2 minutes away, and exactly 1277.93 miles away.
I'm moving away from everything comfortable in my life to someplace I've never been, never seen and have no idea about. To say my deepest fear is that I'm inadequate would be the understatement of the century. It's one of my deepest fears, but what if, what if I am powerful beyond measure? I too can be liberated from my own fear. I know I can do this, I believe in myself, and as long as I hold true to that, my deepest fear will be nothing but a whisper of doubt in the back of my head.
Nebraska, here I come!
It just recently hit me that I'm moving to Nebraska. Ne-bras-ka. After finding directions via mapquest.com I found that Creighton University is 20 hours and 2 minutes away, and exactly 1277.93 miles away.
I'm moving away from everything comfortable in my life to someplace I've never been, never seen and have no idea about. To say my deepest fear is that I'm inadequate would be the understatement of the century. It's one of my deepest fears, but what if, what if I am powerful beyond measure? I too can be liberated from my own fear. I know I can do this, I believe in myself, and as long as I hold true to that, my deepest fear will be nothing but a whisper of doubt in the back of my head.
Nebraska, here I come!
Day 4: Write about what you imagine paradise to look like.
Have you ever been to Lake Tahoe in the summer? Well, if you you haven't, I highly suggest it as a place to add to your destinations wish list.
To me, paradise would be located in Lake Tahoe, on the south shore, soaking up the sun, while looking at the snow-kissed mountains. Paradise would be overflowing. Overflowing with my family and friends, overflowing with sunshine, outside barbecues, cocktails, great music blasting on the beach, lots of laughing, sports on the beach, water sports in the ice cold lake and everyone just being together. It would be overflowing. It would bring people from all over back together. It would join old roommates, loved ones, friends from the past, friends from junior high, high school and college. It would bring family from all over to one place.
There would be a lot of picture taking and playlist making. Of course be great food would be a must, fish from the Chart House, lots of calamari from The Beacon, and of course Rum Runners galore. Jet-skiing, para-sailing and boating would be a daily activity followed by sand volleyball on the beach, while the guys smoke cigars on the deck.
One thing that completes summers in Lake Tahoe are the books we read. Every summer seems to have a new theme, Harry Potter, Twilight, Chelsea Handler, whatever we chose adds another theme to our summer get-a-away. The one thing about 'paradise' that I like to focus on isn't the activities (though they're great) but it's the people. It's everyone being in one place and enjoying each others company. The cool thing about paradise is that it happens every summer, and I can't wait for this year, it's going to be one for the record books.
To me, paradise would be located in Lake Tahoe, on the south shore, soaking up the sun, while looking at the snow-kissed mountains. Paradise would be overflowing. Overflowing with my family and friends, overflowing with sunshine, outside barbecues, cocktails, great music blasting on the beach, lots of laughing, sports on the beach, water sports in the ice cold lake and everyone just being together. It would be overflowing. It would bring people from all over back together. It would join old roommates, loved ones, friends from the past, friends from junior high, high school and college. It would bring family from all over to one place.
There would be a lot of picture taking and playlist making. Of course be great food would be a must, fish from the Chart House, lots of calamari from The Beacon, and of course Rum Runners galore. Jet-skiing, para-sailing and boating would be a daily activity followed by sand volleyball on the beach, while the guys smoke cigars on the deck.
One thing that completes summers in Lake Tahoe are the books we read. Every summer seems to have a new theme, Harry Potter, Twilight, Chelsea Handler, whatever we chose adds another theme to our summer get-a-away. The one thing about 'paradise' that I like to focus on isn't the activities (though they're great) but it's the people. It's everyone being in one place and enjoying each others company. The cool thing about paradise is that it happens every summer, and I can't wait for this year, it's going to be one for the record books.
The fab five.
A day on the boat.
Inter-tube madness.
Parasailing with Lauren.
Jet Skiing with Coti.
My paradise.
Day 3: List the 5 songs you would have with you on a desert island and why.
