50 Things About Me

Well, I've been seeing people post random statuses about themselves on Twitter, and instead of annoying everyone with my long tweets, I thought I'd just make a list of 50 things about me right here:

1. Music is my life. It's more than just a song on the radio or noise to drown out the silence. It's the way I let people know I'm thinking about them, the way I process life, the way I heal, the reminder that I'm not alone, it's my ministry from God at church, and it's my calling in life. I don't know when and I don't know how, but I will be doing it for a profession someday whether it's writing or singing.
2. I have a thing for country boys. Right now, I'm leaning towards Chris Young...Loves God, deep voice, good hair, beautiful smile, plaid shirt, and country music lover=my kind of guy! ;)
3. Pretty much daily I tell my family that I wish I had my own show or I come up with some sort of reality show idea. I think my goal in life is to have a better version of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
4. I love the outdoors! (bike riding, walking, bbqing, stargazing, etc.) I feel like God speaks to me the most when I'm in the middle of His creation, taking a minute to just stop and listen for His voice.
5. I'm a southern girl at heart-hence the new blog page. I love sweet tea, sitting on the front porch, country music, wide open spaces, home cooked meals (especially biscuits), being with family, going to church and a lot of values that have continued to be tradition back there today.
6. I document everything, whether it's a video or a picture, I usually have a camera or phone in my hand to capture the moment: the food I ate, the movie I watched, the people I was hanging out with or the song I was listening to. People pick on me, but I really don't care. 
7. This year, I'm building a deeper relationship with God and it's the happiest I've ever been. I'm finally beginning to understand his true grace and love and the plans that He has for me. I'm learning to forgive myself of past mistakes and to just keep pushing forward. I'm learning what it means to be free.
8. I get extremely attached to shows and the characters. They are not fictional to me. Somewhere in this world are Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, the Scott Brothers, Haley, Brooke, Julian, Peyton, and also Ross, Rachel, Monica, Joey, Chandler, and Phoebe. I intend to find them ;) I'm a TV Junkie and will pretty much watch anything at least once, just to try it.
9. My perfect day would consist of it being cloudy/rainy, even though I don't like to be cold. I would curl up with either a good book or have a movie marathon in front of the fireplace. I'd play my guitar, write and get into my creative zone.
10. Since I'm an only child, I consider my friends to be my family. I have a close knit group that I know I can call at any time day or night and the second they read it they'll be there for me, pray for me, or just give me an encouraging word. They have done so much for me over the years and recently, and I know my life would be so different if they weren't in it.
11. In another life, I would totally want to be a fashion designer. I've always loved designing and even just drawing in general, but I don't have the patience or necessarily all the skills to follow through. 
12. I have my entire future mapped out: Finish school, move to Nashville, land a record deal, tour, sing on the Grand Ole Opry stage, meet a cute cowboy, get married, start a family (I've decided I wouldn't mind having two kids...and this is coming from the girl who didn't want ANY...EVER), and move somewhere far out in the middle of nowhere to build a cute, but spacious yellow house with a wraparound porch, a lot of acres, a barn, horses, chickens, and a border collie. Now, I'd like to compare it to the way God is planning my life...HAHA. It'll be interesting to see how they differ.
13. Lately, I have had a problem with acid reflux, so I'm trying to start eating healthier, exercising more, and drinking more water....Well, at least that's the plan. I haven't really done much to help it.
14. I used to be extremely shy, easily embarrassed and just felt awkward in my own skin...but the older I get, I feel so much more relaxed. I'm embracing my strengths and weaknesses, forgetting about my failures, and just learning to go with the flow. I can honestly say I've found a confidence in the Lord this year that I never thought I'd be able to obtain. I'm much more outspoken and LOVE it.
15. I'm thinking of starting my own Web series somehow. I don't know what exactly I'd focus in on, I just know it's something I'd like to try.
16. Part of me wishes that I could get away with the hipster style...I kind of like it. I also love the idea of Disney-bounding since it falls into the same category.
17. If I could road trip it with any five celebrities, it would be with the following: Giuliana Rancic, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, and Kelly Clarkson. Talk about the best time ever!
18. I have this fascination for dreams and if something crazy/bizarre happens in mine, I love googling them to see what they could possibly mean or decoding them with friends or my mom.
19. My dream vacation would either be to go to Australia or to rent a log cabin in the forrest somewhere with my entire family to just get away for awhile. We could hang out on the lake, play board games, annoy the heck out of each other and just stargaze/roast marshmallows on the campfire and tell a lot of stories.
