Start of the Holiday's

I can't believe it is already Thanksgiving, but I am not complaining! I LOVE the Holiday season..all the joy, families, parties, gifts, food, cozy weather, movies- for me the list goes on and on.


Today, for Thanksgiving, I have been challenged to think of 12 nontraditional/cliche things I am thankful for. I had 24hours to think of them. It is so easy for us to simply thing family, friends, and health but how often do we really stop and search for things we are thankful for. I have accepted the challenge and my 12 things are:


1. Yasmeen who has taught me the true meaning of life & what it means to love someone more than yourself.
2. Every bad/hard moment this year that has strengthened my faith or perseverance.
3.The moon& stars and the sunrises&sunsets.
4. The ability to run
5. Sanae Shea, Traci Runge, and Nadia Saadi-Three amazing women who have taught me to be the best me
6.Zumba!
7. All the kids I babysit for, because they have each taught ME something important
8. Peace, freedom, and the protection our military gives us
9. The opportunity to receive a higher education
10. My two cultures that help me out of ignorance
11.
12.


My last two are still to come:) I challenge you to come up with 12 unique things to be thankful for as well.


This morning I am watching the famous and incredible Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I love watching this each year the magical feeling of it and the way it really kicks off the holiday season. I can't wait to feast with my family tonight...good food and company always makes for a fun night.


Happy Thanksgiving to you all...be safe black Friday shoppers:)


Feasting, Family, Friends...


Dream Big
-xoxo-

A Single Step Can Change a Life

This evening I witnessed one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. Not a great dance on DWTS, not a beautiful Nebraska sunset, not a cheesy YouTube video, but something even GREATER- my niece's first steps by herself. Not only was it my niece's first steps, it was my first time watching an infant take their first steps. It's always in movies and always thought of as being "exciting", "cute", or a "milestone". However, today I learned it is such much more than that. It is exhilarating watching the determination of the child, it is happiness knowing that the child is growing so quickly, it is pride knowing you were the one to help her take her first steps independently. Tonight I witnessed life. I learned what a "moment" truly is. I learned that no matter how small, the littlest things in life might have the biggest rewards.  Of course she is only my niece, however I love her more than I ever imagined. I can only imagine the excitement to come with my own children (not anytime too soon, that is!).

"I will never let you fall, I'll stand up with you forever, I'll be there for you through it all...even if saving you sends me to heaven." - Your Guardian Angel lyrics

Kisses, hugs, and tickles, nothing beats a baby's giggle!

Dream Big
-xoxo-

19 with Big Dreams and Clueless Realities

       This past week I registered for my Spring semester of classes. With all the credit I have taken, I will graduate in 3 more semesters. THREE!!!! I always said I wanted to graduate in 3 to 3 1/2 years but I never imagined how quickly they would roll by. Now I am on my hunt for a GREAT school in a BIG CITY to continue on for my Master's Degree. But all at the same time I have that nagging thought of Is Speech and Language Pathology even for me!?
      Don't you see?! I have these big dreams of finishing school, moving out of the house, and becoming successful. I think KNOW they are possible but are they real? In a year and a half my niece, my love, my precious Bean, my oxygen, my everything, my little bundle that changed my life will ONLY be 2 1/2 years old. Will I be ready to leave her? Is California/New York going to be ALL I've dreamt it to be? Are these the things holding me back...or are they the motivation pushing me on?


       On top of that thought I have my forever, nagging parents, that for some crazy, neurotic reason think I must get married...NOW!! Don't get me wrong...I have my "fairytale wedding" all planned out, I WANT to get married. However I would prefer to do it on my OWN time, with my OWN man!


       Well now that I got that off my chest...there has been some good to life too!
This past weekend I became a Licensed Zumba Instructor. The 9 hour training was NOT what I expected. It was SO much MORE fun! The training was an INCREDIBLE experience...I met so many ladies, loved my instructor, and learned so much. I am excited to start this new adventured. But once again more decisions on where to teach, when to teach, and how often I have time to teach! There is a party coming..I just haven't exactly been invited!


"No one else can ever make your choices for you. Your choices are yours alone. They are as much a part of you as every breath you will take, every moment of your life.” - Dr. Chad H.
I guess I better start making some choices!


Choose Wisely...


Dream Big
-xoxo-

Been Awhile

WOW! I can't believe how busy I have been. It has definitely been a while since I have posted but I guess that's not really a big deal.


This semester has been crazy busy and hasn't slowed down for a day. I am SO thankful we got to go on vacation before things picked up, it was amazing, relaxing, and just what I needed. Between 17hours, a new job at KRave Underground, tutoring, babysitting, joining and leading clubs, and being a taxi driver...life has had me on the move every minute of every day.


Last week my precious precious niece left to visit Israel for 3 weeks. It was one of the hardest things I've encountered in my life. It is so hard to say "cya" to someone so special who doesn't even know what is happening. I am coloring her a picture each day she is gone and also putting song lyrics on my FB status. I miss her tons & the littlest things remind me of her. 17 more days...


It's amazing that October is already here! I love the fall weather as much as I do every other season:) Pumpkins, football, sweatshirts, coffee, chili, and great running weather...it's simply FALL-bulous!


Breezy, Busy, and Beautiful ;)
Dream Big
-xoxo-

A Start

This was my last weekend of summer break! One would think it was celebrated in some way with parties, friends, or something worth talking about; but it was not. Friday I helped a friend move into her dorm. Something I have never personally experienced and after that hassle made me grateful I don't have to! Saturday I babysat and Sunday was spent with family.

