Week one.

So this is it. I've spent my whole life preparing for this day. My first day of work in the real world starts NOW. For lack of time and mental energy, here's what last week looked like, instagram style. Follow me on Twitter for more consistent updates because blogging clearly hasn't made it to the top of the priority list lately. But for anyone who is wondering, I'm LOVING life is a Houstonian. More details soon! :)

Back on track.

One thing that has remained true since I started this here little blog is that when my life gets most interesting, I get wrapped up in the joyful whirlwind and fail to share it with you. You'd think I'd use this space to make myself seem super exciting and amusing, but somehow I repeatedly manage to harp on all the lulls and uncertainties of my journey. BORING. So here's the deal: Over the next couple days I'm going to recap the past month and, in the process, prove to you that I am indeed cool and adventurous.

Orange Beach Girls Trip

Since the Tuscaloosa tornado so rudely barged in and cancelled our graduation ceremony, the seniors left without celebration or closure. But in persevering and positive spirit, the besties got together for one last shebang to eat, drink, and be merry. Welcome to Orange Beach, where the sun is hotter, the laughs are louder, and the Bushwhackers are stronger.

I will always hold this trip as one of the happiest and most memorable weekends of my life. Cheers to friends who are always game for a good time, who will make your abs sore from laughter, and who will stick by your side through thick and thin. DELTA LOVE.

Seagrove Family Vacation

Kayaking with the fasha was surprisingly painless. The yellow flag may turn away the weak, but not us two. With Dad as my fearless guide, we fought the waves and paddled out far enough to see miles up and down the beach. Something about sitting in silence in the middle of God's creation is so peaceful. I took a mental picture of that heavenly bonding moment with Dad, and I pray it will never leave me.

Meet my beautiful cousins, one Tri Delta sister, and one hopeful soon-to-be Delta pearl. Spending a week making memories and sharing stories with them was one of my favorite parts of this summer. They are encouraging, fun-loving, sweet girls, and I am so thankful for their hearts!

Say hello to my newest cousin, Anne Faulkner, who is officially the most precious baby in the world. She's blessed to be surrounded by so much unconditional love, affection, and Christ-centered teaching. My Dad's side of the family, 20 members strong, are tied together by a saint of a grandmother who sets an example for all of us youngins. I thank God for each of you (Bebe, Guy, Melynda, Keith, Katie, Anne Faulkner, Russ, Taylor, Elizabeth, Jared, Anne, Mark, Beth, Jack, Tucker, Mom, Dad, and Davis) every single day. Thank you for raising me to appreciate life's beauty and for giving me countless reasons to be joyful!

Megan and JD's wedding rundown up next...

A little stroll.

Yesterday I went on a little backyard stroll in Dad's crocks to get my mind and spirit out of this funk. Remember how it felt in middle school when your best friends left after the most awesome sleepover ever? Well this recent grad is feeling kinda bluesy after a week of wedding festivities that ended this 4-year party with a bang. {Pictures and details coming soon.} I'm all moved out of school, the girls beach trip has come and gone, the family reunion has passed, and the wedding week bed and breakfast has closed. It truly is the end of an era {insert dramatic moment here}. But with every closed door is another opened, so here I am in limbo, reluctant but ready to start the next chapter of my life in Texas. Most of my sentiments are full of excitement, eagerness, and gratitude, but so many are still weighted with fear, dread, and nostalgia. And when I find myself going down that slippery slope of doubt, I just go outside. Simple yet so powerful. See what I mean?

{Leftovers from the Welcome Fiesta.}

{He thinks he's so posh in his argyle collar.}

Now how can you be down in the doldrums with so many intricate masterpieces right outside your window? God's mightiness and attention to detail is illustrated in the tiniest things. Just think, he's waiting to make a masterpiece out of each and every one of us if we are willing. I'm ready to take the back seat and hang on for one of the craziest adventures yet. Lessgo.