20. I love making videos on my MAC, whether it's a music video or something I put together of a vacation. I love media and technology.
21. I love the aspect of storytelling. For one thing, I guess that's a big reason I love writing so much, but I love hearing people tell stories! I used to make my grandparents tell me stories about their old pictures in photo albums or I'd listen to my grandma read me stories out of this magazine, Reminisce, she used to buy. 
22. I love the 1920's era...the music, the furniture, the clothes, the hairstyle, the way everyone talked, and just the way they carried themselves.
23. I would really like to take a cross country road trip in an RV with whoever is willing to go with me...Well, friends or family, of course! I would be in charge of music, of course.
24. I'm related to Uncle Dave Macon who is in the Country Music Hall of Fame. 
25. I'm a messy person. I'm very particular with certain things, so people are surprised that I let my room get to the point it does. I'm also borderline "hoarder," as much as I hate to admit it. I save just about every little thing..."Well, this friend gave me this wrapper when she...blah blah blah..." I'm working on that.
26. Daydreaming for me is a strength and weakness. It helps me write stories and achieve the impossible, but at the same time it really distracts me and pulls me from the moment right now.
27. If I could have coffee with anyone, it would probably be: Keith Urban, Bethany Joy Lenz, Taylor Swift, Nick Jonas and Colton Dixon. I feel like they would be the coolest to just write with, brainstorm with and talk about life-they're deep/incredibly creative people.
28. I want to be in a Nicholas Sparks movie! They're all pretty much perfect story lines, settings and leading men.
29. My biggest fear is settling for what's right in front of me and being average, rather than living out the life that God has planned for me.
30. My ideal outfit is a sweatshirt, jeans, uggs or Converse and a baseball hat. To dress it up, it would be a dress with cowboy boots.
31. I'm a list maker; I make lists of everything from favorite celebrities to to-do lists and projects I need to get onto.
32. I think writing cards and letters to friends is a much cooler way of communicating with friends and family than Facebooking, Tweeting, e-mailing and texting.
33. As weird as it sounds, I have made some of the greatest friends through One Tree Hill, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. We have a lot of the same interests, obviously, but we have a lot of the same goals and dreams too, which makes it really easy to relate to.
34. My dream date would consist of a day in LA! Walking on the pier in Santa Monica, lunch on Melrose, cruising around town and a Dodger game at night.
35. Right now, I have no idea where my life is heading, but I love it...I'll end up where I need to be when I'm supposed to. God knows my heart, my desires and will keep me on the right track as long as I stay faithful and keep my eyes on Him.
36. I've never seen any of the Star Wars, Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings movies....crazy, I know! Especially when I have so many friends that are movie buffs.
37. I can now say I've been caught walking out of the bathroom with toilet paper coming out of my shorts. I always thought I'd be able to dodge that one, but I guess there's a first time for everything.
38. I'm a lot more daring than I used to be! I really want to go parasailing and go on a hot air balloon ride, I've even been thinking more about skydiving.
39. The only reason I miss "back to school" time is for a new wardrobe and stocking up on new school supplies. I don't miss high school at all.
40. I believe everything happens for a reason. Even when things didn't turn out quite like I would've liked them to or I kick myself because I missed my chance with something...I believe that things will turn around and be even better than they were; no regrets.
41. I own a Grand Ole Opry Takamine guitar-It's also the guitar brand that Kenny Chesney uses! I'm still in the process of learning how to play, though.
42. I've never dyed my hair, but if I ever did I would want to go with a darker brown.
43. The first time I met Carrie Underwood, I asked her about mustard. I have no idea why! LOL. I was just curious about something she had said in an interview.
44. My motto verse is 1 Peter 3:15..."Beautifully Outspoken" is what I want to be.
45. I'm getting ready to apply to the local university in town, but my heart and gut are telling me to apply to Belmont in Nashville, TN. I guess we'll wait and see how things play out. 
46. The only job I've ever really had is being the assistant for one of my friend's that is a photographer and house-sitting for a lady from church.
47. I can refer just about anything to a lyric from a song, and will proceed to imitate that song if the moment calls for it.
48. The number one person I would LOVE to meet is Josh Duhamel. He's my favorite actor and I've heard he's really sweet too, so that's a plus :)
49. I am an insomniac and I pretty much have been since the age of 5. It has just gotten worse and I really have a hard time falling asleep these days!
50. The most played CD on my ipod right now is Chris Young's "Neon". It is one of the best CD's I've heard in awhile and I'm pretty much obsessed with it. I've listened to it just about everyday since I got back from Nashville and haven't gotten sick of it yet. If you haven't listened to it yet...GO GET IT!

