tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46968528392340625182024-03-05T01:12:52.958-08:00Small Town GirlMichlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.comBlogger356125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-42015869085437267812017-01-10T22:31:00.000-08:002017-01-10T22:31:00.206-08:00Love Letter.You never really expected it to happen. Your heart was broken, but you kept your chin up and put a fake smile on your face for months. You spent an entire summer trying to get over him. You thought you did it and congratulated yourself. You didn't need a guy, or anyone really, to make you happy. You felt put back together - heart and everything. Your face presented a genuine smile again. And then sometimes people are put back into your life. Everything is ok again. There's closure and forgiveness and laughter. But those moments come back. Those eyes look at you like they used to and those butterflies, that you thought you'd never feel again, return. And slowly but surely - maybe even subconsciously, you fall again. Into trustworthy arms, into a lonely bed, into a confused mind, and back into love. You never thought it was possible last summer when you cried in your car or at the sound of a song. But that person hasn't really changed and you think maybe you're stuck again. With a fake smile and a hurting heart. But maybe just maybe this time you've fallen a little deeper. Not harder, but deeper. Fallen in love with yourself too much to let that boy ruin your heart. again. So maybe this time you'll just love quietly and genuinely until there's another time or maybe another person that says it's ok to love out loud. Because you never thought this would happen again or that you would even feel again at all. But this time it's different and maybe this quiet love is exactly what your mended heart needs.<br />
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-MKFMichlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-25452541143854697712016-06-24T08:00:00.000-07:002016-06-24T08:00:04.423-07:00New TransitionSmall Town Girl will be having a little transition.<br />
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From my last post, you'll read about my life currently and how a few things have changed. These changes are less external, and more internal regarding my perspective and decisions. Let me explain a little bit more.<br />
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Recently, I'm more focused on my education and not just "getting by" but actually putting in all my effort towards my classes and grades. In my last semester of college, I only received A's & B's - that was the first time since 8th grade. I realized that if I'm willing to put in more work for a shorter period of time, then I will experience the benefits afterwards. So in the next couple of months, I will finish a summer class, register for state tests, and have an interview to get into The School of Education at UNW. To say I have a lot ahead of me, is an understatement, but I'm looking forward to those adventures. :)<br />
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Also, since I'm working 3 jobs this summer, I have a lot less time to blog and keep up with everything going on in my life. However, I still LOVE to write. I'm constantly typing up small paragraphs on my phone, writing quotes in a notebook, or occasionally getting on my laptop to type up a blog post. Writing is how I best express my thoughts and experiences.<br />
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So with all of that being said, my blog, will be transitioning to more of a journal. I've been away since March, and during that time I really felt no pressure to hurry and get a new post on my blog. Blogging is something that I love to do, but I don't want to feel any pressure to have the most page views, or followers, or shares. I just want a place to document my life and have fun reading my fellow writers' blogs as well.<br />
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For the future, you'll still see posts, pictures, and life updates from me, but just whenever I have the time. I hope you'll continue to stop by, enjoy catching up, and looking at pictures. Feel free to follow me on Instagram, find me on twitter, or shoot me an email - I'm always checking my social media and texts or emails from people.</div>
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Thanks for always being such fantastic followers and great friends, too.</div>
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xoxo,</div>
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Michlyn</div>
Michlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-80393601939864175222016-06-22T11:35:00.000-07:002016-06-22T12:00:34.821-07:00Life as it isI've always heard the phrase "time flies" and within the last year of my life I fully believe it does. Our lives are nothing but time...Sometimes when you have a long shift at work, the time feels slow or when you're having fun with your friends, you forget about the time and soon enough 5 hours has passed. What we choose to do with our time is all up to us.<br />
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In the last few months (!!!!) that I've been absent from my blog - my life has changed and I've been shaping my decisions around my future. Nothing huge or exciting has happened, but through time, people and different elements of life tend to shift. Through these changes, I'm focused more on myself, my education, and what God wants me to do for His kingdom. So I thought I'd journal what I've been up to lately and give you a glimpse of my busy life.</div>
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This Summer, I'm working 3 jobs and trying to fit in some fun things too. I'm just trying to keep busy and put some money away before college starts again in the Fall. I nanny 3 days a week, drive to the cities and work at my university one day a week, and also have a retail job on days that I can fit in an extra shift.</div>
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Once August comes, my "big sister", Josi, will be moving out and headed across the world for an international teaching job. We're so proud of her and know she will excel at everything she does. Then a couple weeks later, my sister, Erin, will also move out and head south, 3 hours from home, for her first year of college. And finally, a week after her, I will head back to UNW for my Sophomore/Junior year of college. Such a crazy busy time for our family, but we know that God will be faithful through all of those transitions.</div>
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Here are some pictures of my summer so far!</div>
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Do you see a common theme? Pictures of me & my sister? Yeah that's because we're dreading the fall when we go our separate ways, so every chance we get, we go do something fun!</div>
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Otherwise, I'm spending time with friends, going to a million grad parties every weekend, and hanging out with my family & our dogs.</div>
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Just taking in life as it is & all the time I've been given. I'll be back soon.</div>
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xoxo,</div>
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Michlyn</div>
Michlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-90879879474220699492016-03-31T08:10:00.000-07:002016-04-07T00:32:33.044-07:00It's a Girl!**this post is 2 months old because baby girl was born in January**<br />
