Let me make this clear, I am not actually moving, this blog however is. I've made the executive decision to move Living a Life of Truth to WordPress.com. What does this mean? It means this, I will no longer be posting here, though I will not delete this blog quite yet. My regular, irregular, posting will resume here though with everything that I've been doing, including the Go Green! series as well as a new project that is in the works.
I hope that you will join me at our new home, and continue to follow me through life's twists and turns. I enjoy blogging so much and it's been a blessing to meet so many great people and hear their stories.
Days until graduation: 83
Days until moving day: 169
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
One Year Later
One year ago I experienced for the first time ever walking with both legs at the same length. Not only were both legs finally the same length but I had two normal hips, though one was made of titanium and porcelain, either way February 14th, 2011 was a joyous day.
I've talked a fair amount about the things leading up to surgery, and even recounting everything from that day.
A year ago I wouldn't have thought that with my new hip I would have done as much as I have. I wouldn't have even began to think that I would have done a two mile walk less than eight weeks after surgery. Or that I could walk all over SC campus for the first time without missing a beat, less than eight weeks after surgery. I wouldn't even believe you if you told me that my best friend's would take me River Fest for the first time just because I wanted to walk around.
This past year has been a roller coaster ride. There were many times when I thought I couldn't do it and had lots of break downs, but I pulled through. If there's anything that this last year has taught me, it's been this: I can do anything. With the help of God holding me up when I needed it most, and letting me figure things out, I've managed to overcome so many obstacles.
How am I celebrating my one year anniversary? Walking on ice through the parking lot to get to school after nearly falling at least five times and now staying in to study for my four exams this week. I am however very appreciative of my awesome friends, family and God; without them I'm not sure what I would do.
Link of the day: Valentine's Day History, it's kind of interesting to see where it orginated from, that it's not just something that Hallmark thought up one day and decided it would be a thing from then on.
Days until Valentine's Day: 0
Days until graduation: 94
Days until moving day: 180
I've talked a fair amount about the things leading up to surgery, and even recounting everything from that day.
A year ago I wouldn't have thought that with my new hip I would have done as much as I have. I wouldn't have even began to think that I would have done a two mile walk less than eight weeks after surgery. Or that I could walk all over SC campus for the first time without missing a beat, less than eight weeks after surgery. I wouldn't even believe you if you told me that my best friend's would take me River Fest for the first time just because I wanted to walk around.
This past year has been a roller coaster ride. There were many times when I thought I couldn't do it and had lots of break downs, but I pulled through. If there's anything that this last year has taught me, it's been this: I can do anything. With the help of God holding me up when I needed it most, and letting me figure things out, I've managed to overcome so many obstacles.
How am I celebrating my one year anniversary? Walking on ice through the parking lot to get to school after nearly falling at least five times and now staying in to study for my four exams this week. I am however very appreciative of my awesome friends, family and God; without them I'm not sure what I would do.
Link of the day: Valentine's Day History, it's kind of interesting to see where it orginated from, that it's not just something that Hallmark thought up one day and decided it would be a thing from then on.
Days until Valentine's Day: 0
Days until graduation: 94
Days until moving day: 180
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
life
I found out today that a friend of mine who graduated last year is being deployed in August for Afghanistan. I knew something like this was going to happen, I mean you can't become a soldier in the United States armed forces and not expect to be deployed some where at some point. I guess the naive person that I am thought it couldn't happen this soon.
This concept is weird for me. I know what comes with being in the military, you go where you're told without asking any ifs, ands or buts. The only logical conclusion I have come up with is the fact that this whole growing up thing is really starting to sink in. I was just talking to my dad about this, about how I didn't expect him to be deployed just yet; it's hard for me to grasp the fact that we're getting older and growing up and doing things with our lives, it's not just high school any more but the real world.
I know life outside of high school will be different. I've already been figuring that out. The last month, since I've turned eighteen, my parents have been a lot more relaxed about how late I stay out and have been letting me make my own choices on a lot of things. My mom has realized this too, seeing as I have been making some better choices when it comes to certain things like school and my health. I've been taking responsiblity for the decisions I've been making, and in general have started to think more critically about things.
Tomorrow I was supposed to be boarding a bus at 7:30 am to go to Rose Hill for a conference for one of the clubs I'm in. I paid for my seat on the bus and had even asked my mom for money for lunch, but today, after I thought things through, I went in to talk to the club sponsor and told her that I was opting out of the conference to stay at school and get caught up on things. I could have easily just went ahead and went to the conference and fall behind another day but instead I decided not to.
I've been trying to brace the fact that not only am I'm an adult now but that I'll be moving out in August but at the same time I've been trying to enjoy my senior and make it memorable. It's a hard thing, especially when you realize that some of your friends are graduating college, getting married and having kids. Or as in the case I realized today, being deployed to the Middle East.
