The High Country

A few photos from this past weekend. I apologize for not being able to write lately, all this packing craziness has me tied up! (And it's made me want to pull my hair out, but we won't get into that.)

Hiking at Hebron Rock Colony

Elk River Falls

Grandfather Mountain

The New River Winery

Short And Sweet

A ramble of quick thoughts.

I've had no internet access for the past weekend, and it's actually been nice. I like hiking now. And hot peach tea. And climbing waterfalls. And bluegrass music.

I move in on Friday. I have so much packing ahead of me. I'm terrified, but in a good way. I'm going to miss sleeping a queen bed. I don't think I'll be able to blog much in the next few days because I'll be so busy.

I cried today saying goodbye to my lovely carpool of last year. Pathetic.

I hope I get a chance to see Eat Pray Love.

I could use some MAJOR devotional time.

I feel like everyone's already left for school. This "in-between" week of not really being a college student/not being a high school one either is weird.

HOWEVER, I'm siked about what's to come this weekend.

Bring It On

(Okay people, in no way is my title in reference to those lame cheerleader movies. That part of my life is OVER.)

So although I've been in this "up and down roller coaster ride of emotions" funk these past couple weeks, I'm starting to get insanely excited about heading to school. I have a million things to do before I head out, including four days worth of packing, but I can confidently say I am READY to start this new chapter in my life. I stressed and stressed and stressed about my classes this semester, and I found out tonight that through contacting the foreign language placement department, I was guaranteed a spot in a waitlisted class. Thank the Lord! And rush is coming up Labor Day weekend, which I'm overjoyed about. Hellooo I've been looking forward to joining a sorority ever since I was a little girl. EEK. I also got a chance to talk with a friend who's in sorority at my school, and she gave me fantastic advice. Keep an open mind. Don't get irritated when some chapters drop you. You WILL find your perfect group. Oh and now on to more college advice the bestie gave me today! Have fall-back options. Be conscientious. Meet and be open to lots of people.

Gosh and besides all this, I can't wait to meet my lovely suitemates and make new memories and start classes. It's going to be such a breath of fresh air to start a life of my own and get. out. there. Bring it on!

College Bucket List

So, I got inspired by a blog I follow to create my own "bucket list" for these next few years while I'm away. I feel as though attaining goals can be somewhat daunting at first, however I really want to see how many I can achieve. Some of these things are silly and others are serious, but here we go!

1. Be independent. And financially stable.
2. Take a class in something I've never heard of.
3. Study abroad.
4. Travel to Spain.
5. Stay out all night. And pull an all-nighter.
6. Learn how to cook. Well.
7. Be a part of my school's media, whether that be a student publication or some other outlet.
8. Go for a leadership position.
9. Keep up with yoga. And perhaps become a yoga instructor? (Hm, that might be a little far-fetched.)
10. Be open and willing to embark into new relationships.
11. Go on a spontaneous road trip.
12. Find something I love and pursue it wholeheartedly.

I think I'm going to write this list down in my new Lilly agenda too...I'm actually siked about starting classes just so I can write down assignments in this! :)

Patience...

...is something I lack. (As well as smiling with my mouth closed and ability to roll my r's and whistle. But that's another matter.)

But in college Sunday School yesterday someone brought up this verse.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

And it really made me think. About life, genuine joy, relationships, and what's ahead for me. It's so easy to burn out quickly over things you believe have no answer. I laid in bed last night wide awake stressing over silly things, wondering and waiting, anxious as can be. I can't seem to grasp that He is in control, my thoughts really won't do any good. He calls us to delve into His word and trust Him continually. Wait patiently, in His timing.

Monday side notes:

1. We decided that instead of the beach, we would find some R&R in the mountains of North Carolina this weekend. I couldn't be more pleased. Tranquility, a hot tub, and a scenic view is all I ask.
2. I really like my nails painted this color. Try Revlon Minted.
3. I registered to vote today. Exciting news, huh?

Listful Thinking

(Excuse my semi-wet hair and lack of makeup)

Here's my enormous shopping list. Oh boy, tax free weekend here I come!

