To my dear friend…

I always enjoyed writing. It was something that I took pride in. Something that flowed freely from my heart, but as we all know life gets in the way, and the things we love get placed on the back burner. After a four-year hiatus, my opening post is in tribute to my childhood friend Sydney Loofe.

To my friend, my gentle hearted friend…

Being from a small town… or even after moving to a larger city, I’ve always lived in a state of invincibility. Nothing bad could ever happen and certainly never thinking that I would be impacted by a tragedy so unthinkable. We see and hear bits and pieces on the news but we never imagine such misfortune to come our way or affect those we love and care about. Until one day…they do. These things, out of nowhere consume our lives, individually and or collectively.

I was in second grade when Sydney Loofe moved to town. Her dad, was to be and is to this day the principal of the school in which we spent those formative 13 years. At the time, I went to daycare up the hill from Sydney’s house. I remember the days of building forts in the bushes that divided the properties, sledding down Rhonda’s hill (building ramps of snow that would knock the wind out of you if you caught air). Participating in all the sports that young kids partake in.

 

Taking turns hosting sleepovers or night games in front yards, walks home and parting company at the Peetz’s alley. Movie and Rockband nights in our basements, bus rides to volleyball and basketball games. Painting your room (hoping your parents wouldn’t find the paint we got on the carpet), prom dress shopping, sneaking out of classes to get snacks from your mom’s classroom… you “knocking” on our back brace during your scoliosis years.

 

I remember when we grasped the small, yet amazing freedoms such as driving to Norfolk to eat or go to the movies and later curfews. I remember the trips to Subway, and the seemingly important teenaged conversations we had over sandwiches and Mug root beer (for you). Me dragging you and Paige to Yankton to hike…and you slipping on the ice. Or the walks with our moms at night.

The list could go on about all the things that happen when you grow up in a small-town, around the corner from a good friend.
Maybe I don’t need to spew my nostalgia here at… 2:19am, but these are my memories with Sydney. Sydney was there. She was part of those 13 formative years… In the 17 years I knew Sydney, she was always a quiet, gentle soul. Always an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on when needed.–We’ve come so far from those days…

While myself and those who helped construct all those memories have floated in different directions, down different paths, I am humbled that I was lucky enough to know and call her a friend. I am happy she was apart of so many stories.

In our adult lives, we wake up and fight our daily battles and celebrate our triumphs, but we all have our own crosses to bear. It is in the haste of our everyday lives that we lose sight of all that can make us vulnerable. Vulnerable to ourselves as well as others. Now I know that the last thing anyone wants right now is a post about internet safety, because I think that world will soon be bombarded with tips and posts to keep us safe, or at least it should. In this life, we do more and share more about ourselves. Almost every site or profile we engage asks us to “tell us more about yourself.” This is happening all through our finger tips, and occurring at a much younger age. I am guilty of it, just as I sit here now, spilling my thought to a potentially unknown audience. We are too trusting. We allow the ease of technology to place targets on our backs. But, I am not trying to place faults, simply stating this technology makes us vulnerable to those who simply don’t have a moral compass or the best interest of others at heart. So I beg of you, protect yourself.

At this moment, although there are unanswered questions, and details yet to be unveiled, I still sit here in complete shock, rage, awe, tears and sorrow that we live in a world where people are capable, and willing to take advantage of the vulnerability of others. No matter what the truth is, I am fuming over the loss of Sydney. For weeks, time has stood still, but also it has simply passed as we watched and waited for the story to unfold about our girl, only knowing that “the details surrounding her disappearance are concerning.” It is in these situations where people feel helpless… what do you do when someone simply vanishes?

I have found it hard to stay connected with my life back home. However, I am grateful that over the years my photography has kept me coming back to town even if just for a day or two. I thankful that, although small, my community’s news publishers haven’t missed a beat throughout this search. I am proud to come from a place where people are willing to drop their own matters to stand in solidarity with those who need it most, no matter how big or small that stance may be. While I haven’t been able to make it home, I can feel the outpouring of love and support surrounding not only Sydney and her family, but also the entire community; everyone wanting to make a difference, whether it be benefits, fundraisers, buying out the entire stock of green lightbulbs and distributing them, the pins, banners, flyers, or simply flooding social media platforms to spread the word. Entire communities near and far, not just my hometown, have had their arms wrapped around this family from the beginning this nightmare. New stations across the country helped to share the news and raise awareness of not only Sydney, but also other missing persons.

