lucky.

‎How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

change.

In a person's life, there are many changes.

Some changes are noticable, yet some go without notice.

Changes happen every minute, every second.

Some changes are easy to adapt to, some not so easy.

Throughout life, a person goes through many stages of metamorphosis.

Each stage is a change, a step closer to being the person God has designed you to be.

You start out as a child, a naive human being with a full life ahead of you.

Each year, you learn a little more, grow a little more.

Before you know it, you are a teenager, and you are able to test

the limits that are set before you, try new things, and experience life with little responsibilty.

Along the way, you make mistakes, lose friends, gain friends,

find love, and experience heartache.

By the time you're a young adult, life is simpler, yet it gets harder by the day.

You keep the lessons you learned in your back pocket, and pull them out

when you need to be reminded that you don't want to head down that road again.

You learn what your passions in life are and what drives you to accomplish all of your goals.

You find the life you are comfortable with, satisfied with, and settle with

the person you love and care about the most.

You find out the true definition of family through struggle, excitement, disagreement,

loss, forgiveness, good news, and bad news.

Still, with each passing year, you are learning things you didn't know before

and you are experiencing things as you've never experienced them before.

Before long you look back and ask yourself, "where did time go?"

You evaluate your life, and hopefully you will be able to say that at every

stage, every change in life, you were able to accomplish every goal you had set for yourself.

Of course there will be some regrets, some things you wish you could erase,

or do-over, but they all made you exactly who you are.

And every change is a reason to look back at your life and realize what you've gone

through to get to this point in your life.

Personally, I've never been the one to accept change very easily.

But, like everyone else, change follows me wherever I go, and I learn

to adapt and go on with life as if a change never even occurred.

Today, however, was a different story.

Today had been a long anticipated day, a day I've dreaded.

Today, was the day that we put my grandfather in a nursing home.

It seems like just yesterday he was sitting in the floor with me

helping me dress my barbies, taking me to piano practice,

writing about my daily activities in a journal he always kept,

and hiding easter eggs for me in his front yard.

But all of those things are long gone.

When my grandmother died eleven years ago, my grandfather lost his wife,

best friend, and the one person he adored the most.

Life, for him, was never the same.

A few years later, he began showing early signs of Alzheimers.

Things progressed quickly, and the grandfather that I once knew

was quickly replaced with a grandfather that was so foreign and different to me.

Out of fear and anger, I didn't want to have anything to do with him.

How dare this disease come and change the grandfather that had raised me,

who had been a part of every different stage of my life.

I went a few years with this mindset. Looking back, I regret it.

Can I change it? No.

I can only hope and pray that I've been able to make up for lost time.

Every chance he gets, he reminds me that I look just like my grandmother.

Every chance he gets, he reminds me of how pretty I am, even on my worst days.

Every chance he gets, he tells me that he loves me.

I can forever say that he has had an impact on my life.

Lately, I've grown much closer to my grandfather.

We've had some heart to heart conversations that I never would have imagined having.

In the end, he always tells me that he wants me to be happy.

Today, I would not be able to say that I was happy.

My heart broke to see my grandfather at this huge change in his life.

I'm sure today was a day of reflection for him.

He went from being in a surrounding that he'd known forever

to a place that I'm sure he never thought he'd have to face.

Tears were shed, thoughts were left unsaid.

As I left, I thought about the time I've spent with him.

I'm challenged to be a better person because of him.

I want to be able to accomplish everything I have set before me.

One small thing can change your life.

Change. This time, I'm going to accept it and use it to make myself

exactly who God has designed me to be, and this is part of that

journey and it all begins with a little change.

photobooth.

new orleans.

Yesterday, I planned on having a day trip to Hattiesburg with Jonathan.

We had everything planned out -- stop by Jones, trip to the zoo, eat at Keg and Barrel,

maybe even catch an afternoon movie that I've been dying to see.

Once we got to Hattiesburg, we decided to keep driving.

An hour and a half later, we were in New Orleans.

I was so excited. New Orleans is one of my favorite places to visit.

And what's better than going with one of your favorite people in the world?

We had such a great day from start to finish.

We walked and walked and ate and ate.

We stopped by Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop (the oldest structure used as a bar in the country),

ate a quick bite at Mother's, shopped at Riverwalk, ate AGAIN at

Coop's place, and then had dessert at Cafe du Monde.

And along the way we stopped in tons of souvenir shops, had discussions about pirates,

and sweated, ALOT.

It was so great to get away, just for the day, live life and be spontaneous.

I need a little bit more of that in my life.

New Orleans has always been a place I could visit over and over again,

and this trip was the best yet. Without a doubt.

beach.

