Frozen: Maggie vs. Elsa

In handy dandy list format!

So a couple of weeks ago, I saw Disney's new flick "Frozen" with my friends Ashley and Austin. While my usual style would be to write a review (even though I haven't posted of any of those yet), I decided to analyze this movie in a different way: Through the eyes of a character.

Elsa, in fact. Throughout the film, I was able to relate quite a bit to Elsa's plight, especially during her big musical number, Let it Go.

For those of you who might be unfamiliar with the premise of Frozen, I'll fill you in a bit. Frozen is about a young princess named Anna, who goes on a quest to find her sister Elsa, who accidentally put the Nordic inspired kingdom of Arendelle into a deep freeze. With the help from realistic-and somewhat-grumpy ice seller Kristoff, his crazy reindeer Sven, and cheerful snowman Olaf, they journey to Elsa's ice palace to bring back summer...before everyone freezes.
 (Except Olaf, naturally.) 

But how much are Elsa and I really alike? Let's find out, shall we?

Maggie       

VS. 

Elsa

Now that we've met the contenders, LET THE GAMES BEGIN. So, uh, this may not be the easiest thing to read, but it was the easiest for me to format so you could read. Savvy?

MOVING ON.

Maggie:     

                                                                                    

                                                 -Cannot stand the cold                                                          

                    -Does not have ice powers (as far as she knows)                      

                 -Is not a princess (but let me have my delusions of grandeur, okay?)

                                          -Has a little brother: Kevin                                                   

                                             -Brown hair, brown eyes                                                    

                                         -Current profession: College student                                       

Elsa: 

   -"The cold never bothered me anyway..."

                                    -Is able to manipulate snow and ice. A blessing and a curse

 -Heir to the throne of Arendelle

-Has a little sister: Anna

 -White hair, blue eyes

 -Current profession: Queen

Similarities:

-Oldest sibling

-Likes the color blue

-Snowmen are fun

-We can both rock a braid. 

-Bound by other's expectations

-Strive for perfection

-Bottled up our feelings inside

  (to an unhealthy amount)

-We also don't fall in love easily

-But we love fiercely 

-Awkward at parties

-Awkward in general

-Musical numbers

 (Okay, trivia time. I have done musicals, and I can highlight that in another post, but the voice actress for Elsa, Idina Menzel, played the original Elphaba the Broadway musical Wicked, which happens to be one of my favorite musicals of all time! End trivia time.)

-A bit of a cold exterior towards new people 

(I'm working on this one.)

-INTROVERT. INTROVERT. INTROVERT.

What do you think? Am I actually quite a bit different from Elsa? What Frozen character can you relate to? Keep in mind that I may add more to this list if I come up with anything else.

But the movie itself. SO, SO EXCELLENT AND WONDERFUL. Ahhhhhh, the feels.

I'll leave you with some stills of this treasure. 

From left: Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf (top), Sven (bottom), Anna, Hans

Worth watching? DROP EVERYTHING AND GO SEE IT NOW. 

*Pictures do not belong to me.         

                          

My Soul Laid Bare

This is from my Facebook post today. I thought I should probably share on here too.

"This status is going to be rather long, so if you're just in the mood for light, carefree fluff, you have my full permission to keep scrolling. Okay. Now that that's out of the way...

This year, I've been learning to be vulnerable. It's a skill that doesn't come naturally to me. All my life, I've made it a purpose to bottle up my thoughts and feelings, never to share them. However, this year, especially the summer on, has changed me. I became a junior counselor at a youth camp. I built a water tank in a rural village on the other side of the world. Both adventures taught me a different lesson in dependence and vulnerability. 

Since I've come to college, I've decided to open myself more. More people have been exposed to my true personality (and survived, I may add). But tonight...Tonight my soul was laid completely bare. All those bottled up feelings of hate, frustration, fear, sorrow just came tumbling out between gasps and sobs on the sundeck of my dorm. With each word that cascaded from my lips, the wall of stone surrounding my heart, the one God has been chipping at for years, started to crumble. The story itself wasn't really long, but it was from the darkest corner of my heart of hearts. 

In my leadership program, we've been telling our life stories within our mentor groups. These are hard to tell and hard to listen to. Each life was full of so much hardship and pain. Since my #1 strength happens to be empathy (according to the Strengths Finder test we had to take upon admittance into Baylor), each story was torture. 

