A12.

I have had the privilege to live with two wonderful ladies the past three years at Western in a very small, quirky apartment we call A12. You know when God puts people in your life at really odd times and for really odd reasons and you look back and you're like ohhh that's what you were doing...thanks God. Well Emma and Marcella are my two "thanks God" people. Wow. I don't know what I would do without these girls by my side. Let me tell you a little about them.

Emma is one of the closest friends I've ever had. She has been with me through thick and thicker. She's always in the mood for a good adventure and trying new things. Our personalities are pretty similar and this year we shared a very very very very small room [our apartment is not large]. Weekly late night Sweetwaters, sit down homemade dinners every night, and a workout class--we always found time in our busy schedules to, literally, just hang out..which is just what I needed sometimes.  The most important thing Emma has taught me is to just laugh. When things get ridiculous and it seems like I can't catch a break I think eh, could be worse and I just laugh. And MAN have we laughed a ton this year!

Marcella is like my partner in crime. If you see us two alone in a bar...better start walking the other way...and quickly. This girl has one of the funnest (I know it's not really a word) personalities I've  ever experienced. We have made so many good memories around Kalamazoo. Marcella has made me more outgoing than I've ever been. She is one of those girls that everyone is jealous of because she has that "so what" confidence we all wish we could have. I know there's at least half a dozen things I would not have done without her forcing encouragement and looking back, I'm so glad we did all those things!

Living in A12 has been such ride and I would not have survived without these girls. They keep me laughing. They keep me sane. And they keep me, me. Our stories are as endless as our friendship. Both of these girls will be standing by me at our wedding this summer [in 65 days...you didn't think I'd make it all the way through the post without a countdown-did you??] and I could not be more satisfied. I love you girls so MACHH and will miss you!
[and A12 collage...look at how pretty they are!]





I know, it's a lot of pictures. It's been TWO years, people. TWO YEARS.

Final's Grind

It must be around an important, busy time of the year...because I'm finally blogging again. What can I say..I am a dedicated, distracted procrastinator. I have been in such a funk this week. The semester is winding down and we were starting to see signs of spring, but now it's just dreary out. I am tired and burned out. Lately, I have been trying to keep myself positive by looking at the exciting things that are in store. Mainly student teaching & wedding things have been keeping me motivated through these last couple of weeks.

 Another thing that helps me "escape" is reading. I've been really into Adolescent books..which is strange because I didn't even read those types of books when I was an adolescent. A couple I'd recommend are Maze Runner by James Dashner, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Sorta Like a Rockstar by Matthew Quick, and the Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. You do not have to be an adolescent to read these books; they are definitely more engaging than some Adult books I've read! 

[If you want more recommendations of books I have a few on my pinterest & if you have books to recommend to me I'm always looking!]