"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one." [Jane Howard]

Over the weekend I traveled quite a bit, but really got to enjoy everywhere I went.

I don't have any pictures from the weekend, so I'll just share some that I printed from my Minolta. 

Meghan and Katie

Governors' backyard 

Thursday

...I helped my mom clean up the house and get ready for the family to come in. 

...I had the opportunity to go for a long run, which was wonderful. 

...Family started to come and we sat around chatting and enjoying the Packer game.

...Dinner was your traditional Thanksgiving dinner, and personally, I enjoyed sweet potato, my cousin's bread, asparagus, mashed potatoes, cooked carrots and vegetarian stuffing. 

...We all got to skype my cousin Tim and his wife Sarah, as well as my sister, who is currently in Indiana. It was so funny to see my 97 year-old Grandpa trying to understand skype.

...The evening was relaxing, sitting around playing cards, eating pie, drinking coffee, and chatting. 

...After everyone left, brother and I had bonding time watching this show. Soooo funny!

Friday
...I made a pretty rockin' abacus for Math class. 
...I had Thanksgiving leftovers for lunch, then headed over to Jamie's house to visit her family... and to have second lunch. 
...As it was my last day home, I started to pack up everything I was planning on bringing back to Eau Claire... shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact solution... it was basically the cheapest shopping trip ever. 
...Matt, my mom, and I had a family dinner that consisted of sushi and homemade pumpkin pancakes, and it was the best meal I've had in a long time. 
...Jillian, Jamie, and Olav came over after dinner and we had a pretty intense game of pictionary... Jill and I won, furthering the losing streak Jamie and Olav have been having. Also, Jill brought me free donuts, so she's pretty much the greatest. 
...Lara and I hiked around town, trying to find a good deal on Friends DVDs(I've been saving since last Black Friday) and I ended up getting Seasons 1-6 at Walmart. Props to Lara for being such a trooper!


Saturday
...I was up really early so that the three of us could drive to Madison to visit my Grandma. I loved just being in the car and enjoying conversations and debates with my mother and brother. 
...We helped out my Grandma around the house, and then she taught me how to bind off when knitting. I love that she was able to share that with me. 
...We explored the basement, a chaotic conglomeration of all of the things my Grandfather had collected throughout his life. Although there were things we had no idea why he kept(such has hundreds of shoelaces and rubber bands), he was extremely organized and had so many interesting things. I walked away with 6 books, 2 pads of reusable paper, 3 records(of railroad songs... I remember him listening to them on the turntable when I was a kid), and a label maker. We also took old ammunition boxes and previously, a large wooden filing cabinet, both of which I hope to someday inherit. 
...We had a delicious shrimp stir-fry for dinner, followed by euchre and pecan pie. 


Sunday
...We went to Alliance for service, and it felt so good to be back! I missed the large worship services that I don't get at IV or the smaller churches here. 
...I packed up while my mom made us a delicious lunch of black bean burgers, salad, and my cousin's bread. It was the perfect lunch and I miss eating at home already. 
...Bitty came down for a ride and the three hour trip to Eau Claire filled with studying, catching up, and making labels passed fairly quickly.
...Bitty, Justin, and I headed over to open skate, which ended up being a pretty good time. Although I was wary at first because I haven't skated in a year and I was going with two people who had been skating before they started to walk, I managed to do alright for myself, and am proud to say I never fell and I only smashed into the boards twice. 
...The three of us headed back to Govs to find that Meghan and Katie were both back! We spent the night just hanging out in my room, catching up, planning the Elf wing event, and just being overall fools. We got in trouble with the RAs for noise twice that night. I may have to start a tally...

“It has been an unchallengeable American doctrine that cranberry sauce, a pink goo with overtones of sugared tomatoes, is a delectable necessity of the Thanksgiving board and that turkey is uneatable without it.” [Alistair Cooke]

My job every year is to make the cranberry sauce, which I never eat come Thanksgiving. Maybe that's why they have me do it...

