my life in polaroids: distance makes the heart grow fonder

When I first started this blog, I promised myself I would not bore my readers with posts about my life. However, my mind has been changed (kind of). I realized my life isn’t just fascinating to me, but to others too. There’s something extremely compelling about watching others live. I’ve never encountered a person who did not fascinate me in some way. Whether they have a nonstop busy life in New York City, or they live in the world’s smallest southern town without a Wal-Mart or stoplight. After all, why are we so intrigued by reality television?

And so it begins….

College. It really is sad how long it took me to realize just how beautiful this “temporary home” of mine is. Walking to class is unbelievable. Even the depressing days are gorgeous.

Adjusting to college has been the most challenging thing for me. It would be easier to lie and say otherwise, but I’m not going to. First semester was kind of rough, but I’m finally happy. No matter how hard I tried, it became impossible to not fall in love with Oxford, Mississippi and Ole Miss. I still miss my family and home, but I think that’s a good thing. It shows just how amazing my family is and how blessed I am to call them mine. I cannot picture myself anywhere else.

The Grove, completely empty and still.

Fortune cookies from my very first day back.

And now to my real “fortunes” in life, my family. This is from Valerie’s (in the middle) birthday party and the BABY GENDER REVEAL party. My brother, Kevin, (plaid shirt) and Val are having a girl!!! I am so excited to be an aunt and Meredith (my sister) and Brandon (her hubby) cannot wait to be an aunt and uncle. My parents are the only ones missing from this pic since Eliza Lynn is right in the center 🙂

Seriously one of the most excited nights of my life.

Best cake ever.

Meet my new best friend, Mac. He is Meredith and Brandon’s dog and puppy love is an understatement. We go cruising on Sundays together. At least on the Sundays they are in town; Mer and Brandon live in Atlanta.

And here is Gaga. Undoubtedly the greatest man alive. My grandparents on both sides are incredible people. Even though my dad’s parents are no longer with me, they are my guardian angels who get me through everyday. Gaga is my mom’s father and his wife who I call Grandmother or Grandmama was literally five feet away. I hate she missed this precious photo.

Last Friday, I went to Memphis. Why? Well Forever21 and Urban Outfitters were screaming my name and just because I can. I had planned all week to go with one of my good friends, but she ended up having Powder Puff practice. Side note: I opted out on Powder Puff once I heard last year a girl ended up with a broken arm (from another girl). I had literally been planning this trip all week by revisiting the store’s websites and picking out my purchases. Nothing was going to stop me. So, I crossed my first state line by myself and spent way too much of Ford’s (my father) money. Love ya Daddy.

Yes Hollywood Street exists in Memphis, Tennessee.

On Saturday (the next day), my parents and Meredith came in town for Delta Gamma (my sorority) Initiation. Experiencing the Initiation process with Meredith and getting pinned by my real sister was priceless; something I will never forget. Spending the entire weekend with my family was absolutely amazing. When I am with my family, it doesn’t matter where I am. We could be in an empty room with nothing but each other and still have a perfect day. This was only proven last weekend. After Initiation was over, we really had nothing to do. After all, everyone in my family has gone to Ole Miss. Oxford isn’t a tourist attraction for us. We know it like the back of our hands.

These lovely flowers just reinstate how perfect my family is. My parents and aunt and uncle sent them to me for Initiation. They look so beautiful on my desk. What would i do without my family?

I could not resist. We bought all three of them only because they are all so true. “Grandpa is simply the best” and “Grandma does give the best hugs.” And let’s not forget, Eliza will have some of the best aunties in the world.

I had craft night in the dorm not too long ago. Everyone had gone home, so I got crafty. Not even a dorm room can contain my creative juices from flowing so freely like they always do.

Outside one of my favorite restaurants in Oxford.

The sky was an ocean yesterday.

Let’s not forget Valentine’s Day. I’ve never had a “valentine.” At least in the way most people think of it. But, Valentine’s Day is more than just the sappy romantic stuff in my opinion. It’s a day to tell everyone you love just how much you love and appreciate them. Yes, if you really love someone you will do that 365 days a year, but this is just one day to go the extra yard and do something special. In my case, I wrote special letters on handpicked cards for my true Valentines. My parents are truly the most incredible people ever. I have no idea what I did to deserve parents like them. They have made me who I am and continue to shape me everyday.

Tomorrow, I will be going home. I’m so excited to be back in my room with my parents and my cat. As crazy as that may sound to you, it sounds like paradise to me. The drive home is one of my favorite parts. Even though I push the speed limit as much as I can (safely, of course), I enjoy it so much. Listening to my music and taking in the beautiful scenery of Mississippi is way more fulfilling than any words can describe. I bought The Fray‘s new album this week. It has been a huge challenge to hold off from listening to it, but I did. Therefore, tomorrow I will be blasting it the entire way home.