That's all for now,
Shelby

Season Of Change Is Among Us

"Because these things will change, can you feel it now? 

These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down  

It's a revolution, the time will come for us to finally win!"

Change can be a good thing. I mean at one point the things we've grown comfortable with now were new to us and we got used to those, right? So, what is it that freaks us out so much about change? I think it's fear of the unknown, it brings our insecurities out of us, and we have to be alert and ready for whatever might be thrown in our path. The reason I ask, is that I feel like a season of change is just around the corner for me. And not even just me, but in the lives of family and friends. I'm not going to lie, it's really weird and liberating.

The other day at church, I found out that two of my friends in the media department are getting ready to leave. One just got married and his wife was offered a job on the outskirts of town, while the other is getting ready to (possibly) be sent out to another church. All of a sudden my heart sank. I didn't realize how used to seeing them I'd been, whether it was just saying 'hi' to them on Sunday mornings or hanging around with them at an event or function that was going on. I got used to the fact that they were in my life now; that God had brought the kind of "family" into my life that I'd always wanted, only to be ripped away from me in just a few short months. I don't understand, but it doesn't have to make sense to me to fit into God's ultimate plan. It doesn't even necessarily mean that they'll be gone forever. It just means that they were meant to be in my life for a hardcore season or two, and that was it. Sometimes they come back! It's all amazing stuff for them and I should be happy for them, it's just hard to let go.

I sat back in my chair and started thinking about how everyone around me is starting to move forward, and I'm stuck at first base. It reminded me of that episode of Lizzie McGuire, as I'm sure I've told this story before. All of these people around Lizzie are moving on to bigger and better things, including the olympics, music, films, etc. and Lizzie is still at square one, trying to figure out what she wants to do with the rest of her life. That's exactly how I feel about my life. Everyone else seems so sure of where their life is headed. Some are going to be teachers, pastors, musicians, photographers and businesswomen. The more I pray about it and observe everyone around me, I think...It's my fault. I've let my life come to this point. I keep waiting for a star to fall to magically change my life, rather than doing anything about it. In the past, when I've wanted something and worked for it, planned for it, or done whatever it took to make it happen-it worked. 

I've been reading Jon Acuff's book, Quitter and his blog, and he has been making some great points about what it takes to land your dream job. I came across an old post of his today that was talking about lucky breaks and how we talk about people that are making things happen. There is a big difference. They WORKED to get to that point. We all technically have the same opportunities, it's just that some use their resources and techniques more than others.