 Dear Dad- Today mom and I got down to work, making spinach artichoke dip and cranberry sauce, like I do every year. So excited to see the rest of your family tomorrow! Dear Appleton North- I visited you for the first time since I graduated today, and I can honestly say it's the people there that make it an amazing place. It was so good to see all of my favorite teachers again and it was great to get hugs from old friends and sing Road Home with Mara and Ellie by my side, like always. Dear Crazy Wednesday- Today you consisted of getting new contacts(plus SIX free bottles of solution), donating platelets, and a trip to the dentist. Today was my first time donating platelets; I was planning on donating plasma but due to an accident they had a huge need for platelets so I decided to take the extra time to donate platelets instead. A big thanks to Arthur for making it a great first experience for me... and I still think you did a pretty good job even though you made me spring a leak. As far as the dentist goes, if anyone ever thinks you look sexy while you're at the dentist, they're a keeper. Just sayin. 

"Home is the place that goes where you go, yet it welcomes you upon your return. Like a dog overjoyed at the door. We've missed you is what you hear, no matter how long you've been gone." [Michael J. Rosen]

Who could resist that grin?

Dear Dad- I finally head home today for Thanksgiving. I'll be sure to give mom a big hug and help her with everything that needs to be done around the house. Dear Meghan- I had a great time teaching you how to use my minolta today! Thanks for braving the cold to go take pictures of squirrels with me. I can't wait to develop this film and show you the rocking pictures you took. Dear Appleton- You are just 5 hours away! You hold promises of yarn shopping, great food, donating plasma, spending a morning at North, seeing the fam, petting chaya, and running into bestfriend's arms. I can't wait!

Live Simply November Update
Best: I am so much more productive, and it is such a blessing! I have a lot more time on my hands, and I feel more on top of things than I did before. Also, I feel like without LSN I wouldn't be striving to make the most out of every day. I don't know if I would have gone to the small group leader training, church, or IV this weekend if it weren't for LSN. Also, there's pretty much no way I would've had time to run and swim last night, but without distractions to fill my time, my night was wide open. 
Worst: I keep thinking about what life will be like when I have all of the distractions back. If I'm going to be completely honest, this month was a lot easier than other months of my life. No facebook to update, no need to reply to texts, no need to search for new music, and packing, laundry, and picking out clothes is a snap. I will definitely have some thinking to do when this month is over to decide how much of these distractions I want to let back into my life. 
Cheats: Two more texts. Also I used a long sleeved shirt and some soccer pants last night for my run because we had to go outside and I did not want to run in shorts and a T-shirt! 

"All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another." [Anatole France]

I miss my best friend, and my freckles, and the exuberance of this night. 

Dear Dad- T-minus three days until Turkey Day! This means I foresee some major cooking and cleaning in the near future... Dear Best Friend- I get to see you. In less than 24 hours. This makes me so excited I could jump up and down! Dear Bitty, Swimming, and Running- Thank you all for helping me clear my head and organize my thoughts. I don't know what I would do without you when I have these mental breakdowns. 


P.S. I've never thought of myself as someone who hates change, so it's interesting to me that I've started to feel nervous when I think about going home. I just know that my room is going to feel so different and the house in general is going to feel like I'm on an alien planet that I dreamt about once but don't really know anymore. I'm still extremely excited, home cooked meals, knitting with my mom, seeing all of my friends, and having celebrations with family, but it's just going to be different this year. 

"When I no longer thrill to the first snow of the season, I'll know I'm growing old." [Lady Bird Johnson]

Over the weekend I stayed in Eau Claire, but had a pretty great time with the people here.

Meghan's first trip to Starbucks!

Family Dinner! The dog, Eddie, Mom, the crazy aunt, and the globe-trotting cousin!

Living it up in Sneau Claire!