For me music has always played a huge role in my life. From the time I was a little girl I remember listening to Jimmy Buffet in the car with my entire family singing "Cheeseburger in Paradise" at the top of our lungs. Music reminds me of car rides to school with my dad every single morning, listening to Fleetwood Mac, Patsy Cline, Bob Seger and Brian Wilson. It has defined many moments in my life from first dates, parties, breakups and get-to-gethers, so to be required to pick my top 5 offers quite the challenge for me. After searching through most played on my iTunes, looking through playlists, and reading through my blog I think I managed to pick the top 5 songs that I would choose.1. "Stronger" by the infamous Britney Spears
No list would be complete without a tune from my favorite singer ever, Ms. Britney Spears. After meeting her (okay just seeing her) on my 21'st birthday in Las Vegas, she secured her role as number one female artist in my opinion. Stronger is one of my life anthems. The lyrics remind girls to be strong, stronger than yesterday, be confident in who you are. It's a song that gets me pumped up for any night out, it gets me over any stupid boy and it's an amazing video that makes me want to learn how to dance on a chair. Britney's songs will always remind me of highschool, college and drives down PCH. Her songs remind me of only wonderful memories and for that, I owe her the number one spot on my list.
2. "What can I say" by Carrie Underwood
Last weekend I had the privilege of seeing Carrie Underwood live in concert. I can honestly say that this song brought me to tears as she belted out the loud notes. One thing I admire about Carrie is that when she sings, she sings with such conviction. She sings as if it is the last note she'll ever sing. Now this song is a little bit more on the 'depressing' side. It talks about a love that didn't work, but it also talks about a love that was real. It debut's Sons of Silva, a wonderful new band that, in no time at all, will be breaking into the Billboard 100 charts. It's the best song to have on a desert island, where I could belt my heart out and no one would hear me.
3. "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" by John Mayer
One of my all time favorite songs ever. The guitar in this song, paired with John's vocals absolutely move my heart. The passion and raw-ness heard in his voice is enough to make any girl swoon and any boy wish he had this kind of talent. Even though this is somewhat of a sad song again, I promise I'm not depressed, it doesn't change the fact that it's truly one of the greatest.
4. "Wouldn't it be nice" by The Beach Boys
If you knew my father you'd know that having a Beach Boys song on the list is no surprise. This is one song that whenever I hear it instantly reminds me of my dad, regardless of the time and place. It's just a fun and happy song about two people in love. It instantly puts a smile on my face and just makes me happy. I absolutely love the Beach Boys, and while it was hard to pick my favorite of all of them, this song invokes the most memories.
5. "This Years Love" by David Gray
I first heard this song on the soundtracks of one of my favorite movies, Girl Next Door. It plays in my favorite scene with my favorite characters as they fall in love. It's the best scene in the entire film and in turn became one of my favorite songs to date. Being a slow song some may think it's depressing or sad, but in reality its an inspiring love song talking about a love that will last. One a desert island this would be the song I listen to while I'm journaling, why? Because it's the one I use now.
Don't get me wrong, there are many songs that could have debuted on this list, but these are the 5 that regardless of time, place and situation will never become old or overplayed. With each of them they bring great memories and happy moods. Let's face it, they're the greatest.
Day 2: Post something that inspires you.
My whole life I've grown up with tires. I know, that sounds strange but my dad has worked for Discount Tire Company my entire life. Last month Discount had their 50th year anniversary commemorating the start of the company. For them it was a weekend celebration acknowledging everyones hard work and dedication to a common goal. (Here's the inspiring part) Bruce Halle started Discount Tire Company 50 years ago in Ann Arbor, Michigan with only 6 tires in his entire inventory. Not having an air compressor to actually pump up the tires didn't break him down, instead he marched to the local gas station to pump up the tires as he sold them. Now, at 80 years old, and an avid tennis player, Mr. Halle runs the largest independent tire and wheel retailer in the entire world, running more than 750 stores nation wide with over 11,000 employees. And to think, only 50 years ago he only had 6 tires to his name.