"Complain all you want about people who catch “lucky breaks,” but the truth is painfully simple.
Every touchdown in history, every home run in the last 100 years, every goal scored in every single game of every single sport, happened on the field, not the sidelines.
So either play or don’t, but don’t for a second act like there’s any confusion about where lucky breaks occur and who has access to them."

Jon also had this idea for making things happen on his blog that I found helpful. He calls it the "Finish List." He writes out the things that he wants to accomplish by the end of this year and the progress he has made on each item, ever week. I decided that's what I'm going to do. If I'm not writing it down or keeping track of what I'm doing to get the tasks done. It helps you really set goals and do something about it. Keeps you honest, and I need all the help I can get right now.

From now on, I'm not going to focus on what other people are doing or what path they're being led to. I'm my own person and run at a different pace than everyone else. I'm making BIG changes in my life, and I'm on my way. Today, I finally booked an appointment for my driver's permit test. I feel like that's the first step in getting to other places I want to go. Once I get my license, there's really no stopping me. I'm ready for the whirlwind that is about to come my way. In the next couple years, my life will definitely not be the same; I'm making a pact to myself. Stay tuned for the adventure. I'm excited to see where it leads, myself.

That's all for now,

Shelby

The Weekend Review

I'm just going to say, sorry in advance, for an extremely long blog post...I just had so much to share.

Saturday, we went to Valencia with my grandparents for the day to have lunch and just hang out for awhile. I never thought I'd be saying that I was ready to just stay home, but that was one of those times. Mainly, I'm just tired of the long rides, even though I love just being in the car and listening to music. We went to this restaurant, Rattler's, that they actually got my parents into years ago, I guess. It was really good and the waitress even remembered us from a couple weeks ago when we went with my aunt. For some reason, that made me feel special.

I was in a weird mood, and not feeling too great, so I was on the quiet side...Until my grandpa would ask me random questions about life. Then, he asked me if he could send a rich guy my way, and if so, would I open the door? I said no. He's like "Honey, you can love a rich man as much as you can love a poor one. You're spoiled, you're gonna need a rich man." I don't want a man right now in general, so honestly, that's why I turned him down. HAHA. After we finished lunch, we went to this store, Stein Mart, to look around for awhile. You know I'm out of it when I don't find anything LOL. They have a little bit of everything-clothes, items for the home, journals and stationary, jewelry, and other random things. But, it was all stuff I could live without. No one else had any other ideas of what to do, so we headed back down the hill. My head was pounding with too many ideas and I just wasn't feeling good, so I tried to close my eyes and listen to some music, until we stopped at Denny's for some dessert. I had a slice of Cookies and Cream pie; usually I don't like pie in general, but it looked so good. And it was. The remainder of the time we had to drive home, I felt great and wished it would've been like that the rest of the day.

We saw this on the freeway...There were a bunch of carts for a carnival!  

We got home, and I decided to go on a bike ride. It was HOT and gorgeous out, once again. I've been wanting to spend as much time outside as possible, because usually I'm inside, working on math a good portion of the day, so my brain is just fried by the screen and all sorts of numbers. It's freeing to get away from all of that for awhile. I listened to some Country music and just enjoyed the summertime. The rest of the night, we listened to my Taylor Swift Speak Now album on Vinyl (finally, after two years), ate pizza and watched Father of the Bride. Now, that's my kind of Saturday night. I did end up brainstorming plans for the future, which led to a slight meltdown, but I quickly recovered, because I have amazing friends who always put up with me. Then, decided it was best that I call it a night, since I had to get up early yesterday anyway.

Sunday:

It's 6:15 a.m, my room is still black and my alarm is singing the Rascal Flatts song, "All Night To Get There." Morning sure came extremely quick and I knew it was time to get up. I got ready, grabbed my guitar and off to Starbucks I went-Always a caramel frappuccino and some sort of scone or bread. Then, my dad dropped me off at church, and no one was there. The parking lot is completely empty, after they said to meet at 7. This happened last time, but I tried to let it roll off. It's not a huge deal, it's just nice that people show up when they say they're going to. I might not have a lot going on in my life, but I don't like to waste it either. A few minutes later, our music pastor showed up and unlocked the doors. A few minutes later, people started filing in, but we still didn't start practicing until 7:38. In the meantime, I was able to catch up with Febe in the foyer, get my guitar tuned and finish up breakfast.