Friday
...I got a visit from Lara(!), Sam Rude, Andrew, and Joey when they came here to pick up Paul. I was so excited I chased the car through the parking lot.
...I got a ride from the crew to Starbucks, blasting some Irish rock music and being squished in the back with 4 people.
...We got to be there for Meghan's first Starbucks run! We took advantage of the holiday drink deal and enjoyed Caramel Brulee Lattes and Peppermint Mochas.
...We fit more people than should be physically possible into Deaven's car, and headed over to the Hockey game, which despite the loss, was just as thrilling as the last one.


Saturday
...I attended a 7-hour Small Group Leader "Crash Course" in preparation for potentially becoming a small group leader next year. It was a lot of information, but it was such a good bonding and learning experience, and I got second place in the SGL game!
...Eddie and Mom (aka Bitty and Lauren, aka Brittany and Katie) brought me home Caramel Doves, which they know are my favorite. I feel so blessed and loved!
...We all had a family dinner that we made downstairs, complete with pasta, bread, and conversation.
...To celebrate the new snow, we threw on our swimsuits and rain boots and headed outside. We had a pretty great time making snow angels, throwing snowballs, and splashing in puddles.
...We ended the night by watching one of my top 5 and Easy A.


Sunday
...I attended church this morning, and I was so happy to be able to have worship music again. It's been way too long!
...After breakfast in the caf we started watching the packer game where my man Starks walked off with an injury. It was a pretty rough experience for me. 
...Bitty and I chatted with Jennifer about the Air Force and then learned some weapon retention moves, which will probably come in handy at some point.
...The rest of the day is just chill and then it's off to work and hall council!

"I think a photography class should be a requirement in all educational programs because it makes you see the world rather than just look at it."

Dear Dad- Lately, everyone has been growing, comparing, and talking about beards due to No Shave November. I don't think anyone can come close to the santa beard you grew for bell ringing last Christmas. Dear Swim Workout- Thank you for being a stress reliever for both my mind and my ankle. I literally broke into a grin when I jumped into the pool and began swimming for the first time in months. Dear Bitty- I know you got my back girl. Thank you for the wonderful note and for putting up with me even when I'm grumpy, angry, or when I walk really fast. 

Imagine me hopping across rocks kinda like this, only with water underneath, not dirt. 

P.S. I had the opportunity to go out on Putnam Park Trail, a beautiful walk along the river, and take some photos today. It felt so good to get outside, lay on my stomach in the leaves, climb through fences, stand on stone walls, and hop across unstable rocks to get the shots. I can't wait to go home for Thanksgiving to get these developed! It is interesting with photography, that I strive so hard to find great beauty in my surroundings in those few short hours, so much so, that the search for beauty is continued into my everyday life, and I start to notice and appreciate all of little things in the world around me. 

"And I don’t know what road we’re on, or where we’ve been, all I know is I don’t want this night to end" [Luke Bryan]

Over the weekend I headed to La Crosse with Brittany and Katie. It was a pretty eventful few days to say the least!

The ride up, Big Papa and Mom

Brittany and Katie being goons.

Katie and I representing the colors of fall!

Friday
...We got subs at Hilltop before heading out. Even though it took the worker about 20 minutes to make my sub, I loved my traditional veggie sub with chipotle mayo. 
...We realized how much our little carful of people resembled a family vacation. We listened to this song, handed our trash to "mom"(Katie) and told "big papa"(Tony) that his driving scared us. Bitty and I even took on the identities of Samuel and Jacob, the annoying kids. 
...We got to Katie's house, met her wonderful mother, looked at old yearbooks, and headed over to Tony's to meet the guys. 
...After some Nachos, fighting, and a phone call from Fritz to Meghan, we headed back to Katie's for a classic movie complete with pretzel bread, puffcorn, and oreos. 
...We also discovered that although the three of us cannot successfully fit in a zipped sleeping bag, Bitty and I could! 


