Well, I've basically lost any dedication, desire, or talent for blogging. Nevertheless, I'll do some updating.

1. I graduated! and did I cry? no. This is getting pretty ridiculous, but at least I did tear up during my speech and during the alma mater. Love ya, Camden High.
2. Speaking of Camden High, I might as well post this link, in case you've somehow missed it. (http://www.gatorade.com/default.aspx?mobilelockerroom%3Fs=mobile-locker-room&es=camden-hs#mobilelockerroom?s=mobile-locker-room&es=camden-hs) Camden High was selected as one of only five schools in the nation for testing a new Gatorade product, and so our video is on the website. I got chills watching the film of Kelvin Grant returning the kickoff in the last few seconds of the 2001 playoff game against Wilson. I will never forget that moment.
3. Speaking of crying (refer to #1), I did tear up significantly when Julie left yesterday! Let me back up. My best friend/roommate from Arlington last summer came to visit for a week and a half! It was a blast- just like old times minus the Mission. We went to Charleston for a day, had some graduation fun, then headed up to the lake for some relaxation, food, games, and lake festivities. Not to mention catching up and sharing our lives of the past year. She's pretty mad legit real cool, man.
4. I discovered Plato's Closet. Well, I finally went there. It has changed my life! I can't comprehend paying full price for clothing now.
5. I started working at United Way! I love it, especially now that I have permission to call Donny without the Mr. in front.
6. Lastly, WORLD CHANGERS is basically tomorrow. too amp.

lo siento

for neglecting my blog. Like Ruiz, I apologize to all my adoring fans.

I know I always have numbered/bulleted posts, and I'm sure that gets boring, but I feel that's the most effective way to catch you up on my life (which I know y'all are so interested in). So, let's recap.


★ It's spring break, and that's so beautiful.
★ Thad introduced me to this restaurant in Camden called Maddison's. The food's pretty delectable, and the owners are such nice people; who knew?!
★ Speaking of Thad, our families are going to Edisto this week. holla for warm weather, relaxation, and some great food, I'm sure!
★ But before that, I'm going with Meredith to Clemson for an overnight :) It's so good visiting now, knowing that I'll be there next year. It basically adds a whole new dimension. Plus, we get to go to RUF Tuesday night! I'm pretty amp.
★ Last night, my dad said "Interrupting someone's sneeze should be punishable by death." and it basically made my lyfe.
★ I've started saying "lol" sarcastically instead of laughing, but I'm kind of concerned because it's becoming a habit, and that's not okay.
★ Bekah Austin recruited (you can hardly call it recruiting, because I'm no good) me for her intramural frisbee team next year!
★ Pandora's being nice to me today.
★ Less than a month til AP exams!! That's kind of stressful, but that means it'll over be over soon. PTL.
★ Mrs. Williams used my paper as an example the other day! This sounds like no big deal, but seriously, I've never been more proud of any piece of school work in my life.
★ I took all that random Clemson mail, cut out the good parts, and made some sweet collages for Peyton and I. how lame of me.
★ In two weeks-ish, there's a concert in Columbia for $10. It's basically like Winterjam all over again, but with better people, and that's ridiculously exciting. and it's Kayla birthday!
★ oh yeah!! Julie's officially coming to South Carolina this summer! I am slightly concerned that she and Luke might end up being better friends than we are, but it's a risk I'm willing to take.
★ There was a Clemson reception for accepted students last week in Columbia, and I got a free t-shirt. always exciting.
★ Mrs. Twitty let us work in partners for our last ever AP Cal test, and Lesley and I rocked it.
★ In my last post, I mentioned that crazy person on Ebay that outbid me for Wallabees- well, I found another pair and won within that last few seconds! It was so intense.
★ My birthday's really soon, and I can register to vote. Jim Matthew for Sheriff!
★ Easter was yesterday. Praise Jesus! We serve a risen Savior :)


This verse keeps coming up in my life.
1 Corinthians 15:56-57
"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

highs and lows.

this title is pretty reminiscent of the good ol' days in Ashley Gardner's Bible study.

HIGHS:
1. I'm so rested because I took the day off from school yesterday. Yeah it was slack, but it was rejuvenating, and I am now more prepared to learn. judge me if you must.

2. I made As on my recent AP English tests!! I mean, she hasn't graded the papers yet, but..

3. Monster.com is coming tomorrow to give us the same speech they have every year, but that means no English manana!

4. My middle school girls' Bible study is mixing it up this week! We're starting way early for the lesson, then making posters and going to support Stuart at soccer game against LE. You go girl.

5. My mom bought more V8 Fusion. enough said.

6. D-NOW IS THIS WEEKEND! My team will dominate. holla!

7. Most importantly- God's been opening my eyes to some things lately, even though I'm super stubborn. Praise the Lord!


LOWS:
1. Someone outbid me on Ebay for $20 Wallabees. heartbreaking. (note: I wanted Wallabees before everyone else had them, because I really like wearing Meredith's.)

2. I always waste my time. I took a Calculus break at 10:15, and I've yet to return. Current time: 12:02.

3. My picture was in the Chronicle. Exciting? no, embarrassing.

4. Because of my #6 on highs- I must clean my closet. Peyton can testify.

I try to keep the highs more than the lows.


Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

A friend

accepts us as we are yet helps us to be what we should.


Lately, I've really enjoyed being with people, unexpected people, who I haven't spent time with in a while. There's just something refreshing about spending time with "old" friends (by old, I mean a few years because I'm only on a 17-year scale here.) It feels so comfortable, so familiar, so right.

At the same time, it's been great to enjoy those unconditional friendships, in which I am so blessed to know people who love and support me regardless of, well, me. Within those relationships, it's so easy to share, laugh, talk, let go; be vulnerable, open, and honest, without the concern of offending someone, or acting inappropriately, or being immature.


I feel like friendships are often so complicated by outside opinions, connections, and emotions; so much that we lose the happiness of just being together. I guess I've just been reminded of the joy that simple friendships bring- which is a very sweet, sweet thing, too easily forgotten, but so quickly welcomed back.

xoxoxo

Savior, please keep saving me.

There's about fifty bajillion things I could post right now, which would get my thoughts together. For now, I'll say that I'm recently been reminded that God is faithful, and my salvation is through Jesus Christ- praise God it is not dependent on me!

Here's a song that I enjoy. Given, it's kind of cheesy at times, but I appreciate this.

Savior, please take my hand
I work so hard, I live so fast
This life begins, and then it ends
And I do the best that I can, but I don't know how long I'll last

I try to be so tough
But I'm just not strong enough
I can't do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me
I try to be good enough
But I'm nothing without Your love
Savior, please keep saving me

Savior, please help me stand
I fall so hard, I fade so fast
Will You begin right where I end
And be the God of all I am because You're all I have

Hallelujah
Everything You are to me
Is everything I'll ever need
And I am learning to believe
That I don't have to prove a thing
'Cause You're the one who's saving me.

Thanks, Josh Wilson.
ps, if you click on his name, the link will take you to the song.

xoxo