Southern Summers

photo courtesy of flckr

The realization that this is my first summer outside of the Tennessee state lines is kind of a shock. But so far, so good. I'm in my home-away-from-home, and it looks like things are looking up. My besties arrive today for the first summer school sesh and just in time. I must admit flying solo in bham isn't quite as glamorous as one might assume. However, I am now the pround renter of an apartment in the sky (no joke, our view can't be beat), and a working gal at that. I started my internship at the WMU and I'm truckin' right along.

Work and friends are not the only things on the agenda this summer; weddings, concerts, lake trips and did I mention weddings? This coming weekend starts the FG trek around the South for wedding after wedding after wedding. It's a fun change of pace (and a great reason to go shopping), but it's hard to not become obsessed with the wedding bug. ( NOT in a creepy I need to get married way but in a "I could totally be a wedding planner and plan people's amazing days" kinda way). Nevertheless, wedding season is in full force here in Alabama and I feel certain its ripples are felt throughout the South.

courtesy of pinterest

Another highlight of being with my friends this summer is concerts. We have made it a priority to attend as many country concerts as fiscally possible starting with the AH-MAZE-ing Alabama Rising concert (it's basically killing like 15 birds with one stone and for cheap seat prices.. it seriously can't be beat). I love me some country tunes but if anyone's interested in roadtripping to see the ever-colorful Katy Perry holla at me.

With a lineup like this.. stay tuned for a rockn' southern summer...

courtesy of pinterest

let the good times roll

..and it led me here to this

{senior mommies at senior chapter}

It's that time of year again but this year is different than most. Not that I haven't loved the seniors in years past, but I seriously don't know what I'm gonna do without these girls. They've been my mommies and mentors, and I couldn't have asked for better memories with them.

{love you mommy}

Another change is that sweet babies Jamie and Steffen are leaving the gates of Samford behind next year. I seriously cry every time I think about a senior year without them, but as long as they're happy; I'm happy. Bama and UT better look out because these ladies are a force to reckoned with...

{steffen, me, jamie, mere, and hayley}

The BRIGHT side is that this summer is full of potential for amazing memories. Can't wait for my first summer in b'ham and being #foreverneighbs with my besties at the Oaks

{my amazing friends at black diamond}

{happy 21st Claire bear}

Spring has Sprung

{ashleigh, emily and me at the beach SBxi}

{i love my friends}

{beauties}

....now that Spring Break (SBxi/ SBleven) is officially over, the semester is gettin real. Apart from projects, tests, papers, and assignments, social life is about to be at an all time high. Needless to say that most peoples' calendars are beyond jam-packed. BUT there is a silver lining: THESE are the days we'll remember when everything's said and done. Spring break was a fabulous time to recharge my batteries before I settle in for the long haul. So buckle up, hold on tight, and enjoy the ride to SUMMERxi.

Maaauuuuuiiiiiiiiii (said in the "what happens in vegas" smoothiieee voice)

Long story, short: my fabulous mother won a trip to Maui, Hawaii through her office (shout out Cordova Vision Center). Being that everyone else had prior engagements, I was chosen to accompany her on the quest for relaxation because, hey, someone had to do it, right?

{my wonderful mama and me at our luau}

We went a few days early beacuse my oh so wise madre said that she wasn't flying all that way for just 3 days, and she has never been more right in her life. The plane rides were miz to say the least, but after being awake for 21 hours we were finally in MAUI.

{the night we arrived: our balcony view}

We had an absolutely fabulous time! we stayed at the beautiful Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea and we ventured to Kehei and Lahaina as well. The tropical atmosphere was a much need break from the massive snowfall blanketing the southeast that week. Although we weren't completely off the hook; Hawaii had record-breaking rain fall the week we were there (so much so that a land fill of medical waste flooded into the ocean. yuck.)

{a beautiful Pacific sunset -pre flooding}

anywho.. our week of relaxation included but wasn;t limited to: laying out by the pool and swim up bar and grill, a fabulous massage, my very first facial, a trip to the fishing village of Lahaina, and of course, complementary pinapple every few hours.

