30 Day Blog Challenge: Day Fourteen!

Day Fourteen: What do you want to be when you "grow up"...

Such a broad topic for me right now. I have been struggling recently with a profession although I know that God knows the Ultimate Plan. 

From the time I was [probably] a freshman in high school until about 2 weeks ago, I had my mind set on xray technology. I wanted to specialize, but I wasn't sure about WHERE in the field I wanted to specialize. 

As of recently, I've realized that the jobs in that area aren't as demanding as they used to be even a few years ago due to people going into it "excessively" because it IS in the medical field, and it IS a quick program. 

That IS part of the reason I had decided to do it, and the other reason has to do with the impact the tech's have had on me in an x-ray room. They all seem to really enjoy their job! I remember the day I "decided" that was what I wanted to do. I came out from an xray, and I told my mom.. "I think I figured it out." 

...Now, I have changed my path. I wouldn't say i've completely changed it, but it is definitely NOT xrays! 

As

of

this

week

.......

I am changing my major to....

SPEECH PATHOLOGY.

I am so thrilled about figuring something out, but I also know that God can change my direction at any point in time. 

Many people can't understand why Photography wouldn't be in my mind for a profession. I will say that it has crossed my mind, but I am learning (and have learned) that it isn't always the greatest idea to incorporate a hobby with a job. I mainly learned this through "art" and it sometimes causes me to be uninspired when I see a blank sheet of paper and a sharpie laying around.

I would NEVER want a job to interfere with my love for photography. It is my way of dealing with things sometimes. It calms me, and it takes my mind off of things. I only need that once or twice a week 

-- not every single day.

Does that make sense? I just rambled this entire post. The thing is, I still want to be able to do my photography "on the side" I just don't want to make it a job setting. I have been offered so many opportunities in this field, and I look forward to what God has in store for me. 

...sidenote: I feel like this was totally pointless, and I have left you more confused than before you clicked my link. Excuse me. 

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day Thirteen!

Day Thirteen: Favorite Books....

First of all, the only book that will get you ANYWHERE in life. 

This one breaks my heart, but I loved it. It is about WWII & the hit the Jews took. A man tells his story of how he survived the concentration camp & was liberated. Amazing.

I'm a sucker for Nicholas, but I hate his endings. Rarely does he have books that end well. This one was a good mix of love & suspense.

the only one that had a good ending...Actually, I think it had a good ending. It kind of confused me, so I just told myself that it was a good ending! Ha!

Loved this one; very mysterious/sad/happy.

ha! I had to throw this in. This is the "Fox & the Hound" version of my books. I read this once in [probably] 4th grade, and I still remember loving it.

I hated this book to begin with, but once I was finished I was so glad I read it. The movie made it more clear, too, and (to me) it was just as good as the book!

loved both of these, also about WWII. 

I really wasn't kidding. I want to know everything about it.

Sidenote: STILL proud to be a Viking!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day Twelve!

Day Twelve: My Bucket List...

Is it too young to have one? I find myself saying, "Oh, I want to do that before I die." So, I finally just started writing it down! 

This, of course, is in no specific order; I will take the opportunity to do these things whenever I'm allowed the chance. 

- kill a moose in Alaska

- see concentration camps in Germany

- publish a photo in a magazine (one has been in a newsletter; not quite a magazine)

- write a book (preferably about hunting, ha!)

- photograph the Angel Oak trees in Charleston, SC.

- give back to soldiers through photography (still figuring this one out...)

- go to a restaurant & eat dessert first.

- meet Michael Waddell (he hunts for Realtree Outdoors, ha!)

- see the Eli Young Band in concert!!

- see Zac Brown Band in concert!!

- go to Hershey, Pennsylvania.

- see The Lion King on Broadway

- capture a photo of lightening.

- climb a water tower.

& the only thing I have "accomplished/done" on my bucket list is:

- win/place in a photo contest.

BUT.. hunting in Milk River, Montana is also on that list, and Lord willing, i'm leaving in 23 days!!!

Seems like a lot, I know. A girl can dream though, right?

=) 

Sidenote: Really nervous about tomorrow nights football game! The two high-school rival, undefeated teams battle it out away from their home turf. Ugh, I feel a little sick thinking about it!

GOOO VIKINGS!!

- 

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day Eleven!

WOW! Thanks for all of your positive feedback! =) I love hearing from all of you, and I am really enjoying the challenge!

Day Eleven: Favorite TV Shows.....

I didn't realize how many tv shows I watch on a regular basis (well, Ti-Vo, ahem..) until I was trying to get photos for this. Without further a-due...

AGH! Just found out a few weeks back that there WILL be a new season, and I am so excited!

I didn't watch the first season on tv, but I watched it on Netflix & then started the second season on tv. Love it! Love it! Love it! 

ohhhhh, my favorite!! I have loved it since day ONE. It's gone towards the way-side in the last few seasons, but i love it. It's not all "medical" the entire time. The relationship drama & humor cracks me up.

HUGE fan! Meg enlightened me about this show, and I spent almost a whole summer watching the seasons I had missed...unfortunately Peyton & Lucas are gone, and they (well, Peyton) was my favorite. I could really relate to her.