Thoughts of the day, in list form.

• I adore my roommate. We're pretty much the same person.
• I'm still a mixture of nerves and excitement.
• I desperately need to get rid of this farmer tan from my lifeguard tank top. I guess this is what I get for not wearing sunscreen.
• I'm going to miss working at camp. And my best friends.
• My hair is so much lighter from the sun, I dislike it very much.
• I finally saw Invictus, and I thought it was quite well-done.
• I'm in desperate need of a beach vacay before I leave; I have to clear my head!

How It Ends

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h__U3ZF-iTc

First off, this was breathtaking. And the song fit perfectly. I can remember when my dear friend CCL introduced me to this song about a year and a half ago. It got me thinking though about the broken relationships I've had in the past, how individuals have hurt me, my so-called "friends." I can think of a couple people in the past two years. How they've gone behind my back, lying to my face, while putting on this facade that they still love or that we still have a friendship. And you know what the first thing I wanted to do to them after what they did? Hurt them too. But I realize that in these kind of situations there is nothing you can really do but move on, go your separate way, and only hope that they come to terms with what they've done. And of course, pray for them. Don't get me wrong, I've fallen into the sin of lashing back once or twice, and I deeply regret that. But as the summer's gone by, I've noticed that the past is the past and sometimes certain friendships are better left there.

That said, I'm excited for this weekend and the upcoming week so I can sit down, relax, finish up my summer reading book list at the beach, and get to packing. In addition, I'm going to try and write some more uplifting and fun posts for y'all.

Days Go By

I have three days left of work. I should be jumping for joy, correct? But I honestly can't believe it! It feels like just yesterday I was heading out to the waterfront for my first day, wondering how the summer was going to go. And poof! The summer's pretty much over. These next couple weeks, I know, are going to FLY by. I have so much left to do, especially packing-wise, and I still have some last minute schedule adjustments. My family and I are heading to the beach sometime next week for a last "hoo-rah" before I leave. But I feel like it's going to be a little more sad than celebratory. For starters, I am such a Momma's girl. This weekend we're planning to hit all our favorite spots, have a "girls weekend" so-to-speak (since last weekend was father/daughter weekend). For us, this means going to our favorite restaurants (Wildflower and Zest), perhaps a movie night, some shopping, and our new obsession, yoga. I don't think I can express how much I'm going to miss her once I leave.

Alright I admit I've been a little bit of a Debbie Downer lately. But as you know, I love lists. Here's one I found in an old quote book of mine that cheered me up this morning.

Natural highs.

1. Falling in love.
2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
3. A hot shower.
4. No lines at the supermarket.
5. A special glance.
6. Getting mail.
7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
11. Vanilla milkshake (chocolate or strawberry).
12. A bubble bath.
13. Giggling.
14. A good conversation.
15. The beach.
16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
17. Laughing at yourself.
18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they love you.
19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
20. Running through sprinklers.
21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
22. Having someone tell you that you’re beautiful.
23. Laughing at an inside joke with friends.
25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
27. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).
28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
29. Playing with a new puppy or kitten.
30. Having someone play with your hair.
31. Sweet dreams.
32. Hot chocolate.
33. Road trips with friends.
34. Swinging on swings.
35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
36. Making chocolate chip cookies. (And eating the chocolate chips while doing it.)
37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
38. Holding hands with someone you care about.
39. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
40. Watching the expression on someone’s face as they open a much desired present from you.
41. Watching the sunrise.
42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.
43. Knowing that somebody misses you.
44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
45. Knowing you’ve done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

Letters to Julie

There's one thing about me I don't believe I've shared.

I. Love. Mail. (Seriously, write me a handwritten note and I will fall instantly at your feet. Or if you happen to be a guy, I might fall head over heels, but as long as you include a dozen gerber daisies at my doorstep.)

Nevertheless, waiting for mail to arrive is terrible. I think I've checked the mailbox for the last four days straight, hoping to find the things I've ordered. Urg. (Okay, I apologize if I seem vain. I'm not. I was just never blessed with the spiritual gift of patience.)