5

1. You make me smile
2. You make me laugh
3. You make me happy
4. I love being with you
5. Take the hint

May your new year be bright

Back to School We Go

Packing is exhausting.

Think about it: as you go through each piece of clothing, trying to decide what to take and what to leave, you can't help but be flooded with memories. Sometimes they're imperceptible; you don't even realize you're remembering. But all the sorting, choosing, remembering, and sitting on the suitcase just to make everything fit are more tiring then you realize.

You're stressed that something imperative is going to be left behind.
You're worried that you're taking all the wrong things.
You're apprehensive about leaving a place you love. Or maybe you're thrilled to be leaving, but have no idea where you're going.

You're going back somewhere, or you're going to a brand-new somewhere.
What will it be like? Why do I have go? When will I see this place again? Will I love it?

You subconsciously ask yourself these questions with each shirt you fold.





I've always hated packing. But since traveling is my life's passion, I've always been able to bear it.
until now.

Fearful no more

Everyone is afraid of something.
There's always that one thing that can create the biggest hole in the bottom of our stomachs. But for some of us, it's more than one thing.

I'm a real-life scaredy-cat.
Fears have always been a part of who I am. and frankly, I'm a little tired of that.

I'm afraid I'm easily forgettable.
I'm afraid I'll never amount to much.
I'm afraid of being in love.
I'm afraid of being selfish.
I'm afraid of tornadoes. And hurricanes.
I'm afraid of losing people I love.
I'm afraid of spiders.
I'm afraid of apathy.
I'm afraid of having so many fears.


But really, who has time for fear in life?

My Favorite Time of Year

Inspiration is in the eye of the beholder

The First Month

It's been exactly one month since my family slammed the SUV's trunk, gave me one last hug, and drove off- leaving me at this place called college. A lot has happened in this month. A lot of new experiences, a lot of unpleasant duties, and a lot of growing. Some days I wake up and still can't believe it. I'll walk to classes, eat meals in the dining hall, and laboriously study, all the while thinking there's no way this is real. I am in no way old enough to be a university student.
So what do I have to show for myself? What exactly has the last month of my forced me to learn? Plenty.

What you learn in the first month of College...
- You will meet more people than you ever have in your life in the first 48 hours
- It really benefits to have a unique name when meeting all these said people
- Not everyone will be your best friend. You probably won't even talk to the person you stuck with for that first weekend
- Classes are hard. A LOT harder than high school
- Procrastination has never been easier.
- There is such as a thing as eating too much chocolate in one sitting
- Care packages are your favorite thing in life. Actually, getting any sort of mail rocks.
- Netflix streaming will waster hours of your life. hours.
- You will smell like the cafeteria after eating there for every meal. So carry around some spray or something because it's gross.
- Even though it seems like there are an infinite number of food options at first, you will get tired of the cafeteria, and quickly. (that's when you'll miss your mom's cooking)
- You often have to work up a lot of motivation just to do one load of laundry
- You and your roommate don't have to be best friends. But friends is good!
- No matter how hard you declare you won't, you will get homesick. It comes in waves.
- Some nights you'll hear shouts coming from outside your window and wonder if everyone else on campus is out having fun while you're sitting alone in your room. But this happens to everyone, so you're not alone. After all, every night can't be the best night of your life.
- Some days you'll wish you were a five year old kid again. But some days you won't even think of home at all.
- You quickly realize how going to the gym is always a good idea. (after all, there's all you can eat ice cream in the cafeteria...)
- Going to soccer games are awesome. Football would be even cooler, but sadly, not all schools have a team.
- Some days you'll just have to get off campus. Find somewhere a little secluded, like an awesome coffee shop.
- Checking your email is vital. Every hour.
- Weekends are rarely productive, no matter how good your intentions
- College is awesome, but it also means growing up.