5 things for them highschoolers.

1: Respect your teachers. Not only do you have a better chance of getting a good grade, but you learn how to be an adult. Listen and learn in class. If you don't get it, go in after class and get help. Say thank you at the end of class. Don't fall asleep in class (my biggest struggle in class haha!). Turn in your assignments with good handwriting. Always smile in class.

2: Sleep enough at night. Like 8 hours. Or more if you can!! And no, not by missing first period, by going to bed at 10 instead of 1. You focus and energy throughout the day are so much better if you're well-rested.

3: Have a healthy breakfast every morning. It doesn't have to be a 5- course meal, just a banana and peanut butter and a glass of orange juice. I promise early morning seminary will be SO much more bearable.

4: Pray every night. I don't care what religion you are. Pray every night. Count your blessings, tell the big man upstairs what's bothering you, and ask for help. Tell Him how much you love Him. Even if you're REALLY not feelin it, pray every night.

5: Be kind to everyone. I'm not saying you have to go out of your way all day every day to do something nice for everyone you see. I'm saying you should smile at people when you make eye contact in the hall. I'm saying you should tell the girl that had the solo in the choir concert how well she did, even if you've never even spoken to her your life. I'm saying you should ask how someone's day's been and then genuinely listen to their answer. Just be kind.


High school is hard. Academically, physically, emotionally, spiritually. It's a learning experience, the whole 4 years. But never give up. It's gets better. Keep on going.

I'm a mess.

I woke up late again today. I think that makes 643 days this semester. Or something like that.
That stupid natural sign on my theory homework tripped me up again today, even though I had JUST learned how to handle them.
Yesterday made the kagillionth day in my life I didn't exercise, even though it was on my to-do list.
I think I have 3, maybe 4 full outfits on my floor right now. As in, since Sunday happened I haven't cleaned them up.
Also, my bed isn't made. And I think my poor Ducky got to spend another day stuffed under the mess of comforter and sheets and pillows at the end of my bed.
M&M's are still my favorite, even though my favorite should probably be celery or something.
My best friend lives in Mexico, and as much as I love reading her letters and writing her back, I can't help by feel hurt in my heart every time I do because I can't just call her and tell her hiandiloveyou.
Our perfect housing plan for sophomore year fell through, so now we have to try for Plans B, C, and D, and maybe E will end up being the one, where I sleep on a cot in a practice room.
Laundry? Meh. Tomorrow.
Oh... you mean that homework. Yeah, about that...

I'm a mess.

Oh, but yesterday, I listened to my favorite Inspiring Commencement Speech (because it's actually a real live obsession in my life, Inspiring Commencement Speeches) while I iced my wrists.
And my wrists don't hurt so much no more.
And I got to play in studio class yesterday for the second time since my wrists are a little better, and my teacher said, "Bravo!" at the end.
I figured out that I can actually fly home 5 days earlier than I thought I was going to be able to, so that means I'm coming home in T minus 38 days.
You should see the blossoms on the trees in Tennessee. You'd die.
Oh goodness I listened to Oistrakh play Brahms today, and my heart grew a little bit.
I only wore a jacket with my outfit today. No, not a coat, no not a parka, and no not 3 coats, a parka, 2 scarves, 6 pairs of socks, and 4 paris of gloves. Exciting news!
I found my favorite chapstick that was hiding at the bottom of my purse the other day and like YAY!
I got a package in the mail today from someone that I love that apparently loves me, too, and so much happiness came because of it.
I got to play with 10-month-old Amelia May for like 6 hours on Sunday and it was the best thing, mostly because I love babies with my whole heart.

Yeah, I wake up late a lot, I sometimes (a lot of times) don't clean my room, and I miss my best friend like h-e-double-hockey-sticks. But those things pale in comparison to all the happy I have in my life, to all the peace, and love, and worth-it I have in my life.

I'm a mess. A happy, peaceful, loved, worth-it mess.