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Black Friday 40

I did not get the chance to shop during Black Friday this year, and believe me when I say, that was definitely on my list of things to be thankful for. Angry customers flood the aisles, flaming hot red when they are turned away after items run out. The claustrophobic side of me seeps out when I have insane adults bumping my shoulders to my left and right. Customer’s attitudes are not the only tempers the flair. You want to catch an employee at their low point? Observe them during Black Friday. I cannot imagine dealing with people who are selfishly begging for items that are unavailable.

I chose to fill a few shifts at work this year instead. I work at a small frozen yogurt shop in the midst of the most busy shopping center in my town. Our restaurant was empty while customers ran obnoxiously into other stores. I spent most of my time watching the sometimes joyous and other times saddened customers walk out of the stores with major sales.

I was thankful to say I was NOT involved with Black Friday festivities this year. Out of all the things I could of shared as we went around the dinner table, I chose to enlighten everyone with that small token of thankfulness.

Summer Camp 39

As colder weather moves in, I am nostalgic for the warm atmosphere of summer and the experiences that come with it. I have had the opportunity to attend the same church camp since I was six years old. From day camp to week long adventures there, I have enjoyed every one of them.

Camp Joshua is a small church camp located in Gentry, Arkansas. Numbers for High school week have ranged from 60 to 150. The small amount of campers bring a sense of home and community. My youth group and I love returning each summer to the same faces and leaders. Camp Joshua has never been known for being high class. The cabins have holes in the walls, the bunkbeds creek all through the night, the bathrooms are legendary (in the worst way possible), the the grounds aren’t anything extraordinary. Our youth pastor let us know that one of his tasks before camp began was to paint over the mold in the bathrooms. That might give you a sense of just how poor looking the campus really is.

When you have attended the same camp forever, it does not matter how amazing the facilities are. It is home. I could be 40 years old and return to Camp Joshua, and still call it home. This upcoming summer will be my last year to attend camp as a student. Hopefully I can return the following years as a counselor or leader. I am looking forward to the experience of my last stay but dreading the good bye.

Psycho for Psych 38

Psych is a show that gets me laughing every episode. The character’s humor never fails to crack me up. If you haven’t gotten the chance to experience an episode yet, the humor is very dry and sometimes goes unnoticed, contrary to the scene above. Besides the humor, I thought the plot to the show was unique compared to other crime investigative shows. Shawn, the main character, has an amazing sense of observation. With the help of his friend Gus, they assist the local police department in solving mysteries, all while Shawn poses as a Psychic. The shows captures their adventures and relationships through 8 seasons on USA network.

Sadly, Psych was just removed from Netflix. I have found other funny series that can replace the humor of Psych for a short time. Shawn and Gus will be missed... until I can collect all of the seasons on DVD.

Jingle Bells in July 37

The Christmas tunes start rolling in my daily playlist by July. Ok, maybe that’s an exaggeration; however, I’m not ashamed to admit that I included a few classics near the beginning of November. Frank Sinatra, Bing Cosby, and Nat King Cole are some of the major artists you’ll find on my “Christmas Jams” playlist, but I’ve come to discover that Micheal Buble can hang with the classics. I can take a few remakes and hip hop styled songs, but my favorites include the traditional originals. I live in a family where the boys are constantly teaming up against the girls. (In a joking manner of course.) They moan when they hear the sound of jingle bells or Christmas hymns before December 24th. You might find them engaging in Christmas shopping or cookie decorating (mostly cookie eating) but they truly hate holiday festivities. What is there to hate about a bunch of joy, green and red, sweet treats, and Christmas movies? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! My mom and I jam to Christmas tunes, wrap presents, and wear Christmas sweaters. We aren't ones to go crazy and cover every inch of the house with decorations and lights and we don't consume ourselves with just Christmas, but compared to the guys in the family, we look obsessed. But hey, there's nothing wrong with a little bit of "Jingle Bells" in July.

Christmas Around the Corner 36

I always consider the fact that I could complete all of my Christmas shopping super early so that I’m not cramming to buy things the week before the holiday. Time never fails to fly by a little to quickly and, it never seems to get completed. I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m shopping days before Christmas this year with all the college deadlines throughout December that I’ll be working on instead of shopping.

