Sweet Victory

Tonight was perfect for many reasons. First of all the evening started off with a seafood feast! Crab legs are one of my all time favorite foods (even despite the fact that I may have developed an allergy to shell fish). Let's just say that dinner ended with my face solid red and swollen to about twice its normal size. In my opinion all that matters in the end was that it tasted amazing! 

The second reason tonight was perfect was because I was able to spend some quality time with my family including my 2 grandma's, 2 aunts, dad,mom, brother and sister. We played TV Scene it, a classic family get together game. The most fun part of the game was that we had a bet going on throughout the game. If my team won the other team had to go to the cheese cake factory and bring home dessert for everyone. Of course my team won so my night ended with eating some amazing chocolate truffle fudge cake. 

This cake was unbelievable. The cake consisted of layer upon layer of cake, fudge, and truffle filling. The best part of the cake was that the slice they gave me was about half the size of a normal cake. I couldn't even get 1/4 of the way through my single piece of cake because of how rich it was. It's going to be quite a challenge to make it through the one slice of cake but I am definitely up for the challenge!!!

I am so thankful for family, the time we get to spend together, the smiles and laughs we share, and of course chocolate cake. Now that's what I call a sweet victory! 

Homemade Luxuries

During the last few years I have encountered this strange phenomenon. My mom’s cooking always tastes better than mine. We can use the EXACT same recipe and it doesn’t matter. It goes to the extent that her spaghetti tastes better than when I make it even when we use the same brand of pasta and the exact same pre-made pasta sauce. It makes absolutely no sense.

 I have a theory they taste better because they are made with a little extra love.

Whatever the reason I am grateful that I am now home for awhile and I have the luxury of indulging in family favorite, childhood, home cooked meals. Thank you Mom!!!

One of my favs! Homemade beef and vegetable soup :) Yum! 

Wrapping up the week

Well these past few days have been craziness. So let's recap:

1) Got to visit my handsome horsey
2)Spent 2 days in Novi and got to visit 7 amazing friends
3)Had a safe trip from Novi to Alabama
4) Unpacked and got moved into my new home

I am so happy to be home with family and cannot wait until we make our journey east!

In the mean time I will be Chirstmas shopping, gift wrapping, and putting together a package for a special guy in South Carolina!

I hope everyones preperation for Christmas is going well!

Cotton fields are the closest thing we have to snow down south! Not quite the same, but I'm ok with it!

1200 Pounds of Unconditional Love

Two years ago I made the very hard decision that I had to put my horse up for sale. I simply just couldn't afford him with school and it would have been very selfish to keep him somewhere crappy or put him somewhere where he wouldn't get ridden and get the attention he needed. This decision absolutely killed me. Just ask my mom. I spent countless evening crying on her should about it. For those of you that have animals you understand that they are like having children. And when you have to let one go it's the worst feeling in the world. This feeling was intensifed due to the face that Koda was 1) my first horse  2) I got him when he was young and really put a lot of training into making him the amazing horse he is today and 3) I spent hours and hours with him riding, showing, and evening bringing my homework to his stall just to spend some extra time with him. It also doesn't help that he is amazingly sweet and has puppy eyes that make you melt now matter how much trouble he caused at times. We had arranged to have him picked up for an auction ( NOT for slaughter...for people looking for new show horses) and it just so happened that there wasn't enough room for him to go.

It wasn't until the next day that I realized this situation was going to be a total God thing.

It just so happened that my friend from school was looking for a horse to use. It also just so happened that she lives on a farm and has two other horses. After a few minutes of talking she made the decision that she wanted him. Only she wasn't going to buy him. She just wanted him for riding.

And this is when things got super crazy. Not only would she take Koda, her and her family would feed him, house him, and take care of all his farrier and medical expenses for me in return for letting them use him.