It felt so good to be back with everyone and singing. I don't think I've ever felt more relaxed or vulnerable up there on stage, than I did yesterday. I'm finally learning to let everything else that I'm worrying about go, and just be in the moment whether it's worshiping or being on stage in general. Being around so many musicians and singers that have been doing this awhile, has helped me observe how they do it and I've learned so much from them. They are such pros the way they can improvise when a speaker goes out or this happens or something falls through. It's reminding me to be more flexible when things don't always go quite like I planned. I love being surrounded by people that have the same passion for music as I do, because they just get it. We did the first service, then everyone went backstage to hang out. I always end up hearing about some great music back there, because they're usually talking about some documentary they caught, an interview with a musician, or a great album to listen to. Yesterday's topics were John Mayer and Eric Church. I'm not a fan of Eric Church, but I do like John Mayer. He is so creative and ahead of his time that that's why we all think he's weird...and he is, but the dude can write and play music like nobody's business.
The service itself was great! It was on what worship should be: accurate, authentic,thoughtful, and practical and the steps to following through with that. There was one point in particular, that seriously hit close to home. Lydia (the pastor), told us a story of how this woman was praying for clarity, but instead someone told her that rather than praying for clarity on what the future holds, ask that God will help you to trust in Him. That's exactly what I've been dealing with. I feel so unsure of the future and where exactly it is that God wants me, but I want to be able to take that step of faith, whether I can see the entire path in front of me or not. When the service ended, I ran into Hillary, so we talked for a few minutes, then I caught up with my parents and family friends. I didn't realized how much I had missed our church, and what a big part of my life it has been playing. I felt connected again, like I've been longing for once again.
We had lunch with family friends at Outback when I finished the last service, which was awesome. It was good catching up with them. We always have the funniest times when we're together. I was SO full after eating so much too, but I guess that means they did their job. We came home, then had to run a few errands with my dad, which was cool because I get way too bored sitting at home anyway. I grabbed my iPod and entertained the car with my fantastic song picking skills, so that's always fun. The more I'm in town, the more I'm starting to appreciate it...the country roots, the agriculture...It's not that bad of a town. Maybe this is the part when I'm about to leave, because I'm starting to appreciate the things I've always had ;). Anyway, we came home after all the business was done and I decided to clean my room...well, attempt it at least. I was trying to organize my closet, but that's going to take several days, if not more. I listened to Kenny Chesney and Miranda Lambert to make the time more enjoyable.

We had dinner with my aunt, uncle and our family friends at Arby's, which was fun. There's nothing better than being surrounded by a group of people that love you and make you laugh harder than just about anyone. I also came to the conclusion while we were there that I want to try skeet shooting and mud riding. My dad and uncle know someone who might be able to pull off the skeet shooting. As for the mud riding, I'm probably on my own. When we got home, my dad and I went on a late night bike ride. It was cooler, there was no random dog following us, and we were able to just talk. Those are some of my favorite memories and moments ever. As crazy and busy as life gets, and as many things that have changed...my relationship with my parents is one thing that has never really wavered, even though we might argue and disagree a little more than we used to. I'm really thankful for that.

I had planned on possibly going to bed, but then I remembered my guitar was all tuned up and ready to go, thanks to my friend, Martin. I'm trying to teach myself Taylor Swift's song, "Come in with the Rain," because I absolutely love it and know the chords. So, that's always a plus. I practiced a few times, and it felt good to have sore hands after. One of these days, I'll look back and wonder why I didn't stick with it longer and the first place. It was one of the best days! Honestly, I don't think I would've changed a thing about it.