I heard the first sounds of the salvation army bells this last weekend and was completely shocked. It seems to early to start ringing them already. I always love to see the volunteers outside of stores, wrapped up with scarves and mittens shaking the bells as they shiver and greet those customers who walk in.

Besides the sweet sounds of Christmas bells, I love the aroma that the holiday brings in. Chocolate chip cookies sweep a scent all throughout the house, and then I walk into my room to find a red apple pie candle spreading its blessing throughout the space. The dark colors of maroons and olive greens start to build up in my closet and the dust gets cleaned off my winter boots.

Christmas also brings a sense of happiness into a moment. Getting to see you mom open the gift you knew she wanted makes a heart happy. Seeing that your family got you the perfect gifts develops some excitement as well.

I just really love Christmas!

Thanksgiving Break 35

The Holidays are almost here, and the first one in line, Thanksgiving. Food and Family, what is there not to love? Its the one holiday where there is no voice in anyone’s ear considering the calories in certain foods or the loads of sugar in an extra piece of pie.

Our family tradition has changed up a bit in the past few years. We’ve travelled to my family’s cabin for a few nights as well as gone out to my grandparents land in Alma. I am blessed with 12 cousins that range from upper elementary aged to sophomores in college. It sounds like a big gap, but when you put us all together, we mesh like peas in a pod. You can usually find us playing games, watching movies, and having some good laughs. I couldn’t imagine being in a family without cousins!

This year, we will be at my grandparents house in Alma. We like to embrace our inner southern pride and set up yard games, shoot guns, and crowd around a small homemade fire pit (especially when its cold). It can get crazy and stressful when everyone has a different plan in mind; however, when everyone is together, we can only focus on the joy and of course thankfulness we have (because you know.... its thanksgiving).

Housing Application 34

Yesterday evening, UCA housing Application opened for everyone to fill out. They assign rooms on a first come first serve basis so everyone was waiting at there computer, refreshing the screen until the application opened up. I was one of those inpatient seniors, waiting to apply so I could get the exact dorm I wanted. With my luck, at 4 o'clock when the application was supposed to open, I began to refresh the page, in hopes of being one of the first ones in. To my disappointment, I waited in front of the screen for 2 ½ hours, without an entry. I was following the updates that the UCA housing department was posting on twitter. They alerted everyone that the cite had failed and only certain applicants were able to complete the form. A few hours later, the application website was up and running again. After hours of waiting and clicking refresh, I finally completed the form.

#daywasted

Loving the Imperfections 33

Friendship is a feeling we take for granted. I couldn't imagine traveling through life without my pals. I recently came across a quote from Sam Keen that said, “You come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.” Keen probably meant that in a sappy love story way but I decided to apply it to my friendships.

My friends can bug me sometimes and I'm positive I frustrate them as well. I'm sure we could agree that we enjoy our time together, but we also value our time apart. I've grown up with who I would refer to as my "best friends" so we've spent countless experiences with one another. We are aware of each others personalities and flaws; however, we are more aware of one another’s strengths. We see each other’s imperfections perfectly. I love the way my friends would let me cry on their shoulder when I needed one. I am grateful that they have servant hearts and love the Lord. I couldn’t imagine my friends if they didn’t like to laugh and have a good time. Our relationship as friends conceals the aspects we dislike about one another. Our imperfect relationships are truly perfect.

“I have just met you, and I love you” -Doug the Dog 32

Disney pixar never fails to present characters that can change your perspective on things. For example, Up is a film about friendship and adventure between two unlikely companions. And then you have Doug. Doug is a dog that never fails to brighten up certain scenes of the movie. During his first scene in the film, Doug proclaimed to the young boy, “I have just met you, and I love you.” In the overall theme of the movie, this quote means nothing; however, when I observed it alone, the deeper meaning began to muster.