In case you aren't involved in the horse world I am going to clarify that this NEVER happens. Horses are extremely expensive animals and having everything for him taken care of was nothing short of a miracle. I was extremely happy that I knew where he was going and knew that he was going to be loved and taken care of properly. But I also felt horribly guilty that morning as I loaded him onto the trailer knowing that I would be saying goodbye to him for quite some time and he had no idea that his life was going to be changed quite drastically. Although I knew he was still mine and that I could move him back home anytime I wanted I still left with a tear in my eye and a tremendous feeling of guilt. I knew that it would be quite some time before I would come back. Being a college student I was strapped for money and simply couldn't afford the time ( 18 credits and 2 jobs).

Today was the first day in a year and a half that I got to see my Koda-bear. I honestly thought he was going to hate me when I showed up after leaving him in the dust 1.5 years ago. Instead I was reminded of his unconditional love that he has always given me. Funny how animals do that. He was in the back of the field with the other two horses but as soon as I called him name to come to the gate ( like I often did when he lived close to me) he came running to greet me. It was like he had never forgotten. It was the best feeling in the world to be able to scratch his neck, kiss his soft velvet nose, and let him nuzzle into me.

(Koda after running to the gate to see me)

Today I smile because I got the chance to see my horse who has been a large part of my life and has left many hoof prints on my heart over the years. I can't wait until I can afford to take him home where he belongs!

Why Advertising?

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of why we've taken certain paths in life. As I finished my last semested at school today I did a little reflecting on why I chose to be an AIMC student.

My degree is the perfect combination of art, imagination and endless opportunities with the security blanket of a business degree.  It’s a balance of being able to find myself, my purpose, and my passion while at the same time being able to get lost in the mystery, excitement, and new adventures of an ever changing industry. It gives me a sense of structure but is not bound to rules and textbook answers.  It’s taught me to think and see things in a different light. It’s exposed me to a whirlwind of wordplay and imagery that has allowed me to see things that are universally invisible to others. It’s an industry that encourages dreaming while you’re still awake and gives you the opportunity leave a mark on the world we live in.  It’s an industry that attempts to bring order out of chaos and makes it into something that resonates with an audience. It’s a fine art of discovering what moves people and why it moves them. It allows us to connect with the vast amount of demographics and psychographics that make up the human race. It’s an industry that submerges in you past inspiration, present technologies, and future possibilities. It’s a place of invention, collaboration, and new interpretation. It’s the rock and roll of the business world.  It’s a place where I can bring my dreams, thoughts, and ideas and turn them into realities.  And most importantly it’s a place where I can be myself. 

And that is why I chose advertising. 

Little Blessings

This week has been,to say the least, amazing. It's a week of wrapping on final projects and presentations, participating in my last AdGroup fundraising event and meeting, and celebrating that fact that I am now finished with 3 out of 6 of my classes for this semester! 

It has also been a week of being constantly reminded of how lucky I am to have certain friends,family, and activities in my life. This week has really put into perspective how many amazing things I have been able to be a part of over the years and how many people I have that love and support me through everything I do. 

Monday night I got to say goodbye Leah, Tiffany, and Jubilee. I met Leah and her beautiful horses this Fall and my only regret is that I didn't have the chance to met them earlier. Leah provided me with the opportunity to work with Tiffany which turned into an amazing experience. Because of this I was able to make a new friend, ride an amazing horse every week, and buy groceries and pay my electric bill which is very important! 

Wednesday night we had our AdGroup Christmas party. It was pretty epic. From ugly sweaters, to white elephant gifts and amazing food it was such a good time! Seeing everyone there was another reminder of the support I had of my classmates that elected me as fundraising chair for the group last spring. You guys gave me the opportunity to grow as a person and gain a lot of valuable experience. This year had its ups and down but we got through them and it has made each and everyone one of us into a better person. 

Wednesday we also started our Sit On Santa fundraiser. This is such a fun event to put on and it ended up being very successful. And you saved me the trouble of having to write out my Christmas list and send it all the way up to the north pole!

