A long journey and giveaway time!

Well, I was suppose to be guest posting on another blog today. I guess that is no longer happening. I understand that things happen in life, and some we can control, but some we cannot, but that sort of irks me. I spent a good amount of time working on that post and really didn't have much energy for it.


Yesterday was the first day I didn't have anything to do. Literally, nothing. I haven't experienced that in a few years. I went to the grocery store. That's it. Graduate school is officially over. In 4 days I will walk across the stage in my Hogwarts-like cap and gown and have my name read as earning a Master of Arts in School Counseling. If you had asked me when I graduated high school if I was going to get a Masters degree, I would have looked at you and said "huh?" I went to Florida State with the intention of becoming a high school English teacher. In high school, I earned my high school diploma as well as an International Baccalaureate diploma. The IB programme was a rigorous college prep program and when I earned that diploma, it helped me begin my freshman year of college with 30 credits. So, on day one of college, I was really starting out as a sophomore.

High school graduation - May 2006

By the end of freshman year, and then almost classified as a junior, I had no idea what I wanted to do. But, with almost 60 credits at that point, I was accepted into the College of Education. Funny enough, the only time I ever stepped foot in that building was to chat with my advisor about changing my major. I didn't officially make that change until right before my junior year began. Sophomore year is what I refer to as the "dark days." I was really depressed. I saw a counselor. I wanted to move home. I wanted to quit going to school. Thank goodness my Mom encouraged me to keep going. I registered for a lesser number of classes and kept with it. My GPA was terrible. Embarrassing, even. I never earned below a C- though. The summer before my 3rd year at FSU something finally clicked. I went into my junior year with my head held high. I switched my major to Family and Child Sciences. I started studying and caring about school. I worked my butt off. I credit this change a little to myself but a lot to my best friend J who was working her butt off in school. I realized if I worked hard, I could do well.

Me and J

In my junior and senior years of college, I only earned one C, in an 8 a.m. class of course. During my senior year, I made it on the Dean's list. I was really proud of myself. I became more involved in extracurricular activities and joined RENEW, a peer counseling group that worked closely with the University Counseling Center. I did one-on-one peer counseling and gave presentations to student groups. I put in over 100 hours of community service in my senior year alone. All while making (almost) straight A's. I earned a B that year in public speaking which was my least favorite class. I graduated with my best friend which was something I had not expected a couple of years before.

During my last semester I began applying to graduate programs. I really wanted to stay in Tallahassee, but unfortunately FSU had done away with their School Counseling program. I applied to their Mental Health Counseling program anyway, but was not accepted. So I looked at the university back in my hometown: FGCU. When I was a senior in high school, I wanted to move as far away as possible, while still remaining in Florida. After 4 years of being away from my family, I was ready to come back home. I applied for the School Counseling program, had a phone interview, and was accepted to begin in the Fall of 2010.

It's so hard to believe that the picture above was taken exactly 3 years ago. So much has changed in my life. I can't wait to see what the next 3 years bring.


Now, for the giveaway! This giveaway is brought to you by Natalie, blogger of At Home With the Hinkleys. I have loved working with her this month. She has a Meet and Greet post on her blog today. Be sure to go check it out! And now, enter away!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's my dawg's birthday!

Not sure why but that song popped into my head this morning when I woke up. Now it's stuck there until I find a new one. Song suggestions are much appreciated.

Today marks a very special day! 23 years ago our family welcomed my little brother into the world, and he made our little family complete.

Happy birthday, B!

I can't believe how quickly you have grown up and matured into a handsome, young man. It seems like just yesterday I was changing your diapers, playing with you outside, learning how to play tennis with you, driving you to school each day, watching you graduate high school, going to football games with you, living with you in Tallahassee.... I'm so proud of you! I'm writing this post to you, even though I doubt you read my blog. Maybe Mom will show it to you. Either way, I want you to know you are loved. Despite how much we fight, argue, and get on each others' last nerve (yes, at 23 and 24 we still do that) I have always got your back and I know you have got mine. I am so happy that we have shared just about every one of our life experiences together. Even when you try to offer your ticket to my graduation to other people, I know you wouldn't miss it for the world. 

