A Highlight Reel

Hey guys! I've been pretty inactive recently and for that I am very sorry. Life's been pretty busy. And, I've also been having some serious writer's block. It's been terrible. I keep sitting down to write, but then nothing works. I can't even write down a single sentence. I just can't really think of anything important enough to write about. 

Because of this, I have decided to give y'all a highlight reel of my favorite moments during my absence. This is going to basically be a long appreciation post for all of my friends(you have been warned). The following people are some of the most important people in my life(in order of the dates of the events). They have helped me get through things and made me smile even when life didn't want me to. I have made memories, and they will last a lifetime. Like I've said before, junior year is insane; and it's finally begun to take it's toll on me. I've been more upset, angry, and stressed recently. However, I have some fantastic friends who are helping me push through it and even allow me to let it out, sometimes even by being my punching bag(thanks Theo!). Honestly, I love these people to death. 

So, let's begin at a fun little birthday party I went to for my favorite twin. Her birthday was held at The Kitchen at the Dunlavy and oh my gosh, the food was so good. I got a bagel with salmon, and UGH so delicious! And the restaurant was so aesthetically pleasing! All these vintage chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the windows were huge! Someone call The Kitchen, I just found their new spokesperson!  

Hey there Mack;)

This is Mackenzie. She is literally the sweetest person I know. I genuinely have no idea where I would be without her. ILT is my favorite parts of my A days because I get to vent to her. She reminds me of all the things I forget about myself. Even when I don't want to hear them! She always makes me smile, and I've needed a reason to smile recently. Mackenzie is one of my closest friends. I tell her absolutely everything with no fear of judgement. When you find someone like her, don't let her get away.

You're cute Brooke!

This lovely gal right here is Brooke. She's the sassiest person I've ever met and that's just one of the reasons why I love her. She is so funny and confident in who she is. She has taught me how to stick up for myself and be my own person; I don't know if she meant to, but she has! This girl has the strongest relationship with God. Her ability to turn to Him in all things is so inspiring! Also, she's one of the CUTEST silver spurs. If you ever have the chance to meet someone like this girl right here, don't waste it.

Next memory was the day of the last pep rally! First of all, the theme was really cute. I still have my sunglasses. The biggest let down was the fact that somehow the juniors lost the spirit stick to the seniors. Um how?? We are a pretty spirited class! My favorite part of the day, however, was seeing my camp friend play soccer.

Those glasses look good on you Annika!

Well, well, well look who it is. Annika! This girl right here is something special! She is full of joy and her positivity just radiates! I can always count on her to make me laugh. Even when I'm not in the mood to. I'm so happy I met her, she brought my confidence to a whole new level. She taught me to accept myself. I've made so many memories with this beautiful person. She's just so much fun. People need a little fun in their life, and find people who make everything a reason to smile. 

Virginia always looks good!

There's something special about camp friends, and Virginia is one of those special people. Even though she lives in a different city, she is still a sister to me. She is one of those people who you can text or call when you're sad. She's also the cutest person ever! And, she's also a fantastic bunkmate; I'm so thankful that she puts up with the mess that I am. Everyone needs a friend to lean on, even when they're over 100 miles away. ALSO, I am so excited to be an aide with her this year! 

We all need some kindness in our lives. And everyone needs to try kindness. This is what I named the group chat that, when it was first created, confused me so much. It was made after one random basketball game, and in all honesty, I didn't understand why it was made. But now, I look forward to seeing this special group of people and I am so happy we are friends. They are the best friends, even when they roast my driving abilities. 

Hey there Ellie! And Leo! Oh and you too Theo!

Where do I even start with Ellie? This girl has been there for me through everything. I've never met a more beautiful soul. She has held my hand, both figuratively and literally, through the bad and good times. She is someone I can call in the late hours of the night. Someone who drives the long journey of 20 minutes to my part of town. She is someone I cherish. She is going to change the world. I pray you all find someone as wonderful as this girl. Everyone needs a friend who you can ugly cry in front of. 

Ah and then there's Leo. The lax god. The best dancer on the dance floor. The guy who makes me laugh, even when he's being mean to me. As much as I hate to admit it, he's never truly mean to me. He just likes to pick on me, which I believe is something you need to do to yourself as well. Also, Leo is one of the best people to go to for advice. He cares about people and it shows. He cares about you even when he makes fun of your grandma shoes. Find the friends that laugh at you so that you can learn to laugh at yourself. 

Then, the final member of our little group chat is Theo–my actual punching bag. He claims to hate me, but I know he doesn't! I never knew how much I needed him until we became friends. He makes me happy, all the freaking time. Even when he's in a bad mood. I know he'll always be there for me. I don't have an older brother, but I have one in Theo. I've had my trust broken multiple times from guy friends, but it only takes one person to let you break down the wall you've built. These people are important. 