But at the same time, each story was beautiful. Because life is beautiful. Each day, breath fills our lungs because God has given us another day on this planet. Each day is a treasure, filled with adventure and promise. Although sometimes it doesn't seem like that at all. But our experiences and days have made us into something special. Who we are. 

I've learned that stories are meant to be shared. It hurts. Oh yes it does. But if we keep what made us become...well, us, hidden away, how are we going to be able to impact the lives of others? How can we change the world with the pieces of life we've been given if we tuck each into the blackest pit in the darkest corner of our soul? 

Life is beautiful, and I'm glad I've gotten to share mine with each and every one of you. I have been blessed by so many others, especially since arriving at college. For the first time since I was very little, my soul has been laid bare and raw out on the rocks. 

Coming to Baylor is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Because here...you can just B U. (Oh yes I did.)"



My eyes are still feeling gritty from sniffling all over the place. Yuck. 

7 Pros and Cons to Living in a Dorm

(This post can also be found here on the Baylor Admissions Blog! )

The prospect of living in a building with hundreds of adolescents is looming…Seniors in high school everywhere are getting nightmares. Dorm life? It can do that. Or can it? From living in my dorm at Baylor for around three months, I bring you a handy dandy list that should help you answer this question:

Is "dorming" worth it?

Let’s get those cons out of the way, shall we?

1.       Expense- Let’s face it. Everything about college is expensive, and dorms are no exception. You have to pay big bucks for so little amenities.

2.    Hygiene- Or lack therof. Everyone’s heard scary rumors about dorm bathrooms. Depending on what sort of dorm you live in, they may or may not be true. Vague, I know. If you live in a dorm with community bathrooms, where you share with you hall, they're cleaned out every day, but if you live in a suite style (like I do), you have to clean your own bathrooms. Yes, there are people who leave hair, trash, and other germs everywhere. Advice? Wear your shower shoes always always always.

3.      No privacy- Living in a huge building with other girls or guys really doesn’t include privacy in the package deal. A dorm is a community area. There are people everywhere. Even in your room, if you have a roommate (which you most likely will).

4.    Cramped- Dorms are all about efficiency. How much can you stuff into a little box? By the time you get unpacked, there’s barely room left to study or walk around. Storage bins can help with this, but you aren’t going to be living in the Taj Mahal either way.

5.       Lack of decorating freedom- Mostly an issue if you’re the artsy type, an aspiring interior decorator, or you just want to make the place feel like a home. Dorms can be quite picky about hanging things, or what can and cannot go on the walls. Also, again with the small space. You can only decorate so much.

6.       Roommate- I’m not saying having a roommate is a con. It can actually be a pro. I have a pretty cool roommate myself. The con is that if you have a terrible roommate, your life can become a living nightmare.

7.       Visitation hours- When you make friends that don’t live in your dorm, and you want to go check out their pad, and you have plans for the evening, and…oh wait. They can’t come over. Visitation hours. Plans ruined. Darn. I’m not going to rag on this one too much, because these hours help us to manage our time wisely, but sometimes they just get in the way.

But does this cloud have a silver lining? It sure does! It’s time for the pros!

1.       Location- Because of the close proximity to campus…ON campus itself, your commute time to classes or to the library is smaller than what it would be if you lived off campus! Which means more sleepy time! Also, you’re smack dab in the middle of everything going on around campus, so you don’t have to worry about missing out.

2.       Community- I never imagined that being in a dorm had such a great sense of community. Living with a bunch of other girls or guys (or both if you live in a co-ed dorm) builds strong friendships. You learn to rely on your floor mates and come to each other’s rescue. I can’t tell you how many great experiences I’ve had with the ladies who live on my floor. From swapping stories to snacks to t-shirts (I don’t own an orange t-shirt, okay?), being in the dorm has been a fantastic experience.

3.       Paid Utilities- You don’t have to worry about how much electricity or water you use! Also, plenty of dorms have cable and Wi-Fi. The dorm staff also take out the trash and clean the hallways and community bathrooms! How nice!

4.       Study Spaces- Roommates and suite mates too distracting? Need to get out of the room, but you don’t want to walk to the library? SPEAK NO MORE. Dorms often have little lounges or cozy corners tucked away where you can crack open the books or get to work on that paper that’s due tomorrow. Because you’re going to study. This is college.