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I had the privilege of being there for my childhood best friend, when her baby girl came into the world. My best friend, Meg, went to the hospital around 11am with her momma. I finished class, packed, and got to the hospital around 2pm. By 9pm she asked for an epidural and kept dilating normally. (but slowly) Nurses and doctors checked on her every 2 hours throughout the night, while her mom rested in the recliner, and I slept on the couch.<br />
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By 5am her brothers, dad, and baby's dad were back. We ate some food, Meg kept breathing through contractions, and the doctor came to check her at 7am. She said that baby should make an appearance by 1pm.<br />
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At 10:30am Meg kept feeling more and more pressure. Her nurse came in, checked her one last time to confirm she was finally dilated to 10, and said she could start pushing. Her mom, me, and the future dad her the only ones in the room. She started pushing before 11am, but after 2 hours, the doctor came in and said that baby was in the same spot.<br />
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They wheeled her back to perform a c-section, with her momma by her side. At 1:58pm, McKinley Darlene came into the world.<br />
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Finally after recovery, her family & friends got to go in and meet baby McKinley!<br />
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It's funny how we all have our own plans, but sometimes God's plan is different. No matter how much time passed with no progress, or how uncomfortable Meg got, or that baby girl just did not want to come out. He is faithful. And we were thankful that McKinley was healthy and stubborn. ;)<br />
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xoxo,<br />
MichlynMichlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-28559739158029929612016-03-28T19:21:00.001-07:002016-03-29T18:08:21.691-07:00Hello March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey everybody. Happy March! I can't believe how fast time flies these days.</div>
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My life is full and chaotic. Wake up, work out, school, work. Repeat. </div>
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I'm winding down my half freshman/half sophomore year of college. This summer I have state tests to take for school and a new nanny job lined up. In the fall, I'll start my second year here at UNW, and I also found some roommates!</div>
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It's crazy how far ahead you have to think when you grow up. But I'm so thankful for the support of my family, new friends, and boyfriend. No matter how much work a college degree is - I'm grateful for those around me who give encouragement and for our amazing God who knows every detail before I do.</div>
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Here are some of my favorite memories of 2016, so far.</div>
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date night with Derek // my cousin's wedding // babysitting & drinking coffee //</div>
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Valentine's Day roses // MN Wild hockey game // I BOUGHT A CAR // new shoes & ripped jeans //</div>
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hanging out with my little bro // Derek's birthday // scenery on campus // Driving home for the weekend // </div>
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sunsets // my dog Hattie // Easter Sunday with my sisters</div>
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Hope all of my followers are doing well & that you have a fantastic week!</div>
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xoxo,</div>
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Michlyn</div>
Michlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-77531965279793890862016-02-23T08:47:00.001-08:002016-03-28T17:16:28.970-07:00An Open Letter to my High School Best FriendsI recently read <a href="http://theodysseyonline.com/lim-college/open-letter-highschool-friends/300445">this post</a> and thought why not write my own letter.<br />
Because I'm gonna be honest. I. Miss. High. School. So. Much.<br />
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These girls were my everything. My support, my laughs, boy talk, pizza lovers, terrible dancers, and adventurers.<br />
So here's to them and their beautiful futures.<br />
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<b>The Laughs</b><br />
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Thank you for the endless laughs. The last minute sleepovers and girls nights. For helping me eat an entire pizza & cheesecake. For passing out on the couch because it was past 1am and we had just finished a dance party. For the "hot tub of truth" where we told our secrets and trusted each other to never tell anyone.<br />
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<b>Memories</b><br />
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Freshman to Senior year - you girls are apart of my favorite memories. Color coordinating our dresses for Snowdaze. Taking pictures together before Prom. Dominating an entire lunch table Sophomore year because we didn't want to sit with anyone else. When we were the most athletic girls in gym class because we actually took the ridiculous "volleyball session" seriously. Always trying to sit next to each other in choir so we could actually learn the song correctly. Making signs for our friends and holding them up in the stands when they won their section title game.<br />
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<b>Opportunities</b><br />
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Getting to go on my senior trip and enjoy every part of it with you by my side. Graduating high school with all of you in the auditorium with me. Learning how to drive and getting our first cars to carpool every where together. We made the varsity team together and played side by side on the court. Celebrating our birthdays, first jobs, first kisses. I'm thankful that I got to experience the best moments of my life with you girls.<br />
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<b>What I Missed</b><br />
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Sorry I wasn't there for you when you broke up with your boyfriend. Sorry we only hung out once over the summer because we were "too busy". I'm sorry I missed your last high school basketball game. I wish I was there when you found out you got into your dream college. I wish I could have punched the guy that broke your heart. I wish I hadn't missed so much.<br />
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<b>For the Future</b><br />
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So. To your beautiful journeys ahead. I wish you the best. I hope you can reach a 4.0 gpa. I hope you find new friends that make your heart happy and make you laugh. I hope you're never afraid to hold back and to fight for what you believe in. I wish you the best 4 years in college; I know you'll do great, just like you did in high school. Drink lots of coffee, buy lots of clothes, go on as many adventures as you can. I know you'll achieve great things.<br />
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Dedicated to the girls that stood by me in everything. My life wouldn't have been as exciting or fulfilling without all of you as my sidekicks.<br />
