November 22, 2012

"Full and Full"

Dear Reader,

I'm laying on my bed, and my stomach is screaming. "WHY DIDN'T YOU STOP EATING?!"

I would've listened to you, Mr. Tummy, but something else inside me was saying, "Hey, this is good stuff. How about a little more? You can handle a few more platefuls of mashed potatoes..."

I'm real sorry, stomach....That food I just shoved into you tasted awesome, and I was not about to stop all that deliciousness.  

But today, I'm full in more ways than one. Today, I've been thinking about all of the ways I've been blessed in my life, and I'm full of gratitude. I could name out all of the things I'm thankful for, but I really don't think you would live long enough to reach the end. So, I'll choose what I'm MOST grateful for. 

I'm most grateful for all of the wonderful people in my life. Thank you for being kind to me, showing me that you care, and spending time with me. You have no idea the amount of good you do for me. I'll never be able to repay you, but I promise to keep trying. 

Have a wonderful day, my friends, and thank you very much. :) NM
 
(I'm full already because my family eats Thanksgiving dinner at 12:20 pm...so it's time for leftovers!!!)

"A Flipping Funtastic Opportunity"

Dear Reader, 

Every once in a while, something comes along in life that you just can't pass up. Something that you would regret not doing. It may not be an easy thing to do, but it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

Today, I've been putting the final touches on a foreign exchange grant application. If I'm selected, I'll be spending my Junior year in one of the following countries: Bosnia, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Turkey, Oman, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Mali, South Africa, or India. 

I've always dreamed of stepping out of my comfort zone by studying abroad, living with a host family, learning a new language out of necessity, and immersing myself in a new culture. 

And this is an opportunity of a lifetime. Something I can't pass up. Something I would regret not doing. I realize that it's not going to be easy to leave. I'll miss my family, my friends, and my cats....but it will be worth it in the end. 

And flipping funtastic. 

NM

(also, I'd continue to blog as I studied overseas...and that would be an entertaining read to say the least. :) 


November 4, 2012

"A Few of My Favorite Things..."

Dear Reader,

Hot showers.
Juicy steaks.
The noise a pumpkin makes when it impacts the ground at a high speed.
Salsa dancing.
The smell of perfume.
Speaking Spanish in a Russian accent.
Church dances.
Loud concerts.
Awesome handshakes.
People that can run up walls and backflip.
YouTube videos of people that can run up walls and backflip.(I watch them as I eat juicy steak...)
When thunder shakes your house.
Falling asleep after a test at school.
3 hour naps.
Ultimate Frisbee.
Backpacking.
People smiling and laughing.
Writing stories.
Wrestling bears.
Sunsets and sunrises.
Soft kittens.
My wristwatch.
Music. Oh goodness, I love music.
Turning on the fan even when it's super cold outside, just so that I can have an excuse to stay in my warm bed.
Lighting candles and then immediately blowing them out.
Meeting new people.
Learning new things.
Warm cookies and cold milk.
Salsa dancing. (Repeated twice for emphasis.)

These are things that I love. I encourage you to sit down and write down things that you love. (or, if you love standing, you could write that list standing up.) It'll make you realize that there are a lot of little things that are just flipping great.

Enjoy the small stuff. NM