I feel like this picture represents Try Kindness perfectly

School dances are never fun. They're awkward, and everyone is slightly uncomfortable. In my opinion, school dances are terrible. Everyone just looks forward to what they have planned after. For me, cotillion was no different. The dance was extremely fancy, it didn't even feel like a high school dance. The highlight of the night was when my dress did a complete 360º turn because of the mosh pit. I am also shorter than some, so mosh pits can get a bit dangerous. Even though I keep complaining, all in all, it was a fun night!

LOOK AT MY BEST FRIENDS! THEY'RE SO PRETTY!

Caroline is one of the most beautiful girls I know, inside and out! She is someone who helps me survive every day. She just exudes kindness and love for everyone. She fills the room with joy. People like her should never be taken for granted. She wants what's best for everyone, and sometimes sacrifices herself for others. She is someone to go to when you're in trouble or just need a little pick me up throughout the day. I would fall apart without her in my life. Please find yourself someone as special as Caroline.

Hey Julia, you're gorgeous!

This pretty lady right here is Julia. A very special friend of mine. One who truly understands me. One who doesn't judge anyone, no matter what they do. She is an exciting, crazy person. She's so incredible in so many ways. And even though she's not afraid to let loose, she is such a mom. She is the ultimate mom friend, and my group of friends would not be complete without her. She genuinely keeps me sane. It takes sticky glue to hold things together, and every group needs a person to be that glue. 

So I know I skipped one special lady in that group picture. But don't worry, y'all will see her again. She actually recently moved, and she had a little get together at her empty house. Literally so much fun! The music bounced off of every wall and the balcony made a great spot for deep chats. Also, I almost broke a light. Are we surprised by that? 

Here is my BEAUTIFUL best friend!

Sunny is one of my favorite people in this entire world. Even though I have only known her for a bit, I trust her with everything. She is goofy and joyful. She makes me feel more confident than ever before. She reminds me that it's okay to be self-centered, it means you put yourself first. The way she values herself is so important, and should be a lesson to everyone. She means the world to me. There will be people in your life who you just click with. Sunny was like my missing puzzle piece. Guess the cheerleaders were right!

This girl is amazing. Also Sully is cute too!

Bowman is a strong person who has taught me so many important life lessons. I see her strength daily and I strive to be like her in many ways. She is truly fearless. She is true to herself. She teaches me daily that I can be myself in a group of people who are all alike. She is someone to lean on because she will hold you through your rough times. She is such a fun loving person, who makes life enjoyable every time you are with her. She makes me smile and fills my day with positivity. People like her are hard to find!

Aren't my friends adorable? And yes Leo, I'm looking at you!

That cutie in the front row, in what seems like an uncomfortable position, is Sully. The silliest, craziest, and most amazing person I know. She is so funny and is truly an enjoyable person to be around. She lights up a room and makes everyone around her smile. Her awesome personality is only matched by her outstanding smarts. Like geez, this girl is insane! She also is incredibly strong. She is so inspiring for so many reasons. This adorable friend of mine is so special and people like her need to be cherished.

In more shocking news, I have taken up a sport! I play golf, but pay attention when I say this, I'm not good at it. Like, I make contact with the ball, but it doesn't go very far... It's still really fun and the girls on the team are some of my closest friends. I seriously think it will be super fun and maybe I can take my anger out on the golf ball!  

Golf STUDS right here!

Some days, the only way I make it through C. S. Lewis is because of Christina. She makes me laugh all the time and we are honestly so disruptive during class. Her carefree attitude helps calm me down when I start to feel annoyed. Also, her work stories are really funny! She makes me smile when I just want to scream at people. I'm really sad she's a senior. I'm going to miss the golf memes, laughing at doing homework, and visiting her at marble slab. Make sure to make memories with your friends while you still can.

The last thing I'm going to mention is the neon dance that happened on Friday night. In all seriousness, I was not expecting much. I mean, as I have said before, I hate school dances. But student council did an amazing job! It was so much fun and I think they should be proud of what they pulled off! The mosh pit was so much fun! Maybe because I wore shoes that made me taller? It was the most fun I've had at a school function in a long time! So cue the round of applause for student council! They deserve it!

Not gonna lie, Theo looks scary.

Hey pretty lady;)

Please know that if I did not mention you in this post it does not mean I don't value our friendship or love you any less than the people I did mention. In all sincerity, I probably just didn't have a recent picture with you.  

I have learned so much from the people in my life, and the lessons vary with each person. I have learned to love myself, relax, stay strong, laugh at myself, and trust again. That's only a fraction of the life lessons I will learn from those I surround myself with. Each and every person in my life is important to me. Everyone has impacted me in someway, whether it be good or bad. 

People influence people, that's a fact of life. It's up to you to choose who will influence you. If you surround yourself with negative people, negativity will consume you. It may not seem like a negative environment, but if you ever come home from hanging out with people and feel empty, it may not be healthy for you. As Sunny has taught me, put yourself first. Life will get better when you do. I know that from personal experience. 

All the love!