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xoxo,<br />
~Michlyn<br />
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Michlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-11159587936630875902016-02-17T18:57:00.001-08:002016-02-17T18:57:16.832-08:00I'm Alive // 2016Woah where do I even begin?! I've been absent from this little corner of the internet for well over 2 months. I'll do my best to recap bits and pieces of my life, and hope you don't get too bored.<br />
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I did survive my first semester of college. Barely though. It was a great feeling walking out of my last final and then realizing it was officially Christmas break! I then proceeded to basically pack up my entire dorm room. Break was an entire month long and even though I worked about 40 hours a week - it was nice to not worry about school for a while. Before I left campus I did two things.<br />
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Snapchat my mom this picture and and then laugh at how pathetic MN looked in December.<br />
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Christmas was amazing this (last?) year. I got to spend my first Christmas with Derek and just being surrounded by everyone I love made me realize how grateful I am for this life. My parents have never made Christmas all about gifts. Instead they've reminded us to be thankful and happy for what we have. It was also fun having Josi with us this Christmas - We were one big {happy} family!</div>
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(I'm not really sure what it is with my little siblings and their shirt sleeves)</div>
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Things I enjoyed over break:</div>
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Being with my family</div>
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Date night with Derek</div>
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Catching up with high school friends</div>
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Hanging out with my dogs</div>
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Babysitting</div>
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Laying around and doing absolutely nothing</div>
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Shenanigans with Erin</div>
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Finding out I was going to be a bridesmaid in my cousin's wedding</div>
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Just to name a few...</div>
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Hope you enjoyed the pictures friends! My life is even more chaotic (how is that possible!?) right now than it has ever been. Thanks for following along!</div>
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xoxo,</div>
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~Michlyn</div>
Michlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-46649903329956273002015-12-08T20:45:00.001-08:002015-12-08T20:45:37.877-08:00One. Week. Left.Guys the time is winding down!! In just over a week, I'll be back home with my family & my dogs & working & having no school work.<br />
Can't. Wait.<br />
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College has been much tougher than I ever thought it would be. Many different aspects tie into the first semester being a little challenging but this too shall pass. I've learned SO much and am just taking more and more steps towards my ultimate goal - which I'm incredibly excited about.<br />
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With no set schedule (besides classes), little sleep, homework, and other various socially & mentally draining events - you get a little exhausted. So I'm very much looking forward to being home for almost a month!<br />
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Highlights of my first semester?</div>
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- Getting to know my roommates better & we're actually adding our best friend to our dorm room next semester :)<br />
-Yes, we were one of those dorms that bought a "pet" fish. Hank Alexander Nigel Sven I - aka Hans. (long story, don't ask. We just call him Hank)<br />
- I'm very thankful for the weekends I got to go home - a lot of students aren't able to.<br />
- Random adventures to Target.<br />
- Playing Just Dance with my roomies until midnight - and losing every single time I might add.<br />
- The support of friends & family! I couldn't do this journey alone.<br />
- My GORGEOUS campus - any season is picturesque.<br />
- Extremely thankful for my boyfriend who pushes me to do my best & supports me through everything. Going to college with him has been such a blessing!<br />
- Also, my sister Erin is my biggest support. She wouldn't complain when I texted her ranting or upset. She drove the 2 hour commute to come see me on weekends I was alone (or just bored). She totally understands me & my heart. It's tough not sharing a room with her anymore but I know we'll be there for each other in everything we do.<br />
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Praying all my lovely followers have a safe & blessed Holiday season. Enjoy those around you and don't take them for granted. Remember the real reason for Christmas. I'll be back soon!<br />
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xoxo,<br />
~Michlyn</div>
Michlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-76386130489767673722015-10-30T13:00:00.000-07:002015-10-30T13:00:02.730-07:00Beka {Senior 2016}Some of you will probably remember Beka - We've known each other since we were toddlers, became inseparable best friends through middle school/ high school, and then life got crazy and I went to college. In my early years of blogging, you'll find many posts about us and our adventures.<br />
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She's a senior in high school this year and she asked me to take her senior pictures since we used to do photoshoots all. the. time. So I borrowed a camera, picked a weekend I was home, and spent 4+ hours shooting. It was a blast! So here's a little preview...<br />
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I loved accompanying her to all the places she had in mind, going to lunch, tagging along with her horse 'Joey', and overall she just made my job super easy. She's very photogenic and her gorgeous, natural red hair looked perfect the entire shoot. Even through some rain and changing clothes it stayed perfect. Thank you Beka for a fun day and I hope you have the best senior year ever!</div>
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xoxo,</div>
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~Michlyn</div>
Michlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-49483882612377382702015-10-25T17:28:00.000-07:002015-10-25T17:28:37.320-07:00Two Months InWow it's been a while since I've blogged. I really really miss it but I also keep a personal journal that I write in quite often so my memories are getting noted somehow.<br />
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College is going great! It's as hard as people say but also as fun as people say.<br />
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It's hard to be away from home and my family. It's hard when you feel extremely lonely somedays. It's hard when you fail exams. It's hard to not be familiar with things. But...<br />
