November 28// I am thankful for my friends. Oh man, I do not know where I'd be without them.
There's something special about having best friends in high school. We have all been friends since freshman year and have only gotten closer. I'll never forget when I saw this one girl's tweet that said "I'm jealous of the people who have had a solid group of friends all of high school". It wasn't until then that I realized how rare and treasured my little group of friends. Freshman year, there was almost 12 girls that I would hang out with. Each year, we all became a little more ourselves and some would break apart, while some of us stayed ...And then there was five:)
We know each other so well and connect on a level most don't understand. Loving your friends is different than any other kind of love. Everyone has their soul mate, but not everyone has best friends.
I can't even comprehend us all being apart next year. Each on our own little path figuring out life without each other, but still connected at heart. We'll still text, snapchat, talk, skype, and know what's going on each other's lives, but it's different. As many people lament about high school, they need to realize that it's actually great because you get to be with your best friends everyday. You don't get that lucky when you're an adult. I hold onto each little moment with my friends, whether it be the small things like talking to Sierra in math or the big things like homecoming. As once said in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, time is what keeps things from happening all at once.
we would always find our way back to each other. yes, yes, yes.
Now for some friendship quotes because quotes are my favorite thing
Little things... Bonanza bombs, broken arms, dance parties, nicknames, peeing pants, sleeping on trampolines...
November 27// Today, I am thankful for my health. When you live a pretty average life, you sort of take for granted the blessing of a healthy life. It's not until you see the hardships someone else is facing that it all gets put into perspective.
I've had my health ups and downs, but ultimately, I am happy, healthy, and I feel terrific! I read a lot of books and blogs and watch a lot of movies and documentaries where people are sick and because of them, my eyes have been opened up to how tiny are issues are in the grand scheme of things. A primary motive of mine in being a doctor is giving everyone an opportunity at life because everyone deserves it.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has always been one of my favorite organizations. Pediatric cancer has a special place in my heart and I've secretly always dreamed of being the doctor who finds the cure for cancer;) Until then though, I do what I can. My favorite campaign of theirs is the Thanks and Giving campaign. Their slogan, which just sticks with me especially in the holiday season is "Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not"
Yesterday I had the opportunity to give. I donated blood and there was such satisfaction that came with it. Although I felt a little faint afterwards, it was worth it in the end to know that my blood could go to help someone who really needs it. I encourage everyone to go donate blood-- only 37% people in the US are eligible to donate, and only 10% actually do. It hurts less than a flu shot, and you get free snacks afterwards;) Plus, it's kinda cool to see a whole pint of your blood just sitting there in a bag. Donating 8 times means you've donated a gallon of blood! Can you imagine seeing a whole gallon of blood? That would probably make me a little sick, to be quite honest. But that's a whole lot of helping!
So today, I give thanks for my health, and give to those who are not.
xo
Hannah
PS: speaking of health... s/o to Jess who got her wisdom teeth out today! I feel your pain and hope that it goes away fast! Ice and take those drugs! And if you're interested in seeing the side effects of coming out of anesthesia, I'm sure you'll more than enjoy this video
November 26// I am thankful for the days leading up to the holidays. The anticipation and excitement in the air is palpable, as kids wait to get out of school and enjoy time with family, friends, all with good food of course!
Soooo, my mom has the whole week of Thanksgiving off, but the middle school and high school still have to go to school on Monday and Tuesday. It's pretty stupid, especially because a ton of kids are gone from school those two days. It's become a tradition that we play hooky on Tuesday and go to heaven on Earth, aka the North Pole! It's my paradise, my little slice of heaven. It's really just an old Christmas-themed amusement park up in Colorado Springs with rickety rides, Santa, reindeer, Christmas music everywhere you go, and some pretty awesome little shops, but to me, it's a place of dreams. There's just a magical spirit in the air, I don't know how to describe the kind of special it is.
I made a video this year of our day at the North Pole because videos are my favorite thing to make. I hope you feel the Christmas spirit, not the motion sickness, this wonderland has! For a better quality version, go to my Vimeo here!
(oh and I do not know why some of the noise of the actual video is there- it is all muted in iMovie but it has not downloaded without it! ugh technology)
November 25// Today I am thankful for education. Growing up in middle-upper class suburbia, I definitely forgot how lucky I am to have such a great school with dedicated teachers and several educational opportunities.
I have always really, really loved school. Sure, I hate waking up early and I having a ton of homework, but I know that around the world, there are kids who would do anything to have an education. I work hard for good grades, and a self-proclaimed lifelong learner who believes in the commitment to education (haha I took that straight from my CU app)
I feel so lucky that college is an option for me- I now officially can go! I have been accepted to the University of Oregon, holla at your girl! I got the official acceptance letter today in the mail, but found out last Friday on the phone. I was trying to check my application status so I was on the phone with an assistant or whatever you want to call them, and as she was looking up my information, she nonchalantly said "Oh, and I just wanted to let you know that we admitted you for the fall 2014 term two days ago." I about started crying, I was caught so off guard! It was super exciting to call my parents and let them know:) I don't really know how badly I want to go to Oregon, but being a Duck is officially an option!
