planning, planning, planning!

Italy is just weeks away!!!!

It's so close I can taste it.

There is tons still to do, but luckily the two biggest things are done:

Purchase plane ticket- CHECK

Book all of our hostels/campsites/B&B's (yes I said campsites...)- CHECK

Here are some pictures that have been getting me really excited.

What amazing places I will get to be and things I will get to see!

ugh I can't wait.

38 DAYS!!!

meat market

The Gym.

I have discovered the gym is the biggest meat market around. It's strange to me. I mean there I am no make up, hair on top of my head, sweating buckets... definitely not my most attractive moments. But, as I recently witnessed, soul mates can find each other among the treadmills.

There was a young girl, probably of high school age, stretching over in the corner when these three young guys of high school age as well were blatantly checking her out. Of course I can't help but notice as the 3 boys nudge each other and eye this girl down. She has her headphones in and is completely oblivious as they get closer and closer. I immediately turn off my music so I can hear what is about to take place (such an eavesdropper!) as one guy becomes the designated speaker (DS) to the hot girl (HG):

DS: Do I know you from somewhere?

HG: (takes out headphones) I'm sorry, what?

DS: I swear I know you from somewhere....

HG: Um.... I don't think so

DS: Well since we are both such good looking people we should probably know each other

(giggles from his wingmen)

I had to commend him on his courage to use such a line, but I could not help letting a laugh slip (luckily they didn't hear).

They continue talking and as he is dropping cheesy line left and right she gets more and more giggly and interested. His cheesy charms worked! By the end of the convo numbers were exchanged and they left together.

But wait it gets better...

Two days later, they show up together! Planet Fitness worked it's match-making magic and brought two attractive people together. I have to say I feel honored to have witnessed this budding romance.

i did it

I finally mustered up the courage and did something I have always wanted to do...

ta-da!!!

Today marks day 5 as a brunette and I am still getting used to it.

It has been quite the change, but a very fun one!

And thank you for all your sweet, kind words!

I really am doing well and love you all :]

better to have loved

"'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."

-Alfred Tennyson

There is no feeling quite like that of a broken heart.

It is something that cannot be put into words and can only be mended through time.

Love is such an amazing thing and I am so grateful to have experienced true love this past year of my life.

Despite how hard this whole situations is, I do feel at peace.

I have learned and gown so much from this experience.

He changed me and I am a better person because of him.

For unknown reasons, and reasons that may never be known, it just wasn't meant to be at this time.

I feel so blessed to have loved and been loved by such a wonderful person.

I know we had something very special and he will always have a special place in my heart.

When I think of him I can't help but smile.

I know the Lord is mindful of me as He is of all of us and knows what is best.

I just have to have faith in Him and His plan for me.

I am grateful He has been such a big part of our relationship and it brings comfort knowing these decisions are from the Lord.

I know everything will work out the way it is supposed to.

I have found comfort in a variety of ways and through many different things.

Family, friends, and of course the gospel.

But at the same time I know it is ok to be sad.

I do not like to let myself give in to that emotion but at this time I know it is appropriate and perhaps necessary to feel.

I agree with Tennyson.

Although being broken hearted is the worst feeling in the world, it is more than worth it to be able to feel the best feeling in the world:

love.

who's it gonna be?

In honor of the bachelor finale tonight...

HAHAHAHA!

I kind of hate this show but for some reason I can't stop watching.

I don't know who it's gonna be tonight... Lindzi is my girl, but Ben loves him some Courtney.

I guess it doesn't really matter because I read that he has already stopped talking to the girl he proposed to.

Looks like another failed attempt at finding true love on national television.

Fancy that.

22

Here are some pictures from my lovely 22nd

Dinner at Biaggis with some of my favorite ladies. Complete with a tutu (2-2! clever huh? My friends are so sweet and creative) cake and pretty flower centerpieces.

Family dinner at PF Changs, one of my favorites. They gave me the yummiest chocolate dessert.

Cake and gifts from the fam. All kinds of new gym clothes and money for my passport! They are too good to me.

It was such a fun weekend of celebrating, I couldn't ask for better people in my life!

Also, HAPPY SPRING BREAK!

I wish I could say I was going and doing something super fun like last spring break. But no. It's ok though, Italy is just around the corner. 2 months!!

And I even have assignments due this week in some of my online classes... can you believe that?

I swear that's not aloud.

wise words from Mother Teresa

"People are often unreasonable and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Give the world your best and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It never was between you and them anyway."

friday rambles

Hello snowy Friday! It looks so pretty outside with some fresh powder. It's unfortunate it had to come so late, I mean, it's supposed to be SRPING break that is coming up isn't it? But I have to say I am happy to see it.

Something strange has been happening for the past week. My internal alarm clock has been put to work and been quite consistent. Every morning I seem to be waking up at 6:15. Every single morning. It's the strangest thing. I had gotten into this weird habit of waking up minutes before my alarm would go off no matter what the time, but 6:15 seems to be my body's desired time lately. Now this doesn't mean I necessarily get out of bed at this time... what am I going to do at 6:15 in the morning?!

Stumbleupon.com has become my new favorite website. You pick your interests and then it brings up many different websites in regards to those interests. I have found the neatest things. You should check it out :]

My trip to Italy is just 2 months away and I can't even express how excited I am!!!! It is too hard to even focus on school right now when I have this exciting adventure to look forward too. The tickets have been purchased, books have been bought, and research has been done but there is still lots of planning to do. If anyone has any advice or tips please let me know! I could use all the help I can get.

Hiccups are awful. One of those things I could definitely do without. The other day I had a hiccup attack and experienced them not once, not twice, but FOUR times in one day! I could not seem to be rid of them. I truly hope that doesn't happen again.

Ok so I know I have talked about numerous different games that I have become obsessed with (words with friends and temple run to name a few) but I have a new one to add to the list. Draw something. If you have a smart phone and can download this app, I suggest you do and please find me to play. It's like pictionary against friends and is too funny. I've had to draw the weirdest things like monopoly and ludacris... just another time waster to add to my list!

I had such a wonderful 22nd birthday thanks to all my amazing family and friends. I am truly blessed with all the amazing people I have in my life and I know they have all been placed in my life for a special reason. I do not know what I would do without each and every one of them. I am the luckiest girl in the world I tell you what (pictures to come!)