Saturday
...We took advantage of the opportunity to sleep in, and finally around noon we dragged ourselves upstairs to make some pancakes and fried cheese. 
...We continued to explore La Crosse by heading up to Grandad Bluff. It was a gorgeous day and the trail had some great views! I was really upset that I didn't bring my camera, but it was still a beautiful hike. (I used my phone to snap a few pictures that afternoon.)
...I got to stop by UWL and have a much-needed catch-up session with Emily. It was so great to see her again!
...We took full advantage of Pizza Doctors, meeting the people Katie works with and trying at least 10 different kinds of pizza, including baked potato and puppy chow!
...We headed out to Joey's cabin, a small one-room, wooden cabin with no electricity. It was an exciting night to say the least. 
...We finished up the night by leaving annoying voicemails, watching Brittany slide down the stairs, and watching Katie's favorite movie. 


Sunday
...We slept in really late again Sunday, and ended up skipping breakfast and having pizza for lunch with Katie's dad and his friend, Raj. 
...We headed back over to Joey's cabin, where I again kicked myself for not bringing my camera. It was so beautiful out in the country, the grey-green-blue colors, the brush, the horses, the wooden fences, and the open fields. The guys and Brittany and Katie practiced shooting while I stayed warm in a plaid blanket and sat on the swings. 
...To shake things up a bit, we drove over to Minnesota, which included seeing the skeleton of a house, lots of mud, and a great view of the river. 
...Cinnamon rolls topped off the weekend on the ride home, and after hall council and our caf run, I was desperately ready for bed. 


All in all it was a fantastic weekend! I fell in love with Wisconsin, the open air, and surprisingly, country music. Who knew La Crosse was such a rockin' place?

"It’s funny how it`s the little things in life that mean the most, not where you live, or what you drive, or the price tag on your clothes, there`s no dollar sign on a piece of mind, this I`ve come to know." [Zac Brown Band]

I wish so badly that I could blog about La Crosse, but I don't feel that I can really do it justice with the little time I have tonight. Instead I will be sharing just some of the "insights" I've gained since coming to college in September. Many of them are things you've probably already heard, as I know I have, but these things are significant because they've really started to ring true to me recently. It is my hope that this list will continue to grow and to become even more true to me as the year goes on. 


1. Don't judge based on a first impression, appearance, or what a person "seems" to be (facebook, friends, stereotypes).

2. Be open to new perspectives, ideas, and music tastes.

3. Expectations will be unmet, and this can be an absolutely wonderful thing. Sometimes it is impossible to imagine how great someone/something will turn out to be.

4. Make up, nice clothes, and new music aren't all that matter... sometimes it's the small things and the people you're with that really make life "perfect." Sometimes it's country music, an old cabin, peeing in the woods, and getting your boots dirty that help you to appreciate the small things. (La Crosse mixed with LSN taught me a great deal of this.)  

5. Patriotism. I have never fully appreciated the military or the people who fight for our nation, and I am very grateful that this has changed. 

6. I can do anything I set my mind to. My past fears, social boundaries, and the set "person" I saw myself as no longer have to be. I can branch out and try new things, I can make goals and work towards them, I can reach and strive and become that person I thought I was never "good enough" to be. 

P.S. I never though I'd be using country lyrics as a blog title. I also never though I'd be able to rest my head against the window and feel completely relaxed as country music filled the car. I even broke down and turned my radio to country today, because I missed it. This is what visiting a country(hick)-town does to a person I guess...

"It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you." [Author Unknown]

My favorite veterans

Dear Veterans (Dad, Grandpa, Grandfather, and so many others)- Thank you for your service to our country. I am so glad that we have this holiday to honor you, and I think it's a shame that many people don't see the importance of today. Even if someone is against the current wars, the military or government in general, it is important to honor those who have fought for our nation, because they truly did make sacrifices and those sacrifices allow us to live the way we do today. Dear La Crosse Trip- I'm so excited for you this weekend! After over a month on campus, it is time to get away. Also, I reaaaally hope we get to make pancakes, because that would just be cool. Dear Lara- Thank you for the wonderful phone call last night and I'm sorry I had to cut it short! Also, that you for being the most faithful reader in the world. Side note: I will not be blogging Saturday (and possibly Sunday) because I won't have a computer available. Check back on Monday and I may have extra posts!