To me, inspiration is never giving up. Inspiration is believing and pursuing goals regardless of the situation and trials around you. He held true to his faith, dreams and aspirations and didn't let the little voice in his head bring him down. Bruce Halle is truly an inspiration. Bruce Halle inspires me.
"Seize this very minute. Do what you think you can do.
Begin now, the moment you have right now will never return."
-Bruce T. Halle
To me, inspiration is never giving up. Inspiration is believing and pursuing goals regardless of the situation and trials around you. He held true to his faith, dreams and aspirations and didn't let the little voice in his head bring him down. Bruce Halle is truly an inspiration. Bruce Halle inspires me.
"Keep your ideas close to your heart and with youth and energy,
go make your dreams come true."
-Bruce T. Halle
Blogs are the most intriguing forms of communication to me. I mean, they're basically a forum for people to write and say whatever and hope that someone finds it interesting. For me, I love blogs, I love finding great ones, following those that move me and sometimes re-blogging ones with purpose. My dear friend Rachel posted this 'challenge' on her blog and she's currently attempting it. 30 days - 30 different things to write about, she's on day 5 and each day I eagerly check to see what the next day will look like. So I decided to take on the same challenge. It might take me longer than 30 days and it doesn't mean I wont blog other awesome things, but here it is, today starts the challenge- stay tuned, this could be fun.
Day 1 - Describe your guilty pleasure.
For me, there's something about TV that captivates me. I wish I could say the shows I'm watching are educational and teach me a life lesson at the end of each one, but for the most part they're pure entertainment. They allow for a bit of self-indulgence, un-needed drama and most of the time, a good love story. But for me, TV is not the same without Henry laying next to me. My guilty pleasure would be spending (some may call it wasting) the afternoon laying in bed, next to Henry, watching the DVR.
Unfortunately this type of behavior doesn't happen very often, if really at all, but those special days when I get to take the afternoon off and relax, its as if the world stops spinning. It sounds silly, but indulging in someone else's life for an hour takes away the chaos of my own life.
Guilty Pleasures:
1. One Tree Hill
2. Vampire Diaries
3. Private Practice
4. Greys Anatomy
5. Glee
Together these on my DVR make up for my perfect idea of an afternoon well spent.
For me, there's something about TV that captivates me. I wish I could say the shows I'm watching are educational and teach me a life lesson at the end of each one, but for the most part they're pure entertainment. They allow for a bit of self-indulgence, un-needed drama and most of the time, a good love story. But for me, TV is not the same without Henry laying next to me. My guilty pleasure would be spending (some may call it wasting) the afternoon laying in bed, next to Henry, watching the DVR.
Unfortunately this type of behavior doesn't happen very often, if really at all, but those special days when I get to take the afternoon off and relax, its as if the world stops spinning. It sounds silly, but indulging in someone else's life for an hour takes away the chaos of my own life.
Guilty Pleasures:
1. One Tree Hill
2. Vampire Diaries
3. Private Practice
4. Greys Anatomy
5. Glee
Together these on my DVR make up for my perfect idea of an afternoon well spent.
Day 2 - Post something that inspires you.
Day 3- List the five songs you would have with you on a desert island and why.
Day 4 - Write about what you imagine paradise to be like.
Day 5 - Compose a thank you letter to someone who has changed your life.
Day 6 - Describe the earliest thing you can remember.
Day 7 - Post the favorite cover of your favorite song.
Day 8 - Write about someone you think would make a good president.
Day 9 - Discuss five things you want to see change.
Day 10 - Elaborate on a dream you had this past week, described in detail.
Day 11 - Post your favorite picture ever taken of yourself.
Day 12 - Write about your favorite musical artist's life story.
Day 13 - Describe a memory that never fails to make you laugh.
Day 14 - Post a video or link to the best mash-up you've ever heard.
Day 15 - Share a moment, phrase, or song that has changed your life the most.
Day 16 - Write about something that you want to do within the next five years.
Day 17 - Construct a post about what you would like to be remembered for.