What would the world be like if we loved everyone we met? It seems impossible to assemble everything that would change if we just chose to love. Life would seem unreal in so many ways: no war, no bullying, less suicide, no drama, less harsh political campaigns (definitely necessary seeing how this last election progressed). The smartest kids in a high school building would look at special needs children with compassion. The upper class would see the poor with sincere hearts. Missionary impact would increase as more travelled to help those in poverty around the globe.

Life would be beautiful if we were more like Doug.

My Love for DIY 31

Whenever I am longing for something to do, I always end up on a little project. These projects are usually decorations or tools for my bedroom. In the past, I’ve made a shelf out of some extra wood lying around as well as a sock drawer organizer, homemade garland, and a decorative cork board. You can say I love when a task includes “doing it yourself” (DIY).

There is something satisfying about the process of actually making a useful tool or decor item and completing the final product. It’s a simple job to make me feel accomplished, more accomplished than driving to the store to buy something very similar would make me feel. I’m more fond of the projects that I can complete over the weekend because otherwise, I grow impatient and usually don’t stick with it until completion. Instead of welcoming someone into a space and them asking, “Where did you buy this?”, they instead are asking, “Wow! How did you make this?”

Voicing my Opinion 30

The United States of America has a new president. I could take a few paragraphs to explain why I think Mr. Trump is the right or wrong fit; however, I do not feel I have the right to portray my opinion when it is not very deserving. By this, I mean I do not know (or care) nearly enough about politics to feel confident in the things I say; my thoughts have no real evidence and reason. I’ve been frustrated with the high schoolers who engage themselves into debates even when they have no real meat to their argument. You’re ruining friendships and disrupting positive conversations for a debate that means nothing. Typically the same students that choose to voice their opinion, are the same students that have no idea what they are talking about. If you have no clue, don't argue! (Go ahead and admire the rhyme 😂) All I will say after hearing the results is... I'm thankful my hope is not found in the government of my country. There is a far more trustworthy dude who has a plan!

Redesigning My Room 29

My taste in style has changed numerous times through my high school career. I go from buying trendy clothes, to wanting a unique style. My decor style alters as well. In a constantly changing world, I am constantly changing my mind. As a teenager, I don’t get an overwhelmingly amount of money and time to make my room exactly how I want it. The last time I re-did my bedroom was several years ago; therefore, it hasn’t really described me for several years. As I mature and form my own sense of self, my style has dwindled down to a few specific aspects so I have started to change my wardrobe and bedroom to really fit my interests.

Earlier this year, I bought a new comforter for my bed but that meant several things needed to change... the wall color, the shades in my lamp and pillows I had been accenting with, and the overall theme of my room. Finally, I have bought a fresh jar of paint and am whipping it on my walls this weekend. I have a few side projects in mind of DIY accessories to decorate my walls with and get my desk and dresser space looking spiffy as well.

I have also slowly been adjusting my wardrobe to fit me instead of being the styles that are popular. Since forever, I have loved pearls, the color GRAY, and soft fabrics. (That style has never left!) Lately I have found an interest in resale shopping. Why wouldn't I want to buy a super soft flannel for three bucks or slightly used jeans for ten? Besides the dressier side of my closet, I have never changed my opinion about Nike shorts and t-shirts. I couldn’t live in a world without athletic clothes!

As you can see, the changes are slowly beginning to present themselves and my current tastes are setting in.

Thoughts about the Research Essay 28

We have nailed down our topic to be specific enough to write an intelligent research essay. We have sifted through articles to find the specific ones that match to our area of study. We have deciphered through text and picked out the quotes that back up our overall argument. I feel like we should already be done; however, the real work hasn’t even begun.

As 17 and 18 year old writers, we are immune to the idea that writing excellent papers (whether it be a argumentative essay or novel) takes authors months, and for some, years. I think a lot of us our seeing this distant deadline for the research essay as time to leisurely recruit sources and slowly accumulate an essay. There are so many preparation steps before the actual writing process begins that it makes the assignment appear endless and excessive.