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It's fun to make new friends. It's fun to laugh and stay up late. It's fun to be 5 minutes from your boyfriend. It's fun to learn things that will help you gain a degree & career.<br />
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So life is good and busy. I don't have any pictures this time, but I'll be back soon!<br />
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Make sure to follow me on Instagram or bloglovin' to see a little more of my life - links in the tab above or on my sidebar.<br />
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xoxo followers,<br />
~MichlynMichlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-86429404279508309522015-09-13T10:10:00.001-07:002015-10-25T17:14:14.838-07:00College LifeThe last 3 1/2 weeks have flown by so incredibly fast.<br />
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All the nerves, anxiousness, and worries are gone. Replaced with new friends, joy, and college adventures. Let's rewind just a little bit...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iC09vEQAHt8/VfWrY5mqx_I/AAAAAAAAHl8/wkJ1qLjEF_I/s1600/IMG_3046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iC09vEQAHt8/VfWrY5mqx_I/AAAAAAAAHl8/wkJ1qLjEF_I/s640/IMG_3046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Family selfie after the truck was loaded up</div>
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On August 18th, I moved into my college dorm and started orientation.</div>
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The next day, August 19th, at 5:30am I woke up to tryout for the varsity volleyball team. I didn't make the team but it was so fun to meet the girls and get to be on the court again.</div>
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Then on August 21st my roommates moved in! They have the same name (Brooke) and so we now go by nicknames based on our last names. We get along so well and we're already really close. That same day my boyfriend (Derek) also moved into his dorm and it's such a blessing to have him on the same campus!</div>
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From the 21st-25th, we had constant freshman orientation activities. Met with our orientation leaders, our entire orientation group of 20+ people. We did volunteer work in the community, played "name games", went to chapel together, and had so many informational sessions I thought my head was going to explode.</div>
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Goodbye pictures with my brothers</div>
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Move in day with Derek :)</div>
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Me and "the Brookes" (roommates)</div>
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Despite how exhausting and full our days were, it was a lot of fun and my roommates and I got to know our group really well! Classes started on August 26th, and we're just about to go into our 4th week of classes! Time flies so fast and it's insane that I've almost been here for an entire month. Lots of work. Lots of fun. Lots of memories.</div>
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First day of school selfie - I only did this for my mom because it's tradition :)</div>
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I've even gotten to go back home a couple times to see my younger siblings play soccer, and visit with some friends. Last week, Derek and I went back to our high school to watch my old volleyball teammates play their second home game! It was so fun to see them again and one of my best friends from high school came and watched with us too!</div>
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Erin and her best friend came to watch UNW's first football game!</div>
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Hope everyone else is enjoying their time back to school! I'll write again as soon as I have enough time :)</div>
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xoxo,</div>
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~Michlyn</div>
Michlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-3670357006712236912015-08-17T09:00:00.000-07:002015-08-17T09:00:10.554-07:00The Rest of Summer {2015}The summer after my senior year was probably the best summer of my life so far.<div>
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I gained such beautiful friendships and grew closer to those that I love. My "big sister" (actually my former babysitter that became a huge role model in my life and now I just call her my sister) and how much wisdom she pours into me without even trying. Her faith is so strong and it's so inspiring.</div>
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My amazing cousin who seeks out my time just to chat and catch up. Who randomly sends me bible verses for encouragement and wants to know how my day is going. We've been best friends since we were little and I love how our bond has only gotten stronger even though we see each other way less than we used to.</div>
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This summer I started dating my best friend and that has been such an incredible transition. He pushes me to do my best and believes in everything that I do. I love getting to talk to him about anything and know that he's going to support me. He made this summer one I will never forget.</div>
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Lots of memories. Lots of love. New beginnings are ahead.</div>
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xoxo,</div>
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~Michlyn</div>
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Michlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-87511273544155197032015-08-15T20:48:00.001-07:002015-08-15T20:48:29.569-07:00What I'm Going to Miss.Being the first born of a family has it's pros and cons; just like everything else in life does. There are always positives and negatives but you just have to focus on the right reasons and keep your chin up.<br />
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I've always loved being the oldest in my family. And now I'm heading to college in a couple days and it's a whole new experience. I'm the first one to leave the house and go to college. First generation headed to a 4 yr university. I know it's going to be such a fun experience and I'm going to learn so much but I'm also going to miss a lot from home.<br />
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My family first and foremost.<br />
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My dad whistling in the kitchen as he cooks. Or coming up with ridiculous jokes to make my boyfriend laugh. Or him tickling my feet because he knows it drives me crazy.<br />
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My momma. Buying me clothes. Doing my laundry. Listening to her praying with my little siblings - how she's raised them just the same as me. Feeding me truth and wisdom. Singing country songs together in the car.<br />
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My best friend, my sister Erin. We've shared a room since she was born. We make up our own words and jokes and laugh about it for years. Or talking about boys in the dark before we go to bed. How we can hate the same thing or love completely different things.<br />
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My little siblings too. How they look up to me. How my youngest brother pronounces my name wrong. My littlest sister wanting to be just like me.<br />
