Opportunities

I have a blog! I totally forgot.

This is basically to sum up what's been on my mind for the last four months so read on if you dare. 

Starting back in high school, I learned how to shut down my emotions and cut out the drama around me. It was was great! I had nothing that could bring me down emotional or mentally, all I had to worry about was if someone could hurt me physically. Once I started my freshman year it was the greatest thing. I could meet people and care about them but once they went away, my life was exactly the same without them. I would take on tasks and extra things to make me feel productive and I handled stressful situations without thinking twice. Fast forward to two months ago...I was the loneliest I've ever been, crying, a complete mental breakdown and couldn't control my emotions. That night my parents met me for dinner and we sat at Olive Garden for hours just talking and working things out. 

Can I just say that my parents are such a blessing and I just love them so much. 

That melt down was exactly what I needed to move on with my life. Since then I have been praying that God would allow me to feel for people and that He would fill my emptiness and loneliness. It's helped so much.

This has been my first semester at Iowa State and it's been absolutely amazing! My graduate date is May of 2017 and then off to my internship.  

Seeing tractors on campus makes me feel like I chose the right college. 

In February, my boss moved me to produce. It's been a completely new experience but a good one.  I'm honored to manage such an amazing group of fun and ridiculous people. This summer, Fareway is sending some of the produce managers to Family Tree Farms in California for a couple days. It'll be a good experience to learn more about the section and get ideas from fellow Fareway people. 

Everyday I get up and I'm just so excited to get to work, even after five years of the same company.  Honestly, I don't how it's even possible that I could truly enjoy it so much but I'm really glad I do. 

My crazy roommate bought herself a python, River is her name. ! I can look at it without wanting to vomit so there's progress being made.

Abbers and I hit up the Michael Gungor concert. Always fun to road trip with her. It' s been nice having someone to walk through life with and to share in struggles and joys.

My dad and I have been talking about getting one for years and I finally did it. Caroline is her name and she'll be seeing many rivers this spring and summer. 

As God continues to soften my heart and heal my brokeness, I am encourage by the verse in Psalm that says 'Restore in me the joy of Your salvation'. It's not about the bad decisions and choices I've made but about God's grace and love that says I'm not alone and that I'm forgiven. 

Life

After many busy weekends, weekdays and breaks this semester, I think it's about time to put out another blog.

Back in August I returned to the States from the beautiful country of Austria. I left new and amazing friends, a wonderful family who accepted me into their home, students who touched my life in a crazy way and those gorgeous mountains. In my first three days back I had started work again and my second year of college.  Jet lag was broken quite fast. 

 Last semester was full of changes; good changes. There was no longer two crazy roommates to come home to but a quiet, studios Amber. At work, I lost the hair net and was exiled to the dairy case. All my classes were in Ankeny and my older sister was no longer here to spend Saturday afternoons, watching NCIS with.

So far, all these changes have been absolutely amazing! Amber has turned out to be an amazing roommate and friend. In fact, we will be signing another lease here in Ames in a couple weeks! We are hoping to be able to rent a house with another girl and to have a garage. It's the small things. 

Being the dairy manager has been tons of fun. It has definitely been a challenge, especially during the holidays but a great learning experience overall. I still enjoy being full-time and of course, love those five a.m's.  I love my job and Fareway and I really do hope to continue with this company. 

Fifteen credits was the most I've ever taken and let me tell you...it was hard! My schedule was pretty jacked and sleep was out of the question. It's all good because I passed all 5 classes and didn't completely lose my mind. 

Yes, my sister moved to Alaska a couple days after I got back. We saw each other for a couple hours before she peaced out. So far she likes it and I do believe she's mastered mushing and moose hunting. That's my sister folks. Good work T-dawg. I really do miss her and miss our awesome times together. 

Saying goodbye to students in Innsbruck

Grandpa was diagnosed with kidney cancer and spent many weeks in the hospital last semester. 

He is doing better but struggling to remember certain things.  

Jones and I have started breaking the law together. 

It's cool, our coworkers are okay with it. 

My little brother turned 15 in December. I couldn't be more proud of him. What an amazing guy.

Picking up Tori for Thanksgiving break. We are stylish. 

Jeremy and Jessica got married at the end of December so Aaron, Abby and I traveled up to Wisconsin and had so much fun. Abby and I had a couple of really good talks and I am so blessed to have her as a friend. Congratulations to Jess and Jeremy! You guys are awesome! 

This is what I've wanted to talk about the whole time. Ladies and gentlemen, my best friend is marrying this sweetheart. Ally has been head over heels for Travis for quite sometime and I'm so happy that they will be getting married in 2015!  Congratulations guys :)

And on that note, I will end. Please continue to pray for the youth in Austria. God is doing an amazing work there and if you feel called to help with English Camps this summer please contact me. You won't regret spending two weeks of your summer in Austria, teaching and hanging out with the coolest kids ever. 

http://www.english-camp.at/Welcome.html