8/27 Fun With My Other Family!

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to spend time with Adam's family, a family I can now call my own (hopefully) :). 

It was so wonderful to get that quality time, especially before my first week of true teacher duties before school actually starts. I live for weekends like these; where I can just live in the moment and spend time with those that I love and with those whom appreciate me. We all have those moments and live for those very moments that carry us through to the next day or even through the entire week so we can have that feeling again; that feeling of love, compassion, and security. Live for that moment. 

Live for those who are grateful for what you make their life and be grateful for the impact they have on yours. It will never go unnoticed.

(Carrie's First Classroom!)

8/19 Goodbye YSU and hello Masters!

I cannot be more humbled from this past weekend with my dearest friends and family. I honestly have to have the greatest support system around me in order to accomplish all that I have at this point in my life. 

This past weekend's celebration signified all that I have done in everyone else's eyes, but I honestly celebrated those who have stood behind me, right beside me, even in front of me when I didn't realize what path I wanted to take, and especially under when I could not pick myself up. I celebrated those who made my dreams possible and who are continuing to do that every day.  Some of you are crazy enough to stay with me even after graduation as I continue to go to school, start my teaching career, while even finishing current and future endeavors. 

Some of you may think that I inspire you, but deep down, you are my inspiration to finish everything I have started; for I can't possibly imagine letting any of you down. Thank you all for supporting me and believing that I can do it. That means more than actually doing it at any moment. <3

8/12 Triathlons and Commencements!

This past weekend, I accomplished something with Adam that I never thought I would be able to and that I never should have even attempted. Regardless of that fact, upon finishing, I felt exhilarated that I was able to finish against all odds and being dealt the hand of cards that I have.

What's even more exciting is the fact that this upcoming Saturday, I'll be accomplishing yet another milestone that I never thought would come; graduating with my Masters. I cannot believe this day is finally coming and a new phase of my life is beginning just in a few, short weeks. Amidst all of the tribulations this past year, I have been truly blessed with what I have accomplished, the opportunities I have acquired, and with the people in my life.

Thank you all for supporting me and for being there on my special day. I love you. <3

8/5 My Friends.

What I have come to notice lately is that I have the greatest friends of all time. No matter how often I see them, talk to them, or what category of my life they are in, I can depend on them for anything. In this area of my life, I honestly could not be more blessed.

Through the many trials and tribulations, my friends have been there for me in ways that I didn't know that they could be or ways that I knew I needed. I can depend on my friend who is on the other side of the world, my friends in other states, in other phases of their lives, or understanding of the fact that I don't have the time.

Regardless of the reason, it never changes the fact that we are friends and that we will remain there for one another. I feel that I have celebrated that this summer, this past weekend, and will continue to celebrate my friendships every day, no matter where I am in relationship to them. Thank you all for everything you have done for me. I love you all just as if you were my family. Hell, you are my family. <3

7/29 I Cherish You All!

This morning when I woke up, I had a sincere appreciation for all of my loved ones. I thought about each and every one of them and my last encounter with them; regardless of how recent.

I wanted to remember whether or not I had a positive interaction with them that portrayed my appreciation and love for them. It might be sad to think about, but you never know how soon someone can be taken away from you; so always enjoy the time you get with those you cherish in your life. Always appreciate them, choose your battles wisely, and always love them unconditionally for everything they are at the end of the day.

I promise, they will walkways love you, even if they are no longer with you. You will always be loved. <3

7/23 Happy Birthday, Carrie!

This past week/weekend, I had the time to celebrate my birthday with friends and family. It was a beautiful time and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Even though my birthday comes during the busiest month of my entire life, I love that I have loved ones who want to find time for me even though I never have time for me. For that, I am truly grateful for.

Take time this week and every day to be appreciative and thankful for those who truly love you even if you don't always have time to show them. That is something to feel blessed about. <3

7/16 To The Future.

First of all, sorry I'm so late! However, it makes sense because this week came so quickly after such a busy weekend - for me at least. The summer seems to be flying by and I can honestly say that I am ready for this phase of my life to continue on, but I am not entirely ready for what's coming next. It's a very conflicting feeling to have, you know?

 I mean, this is such an exciting time for me for many reasons: I've had so much time with my family, working with my favorite students, graduating with my Masters, getting a new job, finding an amazing boyfriend, and celebrating my birthday with the people I care about most.

However, I am also so frightened to move on with my life and face the realities of what comes next: responsibility, more hard work, evidence of your success, the possibility of future heartache and/or loss of loved ones. If any of you can relate, I want you to know that I will be thinking of you and praying for you, always. And if you can spare some for those around me, it would be greatly appreciated.

Remember everything that you have and be proud of everything you have accomplished. You are worth all of your hard work and you have so many people who are proud of you, as well.

7/8 Wedding Bells and Family!

This past weekend was such a blessing because I had the opportunity to spend time with my beautiful family in the midst of my busiest month of the year.

Although this time of my life is bittersweet because I am finishing my Masters and I just want it to be done, it was wonderful to take an entire weekend to just pause to celebrate the love of my cousin and my now, new cousin :), as well as spending time with everyone I love so dearly. It's moments like this that I really feel blessed for what I have in my life, who I have to share it with, and for what I am becoming.

Thank you all for being a part of it. For this week, please think about who you are and who you have; friends and family. You will never find anyone else to share your life with that means any more than they do. I love you all <3

7/1 Time Is a Changing!

It seems as though many of my friends; myself included, are going through many, many changes in their life. The majority of these changes are positive and life altering to the point where they are progressing the direction that they should be even if these changes are full of fear and uncertainty.

However, we take these chances and make changes in life so we can better ourselves. However, if some of you are going through changes that you did not choose and are not positive, I hope that you can still learn from it and do what is needed to accept it and grow from this experience.

I am a firm believer of everything happening for a reason; but also focusing on how you react to those experiences. You are in control of your life, ultimately. I believe in you and am here for you. Thank you to all who are with me through the positive and negative changes in my life :) You can and will get through it, that I can promise you.

6/24 Here's To You.

Today is a little different. Today, I want to take the time to thank you; each and every one of you. I want to thank all of you for being there for me; for being understanding of who I am, what obstacles I have to face and who I have become as a person despite these obstacles and experiences.

I want to thank you for being here for me, in whatever way that has been. Regardless of the role you have played in my life, your role is a vital and significant role to that outcome of my life and my overall happiness. Whether I have known you for my entire life or even if I have just met you, I am so happy that I have. Even if we do not even converse any longer, I do not regret ever coming into contact because you have forever changed my life and had a hand in who I am today. I hope I have forever changed your life as well and I wish you the best of luck.

For those who mean the most to me today, I love you; I always will and I appreciate you and your willingness to be apart of my life every day. You will always be an important part of my life, forever <3