An order of happiness with a side of joy...

I am one of those college students that tends to think about everything in advance, plan way ahead and just get ahead of myself. I wish I could spend a little more time living in the moment, but that's just not realistic for my personality. So, where do I see myself in 20 years? As a 41 year old, I see myself happily married for at least 15 years, two to three kids, decent job or stay at home mom, living somewhere close to Oak Ridge or Knoxville and just loving all the little things about life and love. If you couldn't tell, I've thought about it. I also aspire to be successful and get my degree in the process, but, to me, measuring success is always asking to be let down. There are ways to be positive and optimistic about your life without constantly pushing for the best of the best in this world. There are ways to keep yourself full of joy and love without faking it and making a ton of money. Bitterness, greed and pride are not where I strive to be. If I can be my best self with a family that loves me for my best self then I'd say I have all that I need. That's where I see myself in 20 years. Happy. Full of joy for the life I've been given.

Da. Capital.

I love to travel but I have not had the privilege of traveling internationally. As much as I would love to, the expense is too much for my college bank account and my parent's wallets. However, I do travel as much as I can within the United States. My favorite educational trip was to Washington D.C. just two years ago over fall break. My mother, sister, grandma and I decided to up and go to D.C. One of our best ideas yet! Naturally, you learn a little bit of everything while touring through the many museums and monuments, but I loved The National Archives Museum the most. Standing right in front of documents of such importance such as the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence was fascinating. They had educational signs posted throughout the tour guide with all the known and unknown facts about the documents. I plan to return soon to be able to walk through each one again to pick up on anything that I am sure I missed before, and attempt to tour the White House. I recommend a trip to Washington D.C. to anybody!

The Non Existent Filter

You know that saying, "Think before you speak"? That is something I have been working on ever since one of the most embarrassing moments I have ever encountered happened. Jeffrey and I were eating dinner at his house when Jose and Lenzi came over to hang out. Lenzi hadn't been in school the entire year up to this point and May was quickly approaching. Word had gotten out that she and Jose had a child that year and Lenzi's parents kept her out of school for the duration of the pregnancy. As we all sat around the table catching up, the topic of "things that annoy us" came up. Once everyone had answered, I said, without hesitation, "Teen pregnancy really annoys me!" The room got silent, Jeffrey kicked my leg under the table and it hit me. I definitely should not have said that!