Today my campaigns team received an A on our plans book. For those of you that have never taken a campaigns class or for those of you that have never written a campaigns book, you should know that it was an extremely tedious and draining project that took the entire semester to finish.  The book turned out absolutely beautiful and I am so proud of the work we into it. An A has never felt so good!!!!

Today I also came home to a package from Mrs. Klug (Matt's mom). It was a total surprise and was filled with so many awesome little treats. From homemade caramels to pony socks it was exactly what I needed going into finals week.  There is something about a package that someone puts together especially for you that make you feel really special. Thanks for the pick me up! 

I challenge you today to make someone feel loved and special today. Even if it is a small text letting someone know that you appreciate them. A small thing can go a long way! 

What's a Christmas gram? I want one!

There are few things better than watching Elf,( my all time favorite Christmas movie) making turtles, and drinking homemade white chocolate mocha's with friends. I love Christmas time and I am so grateful I have been able to spend the past few days getting into the Christmas spirit with some awesome friends! 

Decorating time! 

For those of you who haven't ever watched the movie Elf please go rent it or your life will never be complete. For those of you that have watched the movie let's take a minute to remind ourselves of how awesome this movie is with some movie quotes:

• The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear
• We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup
•  I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite 
• You stink. You smell like beef and cheese! You don't smell like Santa
• Have you seen these toilets? They're GINORMOUS!
• Watch out, the yellow ones don't stop! 
• "I'm sorry I ruined your lives, and crammed eleven cookies into the VCR." 

Good times...Good times....

Homemade white chocolate mocha!

To make:

Add a half cup white chocolate chips to a half cup whole milk. Melt together in a double boiler.

Add to a half cup of strong black coffee.

(You can add more or less according to your desired taste)

Enjoy!

1st step- cover pecans in caramel!

2nd step- cover pecans in chocolate

3rd step- EAT!

I hope you are enjoying this magical time of the year! 

The Road Not Taken

I snapped this picture today with my IPhone as Kevin and I took the boys out one last time before I head home to Alabama. While uploading this picture onto my computer and studying it for a few minutes I remembered the words of one of my favorite poems, The Road No Taken by Robert Frost. 

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference

I realized how real this poem has become in my life. Our lives are shaped by the paths we take and the people that influence us as we wander through them. I met Kevin, Charlie and Rocky's owner, by chance last fall. I had no idea how much that encounter was going to change my life for the upcoming year. Kevin gave me the opportunity to try something new and develop new skills. While my friends were working at the school cafeteria or applying for a job a McDonald's I was learning to drive two beautiful Belgium's in order to work on his farm. Those of you that know me know that I am much happier hanging out with giant horses than working in a retail or drive through fast food environment.

The message that I believe this poem is trying to communicate is the fact that we shouldn't hold ourselves to the beaten path of life. We need to explore and try new things without fear. Jump head first into something even if you aren't completely confident in what you are doing. 

Live, learn, explore, try new things, have adventures and NEVER doubt your own abilities.

I thank Kevin, his wife Julie, and my buddies Charlie and Rocky for inviting me into their lives and making me part of their team. 

Remember today to thank those who have never doubted your potential, put complete trust into your abilities, and help you to continue to grow and learn new things. I am unbelievably BLESSED. 

Fa La La La La

This is what happens when I'm home alone, avoiding my homework, and I'm in a crafty mood! 

Crafting Supplies!

Could not resist...

A roomie portrait 

Christmas Alien...made from left over scraps of snowflake making paper!

I hope you enjoyed these.

Simple As That

Sometimes after a long day of classes, projects, and homework

 it is nice to come home, turn on your IPod and make chocolate chip muffins. 

Simple as that.

This Sums It Up...

So I've been slacking on my posts for the past few days. I hope this video sums up why I haven't spent much time with my computer lately. Family, friends, food, and the sunny warmth of Alabama were so much more important! I hope everyone had an amazing break no matter where they were!