5.       News- News flies fast around campus. While this can either be a good or bad thing, you’re always in the middle of things when you live in a dorm. Posters are hung everywhere, and usually one of the dorm mates has an idea of what’s going on.

6.       Don’t have to pack a lunch- While cooking a decent meal is an impossibility unless you use the community kitchen, meal plans often come with the dorm, so you don’t have to worry about making sure to pack a lunch before you dash out the door. True, you can get tired of cafeteria food, but there’s usually a variety of dishes to choose from!

7.       Activities- Nothing to do on the weekends besides homework? Dorms are great about providing movie nights, outings, and other fun activities throughout the year! And even if they don’t do things too often, there’s always the dorm mates to hang out with…they’re only a minute away!

Still on the fence about dorm life? Keep this in mind: Most colleges require freshmen to live a year on campus, so whether you like it or not, you get to experience dorm life for yourself (unless you happen to be a commuter, which is a whole different animal). But don’t get down in the dumps! Think of dorming as an adventure! You never know what will happen next in the dorms!

However, not everyone has the same experiences with their dorms, but don’t be discouraged! Even if your dorm is the scariest place on earth…you’ll survive! You’ll make it! And you’re not in it alone. Your roommate, hall mates, and dorm mates are going through the same thing! Plus, with all the craziness that is the college experience, you won’t be spending all your time in the dorm anyway.


Good luck, have fun, and enjoy the ride!

Disclaimer: All pictures are from Google and copyrighted to their respective owners. Because it's far too late at night for me to lurk around taking pictures of the local dorms. 

Thoughts On a Rainy Wednesday

This post isn't really a positive one, I'm afraid. I posted this anyway because I want to be real with you, Reader, so not only do you get to share my joys and triumphs, you get to experience my pain as well.

Usually I'm rejuvenated and refreshed by the rain, but today I just feel...melancholy. I'll even add another word to melancholy. Melancholy and discouraged. I don't know what it is about today. Maybe it's because I haven't been feeling too motivated as of late.

Perhaps my lack of productivity is getting me down. Or the fact that I had a Spanish test today. Either or.

Let me ramble about Spanish for a bit. I just need to pen this out. (Or type, in my case) I love languages, always have, and Spanish is no exception. It's just gorgeous to listen to and to speak. But the class...ugh. I tested into Intermediate Spanish. From three years of high school Spanish.

Let me describe this gap for you.

It's like someone dropped you in a foreign country all by yourself with no money, no technology, and no connections. All you have is a Spanish dictionary and the clothes on your back. Your objective? Make a million bucks by the end of the semester.

Frustrating? Thought so. I feel like all I do in that class is fail. And I hate to sound like a whiner, but it's true. No matter how hard I try, it isn't good enough for my professor. No matter how hard I study, no matter how much work I do, it doesn't even matter in the end.

Sorry to dump this all on you guys. I just need a vacation. But don't we all sometimes?

Saturday Therapy

Ah...Saturday. One of the best days of the week! And today it's all MIIIIINE. Okay. Perhaps not all mine...there's quite a bit of homework to accomplish, but, Reader, this Saturday is special!

I have the day off. 

What? What's that you just read? Maggie actually has free time?! Yes, yes, dear Reader! It's true! Although I love the hustle and bustle of college living, it's nice to get a whole day to just hang out around campus and catch up on some homework.

Although homework isn't really how I'd like to spend a Saturday, sacrifices must be made, and decent grades must be achieved.

Hope you had / are having a stupendous Saturday!

Homecoming Highlights 2013

As I procrastinate on my homework (pulling into the procrastination station is nothing unusual, my friends), I might as well bring you to speed on one of the craziest weekends of the year here at Baylor: Homecoming.

Quick Back Story Time. 

Baylor's homecoming is one of the oldest in the nation. The weekend is packed with activities for the whole family, including seeing the relics...excuse me, exhibit in the student union, various dinners, Pigskin Revue, the Bonfire/Extravaganza (think large pep rally), the colossal homecoming parade, the football game later that day, and of course, visiting our beloved live mascots, Joy and Lady. 

Don't pet the bears, kiddies. They bite. 

The Baylor University Golden Wave Band (we're called BUGWB, pronounced "bug wuhb", for short) traditionally performs at the extravaganza, marches at the head of the parade, and puts on a very special halftime show for the homecoming crowd, including the classic Script Baylor. 

That can be found here for your enjoyment. :) I am in the last little curlicue of the "r".

End Quick Back Story Time.

