Sunday, May 22, 2011

Do YOU Know How To Drive A Golf Cart?

Today, I am pretty sure that God smacked me upside the head after winding up for about, ehhh six months or so. And then He chuckled to himself about it. I couldn't even be mad. At one point I wanted to actually look up to the sky, wave my finger and say "You're a sneaky fella". Except my life is not a cheesy Nickelodeon tween sitcom so I didn't do that last part. But really, it was like lightbulbs were going off all around my head and God was sending signs left and right that - lo and behold - His plans aren't so bad and things really do work out. He's got the whole "master of the universe" thing figured out and He's got an interesting sense of humor, that's for darn sure.

Week three of being home for the summer and I finally feel settled and completely not at Dayton anymore. Adjusted, is the word I'd like to use. Although I feel as though I've created this alter ego for myself here in Medina; this Emily's room is always clean and organized, she makes lists in her head and then transfers them to post-it notes that decorate her mirror and desk. It's very Unibomber, I'm actually somewhat concerned for myself. But then I rationalized it in my head and this is why I have to be so neat and organized at home and not as much at school - no one is going to touch and move my stuff at school. If I set my keys on the counter in good old M15, I can rest assured that they will be in the exact same location the next time I need them. At Pine Hill, set your keys on the counter and you might not see them for a week. Not because it's ridiculously messy, just because someone thought it'd be a good idea to move them to another counter without mentioning it to the owner of the keys. (You can substitute anything you want for keys in this circumstance, by the way.) So needless to say I learned quickly to put important things in my room, neatly organized. Good Lord, I just re-read this paragraph and if I were reading and not writing this blog, I'd think I was special (eat glue special, not the regular kind of special). I'm blogging about being clean right now. No shame.

In other news, maybe you're wondering what the big lightbulb moment(s) were as mentioned in paragraph one above. And maybe now that I'll sort of explain, you'll be mad because I'm going to be as vague as possible...sorry I'm not sorry. Okay actually, I changed my mind as I started typing and erased three different sentences to start explaining. In a complete nutshell: 1) I was so afraid of having a simple conversation that would have been completely normal 2 years ago. Then today, like I said, God basically told me I was being an idiot for being so scared. In so many words, of course. But basically I felt very at peace with what I want to do and I am READY. Balls to the wall! 2) I read a book about love. I was hesitant to do so because as you may or may not be aware - 2011 is not the year for love. This is not a personal opinion, this is a universal truth. Okay so maybe not universal, but amongst my wide circle of friends, it's true! Anyways, the book just renewed my hope that there are goofy, smart, caring boys who will pursue the good girls in the right way and fight for what they want! Yeah guys, I'm aware it's just a character in a book, but Sarah Dessen doesn't write fluff okay!? DAVE IS REAL, I SWEAR.

Pretty sure I intended on going to bed at least 45 minutes ago. I am pleased to say that I finally start work tomorrow morning, 7 am! Does Medina Parks Department know what is coming with the dream team of Jann and I? 40 hours a week together for the next 2.5 months?! Look out. Medina, your flowers are about to get BFFL-fied. (Like a play on "beautified", in case that wasn't clear, I had high hopes for it but those crumbled once I typed it)

Until next time, go do something crazy. Such as watching a Sister Wives marathon on TLC.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

A Year of Firsts

Last Wednesday marked the halfway point of my college career. I've been home for almost a week now, am still working on unpacking, and finally feel ready to write about the year that rocked my world. Oh, and I'm not in Daytona soaking up rays sipping Bud Light Lime on the beach with the rest of UD so I have time to blog in my room in tropical Medina. I'm not bitter! ;)

What a year it was! I learned, I laughed, I loved. (I came, I saw, I conquered?) So I thought what better way to reflect on the 2010-2011 school year than with a list of the things I did for the first time this year... here goes nothing!

1. Cried in front of people. This sounds so lame but that was a big thing for me! All part of the process of letting people in.
2. Went to Tim's. Will I become a Tim's rat next year? Only time will tell...
3. Said no to one good thing to make room for better things in my life. Freedom!
4. Enjoyed the robust flavor of Highlander Grogg coffee. I feel as though this delicious beverage is mentioned in all of my blogs but it's just so good. What was I doing with my life before coffee entered it?!
5. Lived fully in the moment - not all the time, but more than I ever have before. Everyday mantra: "Be where your feet are"
6. Watched Grey's Anatomy. Not only did I watch, I caught up with 7 seasons and became friends with the characters (don't judge!)... All the while I had my best semester grade-wise! Go figure!
7. Worked at 5 am every Friday. Awake at 4:45, roll out of bed, brush teeth, GO!
8. Took a Greyhound. First and last time I'll ever do that.
9. Went to Chicago!
10. Pulled an all-nighter. Relax, I wasn't doing homework...it was Harry Potter 7 premiere night!
11. Baptized someone, I didn't even know I could do that. What a cool moment to share with such a beautiful friend of mine :)
12. Loved. Completely, unapologetically, wholeheartedly. Gave and received it.
13. Drove a UD van.
14. Went 4 days without a shower. I was at the UDSAP house, it's okay!
15. Had friends turn into true family right before my eyes over the course of the year.
16. Had a wife. No biggie.
17. BFFL Breakfast
18. Lived at KU.
19. Lighthouse. And everything that went along with it :)
20. Became Auntie Em!

Such beautiful experiences. Such an unforgettable year. So much to look back on, so much to look forward to! What adventures will be next? Who knows, but I'm more than excited to see what's to come and embrace life with open arms. Hope you are too!