Metal and Asians and Chihuahua's... Oh My!

And the journey home begins…

I am currently high above the clouds in a plane on my way home for Thanksgiving. Flying is by far not one of my favorite things to do. I guess I’m just not completely comfortable dangling up so high in the sky. Being in a plane is also a situation in where I have zero control over everything which I don’t typically handle super well. Anyways here I am and the ride will definitely be worth it when I step off the plane and see my amazing boyfriend that I haven’t seen in four months.

So far my flight has been quite interesting. I arrived at the airport with plenty of time to get through security. And thank goodness I came early because there was a lady in front of me in line that decided while getting dressed this morning that it would be a super idea to wear as much metal to the airport as possible. Seriously people…come on. You’re going to the airport. A pair of sweatpants, sneakers, and a sweatshirt wasn't good enough? If everyone in line had the capability to lazar people with their eyes that lady would be boarding the plane as a cup of ashes. Ok. Maybe that is harsh.  But it is so true.

 Anyways, I am currently sitting next to a lady with a baby Chihuahua on the plane. I didn’t know that was allowed. Maybe next time I’ll take my pet fish to keep me company. On my other side is a little girl who is quite the coloring champ. Maybe next time I fly I should bring a box of crayons. I’d ask her to share but she seems pretty intense. I am also sitting next to an Asian couple who feel the need to make comments on everyone’s clothing choices.  I still pity the poor guy who walked down the aisle and got the comment “1992 called….they want their outfit back”. I don’t even want to know what they were thinking about my clothing choices.

Here’s hoping the rest of this flight is nice and smooth. I can’t wait to land in beautiful sunny Atlanta!!!

Thanksgiving Chicken?

When you live on a ramen noodle,spaghetti, cereal college kid budget you learn that  appreciating the special nights when you and your roommates all band together to make a nice meal is rule #1! This doesn't happen as often as we would like it to but today we made it happen. We originally wanted to do turkey for our dinner together but then we remembered college kid rule #2. Always take what is free. And that turned out to be a chicken from Caitlyn's family. Our pre-Thanksgiving chicken dinner turned out awesome complete with mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, and green bean casserole. That's right be jealous. I am thankful for yummy food, but most importantly I am thankful for an amazing group of girls to eat it with.

Transcendental

Peter Gabriel's Book of Love has an incredible way of making something so complicated sound so simple. 

Book of Love- Peter Gabriel

The words and ideas in this song are complex and meaningful but the music itself is so simple. Honestly the music and vocals are so beautiful that I never really took a lot of time to even examine the lyrics until just recently. Once I began to really study this piece of music I realized why I connected with it so much. On the outside I am such a simple person. Put me in a crowd of 100 people and I bet you wouldn't be able to find me. But on the inside it's a completely different story. My thought processes, the way I understand, interpret and hear music, and the way my brain works in general is definitely pretty complex. I can be simple on the outside because what matters most is the complexity of the inside. And just because the music is simple doesn't mean it's not beautiful. A lot of times simplicity is the most beautiful quality about something.

Of course I had to re-write this song and give it my own personal twist. I hope you enjoy it. 

Book of Love- Alison McKinley

Shenanigans

This is what girls night looks like at H4. I have the most amazing friends ever. The best part is that my amazing friends also know how to make amazing food. I sure do know how to pick them! Anyways last night was fantastic eating large amount of unhealthy food, watching movies, dancing to N'SYNC, watching Ellen, playing board games and other assorted shenanigans. You guys are awesome. This is truly one of the things I am going to miss most when I move back down South. Can't wait to start planning our next event! :)

Life Changing

It seems like lately I've been asked by A LOT of people what I plan on doing with my life when I graduate. And to be honest with you when I get that question I just stare at the person like I've just seen an alien. The thing is I don’t know really know where the next chapter of my life is going to lead me. I've actually been questioning myself about why I decided to major in advertising and if that’s what I really want to do with my life. Don’t get me wrong, I love my major and I think I would be very happy working in an agency somewhere. But at the same time I feel like God has a bigger plan for me. Like I was meant to do something big, something that will impact people in a way I can’t even begin to imagine.