Life is a crazy thing. As much as the unknown in life scares me, I'm ready to embrace it with a open heart, mind and eyes with God beside me.
Link of the day: Noodling Just so you really know what I'm willing to do in my life at some point.
days until Valentine's Day: 6
days until graduation: 100
days until moving day: 186
Friday, January 13, 2012
forgive me?
I owe you an apology. You know as much as anyone else that I hate the phrase "I'm sorry" because when people normally say it it's filled with an empty meaning. I want you to know deep down inside that I truly am sorry.
I know you're probably wondering why I took this direction in going about this, but it's been very evident that I can most strongly get my emotions out if I write them rather than speak them. When I try to speak sometimes about something that I've been meaning to say, I clam up and freak out and never completely get around to saying everything that I set out to say.
Over the last couple of months I haven't really been a friend. Or at least a friend in a way that I want to be. I've pretty much lost contact with you in mid October and never really tried to talk to you until December. I have to admit, my reasons for this are selfish.
I think you can understand the parts I'm leaving out here, of the things that I've been going through over the last year. Between moving into town, trying to sort my emotions out about my surgery and then the beginning of senior year. I don't know what it was that made me get so overwhelmed with the things going on in my life. It might have been the work load I had in school, or being so involved in the musical, home life, or even the fact that I was still working through adjustments to post-hip replacement with the new pains I was experiencing. Regardless of what it was or when it started, I became extremely overwhelmed and didn't know how to handle things. I didn't sleep well at night and often laid in bed for hours just constantly thinking.
This is the part that's hard for me to explain, even in writing it's difficult.
It's safe to say that you probably know I have a hard time asking for help. I've always felt like it's just me and up to me to figure things out, that I shouldn't burden anyone else with my problems; even my closet friends that I can call my brothers and sisters. I just didn't know how to approach anyone. I was just trying to get through a school day and rehearsals to go to bed and do it all over again. I was just trying to survive the semester.
I hope that after reading this that you can understand some of what was going through my head and we can work this rough spot out in our friendship and move on.
I do understand though, if the damage that I've done is enough that you don't want to stay friends; but I just had to get this out, just so you know why things happened like they did.
I wish you the best in everything you do, always remember that.
Link of the day: A Resolute Unicycling Muppet I laughed so hard when I watched this my parents wanted to know what I was laughing at. Definitely made my evening.
days until 01/15/12: 2
days until Valentine's Day: 32
days until graduation: 126
Sunday, January 8, 2012
birthdays
I never really realized that over the last few years I have slowly started to not make a big deal about my birthday. I don't know if it's the special attention that throws me off or if it always end up feeling like just another day in the end or what. Yesterday was no exception, even though it was my 18th.
Currently my family is in a financial rough spot and I wasn't expecting anything elaborate to be planned. All I asked for was my mom to make her green chile chicken enchiladas for dinner and have my best friend A come over, which is basically what we end up doing every year for my birthday. Instead of paying for a massive ice cream cake that takes us weeks to eat, I asked for my mom's special peach cobbler a favorite for everyone in our family. That's really all I asked for, homemade dinner and dessert (with ice cream of course), I didn't want a party or to go out like any other eighteen year old would want to do.
Last night was everything that I could have asked for, all rolled up into one awesome night. I met A at my house as I came from church youth group and by then dinner was nearly ready. We ate dinner, sat around and talked about a variety of things. We then found out that candles don't stick well in peach cobblers, so just a tip there, for future references. And then we went back to sitting around and talking as I opened my cards and gifts from my family and A. We ended the night in playing SkipBo and having a lengthy discussion about books.
My favorite part though of my birthday was my phone call with my brother. I don't talk to him often because of how busy we each are, but when we do talk it's always nice to hear his voice and hear his thoughts on things. Our conversation last night was probably the longest one we've ever had, but it felt really nice. We ended up talking about guns, which normally doesn't happen because I feel so incompetent compared to my brother and dad when we discuss guns so I usually keep quiet. I just had to brag about dad taking me to the range on Tuesday. He sounded thoroughly pleased with me, even without seeing my target.
I've been so lucky to be blessed with such a wonderful family and friends. I can't wait to see what the year has in store for me.
Link of the day: Dr. Seuss Just because I feel like being nostalgic and stuff.
days until 01/15/12: 7
days until Valentine's Day: 37
days until graduation: 131
Currently my family is in a financial rough spot and I wasn't expecting anything elaborate to be planned. All I asked for was my mom to make her green chile chicken enchiladas for dinner and have my best friend A come over, which is basically what we end up doing every year for my birthday. Instead of paying for a massive ice cream cake that takes us weeks to eat, I asked for my mom's special peach cobbler a favorite for everyone in our family. That's really all I asked for, homemade dinner and dessert (with ice cream of course), I didn't want a party or to go out like any other eighteen year old would want to do.
