First off...

     I stole this idea from Macy Dennis, but I'm glad I creeped & saw her blog, because this is perfect for me, a born writer. :) I know the idea of reading a blog about someone else's daily life may seem a tad ridiculous to some (I am not yet accustomed to the idea, myself.), but I hope this will turn into a way for friends and family to stay posted on what I'm up to as well as an outlet for my thoughts and feelings and beliefs and a way to record my growth as a person. Who knows? I may even record poetry and songs I write from time to time. I kept a journal from first grade through the end of my junior year, and I still randomly record thoughts or fleeting glimpses into my brain into a notebook where I can go to release. So, I think I like the idea of a blog, and I think it may help me to just "say what I need to say."

     I guess I'll start with sharing a bit of what's been on my mind lately. As many of you know, I am currently putting in long hours lifeguarding at a really nice pool just a few exits down I-20. I love the kids - which is strange for me, a girl who usually shies away from voluntary interaction with children. However, these kids - a little girl named Caroline in particular - have stolen my heart and it really makes me anticipate being a mom in the future and possibly even some kind of career with children...MAYBE. Regardless, I am so excited and proud to have put in over 63 hours this week, 23 of which will be overtime pay (heck yeah!). Alas, good things do not last, though, so following this week, the pool will switch to weekends only, and I will begin picking up shifts waitressing at Ruby Tuesday, which I also enjoy. In addition, I took a Paraprofessional Assessment several weeks ago and have just recently applied to be a substitute teacher for Douglas County during the fall semester. Hopefully, I will hear back to register for a training workshop soon!
     As far as college goes, I am fully applied to UGA for entry as a new student spring semester - awaiting only my transcript, which is en route. Meanwhile, I am excited for my friends who are headed off to new places and can't wait to roadtrip around the state and visit the different schools they attend. I miss my senior year more than I can put into words; the memories will always be dear to me. It's no piece of cake seeing all of the Facebook posts about starting school and moving into dorms and beginning a new chapter when I am still here. It seems so unfair that I don't get that this semester as well. But I'm not one to give up at the base of an obstacle, and I see any obstruction as something put in my way to make me stronger. So I guess it's just keep truckin' until I get my chance to shine and then I'll make sure I'm the brightest of them all, eh?

     As far as relationships, my mother and I are on better terms than we have been in a while, and I do love her dearly, despite our differences. Patrick is Patrick and he will never be anything but - I can depend on it. My friends are amazing, though I still feel behind from being grounded all summer. And romantically? I'm not looking for anything, never am. I am happy being me, and that's really all I need to know until I decide to be me + one.

     In the future, I plan to continue saving for my red Jeep Wrangler, perhaps take a week-long hiatus "into the wild" through the Outward Bound program, and read as much as possible. I want to go dancing at the Irish Pub, go to my first club, hit up some concerts, and make time for those I've been missing. I want to sign up for every Study Abroad opportunity I can find, and I want to make the most of every second I have. I want to venture into the nightlife I miss so dearly. Being grounded, more than anything, has just made me want to fly higher.