The main highlight would have to be seeing my family again. Honestly, I was a little nervous at first about meeting up with them, because I'd heard horror stories about families fighting after not seeing each other for a while, and that's not how I wanted to spend time with my parents and brother. 

The moment I saw them, though...I felt like a five-year-old on Christmas, filled with wonder and pure, elated joy. There were many hugs as we enjoyed lunch together before I had to dash off to my next class.

My parents took me out to a couple of meals over the weekend and brought me gifts, but that's nothing compared to the time I got to spend with them. I treasure my family's company even more now that I have less time with them. I was grinning from ear to ear when they invited me to spend Saturday night with them after the game.

Highlight number two would have to be as another color guardie and myself were waiting for a teammate outside of the bathroom. A young girl shyly wandered up to us. The first words out of her mouth were, "I wanna be just like you guys." The other guardie and I exchanged glances.

The girl continued, "I wanna spin at Baylor!"

We smiled, "Come and join us then! We'd love to have you!"

The corners of her mouth turned upward a little, "I'm only a sophomore in high school, but I want to be just like you. You're so good at guard; so beautiful and amazing. I loved every minute of the show." The girl then turned and disappeared into the mob of people milling around.

We were shocked. We had worked so hard on the routine, learning a lot of it only a few days before the performance. I had never thought that someone would actually be inspired by it. Motivates me to be be even better and work harder than before. I was honored, truly honored.

Okay, so this last little highlight is kind of embarrassing, and I know you're going to laugh at my total social awkwardness. So, as I was coming off the field after the halftime show, I looked up into the audience. There, looking back at me was a rather attractive curly haired blond guy. We locked eyes. 

He then proceeded to blow me a kiss. 

Then, waving slightly and pointing at me to be sure he had my attention (which he did), he blew me another one. 

My reaction? Turn Bob the Tomato red and disappear into the sea of plumes of the other band members as we headed off to our seats.

Why someone decided to blow me a kiss, I'll never know, but I'll tell you one thing. It sure was cute.

Then comes the downside to this weekend: My nasty ol' cold. I dragged myself through Saturday with an hour and a half of sleep (I must be Superwoman, or something), hacking, sniffling, rubbing my temples, and popping cough drops like crazy. Sunday was much the same, so my parents stocked my dorm with plenty of medicine.

AND COOKIES TOO, I MUST ADD.

Snickerdoodles are one of my weaknesses. (not that I should've ever admitted that one)

Woah, this was a long one. Props to you for making it this far. Did Baylor win the football game, you ask? OF COURSE! We're even ranked 6th in the nation at this point.

 I'll give you a little photo reel to wrap up this story.

Reunited! I love those guys. 

Prepare for trouble...and make it double.

Dramatic much?

Aaaaaand somehow my mom was able to mistake the dragon I was riding for a moose. 

Unamused owl is not amused. 

Bitter Cold with a Happy Ending

Hello, dear Readers! It's currently 2:18 in the morning, I've finished all my homework, and I have no desire to go to bed.

Today was one of those freezing-cold-with-a-gray-sky type of days. I was expecting it to be a little warmer, because it's Texas. In October. Oh, well. Nothing I can't handle.

Except for me, being the idiot that I sometimes am, decided to wear shorts this morning. 

I still really don't know what possessed me to think that shorts were a good idea. Maybe because I knew that I had color guard practice today...? But I survived. And changed into sweats the first chance I got. I proceeded to wear said sweats for the rest of the day (besides practice).

Where does that happy ending come from, you ask? Well, my guard captain, who gives me rides and feeds me tacos took me by Sonic where we ordered drinks to go. I was pretty thrilled; I never get to go to Sonic anymore!

On another note, my family is coming down this weekend! It's hard to explain just how excited I am, because I haven't seen these folks since August! Which, for me, is quite a long time. Two months, as a matter of fact.

Also this weekend? Homecoming. Probably one of the craziest times of the year here at Baylor. Between all the activities of the week and the return of the alumni and other visitors, Friday and Saturday are jam-packed with events, leaving no room to breathe.

But I'm excited. I've been to Baylor Homecoming before, but it's my first time as a student here. Plus, there's the fact that I get to march in the parade too. (Unfortunately, this means that I can't swing dance in the parade. My aerials partner is not amused.)

Have you ever seen a two in the morning face? 

Well, now you have. Now don't you feel edumacated? 