Then tonight for whatever reason Requiem by John Rutter popped up on my IPod. I had the amazing opportunity to perform in Carnegie Hall accompanied by the New York Symphonic Orchestra and under conduction of the amazing John Rutter himself.  At the age of 16 standing on that stage that night I realized for the first time that nothing was impossible for me. I mean come on, how many kids get the chance to perform in New York with a modern day Mozart.  It was the most empowering experience I have ever had in my life. 

Lauren and I after our first rehearsal with John Rutter 

I don’t know why we choose to limit ourselves. Maybe it’s because we don’t have the confidence to think we are pretty enough, talented enough, or just good enough in general to do something.  I've struggled with this my entire life. I’m sure I’m not the only one. But tonight I was reminded of the fact that I am in charge of my future and I have the power to do what I want with it. At the very least I can try. For whatever reason this epiphany lifted a huge weight off my shoulders tonight.

So from now on I’m going to dream big, try new things, and most importantly just be myself because that’s the best thing I can ever be. I encourage you to do the same. I pray every day that my life will be used for a bigger purpose. I also pray that I will always be happy with what I’m doing and have endless opportunities to experience new things. But I now have an answer to everyone’s question and the next time I’m asked my response will be simple. My answer will be that I don’t know what I’m doing after I graduate, but I do know that eventually I will be doing great things. Simple as that.

Requiem - John Rutter

Whale Curves

WHALE CURVES

In case you were wondering...this is what college math looks like.

Also in case you were wondering...yes math is always more fun when it's in the shape of a whale!

Ready,Set,EAT!

When life gives you marshmallows….make cereal bars!

For those of you that know me well you understand that getting me to eat breakfast is a challenge.

Reasons are as follows:

•         I would much rather sleep an extra 15 minutes than spend that time eating breakfast.
•       I’m just not that hungry in the morning.
•        I eat cereal for a lot of meals so it’s not super appealing for breakfast.
•       I am broke as a joke so I try to focus my grocery allowance on lunch and dinner.
•       I’m just overall not that interested in breakfast…obviously. 

So while wandering around my apartment today I came across a box of cheerios that my mom brought me from home. Note: my mom came to visit me in June (I think) so it’s been awhile. I also noticed the stash of marshmallows I've had lying around for quite some time now. Why I had so many marshmallows I have no idea. But the awareness of these two objects led me to a brilliant idea! Rice Crispy Treats … except with Cheerios! A stick of butter, box of cheerios, a bag of marshmallows, and a ½ tablespoon of coconut oil later I discovered Cheerio Cereal bars! In case you were wondering I added the coconut oil because it is a natural energy source and very tasty as well!

Anyways, this morning I only had to get out of bed about 15 seconds earlier than normal to grab a cereal bar before I headed out to face the day! The new motivation I have found for breakfast is crazy. I mean honestly who wouldn't want to eat a Cheerio crispy treat for breakfast?

Recipe:

About 2/3 a box of cheerios

¼ stick butter

1 bag marshmallows

½ tablespoon coconut oil

Follow the same instructions you would if you were making Rice Crispy Treats J

Oxymoron's

Happy Monday!

I know this sounds like an oxymoron. But upon waking up from a text from my Dad my Monday was off to a fabulous start. Four simple lines of text brightened up the start to my week.

 It is now officially 8 days until I board a plane that will take me home for Thanksgiving. This was a reminder that I definitely needed as I forced myself out of my comfy bed and got myself ready for a long day of cold weather and classroom lectures.  As long as I can survive one more week I will soon be home enjoying some warm Alabama sun on my skin and indulging on massive amounts of home cooked food. It’s been a while since I've been able to go home for Thanksgiving. I believe that is going to make this one extra special! 

