Happy Medium

Growing up and moving out has added so many new feelings about HOME.

I have found that when I am home I cannot wait to get back to SLO or when I am in SLO for a long period of time I am ready for a visit home. I wish I could have both, in once place, at one time. They are both just such happy places.

Part of growing up and knowing my home is not Hilmar anymore is teaching me to find the happy medium between the two. I will always love my little hometown, but for now, SLO is home sweet home!

Adult

Once again, it has been way too long! College life has truly engulfed me in all its work, stress, and fun.

I have now officially been living in my new home for a month. It seems like time is just zipping by and before I know it, it will be Thanksgiving and Christmas break.

As this week is already in full swing, I have a full list of things to accomplish. One thing that has really amazed me, is how I was forced to become adult-like so fast. There is absouletly nobody in college who will tell you that you don't have enough money or you aren't going to graduate. It is all up to you!

In some ways this is wonderful, but sometimes I really do miss my wonderful mother and all her help! Welcome to the real world Lauren!!

So with your free time this week think of me as I brave a midterm, Target interview, and work on acing my wonderful college classes!

Social

The college storm has hit me. 

In less than a week I have pushed out of my comfort zone in a million in one ways. But this a wonderful thing!

Although I don't remember all their names, I have been introduced to what seems like thousands of people. Out of all these people, so many of them are so inviting! 

Living in the dorms is quite the experience so far, and I don't think there has been a quiet night yet! Everybody is on an energy high from the new move and so eager to meet new people.

I'm interested to see if the environment changes once school starts but for right now I think I may just need some sleep!

Home, Sweet Home

Well, today was the day...I finally moved away from the nest and I am now living in the beautiful San Luis Obispo. It was an exhausting day, but quite a fun experience.

Only one day in and I feel confident in calling my little dorm, HOME! There is an abundance of kind people, food, and of course a nice comfy bed.

So for tonight, I wont say much as I busy rearranging the ootles of things I brought with me! But be ready for many great SLO stories!

Go Mustangs!!

Accidental grace

Today has been eventful.

Hidden beneath all the craziness I decided its time I get back to blogging. With only a few more days until my college move this could be some of the most changing days, in well my whole life.

Not much into my day, I was interrupted my a unexpected car wreck. It ended up smaller than it very well could have been and I am thankful for my well-being at the moment.

Despite plans therefor getting changed and now becoming carless for a few days I'm finding tiny specks of grace in this.

The man who accidentally hit me was so kind, remorseful, and truly sincere. It was also a nice surprise to learn he was a fellow Hilmarian despite being half an hour away from my home. This is why it is always said, "what a small world"!

I can rest easy tonight knowing there are always nice people somewhere in the world.

Cal Poly, The 2nd Happiest Place on Earth

For the past two days I have been lucky enough to escape the heat of the valley and take a "vacation" to my future home, San Luis Obispo. With one more day left here I am beginning to frown upon the thought of leaving.

A year ago I never would have even considered living here, I frowned upon the fact that so many Hilmarians migrated here and just wanted to get as far away as possible. I am now so so thankful that God led me magically here and feel a little guilty for thinking anything negative of such a welcoming school (and town).

I now have faith that my transition into adult, college life will become slightly easier knowing I am in such a happy environment. Not only am I blessed to have found a happy place in my life right now, I am blessed to have my family's love and support also guiding me on the new journey. I am sure this will not be my only Cal Poly post where I profess my love of the college...so for you readers who choose to become a little slice of my journey too, thank you for your wonderful support ears!

GO MUSTANGS!

Thankful relationships

Sometimes to be truly thankful for what you have (not materially, but emotionally) it has to slowly, or quickly disappear. I have began to notice this little by little.

Looking back at my high school career I can say that there were several relationships that went through their rough patches. What I am beginning to notice now is that as soon as I became too self centered or unappreciative of what that friend did for me the relationship started to dwindle. Why didn't I notice this before?!

Whether it be a boy or girl I am truly going to work on cherishing each moment I get to spend with a friend. They are each in my life for a bigger purpose and unless I become aware of their presence it will soon be robbed.

I'm glad this summer has been so full of learning. I am so thankful that I have wonderful friends who are helping me learn so many things without even knowing it. Thank you!!

Little Landon

Today I am not only thankful but impressed by my little brother. I didn't see him much today but I was thankful when the day ended with his hilarious dinner entertainment.

The reality of how much I'll miss him with my move sets in everyday.