I really do need to get around to posting some real photography on here. Last weekend was Fall Break (aka "You get a Friday off! Plus your weekend! Yay!"), so while almost everyone went home to see their families, I got some photography practice in. Plus I tried a Whataburger burger for the first time.

I feel like an accomplished individual. Here's a shot from the trek to Whataburger.

Foreboding storm clouds as I cross over a six lane highway. Sounds like a mini-adventure to me!

A Letter to Gentlemen

Dear...well, Gentlemen,

I've really enjoyed going to a school in the south. Why? Well, one of the reasons is that there are so many of you around! All the time I see you opening doors for myself and others, as well as clearing my dishes on occasion and walking me to my dorm so I won't be alone on campus after dark.

I'm fully aware you don't have to do this. You don't really need to, but because you do anyway, I thank you.

I love seeing a spot of kindness to a stranger or a friend on any given day, even if it's a lousy one. It warms my heart to see people taking the time do something nice, whether it be out of goodwill, or because of how they're raised.

I read an amateur article recently about how girls are more attracted to the "bad boys", and how nice guys really do finish last. Guys, don't radically change your personality on the whims of one girl. Let her respect you and appreciate you for being...you.

Chivalry isn't dead. You guys are the ones keeping it alive. And all in all, you are helping to make the world a better place. Keep on keeping on, my friends.

Sincerely,
Me

How do you like the new layout?

I absolutely loved the picture I used for the background (I snapped that postcard shot while I was in Germany one spring), but I didn't like how it was multiplied, so I decided to give the ol' blog a fresh redesign! I hope you all like it! :)

Family Weekend

This past weekend at college was Family Weekend. Baylor planned a full schedule for families, making sure that everyone could spend quality time together. There was even a football game that weekend; the band planned the most kid-friendly show that we (I'm in the color guard, you know!) could possibly do: Pixar. (You don't even understand how excited I was when they announced the theme.)

It was the best show ever. One of my all-time favorites, really. Only one problem, though. My parents couldn't come down. However, since my cousin is a freshman here as well, I did get to chill out and have lunch with my aunt, uncle and cousins, so that was pretty enjoyable.

Here's the thing, though. When you live ten to eleven hours away from home, you don't get to see your family much. I haven't seen mine in a month. Believe it or not, this is the longest time that I've been separated from my parents and little brother. That's not too much of a problem, because I'm pretty busy with guard, LEAD, and a few other clubs. Not to mention the piles of homework I get every night. But...I miss my family.

At the game, I watched as all the other band members left with their families, or chatted excitedly about where they were going to eat, or what they were going to do next.  Kids were everywhere giggling, throwing footballs, chasing each other around, tugging on their parents' or collegiate sibling's shirts. I felt more lonely than ever.

But this little depressing tale does have a happy ending. I got to Skype with my family that night. It was refreshing to see their faces again. Even though I have a month left until I'm reunited with my loved ones, I know that the time's just going to fly by. In the meantime...I'm going to work on my swing dancing.

*Picture doesn't belong to me. It was stolen from  found on Google. Just giving credit where it's due!

Faraway Kindess

I am naturally not a very open person. I don't show too much emotion most of the time, and I don't share things with others unless I really want to. As an introvert, I have more of a reserved personality. However, at the beginning of the summer, I read a chapter in a loaned book from my mom about being vulnerable and opening up to others. I stopped reading that book after that.

I knew right then that the chapter had been written for me. But I was having none of that. I don't want to open up! I thought. I'm fine just the way I am. Nobody needs to know about me.

Dead. Wrong.

This summer, God put me on a mission to open up, to reveal more of my true colors instead of the stoic personality that I wrap myself in.

I became a junior counselor at a camp, I went to a foreign country to supply clean water to a village. People wanted to know what happened to me there. They wanted my stories, my pictures.

I was scared. I still am.

But let me tell you a story. This story really knocked my world into perspective.

It was raining on the first night of the job in Cambodia. My teammates were giggling and running into the storm. Not I. I was curled up on a cot, shivering with fever. I couldn't move, my eyelids were fighting to stay open. Eventually, after a sponge bath, my fever broke. That didn't mean I was better. Oh no. I was bedridden for three days, to weak to do much but sit up and eat. Even stumbling to the doors of the girls room for a breath of fresh air was a challenge.

What saved me? God's grace, Tylenol, and a couple of ladies I like to call the Mings.