Live Simply November Update
Best: I feel like I am starting to learn and notice how my life is different now. I've mentioned a few times how I feel more at peace, and that is certainly true, but I think I am also just more in tune to my thoughts and emotions. I don't know if it's from all of the writing I do with blogging, journaling, emails, and letters, or if it's from the reading/reflecting at night, or if its just that I spend time with my thoughts while walking instead of just zoning out to my music, but I am definitely more aware of my inner self. I like this. It helps to make my issues surface and get resolved rather than just stuffing them down until they boil over.
Worst: I have nothing to wear while I'm doing laundry. I'm doing laundry right now. Don't ask what I'm wearing...
Cheats: Full disclosure is probably best, so I'll admit that I've texted a few times. I had to once for school, once I was studying in the basement and needed the definition of "litigation"(thanks google!), and last night I was frustrated after playing phone tag with someone for 3 days, so I texted them to set up a call time. Other than that, I think I've been on the straight and narrow!

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." [John Fitzgerald Kennedy]

In spirit of my thanksgiving-filled post... a picture from last year's Thanksgiving!

Dear Dad- Mom and I were discussing what we're going to make for Thanksgiving appetizers, I don't think anything could stack up to your amazing cooking skills! You taught us a lot though, so I think we're going to take a crack at the shrimp plate and artichoke dip! (Insert rumbling tummy here). Dear Sophia- Girl, you are amazing! Thank you soooo much for taking my work shift tonight so I could go to my Poli Sci review sesh. I'm pretty sure you are one of the most selfless people I know! (Also, Sophie has this amazing fundraising website because she is trying to raise $1,900 before she turns 19. All of the profits go to the Somaly Mam Foundation, a non-profit she is so passionate about!) Dear Stephen Colbert- I realize I can't watch your show anymore because I gave up TV this month, but seriously I am being taunted every day! First we talked about you in poli sci, and then today in art class we watched an interview you did... I miss you and I can't wait to see you in 20 short days!


P.S. I'm really excited for Thanksgiving! I love seeing family, I'm looking forward to having a break, I LOVE food(especially my cousin's bread!), and I am anxious to add on to the thankful chain! Maybe I'll have to start one here...

"Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company." [Lord Byron]

My Poli Sci studying set up.

Dear Dad- Today I just want some of your jambalaya and cornbread. It is the perfect fall/winter meal. Dear Mailbox- Today you were stuffed full of awesomeness! Two letters from my dear friends, an NRHH certificate, AND a delicious treat. I even had the time to reply to one of the letters as well as an older letter I got last week! Dear Studying- Sometimes I feel like I forget who you are, and then the next day I spend allll day with my nose stuck in a book or scribbling notes down on paper. This is a vicious cycle. I can't wait until this weekend when I don't have to worry about this exam anymore!


P.S. My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE part of LSN so far is the correspondence. I have been emailing two people regularly, and writing a bit more than a letter each week via snail mail. It feels so good to open up an email or a letter and just read what is going on in my friends' lives and to be able to sit down and take a good half hour, or however long it takes, to respond and focus solely on them.

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose." [The Wonder Years]

Hidden Object Game! Find the 2 things in this picture I really miss doing! (Hint: both of the things I miss are discussed below)

Dear Dad- Today in bible study we talked about forgiveness. It made me realize there are some memories I have been avoiding, and thus avoiding forgiving you for. I want this to change. I miss you dearly! Dear Tuesday- You were a wonderful day. Seeing my friends on lower for a change, having very productive study time, a hot americano, delicious seasonal clif bars that made my day that much brighter, an eye-opening PDE diversity exercise, and a wonderful walk along Putnam trail. Tuesdays are by far my favorite day of the week, this week at least. Dear Photography- I really need to start taking time out for you again. I have rolls of film just waiting to be used, and Eau Claire's beauty is screaming at me to take pictures again. If only the s*** would hold off in time for me to capture the tones of fall...


