Anticipation

It's a feeling that lets you know what's coming up is expected to be awesome!

Thanks!

"Glee"

This show is reigniting a love for the performing arts all over the world, while touching on real, important issues teenagers face today. From teen pregnancy, to homosexuality, to trouble with parents or with teachers; Glee covers it all.

This dialogue, especially, is one people need to hear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjMXEoJsVGE

(Sorry for the poor quality.)

Thanks.

Commutes

My 40 minute commute is the best time I have to be alone, think, and rock out to the radio.

Thanks.

Sundays

Sundays are the perfect day to relax, do some homework, and catch up with the family.

Thanks.

Nights In

It's nice to sit around and get to know people on a deeper level, even on a Saturday night. No pressure to dress up, impress, or make small talk. Just friends and conversation.

Thanks.

Art Prize

Art Prize is an event in Grand Rapids, MI where thousands of pieces of art are in stalled around the city. A monetary prize is given to the piece that receives the most votes. It's an incredibly successful revitalization effort that brings new life downtown while emphasizing the importance of art in community.

Thanks.

Having my Laundry Done

It was getting pretty desperate but now I have all sorts of clean clothes to wear!

Thanks.

Closure

A few years ago someone came into my life and taught me that it wasn't safe to trust, and I haven't ever since. I tried to use the experience to develop myself. I've grown immensely as an individual since those days and I couldn't be happier with who I am today. The fear is always there, though... the fear of letting go and trusting someone. I was taught through that relationship not to expect anything from anyone but myself, especially not follow-through on promises or apologies.

It takes a lot to apologize to someone when you know what you did was truly hurtful, when you know what you did changed their life. But, just now, all this time later, an apology has come. I had thought I didn't need an apology anymore. I was more than convinced that I had moved on. But due apologies are due apologies. I didn't expect the relief I felt when I finally read the words I didn't know I still needed to read. I am finally able to sincerely forgive.

I am thankful more than you will ever know.

Venting Sessions

Sometimes you just have to let all your frustrations out.

Thanks for listening, friends.

Study Sessions

They get you one BIG step closer to being ready to take on that exam.

Thanks!

Friends that Come at Just the Right Time

I'm amazed by how those closest to you can know exactly when you need them most. It's like a distress signal goes out and they answer the call, every time. These friends are invaluable.

Thank you so much.

YouTube

Endless hours of entertainment. It always boosts my mood.

Thanks YouTube!

Ridiculous Activities After a Long Week

In a frenzy of stress, Aimee and I took a break this evening to make paper bag puppets of odd-looking dogs. The activity may have been invented for someone a quarter of our ages, but it had us laughing away our stress in no time.

Thanks.

Dancing in the Rain

So refreshing, so alive, so fun.

Thanks.

New Found Strength

I'm growing up. My life improves daily.

Thanks.

Eye Opening Moments

Today I realized that even though I'm the youngest person at my internship, I relate the least to the young girls I'll be working with. Their lives are so different than my experiences have been and their language is practically foreign to me. I have so much to learn and I'm looking forward to learning it.

Thanks.

Zoobie

Zoobie is a big ball of fat and fur. He's not the friendliest of cats, he's actually kinda mean sometimes. But I sure miss that notch-eared, overweight, prison guard of a cat curled up at the foot of my bed.

Thanks for being such a badass, Zoob.

Disappointments

They keep you grounded while making you try harder. Sometimes they help you decide when to give up.

Thanks.

Twists in the Plot

There are so many times when I think I have things figured out and I'm sure I know what's coming next, but that is rarely the case. My life is always throwing me curve balls... twists in the plot of my day, completely altering my course. While unexpected, and previously undesired, the twist happens for a reason. It's fate, maybe... or destiny. It's what's supposed to happen over what I plan for myself.

I am so thankful for these changes of pace.

Forgetting

Sometimes your brain just needs a break from thinking so much and it forgets things. It may not seem like a positive, but your brain needs to rest too sometimes. Be grateful that it does... it's trying to take care of itself so it can keep working for you.

Just don't forget the important stuff.

Thanks, Brain.

Surprise Friends

Sometimes you find true friendship and support where you least expect it and when you need it the most.

Thank you so much.

Safety

I can step inside my house and know that I will be safe there. What a blessing.

Thank you.

Family Reunions

Every year of my life until college I spent my Labor Day weekend at my family reunion with all of my mom's cousins and their kids. Though by the end of the weekend we were more than ready to be home again, I know I am so blessed for a family that cares so much for each other. There's always a lot of laughter around that "Clark Cousin Campout" fire. We are so lucky.

Thank you, cousins, for all the memories.

Timing

Sometimes the perfect advice and people come into your life when you need them the most.

It does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Thank you.

Photos From High School

So many memories of four very eventful years of my life. I had a lot of important accomplishments back then and a lot of silly, stupid fun with my friends and teammates. The pictures remind me of how happy and carefree we were then and how we could find a way to make the most of our surroundings.

Thanks to everyone I shared those years with.

Mistakes

I have to make a mistake myself in order to learn from it. I have to experience things first hand for the lesson to stick. This can lead me to situations I don't always want to be in. But, although I sometimes have to learn the hard way, I am grateful for the knowledge I have gained from my errors. I will not make the same mistakes again.

Thanks.

My GPS

I'd never get anywhere without it.

Thanks Delores!

My Internship

It's off to a slow start, but I'm so grateful for the opportunities I'm going to have there.

Thanks!