I love this show, but I don't watch it as much as I'd like to. Any show about dessert has my attention, though (hahaha..) Love "Unwrapped" and "Top Chef: Desserts" too!

I have lost track of this one. Is it still coming on? I watched the seasons on Netflix, and then I never heard anything else about it. The plot behind this one is great!

Let's be honest, who hasn't watched (and loved .. and laughed at) an episode of The Golden Girls? 

Classic.

These people are so sweet! The stories are heartbreaking, but they can really assist in helping people out.   Love it.

I started watching the show (weekly) the year that Adam Lambert won it, and I'll go ahead & tell you - he did not have my vote. That, of course, is beside the point. It's a little hard to get into at first because some "characters" come to audition! Towards the end I am on the edge of my seat hoping that my "favorite" doesn't get voted off.

Sidenote: My 2nd favorite won this year. Casey James, I still think you're flawless.

This summer was my first "shark week" experience. 

Neat-o Band-e-to.

Annnd Oprah. 

I Ti-Vo her because she airs at a bad time for me, so I usually watch re-runs when I should probably be doing homework or something productive (like figuring out what I want to do with my life), but instead I watch Oprah. Seems like a pretty good equilibrium. 

I've heard a lot about "Criminal Minds" and occasionally watch "NCIS" with my Daddy. Mom's a big fan of "Brothers & Sisters" and "The Good Wife", but I haven't gotten into any of them. Please don't mention CSI. I can't even keep up with them anymore.. CSI: Miami... CSI: New York... CSI: Macon... (kidding)

POLL: what are your favorite shows??

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day Ten!

first of all, am I boring ya'll to death? I am really loving having a blog topic everyday - just wondering if ya'll are sick of reading about it yet!

Day Ten: Things You're Afraid of...

- clowns

- coyotes

- sleeping in a room with doors open

- needles 

- having yellow teeth

- ocean water

i'm sure I could think of some more, but those are the main things!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day Nine!

Day Nine: Photos of your friends...

these are in NO SPECIFIC order! 

AND I almost considered not doing this one for fear of leaving someone out, but I will just start of by saying I am so grateful that God has blessed me with an amazing support system. I have the most wonderful circle of friends! I can't thank Him enough!

MEGAN:

Megan is my right hand "man". We have been friends since 4th grade! (Well, we've gone to school together since Kindergarden, but we began our real friendship around that time). People on campus know we're gonna be together, and even after [class] hours we're either together or on the phone. Mamma & Daddy have a hard time understanding that sometimes we just don't get all of our talking done during the day. She is a goal setter, and she is extremely good about reaching those goals! She doesn't let other people stop her. She is bold & blunt (which is EXACTLY what I need in my life a lot of the time! ha!) She is determined, honest, and most importantly - she's got my back. Of course, I have hers too. She is a hard worker and a constant inspiration to me. She knows what she wants, and, to me, that is a very important asset to have. I just love her! What more can I say? =)

CLINT:

Clint and I have been friends for around 4 years. He knows almost as much about me as the ladies above & below his photo. In his opinion, he is always right - that is arguable though! hahaha =) We have sustained a few "storms" throughout our four years. I have to say that I really learned to appreciate our time together once we didn't have that option for awhile. Through this experience, I have also learned to try my best to ENJOY the time I DO have with my friends (as well as him). It's different saying that I have a "best friend" who is thousands of miles away, but we make it work! It isn't always easy, and there are definitely times when I think I can't do it anymore - but it always works out. 

HOLLIE:

Hollie is AKA "Mom". We have been friends since we were in diapers. She lived across the road from my grandmother, she & I went to pre-school together, and we graduated together last year. She sees to it that things are taken care of. She loves children, and she is kind at heart. She is extreeemely tenderhearted, and she loves her family and friends. She is a faithful blog reader of mine, and that of course makes me happy! We have been with each other through every stage in life. I love her so much! 

Matt:

Matt & I have been friends for around 5 months! We had classes together in high school, but I always thought I got on his nerves. He acted like I did most of the time, but he claims that I didn't. Anyway, I've grown to love our morning/daily/nightly conversations, and days don't seem right without them anymore.

Novy:

Novy is one of a kind! He loves having a good time. Megan, Hollie, and I love hitting a back road with him on the weekend, and we enjoy an occasional concert with him as well. He is a fun person to be around, and he is compassionate about other people. 

Meg:

Meg is my beach buddy! She has been with me twice, and we have the best time. We spent two entire summers together, and our whole reason for becoming so close was because she asked me to come to her "limo-ride-go-to-a-spa-&-out-to-eat-spend-the-night" birthday. It was like we were all ready best friends when I got to her house! The next two summers were history. Always together, always talking, always doing something together!

Bailey:

Well, if it wasn't for Twitter and "Set the Fire to the Third Bar" (Snow Patrol), Bay & I may have never understood how much alike we are in our "relationship" part of life. We relate to each other on so many levels, and she puts up with random phone calls - and I try my best to return the favor. It's been neat to learn how much alike we are, and in that same sentence, how different we are too. 