P.S. I talked to Ellie tonight(finally!) and we are in 100% agreement on one thing... we miss north choir so much. I have been thinking about it a lot lately, the italy songs constantly playing in my head, the memories of throwing fake snow and sledding down the risers, and of course, the way that getting a hug while wearing our velvets was always somehow different than any other hug. I want to watch the old holiday classics videos so badly, but I'm afraid of how emotionally unstable I would be afterwards. Reflection is a beautiful, wonderful thing, but I know it would be totally heart-wrenching. [North Choir people, you should totally leave a comment about your favorite north choir memory, song etc. I know this is mega-cheesy, but I can't go on facebook or itunes currently, so its pretty difficult to reminisce fully. Love you guys.]

"My path has not been determined. I shall have more experiences and pass many more milestones." [Agnetha Faltskog]

Blast from the past, but one of the greatest endeavors my dad challenged our family to.

Dear Dad- Thank you for instilling in me and in our family that experiences are so important in life. No matter the cost, you always encouraged us to try new things, to travel, and to learn. Dear Nightly Routine- I am now more peaceful and more satisfied in my day-to-day life because of you. Around 11 every night I put down the homework, grab my prayer journal, bible, Solo, and Walden, and hunker down for some mental and spiritual renewal. This is most definitely one thing that will continue past November. Dear Pittsburgh- Get ready, the Leadership LLC is coming this February! I am so pumped about this trip, and to see Bill Strickland's hard work in action. This is going to be such an incredible opportunity, and I feel so blessed to be able to share it with my closest friends/some very inspiring people.

Live Simply November Update
Best: Currently, my nightly routine. (See above.)
Worst: I'm struggling to not text on logistical things. I like that I'm not having pointless conversations, but when I want to make quick plans or ask a question, its easier to text than call. 
Cheats: I wore my TOMS yesterday(not part of my 30 items) and didn't even notice I was doing anything wrong until 5 hours later...

"Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless." [Bill Watterson]

How we celebrate daylight saving time: Staying up and practicing new ways to get into our beds, such as sliding through the bar backwards and forwards!

Success!

Bitty did it in about half the time...

Enjoyed a chill sunday of eating, running, packers, and just hanging out before work!

Watching my man Starks today! Go Pack Go!

"People on the streets are ready for hockey." [Eric Lindros]

Today was far too eventful to jam into 3 letters. I don't know, blame it on daylight saving time or something...

Meeghan, Bitty, and I at the game! I forgot to wear Blue & Gold...

The hockey game! Sooo intense!

I'm pretty hardcore. Don't mess. 

Dear Dad- Today I remembered about a time when I ran over cans of stain in the garage when I first started driving and I lied to you and said they just tipped over. A few weeks later you told your family that I ran them over... turns out the crushed cans gave me away and you knew the whole time. Thanks for letting that one go. Dear Praxis- Kicked your butt today. 4.5 hour test? I'll get that done in 2 hours and fifteen minutes thank you very much! Dear UW Whitewater Football Team- Thanks for making the caf look like a forest of giant black trees with your warm ups on! It was pretty stressful with you guys trying to figure out how to stuff your bocas, find the silverware, and fill up your own lemonade. Dear Cleaning Frenzy- It's really good you hit me every weekend, it helps to keep me sane during the week. Dear Running- I can't believe I've stuck with you! Longest run yet today, and I'm so excited to work up to a 5K by March! Dear Bitty, Meeghan, and Hennagir- Today was amazing. Watching this hilarious movie, working on Bitty's life-sized straw person, and chatting with Paul and Breck was just the start. Also, Culver's, puffed corn, hot chocolate, and nertz made for the perfect girls night in! Dear Hockey Game- Oh my word. Life-changer right there. Intense guys body-checking each other, buzzers that scare the crap out of me, speed skating, and of course, a win for Eau Claire. I think I have a new favorite sport. I loved it so much I strapped on Bitty's gear and the four of us took a quick 15-minute jog around campus. I think the reactions I got were totally worth the stench wafting off the gear. It was a great day. 