Now I don't meant to be completely depressing so I'll switch notes and give you a glimpse of Landon's shinning personality.

Almost daily, at mealtimes he chooses to entertain the family with 11 year old stand-up comedy. He does every pitch and tone of laughter known to man. For some reason, I have never been able to mature out of my giggly stage when he comes around. There is NEVER a quiet moment with Landon in the house.

Despite all the harassing and badgering I have (and Jordan too) done, I will miss every ounce of noise and movement from this spunky little guy.

Thanks Landon for keeping me on my toes with your vivacious, character-like personality. Love ya!

Blog about it

Tonight I find myself in agitation over petty things. So when all else fails, I guess I'll blog about it.

I knew graduation would bring about major changes for my peers and I but a lot has shocked me in a short amount of time. I thought the changes would slowly ease in and come over large amounts of time...I was wrong.

For some reason, I seem to find people changing drastically. A few people have gained this overwhelming sense of "I don't care anymore" or as the younger, more embarrassing generation chooses to call it "YOLO". I believe there are many things we should take lightly and not stress about, but not caring about people's feelings because you only live once can be extreme to a certain point.

To those out there thinking it all doesn't matter anymore, remind me when you learn the hard way how it now matters to you.

Thank you blog for letting me become Dr. Phil for the night!

Summer of 2012

With only the first few days of summer under my belt, I'm already so impressed.

I came into this summer thinking id be bored and anxious for college but I have been proved wrong.

Once again, the littlest things in life never seize to amaze me. Just a few offers and time to hang out with friends. Beautiful days in the sun with my family and endless graduations parties have been soo fun.

I am positive it's only going to get better and I thank God for the endless blessings he continues to send my way. Here's to an amazing summer!

Half blood

Tonight I was lucky enough to attend the Turlock Pentecost Associated Bullfights. I had nothing but a great night!

What I find amazing is my love and interest in Portuguese events. My m(who is only half Portuguese) is not fond of bullfights at all and my dads opinions are about the same.

As for me, I love them! I just don't know where it came from.

Even though I'm not 100% Portuguese, I absolutely, 100% love everything about the culture.

Thank you to meus amigos portugueses for making tonight a blast!

Wound tight

As the last days of my high school career are taking place, I have begun to notice the anxiety and tension so many people around be have built up.

My classmates are running ragged trying to balance homework, upcoming finals, and the bzillion senior actives now happening.

At home, my mom is letting the approaching changes stress her out and even make her calm demeanor waver.

What I have noticed as a common thread in all parties is the emotions of everyone becoming so unpredictable. I guess these types of changes bring about the dark sides in everyone.

Although not everyone is negatively reacting, I do feel a majority of peers have let the stress get to them.

For the people feeling wound tight around me, remember these words.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

Near Death

I was fortunate enough to take part in the "Every 15 Minutes" program at my school yesterday and today.

For anyone who doesn't know about the program it visits high schools to teach students what driving under the influence can do to impact your life and others. Several kids including myself were chosen to be "dead" for 24 hours leaving friends and family to feel the loss.

During the program I was told that 1 in 3 is or will be affected by someone driving under the influence in some way. I didn't think this could be a real statistic, especially for kids at my young age.

I was proven wrong.

When talking with the other victims (who are fellow high school students) I began to notice that so many people I see everyday have had traumatic experiences with their immediate family and alcohol.

I have had my own share of people abusing alcohol in my family, but I have to remember there is always someone hurting worse than me out there.

Think of the people you see daily, thy may be at school, work, or church. A few of those people have been hurt somehow by a lack of judgement begin the wheel.

I will definitely strive to not be a case of disaster behind the wheel. More importantly, I'd like to be able to help people who deal with this pain. Hopefully I can find my position in this someday.

For more information on this amazing program please visit:

http://www.every15minutes.com/enter

Week of Mother-Day 7, Truly blessed

It takes everyone a different amount of time to find true happiness and peace with themselves. I'm happy to say I believe I have come to that point.

Today I took notice to how special and amazing my family (most importantly my mother) is.

No matter what the circumstances or status of my life is, I find it calming to know she is always there as her same old smiley self.

She has guided me through every step in life and I'm excited to share many more happy memories with her. (some not so happy too)

Be thankful for your mom today and everyday, I'm sure she had some part in getting you to where you are right now!