Yesterday, I was at the beach with my boyfriend. Today, I was back at work.

Reality sucks.

Friday morning I woke up early (for me) and got ready. I was like a kid.

Super excited. Drove 3.5 hours to the beach.

Did a little shopping. Well, I supervised and didn't buy a thing.

Ate seafood. Watched movies. Sat on the beach.

Saturday morning, we went to the beach.

I was dragged into the water. But I didnt mind. I had a cute guy by my side.

Saw jellyfish, stingray, and crabs. Pretty awesome.

After lunch, Jonathan took me up in the plane.

It was the first time he had taken me flying, and I absolutely loved it.

We flew along the coastline and he even let me fly the plane.

That night, we went to his cousin's wedding on the beach.

To top the day off, Mississippi State won their season opener and Ole Miss lost.

Sunday, Jonathan left on a plane back to Memphis, I left on a plane back to Forest.

We are always going in opposite directions it seems like.

But I do love the time I got to spend with him this weekend.

The beach is my favorite place in the world, and I'm so glad I was there with him.

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

hurry up.

Only two days separating me from the beach and the boyfriend.

I'm so ready.

WEEKEND, HURRY UP!

grandmother.

To you, this is just a picture.
But to me, this is a picture of my grandmother.
She was beautiful, loving, and often times, demanding.
I give her all the credit for turning me into a girly girl.
Dresses, bows, you name it and she made sure that's all I wore.
Looking back, I remember so much yet so little about her.
I remember going with her to the beauty shop every Friday.
I remember her cooking spaghetti for me because she knew it was my favorite.
I remember her playing with my hair until I fell asleep.
I did my homework with her, she was a perfectionist.
Her favorite hobby was cleaning.
When I was ten, she started getting sick. Often.
As I left her house one afternoon, I remember telling her 'bye'
And making sure she knew I loved her.
The next day, she was in ICU.
She never came home.
I hate the fact that I was never able to go in and see her one last time.
I hate the fact that she was gone too soon.
Often times I wonder what she would think of me now.
Would she be proud of me?
I think about her so much, even though she has been gone eleven years.
When people see me they say, "You were Nancy's granddaughter.
You look just like her."
It's so hard to hear that. Even now.
I wish she could have seen me grow up.
I wish I could remember more about her.
I know how much my grandfather loved her. He adored her.
I think that as I've grown older, and realized what an important
person I lost at such a young age, it has made me never take life for granted.
You are given every day to make a difference in someone else's life or even your own.
Never take a day with the people you love the most for granted.
Goodbyes are hard, life changing.
But they make you think, about life.
I'm so lucky to have had a wonderful grandmother that loved me.
I'm blessed.

birthday.

This weekend was a milestone in my life.

I turned 21.

Does it feel any different? No way.

I got to spend my birthday weekend in Memphis with the greatest guy in the world.

Despite the long drive, it was well worth it.

Friday was the beginning of the great weekend.

The weekend included:

• i hop
• watching girly movies ( The Last Song )
• birthday cake milkshakes
• shopping
• greasy but amazing food
• Beale Street
• Mud Island and the greatest museum ever

I had the best weekend ever.

I give the boyfriend full credit for that.

I know that it could have been just another day,

but he made sure it was amazing.

I'm so lucky and now that I'm back home, I realize that.

I wouldn't have changed a thing about my birthday.

It was perfect.

celebration.

I mentioned in my previous post that I could not wait until the weekend.

Well, now the weekend is over and reality kicks in once again.

However, this weekend was pretty great.

Thursday: I had dinner with my mom and one of my best friends.

Picked up my boyfriend from the airport, and realized how much

I had missed him. (which was ALOT)

Friday: I had lunch with the boyfriend at a little restaurant in town.

We made salsa together (better luck next time).

And then we went out for my birthday with my parents, sister and

her boyfriend, my aunt and uncle.

Saturday: I worked. Long day. Rude patients. That's the drill.

After work, we went out to dinner again to celebrate my parent's

anniversary and my grandfather's birthday.

Sunday: I went to church.

Did a little shopping.

Worked. Bad bad bad.

And the boyfriend left. (worst part of the whole weekend)

Needless to say, this weekend was full of celebration.

Isn't he cute?

I have the biggest crush on my own boyfriend.
I never stop smiling the whole time he is home.
It's like I'm a kid all over again.
I absolutely love this feeling.

I'm hoping that this week passes by quickly. (fingers crossed)

Not only will I be turning 21 this coming up weekend,

but I will also be making a trip to Memphis.

AND, I am painting my room.

