Instagram Weekend

This weekend was a tiring but incredible whirlwind.

First up, Gattitown lock in Friday night. I stayed up all night (crazy for me!) and hung out with some middle schoolers. It was absolute chaos, but I loved every minute of it. I didn't get home and get in bed until 8 AM Saturday morning, and then slept soundly until about 12:45. I have a ton of studying to do, so I couldn't waste my entire day sleeping. Pictured is my friend and one of my roommates for next year, Megan. She's hilarious! She is a current leader at Jane Long Middle School. We were on "girl's room" duty around 5AM that morning so we made makeshift beds to rest. It's pretty safe to say we were incredibly delirious. Just ask Calvin about my feeble attempts at doing the Wobble in my craziness. It wasn't pretty!

 I went on a walk around my neighborhood per usual when I started getting dozy studying. I figured some fresh air would help to wake me up and get me back in study mode. A street over is a guinea hen hang out. Real talk. These guineas just roam the streets and meander through the allys. I got pretty close to these little guys before they got too scared. This yard has one of those yellow signs in it that says "Guinea Crossing". Only in College Station, folks.

While on my walk, I also say this little guy singing away in the trees. He looked so happy and was certainly enjoying the beautiful weather. Not to mention his picture perfect pose.

This morning I ran my second half marathon, the Armadillo Dash! I hate to say it, but I didn't really train at all for this, which I could definitely feel while I was running. This half wasn't nearly as fun as my OKC one last May, but it was still a good experience. I beat my last race time by ten minutes, which was my only goal. So I consider it a success. This was both mine and Hayden's second race. His mom and sister ran today, too.

No sleep Friday night and the half this morning have left me achey and exhausted. My knees are throbbing, and I am currently walking more like a duck than the normal. My little achey limbs! I have three tests this week so there is no time for a nap, but on the bright side, one week and it's spring break for me!

I hope everyone has a great start to their week!

Oh, an update on roommate situations. I found out this morning that the two girls that were thinking of living with us are signing! So that makes 6 Young Life girls in one house. It's going to be awesome. I am so blessed!

Happenings.

Syllabus week. There is nothing better, really. Except when your professor starts lecturing that day. I know, I know-- wahh. At least I do not have Friday classes. Sleep in today, check! The weather in College Station has been absolutely glorious. I mean, 70 degrees in January? Ok, yes! Anywho, here is what has been going on in my life lately.

While I was home, Millie liked to snuggle. Made it hard to get out of bed, you know?

Hayden is taking his MCATs in a week, so we had a little study date at Barnes and Noble. I ate some Godiva chocolate cheesecake and read lots of magazines. I feel so classy. He has some dedication and I have, well, a sugar high.

I got a new car that I absolutely love! It's a Subaru Forester that is kindly called the Forest Ranger thanks to Hayden's brother. I am so blessed that my parents gave my sister and me the gift of a new car our sophomore years of college. I can now pretend that I live in Colorado or Minnesota, because everyone and their dogs drives a Subaru in those states. It's also being outfitted with a roof rack that I bought with all my earnings from working over the break. Pictures when that is finally assembled (Avengers?!) Also, my mom got me luggage for my birthday in October (remember how I used to come home for the holidays?) and I think it's her dream for this to be my life. I can't say I disagree. One step closer Momma, one step closer.

I bought a new headlamp which is one of my other new favorite things. This is a celebratory picture I sent to Hayden (because we are dorks). I was greeted by a nice little Moosejaw package when I came back to College Station. Nice timing on my part, yes? Also, behind me is a shot of my room. I hope to do a little house tour soon. Problem is there are still some things that need to be completed!

I made some yarn and twig flowers for our living room on Monday. They took all of 10 seconds and look so neat. I will put up a little tutorial of my own soon.

Otherwise, last night we had an A&M Pine Cove Ranch get-together at Rosa's. I am so excited for this summer to be here. I met some wonderful people and cannot wait to get to know them better. We called the new Ranch director and left a sweet little voice message saying "We're the ranch, WHOOP!" Gotta represent the best college in the world, right? Really though. This summer is going to be such a blessing in so many different ways, and I cannot wait to see how the Lord is going to use me and all the other staffers.

I got to spend a little time with my silly roommates last night for some fro-yo. Delish. It makes it better that Katie (what up, girl!) loves sprinkles just as much as I do. They are the bomb.

Have a most fantastic weekend, my friends!

What I'm Diggin' No. 2

Let's start with my jam for this week.... it's a tie between this Sara Bareilles cover of Little Lion Man (make sure to listen starting around 2:35) and one of my favorite winter songs, rightly named The Winter Song. November starts tomorrow (crayyyy!) so it's right about time for me to bust out the Christmas tunes!

I have a hard time eating my green vegetables, so when Emily told me about spinach smoothies she makes, I gave it a try. Let me tell you. They are wonderful. I can't even taste the spinach. In order to prevent my strawberries/bananas/kiwis/pears from going bad (I make about 2 smoothies a week) I precut all my fruit and freeze it--- an idea I first saw here. I will put up a quick recipe in the next day or so.

I really, really, really, really hope that one day I can see the Northern Lights. Apparently on October 24th there was a huge light show stretching from Canada to Arkansas.