Day 18 - Post a picture that evokes emotion.
Day 19 - Transcribe a passage from a book that has touched you.
Day 20 - Write about a band that you immediately liked and the song that made you like them.
Day 21 - Discuss your favorite medium of art.
Day 22 - Write about someone you would give your life up for without question.
Day 23 - Share the most awkward first impression you feel you've ever given.
Day 24 - Describe something you did as a child that other people remember you for.
Day 25 - Elaborate on the following: Something you would do if no one stopped you or if you knew you wouldn't fail.
Day 26 - Define love, in your own words.
Day 27 - Define the meaning of life, in your own words.
Day 28 - Describe a moment you remember being completely happy and a description of why you believe you were feeling that way.
Day 29 - Write about what it is that you live for.
Day 30 - Close out this project by listing the ways you believe you have grown over the last thirty days.
Day 3- List the five songs you would have with you on a desert island and why.
Day 4 - Write about what you imagine paradise to be like.
Day 5 - Compose a thank you letter to someone who has changed your life.
Day 6 - Describe the earliest thing you can remember.
Day 7 - Post the favorite cover of your favorite song.
Day 8 - Write about someone you think would make a good president.
Day 9 - Discuss five things you want to see change.
Day 10 - Elaborate on a dream you had this past week, described in detail.
Day 11 - Post your favorite picture ever taken of yourself.
Day 12 - Write about your favorite musical artist's life story.
Day 13 - Describe a memory that never fails to make you laugh.
Day 14 - Post a video or link to the best mash-up you've ever heard.
Day 15 - Share a moment, phrase, or song that has changed your life the most.
Day 16 - Write about something that you want to do within the next five years.
Day 17 - Construct a post about what you would like to be remembered for.
Day 18 - Post a picture that evokes emotion.
Day 19 - Transcribe a passage from a book that has touched you.
Day 20 - Write about a band that you immediately liked and the song that made you like them.
Day 21 - Discuss your favorite medium of art.
Day 22 - Write about someone you would give your life up for without question.
Day 23 - Share the most awkward first impression you feel you've ever given.
Day 24 - Describe something you did as a child that other people remember you for.
Day 25 - Elaborate on the following: Something you would do if no one stopped you or if you knew you wouldn't fail.
Day 26 - Define love, in your own words.
Day 27 - Define the meaning of life, in your own words.
Day 28 - Describe a moment you remember being completely happy and a description of why you believe you were feeling that way.
Day 29 - Write about what it is that you live for.
Day 30 - Close out this project by listing the ways you believe you have grown over the last thirty days.
Idea via holdonlover
As sure as God allows His children to be put into the furnace of struggles, setbacks and disappointments he also promises to be there to help them through and come out with a whole new outlook on life. -Charles H Spurgeon. Sometimes we have days when we feel that nobody really cares or that we are all alone. Sometimes we have those days! But not today! Today we are reminded that no matter what the challenge, what the struggle, what the issue, Jesus is right there by our side, lending us His hand so He can lead us through the days adventure. The only real challenge is to reach out and grab His hand and let Him show us the way. Sometimes learning this lesson, or allowing it to happen is harder than ever. |
Today was a great day. Today was a day of acceptance. That word is such a strange word to me, it’s such a strange feeling. That word changes peoples lives - it’s a weird thing because it causes people to go crazy. It caused me to go crazy for the last 4 months. Even if I didn’t acknowledge that - acceptance is what I was looking for, deep down it’s what I was persistently seeking and needing.
Today I was accepted to my first law school. Today I was told that I was good enough. Today God showed me a minuscule part of His humongous plan for my life. Today I did it, I proved to everyone who didn’t believe in me wrong, and at the same time I celebrated with those who cheered me on. I did it. It was a very emotional day for me.