College life can be described in so many ways. They say that everyone is going through nearly the same thing; however that is wrong in so many ways. Athletes, students who stay in the dorms, students who get an apartment, students who live at home, older students, younger students, frats & sororites....everyone has their own experience and their own way of describing what college is like to them. I realized this, this weekend. For a student who lives at home, with strict parents (and a curfew) I don't get that full "college experience". Never will I be able to look back and say 'thank God I learned my lesson that night'. In the end, however, my path will lead me exactly where I am meant to be. Whether with sorority sisters or not.

Today was the first day of the Fall semester. I've always been the nerd who enjoys the first day of class. Fresh supplies, new teachers, new friends, familiar friends, and just getting back into the groove of things. With 17 hours I think I will be quite busy. This semester I am starting to get more into my major and only hope that I have choosen the right path.

Today was another start. Good luck to all of those who started school today.

Focus, Friends, and Food...that's what college is about, right?

Dream Big
-xoxo-

Motivation

Today was the 5th Annual Elizabeth Stratton Memorial Run.  This whole week I kept debating whether or not I would be able to run. Since March, when I hurt my foot, I haven't been running too often and not very long. I decided that I would run with a friend who has just begun her "running journey".  As the race began, we started at a decent pace. I thought "This is perfect. Running for Lizzie & not hurting my foot." We made it to the first LizzieQuote that was along the route and I knew that Lizzie would have given it her all no matter what. So I stuck with my friend for the first 1/2 of the race. I asked her if she would be alright with me kicking up the pace & coming back for her at the end. She understood.

The second half of the race was something I really didn't expect. I picked up my pace, gave it my all, ran for my Angel, and forgot the pain. I finished stronger and sooner than I imagined. Even after finishing and my ankle numb from pain, I turned around and went back for my friend. Because I knew that Lizzie would leave nobody behind.

After finishing the race and cheering for those who were still finishing, I could barely step on my foot. I ended up getting first in my age group (which was very unexpected). I knew it only happened and I was only able to do it because of a special angel. Lizzie.

Motivation isn't natural. It is a small seed planted inside of us, waiting to be watered by something greater than ourselves. For that is how it grows and becomes a strength we strive off of.  Lizzie Girl watered my seed of motivation and has taught me to give it my all, every day, and every chance. 

Dream Big
-xoxo-

Summer Memories

This weekend was just a fun "summer weekend". It started Thursday afternoon when my friend and I went "canoe-ing". The water was beautiful we just got to relax under the hot summer sun talking about our futures and reminiscing on our past. Friday night my "wifey" aka my best friend and I went to the Eric Church concert. It was absolutely the best, most fun concert I have EVER been to. Eric Church was a GREAT performer and the crowd was awesome. I met quite a few people but also knew many people that attended the concert. It was a wild and fun night!

For the rest of the weekend, I spent it with my younger cousins. Four boys, ages 12, 13,14, and 15. They were quite the entertainment. I took them canoe-ing, we rented movies, got ice cream, went go karting, and went bowling. They are a happy bunch and it was fun spending time with family. Two of the boys are from Omaha so we are trying to show them a good "Kearney time" while they are here. We have plans for the whole week!:) Hopefully I can keep up with these boys.

The only down side of this weekend was that my sister, brother-in-law, and niece were out of town. They had such a great time on their vacation but I have missed my niece wayyy to much! I can't handle that. :)

It was a weekend of friends, family, blue skies, summer stars, and laughs. Hope the rest of the summer continues to be as great.

Cherish these barefoot blue jean nights:)

Dream Big
-xoxo-

Just Remember

This weekend one of my best friends got in a car accident. She is very fortunate and did not get too injured. She was definitely in the arms of God. It just made me realize that even though the summer life is exciting and fun, we still need to take caution while having fun and always remind those we love how much they mean to us.


Other than that, my weekend was pretty eventful!! Saturday night I served a close friend's 40th birthday party. This lady is one of a kind and absolutely fantastic. The way she lives life is amazing and she deserved such a great party. After the party, my friends and I went to Cruise Night (an annual event where college students party and others show off their old cars). It was pretty wild but definetly a good time seeing all my friends from high school and college!! Sunday afternoon I took my younger cousin canoeing at a nearby lake--it was quite the adventure!


With the ups and downs and excitments of summer, just remember to be thankful for what we have in our lives!

Dream Big!
-xoxo-

Summer Days

Wow--this heat is something else. But I LOVE it. The summer sunshine. Kids in swimsuits. Lemonade stands. Bike rides. Long runs. Pools. Windows down. Music loud. Water fights. Ice Cream dates. Sexy guys. Tan lines. What's not to love about this weather? (besides broken A/C units) I don't know what it is; but something about the sun shining just inspires me to get up and make the best out of life.


I spent the beautiful day outdoors with my younger cousin today. We went on a 6mile bike ride. We followed a trail next to a lake, it was so pretty!....there were also MANY MANY hills. After that we washed my car, which was quite the epic fail and we ended up going through a real car wash right after:)


Hope tomorrow is just as beautiful! Enjoy the weather...soak up the sun & all the fun!


Dream Big
-xoxo-

Just a start...

I've been debating whether or not to start a blog for a few months now. I've had a lot of people telling me I should, but now I am breaking down my walls and we'll see what happens.

It is 12:50am. Usually I am in bed now; however, I was talking to a friend and was about to go to sleep with a smile on my face. It made me realize how good life is right now. Today I went to the gym and had a great workout, then went to church with my family, went to my cousin's surprise birthday party, and then hung out with a close friend. It was a great day that made me realize how great things have been for me. I can only pray that my life continues to stay so blessed.

We often take for granted the lives we have. But remember to stop and look around, things could be a lot worse.

Dream Big
-xoxo-