Last night was everything that I could have asked for, all rolled up into one awesome night. I met A at my house as I came from church youth group and by then dinner was nearly ready. We ate dinner, sat around and talked about a variety of things. We then found out that candles don't stick well in peach cobblers, so just a tip there, for future references. And then we went back to sitting around and talking as I opened my cards and gifts from my family and A. We ended the night in playing SkipBo and having a lengthy discussion about books.
My favorite part though of my birthday was my phone call with my brother. I don't talk to him often because of how busy we each are, but when we do talk it's always nice to hear his voice and hear his thoughts on things. Our conversation last night was probably the longest one we've ever had, but it felt really nice. We ended up talking about guns, which normally doesn't happen because I feel so incompetent compared to my brother and dad when we discuss guns so I usually keep quiet. I just had to brag about dad taking me to the range on Tuesday. He sounded thoroughly pleased with me, even without seeing my target.
I've been so lucky to be blessed with such a wonderful family and friends. I can't wait to see what the year has in store for me.
Link of the day: Dr. Seuss Just because I feel like being nostalgic and stuff.
days until 01/15/12: 7
days until Valentine's Day: 37
days until graduation: 131
Monday, January 2, 2012
things in 2012
I didn't realize it until a few days ago, but 2012 has a lot of things that will be happening throughout the year.
18th birthday: January 7th is the day. It's extremely close, which is kind of scary; I get to vote and I also have the potential to be summoned for jury duty. What's not to love?I have a twisted sense of humor I know.
One year anniversary: Febuary 14th will mark my one year anniversary of my hip replacement. I'm still kind of shocked that it's been so long. I can't wait to see my surgeon that afternoon and share my adventures of the year.
Mystery Dinner Theatre: More details later...maybe. Just know that I'm freaking excited.
Prom: Yeah it's senior year, but I'm still not ready to think about prom yet.
Spring Play: The Three Muskateers, including stage combat, yes I'm auditioning; even if I don't get cast I'm still working on that show some way or another. I'm not passing this up.
Graduation: May 19th, 137 days to go. I just don't even know...
Family Reunion: Can't wait to see the entire family in June, I just pray that it's not as hot as last year and that we have no more water slide incidents.
New Orleans Gathering with church: A massive gathering of high school students from all across the nation in one place doing awesome and embracing God in July...in New Orleans... First time for a lot of things on this trip, and I can't wait to spend an entire week with the girls I've had the awesome opportunity to meet and bond with over the last five years.
Kansas Veterans Family Reunion: Also in July, but if I'm thinking right this is the weekend after I get back from New Orleans. Get to hopefully be camping out at the lake and get to meet veterans from all over the state and the mid-west who have served for our country.
College: I have nothing much to say about this yet, not until we hit May 19th at least.
NaNoWriMo: Haven't completely decided if I'm going to do it this year or not since I'm working on The Secret Book project and everything...we'll have to see.
I definitely have a lot to look forward to in 2012. After a slow year as I went through a lot of changes in my life and learned that I had more strength in me than I gave myself credit for, I'm sure that this year will just fly by.
Link of the day: Internet Age I've listened to it only oncebecause our internet connection is slow and YouTube loads painfully slow, but it's so incredibly catchy and I just love the music and the video. I really wish I could make it to the Dial Up Tour.
days until Senior Year Part 2 begins: 2
days until I become an adult: 5
days until graduation: 137
18th birthday: January 7th is the day. It's extremely close, which is kind of scary; I get to vote and I also have the potential to be summoned for jury duty. What's not to love?
One year anniversary: Febuary 14th will mark my one year anniversary of my hip replacement. I'm still kind of shocked that it's been so long. I can't wait to see my surgeon that afternoon and share my adventures of the year.
Mystery Dinner Theatre: More details later...maybe. Just know that I'm freaking excited.
Prom: Yeah it's senior year, but I'm still not ready to think about prom yet.
Spring Play: The Three Muskateers, including stage combat, yes I'm auditioning; even if I don't get cast I'm still working on that show some way or another. I'm not passing this up.
Graduation: May 19th, 137 days to go. I just don't even know...
Family Reunion: Can't wait to see the entire family in June, I just pray that it's not as hot as last year and that we have no more water slide incidents.
New Orleans Gathering with church: A massive gathering of high school students from all across the nation in one place doing awesome and embracing God in July...in New Orleans... First time for a lot of things on this trip, and I can't wait to spend an entire week with the girls I've had the awesome opportunity to meet and bond with over the last five years.