My baby! :)

Bonus (Lines of the day):

"I love what I see on my Facebook feed! Most of my friends are Christians or dorks, so I get Star Wars with a verse!"

"It's 2012 guys, get with the program!"

"You know how people make fun of the way I text?"

"No."

"Oh, well people make fun of the way I text...See!"

"Ew! I hate that sauce."


That's all for now,
Shelby

"Half scared to death, can't catch my breath...aren't these the moments we live for?" ~Gloriana

They say, "If your dreams don't scare you, then they aren't big enough," and I've always believed that. Which is a good thing too because mine are starting to scare the heck out of me. I can't tell you how many nights I've had trouble falling asleep lately, worrying about the future and what's to come and how to make the biggest dream of mine come true. I've never really cried much at the prospect of not finding the guy of my dreams or getting my fairytale wedding; I've never come close, because it's just not that important to me. That's where music steps in and the tears begin. And I'm sure all of you know, because I write just about every time any of that comes to mind and how I'm completely clueless on how to make any of these things happen, instead of just dreaming about them. Well, I did come up with a sort of outline, as I've done before, of what I need to do or some back-up plans to get the ball rolling:.

• Get my permit by the end of this year and my license hopefully by the middle of next year!
•  The Voice auditions-if it's meant to be...I will find my way there one or another, whether my family is for it or could care less
• Get a job and save, save, save!!!!!!
• Write into Ellen daily; maybe she'll catch on that I'm serious about this
• Annoy the heck out of everyone I know with connections or people on Twitter that can help me get somewhere...anywhere at this point.
• Check into jobs, apartments, rent, etc. 
• GET OUT OF TOWN

This is MY year and I'm going for it. I am more determined than I've ever been. So, people can either get on board now or watch me as I walk away to do what I need to do. It's not their life, I don't get why they care so much. I'm done!

That's all for now,
Shelby

Fate

Is there really such a thing as fate? A predestined life waiting for you, that no matter what you do you will end up in the exact place at the end of the road that you were supposed to? I'm not so sure about that. I want to, but how can you know for sure that there is only one path to take without plans changing or dreams shifting.

The 20s should be the most exciting time of our lives, but right now it just feels like a lot of putting the puzzle pieces together and things not adding up quite right. Even for my friends that are having the time of their lives and their wishes are coming true, they're still trying to keep the faith, instead of waiting for the ground to fall out from out from underneath them.

I guess in time we'll all end up where we're supposed to. Until then, we just need to keep the faith and know that God has a bigger plan.

That's all for now,
Shelby

T.G.I.F

This morning, I woke up around 9:30! I finally decided to get back into my devotion time with God in the morning rather than waiting all day and letting my moods get all out of hand. I got ready and pretty soon it was time to meet one of my best friend's, Marissa, at Chic-Fil-A for lunch. Go figure, but it has been at least six months or so since we've really seen each other and we live in the same town. Our schedules have just been off and life gets busy, but we were finally able to catch up today. With her, I can always pick up right where we left off. It didn't take even a minute, before we were diving in to tell each other stories and there were a lot of them. We ate, gabbed for quite some time about everything from family and friends to school and the future. At least I know I'm not alone with feeling like life is just sort of at a stand-still; not being where we want to be. I guess it's just that age. At least that's what I keep telling myself-we're all just trying to figure out where we want to end up and who we want to be in the process. I've never had to sugar coat anything around her. Not that I necessarily have to around other people, but she's one of those people that has always just understood me and would let me vent, not judging me or anything. She will tell me flat out how she feels and I can do the same with her, though we're usually pretty in sync with things. I even ran into a couple more friends from church at Chic-Fil-A, which was cool. I didn't talk to them long, because it was crowded, but it was good to see them. Also, while we were sitting down, one of the workers from Chic-Fil-A kept walking around to see if anyone needed anything. But, he kept glancing at me as he walked by our table. Marissa's like "Someone likes you." Lucky me...haha. When we finished with lunch, we headed to The Marketplace to the movie theater so we could buy the tickets. Once we had those in hand, we were good to go. We hung out in the shade for a bit, just doing more catching up and laughing about how crazy life is and random stories that we hadn't been able to share.