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Driving down the backroads with the windows down and the music blaring. (I won't get to bring my car on campus as a freshman) Going for late night junk food runs with my sister. Missing my job and my coworkers for how hard they work.<br />
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Things are going to change but it's going to be a good experience. One I'm getting very excited for and very nervous for. Hoping these last few days go a lot slower than the rest of my summer. Soaking in every last detail.<br />
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xoxo,<br />
~MichlynMichlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-64449387461984111712015-08-06T08:59:00.001-07:002015-08-06T08:59:29.348-07:00PreparingThe countdown has begun. Only 12 more days until I'm moving onto my college campus. TWELVE.<br />
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Nerves are kicking in. Excitement is rising. Dorm checklist is getting smaller. Time is getting shorter.<br />
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I'm preparing myself for the unexpected. I've never done this college thing before. I know I'm going to love it. I know it's going to be different. I just don't know what to expect. My friends and I are all going different ways. An hour away from home. Taking a year off. A couple are moving east and a couple are moving west. My best friend found her dream college 5 hours away from me. We're all just preparing ourselves for change.<br />
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We've done it before. When your childhood best friend and her family moved across the country. Or when your parents got divorced. You had your "goodbye dance" after middle school and prepared yourself for freshman year of high school. Now it's a little different though. We won't all have our parents to pay for our groceries and car insurance. We'll have to schedule our own appointments and buy our own clothes for a job interview. It's all changing.<br />
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But it's a good change. Growing up is intimidating and thrilling. We'll all do it individually and life will get busier and more exciting. We'll meet new people and call them our soul mates. We'll forget those girls in high school that only strived for beauty and popularity; not intellect and originality.<br />
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Life is a journey and nobody travels it exactly the same way. So I'm just preparing myself - my mind, my heart, to strive for my dreams and pray that God will always be by my side.<br />
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And every little (or big) thing is gonna be alright.<br />
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xoxo,<br />
~MichlynMichlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-49163475317440913602015-07-28T09:00:00.000-07:002015-07-28T09:00:06.313-07:00College Packing ListAs I've been preparing for my move into my college dorm, I've done a lot of searching for the best things to buy. College dorms are usually very small (depending on where you go to college and how many people it is supposed to accommodate) and so you have to be aware of how much stuff you bring otherwise you'll run out of space.<br />
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I've been shopping a couple times already for dorm materials and I've realized that it's much easier to make a couple trips instead of just one. This way you don't have to come up with a ton of money to go on a mega shopping trip. Just make your grand list and then every other week just make a smaller shopping list and start crossing things off as you gather the things you need.<br />
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Another tip is (if you have them) to meet with your roommates prior to move in day. Connect with each other or meet for lunch and get to know each other. Make a list together of what everyone already has and what you still need to buy. This way you won't buy doubles of certain items and you also won't forget anything.<br />
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So here's a college packing list of things you'll need for your dorm<br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Room:</span><br />
Bedding/Sheets/Pillows<br />
Mattress cover<br />
Alarm clock<br />
Lamp<br />
Side Table (for a TV stand or for by your bed)<br />
Futon/Bean Bags/Lounge Chairs (whatever fits best)<br />
TV/DVD Player<br />
Decor (optional - think of the space)<br />
Movies<br />
Clothing/Shoes<br />
Storage dressers/drawers<br />
Totes<br />
Shoe Shelf<br />
Hangers<br />
Desk lamp<br />
Computer<br />
School/Office supplies<br />
Board games/Cards<br />
Curtains<br />
Area rug<br />
Full length mirror<br />
Bulletin board (great for keeping track of schedules)<br />
Laundry baskets<br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Kitchen:</span><br />
Towels<br />
Wash rags<br />
Pots/Pans<br />
Dishes<br />
Silverware<br />
Utensils<br />
Chip Clips<br />
Measuring cups<br />
Can Opener<br />
Microwave<br />
Mini Fridge<br />
Oven Mits/Hot Pads<br />
First aid kit<br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Bathroom:</span><br />
Shower caddy/bag<br />
Bath towels<br />
Washcloths<br />
Toiletries<br />
Hairbrush<br />
Cotton balls/Q-tips<br />
Toilet Paper<br />
Shower curtain & Liner<br />
Bath mat<br />
Small mirror<br />
Soaps/Lotions/Shampoo & Conditioner<br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Misc:</span><br />
Command strips<br />
Cleaning supplies (i.e. clorox wipes, windex, magic erasers, etc)<br />
Extension chords<br />
Fan<br />
Power strip<br />
Plastic bags<br />
Reusable/Tote bags<br />
Radio/Bluetooth speaker<br />
Kleenex<br />
Paper towels<br />
Shelves for food & snack storage<br />
Hand held vacuum<br />
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Good luck to all my fellow freshman and good luck on move in day!<br />
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xoxo,<br />
~MichlynMichlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-42032831315467830672015-07-22T11:00:00.000-07:002015-07-22T11:00:00.963-07:00Moments That Make Me SmileWhen my family is all together and gets to eat endless amounts of food, jump in the lake, and sit by a fire at night.<br />
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Laying in the sun while my nanny girls splash in the pool with their friends and talk about Taylor Swift.<br />
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Hearing my favorite song on the radio and turning it all the way up with my windows down.<br />
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When I fall asleep and he kisses my cheek and lays quietly next to me.<br />
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Working at the store really late but my awesome coworkers and I all go out to eat afterwards.<br />
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Getting packages in the mail.<br />
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Meeting future roommates at a coffee shop and getting to know each other before move in day.<br />
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Spending the day with extended family that I love so much but don't get to see often enough and eating our way through the conversations.<br />
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Planning ideas and necessities for dorm life.<br />