Kansas Veterans Family Reunion: Also in July, but if I'm thinking right this is the weekend after I get back from New Orleans. Get to hopefully be camping out at the lake and get to meet veterans from all over the state and the mid-west who have served for our country.
College: I have nothing much to say about this yet, not until we hit May 19th at least.
NaNoWriMo: Haven't completely decided if I'm going to do it this year or not since I'm working on The Secret Book project and everything...we'll have to see.
I definitely have a lot to look forward to in 2012. After a slow year as I went through a lot of changes in my life and learned that I had more strength in me than I gave myself credit for, I'm sure that this year will just fly by.
Link of the day: Internet Age I've listened to it only once
days until Senior Year Part 2 begins: 2
days until I become an adult: 5
days until graduation: 137
Sunday, January 1, 2012
resolutions and things
Happy New Year! I had been wondering what to do for New Year's Eve since I had been invited by two friends to their parties, each on seperate ends of town. I ended up going out to dinner with my parents at this fancy restaruant at 8:45, which was a bit after when both parties had started. I decided that I was going to have a nice quiet evening with my parents since it's probably the last one that I know I'll be home for 100%. Dinner was great, I'm still stuffed from it; we watched Sister Act when we got home and drank a glass of sparking grape juice a bit after eleven so my parents could retire to bed early. Not too late later I too headed to bed.
A new year usually comes with the list of things we promise ourselves to do or not to do for the year. I have to admit that I normally don't stick to mine, but this year, I think that all of mine are attainable if I can get started off right and push myself to keep with it. Most of these go hand in hand, most of which I should still be practicing since recovery from surgery...
A new year usually comes with the list of things we promise ourselves to do or not to do for the year. I have to admit that I normally don't stick to mine, but this year, I think that all of mine are attainable if I can get started off right and push myself to keep with it. Most of these go hand in hand, most of which I should still be practicing since recovery from surgery...
- Exercise more: need to strengthen my hip muscles and it's good for arthritic joints.
- Take my medicine when it's supposed to be taken.
- Cut back on carbonated beverages.
- Recycle and conserve energy and other environmentally friendly things.
- Drink more water.
- Cut back on salt intake.
- Commit to committing: don't pull out at the last minute.
- Fish more than 2011.
- Read 50 books.
- Start a collab blog.
- Write more often.
- Connect with old friends.
- Go on more walks.
Link of the day: EcoGeek I just generally enjoy this place. Makes me happy to see a place where people love earth.
days until Senior Year Part 2 begins: 3
days until I become an adult: 6
days until graduation: 138
Friday, December 30, 2011
BEDD 30: a year in review 2011
I've seen a few other bloggers do this already and decided I'd do it too. There really isn't much explanation needed on this one.
JANUARY: Rang in the new year with a group of close friends and had a blast considering all the stress I was going through with all the doctor's appointments I had been coming out of with no new information. A few days later I celebrated my seventeenth birthday with my mom and dad before we headed to St. Louis the following week for one hell of an interesting doctor's appointment. Later then in the month, I saw my surgeon and set the date for my hip replacement; I could finally rest a little easier.
FEBRUARY: I was pulled out of school and stuck on an online program two weeks before surgery and managed to do a fair amount of school work considering how anxious I was for the big day to get there. February 14th, 2011 I had my hip replaced and of course had some chocolate too. I was visited by a group of close friends that still to this day I am very appreciative to have in my life and thankful they came to see me that night of surgery when I really wasn't very coherent and probably quite cranky. I saw a new found ambition in myself that I didn't see before, one that wanted to prove everyone wrong about what they had once thought
MARCH: Nothing too terribly important happened except the recovering from surgery. I was still working hard on regaining strength and mobility. I also managed to get strangely addicted to March Madness basketball and became slightly outraged when I couldn't watch my teams play. Went to the Department of Kansas Wildlife and Parks headquarters in Pratt for the first time ever; got my first hunting and fishing duo license and got to go through the "museum" with dad. A visit to Pratt also means eating at Donald's Diner.
