White as snow

Well it happened again. Colorado got another over night snow storm and my college sidewalks are pure white. So when I woke up for my eight o'clock class, my white pants caught my eyes this morning. To put it simply, my legs and the powder were identical. After much layering and a itchy wool hat, I was set for the day. Colorado snow is very fun and so is going to school in it as well.  

National Frozen Yogurt Day

February 6th is a fabulous day. Why? Well, it's National Frozen Yogurt Day; the best day of the year, of course! I adore a day dedicated to my favorite frozen treat. This year Yogurtland offered free yogurt and topping for a period of time that day. Naturally, my friends and I were the first ones in line and we spend a great afternoon eating free fro yo. Happy Frozen Yogurt Day! Hopefully, you eat just as much as I did. 

 My partners in crime

 Super stoked

 Cannot wait in line for another minute

 My favorite

We ended our trip eating in the car because Colorado is way too cold to be eating fro yo outside. 

It's good to be home

I've been back in Colorado for some time now and let me be the first to say-it's such a great feeling to be home. Classes are going perfect and I'm making a lot of new friends. However, it's nice to find comfort in the one place I call home with growing relationships and new adventures. Even with the temperatures dropping, I am having the time of my life. The feeling of constant growth in my new life is one of enjoyment. Everyday keeps getting better and better. (Also, I am currently learning how to dress for my first winter-wish me luck!)

Outfit breakdown: pants- Forever 21, boots- Charming Charlies, scarf and blazer- H&M, hat- gift

Fearless

When it comes to this topic it doesn't matter how much money you make or what clothes you wear. If I've learned anything this past summer, it's that life doesn't care who you are or where you're at when it throws something your way. The past three months I've gone through the biggest changes I've ever experienced. Needless to say, I'm tired, stressed, and fearful. As time has gone past since graduation, my experience as a "real" adult haven't been ideal. Through my car accident and becoming the sickest I've ever been, I can only grow. Through being the first to pick up everything to move to a new state, I can only become stronger. Through losing what I thought was the most critical part of my life I could only learn to be resilient.

When I hit a breaking point I thought to myself, "When did I become so fearful?" I never recall letting negative thoughts creep into my life as if they were true. Just because I am moving to a new state doesn't mean life won't happen for me. It only means I can become a mature adult faster. I look at other students my age and feel sorry for some.

This may be the scariest and loneliest point in my life so far. However, my growth, strength, and resilience is turning me into the adult I'm supposed to be faster. I guaranteed I am never going to apologize for being stressed out during this time in my life. I'm discovering who I am and that's hard. With that, I'll always praise God for the people in my life who will stick by me. Friends who accept me in all circumstances while having my back when I don't seem myself. Family who support me even when I'm angry, confused, and hurt. Writing, reading, and exercising more that makes me feel healed. Church family who constantly checks in on me and tells me keep my head high. More importantly, a God who knows I am worth it. Worth it to die for and work in and around my life. I'm going to be just fine because with these things in mind I'm fearless.
As of today, I don't worry anymore. I don't worry if I'll meet the right person. I don't worry about starting my life over in Colorado. There is nothing to worry about. So with no worry comes no stress and with no stress is no fear. I'm fearless. I'll embrace every moment of loneliness, hurt, joy, pain, and praise. On top of that, this past week I really learned that even one of the most important people in your life can let you down. Even when that happens, I won't let it stop me. I have to pick myself back up and keep going. What other choice do I have? I will never let life get me down; there's no reason for it!

I'm reminded of this: "So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy." - John 16:22. My final question is this--Is that all you got? That's nothing, life! Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life and I'm fearless.

