Day 89: UCSC ultimate cheerleaders

It was a good night. Why? Because all 3 UCSC flag football teams dominated. I'm always so proud to cheer them on (especially when we win). There were 2 UCSC teams playing at the same time, so to be fair, Katie and I decided to watch BOTH of them at the same time! We stood right in the middle of the games, and we got to see both teams make touchdowns and we got to cheer them both on!! So fun! Therefore, Katie and I are the ultimate cheerleaders:)
Oh, and there's Sumner sneaking in the back of our picture, who actually PLAYED flag football...and got some pretty sweet flag pulls...she's awesome!

Day 88: BEAUTIFUL run at Cane Creek Park

I'm very grateful to have an elliptical in my living room...HOWEVER, it has kept me from exercising outside. Because, well, it's just more convenient to work out in your home than to drive somewhere to get a work out in. But, this picture just shows what I've been missing out on!   Wow, it was gorgeous outside today. I just couldn't help but snap a few shots as I started running and I absolutely had to share this one! 
I will absolutely be coming to this park more often! Fresh air was exactly what I needed!!

Day 87: I Workout.

I honestly don't mind working out...however, it's hard for me to find motivation to workout. If I don't have it in my schedule, I get distracted with Pinterest or tv or Twitter. So, tonight, I decided to make a workout schedule for the week that I can follow! I'm excited to see how this works out!! The hardest part is going to be waking up at 6:00 to workout. That will be a killer...but I THINK I can do it! 

Day 86: Why is food a reward?

Saturday was a long day. I worked for 6 hours as a TMTA Ambassador. I learned a lot and it was a great experience, but it was absolutely exhausting!! Last night, I was finally relaxing on the couch, just watching some tv. My roommate, Bree, was in her room, and I got the idea for us to go get donuts. Bree and I decided we deserved a treat after a long day of studying and working. After we were heading back with out donuts, we started thinking...Why do we feel the need to reward ourselves or treat ourselves with food? She and her friend had actually just been talking about this earlier....
As kids, anytime we did anything good, we got rewarded with food. I think ALL kids experience this. You get an A on your report card? Let's go get ice cream! You won your basketball game? Pizza party! Even schools pass out fast food coupons when you get good grades on your report card. As kids, our brains were programmed to associate food with happiness or success! 
Why don't we reward ourselves with a fun workout (like a beautiful jog or a zumba class) or a movie night or a game night or start a new hobby, like painting? This would create for a much healthier, much more exciting world, in my opinion!
So, Saturday night, after an exhausting, yet successful day, I should've had a small dance party or gone for a walk or ANYTHING else, other than treating myself to donuts!

Day 85: TMTA Ambassador

Today and tomorrow, at Tech, is the TMTA (Tennessee Mathematics Teacher's Association) conference. I'm one of the many volunteer ambassadors. The title sounds pretty awesome and super official. I worked 6 hours today, and I'm gonna work 6 hours tomorrow. It sounds like a lot....and it IS a lot. However, I'm already learning so much! I've stepped in on a couple different sessions! Pretty neat stuff. All these speakers have so many great ideas to use in the classroom!! 

Day 84: MATCHERS!

The UCSC's new secretary, Kara, and I have MATCHING names on our intramural shirts!! So exciting!
Our name is Rogue....why you may ask? Good question. A lot of us wanted to pick Avengers names, or something like that, so I had one of our guys pick one out for me.
APPARENTLY, I kill people when I touch them. I thought that fit my athletic/sports skills pretty well...except NOT. However, it's a pretty AWESOME name! It's even more AWESOME since it's Kara's name, also!!

Day 83: SKITTLE math lesson

Two girls, Amber and Shelbey, and I created a Math Lesson involving skittles:) We had to make a 20 minute lesson to present to our Educational Math class. So fun! We used skittles to help our "students" practice with and learn more about bar graphs. We presented on day 2. On day 1, nobody used skittles as their manipulatives, so we thought we were set!! Well, on day 2, when we presented, THREE total groups used skittles for their lesson. I'll just say that we were on sugar OVERLOAD that morning! And it was before 10:00. 
It was so fun creating this lesson! Lessons like these make me excited to become a teacher:)
I hope that my students realize that you can learn WHILE having fun!!

Day 82: My new Sonflowers Group!

So excited to be starting up our new accountability group--Sonflowers Group! I have had INCREDIBLE experiences the past 3 years with my Sonflowers groups. I've grown spiritually and relationally with the other 2 groups. Sometimes, it's just time for a change! Excited to start this journey with these 3 other girls: Jordan, Sumner, and Brittney! 
As Christians, keeping others accountable is HUGE in your daily walk with God. This is the first time where I'm truly ready to be kept accountable and to keep others accountable. 
I'm so thankful to God for these girls!! I can't wait to grow more with God and these girls.

