The Right To A Beautiful Life: 2014-06-08

Just throwing it out there, but life has been exhausting lately. The first couple weeks and last couple weeks are a bit lighter and laid back. But, there are a few weeks in between that are just killer and you have to keep working through it.

But, there have still been fun moments : seeing "Blended", starting a few new books, church, group chats on Facebook, listening to music, procrastinating on homework to enjoy myself a little more, etc.

Saturday

Sunday

Monday=gotta go for comfort.

I've been writing papers, contacting sources, trying to book interviews for the summer/fall and trying to finish out the last newspaper with a bang, you know? This past week were the last official days of classes, and we did it right. Monday night we had our usual production at the paper, and it was possibly the funnest time we've ever had. Maybe it's because we knew it was our last one, so we were just living it up. But we were laughing, looking at old newspapers from the 90s (so entertaining, let me tell you - Especially the "Friends" recaps or review of "I Know What You Did Last Summer"), chatting about the quarter and taking a moment to look at all we've accomplished over the past 10 weeks. I survived my first quarter as Features Editor! What a ride, let me tell ya…But, I couldn't be happier that I've done it, and for all of the help along the way.

Next quarter, positions are switching around. So, these were the last few moments that we were going to be this particular team. It's weird, but it's exciting. We've all grown so much stronger as individuals, as well as a team and as friends. We continue to get better as a paper, as journalists, and as people in general. I know I've grown into my leadership role much quicker than I ever thought I could, and I thank God for the courage He has given me.

My team. I heart them.

I've also been reminiscing on my trips to Nashville and missing it something else, as it was CMA Fest week. And I'm not there, for the first time in seven years. It's the weirdest thing in the world watching everyone talk about Carrie Underwood's fan club party, the opry, the softball game and other random events that kept taking place. WAHHHH! It was much harder than I thought it would be, but I'm praying that one of these days (very soon) I will be living back there and living the dream. Until then, I get to cherish the moments of the people and experiences that will get me there.

My first trip to the Grand Ole Opry :) This makes my heart so happy.

Wednesday, our last issue of the paper came out, and we had a party in class to celebrate everyone! We all brought a TON of food and hung out. VERY different from a normal class period, where all of us are usually running around like chickens with our heads cut off. It also gave me a chance to talk to some staff writers that I don't always get to.

Thursday night, we celebrated at the Firehouse sports bar, for our awards banquet. It was fun getting dressed up and actually having somewhere to go. I even tried to play pool, which was THE biggest joke ever. I couldn't even hit the ball. Talk about pathetic, but at least I tried. It was fun to actually bond with the other staff writers and photographers, because we've never had an event like this. It's certainly something we hope to keep going for the future. I also got the "Almost Famous Award" for exemplary work as an entertainment insider. I felt pretty honored…Wonder if I can use this for my resume? lol.

I just have a few more days of school, which is wonderful, but at the same time I feel like I'm already on vacation mode. UGH! It's going to be tough, but I can do. What other option do I have??

This weekend was pretty great, as well. Saturday was pretty laid back. Had lunch with my parents, came home for awhile, then went to the newspaper office to hang out with a couple friends to work on projects that are due this week. I came home, then went out to run errands, had dinner with my parents and drove around town. It's kind of our family's thing to drive around and just listen to music. It might not sound that exciting to others, but I absolutely love it. It gives me a chance to get out and see a little more than just my corner of the world. It makes me appreciate this town so much more, to see the hard work that has gone into it.

Jake's Taco Salad

Perfect time to watch the sun set!

As for today (Sunday), I went to church and had brunch with family at Buck Owen's Crystal Palace. It feels like the closest thing to Nashville right now, and I will take it. The food is incredible, and their brunch is one of the best. People from all over the world to visit the famous restaurant, as well as to see the Buckaroos play live on a Saturday night.

I enjoyed getting to spend time with good friends over breakfast/lunch, as well as enjoying the country atmosphere the Palace provides.