Week of Mom-Day 6, Elementary

I'm going to keep it simple tonight and do a very elementary sort of thing. (my mom really will appreciate this)

L- Loving
Y- Young at heart
N- Never underestimates
E- Early (NOT lol)
T- Teaching all the time, at school or at home
T- Thinks of others
E- Everybody treated equally

Happy 6th day of Mother's Day mom!

Week of Mother-Day 5, Teacher, teacher

To much of my dismay, I went to open house at my mom's school today. Even though I was reluctant to go, I learned and saw a lot this evening.

As soon as my mom got on campus it was as if a celebrity arrived. Not only the kids, but the parents seem so delighted to see her.

I don't mean to brag, but I feel really lucky to have such a cool mom. She is blessing to so many children at the school and makes a difference that lasts forever.

Hopefully someday I will be half as memorable as her in her everyday work!

Week of Mother-Day 4, The little things

Today I am simply thankful for my mom doing little things for me. Some of the smallest gestures have led to the biggest impact.

One of my favorite things she does is little simple surprises. Every once in awhile she will give me a surprise phone call, or just lunch at school.

Even just the fact that she will help me straighten my hair when I'm too lazy to do it myself is wonderful.

She always helps out with a smile and I adore that.

When things seem to be getting tough she knows how to turn it around with a little of her magic. Thank you mom for all the little miracles you do!

Week of Mother-Day 3, Parental Control

For the majority of teens, especially preteens, parental control seems like the worst think ever. Life revolves around how to rebel from the given rules for most.

I am with the 1% of teens that appreciates the rules my mom has set forth.

After heavy growth, I have come to see that she is so much wiser than me. Every single thing she has me do is for a bigger purpose that I have know slowly found.

Very rarely does she say "no", but when she does, I take it to heart and understand there must be a real danger ahead.

Without her guidance I'd be stranded and probably ten feet under. So thank you mother for the rules and regulations that have set me on the path to greatness. Love you ❤

Week of Mother-Day 2, Strength

Another unbelievable trait my mother possesses, STRENGTH. (Also something I lack)

From a minuscule issue, to a life changing twister she handles it all. Each and every complication with utter patience and respect.

She is a strong so that those around her can lean on her for support, a true motherly quality.

When it comes to the weakest moments, we all cope differently. I choose to run to mommy and probably always will. I am lucky to find shelter in her strength.

Thank you today mom for your strength!

Week of Mother-Day 1, Worker Bee

As Mother's Day approaches this Sunday, I am vowing to make this week a wonderful one for my mother.

Be prepared to hear a little bit about her each day this week.

Today, I am inspired by her hard work. After spending the day with my dad, I called to see what she was up to on my way home. Without surprise, she was at her second home, work.

I strive to someday have the strong ethic she does. She always goes above what's required to make sure the job is completed to 150% of what is expected. This quality is something many people would benefit from in the workplace or anywhere.

Slowly but surely, I will learn the to work a little harder because of her. Love ya mom!

Aww the sun!

There are so many little things in life we take for granted! Today I am noticing the beautiful sunshine.

What would we be without it, NOTHING!

How amazing is it that I can enjoy a day outside without having to be worried about a storm.

Be thankful for your sunny SUNday!

AS IF I'm scared of you

Tonights blog is unique and by request will be all on one person.

So theres this one kid, Asif. I'm going to share some chuckles about him.

Id like to say he made me laugh or made my day something like that but if you know Asif that would be too predictable. Instead, he asks to be the topic of my blog today. (ha I don't even know him was my first thought)

But now as I am writing I'm beginning to think I know exactly what to say about this goof.

Through out my life I have been tortured by his humorous honesty. I do not have enough fingers to count the times I have been called midget, short, or ugly by this insane person. But I think I have finally understood why, Asif is clearly scared of my big attitude. Funny enough, I even found an old scar from this same evil child. (let's not even get into how it got there)

It amazes me how life plays out, in a small town. At age 13 I never would have thought my bully would one day be a friend. Guess things really do change for the better.

Thanks for the life lesson Asif!

Twisted Tuesday

Not going to lie, today was a little wacky for me. I have not felt in control and that's quite a bit scary for perfectionist me.

One thing I struggle with is letting what will happen, happen. Not knowing what's coming next sometimes kills me. I definitely could and did not predict the events occurring today.

I am looking forward to sleeping this funk off and hopefully springing up fresh tomorrow morning.

O, brother!

I enjoyed wonderful afternoon of wiffel ball today with my little brother Landon.

Surprisingly, the end of senior year has brought me some free time to just go outside and play with him. I am very, very thankful for this.