Lately it seems so much negativity exists in the world. Not a day goes by where we aren’t hearing about turmoil in someone else’s life. It’s becoming too commonplace, and I must question, why do we live in a world where people feel compelled to hurt others, to take someone’s sister, daughter and friend, just as Sydney was to so many.

To everyone, continue to pray for others, or simply take time to send positive vibes towards those you love. We often hear “hold your loved ones a little closer tonight,” but we must do this not just tonight, but always, always. Always.

To Sydney… Cat, you are loved by so many. Please know we fought, searched and prayed endlessly for you to come home. A void will exist forever in our hearts. Every memory cherished, and every blessing counted. Even in your absence, I hope and pray that through this grief and mourning, “everything will be wonderful someday.”

“You taught me the courage of the stars before you left.

How light carries on endlessly, even after death.

With shortness of breath, you explained the infinite.

How rare and beautiful it is to even exist”

You’re one cool dude.

We come into this world head first. At that moment we are probably the most vulnerable we will ever be. To face this world to which we are now so acclimated, a child is only given the gift of the IgG antibodies from its mother. No one knows how many breaths we will be granted, or what hand we will be dealt in life. All we know is that from the initial cry of the infant, from the moment of the first gasp for air, we’ve been surrendered from our mother; we’ve been given the permission that we are ready to face the world.

In my almost 21 years of life, I’ve realized that longevity isn’t dictated by the type of person we are. Sometimes the most beautiful people in the world seem to have the shortest stay on earth. We seem to think we’re being punished, that God is being unfair by taking a life so young. Talk about things that shake your faith; having the worst of circumstances thrown at the best of people, with the most kindred of hearts.

As unfortunate as that may be, it is possible that God knows that those people will be able to handle such circumstances with grace, realizing that they only have a limited amount of time to “be the love, see the love and live the love.” That’s part of our duty: to serve Him by loving others unconditionally.

November 24th, 2013

In mass, I’ve started taking notes on the homily. This particular day, the priest challenged the parish to think of someone we admire. I chose my cousin Marypat for the following reasons. She’s positive, loving, selfless, spiritual, she’s accepting of all people.

“She had a gift for treating every person she met, as though they were the most important person in the world and she never gave up on anyone she encountered.”

She is accepting of God’s love and all in all, she’s a person who just makes life seem so much better by always finding the good in things.

The contemplation moment: when we’ve accepted ourselves as creatures of imperfection. We are loved sinners. In that moment, we know what it means to be helpless, and accept the love of God into our hearts. From conception, we are loved unconditionally, despite original sin. At our most vulnerable, weakest point in our lives, Ignatius tells us that God is the most present. We’re never forced to accept God’s presence, but it is in the moments of distress and weakness that we seem to fully pay attention to the love that we’ve been given.

I was two years old when I first time I saw a bride and groom dance their first dance as husband and wife. In the years since, I’ve come to know the two to be the most kind and selfless people I’ve ever met; emphasizing love for one another in the best and worst times. They are my family. Fast forward 18 years, and once again, I’m watching this husband and wife take the dance floor. No one could take their eyes off of them, and I for one, turned into an emotional wreck. As I turned to other members of the family, we all locked eyes, exchanging glances. It was a powerful moment. For some of us, we were experiencing their last dance as husband and wife. —

Marypat, always refered to as Cousin Ed’s beautiful bride was diagnosed with ovarian cancer a few years ago. I regret that I’ve only been able to spend a limited amount of time with her (and family) since, but every time I see them, everyone is upbeat and full of love.

“Mary Pat was able to see the grace and goodness against unsurmountable odds of relentless chemotherapy and an unstoppable cancer despite every attempted treatment. She would wake up sometimes and say, ‘We are so lucky.’

I have always said that if I get married, I want to have not only a marriage similar to theirs, but also the same positive outlook on life. 

Marypat lost her battle with cancer on Sunday, December 8th, 2013. Not necessarily a shock to us, but more of a heartache due to the loss. A profound and significant loss from all of our lives. Even in her dying days, she radiated a light of beauty and grace.  As I sit here, about to pack up to go to Denver for the funeral, I’m searching her caring bridge site for tid bits so that maybe you might get an insite as to what she was like… and believe me, I’m sitting in the library on this cold eve of finals tearing up because I just want to laugh at her sarcasm, much like my own, and because it’s hitting me that she won’t be there when I arrive.  The final post in the journal, Ed praises the fact that she was granted enough “sustenance” (life) to celebrate a final Thanksgiving with the family, and Once again… he describes her as “Stunning.”