A few of my favorite things: Spring Break Edition

1. Longboarding Accidents I love longboarding. It's my sport right next to shopping and it's my form of exercise. However, what I love more than longboarding is longboarding accidents. The first time I went riding down a hill I got a huge bump in the middle of my forehead when I fell. This didn't stop me. Years later I still take my board out everyday. I am lucky cause one of my best friends is willing to go to new places to longboard with me. We were riding up a hill in a quiet neighborhood in a red mountain district when I tripped and face planted on the street over nothing. I love my battle scars but the story of how I fall over nothing is even better. I should most likely take it easy on the hills till after my mom's wedding.
2. Teen Vogue and Sex& The City In the midst of my super busy week I set aside a day just to be overly lazy. I dedicated this PJ day to my two loves; fashion&Carrie Bradshaw. I swear Sex and the City is the only movie and show I can watch over and over again while marking up the latest issue of my favorite magazine.
3. Glitter Cupcakes Thankfully, I have super awesome leaders at my church who introduce me to glitter cupcakes. These red velvet cupcakes are full of sparkle and fun. I may love them more then regular cupcakes cause everyone deserves a little shine in their lives.
4. Taco Tuesday  Come to think of it, I have a ton of great leaders at church who feed me. My mom was talking the other night saying that she is gratefully for Jackie, Lori, and Jeannie always making sure I am never starving. However, Tuesdays are my favorite. Jeannie has the annual taco Tuesday and since I am usually the only that comes I never turn down seconds.
5. Grasshopper Pie One of the many reasons why I miss working at Village Inn is the seasonal Mint Brownie Blast pie. It's smooth, sweet, and perfect. Perfect in the fact that I had a piece on St. Patricks Day. Yes, my desserts correspond with holidays. Don't hate.
6. Lori's House Dang, I love my church moms. I'm starting to realize how much I hang out (or crash) at their houses. This is why when I woke up Thursday morning and Lori texted me to come over I was so stoked. I love hanging out with this family because they never cease to be more than church leaders in my life. Like usual, Amanda made her homemade apple pie while Lori, Mel, and I talked the night aways. The Hutchins are one of my favorite family.
7. Girls Out Night The church hosted a Girl Night Out event where I basically eat my weight in popcorn. Otherwise, I had the greatest time with some of the cutest girls in the high school ministry.


I officially declare Spring Break 2011 the best one I've ever had. With Monday slowly approaching I realize how much little time I have left in High School. As God is moving and working the most in these moments my emotions are running wild. With this, I keep calm with the lyrics of one my favorite songs. "Oh this is going to be the good life...sometimes there's airplanes I can't jump out but please tell me whats there to complain about." Honestly, my head has not stopped spinning in the last week and as much as I want to call out for help I know in my heart this change is good. As much as I don't want the things that are happening to happen moving forward is a natural direction for a Christian. With the next couple months being the craziest I put three important quotes on the front of my planner.
"To get something you never had you have to do something you never did."
"When God takes something from your grasp He's not punishing you but merely opening your hands to receive something better."
"The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."

Eight years in counting

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 is the most famous Bible verse ever. It's on posters, quoted in all regards, and even featured on the bottom of Forever 21 bags. This verse means so much more to me than words that are constantly reprinted. Not only is it the verse that marks my faith but it marks when I was baptized. On March 16th I was baptized in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This date is so important to me because it's the anniversary of the relationship I know is the most beautiful. This March 16th will be my eight year anniversary (too bad Hallmark doesn't make cards that say 'hey congrats on loving Jesus')  I can hardly believe just eight short years ago I began the most incredible journey. Having a personal relationship with Jesus is the reason I hold this date so dear to me. I look back on the little girl I was when I was baptized in the old Central Christian building and think how much has changed since then. Since then, Central opened two more campus and remodel the mesa building while I went through several pastor changes in my youth ministry. Along with that, my relationships with my church family grew and I gained never ending support system. Through it all, the consuming, graceful love from Jesus is still the same it was eight years ago. Everyday I fail, God still loves. Everyday I live with my issues, God still shines. Everyday I wake just to praise and glorify a truly amazing God. I pray that each day that turns into each year the love God overflows can be shown in my actions, words, and attitude in daily life. I look back to my life with Jesus and how I wouldn't trade anything for being in Him arms. Thankful doesn't begin to explain my gratitude to my God, his perfect plan, and the small moments where he has taught me the most. To me, the past eight years were just the beginning. The beginning of discovering the world He created. The beginning of a Acts 29 ministry. The beginning of a deep, satisfying relationship. Here is to the next eight and the years to follow that. "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." Ephesians 3:20

A few of my favorite things

1. Going off Campus As seniors we receive the special privilege of going off campus for lunch. During my fall semester, I hardly ever took advantage of this. Now I try to make it off campus everyday. This and going to spouts for the sandwich special has become one of my new favorites.