Can't wait to see these crazy people!!!

And of course this guy too!!! <3

Electric Daisy

      You know when it's Sunday afternoon and you still have all of that homework that you need to get done from last Friday. And you're really not focused or have any motivation to get it done at all. Hence while it is all still waiting there to get finished. Yup, that's how my weekend has gone. Luckily I do have one trick that has been proven to not only motivate me but help me focus when this becomes a problem. The magical musical stylings of Lindsey Stirling. It's the perfect combination of upbeat and happy instrumentals without the lyrics that I find myself getting distracted with. I am grateful for awesome music that I can rely on to help keep me on track. And how can you not smile while watching this music video.If I had as much energy to do homework as Lindsey has to dance I'd have a PhD by now!  

Window to my Soul

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent” – Victor Hugo

I’m not sure how I got lucky enough to inherit the gift of music. I don’t believe in theory. I don’t believe that music is not something that can be fully learned by books and piano teachers.

I gave up on them a long time ago.

Or maybe they gave up on me.

Regardless, music seems to consume my soul at times. I hear a song and immediately have to run to my piano to recompose my own version of it. I learn by listening and my fingers seem to magically know what notes to play. It’s kind of freaky. There are days I spend more time with my piano than with any of my human friends. And I’m ok with that.

Maybe it’s a comfort thing. Knowing that my piano will always be sitting in my room waiting for me when I get home. Knowing that a when I play a C chord it will always sound like C chord. Knowing that after a rough day I can get mentally lost in the music I am playing. Knowing that I always feel mentally refreshed after a nice long jam session

.   

Whatever it is I am extremely lucky. Music makes me happy and gives me a reason to smile every day. Here's a quick look at what goes on inside my head. I hope you enjoy it!

A Team piano cover - Ed Sheeran

5/10 = 100% ???

I have never done so horrible on a quiz and yet scored 100% on it.

Today in AIMC 375 we had a quiz over the Hunter/Jones reading. This is nothing new. Typically we have a quiz once a week and typically everyone passes with flying colors. But today was a very different story. The 20 something students in Jones’s Business to Business Advertising class picked up their pencils and pens in anticipation of conquering another 10 point quiz this Friday. Let’s just say it didn't go as planned.

 As a class we epically failed.

It was embarrassing.

After a few minutes of watching our expressions as we drew sad faces next to all of the answers we got wrong our professor declared that she couldn't “look at our pathetic I’m totally failing this faces” anymore and declared we were all getting 100% for showing up today. Anyone who knows Jones understands that this is not typically Jones behavior. But you also know that she is fair, forgiving, and wants us to learn. I am thankful for educators that want the best for their students and are willing to give them a break every once in a while as we have so much else going on in our lives.

Thank God for being able to laugh at ourselves.

And most importantly…thank God it’s Friday! 

Sexy People Only

AdGroup: A group for students with extreme amounts of self-esteem and obviously killer good looks.

Today was T-shirt day in AdGroup, Ferris State University’s Advertising RSO. I love T-shirt day.  Why might you ask? My answers are as follows:

1)      T-shirts are comfy

2)      T-Shirt day saved me about 45 this morning because I didn't have to sort through all my dress pants, dress shirts, and dress shoes and have to decide what to wear

3)      I could wear warm fuzzy socks with regular shoes today instead of dress shoes

4)      No blisters on my feet thanks to having to wear dress shoes

5)      T-shirts are comfy

I think you get my point. And honestly who wouldn't want to wear this shirt. I’m proud to represent an amazing group that I am honored to be a part of and I love that I am able to help represent the group as AdGroup’s fundraising chair. We have been through a lot as well as accomplished a lot together this year. Representing AdGroup with a smile on my face and the knowledge that I have done something that will positively impact my future! 

Carrots...Part 2

Is this what being famous feels like?