The Katy Perry movie is incredible! I was a big fan before, but after seeing the vision and drive she has for her craft, I have so much respect for her. I don't want to give anything away, but knowing her story with the divorce and everything; when she cried, I was trying not to full on cry, which was extremely hard. I was wiping away tears, not gonna lie. I don't think people give her enough credit, because of the crazy costumes she wears, etc. But, she knows exactly who she is and what she wants, it's just that she's the first person to be like her and that's a little shocking to America. Seeing her as just Katy, behind the scenes, and how she handles the pressure of being in the spotlight, I just love her even more. She is so full of life and charisma; she would totally be the best person to road trip with.
Marissa came over to my house for a few minutes after the movie. She said hi to my mom, visited with one of my cats, and filled me in on another pretty important story, then we said goodbye, agreeing that we couldn't go that long without seeing each other again. We've also made plans to start Skyping more and possibly start doing the "6$ Tuesday" special at the movies.

I can't just sit around for long, so I decided to go on a bike ride after Marissa left. It was a gorgeous, hot summer day and I wasn't going to pass that up. I listened to some Chris Young (yet again) and just enjoyed the sunshine. I sat on my front porch for awhile, continuing to listen to music and just enjoyed being still. That's something I don't do a lot. I constantly have to have my hands doing something, or I'm wandering my house, or writing...The list could go on and on. But, I decided to just sit and and relax for a few minutes. The simple things are what life is really about. In between songs on my iPod I could hear the rustling of the trees and could see the sunlight bouncing off of the leaves. It's in those moments that we find something greater than us.

I got home and decided to start a new blog project type thing I've been thinking a lot about this week. It's about how much I love the Country lifestyle basically. It's where I'll post a lot about Country music and Nashville, whether it's favorite places, lyrics, artists, videos, or daydreams, style, or my favorite country type items that I love. I thought it would be fun to do. So, I hope you'll check that out as well as this blog. I'm just a blogging machine.

http://citygirlwithalittlecountrycharm.blogspot.com/

Tonight, we sat down to dinner as a family as we do most nights, then decided to head out to our local baseball field where they do fireworks. It's a bit of a drive, so it's always nice to talk with my parents and just listen to the radio. I tried to put my phone down for awhile, giving my brain time to breathe. Sometimes it just goes into overload because of all the information I'm seeing on a daily basis; I'm thinking I need to get away from it more. We stopped at Sonic to get slushies, which weren't as good as I was hoping they'd be, but still refreshing. We pulled into a parking lot about a block away from the stadium, where we kept waiting, waiting and waiting for something to happen. Well, we waited for close to an hour maybe, and the fireworks never happened, so we finally left. It turns out they were in the 13th inning...That explains it. Even so, it was a fun night just driving around town. Slowly, but surely, I'm learning you don't always have to be doing something big to make it memorable. In fact, most of life's greatest moments are unexpected and the little things that make our hearts feel full. 

Now, it's almost 2 a.m and we're going out of town, once again tomorrow morning. I'll actually be kind of glad when we can just have a normal weekend at home. I never thought I'd say that. HAHA. I'm going to try turning in for the night.

That's all for now,
Shelby

The Weekly Review

This was a really good week! I got my math homework finished with a 90% on the test, caught up on a lot of writing, went bike riding, got back into my devotion time a bit, the Fourth of July holiday, talking with my dad outside=perfect summer night, practice at church with the worship team (I've missed them and singing) and the Katy Perry movie with my best friend (but that'll get its own post for Friday). Here are some of the highlights in pictures:

"Don't forget to fill an old shoebox full of things to look back on..."

That's all for now,
Shelby