nice blazer, did you change your major to women’s studies

Well, the party went great. The rain held off for the duration of the party.

A big thanks to everyone who came and made it such a great day for me.

Since I am home schooled the grad part is really the only thing to show you've graduated. So I now feel older, wiser, and ready for the real world (hence the professional picture.)

You know what else makes people feel all those things? Being the guest speaker at a fifth grade graduation.

I had been at the school in some way for about seven years, and had just finished my last year there. So it was all kind of bittersweet. My life is progressing and there are all these new adventures, but I am also saying goodbye to some of the people and places I love. And that school is one such place.

With all the stuff going on last weekend I didn't feel like I could really do anything yesterday except make my summer to-do list.

I think this summer's list is a little more realistic, and I believe I will be able to finish it.

One thing I do not want to do this summer is waste time on my laptop or in front of the TV. I will be productive.

I hope all are enjoying your summer thus far.

Catch you on the flip side.

Maybe you are more of a worker bee, a follower, a ticket ripper, or the man at the concert with the orange glow stick directing you where to park.

The family has been busy getting things ready for my open house on the 12th (if anyone needs info leave a comment). We have been cleaning and baking and it is showing on my nails.

It will go from 4pm to 8pm, and the plan is to have an inflatable bouncy castle. However the weather report at this point says there will some showers. I am praying God will keep my party dry.

This evening I went to an open house for some childhood friends, in fact we were all in fifth grade together. It didn't hit me until then that we were all really growing up.

I mean, as a home schooler you don't really get the "done with high school" feeling because you don't leave. Furthermore, since I am taking a gap year and will spend the first bit at home, I don't even have college to get ready for.

This does not mean I am not going to college, I AM GOING TO COLLEGE. It has been necessary . to clarify that lately. I am going to college, I know where I am applying, and I have an idea of what I want to study. A gap year does not mean I am ignoring college or any other of my future plans (and I do have any).

Anyways. I haven't had the goodbyes to classmates or finishing up final school projects (finishing up was put on hold until after the 12th) like other kids in my grade. However listening to how happy these guys were to be done with high school and moving on, I realized I am in the same boat.

My life is moving forward. My future is this huge empty abyss that I can fill with whatever I want. My hopes and dreams are beginning to take form.

I really am excited.

I trusted in God by taking a gap year like he was calling me to be. And I am trusting in him now by leaving my plans open for him to work. By doing this I now I have started off on the right foot concerning my future. I am following God, even though I don't fully know where I am going.

On a different note. Ryan and I took a walk last weekend and this is what I came up with.

take that high school guidance counselor

As promised, here are a few of my projects featured in my senior portfolio.

Catch you on the flip side.

Rain or shine

This morning and yesterday morning I went running at my usual 6:15 am time. However for the past two days it has been pretty gross outside. But the rain didn't stop me.

Needless to say I am every proud of myself. I am not good at sticking to personal goals. If someone is depending on me I will fully pull through, but if it's just me, I'm known to give up on myself. Not this time.

The weather has dampened my mood though. I think it shows most through my boring clothing choices. I don't even keep the curls in my hair. This is a sign of true boredom.

I hear good weather is on the way. And since I finally have a tripod, you may see some outfit shots.

However, you can for sure expect some project pictures in the near future.

I will catch you all on the flip side.

That’s food you eat at a carnival or a Turkish prison.

Over the weekend the Bean and I tried our new cake mold. It turned out great. And since Mom and Dad were gone, we added ice cream and chillaxed in front of "Robots."

I've been doing the lazy thing lately, but only because it was the weekend. Come Monday I am back to work. I have even taken to wake up at 6:15 a few days a week to run. I am actually doing well, and slowly but surly increasing my time. Which is my goal. However because of my increase exercise, it has become clear I need actual running shoes. The ones I am using now are not cutting it.

I have also been working with Mom to plan my grad party. I'm officially going to have a bouncy castle at my party. Unfortunately my rejoicing was cut short by the giant cleaning list we have to do. But I'm not gonna let it keep me down, I will have a killer party.

Catch you on the flip side.

They took an episode of cops and made it a hit song

Last night, instead of going to the prom like the rest of the seniors in my town, I went to an Ingrid Michaelson concert.

There are some musical acts that are better on CD than live (Colbie Caillat), others are better live than CD (The Blue Man Group). Ingrid Michaelson is phenomenal in both ways.

She interacted with her band, had crowd participation, had a great live voice, and pulled a "that's what he said." On top of all that she had great covers of both Radiohead and Britney Spears (there was a dance sequence).

Since the concert was at my sister's college, I got to spend the night in her room. We chilled and went to see "The Clash of the Titian's." My sister's roommate was upset because there were no Titans. The movie was not all that good for a myth movie. However I was a fan of their us of braids.

The concert has been by far the most exciting thing since my birthday, and I have nothing planned until the second week of June.

I hope all of you had a good weekend, as well as something to look forward to.

Catch you on the clip side.

Good friday, isn't that a Canadian holiday?

Spring break is now coming to an end.

I fully needed this break, and am now ready to get back to school and work.

On thursday, Dad took the two younger kids and I to James J. Hill's mansion.

The place was huge, abd here are a few choice pictures.

Ryan got to play the organ there.

Catch you on the flip side.