For the last 4 months I’ve been, maybe a little grumpy, a little moody, some may say irritable. But for the last four months, if I may excuse myself I’ve been waiting to be good enough, to be acceptable. When that big envelope arrived in the mail today, I can’t even explain the feelings I had running through my veins. All I wanted to do was shout to the world that I did it. I instantly ran inside to tell my mom and dad and my fingers couldn’t text fast enough to tell my friends and family. I wanted to tell the world. I didn’t realize that I took a deep breath until I talked to Callie, she reminded me how smart I was, and how proud she was. She told me she believed I would do it all along, and that she was proud and it wasn’t until then that I broke down. I realized what those around me were saying. People are proud of me. What a feeling, what a great feeling. I am something to be proud of.
Today I was accepted to my first law school. Today I was told that I was good enough. Today God showed me a minuscule part of His humongous plan for my life. Today I did it, I proved to everyone who didn’t believe in me wrong, and at the same time I celebrated with those who cheered me on. I did it. It was a very emotional day for me.
For the last 4 months I’ve been, maybe a little grumpy, a little moody, some may say irritable. But for the last four months, if I may excuse myself I’ve been waiting to be good enough, to be acceptable. When that big envelope arrived in the mail today, I can’t even explain the feelings I had running through my veins. All I wanted to do was shout to the world that I did it. I instantly ran inside to tell my mom and dad and my fingers couldn’t text fast enough to tell my friends and family. I wanted to tell the world. I didn’t realize that I took a deep breath until I talked to Callie, she reminded me how smart I was, and how proud she was. She told me she believed I would do it all along, and that she was proud and it wasn’t until then that I broke down. I realized what those around me were saying. People are proud of me. What a feeling, what a great feeling. I am something to be proud of.
Today I was reminded that God knows what is going to happen. He is in ultimate control and worrying my life away is going to do nothing besides make me crazy. God allows good things to happen to those who wait, and to those who believe. It’s hard giving all that to Him, but at the same time, it’s the most peaceful feeling I’ve ever felt. So while, at this moment, I can’t exactly put into words what I’m feeling, I know that I’m happy and I’m proud.
Today goes back to all my blogs about doubt and haters and my own discontentment. Today makes the past year of uncertainty worth it. Today makes me realize that I am cut out for this and that as long as I hold on tight, this thing called life is going to be an amazing journey. Today I’m praising my God for His faithfulness, and I’m thanking my ‘cheerleaders’ for believing in me and being proud. I did it everyone, I was accepted.
Today was a great day.
Happy Mother's Day to the best mama ever.
I'd be lost without you.
Too many of us stay walled in because we are afraid of being hurt. We are afraid to care to much, for fear that the other person does not care as much or at all"- Eleanor Roosevelt
This weekend celebrated not only those in the graduating class of 2010, but it marked one year since my fancy walk across the same stage. It marked one year since I left my 'home' to move back to my real home. It marked one year since I was an undergrad. It marked my one year.
This weekend was a different type of graduation for me. It wasn't mine, but in some ways it felt like I was doing this all over again. As I sat, sweating in the stands watching my peers graduate, the memories of my big day came flowing back. In an instant I was back in that same moment, anticipation in my heart, butterflies in my stomach, excitement running through my veins.
I felt like all those in the class of 2010 felt, 'don't fall, walk gracefully, smile at the camera.' I thought about the goodbyes I'd have to say, the hugs and the tears.
2009 will always be my class, but in some sense, 2010 will also have a place in my heart. It will forever be my pledge class (go kappa PC 06), it will always hold the boy who stole my heart, the girl who became one of my best friends and memories that regardless of class or standing will never be forgotten.
2010 and 2009 were so very different, but each to their own, held a huge part of my heart. So, while this weekend was dedicated to celebrating the graduating class of 2010, for me it was my own personal graduation. Although I didn't get to walk across the fancy stage again, I did so in my heart and my head.
So, for me, it was the first time in a year that I finally said goodbye to Pepperdine for good. To the graduating class of 2010, thank you for a fun weekend, and thank you for the closure I've been looking for for the past year, I owe you. Now get out there and do big things, believe in yourself and believe in miracles, they're out there, I promise, you just have to look for them.
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