2. Popsicles I totally forgot how much I love Popsicles till one of the editors brought a box to yearbook one day. The coolness of a yummy Popsicle is truly unbeatable. It was the best part of my day when the staffers compared the change of color on their tongues.

3. When other people fall I have been known to fall, trip, and stumble from time to time so it's refreshing when my follow clumsy friends take the big fall to the ground. It's nice not to be the only one who trips over nothing while simply walking.

4. Church camp "This one time at church camp.." now that that's out of the way. I love church camp, I compare it to family vacations. This year was my last one and it was one of the best. It was most likely the most calm weekend I've ever had at camp and it was also the perfect get away from the craziness in my life at the moment. It was also strange to think that just four short years ago I was afraid to get into the van to go to my very, first camp. As camp came to a close, it made me more and more sad to know it was my last camp ever. Hopefully, I will be running one of those camps sometime soon.

5. Mini me Meet one of my best friend's little sister, Kendall. I swear this cool kid is trying to be the next Melanie. When I went over to Kaylie's house for our usual Gossip Girl night her sister only did something if I did, had soda if I had soda, and desperately wanted to sit next to me during diner. She actually only put on her PJ's when she saw I had mine on as well. Yes, it's always nice to be admired and copied.

6. Best friend time My best friend Dahlya has a history of being kinda busy. Whether it's travel, school, or auditions Dahlya has a full load. For this reason, when she has a free moment for best friend time I take it. She makes my days better and brighter so spending time with her is a must. Honestly, these past couple weeks she has been the best possible friend ever and every time I spend even a ounce of time with her I become more thankful for her presence in my daily life.

7. Dance parties Every year at church camp we throw a dance party. Last year, it was 80s themed and this year was neon. It got a little crazy and the best part was at the end when all the seniors got into a huge huddle to spend the last song together. My youth group is cool.

Looking back I'm not sure where the past two weeks have gone. I was thinking about it earlier today and I had a lot of fun but my business has consumed me to the point where I don't remember falling asleep. But, I wouldn't trade my life for anything. I was reading my journal the other night and I came across a paragraph I wrote on December 19, 2010, "I feel so lucky sometimes. Even when I'm really stressed I am still loved by God, I still love others, and I am still loved by others. Even when I have a lot of problems going on I am still forgiven. I have faith." This still rings true in my life today. As my best friend once said to me, "Life is too short to be sad about anything."

A few of my favorite things: Valentines day edition

1. Giant Cards Last week my best friend Kaylie and I found a giant valentines card at the gas station. To her it was Christmas and it was a great way to kick off valentines day mode.
2. Not so secret admirers On the special day of love I went to my first class a little early to talk with my physics teacher. I left all of my stuff at my desk and went up to the front of the room to make up a quiz. When I came back a boy from another class came in just leave me a candy sucker. It truly made my day and it made physics a little bit more bearable.
3. Candy It was hard to even walk through the high school hallway without friends handing me candy left and right. I didn't mind one bit, can we make this an official part of my day?
4. Marriage Proposal I was asked for my hand in marriage and by totally accident. Kaylie hand made her valentine cards and randomly gave me the "Marry Me" one. It's always lovely to know someone wants to marry you.
5. Tradition My best friend Dahlya and I have a traditional gift for valentines day. Dark chocolate covered fortune cookies. yum. It is a must eat and inside each cookie there is a quote about friendship. Two years ago she gave me a box and this year I gave her one. I'm positive we will be mailing our cookies to each other next year.
6. Yearbook Parties I knew that I would be having tons of treats on v-day, especially in yearbook. For this reason, I skipped breakfast, lunch and all real type of food to save room for my massacre of sugar. This was a great plan till I left school early sick.
7. Cheesy Valentines I recall in elementary school making a home made mail box and patiently sitting at my desk as I watched classmates place valentines in my box. I miss this. So when my friend AJ gave me a cheesy valentine it was the icing to the perfect valentines day cupcake.


Even though Valentines day has come and gone I must say this year was the best yet.