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Shopping.<br />
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Going for a bike ride around the neighborhood, looking back and seeing him smile back at me.<br />
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Beach days with my best friends and gossiping about our lives and forgetting about reality on the other side of the sand.<br />
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Painting my toes and wearing new shoes to show them off.<br />
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Telling him how nervous I am for the future, and then he kisses me to forget about it for just a moment.Michlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-48926117000744991852015-07-19T09:00:00.000-07:002015-07-19T10:02:10.156-07:00Senior Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I live a crazy, beautiful life. Soaking up the sunshine. Working hard. Seeing friends & family. Enjoying my post senior year summer.</div>
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starbucks for lunch after a 5am shift.</div>
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baseball game with Megan.</div>
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sunset on the way home from work.</div>
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moments like this.</div>
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fourth of july.</div>
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road trips.</div>
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You can follow along with my busy life at <a href="https://instagram.com/smalltowngirl_michlyn/">smalltowngirl_michlyn</a>.<br />
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xoxo,<br />
~MichlynMichlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-22508935247664890962015-07-17T08:56:00.002-07:002015-07-17T08:56:55.485-07:00ChangeHey everyone! <div>
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Phew it's been quite a while since I've been able to sit down and actually get my fingers to type words. I meant to get a couple posts out weeks ago, but you know how life is and priorities get straightened out. So blogging unfortunately is at the bottom of my to-do list these days leaving this blog empty.</div>
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I can't tell you guys how much it means to me that people take the time out of their day to read about my crazy life, deep life moments, and the fun I have along the way. This time in my life has shown me how incredibly grateful I am for everyone and everything around me. For the people that came to my grad party, for my family who has helped me get closer to my dreams and supported me, my best friends for making me laugh on days when I most need it, for blogger friends that encourage me from thousands of miles away, and my Jesus that oversees my life and knows what's coming next even when I don't.</div>
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Lately, I've been struggling with a great deal of nerves and anxiousness about the changes in my life. In exactly one month I'll move onto my college campus - living away from my family (longer than a few days) for the first time. I've been so so excited throughout the past year to be going to my dream school and getting to pursue teaching - something I've wanted to do since I was 9 yrs old. But just as the countdown gets lower and lower, my heart starts beating faster and faster. Don't get me wrong, I'm still very excited but I just think expecting the unexpected is a little hard right now.</div>
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The day after I move out, I'll also be trying out for UNW's varsity volleyball team. Whether it means I make the team or it's not for me - it will be ok. I know that I'd like to give it a shot and try my best instead of not trying at all. But I think those 48 hours of complete change will be very hard but also very rewarding and I can't wait to see what God has in store for my future as an Eagle.</div>
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Otherwise, if you're wondering how my summer has been going so far - it's been wonderful! I've been trying to see my friends as much as possible, before we go our different ways and enjoying each day. Trying to help my family juggle our busy schedules and also soaking in the time with them before I leave. I'm working 2 jobs this summer to try and save a little money for college expenses in the fall but also to have a little fun too.</div>
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As you can see, I haven't really had the words (or time) to say what's on my mind but I hope this post finds all my followers well and enjoying the summer. If you're in my boat - just know you're not alone! Being nervous about college is normal but also stay excited - you never know what the future will hold.</div>
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xoxo,</div>
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~Michlyn</div>
Michlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-30747827070812425022015-06-19T08:52:00.000-07:002015-07-19T12:43:08.320-07:00Heartstrings. {one year ago}<br />
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They had grown close. He had undeniable charm and her smile took it all in. A 5 month friendship that grew to something a little more. They were complete opposites. He drank on the weekends and she went to church every Sunday. Somehow they interchangeably became an important part of each others' lives. A drunk kid on the phone with the girl he liked for 4 hours turned into sober heart to heart conversations. Soon enough he took her very first kiss on his couch. This fascination with each others' minds and lives and the advice they gave each other. They thought it was love. It was risky and passionate. She thought sneaking away to see him would make it more fun instead of creating boundaries.<br />
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She's screaming. Her mom won't stop telling her to stay away from him. He's not good news. His reputation is bad and he doesn't care about you. She's crying. Trying to explain how she feels without contradicting her words. Her heart is throbbing in her chest, almost as much as her throat is from screaming. Trying to deny that he was toxic for her. But inside she knew him and his past. He just kept drawing her back in.</div>
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His name popped up on her phone. </div>
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"Are we okay? I feel like I messed up."</div>
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"What do you mean you messed up?"</div>
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"It was just one night when I was upset. I'm so sorry, I never meant to hurt you."</div>
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"Whatever. I thought you were different now."</div>
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Heartbroken. Her mom was always right. She couldn't deny it any longer. The passion, happiness, what they thought was love...was not. Tears stained her pillow night after night until she realized it wasn't worth it. She wrote him letters that never got sent. Her mind raced with memories and her heartstrings ached. How was she going to move past this. Someone she thought made her feel so special, so alive. She moved on and kept going. Life didn't stop and month after month went by with an emptiness still inside her. Eventually, strength and independence coursed through her. She would know what happiness felt like again. It wasn't because of a person or a moment...it was because she was living her life and doing things for herself. But she couldn't help but think it was because of the heartstrings he pulled, that actually made her realize how strong she could actually be.</div>
Michlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-39500916327794925942015-05-28T08:00:00.000-07:002015-05-28T08:00:01.047-07:00Happiness.Recently, I've been encountered with the question "Are you happy?". And to be honest, this year was a growing year for me in my strength, maturity, and faith. Nine months ago, the beginning of my senior year, I didn't feel happy. I was stressed, disappointed, lost. Everyone else around me had their lives and plans put together and smiles on their faces.<br />
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It felt like I was getting over difficulties in my life and I had no one to turn to. But I kept a smile on my face and went through the motions. I prayed to God to "just make me happy". I quickly learned that He couldn't just "fix" my problems. It takes positive changes and efforts to gain what you want to achieve.<br />
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If something makes you unhappy, you have to know what needs to change. Sometimes it takes weeks and sometimes months. Happiness is something everyone wants. If something makes you radiate joy and the people in your life are witnesses, then keep it. Other peoples' opinions often shouldn't matter but when they're people that love and influence you, listen to them.<br />
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I'm so thankful for a Savior that loves me unconditionally and is there when it feels like no one else is. He lifts me out of the trenches and back onto the right path. Today, I can honestly answer that question with a positive "yes!".<br />
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Do what makes you happy.<br />
xoxo,<br />
~MichlynMichlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-87521525136517350332015-05-26T13:32:00.002-07:002015-05-26T13:32:50.432-07:00High School Graduate {2015}So I did it.<br />
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I graduated from high school.<br />
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13 years of school. check.<br />
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Got my diploma. Threw my cap into the air. Heard my name announced as "the class of 2015". goosebumps.<br />
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It's all surreal. You never think you'll make it. It seems so far away. And soon enough it comes and goes.<br />
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So extremely thankful for getting to this amazing point in my life. I have so much that I will look back on and remember. The good times and bad times. Everything I've learned spiritually, academically, and emotionally are all apart of who I am today. I have so many incredible people in my life that have helped me mature and grow into the person I am today.<br />
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In just 3 short months, I will move unto a college campus and begin my journey as a UNW Eagle! There, I will pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. If someone was to ask if I'm excited or nervous? ALL OF THE ABOVE.<br />
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nervous.anxious.excited.thrilled,determined.scared.everything.<br />
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Congrats to us class of 2015! We did it!</div>
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xoxo,</div>
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~Michlyn</div>
Michlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-24854082359845394052015-05-07T07:00:00.000-07:002015-05-07T07:00:07.263-07:00Graduation Count: 15 DaysIn just 15 short days I'll walk across the stage at my high school, shake my principal's hand, grab by diploma, and accomplish one of the biggest goals that every average teenager has. But this accomplishment will be more than just a piece of paper, (that they actually mail to you and the fake one is inside the folder at graduation...but sshhh you didn't hear it from me) it will be everything I did to earn that diploma and I couldn't be more excited.<br />
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Because school is hard. Whether you're a natural at math equations or went by the saying "C's get degrees" throughout your years, you still did the work to get that piece of paper with your name in cursive on it and a couple of official signatures. We all just do what we're supposed to do (or don't) and go through the motions and make friends and learn things and soon enough we're the ones accepting our own achievement. Your parents talk about it, you've gone to grad parties & open houses growing up, you saw a couple upper classmen that became your role models and best friends accept it, and now it's you.<br />
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Honestly, it's just one of those things where I'm extremely proud of how far I've come. I'm also incredibly grateful for all of the mentoring I've gotten through the years, the opportunities I've gotten to experience, and the people I've gotten to meet.<br />
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It's coming fast people and the class of 2015 is one thing I'll get to be apart of forever. Just 15 days....<br />
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xoxo,<br />
~MichlynMichlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-13985932889740486682015-05-04T19:07:00.001-07:002015-05-04T19:07:33.673-07:00Prom 2015 {Senior Year}On May 2nd, 2015 I went to my senior prom! My last high school dance ever...<br />
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I'm so thankful that I got to go with my best friend as my date and all of my favorite people got to spend the night together dancing, laughing, and making so many memories. We enjoyed every single part of the day/night and made it as fun as could be.<br />
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My sister, Erin, and I got our hair done at 10:00am and then finished our makeup and made it home in time to get in our dresses and put on our jewelry before my date showed up and it was time to go.<br />
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One part that does get sort of exhausting are all of the pictures that we take before we actually head to prom. Thankfully everyone was pretty patient and we had some very nice photographers & parents ready to capture the moments.<br />
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Pictures went from about 2-4:30pm with all of the driving to different locations and meeting up with different friends. Finally, at 5:00pm we all jumped in our super awesome cars (just kidding - nothing too extravagant) and headed to the river boat where our prom would be held from 6-11pm.<br />
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I had an absolute blast with some of my best friends! Time passed way too fast on prom night but we all enjoyed ourselves. Afterwards we all followed each other back to our friends' house and ate more food and eventually crashed on the couch before the guys left.</div>