I know this is in perfect timing as I prepare to leave him as an only child this fall.

Sunny baseball days like these are so much fun. I thank God for the few minutes he gives me ever once in awhile to laugh with my little guy!

Not worth the sweat

One of the toughest things for me is minimizing stress and just letting things go. I tend to over think and let the present affect my future.

Slowly but surely, I am beginning to let the worrying take the back seat. I know this will be a task to work at my whole life through though.

As for so many others, it does irritate me afterwards when I notice I spent precious time worrying for nothing.

So today I spent my time relaxing and enjoying the few hours I had left before a typical week of worry. Maybe somehow this week I will conquer the stress and realize most of it is not worth the sweat.

Anniversary

Whew, I did it, one week of blogging under my belt!

Never knew this would be such a blessing. I now look forward to sitting down every night and venting about my life. It seems to be a wonderful form of therapy.

So thank you to the listeners thus far. This is only the beginning of an amazing journey.

Looonnnnggg day

Everybody has rough days, today was my one for the week.

It's taken me to this wee hour of the night to finally smile and say the end is near.

It is only right for me remember that tomorrow will be a new day, and I should just be happy. So for the rest of the blog tonight I'll share some old happy faces.

They call this work!?

I have been very blessed with the opportunity to babysit for my neighbors just a few steps away for the last few years. Through the course of this "job" I have learned so many tips, tricks, and life lessons.

Some of which include patience, how to hold three children at one time, what not to put in front of a baby, why teens should not have children and how to argue with a five year old.

Not only have I learned so much, I have truly gained a valuable friendship. I would never think of calling this family my boss or workplace.

For a first job, this is a dang good start. When a job doesn't feel like work at all, that's when you know you are at the perfect place. I hope I can find a career someday that is just as enjoyable as my favorite little kids next door!

Simply thankful for technology

Even though I am a product of the technologically education generation, the amazing contraptions and inventions the world contains is astonishing!

When it came time to write my blog tonight I was truly wondering what I had to reflect on about the day. I went to my bible app knowing God would surely point me in the right direction.

Then it came to me!! Ahaa, the ability to just be a touch away from greatness. We live in an age where there is every opportunity to reach God and turn your day around.

So today, I say thank you to every human genius that makes it easy for me to get to the bible in about .01 seconds. Apps and the iPhone are truly my favorite form of technology.

What would you be missing out on without your favorite piece of technology?

KB

I have been smart enough, or graced enough with the presence of one amazing girl through out my life. Her name is Karly.

For those of you not familiar with my dear friend Karly you could easily catch on to her vivacious and contagious spirit. She truly can make life much more pleasurable.

We have had our share of middle school fights, high school disagreements about boys, and now intense conversations about our futures. I have always had confidence in knowing she will be there for me no matter what though. Everyone seems to have that one friend (maybe more) that will always be their closest most trustworthy one. As cliche as it is, Karly will always have my heart.

As our paths change and we begin to travel to different places I smile knowing shes just a phone call away. I am so very thankful to have her as a forever friend. Life is beautiful!

Cash, Money

This whole adulthood/growing up thing is taking me by storm. It all comes so fast and with great responsibilities.

My mom and I took a trip to the bank today to get me a debit card, two new accounts, and now possibly a credit card! It seemed so exiting in the moment, but now sitting down looking at all the contracts I signed reality hit, I am big girl now.

With just a touch of sadness, I say goodbye to the days of allowances, a steady savings, and codependence. I do have a smile when I say, here comes the real world.

Sunday, Funday

Today, as the day winds down I almost forgot about blogging. I guess the second day is the hardest. I will need to get used to this new task at hand.


For today, I am very thankful to have a lot to write about. I was lucky enough to have my brother Jordan come down for a visit from college last night. We spent the day eating his favorite foods from home, shopping, and playing one of our favorite childhood games, wiffle ball. 


As the school year is winding down for me, I am starting to get overly anxious of the events coming up and even more anxious of moving away. It was a nice weekend to remember what is really important NOW though. I still have to focus on the reality of the few high school days I have left to cherish, and the wonderful family I will soon miss.


I thank you brothers, for a wonderful weekend full of brotherly love.

Little blessings

Each and ever day can be a new struggle, different journey to conquer. I am learning how much those around us really effect that journey. They make it easy, some make it more complicated.

Today I am thankful for these little boys that teach me to smile(even at nasty fish). They have made today that much happier!