I know it's a carrot company. And it's really not that exciting. But it's nice to know that someone is actually reading this blog. And it's always nice to feel special because your blog is posted on Bolthouse's website for all the carrot (and assorted juice) lovers to see. Thank you for making my day. You are awesome. 

(My blog is showcased in the green box furthest to the left) 

I Whip My Hair

Most of you that see me everyday know that I wear my hair in a pony tail most of the time. I am hoping the "before" picture explains why. I have very long, thin, hair that is 1/3 wavy, 1/3 curly, and 1/3 straight as a pin.  

Thanks Mom and Dad. 

Anyway, today was the day I have probably been waiting about 6 months for. I finally had the time (and money) to get my hair cut! It's amazing what a pair of scissors, a blow dryer, and a straightener can do. Maybe one day I'll be able to afford my own personal stylist. For the mean time I will take this as a small victory and hope that the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree shampoo the stylist used in my hair has some sort of  magical hair taming super powers.

Baby? Carrots...

Biggest baby carrot ever award? 

Never-the-less this ginormous carrot made my day. It also reminded me that in order to be noticed in everyday life you need to be able to stand out from everyone else. Which is awesome to remember because there are days I feel like I stick out like a giant carrot in a bag full of "normal" sized baby carrots and it's not always a good feeling. It's important to be your own person and love who you are and what you stand for.

The only problem I have now is that I can't eat it. It is too cool to be consumed.

For the Love of Flannel

Every day should be warm cozy flannel day. Maybe I have this viewpoint because I was practically raised in a barn, or maybe it's because I live in the very chilly state of Michigan where warm clothes are a necessity. Either way there is no better feeling than rolling out of bed and putting on clothes that are equally as comfortable and warm as the pajamas you just got out of. 

Flannel = Happiness and Love

Fuzzy Caffeinated Hugs

Very rarely can you go wrong with a cup of tea. Wait, I take that back. You can NEVER go wrong with a cup of tea. A cup of hot tea is like a warm fuzzy caffeinated hug. And in this world most days you need a warm fuzzy caffeinated hug. I can always count on it being there, waiting for me, in my kitchen cabinet, tucked away into individual Lipton packages, ready to be consumed at the very moment I need it most. Reading this you are probably thinking that I am an addict and I have a problem, and you are probably right. But today I made the most fabulous cup of tea after getting back from my morning classes. Its magical powers enabled me to get the majority of my homework for the week finished, prepare a delicious pasta lunch, and finally fold and put away the clean laundry that has been sitting in my room for about 4 days now. All for the low price of $3.09 for a box of 100 tea bags.

What gets you through? Comment below! 

"Miss Thang"

Today I had an awesome ride on Miss Tiffany. This sassy Belgium makes me smile for many reasons. First of all her attitude always amazes me. She has definitely earned the title "Miss Thang". There are days that working with her is like working with a PMSing teenage girl. Other days she is a big puppy dog that obeys every command. It always amazes me what we can learn from the animals we work with. I've only known her for about 10 weeks but every time I'm around her she reminds me of how to be a better person. 

She reminds me that a gentle hand and kind words will always get you farther than using a whip, screaming, and yelling. 

She reminds me that not everybody communicates  in the same way and sometimes you need to take a step back and learn to listen to what they are trying to communicate. 

She reminds me of how to be patient, especially on the days it takes me 20 minutes just to get her to walk instead of hopping around while riding her.

She reminds me of the importance of being able to put your trust into someone. I trust her to jump over a fence with me on her back, and she listens and trusts me to let her know when it's ok to go for it.

While my list could go on and on I think you get the point. Working with Tiffany has become one of the biggest  blessings in my life. And that my friends is a reason to be thankful and smile. 

And of course I can't forget to Thank Tiffany's owner that blessed me with the privilege to work with such a cool animal :)

Message From A Bulletin

In Christ alone my hope is found. He is my LIGHT my STRENGTH my SONG. 