The word "Ming" in the Khmer language is a term of respect that you use when you speak to a woman of superior standing. The English equivalent would probably be "aunt".

But over the course of the ten days I was at the job site, the Mings became so much more to me than aunts.

These ladies didn't even know me, but they jumped to my rescue anyway when I first became sick. They were the ones who gave me a sponge bath that first night. They helped me with things that I normally could do myself: bathing, eating, walking, even going to the bathroom was a struggle, yet they were patient as I struggled with basic daily activities.

They even held me as I sobbed in frustration, shaking with the fever and the effort. But one more thing.

The Mings couldn't speak my language, and I couldn't speak theirs. 

Even today, the thought still blows me away. They loved me like one of their own, even though I had never spoken much to them before. Just the amount of kindness poured out amazes me. I was forced to open myself up to complete strangers...and I was blessed beyond all I could have ever expected. The actions of the Mings inspired me.

I shared more. I talked more. I breached the boundaries of my shell.

It still isn't easy to talk to people I don't know, but if I can bring comfort and peace into someone's life like the Mings brought into mine, I could consider my days well spent.

 I haven't seen the Mings since this picture was taken. I miss them both very, very much. 

Childhood Dreams

When I was a kiddo living in Japan, there were many things that I got to do that many of my American peers never had the opportunity to experience. Riding a MAGLEV, for example. Or walking by a Power Ranger battle on the way to get groceries. I've never encountered Godzilla, though. But I digress. 

Near my house in Tokyo was a sports center. It was a place where you could drop by and work out. I'm thinking that it's similar to a YMCA here in the U.S. of A. Anyways, when I went, I would always peek into the windows of the gym to see if the local club was practicing the combat art of kendo. I would always wish to myself that someday, I could try something like that too.
What is kendo? Since I'm horrible at explaining things myself, I'll let Wikipedia fill you in. "Kendo is a modern Japanese sport/martial art, which descended from traditional swordsmanship and uses bamboo swords and protective armor. Today it is widely practiced within Japan and many other nations across the world."

Never beyond my wildest dreams did I ever think that I was going to get an opportunity to try kendo. On the way back to my dorm tonight, my heart was swelling in joy. 

Sometimes the things that are the most simple are the most beautiful. Even when they involve combat (did I mention that I also enjoy fencing?) 

Pictures copyrighted to their respective owners.

In Transition

I must begin with a sincere apology.

I'M SO SORRY! I'M SUCH A HORRIBLE BLOGGER FOR NOT UPDATING SOONER. 

But I'm back.

I've waited so long to post because I don't even know how to describe the events in my life over the past month. There's just so much substance there. I'm still reeling.

First of all, I'd like to say that everyone came back from that trip alive. As everyone seems to be posting on social media of our location, I'll go ahead and let you all know where I've been.

Cambodia. Beautiful Cambodia.

That trip changed my life in ways I never thought possible. Our objective was to build a water tank for a rural village, to bring people basic medical care, and to teach hygiene. Even though I was there for only two weeks, it felt like a lifetime. I probably will dedicate many future posts to my adventures, but I have to move on to another topic of importance...

That would be college.

Yes, I've made the move to Baylor University, and I've been living here for almost two weeks. Today was my first Friday. I have one more class, though, that I need to be getting ready to leave for, as it's on the COMPLETE OTHER SIDE OF CAMPUS.

Previews for future posts!

Missing this little rascal today! He visited my hammock when I was trying to nap off sickness.

Collegiate guard freshmen!

Friends from Line Camp in June. 

My hair was a common place to place various local Cambodian flora.

These crazy transitions have kept the blogging on hold, but I plan to be more active in the future! Thank you for sticking with me!

(And all those page views! Wow!)

Less Than 24 Hours and Counting

My time in America is dwindling to a rapid conclusion...until the month of August that is. So I will be back in a couple of weeks to shed some light on my journey!

I've hinted at this trip before...Where am I going?

I quite can't tell you at this time. For two reasons, in fact. One, because I'm not completely sure where I will be going in that particular country. Two, because it's for security reasons. Thank you for your understanding, though.

However, I can tell you this. It's in Southeast Asia. So it's pretty hot and rainy at this time of year. Your thoughts and prayers are always, always appreciated.

But where shall the trip begin? In a two hour van ride to the closest international airport at two in the morning. Like I said, your thoughts and prayers are always, always appreciated. Mornings are...not my thing.