“MP was peaceful,  pain-free, and beautiful inside and out at her passing….”

While I could sit and wallow over my losses, what good would it do, passing is a natural part of life.

“Personally, I often feel like so many broken shards of pottery, strewn on the floor, and we all know this is so unfair, as is so much in this world.”

It happens, I only hope that when my time comes I will have lived a life that I can look back and smile at, no matter how long or short. I want to be able to “walk proud, wide-eyed, and laughing to the grave,” loving everyone to the end of my journey, just as she did.

About a month ago, we went hiking at Deer Creek in the mountains of Colorado. She made it about a quarter of a mile, and sat and read her book and waited for us to return. It was a perfect day. I’m always overjoyed to spend time with my family and this day couldn’t have been beat.

After the passing of my grandma in 2008, A loss that I still grieve, my cousins and I have become closer than ever, always reminiscing over the memories and the wonderful person she was, and the impact she had on all of us. Marypat was a woman who’s presence always uplifted spirits, and left you with smile on your face, and I’m sure the memories of her will suffice in the years to come to have the same effect. Mary pat’s motto throughout her journey was Be the love, see the love, live the love. Grandma always signed her cards and letters “all my love.” I hope that where ever they are on their journey, that they know how much they meant to me. Always tell people how much they’ve impacted your life, and how much they mean to you, because like I said before, we aren’t guaranteed a tomorrow. So, if you’re reading this, you’re probably “one cool dude,” as my cousin Ed always told me.

My challenge to you, friends is to fall in love with someone with a beautiful heart. Who expresses their power to love all things good and evil. A person who, like Mary Pat was moved by the suffering of anyone and everyone she encountered.

Throughout this post, I’ve scattered bits and pieces of her Eulogy that her husband delivered at her funeral. At end end, he posed the answer to the question I’m sure we’ve all asked at least once in our lives:

“I know that I don’t have an answer to “Why, Why, Why?”  I think that maybe that is the wrong question, and the questions are “What and How?”  What are we going to do with this, and how are we going to carry on?

The answer is among us right here — it is that we should overwhelm the people around us with love and kindness, as you all have enveloped MP and us in support, prayers, and care. And you all have set the bar so high, that you have left us humbled and speechless…

So, as best as we can, amidst the unspeakable loss of Marypat, and the hard road ahead without her, especially for our Marypat-less family, we will deeply hope, be here now, and make today count as best we can.  Marypat wouldn’t want it any other way.“

‘When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

‘I love you, Marypat. You were certainly a light of grace and compassion, shining even in the darkest of time. May peace find you wherever God takes you on your journey from here. And May your love, grace, and compassion for others always resonate within our family and those you’ve touched in your life.

All my love,
Cousin Annie

That Quarter Life Crisis

That Quarter Life Crisis

 surefire way to feel down in the dumps about yourself is to constantly question your own abilities to love and be loved

…because i’m a twentysomething

…because i’m a twentysomething.

I am My mother’s daughter

My mom, while my sarcasm, snarky remarks, and lack of patience would allude, is truly an amazing person. My demeanor might suggest otherwise because it’s not in my nature to show a lot of emotion…

I love her for many reasons, many of them go unsaid. I could rattle on about the cliché things that people say about their parents being loving and supportive, but that’s too mainstream. So I’m going to put in writing why my mom is the best. Just incase I were on my death bed (knock on wood), It would be known how much I love her.

One thing, which I actually hadn’t noticed until someone pointed it out is that she never has anything bad to say about people. If she decides to point out a flaw, she pairs it with two “nice” things to be sure that the person is still viewed in a positive light. Her job requires her to be judgmental of people… But she tries not to judge the person, just their actions. But, she usually gives them (due punishment) and the benefit of the doubt, such as “they were at the wrong place at the wrong time.” Bless her heart! Always searching for the good in people and the world. Even politics, while affiliated with the Republican party, you’d never know it based on how she addresses the topics of political interest. This is a trait of hers that I admire, and I’m trying to work on. Currently I just don’t have high enough BS tolerance. Her kindred heart and compassion glows… as cheesy as that sounds. When I talk to her on the phone, she always seems to greet me with a smile, or so it seems based on the tone of her voice.

Another, her positive attitude for almost everything in life. Over break, she had the flu. But she never complained, and refused to miss work. If it were me, I would milk that for all it’s worth. I guess you could say she’s not wasteful of her time.