APRIL: I was still working hard, and my continuous hard work was paying off. Went to SC and did a full campus tour with my mom, up the stairs, around the hill, down the stairs, in every building, around every building, up the stairs, down the stairs and around the hill. It was such a great feeling to be able to keep up with a 20 year old who was taking full strides. The awesomeness didn't stop here. The week after that, I did a two mile walk in Wichita with my youth leader, we didn't stop but once during the entire walk. Through both of these milestone events, it was just absolutely astonishing that the only pain I had at the end of the day was my calf muscles, and that was only because I hadn't been doing so much activity in months. I also began driving again after not being able to be behind the wheel since early December because of the medicines I was on. Also in April, I found several new artists and YouTubers who helped me through rough times; including Ministry of Magic boys, ALL CAPS, Mike Lombardo, Chameleon Circuit boys, John and Hank Green and various others. Didn't do much fishing. :(
MAY: My mom and I moved out and moved to town. Adjusting to living in town was a bit rough at first, but I found it easier as time progressed. I enjoyed walking most places, like the two blocks to the library and back. I went to my best friend's graduation, which really put things into perspective for me; I had a year before that would be me. And then the heat began. Once again, didn't do much fishing. :(
JUNE: Hot, hot, hot. June was the start of the hottest summer I've ever experienced in my seventeen years of living in Kansas. For me, someone who enjoyed being outside started to prefer to be indoors at all times. MRC classes started up again, I offered my wisdom and help to the theatre classes. I got to see all of my family at our annual family reunion that was just far away that we could still sleep in our own beds. I got to finally bond with Uncle Gale, seeing as he's the only one in the family who has gone through a hip replacement. The same weekend, I went "swimming" for the first time since surgery and had a blast. Except for my first time ever on a water slide, and ended up with a minor neck injury. Giving up going to Girls State for the reunion was a great idea, I don't regret that decision one bit, quality family time is big for me. Too hot to even think about going fishing. :(
JULY: MRC classes continued onwards, and I volunteered on the days when I could manage to get out of bed on time. Fourth of July I spent at the nursing home volunteering for most of the day and then into the night as I got to help shoot off fireworks and hand out ice cream to the residents. The trip to western Kansas to see the Bortz side of the family at Uncle Leon's funeral reminded me at any moment you can lose a loved one, and that spending quality time with the ones you love means more than anything else. This trip also made me fall in love with Kansas all over again. The hot weather continues on and so does the lack of fishing trips. :(
AUGUST: The start of senior year finally started with a big bang. Old Settlers was hotter than any other on record, but it was still good fun because of the NFL booth, even if it ended with cool whip and honey in my hair. Participated in BEDA for the first time, totally worth it.
SEPTEMBER: Wildcat football was off to a great start with the bashing we gave Pratt. The musical finally gets a slow start, and last minute I decided to audition for a part instead of being head of costumes and make-up. Cast in chorus I was at first upset but began to realize that theatre was more than I ever imagined it could be. I also realized that I could set my mind to anything and achieve it. Took the ACT for the first time, and managed not to die from it.
OCTOBER: I learned who my real friends were. Ate lots of sweets and had even more fun with my theatre family. Joint pain became frequent; at one point the family doctor thought I might have had rheumatoid arthritis.
NOVEMBER: Attempted NaNoWriMo for the second year. Got farther than last year, which was what I was hoping for. Had a few rough patches before show week with my arthritis. Had a great Hell Week, even if I didn't sleep much or get hardly any school work done. I bawled like a baby during my speech at senior cast bonding, amazed at how much the people around me loved and supported me. Had a fantastic show run with the rest of the cast, even if closing night ended in a weird way that none of us can really comprehend. All that can be left said is Mrs. Batman is there, we all know it even if no one else believes us. Celebrated Thanksgiving with Bubby, Tammy, Natasha and Robert; a great holiday was exactly what I needed.
DECEMBER: More stressful than I would have ever imagined. Finished the first semester of senior year with a rough note. Realized that my future is up to me and that I can't let anyone hold me back. Celebrated a nice quiet Christmas with mom and dad; enjoyed the family time and mom's good cooking. Moved with mom back in with dad.
link of the day: Made In America I don't know how many times I've listened to this song. It's probably in my top favorite 100 songs for sure.
days until Senior Year Part 2 begins: 5
days until I become an adult: 8
days until graduation: 140
JANUARY: Rang in the new year with a group of close friends and had a blast considering all the stress I was going through with all the doctor's appointments I had been coming out of with no new information. A few days later I celebrated my seventeenth birthday with my mom and dad before we headed to St. Louis the following week for one hell of an interesting doctor's appointment. Later then in the month, I saw my surgeon and set the date for my hip replacement; I could finally rest a little easier.
FEBRUARY: I was pulled out of school and stuck on an online program two weeks before surgery and managed to do a fair amount of school work considering how anxious I was for the big day to get there. February 14th, 2011 I had my hip replaced and of course had some chocolate too. I was visited by a group of close friends that still to this day I am very appreciative to have in my life and thankful they came to see me that night of surgery when I really wasn't very coherent and probably quite cranky. I saw a new found ambition in myself that I didn't see before, one that wanted to prove everyone wrong about what they had once thought
MARCH: Nothing too terribly important happened except the recovering from surgery. I was still working hard on regaining strength and mobility. I also managed to get strangely addicted to March Madness basketball and became slightly outraged when I couldn't watch my teams play. Went to the Department of Kansas Wildlife and Parks headquarters in Pratt for the first time ever; got my first hunting and fishing duo license and got to go through the "museum" with dad. A visit to Pratt also means eating at Donald's Diner.
