Different

Living in Tennessee has shown me so much in only a week's worth of time:

1. Curling my hair is a waste of time due to the high percentage of humidity. Ugh
2. Hearing "Free Food" is an automatic go-to, because as a college student with no car- I can't afford going hungry.
3. 4 hours of studying only covers one subject. A&P, I hate you sometimes.
4. I miss my family every single day. I value my dad's daily phone calls. :)
5. Laundry is a hassle, especially when there's 30+ girls on your floor and only 4 washers&dryers.
6. Freshman 15 is truth. Even Freshman 50. Look @ me :(
7. Study hard. As over-said those two words are, it'll get you far.
8. I miss my friends. I wish I could comfort those I care for and love at this time.
9. Thank you for creating I-chat. So ingenious.
10. Sabbath Day = REST. F'real. Never felt/knew it's actual meaning until recently.

To the hurt, hurtful, and broken:
If there's anything you need, I'm here.





If I can't mess up my knees and legs from bouldering, it'll be from tripping on my stilettos. Whaaaack


A note to self:
Philippians 2:14 - "Do everything without complaining or arguing."

College

Currently in my dorm room awaiting lunch time ;) Today marks the first day of college...and fortunately, I have NO classes :) Hahaha. But, that'll change once choir is set in stone in my schedule. Hmm, so Southern...so far so good. Everything is so....green. I love it. Humidity bites, but... once fall comes around, it'll be a good sight. My classes? 18 Units. Wish I had taken summer school to lessen the load a little, but hey, I'm taking on as much as I can- and I'll do it. With guidance. Sorry for the lack of an update. Keep me in your prayers, and hopefully I don't get home sick too early. I don't know how I'll manage..Luckily, I have Rands, Chuck, and Mia to help me with my sanity..Yeah, that sounded over dramatic...Haha, BUT-.Imagine if I were to be out on my own. Hmmm, not good. I just don't work that way :/

I'll update as much as possible :) Happy living.

Bittersweet

I thank GOD for such great and amazing friends. Thank you all for coming out tonight to celebrate me and Chuck's last night in California. <3 Ya'll have NO idea how much each of you mean to me.

It's 3:22 am. I have 3 hrs. left on California grounds. It's craziness.
Hello Tennessee @ 3:17 PM

Color

My hair will match the leaves come Fall in Southern.

Before:



After:




I definitely recommend Lindsay at Carlton's Hair Salon in OMills :)

Journey

Tennessee, you're almost here.
With the remaining 2 days I have in California,
I find myself wanting to embrace the love of my family,
and stay under the roof as long as possible.
Packing has definitely given me that excuse. Ohhh boy.



thank you, mom

Home Sweet Home

Nothing beats the comfort of my own room. Although the sound of a week's stay in a luxurious cruise ship sounds both inviting and entertaining-- it's only good for those seven days... afterwards, the combination of sea and home sickness start to make its' way.

Currently online admiring wakeupfrankie's website dedicated to amp-ing up college dorm rooms. This Saturday, I'm on a plane to Tennessee. I don't know what to expect...other than a ginormous hug from a special someone who I won't be seeing for two weeks. :( Safe trip, love <3

[MarinerCruisePhotos]

Awaiting for the ship to sail off to Mexico


Thought this was pretty cool. Different images reflected on each panel.


First meal in the dining hall.


Actually paid to PLAY bingo in hopes of winning....didn't happen.


Savoy Lounge


First stop: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico


Off-road buggies


Second stop: Mazatlan, Mexico


Divers who make their living off of tips given during their 2 minutes shows.


Third stop: Puerta Vallarta, Mexico


Scenery was absolutely beautiful.


To test out my Spanish: Mi familia es MUY importante para mi.






"Lead me, Lord."

Adios

Off to a cruise line with my family to Mexico :)

Randy <3 I'll miss you. See you in two weeks! I love you.
Mama Dars: See you soon behbiigirl.
Heather: Sleepover time! Hahaha.
Kaci Jane: I BETTER see you once I return
Everyone else: Have a great rest of the summer.



Note to self: Micah 6:8

Important Men

My dad: He always values the importance of simplicity.
My brother: When he does a task, he applies 100% effort.





I love 'em.

Rock The Boat, Rock With You.

Aaliyah and MJ still live on.

Sondre Lerche

The only artist I can compare Sondre to is Jamie Cullem....however, that doesn't give him much justice. There's something about his music that combines all the following: 'spunky-rock-n'-roll-i'll-soothe-you-with-jazz-or-whatever-you'd-like'. It's amazing, and so are his vocals. I heard his music all thanks to www.jaggerphotography.com. (You can also hear a glimpse from the new play-list I created featuring him...and him only...Hah.) Their website is a definite must-see :) I spent almost this entire day with my eyes glued to the screen jumping from one photography website/blog to another. I didn't realize how fast time flew today. I'm now off to the gym to burn some killer calories.







Happy day, everyone.

earlyAM

True that.

Heavy <3

I am incapable of doing anything on my own.
For the longest time, I lost sight of what's most important in my life.
A while ago, I asked myself, "Where do you stand, Nikki?"
Thankfully, there's a light-house.



"I need You like a hurricane
Thunder crashing, wind and rain
To tear my walls down
I’m only Yours now
I need you like a burning flame
A wild fire untamed
To burn these walls down
I’m only Yours now."
-Jimmy Needham said it best.




*He is what He offers.