Goodbye pink room.

Now there's something to celebrate.

countdown.

Today is my sweet grandfather's birthday, he's 82.

Today is also my parents wedding anniversary.

It has been a pretty great day, cupcakes and all.

The next few days will go by so slowly.

But I am looking forward to quite a few things:

1) the boyfriend will be coming home, finally.

2) my birthday celebration begins friday.

a day full of family, boyfriend, and one of my favorite restaurants.

3) work? wait, that doesn't count.

4) did i mention that my boyfriend is coming home?

that's what i'm most excited for.

i'm smiling just thinking about it.

......

Weekend please hurry up!

I'm counting down.

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

video.

Everytime I need a good laugh, I watch this.
It gets me every time. Love it!

music.

Music has always been a hobby of mine.

Not by any means am I musically talented, but I do love finding new bands.

Whenever I am in a bad mood, I always take a few minutes,

play my favorite songs, and i'm instantly in a better mood. (usually)

When I'm in the car by myself, I sing, loudly.

I'm sure the cars that pass by me or pull up beside me think I'm crazy.

I can't sing, but I sure like to think that I can.

I have no genre of music that I like better than others.

However, I am partial to 90s and "girly rock".

And occasionally I do enjoy a little country.

Being so close to New Orleans the past two years,

I enjoyed going to the House of Blues.

It's probably one of my favorite venues.

The atmosphere is amazing and a great place to see metal bands.

(A Day to Remember, Parkway Drive, and August Burns Red

are on my list. As I Lay Dying, I'm still waiting for)

Needless to say, my range of music is rather large.

It's a hobby. And looking for new bands and songs

that may not be popular is something I know I'll always enjoy.

So, here's a playlist. Nothing special.

Take a listen and enjoy!

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

touch of gold.

jones.

Today I made a trip back to the school where I spent the last two years of my life.
As I made my way around campus, I thought of all the great memories

I have made there. No, it's not a large university with

thousands and thousands of students.

But it was the perfect place for me.

A good transition. And looking back, I wouldn't have changed a thing.

I love the small town feel. The fact that the beach and New Orleans

is only a little over an hour drive.

I will miss everything about Jones.

Here are a few things I will miss the most:

Thursday night football games.

Brooke fixing my hair on the way to the games.

Touch of Gold. Maybe, just a little.

Rides to the game, and the late night rides home.

Ellephare shows at the Courtyards.

Bobcat Brigade, tours, and Sonya's yellow couch.

Getting dressed up for the Halloween dance.

Dancing with Ethan.

Crawfish Thursdays and our walks to Corner Market for ice cream.

Saints games and dancing at them.

Ropers. No need for an explanation.

The addiction to Old Athens Grill.

Webcam pictures with the roommates.

Now it's time to close this chapter of my life and begin a new one.

I'm ready.

cowbells.

Today, this was on my mind.

Yes, it's a football stadium.

Yes, it's one of my favorite places in the whole world.

Fall would not be the same without the weekend tradition of being in Starkville.

I can not wait for football season.

Tailgating, the sound of cowbells, and unruly fans.

Those things make for the ideal day.

But today was not the ideal day.

Today, I worked on nursing school applications. Six, to be exact.

Procrastination is my specialty.

But, I am happy to say that I got them all finished, for the most part.

So, being cooped up in the house all day, listening to the thunder and rain,

I daydreamed about the fall.

Football, Starkville, friends, tailgating, and cowbells.

I can not wait.

boyfriend.

I got to spend the weekend with my amazing boyfriend.

He is pretty great, if I do say so myself.

Our weekend was filled with 80s movies (he's trying to catch me up),

fast food (which is why we are both starting to hit the gym),

time with family and friends, and he even took me to see

Charlie St. Cloud and tried to watch the Bachelorette with me.

I was very impressed.

He came into my life at the perfect time, when I was looking

for anyone at all. He took me by surprise.

And he fits me perfectly. I can honestly say I'm the happiest I've been

in long time. And I have him to thank for that.

He left today. Goodbyes are always so hard.

I enjoy every weekend he gets to come home, and I miss him

terribly when he's away. It's a good feeling.

Next time I see him will be two weeks from now.

I hate waiting, but the constant smile I have on my face whenever I

see him and the butterflies I get are well worth it.

He's great and I consider myself very lucky and blessed.

rain.

Neshoba County Fair.

Tonight I went to see Luke Bryan.

It rained, it poured. Perfect setting for his "Rain" song.

It was so great to spend my night with two of my best friends.

I cherish the time I get to spend with them because getting older,

it's hard to find time for each other.