This might be the most wonderful thing I have ever read.

It's about time for wooly sock weather. This whole board makes me giddy. I can't get enough of my maroon and grey striped socks. These things rock. Wonderful wooly goodness when my toesies get a little frozies.

The Holiday was being played on the Lifetime channel yesterday afternoon. Need I say more? Yesterday was just asking for me to be a lazy bum all day.

Playing broom ball and scavenger hunts (or duck calling) with a ton of friends from Young Life in Brazos valley.

An interesting article from National Geographic about Food Arks and their importance as we keep climbing in number. Current population of the world as I type? 7,000,054,385. Yes, a seven, not a six.

And lastly, I love me my ENO and hanging out in it with this guy!

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. Isaiah 40:28

Sweet Summertime

With classes starting tomorrow, I figure there is no better time for a recap on all the things that went on in my life this summer.

In June my parents and I took a trip to Minnesota for a family reunion. My dad is a Chippewa Indian, and his parents live on the reservation there. It borders Lake Superior and is beautiful. There are waterfalls all along the border of MN and Canada which was such an incredible this to witness. The falls were HUGE.

I officially became an Aggie just a few days before July. It was quite an ordeal. I found out I was denied admission one day, and then literally the very next day, I was accepted. Crazy, crazy stuff. God was definitely present and working in my life those hours. My mom and I made this sign to surprise my dad when he arrived home from work. And Gus is DEFINITELY an Aggie!

After Hayden was done with his Pine Cove term, we spent many a nights hanging out in our hammock. I cannot wait until cooler weather so Hayden and I can continue our hammock swinging. Methinks there isn't anything better.

In July, my family+Hayden took a trip to Destin. We had not been since my dad turned 50 a few years ago so it was great to be by the sea again. We had such an amazing time with eachother. It makes me wish we were all closer together to enjoy eachother's silliness!

And finally, something INCREDIBLE INCREDIBLE INCREDIBLE. My beautiful sister, pictured above, is expecting! I've already been dubbed Uncle Bean (I don't even know) and cannot wait to meet this little bob. It feels like yesterday we were playing swaddling clothes and holding our cats over washing machines. And now, I am about to be an aunt. CRAY. If you want to see the coolest baby announcement video EVER, follow [this] link to Em's blog. Not only is it one of my favorite songs, but one of Em and my favorite games as little girls. This lil' guy/girl is the luckiest thing ever.

So there is my summer recap. I am so excited for this year to unfold. I am already having a blast in College Station and can't even imagine how crazy fun football season will be. Until next time.

I've been itching for a day out kayaking for a while now. I really enjoy being in the water and kayaking/canoeing. Because HJP is not home for a while, I wasn't sure who would go out a kayak with me (because let's be real, that's not something normal people often do!) But I have two awesome friends who ventured out to Tyler State Park with me Wednesday for a kayak trip! We packed our lunches for a picnic and had a great time!

Comrade number one. Brown sugar oatmeal.

Partner number two. Tandem kayak partner!

Sweet, sweet friends!

Always repping the MJ! And my great paddle partner. 

I wish you weren't leaving me for Arkansas!

Getting all indie on me!

I'm really wanting to buy an inexpensive kayak for the summer to take out to Lake Tyler/Palestine. My family thinks I am crazy... and let's be real. There is probably a little truth to that. But if I end up at A&M, there is a lake 12 miles away from my house. Perfect opportunity for fall and spring! Yes, it may be impractical, which is why chances of it happening are slim to none. But if I find something on Craigslist for cheap, or decide that I really want to do it after much thinking, I might! I'm not betting on it. Maybe when I'm older. Or in a month. Ish whatevs!

Things I love:

Getting out of my SECOND to last French class ever and hearing I won a scholarship! Even better, they surprised my dad at work with balloons, a cookie cake, and iTunes gift card! Thank you Peltier!

Selling my chemistry book back. I expected about $40.... received a whopping $104! Now I can replace my watch that was ruined at my race (not something I love).

Someone is officially taking over my lease for next year! This has been a HUGE sigh of relief. I was not wanting to be stuck here just because I can't get out of my lease. God answers prayer, for sure!

I have a practical in biology today. Of course I am studying, but you know what? What happens, happens! Just get me outta there!

Now the only thing I am waiting for is a "HIRED!" Hopefully my string of luck will continue today! I am planning on biking to Target after my practical for a little relief and a miniature shopping spree (think buying a new watch and maybe some edamame and extra sharp cheese.... this is how crazy I get!)

A happy picture to brighten up your week. This picture just makes me smile.

[Found here]

I hope you are all having a great week! It's a busy week for me, but the fact that I am going home soon is getting me through it!

One time I wrote a poem and it got published in a book. This... isn't it.

Butterflies in your buttonholes
The crust of a french-man
So much noobiness abounds
In you, Goofy Dan.

You jerk, but aren't a jerk
Munch your Scooby snacks galore
Sneaky signatures by Higgins
No letter is a bore

The Chacs- you wear 'em.
You rock the headband with much ease,
You're makin' everyone ask you
"Can I be granola like you, please?"

You are fooled by my freezes
Although you'll never admit
You're initials=wizard and
You're charming like Flitwick.