Live Simply November Update 

-As an added part of LSN, I have decided to "dump" 30 items from my room, and donate them, take them home, or give them to my friends. 

Best: The phone calls. I love hearing my friend's voices and actually talking about life rather than just having short snipets of conversations. 

Worst: I miss my music so much. I would give anything to hear a song by the Avett Brothers right now...

Cheats: I accidentally texted my roomie today. She caught me red-handed and I was so shocked I texted her without even noticing I was doing anything wrong. 

"A hug is like a boomerang - you get it back right away." [Bil Keane]

My Door Deck! "Look--> Becca is: learning, eat, on a mission, around, running, working, bed." 

Dear Dad- We are ordering chinese food tonight! Da best. I remember "pushing" you to let me order chinese every quarter when I got "good grades." It did not take much arm-twisting to get you to comply. Dear Arts & Crafts- I missed tapping into my creative genius sooo much, and tonight was the perfect cure! Thank goodness my friends didn't mind sitting around for an hour while I finished up... Dear Fraands- Thank you all for being so patient, giving incredible hugs, and paying for my dinner tonight because I can't spend money. You all are the greatest people on this earth!

P.S. Expectations are a tricky business. It is important that we have expectations, of ourselves and of others. We need something to live up to, to strive for, or we become complacent. We also need to have expectations of others, in the sense that we need the basic human comfort of knowing that we can rely on those around us. However, I sometimes struggle with setting realistic expectations for myself and of others. When I can't live up to my own expectations, I freeze. I struggle to move on from my failure. When I have too high of expectations for others, disappointment is imminent. The best part about life? When people totally exceed my expectations, now that is a wonderful surprise.

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." [Dalai Lama]

Valley of Fire, Arizona. 

Dear Dad- Currently the picture above is my background on my computer. With all of this free computer time on my hands I started looking through old pictures. This has always been one of my favorites because it's just a naturally happy picture of all of us. This trip was incredible. It was a lot of driving, true, but I think it made the hikes and sights that much more amazing. Thank you for planning this grand adventure that I don't know if would've experienced without you! Dear Email- You are totally replacing facebook in my life, but it's turning out to be a good thing. The people I correspond with are the ones I actually want to take time out to talk to. I feel like I am actually building relationships instead of spending hours a day clicking through photos of someone I haven't talked to in months. Dear Homework- I didn't think I'd ever be able to say this, but I'm caught up. My "homework" sticky note is 100% crossed out, and that, is a miracle. Now to get a head start on those upcoming projects and papers...


P.S. I started what I think is going to be a permanent tradition last night. I wrote down the prayers that I have for other people, as well as a few for myself. I think this is going to help me start thinking more intentionally about others, hopefully making me a more giving, less selfish, person. If prayer isn't your thing, I believe that even just journaling or jotting down thoughts about others, rather than just yourself, would be a really beneficial step to creating a better world.

"When life is at it's darkest, it is also the most hopeful." [Bill Strickland]

Katie! Friends make me joyful. 

Dear Dad- Today is your birthday! That would make you what, 42 with all of your unbirthdays? I have a distinct memory of Katessa opening a giant tub of cheese balls on one of your unbirthdays that we must have celebrated at G&G's. I miss this tradition. Dear Snappy Casual- Thank you for responding to my comment with a post! I was so excited to be mentioned in your blog, I feel famous! Also, snaps to you for coming up with so many great ways I can wear my sweaters, once LSN is over of course. Dear Stress- I am still learning how to let you ebb away without me clinging on to you. I need to remember to breathe, focus, and let things work out the way they may.


P.S. I feed off of human interaction. I struggle to feel cheerful, upbeat, and enthusiastic when I spend too much time alone. Almost every day I spend three or so hours on lower campus, not seeing a single one of my friends. I spend time in the library, walking around, or napping, and often, stress, tiredness, and boredom flood over me during these hours. Although I know that there is value to spending time alone and getting refreshed that way, I am an extravert at heart; I get so much of my energy from spending time connecting with other people.