I loved the relaxed night, just sitting on the porch catching up.

So much different than when I was in high school.

It's a sign I'm growing older.

Now I'm content with "people watching" and trying to win little white bunnies.

Every day I surprise myself and realize how much I'm growing up.

The things that use to matter, aren't top priority anymore.

Friends and fellowship.

That should forever be one of my top priorities.

red lipstick.

While some girls favorite accessory is jewelry, scarves, shoes, purses, etc, etc,
Mine has and will always be my red lipstick.
I know that you're thinking "Red lipstick? Seriously?"
Yes. Red lipstick is my favorite accessory.
Most people could never imagine having such a bright color on their face.
For me, I guess I'd rather stand out than "blend in".
I think that's my philosophy for life as well.
I've never felt like I have had to go along with the crowd.
The past few years have defined my life, I've had ups and downs,
but along the way I found myself. I realized my passions and what I want to accomplish in life.
Will I ever accomplish them all? Probably not.
But at least I can say I have ambition, a drive, a strong grip on my life.
I want to make a difference in this world.
I want to give back to this world that has so richly blessed me.
Most people are content with their life. They get by with the absolute basics.
I never want to get to that point in my life.
I want to live life, never taking a single day for granted.
But most of all my hope and desire is to put my passions into actions.
So, like red lipstick, I want to stand out.
I want to add color to a world that so many times only sees in black and white.
It's so important in this life to find something you are passionate about.
Every day, I hope that I can choose not to blend in.
Red lipstick will always be my reminder to stand out and make a difference.
What's your reminder?

remember me.

Gandhi said that whatever you do in life will be insignificant.

But it is very important that you do it.

Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we've touched.

Last night, I had the opportunity to go see the movie Remember Me.

It is the most beautifully portrayed movie I've ever seen.

It's highly unpredictable. And that's why I can't get enought of it.

Besides the fact that Robert Pattinson is easy on the eyes,

this is a movie that I would suggest everyone to go and see.

Today, I had a long day at the hospital. 12 hours. 12 hours.

But when I got home, I had my wonderful grandfather at the door

greeting me and welcoming me home.

He is so happy and carefree even in his old age.

We talked about anything and everything over dinner.

My grandfather suffers from a mild case of Alzheimers,

but he always amazes me with the stories he can remember.

We talked about everything from when I was a little girl to

him wearing a fanny pack on our Disney World vacation.

I hope that he never ceases to remember.

I can always hear my childhood stories from my parents,

but to hear him tell the stories makes me love the stories even more.

His memory is something that he clings to,

the thing that is familiar to him of the way life use to be.

I hope that he always remembers me

so that I will always be able to hear the stories that come straight from his heart.

lessons of life.

"Do everything readily and cheerfully-no second guessing allowed. Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't do all this work for nothing."

-- Phil. 2: 5-11

After tossing and turning all night, 6:15 came way too early.

Today was my first day back to work since I can remember.

Oh, and by the way, I work at a hospital.

I always dread going into work.

I probably have the worst attitude ever. EVER.

Things never seem to go my way, of course.

But give it time and I realize why I do what I do.

Every room I go in, I'm mistaken for a 13 or 14 year old.

The patients call me "little bit" or "peanut".

Reminds me of my grandfather. That's his nickname for me.

I love forgetting about my wants and needs for a few hours

and allowing myself to be a servant to those I come in contact with.

This might be the only opportunity they have to communicate with someone.

As much as I hate working, I love my job.

I love the smiles I get. I love knowing I made their life a little easier.

Today was a life lesson.

I am passionate about helping others. I know God has a huge plan for me.

Growing up, I always had everything I needed and more.

I had my parents and grandparents wrapped around my little finger.

But sometimes it's not about that at all.

Life's journey should be about helping others and every day going beyond your

comfort zone to use the abilities that God has given you.

Days like today made me thankful for my family.

Never take a single day for granted and be a servant to everyone

you come in contact with. You might be the one thing they need the most.

here goes.

I doubt I will be very good at this.

In fact, I know I won't be good at this at all.

From this point on I get to share my little life adventures with my fellow bloggers.

But first, you should know a little more about me, right?

I mean, you will get to know me pretty well from the posts I will publish later.

Well, here goes.

These are my wonderful parents. Who do I look like? Your guess is as good as mine.

This is my sister. One day, I want to be just like her.

These are my best friends. I don't know what I'd do without them.

And finally, these are my college best friends. Life is always better whenever they're around.

I am thankful for the people I have in my life. God has truly blessed me.

Now that you've met my family and the main people in my life,

I can't wait to start sharing my life adventures.

This is going to be lovely.