What's Your Anthem?

I took a short drive to a nearby town to grab some hot tea and get some writing done. I was in dire need of a break from radio music, so I looked through the CD collection that was stashed in the console of my parents’ car. I was a little bit skeptical after the first one read, “Dad’s Songs” and the second choice was “Now 14.” The next CD read, “Goob,” a shortened version of my sister’s nickname. This could get interesting.

It was as if my sister was reading my mind. The CD was a mixture of acoustic rock from a few years ago. While a lot of it was pretty depressing (Hinder… Sarah, really?), much of it was just what I wanted to hear. I belted out the lyrics and may have even closed my eyes a few times. Good thing I’ve driven that Iowa highway countless times.

It is always interesting to see how people put together their own mix of songs on a CD. You can really tell a lot about people and what is going on in their lives by what’s pumping on their iPod. It is a simple pleasure of mine to flip through old CDs. I always find myself saying, “What was I thinking?”

The last song that played before I reached The Coffee Attic was “Stand” by Rascal Flatts. I’m not afraid to say that I am a fan. I found myself really listening to the lyrics.

“You might bend, till you break

Cause its all you can take

On your knees you look up

Decide you’ve had enough

You get mad, you get strong

Wipe your hands, shake it off

Then you stand”

The truth is, we don’t know why things happen; we don’t know what is going to happen next. All we can do is look up and move forward.

“Life’s like a novel

With the end ripped out

The edge of a cannon

With only one way down”

This brought me back to this quote: “It isn’t what happens that matters. It’s how we handle it.” I hate to say it, but attitude is everything. It’s time to take matters into your own hands – control what you can.

So, is this my anthem? Different songs speak to me during different times of my life. On my drive for that hot cup of tea, this was my anthem. What is yours?

Motivation Monday

Good Monday morning blogging world! So, I've been thinking (don't run away) I would like to jumpstart my Mondays with a little motivation. Today will be the first of many "Motivation Monday" posts. Yay!

Over the weekend, I had some good chats with my mom about my future. She knows how stuck I am, and the uncertainty of the future can be scary and overwhelming. She reminded me that this is a "opportunity time." I am going to take this information and move forward.

I was on the golf team throughout high school. You meet a lot of different girls throughout the conference while you walk the course and putt around. One of these girls shared advice with me that she received from her dad, "As long as the ball goes forward, not backwards, then you are doing alright." I think about that from time to time. Move forward.

Be good to yourself.

Get over it.

Be curious. Take chances. 

Every little bit helps. 

I'm taking this exit. Please join me!

Simple.

On this Saturday morning, I have one simple thought for you:

And don't you forget it.

Prayin' for Daylight

Lately I've been having trouble sleeping. This is not to say that I am not tired, because I am; however, for some reason my mind is working overtime.

This morning as I woke up way too early, I began to think about the problems of being up in the middle of the night.

My mind goes tick, tick, tick. Not only am I generally thinking about problems and situations that I can't control, but what can I really do about them at 3 a.m.? One thought leads to another and to another. All of a sudden, I am caught up in a senseless "situation" that I have pondered up in 20 minutes. Trying to remember if my black tank top is clean soon turns into wondering where I will be five years from now. Stupid, I know. Mind, please shut off!

Frustrations. The longer I stay up, the more frustrated I become. I remember one time when I was in middle school I couldn't sleep. I stayed up crying, which made the situation worse. I remember getting all worked up about how tired I was going to be if I didn't sleep. It is just so frustrating when all you want is a solid eight hours, and it turns out to be a jolted five or six.

Loneliness. The dark, quiet nights are lonely. There is no better way to say it.

The daytime seems much more sensible. I have much more control over my mind. Next time I find myself staring into the darkness, I will start prayin' for daylight... just like Rascal Flatts tells me to.

Lounge Wear

Of course it is important to pay attention to your outfit as you head out on a Friday night. Daily school and work clothes can also be fun to put together and accessorize, but have you ever really looked at your lounge wear style?

Generally, I look a tad on the sloppy side as I head to bed (I say this as I realize that I slept with my shorts on backwards last night). When I head to the store I try to step it up. I throw on yoga pants and a track jacket, and I attempt to fluff my hair. In other words, I would like to think I am 'presentable'.

Today I have a pretty lengthy "to-do" list that includes some cleaning and running around town; therefore, it may have to be a lounge wear day.

I recently purchased the most amazing sweatpants by Under Armour...

Then there is always my trusted UNI sweatshirt...

And the best little shoes I've ever purchased: UGG moccasins...

I plan on being productive and comfy today. Time to start crossing items off my list!

We All Get It

I have a special treat for you today. I ran across a website that showcases thousands of quotes and things teenagers do and say. The best part is, we all get it. Enjoy!

Now I just make imaginary lists in the middle of the night. 

Dodgeball will always be insanely competitive.

Shake your booty :-)

We were so sneaky!

Cramming at its finest.

Maybe we should have just started with Dad?

It's too bad that not everyone gets sarcasm. 

My Allie Cat

Happy birthday to my Allie Cat! She's an amazing listener and friend, and more recently, an incredible mom and soon to be mom! There are so many exciting things happening in her life, and I am ecstatic to be a part of them :-)

I met Allie in our college Personal Wellness class. We had a few mutual friends, so we decided to be sit-up partners. It was nice to have a real reason to get my butt to class. After all, Personal Wellness can be a bit of a joke. Allie and I checked our BMI's and walked around campus together, chatting and learning more about one another. It didn't take long before we were meeting up outside of class.

Allie soon became my roommate, along with two other girls. We loved our apartment and still talk freely about our memories and experiences that took place within those walls. It was such a special time that we all cherish very much.

The early days :-)

We tried to relive the old days... we were in bed early. 

Katherine and Adam's rehearsal dinner... putting down some serious Scratch cupcakes. Incredibly yummy!

Bridesmaids with our favorite little one, Allie and Jake's Izabella.

My favorite girls. 

Allie is one of the easiest people for me to talk to; she is not quick to judge and always offers support. She is a wonderful friend to me that I place in a very special part of my heart. I am proud of her as a friend, wife, and mother. I love you, Allie Cat :-)