APRIL: I was still working hard, and my continuous hard work was paying off. Went to SC and did a full campus tour with my mom, up the stairs, around the hill, down the stairs, in every building, around every building, up the stairs, down the stairs and around the hill. It was such a great feeling to be able to keep up with a 20 year old who was taking full strides. The awesomeness didn't stop here. The week after that, I did a two mile walk in Wichita with my youth leader, we didn't stop but once during the entire walk. Through both of these milestone events, it was just absolutely astonishing that the only pain I had at the end of the day was my calf muscles, and that was only because I hadn't been doing so much activity in months. I also began driving again after not being able to be behind the wheel since early December because of the medicines I was on. Also in April, I found several new artists and YouTubers who helped me through rough times; including Ministry of Magic boys, ALL CAPS, Mike Lombardo, Chameleon Circuit boys, John and Hank Green and various others. Didn't do much fishing. :(
MAY: My mom and I moved out and moved to town. Adjusting to living in town was a bit rough at first, but I found it easier as time progressed. I enjoyed walking most places, like the two blocks to the library and back. I went to my best friend's graduation, which really put things into perspective for me; I had a year before that would be me. And then the heat began. Once again, didn't do much fishing. :(
JUNE: Hot, hot, hot. June was the start of the hottest summer I've ever experienced in my seventeen years of living in Kansas. For me, someone who enjoyed being outside started to prefer to be indoors at all times. MRC classes started up again, I offered my wisdom and help to the theatre classes. I got to see all of my family at our annual family reunion that was just far away that we could still sleep in our own beds. I got to finally bond with Uncle Gale, seeing as he's the only one in the family who has gone through a hip replacement. The same weekend, I went "swimming" for the first time since surgery and had a blast. Except for my first time ever on a water slide, and ended up with a minor neck injury. Giving up going to Girls State for the reunion was a great idea, I don't regret that decision one bit, quality family time is big for me. Too hot to even think about going fishing. :(
JULY: MRC classes continued onwards, and I volunteered on the days when I could manage to get out of bed on time. Fourth of July I spent at the nursing home volunteering for most of the day and then into the night as I got to help shoot off fireworks and hand out ice cream to the residents. The trip to western Kansas to see the Bortz side of the family at Uncle Leon's funeral reminded me at any moment you can lose a loved one, and that spending quality time with the ones you love means more than anything else. This trip also made me fall in love with Kansas all over again. The hot weather continues on and so does the lack of fishing trips. :(
AUGUST: The start of senior year finally started with a big bang. Old Settlers was hotter than any other on record, but it was still good fun because of the NFL booth, even if it ended with cool whip and honey in my hair. Participated in BEDA for the first time, totally worth it.
SEPTEMBER: Wildcat football was off to a great start with the bashing we gave Pratt. The musical finally gets a slow start, and last minute I decided to audition for a part instead of being head of costumes and make-up. Cast in chorus I was at first upset but began to realize that theatre was more than I ever imagined it could be. I also realized that I could set my mind to anything and achieve it. Took the ACT for the first time, and managed not to die from it.
OCTOBER: I learned who my real friends were. Ate lots of sweets and had even more fun with my theatre family. Joint pain became frequent; at one point the family doctor thought I might have had rheumatoid arthritis.
NOVEMBER: Attempted NaNoWriMo for the second year. Got farther than last year, which was what I was hoping for. Had a few rough patches before show week with my arthritis. Had a great Hell Week, even if I didn't sleep much or get hardly any school work done. I bawled like a baby during my speech at senior cast bonding, amazed at how much the people around me loved and supported me. Had a fantastic show run with the rest of the cast, even if closing night ended in a weird way that none of us can really comprehend. All that can be left said is Mrs. Batman is there, we all know it even if no one else believes us. Celebrated Thanksgiving with Bubby, Tammy, Natasha and Robert; a great holiday was exactly what I needed.