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Senior year has been full of so many incredible opportunities and sweet memories that I will never forget. I'm so looking forward to graduating with my amazing senior class in just 18 days, and then enjoying the summer before we all go our separate ways. Here's to the best prom I could of imagined!</div>
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xoxo,</div>
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~Michlyn</div>
Michlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-25705443280833289382015-04-28T12:17:00.001-07:002015-04-28T12:17:14.637-07:00endless grace.You guys! I have some exciting news!<br />
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My incredibly beautiful (inside and out) friend <a href="https://www.blogger.com/profile/15091089864307300044">Brooklyn</a> just began blogging again. She tends to make people smile, take incredible pictures, laugh continuously, be wise beyond her years, and give all the glory to our incredible God.<br />
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Go check out her blog <a href="http://endlessgracephotos.blogspot.com/">endless grace</a> and leave a comment telling her how awesome she is and check out her photography!<br />
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I thank Jesus that he gives me the opportunity to write, meet new people through blogging, and then calling them some of the sweetest friends I know. This blogging world is such a fun and blessed environment.<br />
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xoxo,<br />
~MichlynMichlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696852839234062518.post-4283206397409037812015-04-01T11:56:00.001-07:002015-04-01T12:44:46.332-07:00The Story About My MomIn my literature class this semester, we're reading <a href="http://www.kathrynkysar.com/page1/page3/RidingShotgun.html">this book</a> called "Riding Shotgun" :Women Write About Their Mothers: I highly recommend it. It's raw and beautiful and realistic and full of old black and white photographs of incredible women. The stories are real and you can picture every single thing vividly in your head. So I decided to write my own story about my mom...<br />
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<i>My mother was born to a 17 yr old who's boyfriend was enlisted in the U.S. Navy. She was the first born to my young grandparents, Bonnie and Melvin, who had little to nothing figured out. By the time my grandmother was 19, she was married, graduated from high school, had a job, and was a mother to 2 children. Melvin eventually wasn't in the navy anymore and worked full time as a garage door installer. He would tell you every place he installed a garage door or what kind of garage door you had installed in your home. My grandparents grew up on the ghetto side of the city and raised my mother there for a couple years. By the time her brother was born, they had moved three times and eventually bought a house in the country. My grandmother was the middle child of 10 children and my grandfather the first son of 4 children. Together they raised 4 kids before Bonnie was 25 years old and they both worked full time. My mother, 2 brothers, and her little sister. Bookend girls who were 7 years apart and became best friends. </i><br />
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<i>My mother grew up to become the second mom to her 3 younger siblings and traded rooms between sharing with her brothers to sharing with her sister. There was only one major school district in their area, so kids from the nearest 5 towns all went to the same elementary, middle, and high school. My mother's mom used a gas stove and burnt everything she cooked. She grew up with the words "suck it up and eat what I made you" and "you didn't cook so you can't complain". Throughout the years, the sacrifices her parents made were difficult and having her mom gone even after she was home from school was hard. Because a woman in the workforce was a privilege and one my mother's family of 6 needed to maintain stable.</i><br />
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<i>When my mother was 16 yrs old she met a boy who was a junior in high school and played for the hockey team. He was dating the snottiest girl in school, and when he walked by my mother in the hall, he winked at her behind his girlfriend's back. After that girlfriend broke up with the boy, he took my mother's best friend out on a date, changed his mind, and started dating my mother. One breakup before prom, graduating high school together, and dating for 6 years later...My mother married her high school sweetheart at the age of 23. For a couple of years they went on adventures, honeymooned in Florida, drank beer up at the cabin with their friends, and built a house on 5 acres. Five days before my mother turned 26, she gave birth to me on the snowiest day of the year. My parents brought me home in a blizzard and started a whole new life experience together. My mother was meant for motherhood. It was her calling, her destiny to raise a family with her loving husband at her side. My parents gave me a sister when I was 18 months old and we were best friends ever since. I remember my mother doing the dishes, and teaching us how to sing our ABC's. I remember her makeup-less face when I had a nightmare and woke up in her bed. I remember her getting the privilege to stay at home and raise me. I remember going to church every Sunday and her talking on the phone for hours at a time. </i><br />
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<i>My mom had birthed 5 children before she was 35, 4 down on earth and 1 baby girl up above. When I was thirteen we adopted a little girl from Africa and that meant 5 kids, a husband, a house, and a dog that my mom handled with pure grace. This was her job. Motherhood was her job. Girl scouts, snotty noses, dying flowers in vases, messy rooms, greasy hair. Spring break trips to the zoo, school musicals, sleepless nights, a sick husband, dirty dishes. That was her job. She didn't get paid but she sure did one hell of a job.</i><br />
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<i>I remember staying with friends for 9 days because my mother was in Africa with my dad, and crying because I had never been gone from her that long in my entire life. I remember my mother always getting up and getting ready in her blue robe. I remember her pretending she was good at singing while she mopped the kitchen. I remember the toys she helped me pick up after playing with them all day. That was her job. My mother was "the mom". The mom everybody knew. Everybody looked up to. Who raised beautiful children. Who kept her life busy and messy but it was perfect. The one who taught morals and kept the neighbors kids in line to protect her own kids. She was the glue that kept everything together because her husband had chronic headaches his whole life. Together they lost their house and moved three times in 4 years. Together they lost a couple dogs, but just bought another one. Together they lived their life. Not lives, life. My mother was so intentional about everything she did. She was the mother and wife that made everything make sense and if other people did it differently, it didn't make sense. My mother was a role model. For my grandmother, for my aunts who were much too crazy, for her little sister, for her peers and her children. She was "the mom". Because motherhood was her job.</i><br />
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xoxo,<br />
~MichlynMichlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733034144797526387noreply@blogger.com1