But travel and service are. See you all in a couple of weeks!





On a similar note, my fellow travelers: Ever wonder what the best and worst airports in the world are? Travel + Leisure's article can be found here.

Remember Those Graduation Pics I Promised?

And I didn't actually post because I forgot was caught up in the madness?

Now you remember? Okay. Good. Here they are.

 

Our school's new tradition: Seniors each get a block of their own to paint.
Unfortunately, our bricks will be painted over in two years. Oh, well. Not everything can last forever. 

My own brick. Painting isn't my strong suit. 

Academia runs in the family, as my dad's a prof at our local Baptist college. (And no, I didn't actually wear that to my grad party) 

Me and the cake.

And it was only the best cake ever.

Me stumbling walking across that stage.

A random assortment of friends near the end of my grad party. 

More adventures to come!

Photo credits to Mom on...almost all of these pictures. Thanks, Mom!

Thespians in the Park

After camping out at my house for a few days, some friends of mine from my high school's drama department decided to chill and enjoy a picnic at our local park. Throughout the school year, my senior year responsibilities and my work load were staggering, so I never got to see my friends all too much. Luckily, being very lovely and understanding people, they put up with my elusive habits.

After days of not seeing my friends, I was ready for some social time. That's saying something, considering my introverted personality. So I grabbed a veggie tray, some chips, my camera, and my little brother (who does theatre just like his sister) and drove to the park.

Unfortunately, when we arrived, no one was there. So we drove loops around the park, most likely convincing the people there that we were some shady characters. Our little group of seven ( and that's not all of us) met up and set out the meal.

It was so relaxing to be in familiar company. Sometimes it's the little things that are the most wonderful. Even when the little party got crashed by some water balloon throwing classmates, it was still a refreshing change. I'm really going to miss this when I go to college.

After dinner, we just wandered around, and since I brought my little point and shoot camera, we managed to get in some crazy photos as well.

You can tell that we're experienced in many forms of expression.

My brother commandeers my sunglasses for a minute.

Who's that weird kid on the end of the see-saw? Oh, wait. That's me.

Oh, hello Readers. :)

I will have you know that these fine individuals are hide-and-seek champions.

More see-saw hijinks.

Group picture! 

This Song Is Stuck In My Head...

...and once you give it a listen, it'll be in yours too! Muhahahaha!


Here you go. Enjoy.



You can't just foil my plans by not listening, though. You're curious, and you know it. I mean, you really won't know what song it is until you click the link. It's eating away at you right now, and since the song itself is only about two minutes long, you know that it won't waste too much of your life. You're just being stubborn. Come on. Just click it! You know you want to!


Yes, I'm making you suffer. Making sure that catchy songs are stuck in your head is my job as a blogger. What? It's not? Hmph. Be that way, then. I'm only doing this for your own good, Reader!

All righty, then, Reader. I have a question for you. Is there a song that you'd like to get stuck in my head? Or just a song that you like in particular? Either way, I'd love to hear it!

'Merica Converse, Lanterns, Kiddos, and Fireworks

July 4th, 2013. Happy Birthday to my country of origin, the good ol' US of A! Hope you all had a fantastic day as well! Be warned: This is a rather photo-heavy post! But I never said that that was a bad thing. :)

The local airport sent out some planes for a fly-by.

Silly Daddy!

Parachuter proudly flying the colors in his decent.

The trick to capturing Sawyer is to sneak away while he's not looking, call his name, and when he turns around, snap the picture!

He was excited about everything in the skies that night.

Caught him attempting to hotwire the car!

Mom and Kevin breaking from the festivites.

Sawyer in the smoke.

 

My color guard show last fall was patriotic. To go with our Rosie the Riviter outfits, our band director got us shoes. They certainly come in handy this time of year. 

Me and my friend Samantha.

And so it begins...

Who doesn't love a sparkler on a warm summer's night?

Lighting a paper lantern.

 

"And at last I seeeee the liiiiiiight!" Whoops. Having a Tangled moment there. Back to the pictures!

Uh...Guys? I wouldn't run under that thing if I were you...

There it goes!

 

 

HEY. Wait a minute...What's that doing in here?! Just making sure that you're paying attention!

More pictures to come. But not of me (thank goodness).

Yes, that's a firework too.

 

Postscript: Fireworks, or 花火 (hanabi) are some of my absolute favorite things in the world!