I love you, you little bird chaser.

high five for friday (8) and baby, don't stop

                                                                    Source: imaginationforbreakfast.com via Angela on Pinterest

I came across this on Pinterest the other day and loved it. I tend to be cautious in life and have been especially closed off the past few years. I have decided to stop doing that and just jump in with both feet - keeping in mind not to jump into shallow waters and get hurt. I just think you can't wait around forever or for what is 100% right, or you will be waiting a long time and might miss out on a great opportunity.

Enough personal philosophy for today. 

1. I drove out to my family's land this week. There is something about the country that brings a smile to my face and makes me feel good all over. We own a lot of land on a road that is named after my great-great grandfather. So, I'm famous. My last name is on a street sign. It's pretty cool. My grandma owns the cows but each of my cousins and I got one when we were born. I grew up on this land. I spent my summer's with my grandma and brother here running around the pasture. 

2. I went to a rock concert! (Somewhat) embarrassing confession: I have been to a handful of concerts in my life. Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, and Kenny Chesney are the ones I remember. That might be it. Going to concerts is definitely on my bucket list. I had a blast at this one. I really want to go to a country concert next. Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan...and the list goes on.

3. Strawberry Margarita nail polish!

4. As bittersweet as it is, I have one week left at my internship; and my graduation countdown is 15 days!

5. Last night was my last night of class ever and our professors took us out for appetizers to celebrate after we met on campus. It is so exciting to be done! Class next Wednesday? No, I think I'll hit up ladies night!

Have a lovely weekend!

Now, groove to this old school slow jam....



Link ups:

high five for friday (7) & gator boots

1. This photo tells so much about my happiness at the moment. 

First: I am just 2 hours away from my total number of hours needed at my internship this semester. That's right, just 2 more hours! Second: I need 48 total group hours and am just 5.5 away from that number. Third: I only needed 120 direct hours and I have 133. Pure joy over here right now! This internship has been a lot of hard work, and now on to my second "high five"....

2. I couldn't have survived my past two internships without my amazing supervisor. Long story made short: I had a terrible first internship experience at a high school in 2011. My supervisor was nasty and could have cared less if I learned anything. I ended up having to switch internship sites in the last month in order to reach my mere 100 hours of internship. My supervisor for my past 2 internships (R) is such a wonderful person with the biggest heart. She has advocated for me in a million different ways and done everything in her power to make sure I reach my designated number of hours and also learned a great deal about what school counselors really do. Yesterday, we had some quiet moments between the two of us and it was truly awesome. I'm so happy to have made a lifelong friend in this process.

3. I got to see my cousins, aunts, uncle, and Granny over the weekend. Sadly, it was to attend a funeral, but we had a nice dinner together after the service...during which I broke the news about my tattoo. Granny was not a fan, to say the least. 

4. Pardon my language in that picture, but I partied pretty hard Friday night. I had a blast, but hated myself the next day. For the past 3 years, I haven't done anything like that. It was nice to let loose and have some fun for the first time in years. 

5. Today is a jeans day! Seriously, it's about the little things in life... Looking forward to the weekend and a possible beach trip. Praying for no rain Saturday. 

What are your plans this weekend? Have a great one!

And, I leave you with some Big Tymers for #backthatazzupfriday

Linking up:

high five for friday (5) + just a friend

It's my favorite day of the week! Mostly, because I love reflecting on the past week and remembering the high points of it for the High Five for Friday link up. It's my spring break this week (from internship) and there were definitely some high points.

1. I got to see my best friend! R was in town for just a few days and I sent him a text at just the right moment this week. We met for lunch Wednesday. It is always wonderful to catch up with him - time apart does not change our friendship at all and that's what I love most. Expect a post about this oldest friend of mine at some point because he has been there for me when I have needed someone most.

2. Another good friend moment for the week. I work myself up over a lot of things, and J has been there for me a lot these past few years. She does a great job of bringing me back to reality and not letting me beat myself up too much.

3. I get to see those 2 smiling faces this weekend: for Easter lunch and {hopefully} babysitting them with my brother. H (the girl) + B (the boy) are my cousin's twins and they have brought infinite joy to our family since their arrival in 2011. Byron and I enjoy babysitting them because it's brother and sister hanging with brother and sister.

4. I'm going through with the big decision I posted about last week. Thanks to you lovely ladies who commented on that post. And, thank you to E who I had a long conversation with over the weekend about this decision. That woman gets me. I'm a lucky lady to have her as a friend. Expect pictures, and a story, to follow, it's happening today!