Day 81: HEADBANDS FOR SALE

All summer long, I asked one of my girls, Madeline Rubio, to make me that cute headband she's always wearing! I just LOVED it. This past Sunday, I visited Otter Creek (best day I've had in weeks), and sweet, thoughtful Madeline handed me this headband that she made me! Isn't it the cutest thing you ever saw?! 
She's also selling them for $8.00. And they are totally worth it!!
Let me know if you want one:) They're so cute! And you can pick your color!!

Day 80: OCYG Reunion!!!!

Today was the best day I've had in a long time! I got to see all my girls in the OCYG!! Seeing all their pretty faces made my heart smile!! I have missed every single one of them! This group is by far the greatest group of middle schoolers I've ever known!! Can't wait until I can see them again!

Day 79: Car Probs

Instead of posting about the Tennessee Florida game I watched (definitely don't wanna talk about that), I'm gonna post about earlier in the day. My car got towed for the SECOND time in TWO weeks. Gee whiz. Just because it wouldn't start. Lame. I went a whole week a couple weeks ago without a car....that was ridiculously hard. Then, Friday after class, my car wouldn't start...so I had it towed Saturday morning, and $446 later, my car got a new starter and is fixed! Woohoo! It was an absolutely CRAZY day on Saturday. 

Day 78: Taco Ring: Pinterest

First off, I did not make this. My roommate, Ariel, did! This is a picture of the Taco Ring that she made...from Pinterest!! After a super stressful day of my car dying again, I get to have a homecooked meal from my roomie! She's so awesome! AND this meal was delicious! It was comfort food after a crazy day:) 

Day 77: Furbies are making a come back

As I was walking around in Wal-Mart today, just minding my own business, I came upon this sign! And I HAD to take a picture of it, because I knew nobody would believe me. If you are a 90's kid, then you had to have had a furby! Oh my goodness. They were the most fascinating, yet the most annoying toys on the planet. I had at least 3 or 4 in my childhood. I'm sure that they were super fun...but I just remember their annoying, persistent "voices". A parent's nightmare. A child's dream. I'm just shocked that they're actually trying to make a come back. OH...and you can preorder them RIGHT NOW at Wal-Mart! Don't miss this awesome opportunity!

Day 76: Deaf Education Booklet

Tonight, I was having dinner at El Tap with my friend roomie, Bree. She and I are just talking away, eating our chips and salsa, when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around and there's an old man handing me this pamphlet shown in the picture. I've seen people like this before, but I always handed the booklet yet. But, this time, I actually had some cash on me. I handed him $5, he thanked me in sign language and was on his way. Honestly, I'm not even sure what this money was going to. Was it going to an organization? Was it going to him? Was it a scam? I don't know. But, I felt it in my heart to give a little something to him. I'm not telling you about the money I donated to brag about anything, but I'm telling you about it because sometimes we are too caught up in our own lives that we forget to take a look around us to see how we can help others. People in need are all around all the time. It's not that hard to stop what you're doing to help yourself, and look up to see who you can help other than yourself.

Day 75: First Girls' Football Game

Although NOT a great picture, this is a picture of the UCSC girls playing against the FCA in the first flag football game of the season! These are always so fun! I love cheering on all my girls!! They're awesome...OH, and we WON! 10-8! Great game, girls!!

Day 74: Beautiful day on campus.

Not much happened today, other than class and homework. It was one of those days when you just feel down and you stay in your room. But, when I was walking  back to my car after class, I couldn't help but look all around me. It was a beautiful day today. The sun was out with huge white clouds scattered all over the sky. I just stopped and had to snap a few pictures. Sometimes, you just have to stop walking with your head down and look up and see the beauty surrounding you!

Day 73: I got my car back!

This may look like a rather boring picture...I mean, it's just of my car. BUT, after a veryhumbling week of having no car, my parents finally brought it back to me on Sunday. 
My car broke down as soon as I got on the interstate Monday night to come back to Cookeville. Scariest experience ever to be stranded on the side of the interstate at night. This whole week my car has been in the shop getting fixed in Knoxville. So I've been car-less in Cookeville.
I'm much more comfortable giving to people, than receiving from people. So, asking for rides from people has been crazy humbling. I don't like having to rely on people. This week has definitely helped me to be okay with asking for help!
Also, I couldn't have survived this experience without my parents! They came to my rescue Monday night and took care of me. And, they drove a total of 3 hours on Sunday so I could have my car back. Talk about 2 completely selfless people! Grateful beyond belief for my parents!!

Day 72: CiCi's! Girls' Night.

My roommate and I love going to CiCi's! We rarely go but when we do, we always eat plenty of their cinnamon rolls. They're probably the best things on the planet. Saturday night was girls' night with Bree, Katie, Elizabeth, and me! Here's a picture of Bree and me with our favorite dessert!