DECEMBER: More stressful than I would have ever imagined. Finished the first semester of senior year with a rough note. Realized that my future is up to me and that I can't let anyone hold me back. Celebrated a nice quiet Christmas with mom and dad; enjoyed the family time and mom's good cooking. Moved with mom back in with dad.
link of the day: Made In America I don't know how many times I've listened to this song. It's probably in my top favorite 100 songs for sure.
days until Senior Year Part 2 begins: 5
days until I become an adult: 8
days until graduation: 140
Saturday, September 24, 2011
10DYC: one picture (of me)
To be quite honest, there's not many pictures of just me, so I had few to chose from; but I chose this one to share because of a few reasons. This was taken by one of my best friends last spring at my junior prom. I hadn't planned on going since I had been out of school recovering from my hip replacement even though the principal said that I could attend. One night, when a close group of my friends randomly showed up at my house at like nine, my parents actually hadn't minded, though I think they might have known about the impromptu visit, to visit me since I had been getting really tired of staying at home all the time though I was able to walk again by myself. The dress that I'm wearing in the picture was actually my bridesmaid dress that I wore for my brother's wedding two years earlier. I had it hanging in my room on my wall, and eventually it sparked conversation about prom; and as good friends they are, they ended up talking me into going to prom. My mom and I searched all over Wichita for gold flats to wear with my dress since I couldn't quite wear heels. Although it was a pain in the ass, looking back it was fun. Prom was one of the first times I really felt like a teen since I didn't have hip pain to worry about later, I wasn't worrying about later that night (I should say morning...) but living in the moment. We had a huge group dinner at one of our friend's house, and the night in general was so much fun. I'm happy that my friends talked me into going, and that my mom urged me to go. Plus, my surgeon and nurses were pushing me to go too.
days until ACT: 27
days until the fall musical: 51
days until I become an adult: 105
days until graduation: 236
Sunday, September 4, 2011
10DYC: ten secrets
Side note: I've really missed blogging the last few days. It feels weird not to be blogging every day. Also, I'm doing the 10 Day You Challenge after seeing the beautiful Kathy do begin it on her blog.
1. As much as I love history and the thought of being a history major and eventually being a history teacher, part of me wants to go into business school and work with small businesses.
2. I still get extremely emotional when I think about my hip replacement, so much to that sometimes I start crying when I'm by myself.
3. I want to live in small town, Plains, Kansas. Just because I love how far away it is from everything.
4. I have a small collection of porcelain dolls. And after last night's episode of Doctor Who, I'm basically terrified of them.
5. It's no doubt that I love Harry Potter and everything that pertains to it. But I'm really not at all excited for Pottermore. Come time that they open it to everyone, I'll give it it's chance and see what it's about. But I'm not too enthused by the idea of it.
6. Sometimes I feel like my brother and I aren't even siblings. I thought for a while when I was a kid that I was an only child because at the time my brother was in Japan in the Marine Corps. Now, I hardly talk to him, and I haven't seen him for over a year, I kind of forget about him at times. And that makes me really upset.
7. I had a friend, we'll just call her K, who really changed my life. It's hard to explain, but K changed it in a big way, she's part of the reason why I don't open up to people as easily as I used to and I become wary of anyone who tries to get close to me for fear that they'll hurt me emotionally.
8. I'm scared to death to lose my mom or my dad. (no pun intended...)
9. I love my dog Missy, but I miss my dog Dusty, who died a couple of years ago. He was the best dog I've ever had, he knew when I was sick and would lay beside my bed all day and night. When I came home from St. Louis after that summer I was in a brace, and he'd lay beside me every night and when I needed to get up, he'd follow me around. He was THE best dog. And I feel guilty for comparing Missy to him.
10. I've been told that I'm a good public speaker, and I know I am for the mere fact that I've done theatre, debated and done public speaking through forensics. Even though I've been doing this for over four years now, I still get so incredibly scared before hand that I feel like I'm going to get sick.
Today is awesome because: I talked my mom into rearranging the living room, and we're working on rearranging my room now. I like change like this every once in a while.
days until the fall musical: 43
days until I become an adult: 125
days until graduation: 258
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
BEDA 2: of car dancing, airports and ice cream
This evening I hadn't really planned on anything but just cleaning my room and having dinner with my mom, a typical evening. But me being me, I went and found something spontaneous to do with my friends that just happened to be going to Wichita to the airport to pick up one of our friends that has been in Florida for the entire summer. My mom wasn't pleased about this plan when I only gave her less than a hour's notice that I was going to Wichita with my friends. I don't think she would have been irritated with it if I hadn't been randomly roped into going to Wichita yesterday with my best friend to the mall and then proceeded to hang out with him all evening until ten. She got it over it though and let me go, it seems like she understands that summer is coming to an end, and that I've spent most of it at home, doing nothing relatively productive.
Anyway, so my friends came and picked me up and we headed to Wichita. The scariest part about this little adventure we went on was the fact that nearly EVERYONE knows that I'm horrible with directions...and I managed to get us to the airport with absolutely no problems. Let me tell you, I feel extremely accomplished and probably a little too proud of myself. I mean, considering I was sitting in the backseat dancing the entire time, I'm surprised we ended up in the right place.
The last time I was at the airport, was I want to say about six years ago when we went to pick my brother up when he first got to come after he got back from Iraq. So I wasn't sure what to expect out of the airport, especially considering there were so many freaking orange construction cones and signs that kept getting in our way. But really, once we got inside it didn't look like a single thing changed. Except maybe they have better carpet then I remember, but that's not the point.