No guilt in LIFE, no FEAR in death. This is the power of CHRIST in me. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnWw24s5gG8

Love From The South

Most days I make the long cold walk to the mailbox to find absolutely nothing...or bills. Today I made the journey to discover a letter from home! I love hand written letters. Especially when they come from my family, 843 miles away in Southside, Alabama. Thank you to everyone who wrote a little note to me on the inside! You make me feel special and loved and those feelings are so much better than the ones I get when I open the mailbox and pull out the cable bill. 

My Happy Place

So this is what I do on the nights I can't sleep. Stay up and recompose music that I enjoy listening to! This is an extremely rough cut with horrible sound quality but I hope you will enjoy it. My piano is my happy place :) What's yours?  

P.S. ... Can you guess what song this is???

Sisterly Love

So I was going through all my picture files on my computer to clean up my folders and I came across this little gem. And I laughed, very hard. Why this picture was ever taken I have not a clue. But it was a good reminder of the old days and how my little sister and I did a lot together when we were little. From American Girl Dolls to sleep overs in each others room we spent a lot of time together. We are two very different people that don't always see everything eye to eye but at the end of the day ( and maybe partially due to the fact that we are  separated by about 900 miles of land) I realize how much I appreciate her in my life and how blessed I am to have her. Lesson of the day, appreciate the special people that are in your life.  

Hanging with my "Creeps"

Friends. Today I am thankful for friends. Friends that will stand outside for close to 4 hours, in 40 degree weather, while it was raining. Not to mention on Halloween night in a very creepy corn field in the dark. All of these guys are  awesome and helped us to raise $170 for AdGroup, the advertising RSO at Ferris State University. Thank you, thank you, thank you.... you guys are awesome. :)

:)

NERD

I guess that 8+ hours I put into this 9 page take home exam was worth it. Definitely a smile moment for today! 

Definitely happened last night. Definitely the best feeling in the world!

Dryer Balls???

While walking through Meijer today I came across these Hedgehog Dryer Balls. They are not an extremely exciting product but whoever designed them was creative enough to make a boring product actually look like it could be quite fun.  I appreciate this kind of genius and it makes me happy that there are others in the world that like to make things fun and at least attempt to make mundane chores more enjoyable. 

Surprise Mail

Today I received a special surprise Halloween package in the mail from my boyfriend's mom. After a very very long Monday it was definitely something that made my day. It's rare today that we take the time to sit down and write somebody a letter or send them a package. Everything is electronic. I am so very grateful to those in my life that take the time out of their day to think about me. Yet another reason to smile :) 

Knock-offs

A pair of beat up knock of Sperry shoes might seem like something silly to smile about but the truth is I love these shoes. They always get me from point A to point B and are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. They've been though a lot including being worn almost everyday to school, out to the barn to feed horses, and on countless nature walks. And on top of everything they've been through they don't have one rip or tear. If anything that is definitely a reason to smile :) 

It’s the little things. The friend that you have seen in months that you walk into randomly at the grocery store. Getting a card in the mail from a friend or family member.  Having your favorite song come on the radio. Maybe even talking a walk on a beautiful sunny day. They are all the little things that put a smile on our faces despite the fact we've had a rough day, are overwhelmed with life, or just don’t feel like we have enough time in the day to enjoy a few seconds of living.

We live in a world that seems to spin five times faster than it did years ago. As a senior in college I often times find myself distracted by how many homework assignments I have left to complete, or how many hours I have to work in order to pay the next electric bill. I am constantly surrounded by chaos and negativity from those around me who are in the same situations. Life can be overwhelming at times, but in the midst of everything we are complaining about we are quick forget the many small things that make life so awesome.

I have been incredibly blessed over the 22 years of my life and sometimes I forget that so I’ve set a new goal for myself. Every day I am going to pick one thing out of my day that puts a smile on my face. It might be silly but it’s a great way to remind myself that even by bad days really aren’t that bad.

Today I begin my quest. 365 days in a year, hopefully over 365 things to smile about!