Personally, its been hard for me to grasp the entire picture of developing a research essay while we are just in the phases of expanding our knowledge in a certain study. There is always the thought in the crevices of my mind that worries none of my research will actually fit into my essay or that I’ll have to switch my argument because I couldn’t present enough information. I haven’t disliked this assignment, but I am learning a lot about the writing process as we dig deeper into the challenge.

The Event 27

The Event is a conference thrown by Ozark Christian College during the school year. Part of my youth group is traveling up Friday night to attend the event and experience first hand the clustering of youth groups all around the area for a single purpose, to praise and learn about our relationships with Jesus Christ. I’ve gone to church camps and youth conferences since I was little but I’m especially excited for this one because it is hosted by a college interest of mine. I’m am also ecstatic because I know it is going to be a stress reliever. A 24 hour trip away from home is sometimes all you need to refresh the soul and retain sanity. Pressure and tension build up when your stuck in the same place dealing with the same things like homework and scholarships and those people that tend to just push your buttons.

From what I’ve gathered, Friday night is filled with games and activities to keep the youth group active into the late hours of the evening (which will be a challenge for me at the end of the school week when I’m most drained.) Into Saturday, we attend classes and hear from great speakers. That evening we’ll depart for home and shift back into our daily routines, feeling just a little refreshed and reminded of the real purpose our lives could hold.

Soccer 27

Each year that school started meant that soccer started. I played in a small recreational league beginning when I was 6 up until I reached the age of 13. I tried out as a freshman for the high school team and played for JV that entire year. As my experience progressed, my skills progressed and I was playing Varsity during my sophomore and junior year. I reached a point in which I had played so much soccer that it wasn't fun anymore. I dreaded practice and got too nervous about games and it was corrupting the type of player I hoped I could be. I decided to drop the sport for my senior year. I will probably look back in a few years and shame myself for the dreadful decision I made. Already, I miss the time I spent with my teammates and the exercise that brought a sense of relaxation to my day. It was a time I didn't have to constantly multiply and divide digits or think of the best way to end an essay. I could just play. 11 years is a long time. Professional athletes must have a huge heart for their sport because I couldn't even make it half the years they practice and train. I'm thankful for the joy and life lessons soccer brought me; however, I am also thankful for the time I have today to focus on different events that replace the feelings it provided. I'm finding relaxation in my emptier schedule. Learning from the extra time I can devote to my studies. Laughing with all of the students in my youth group. Although it was time consuming, soccer was a blessing and I'll never forget my experiences in the sport.

Working in High School 26

I started my first job in ninth grade as a waiter, serving dinner at a retirement home. I never enjoyed that job because of frustrating coworkers and odd hours on top of being the youngest employee there. Although I dreaded the days that I worked, I wouldn’t trade the experience for much else. Working at a younger age taught me responsibility. It also encouraged me to get a college education (more than I already wanted one) because it showed me if I don’t work for the career I want, it isn’t going to be handed to me, and I’ll me stuck serving food to the elderly for the rest of my life.

I only worked there for a year and decided I couldn’t fit a job in with my high school sports and homework. When I knew my senior year was going to be less time consuming, I decided I should find another job. Thankfully, several of my friends plugged me into a company that is super easy going and lenient on my schedule. It has been a blessing to have the opportunity to get experience in the workplace and with coworkers. Some students are granted with a family who can support their future financially. My parents have been so kind as to help me all throughout high school; however, they are relying on me to fund my own education going forward. This aspect of my life has taught be that saving money is crucial and that I should be thankful for the jobs that I receive.

Take me out to the ball game, take me out to the crowd! Play me some music and watch the screen, maybe I'll get on my the second inning! (Ok maybe that's not exactly how it goes) One of the most entertaining parts of a professional baseball game are the moments shown on the big screen. Music blasts through the speakers and the crowd knows it's time to show off their moves in hopes of being broadcasted for the whole stadium to enjoy. I captured this moment of a boy dancing at a Braves game I attended this summer. He never got on the big screen but his moves kept the few people surrounding him entertained. I've never been one to stand up and embarrass myself in front of thousands of people; however, I hold plenty of respect for those who do. Their state of mind is so confident and assured! Like this little dude, they aren't afraid to get down with it for a couple moments of fame.

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