5. My big meeting this week was so worth it. I was a nervous wreck but it had a very positive outcome and I hope I have more to share in a few weeks! If nothing comes of it, I at least learned that people appreciate when I take the initiative, which is something very outside of my comfort zone. I'm in a weird place right now - a mix of fear and excitement and I'm hoping by the end of April the fears will have vanished and the excitement will be even better. Countdown to graduation: 43 days!

6. OK, this is a bonus one! Check out the giveaway I am co-hosting this week. The contest closes in three days!

Now, please enjoy these tunes from Biz Markie. 

I nearly cried when I saw this song was from 1989 - it's almost as old as me.

Linking up with Lauren and Whitney!

To ink or not to ink

I haven't really mentioned on my blog that my father passed away on July 29, 2002 - but now I am going to. I was daddy's little girl and I have not always handled his absence well. In memory of my dad, I want to get a tattoo. This is, in no way, an impulsive decision. I've considered what I wanted to get for a good 3 or 4 years now and I think the timing is right. I have a tattoo artist who has tattoo'ed some people I know and whose judgement I trust. I've talked to her about what I want. I almost went through with it back in November last year, but a few days before I was going to get it done, I came under the weather and got really sick. So I postponed it. Now I'm getting ready to graduate in about 5-6 weeks and I want to have this thing that will make me feel like my dad is with me for this special event. 

Thank you, Pinterest, for delivering these lovely images to me

The dove/bird pictured here is the only image I have seen that comes darn close to what I would like to permanently etch into my skin. It is almost exactly what I have been searching for. But maybe without all the curliness at the tail. 

I've researched the religious side of things. I don't attend church regularly. In fact, I haven't been to a church service in over 8 years. But, I do consider myself religious. I pray to God and thank Him for this life I have. I don't want to do something that is religiously wrong but I've given this a great deal of thought. I have had conversations with my Mom and brother about this. We even talked once or twice about getting something that matched but I doubt the three of us could ever agree on one single image. They are supportive of my decision, which is important, but not crucial to my decision. Which it ultimately is. My grandma (Mom's mom) and aunt (Mom's sister) know that I want this and don't disagree with my decision. I've told my uncle (Dad's brother) and his family and they don't disagree either. My biggest fear for disapproval of this decision is my grandmother (Dad's mom) because she is "old school" German and stubborn. {People tell me I am just like her.} The concern my family members have expressed is the idea that once you get one, it's easy to get another, and another, and another.  And I get this point that they have made. Maybe I will get multiple tattoos. I love feathers and it would represent my Native American ancestry. I would also love something for FSU. Maybe the feather could count, or maybe I could get a tomahawk. I also love arrows. A paw print would have special meaning as well. I think tattoos can be beautiful without going overboard. I think if it means something to you and isn't just an expression of rebellion nor a drunken mistake, then it is okay. 

Ultimately, it is my body and I will do with it what I please. 

What are your thoughts on tattoos???

Good - bad - ugly

Happy Monday! My week started off well. I was very productive at the middle school today. Also, it was my first full Monday there. I am so thankful to have a boss who has been supportive of my continued education. She is one of those people who is few and far to come by. I planned for my grief group, my test anxiety group, helped with test coordination, scheduled students into study hall classes, checked up on students I was concerned about, completed a student observation in the classroom, and collaborated with teachers, parents, and staff. What a day!

Today I decided to link-up with two awesome bloggers I have come across: Kate at Classy Living and Kati at Incorporating Color, for The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. From what I have gathered about this link-up, in a nutshell, you post about your weekend: the good, the bad, and the ugly. So, here goes nothing...

The Good: I hung out at a basketball game, in a SKYBOX, with my Granny, uncle, aunt, mom, brother and cousins (age 12 and 14.) I had a blast, our dinner was catered, and it was good to get out and do something. I decided I could get used to that sort of lifestyle ;)

The Bad: I was very productive in terms of blogging and editing my design, but not so productive in terms of school assignments. My to-do list (1 of 3) is still a mile long!

The Ugly: I feel like I am starting to sound like a broken record with this statement, but it was unusually cold in my neck of the woods this weekend, and is going to be for most of the week as well. I'm talking high of 59 degrees! I do enjoy the cooler weather but I do not enjoy the crummy, overcast skies. And really, last winter, we did not see weather this cold.

What sort of fun things were on your agenda this weekend?