I don’t think she knows that I notice all her quirks that make her who she is. Her daily routine for one. Nothing special, but it completes her, and helps her function properly. The time she takes drinking her coffee by the same window for the last twenty years is probably what helps her stay as content and sane as she does. The blowdryer is what sets my morning into motion… regardless of when I get out of bed. I find that in my old age of twenty something, I’m becoming more and more like her, a fact that I’ve been denying and avoiding for most of my teenage years. However, it’s inevitable, I am my mother’s daughter, and I’m actually Okay with that. If I get to the 20th anniversary of my 37th birthday (think about it), and I’m anything like the woman she is, I say that would be quite an accomplishment.

She, along with my dad, have raised me to be the person I am. Though most days I struggle with that, I always find comfort knowing that they love me unconditionally despite the bitter times of our years together (not that there were many). I left for college, taking the next step in my life. I can only hope that they were ready in that they could see me off with satisfaction and little remorse. Proud of me for my accomplishments, and forgiving of my faults. It’s hard to believe she and my dad are empty nesters, and I was the one who left! I’ve found a friendship in my parents that I wish I’d cultivated sooner. However, as a teenaged girl with her father’s some what stubborn ways, it had to wait until I got to college. I know I left a beautiful home two years ago; one with plenty of love; love that I’m regretful that I wasn’t the best at showing. They’ve made me look forward to being a parent and loving another just as they’ve loved and raised me.

My mother taught me that we all have our vices, and we’re all guilty of something. We all have our burdens and trivial times in life. While I find myself living with my own currently, I hope that I can look to the future and see myself having the temperament of my mom. She is often too critical of her appearance when she looks in the mirror, complaining about the tolls of an aging face. Truth be told, I think she’s a very beautiful woman. Any lines she has are the only the product of many smiles and laughs (she thinks i’m funny). They make her human, and while it’s probably because I know her story, and where her life has taken her, the features of her face tell her story. I always thought she was just like my grandmother, also a woman I love and miss very much. Both are women who’ve influenced my growth. I could never express how fond I am of my mom, and can never thank her (and dad) for all that they’ve done for me. 

Here’s to second place

 

Well, it’s finally back to reality. I finished up my two week racing endeavor winning one world championship, three national runner up titles (making my collection add up to 8), and a fourth place finish. Just some thoughts that I’ve had over the last few days: I have been in the championship heat at nationals eight times now, and don’t get me wrong, I’m so thankful that I’ve had those opportunities, but when I opened my hatch only to hear that I had come up short yet again was a gut wrenching feeling. I tried hard not to let my upset show, but what can you do? I’m running out of time to improve… But then I realized something. My disgruntled feelings towards the situation weren’t feelings of disappointment, but feelings of frustration. Second place at nationals is nothing to turn my head at. 

After my loss, many people came up to me telling me that they were rooting for me… and while I was flattered and thankful for so much support, when it comes down to it, their cheering didn’t help me win the race. I take my losses gracefully, with no hard feelings towards the winner. I put up a fight, but they were superior, so don’t think I’m a poor sport. But here’s something that I have that they might not: I have the absolute best team and encouraging group of peers. I wouldn’t trade a first place for a single year of racing with Jerry, Roger, and  Jerry V. These guys have been there for me for things that go beyond the duties of a Crew Chief. 

Literally the best and worst of times, and they’re proud of my efforts regardless of the turn out. 

We’re a family, ultimately we mean business, but we’re also here for a good time. I would never give that up. So yes, I’m running out of fingers to count how many seconds I’ve chalked up, but the person that I’ve become because I chose to surround myself with the greatest people in Soap Box Derby racing is unsurmountable. The quote that no one remembers who got second place except the person who got second place may be true, and a swift slap in the face to the person who gets second place, but the slap is returned when you can proudly smile and say that you wouldn’t have it any other way. After all, I think I would rather be remembered as a graceful second placer than a winner who refuses to shake the hand of their opponent. After a loss, the only thing you can really do is walk away with your head held high, and come back again next year and go at it again. 

Last year, I got second place to someone truly deserving of it. Morgan Dyer of Cleveland Ohio. Morgan is a girl who’s heart is truly in the right place in every aspect. She had her fair share of adversities during the race, and when it came down to the end and she was struggling with her health, as her opponent, I tried to help in anyway I could to make sure that she finished the race. Forfeiting in the National Championship just isn’t the way to go about it. This year, walking up to the awards ceremony, she and her boyfriend approached me in the parking lot carrying flowers. remembering that I had done the same for her the year before, I couldn’t help but get teary eyed at the gesture. While they may not realize it, I truly appreciate the Dyer family for their support, and jokes between who will get the top 12 curse, morgan Or I.