The most uncertain thing of the evening was we had absolutely no idea what flight our friend Kayla was on, so we didn't really know how long we were going to be waiting for. But it was alright, between people watching and joking around with my three other friends it was a good wait for Kayla's plane to land. I kept talking about how much I wanted to go through airport security just to see what my hip implant does to the metal detectors. I mean, it's not completely metal, but I bet at least 3/4 of it is and it's bound to set of the metal detectors. But we all decided I wouldn't try it today because even though I had all the appriate cards to hand over they were busier than normal and I didn't want to get in trouble for not having a ticket and trying to get through.
Eventually though, we figured out Kayla's plane was the one coming from Houston and it was a joyous event when we saw her coming down the hall past security. I'm most positive that EVERYONE who was waiting for people off of the Houston plane was staring at us because, let's be honest, my friends and I are nerds and don't mind being crazy in public.
Kayla was hungry so we decided to go to McDonalds down the road from the airport so she could eat and the rest of us could have ice cream, though I opted out of actually getting ice cream because I had too much of it last night. We get to McDonalds and it was busy and of course, there was even more construction going on there, so we just ended up at Wendy's across the street instead where we just sat around and hung out talking about our summers and listening to Kayla's adventures in Florida.
Eventually though, as fun it was, we had to head home and we piled back into the car and then the pressure was on me again to get us back to town and not get lost. I successfully did my job once again, though with less dancing.
Sitting at the airport with my friends really made me think about that itch I have about traveling when I get into college. I told my friend Rachel while we were people watching that I wanted to go to the desk and tell me to put me on the cheapest flight out of Kansas just to go some where and have an adventure. But considering I had only a pair of sunglasses, no money and my wallet full of my identification cards for my hip, I decided I wouldn't do it...plus I don't think they would have allowed it considering I'm still seventeen. But it was a good thought, I can't wait for the day when I can take an adventure some where without any plans what so ever and just see where God takes me.
Anyway, so my friends came and picked me up and we headed to Wichita. The scariest part about this little adventure we went on was the fact that nearly EVERYONE knows that I'm horrible with directions...and I managed to get us to the airport with absolutely no problems. Let me tell you, I feel extremely accomplished and probably a little too proud of myself. I mean, considering I was sitting in the backseat dancing the entire time, I'm surprised we ended up in the right place.
The last time I was at the airport, was I want to say about six years ago when we went to pick my brother up when he first got to come after he got back from Iraq. So I wasn't sure what to expect out of the airport, especially considering there were so many freaking orange construction cones and signs that kept getting in our way. But really, once we got inside it didn't look like a single thing changed. Except maybe they have better carpet then I remember, but that's not the point.
The most uncertain thing of the evening was we had absolutely no idea what flight our friend Kayla was on, so we didn't really know how long we were going to be waiting for. But it was alright, between people watching and joking around with my three other friends it was a good wait for Kayla's plane to land. I kept talking about how much I wanted to go through airport security just to see what my hip implant does to the metal detectors. I mean, it's not completely metal, but I bet at least 3/4 of it is and it's bound to set of the metal detectors. But we all decided I wouldn't try it today because even though I had all the appriate cards to hand over they were busier than normal and I didn't want to get in trouble for not having a ticket and trying to get through.
Eventually though, we figured out Kayla's plane was the one coming from Houston and it was a joyous event when we saw her coming down the hall past security. I'm most positive that EVERYONE who was waiting for people off of the Houston plane was staring at us because, let's be honest, my friends and I are nerds and don't mind being crazy in public.
Kayla was hungry so we decided to go to McDonalds down the road from the airport so she could eat and the rest of us could have ice cream, though I opted out of actually getting ice cream because I had too much of it last night. We get to McDonalds and it was busy and of course, there was even more construction going on there, so we just ended up at Wendy's across the street instead where we just sat around and hung out talking about our summers and listening to Kayla's adventures in Florida.
Eventually though, as fun it was, we had to head home and we piled back into the car and then the pressure was on me again to get us back to town and not get lost. I successfully did my job once again, though with less dancing.
Sitting at the airport with my friends really made me think about that itch I have about traveling when I get into college. I told my friend Rachel while we were people watching that I wanted to go to the desk and tell me to put me on the cheapest flight out of Kansas just to go some where and have an adventure. But considering I had only a pair of sunglasses, no money and my wallet full of my identification cards for my hip, I decided I wouldn't do it...plus I don't think they would have allowed it considering I'm still seventeen. But it was a good thought, I can't wait for the day when I can take an adventure some where without any plans what so ever and just see where God takes me.
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