Ferris:

Ferris is my huntin' buddy! We have been friends since about 7th grade! There's lots I could say about Ferris, but we enjoy goin' hunting, bow fishing, and really anything involving outside & weapons. We have a few hilarious huntin' stories that we've experienced together, and we've had a few long talks as well.

My Graduating Class:

You all meant so much to me in your own way. We have been there for each other through so many things during the course of our 13 years at CA. You have no idea how much the memories mean to me, to know ya'll are a huge part of everything I remember about high school. When my mind takes me back, ya'll are there. When I (physically) go back, ya'll are there in spirit. We have laughed together, cried together. We have whispered together, and we have yelled together. We have written notes back & forth, and we have verbally talked it over. We have fallen in love and had our hearts broken together. All the while we were right there beside each other, for the most part hand in hand, and we are stronger people now because of the people we grew into being while we were together. I hope that you get everything you want out of life. I know God will provide you with everything you NEED - understand that what He wants you to have is enough, and go on living your life while thanking Him. 

Thank you for being who you are.

Thank you for always being available.

Thank you for the memories.

Marlee & Kenlee: My Little Furry Friends ;)

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day Eight!

Day Eight: places you've traveled...

I have so many places that I WANT to travel, but in that same sentence - there are places i've been to that some people haven't had the opportunity to see, and I am so grateful for that!

*

a few summers ago, we decided to do something other than go to the beach. we went to Memphis, stayed in Germantown, toured the city, went to the zoo (i had never been to a zoo prior to this), and ate wonderful food!

*

of course, i've been to the beach! (FL and AL)

*

two summers ago (not this last summer, but the summer before) my daddy & i went to SC to see the Marine Corp graduation. We stayed in Beaufort, and I fell in LOVE with that place. It's so serene & calm there. The ocean is beautiful as well.

our 5th grade class used to go to Washington D.C, and when I was in 5th grade we couldn't go due to high terror alerts, so we post-poned it until my 6th grade year. I wish we had waited to make that trip during our high school career because I feel like we would have learned more, but I remember a significant amount of things anyway. I love history, and this trip really brought it to life!

on our way to DC, we stopped at the Chattanooga Aquarium! I love Aquariums. 

Before "Opryland" closed, my family went there. (I don't remember much about this trip, I've just seen photos.) We went to the Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge, and we went to Opryland as well. 

i've been to Atlanta twice. I saw the Braves play both times we were there!

*

I love to travel. Other places I want to go are:

• Alaska (to kill a moose)
• Germany (to tour the concentration camps)
• Charleston (to photograph the Angel Oaks)
• Pennsylvania (to Hershey)
• New York (to see Lion King on Broadway)

*the photos with stars underneath them are ones taken by myself; i take no credit for the other photos shown above.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day Seven!

Day Seven: favorite movies!

These are in no (real) order. I am a movie NERD! I love them!

my daddy & i went to see this in theatres on a school night while it was playing. I remember the day! It was cold, and we ate mexican afterwards while the mariachi played. I was so embarrassed when they came to the table and daddy requested a "soft" song. 

The movie was great. I felt like I was IN it!

WWII movies about concentration camps peek my interest. I guess I just have a hard time understanding how it REALLY was for those individuals, and this brings it to reality. The story is heart-breaking, but the plot is outstanding. People really went through this, and it's nothing that can be denied.

Although I stayed depressed for WEEKS after watching this entire movie, I love it. It tells a true story of love and the fight that comes along with it - especially in a long distance relationship. 

i had to throw this in here because i was never a "Snow White" or "Beauty and the Beast" child. I was "Fox and the Hound", "Lion King", with the exception of "Cinderella". This, though, is my all time favorite.

I adore this movie. That's all.

(please ignore this being a "soundtrack" photo)

this movie CRACKED me up! Hilarious. I love Steve Martin!

ohhh.... Josh..Hartnett...... Excuse me while I foam at the mouth. He is so handsome! To tell ya'll how much I love this movie: I want to name my child "Evalyn". Well, partially because I love the movie, and partially because I think it's a timeless name. Anyway, the reason behind loving this one goes back to the WWII statement I made earlier (despite the concentration camps).

I guess i'm entitled to love this one being that I have lived the life of this girl (in a funeral home). Ohh, she gave me inspiration to pranks on my friends =) I never lost a basketball in the embalming room, though. 

What girl doesn't like The Notebook?

I mean, really.

whew, this one is amazing. 

I've come to the conclusion that Rachel McAdams is my favorite actress.

I love her.

annnnd, my all time favorite football movie!!! 

I love any football movie!

last, but certainly NOT least! 

.."No one ever puts Baby in the corner." 

ahhh, Patrick....

*******************

My high school history teacher talked about how movies became so popular, and I had never really taken it into consideration until then. He told us that during the Depression, people would go to the movies to escape the world outside, to take their minds off of what was really happening, and to allow them some moments of ease. [Some] movies really can have that affect on a person. 

That's all for today. I didn't even get STARTED on my favorites. How is a person supposed to pick just one? Literally, those movies are ones I can watch over and over and over again!