As much as we loved Maui, we decided that a week off isn't really a vacation without ourfamily/friends. However, we returned relaxed and rejuvinated to the bitterly cold southeast just in time for more possible snow days (cue Miley Cyrus' "Best of Both Worlds")

{part of our rainy day jewlery/pearl adventure}

{in Kehei for the day}

"Through the years we all will be together, if the fates allow..."

I'm officially done with my first semester of junior year, and it was a doozie. I think everyone will agree that Samford brought their A-game, and here's to hoping they tone it down next semester.. (i doubt it, but one can dream)

Anywho, I'm home now and the Merriment has begun. Even though I didn't get home til Friday (the 17th) my family made sure I hit the ground running. Saturday night was the annual "Todd Coaches Christmas Party," and since I'm now above the golden age, I got an evite. It was awesome to see some people I hadn't seen in a while, and for those who had their doubts...coaches/teachers can throw down/cut a rug.

After recovering most of Sunday morning, my family got together for our annual Christmas cookie session. This tradition has been in my family for decades, and without fail, every year we crank out dozens upon dozens of sugar cookies AND ice them.

I love love love Christmas and these little traditions make it beyond worth while for the extra effort. Although I'm already missing my friends (SHOUT OUT TO FG/SG), being with family provides a much needed break.

hope everyone is having a fabulous break... let the merriment continue...

We need a little Christmas, right this very minute..

As I sit in our decorated dorm room at 2am, clearly not studying for/finishing all my projects I realize I don't hate school as much as I say(or even think) I do. Granted, right now I could make a bonfire with all of my textbooks and not even blink, but I'm trying to tell myself I wouldn't be here having the amazing times I'm having without occasionally convincing my parents that its worth their life savings. Ergo, instead of focusing on the overwhelming annoyances in my life currently, I'll choose to dwell on the little "happys."

{throwback christmas card}

1) Christmas decorations/ all things Christmas

Seriously, I'm one of those mildly annoying individuals that could keep lights up year round if social norms would allow it. They never cease to make me feel like a five year old at Disney World

2) FG/SG

Yes, we realize we're annoying, but we don't care. My friends are the only thing that keep me sane (if you can call me that)

staying up all night laughing at stupid stuff, stringing movie quotes into conversations, and attempting to have a social life on top of school-- the shadies are the only reason I'm not "hanging from the shower rod"( Sex and the City... it's a joke people [side note:suicide is not a funny, but making jokes is])

ok... I'm officially over it. the Glee Christmas album has been on repeat enough, and despite the fact that my over-achiever roommate is still working on a stupid paper, I simply don't care anymore.

dance party to begin in room 218 shortly...

"I'll make it easy; I'll stay me"

So So much has happened this year! Junior year has been more than I could have hoped for, in so many ways. Signs of fall (my absolute favorite season) are creeping in, and I couldn't be happier.

I finally got around(got up the courage) to get my tattoo! I literally have wanted it for over 3 years, and it comes as no shock to those who know me exactly what and where I wanted it. I seriously love it and recommend it to all ( ok ok.. maybe not EVERYONE, but guys out there.. i have a thing for tattoos and men in uniform..which ill get to momentarily)

For Fall break I went to DC with my mom, aunt, cousin and about 30 WW2 Veterans. It was absolutely wonderful, and I couldn't have asked for a better first trip to Washington DC.

{yes, i'm throwin the diamond on capitol hill}

Hearing their stories and being a small, small part of their experience as they saw their relatively new monument. ( seriously gave me chills)

{2 very proud granddaughters}

Other than just loving the feel of DC (which is, in my humble opinion, a cleaner, more historical NYC), my FAVORITE part was Arlington National Cemetery. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

{Ashleigh and me at the Washington Memorial}

the changing of the guard ceremony.. whoa nelly. can't a gal catch a break?! i mean really, men in uniform.. gimme a call ;)

So basically this year has been magical. Loving life, Samford, my family and friends--and it only goes up from here.

Things to look forward to:

-Underwood/Wicked weekend

-my 21st birthday

-Thanksgiving

-twinkle lights

-Christmas (in all it's glory)

ahh.. life is good