The Week

As we flew down the road towards our destination, my stomach twisted.  Would this all be what I had dreamed?

I flashed back in time as we slowed behind the Amish buggies, and I grinned at the sweet little covered heads of two little girls on their way home from church.  But all the while, through all the new scenery and beautiful landscape of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I couldn't focus.  My mind churned back and forth; mingled excitement and nervousness distracted me.

Mom and I pulled into the hotel and lugged our bags upstairs.  I swore I couldn't eat a bite, but found it extremely easy to gobble that delicious lamb and feta burger...

Nerves drove me to distraction and I had to remind myself to breathe evenly as I strode into the lobby to meet some of my friends for the first time.

As I hugged each of those boys, two from my classes, one being a family friend, and one being a brand new friend, any flicker of doubt I had was pinched out.  I was euphoric as I got ready for bed that night, so looking forward to meeting one of my teachers from last year and my very best friends.

The week passed in a whirlwind of meeting new people, positively tackling my best chums with affectionate hugs, and creating memories fantastic enough to last me well into the next gathering.

The founder of my online school and, honestly, the reason I have so many forever-friends, made a great point.  We students of Veritas Press are a new generation.  We came to this gathering with the great anticipation and delight of meeting our best friends; some of us for the first time.

My Spanish teacher from last year noted how beautiful this really is as I cried in the hallway last night.  It wouldn't be right to leave out this aspect of meeting new people and loving on other peers completely!  We, though often apart from our best friends, are nevertheless learning how to love others and to keep friendships. 

I had to leave a while before most, so I missed church and the final picnic.  But the hugs I received last night were each one so meaningful and they made me smile.  I laughed through tears as I held onto these people who mean so much to me, and I thanked God for bringing them all into my life.

I’ll post pictures and go into detail later, but for now, I just wanted to check in and let you know why I was gone.  I’m writing this as I fly away from those friends whom I love, and I’ll admit that there’s a mist beginning to cloud my eyes.  But that week with these people was absolutely worth any pain that the good-byes may have wrought.

I love you, my friends, and I am so blessed that you’re a part of my life.

In which there are copious amounts of exclamation points!

Hello, friends!

I was going to post yesterday, but of course, blogger was shut down for several hours.  At least this time it's not my fault that something technological broke.

I'm not kidding.  I've completely set back a few of my Rhetoric II classes because I just don't understand technology.  We had to do class on Skype one day just so I could get my video to work!  I really don't know what to do with tech... I can work it insofar as to have a blog, go to classes, fiddle with basic HTML; after that, though, I am merely clueless.

So I ask you, friends.  If you have any ideas as to where/how I can get a fun new blog look, please let me know!  I've played with Picnik headers and the built-in template designer, but it's just not right.  I want a second opinion and a fresh eye.  If you have a suggestion, please either comment on this post or email me at pastaandwaffles(at)gmail(dot)com!

Moving on, I'm more busy than I've been in a while.  And I am still working on the next Twilight review installment!  But you guys.  I've got some fantastic things going on right now.

• Studying for final exams
• Taking final exams
• Completely finishing junior year
• Packing up my room and filling a suitcase with enough to last me a few months... while still being under the weight limit for airplanes.  (Hold me.)
• Movers are going to come and box up our belongings.
• In about two weeks, my mom and I are flying to Lancaster, PA, for my online school's end of the year gathering.  I'm so excited about it!
• After the gathering, we will go see my family in Georgia.  And I'll get to seem my favorite puppy in the universe.  And, oh yeah, my brother.  ;)
• Once we've thoroughly steeped in the glory that is the United States of America (I really miss America.  Not to be confused with "Miss America."), we will beheading to Brussels and looking for a house.

So obviously, this is a season of change in my life.  And I'm incredibly thrilled!

I'll get to meet some fantastic people whom I love dearly.  And I think you'd like to get to know them, too.  ;)

Amanda is one of the sweetest girls in the world.  She listens better than anyone I know, and really, truly cares about all of her friends.  Plus, she's completely hilarious.

Emilyann is... how do I explain?  She's incredibly funny.  I mean, girl makes me crack up.  She really likes hippos?  And I have a feeling there's going to be a lot of hug your heart out moments.

Annie is a brilliant photographer, and utterly gorgeous.  She's sweet and funny, and I think we'll have the absolute best time!  Plus, I'd very much like to steal her hair, if I could?  :) Her sweet little sister, her parents, and her great brothers, Santiago and Nikko, will be there too!

Lillian is such a sweetie.  She's got a great sense of style, and I think we're going to have a wonderful time goofing off together!

Lizzie  and Sarah Layne.  I sort of have to put them together, because they're attached at the hip!  I've met Sarah Layne in real life, and she's a doll.  I'll be glad to see their antics!  ;)

And my friends without blogs, Josie, Jordan, Ashley, Alex, and Jon, I can't wait to see y'all!

Sadly enough, my wonderful friends Valentine and Lauren won't be able to go.  I'm so upset about it, but I am determined to find a way to meet them in real life!

And with that, my friends, I will bid you adieu.
You see, my dear readers, I have studying to do!

To my mama

Today is my mama's birthday!

My mother is one of the smartest, funniest, and all around wonderful people I have ever known.  Granted, we are two very different people, but that makes our relationship all the more interesting.  There's never a dull moment when I'm with my mom, and I'm always greatly impressed at her ability to work hard, work well, and do for our family more than one would think humanly possible.

My mama is not only my mom, but my teacher.  She's been homeschooling me for most of my life, and I'm generally blown away by her mind and her love of learning.  "Nerd" is a positive term in our house.  :)

To be quite honest, I've always had a secret wish.  I've wished that when I grow up, I could be just as clever as my mom.  If you know her, you get what I mean.  She is truly funny, and comes up with hysterical quips within seconds.  I've been impressed by this ability my whole life, and she certainly keeps us laughing.  But at the same time, she manages to be down-to-earth and hard-working, traits which I also hope to attain in my lifetime.

Mama, I love you dearly, and I wouldn't trade you for another.