2012- NDR Nationals Flat Bottom championship- Morgan, Annie

I think between that gesture of friendship, the handshake between Roger and I, Is when I came to the realization that I don’t care what place I get. I only care about the people who helped make my racing career what it is today.

 

NDR 2012 Top 16 shoot out

 

2012- Team indy finishes- James, Annie, Jerry, Stajah, Donald, Nick

 

Back to teammates, and just all around cool people, I can’t forget to mention Mark, Duane and Jillian (and of course my parents.) To add to the list of people who’ve helped make my racing career unforgettable, these are the members of the 2013 CSSN Ultimate speed racing team. I don’t care what anyone says about ultimate being a wheel race… you put a couple of drivers in cars they can’t move in and who aren’t acclimated to the increase in speed… it’s still anyone’s race. I’ve never felt more out of control in a race car in my life. But in the end, Jillian and I both made our one run down the hill successfully earning 1st and 2nd place in the world. While no one was happy with the weather and the decision to have everyone just run one run down the hill, contrary to popular belief, Ultimate speed IS in fact won by just one run down the hill… the rain just made it so our times couldn’t get any worse. While our goals weren’t completely met, and no records were broken due to weather, it’s still an amazing feeling, one I’ve been working toward for 3 years. In the months leading up to the race, I was really struggling with my own issues. and due to a weight gain, I was apprehensive about fitting and racing. Instead of just finding another driver, like they could have easily done, everyone was supportive of my decision to continue even though there were doubts. The week of the all-american was filled with stress, garage work, studying, and sleepless nights for Mark, Jerry and Duane. However, I honestly believe that we have a team that meshes and works together well. We have all the right elements to come back next year and continue to work towards our goal of winning and setting a new world record in USC. You guys rock! 

Like I said, Hard to fit

Mark, Jillian, Annie

 

2013- USC World Champ

I’m aging out next year, and I think the time as come to finally do so. I’m thankful I didn’t decide to throw in the towel early, but racing is something that acts as a staple between my childhood and adulthood, something I know I have to let go of in order to move on to the next phase of my life. It’s been so much for me; times of happiness, sadness, love, hate, and joy, so it’s hard knowing that I’ll have to leave it behind. At least for a little while until I start a family of my own. The people I’ve met over the years, the experiences I’ve had have all helped shape me into the woman I am and the woman I’ve becoming. The friendships I’ve had and have made since the beginning have impacted my life to an exponential degree, and I can’t express how blessed I am to have them in my life. 

Just a few of the many friends I’ve met through racing. 

Jordan, Betsy, Courtney, Ambree, and Sam- 2013

Jack Rasmussen, my main guy since nam. My best friend, always there for me, thanks for the memz. 

Where am I?

 

Reflection: 

My college planning began in about 8th grade. There was no second choice, this was where I wanted to be. On the interstate, we would drive by, able to see St. John’s, Brandeis, and other buildings, and i would get excited at the thought of attending. It’s strange thinking back to that time, and how familiar I’ve become with everything since then. In high school, I did everything I could to make sure I reached my goal. I made my first visit to Creighton for a CU Sunday my sophomore year. I can’t tell you how overwhelming it was to finally begin to acclimate myself to the campus, the only thing that stood between us was two more years. 

If you were to ask me back then where I saw myself in 5 years, I can tell you where I’m at now is no where close. I had fallen in love with the idea of Creighton, Never had it crossed my mind what would happen when I actually got here: the type of person I’d be, the friends I would have. 

Life: 

So here’s the life part. Lately, I’ve been struggling with the fact that it seems as if most of my relationships with people have a very insignificant value. I used to pride myself on the fact that I  bounce around between friend groups and could get along with just about anyone, but I never saw myself getting hurt by one of my own character…flaws.

Five years ago, I saw myself as the college kid with a close knit group of friends, forming these everlasting memories that I would carry with me to the grave. As far as i can tell, that is actually a thing, I just don’t know if I have found it. But at the same time, I couldn’t picture myself anywhere but Creighton. My experiences here have created a home that I’m truly thankful for…there just seem to be a lot of question marks. 