Day 71: A typical Friday night

There's obviously not a lot to say in this blog post. Because the picture says everything that happened Friday night. We sat at this apartment and watched tv...oh and ate McDonald's. Yep...this is being a senior in college looks like to us. 

Day 70: Tech Football Game!

Thursday night was football game night at Tech! It was so fun to go with the UCSC group! I actually like to Tech football games now!! Tech football games are a great way to enjoy my senior year:) Loved hanging out with these girls!

Day 69: Art Project

I know this doesn't look like a crazy awesome art project. But, I'm in an art class for Education Majors. We're learning all kinds of different projects we can incorporate in our classroom. This picture is a project to use with children with disabilities. On the back, it looks like a regular playing card. So, we got to decorate the blank side. We had to trace some of our fingers onto the card, then put our favorite number on there, then we decorated with puff paint. It's a very simple, very cool project to do with with kids with disabilities. Because the kids can decorate their own playing card however they want! After the paint dries, you can feel all the dried paint on the card. It's very cool! It's a great project these kids can touch and feel!

Day 68: Roommate time

Let me start off by saying that I have the best roommates in the world. 
This is a VERY rare picture. You probably will never see all 3 of us in one picture again. Our schedules are complete opposites and we're all busy with different things. 
But, this year, we are going to be intentional and hang out together at least once a month!
Tonight was Zaxby's night:)
I just love hanging out with my roommates!! I know I can come to them with ANYTHING, and I'm so grateful for that!
I love you, Bree and Ariel!!

Day 67: Saying goodbye never gets easier

When I was a Senior in high school, I was so unbelievably ready to leave home and move out to college. But, as I've gotten a little older, I've realized how much my family means to me and how I would be nowhere without them. I took advantage of their generosity, love, and protection. Now, everytime I come home, each minute I'm there is so special. I cherish every moment. Whether its watching Sarah play volleyball, or going on walks with my dad, or going to McKay's with Caleb, or playing cards with my mom, each of these moments mean the world to me! 

I love being on my own. I love having roommates and best friends in college. I love feeling like an adult. But, it's these things that make me grateful for the amazing family I have back at home. I've learned that no matter what they will always love me and support me. 

I definitely learned that tonight after my car broke down on the interstate....I honestly don't know what I would do without my family. 

Day 66: BOOMSDAY

One of my favorite traditions living in Knoxville is going to Boomsday the Sunday night before Labor Day! They have cotton candy, music, activities, FIREWORKS, but the best part is the people watching! So many different kinds of people all come together to celebrate Labor Day! 
I thought about putting a picture of fireworks...but of course, we've seen dozens and dozens of pictures of fireworks lately. So, I decided to put a picture of these 3 girls: my sister, and her 2 best friends, Emma and Raegan. They were one of the best parts of the night. They had Jenna and me laughing the whole time. Crazy sophomores. 
This is a picture of us just driving down a hill, but they decided to turn it into a rollercoaster ride by putting their hands up...ridiculous.
But, they were so much fun to hang out with!
Sometimes, it's the little things that mean the most.

Day 65: AWESOME gift: earring holder!!

This is such a cool gift from my crafty best friend, Jenna!! Since I have 8 piercings, I need a lot of earrings, but since I'm forgetful, I lose my earrings all the time. So, I needed one place where they could all be on display for me to see. But, I couldn't find a good one anywhere. So, for one of my birthday presents, Jenna decided to make me one from scratch! This was the phenomenal end result!! All my earrings fit, with plenty of room for more...AND it matches my bathroom:) PERFECT!!

Day 64: Another party??!!

I came home this weekend to my friend's apartment all decorated for my birthday!! There were tons of balloons hanging from the ceiling and she'd decorated a 21 sign for me...decked out in glitter (she knows me well!) I felt so special, especially since I thought the birthday celebrations were over! She knows I love pictures so we did a mini-photo shoot with my 21 sign...HA! She also made me Red Velvet Poke Cake and got me a few presents, one of which will be on the next blog post!
It was such a fun night!! Turning 21 feels AWESOME:)
Thank you, Jenna, for making it even more special!

Day 63: Christy's birthday celebration!

Thursday night was Christy's birthday party!!! SO FUN!! She's turning 20 this year, woowoo! The night started with some delicious El Tap (always a fave), then we headed to go dancing! All night we were laughing and having a good time! Best night I've had in a while:) 

Happy Early Birthday, Christy!!

Day 62: Already miss Audrey!!

This girl and I have lived in the same town for 2o years! We've been best friends since we were babies and we even went to college together! This year, God has directed her on a different path, so she's back at home....but THANKFULLY, she came to visit all of us to hang out and she got to be here on my birthday:) She is an incredibly special friend to me! I already miss her at Tech. It's not the same without her. Everytime you walked into a room, she shouted your name, hugged you, and then complimented you. She makes all her friends feel special!! I knew I'd miss her, but I didn't know how bad, until now!! Already looking forward to her next visits!