Tonight, I went to mass and the sermon dealt with apathy. A sin that one never intentionally commits, or he or she never puts on their to do list, but gradually slips into an apathetic state of just not caring. Never has a piece of mass slapped me across the face that hard. I never want someone to think that i’m an apathetic person or underestimate my ability to care about someone or something. I’m probably guilty of caring too much, or investing too much of myself in trying to make relationships last, and because of that, I’ve shut myself off, and fail to let people in. I’ve denied friendships because the thought of getting hurt again and having to mentally and emotionally build myself up again was too much to handle. 

So now what?

.. it’s time for a new perspective. In the grand scheme of things, college is roughly 1/20th of life, but supposed to be one of the biggest events in our lives. We are given four years to get a degree, make something of ourselves, and prepare ourselves to sequester our youth, trading it for adulthood. But what about everything else? Everything in between?  

I’m a junior, and needless to say, everything has flown by. I truly think I’ve experienced some of the hardest days of my life, days where the thought of making it to the next seemed impossible. However, I think I’ve welcomed and been blessed with some of the best days of my life. Shout out to those who made that last sentence possible. I sit here typing this, and I’m here, and I’m alive. Which might be stating the obvious, but it holds a deeper meaning. I have people who love and care about me, and right now, nothing else matters. Tomorrow will come regardless of whether I go to bed happy or sad. Likewise, my time at Creighton will come to and end regardless of what I make of it. Four years is a minuscule amount of time; we can’t waste that sliver of time we’ve been given worrying about stuff that doesn’t matter, or is out of our control. We must extend past of our comfort zones and utilize this time to mold into who we are meant to be and allow ourselves to love the people who care about us. God has given us the people in our lives for a reason. Maybe we only received a piece of some people, but in a way, they’ve helped us in some way. 

Love: because who doesn’t want to hear more about my cynical opinions of lov

We need to back track here. Since I was a tot, I don’t think I’ve ever been completely on my own. Constantly responsible for someone else’s happiness and emotions. My freshman year, I was dating the boy I had been dating since my Junior year of high school. It had always been long distance, so college wasn’t really a big change. People came to me, asking for advice on how we made it work. Flattering as it was, that relationship came to and end at the end of my freshman year. There were more tears shed over that breakup than any person should ever produce. Not saying he wasn’t worth the upset, but at this crucial stage in life, people change, and things fade just like the seasons.Something I wish I would have believed back then. 

So let’s fast forward: I’ve been single since then, and have my parents convinced that I’m just going to end up alone. People thought me to be the expert of relationships, but oh how wrong they were. I’ve decided I don’t have the slightest clue on how to actually “date” someone. I don’t take compliments well, and just assume everyone’s lying. (Don’t get me wrong, I am trying…but give me a break). Which I guess makes me one of the most socially awkward individuals. Ever. 

What I’ve realized— Am i ready for a relationship? Meh.. The thought of ‘settling down’ or anything serious or long term right now is nauseating. All these people are getting engaged and married and I can’t even keep a consistent relationship with my dog who’s currently eating my history book, or decide what I want for dinner. 

Serious and long term go hand in hand. 

For anything to be serious, it takes time. Time to develop and for two people to fully experience each other and grow together.  

Just because I’m not ready to settle doesn’t mean I should park everything and just wait. No one should; if you find someone you enjoy spending your time with, and sharing these memories with why hinder a good thing or put a time limit on it? However, I don’t think people should actively ‘look for serious’ until they’re truly ready for that type of investment. I see these couples who fight and bicker, and yet they commit to this idea of “young love” right off the bat. I just can’t justify that. Unless you’ve got a picture perfect romance going (kudos to you), there’s so little time to grow and figure out what our likes, dislikes, and where our hearts lie to spend worry about finding the love of your life. It will happen on it’s own. I know I’ve said that time and time again, but it’s probably the best advice I can give at this point. 

Above all, I’ve realized that being honest is the best thing you can do for yourself, as well as the other person. The worst thing you can do to a person is shatter their trust in you by leading them astray. If it’s bad news…sure, it’s going to suck, but at the end of the day, YOU’LL be okay, they’ll be okay, tomorrow will come, and you move forward, thankful for everyday, everyone, and everything we’ve been blessed with. Life is too fragile not to be grateful. 

Tonight I am thankful YOU; You who are reading this. Regardless of what you think, you’re pretty cool. 

(Here’s a picture of me getting attacked by seagulls)

That is all. 

Be Love, See love, Live love, All my love,

Annie