I cannot wait for more acceptance letters to roll in, and to see where I actually end up going! It's nice to see all the hard work of college applications and 12 years of school pay off!
November 24// I am thankful for my dad, better known as Marvin or Marv. He's pretty much the coolest dad on the planet, even if he wears the same disgusting, old Broncos sweatshirt and faded jeans on Saturdays and doesn't always know when to lay off. I know he would go to the ends of the earth for me, and there's no greater feeling than knowing that someone loves you that much. Let me tell you somethings about my dad
Marvin Fast Facts
1. Marvin has the earliest bedtime of anyone at my house. It's not an assigned bedtime, it's just a "I'm tired so I'll go to bed at 8pm" bedtime. If only that was what I could do too.
2. Marvin lacks style. I guess my awesome style makes up for his lack of it, but my mom and I often tell him that we're putting him on What Not To Wear. I think he just likes his casual clothes to be comfortable. And in his eyes, comfortable clothes are usually ten years old or are free from some cattle company.
3. Marvin is the fifth of six kids and the only one to not still live on a farm/in a rural area. I applaud you on spreading your wings, father.
4. Whatever you want to know about the cattle/beef industry, Marvin is there to help with.
5. Sam's Club is Marvin's favorite store. He goes every Saturday morning and has an extremely difficult time sticking to the list my mom sends him. All the 'good deals' just lure him in...
6. I'm pretty sure my friends like Marvin more than me.
7. Marvin's specialties in the kitchen include: thin pancakes/crepes, kolachis, orange popcorn balls, pepper jelly, ribs, mashed potatoes, and omelets.
8. I am without a doubt Marvin's favorite child. #oldestchildperks
9. Marvin is so afraid of needles and the doctor, when he had to get blood drawn once, a nurse had to come to our house to get the blood sample. He's also passed out at the eye doctor and the podiatrist.
10. Marvin has caught a shark before when he was deep sea fishing.
So now that you're well actuated with some info on my strange father, let me brag about how great he is. My dad is compassionate- he worries about the well being of not only his family, but of strangers too. Marvin is the greatest listener- he might not always be a good responder, but he sure can listen. He is hilarious- too many funny stories to tell. Marv is always there for me- I'm going to really miss my dude next year.
Today Marvin and I hung up Christmas lights. While he talked about how cold he was (such a little wuss), I sang him some Christmas carols and took some selfies on the roof.
November 23// I am thankful for babies. Holy shoot I am thankful for babies. Disclaimer to my mom and any of my friends mom reading this, I'm not having babies anytime soon, so don't freak out, but that doesn't mean I don't love the heck out of them.
Buuuutttttt, I can't wait to have babies;) and lots of them. I want a big family, with 4-6 children, more on the 6 side. (oh I'm sure I'm freaking my mom out right now) I think at this age, there's two types of girls- the ones who want to have babies now (me! and Mackenzie!) and the people who don't want to have babies, now or in the future, or never (you know who you are). If there's one thing I know that I will be good at it, it's being a mother, so having little sweet babies cannot come soon enough!
Let me just explain my thankfulness/love for babies.
1. They're cute.
2. They let you dress them in whatever you want!
3. They need you, and it's nice to be needed.
4. They're innocent, and that's a gift in itself.
5. They're cute. (you can't help but add that twice)
So let me share with you some of my favorite pictures of babies. Because you cannot deny a baby's cuteness.
November 22// I am thankful for books. Reading is my favorite past time, I've loved it forever. It's easy, and you can do it anywhere.
More specifically, today I am thankful for my favorite book, "My Sister's Keeper". It is the one exception to the rule in which you should never buy a book with the movie picture as the cover. I remember the day I bought it very distinctly. It was in the summer, the year before I was going to 8th grade. I went shopping with one of my middle school best friends that day, Madi. And boy did we shop. We both spent almost $60 at Aeropostale (such a middle school store), along with buying some body spray and lotion from Bath & Body Works, and of course, frappuccinos from Starbucks. I was about to leave for Virginia to visit my aunt and uncle and baby cousins so quickly before Madi's mom picked us up, I ran into Borders, which is now a massive Forever 21, and grabbed this book. They didn't have the non-movie cover and I just knew it was a book I had to read, and I had to read now. I was leaving for my trip in three days... I finished the book in one.
I remember reading it so quickly, yet so slowly, trying to savor every word. I quickly fell in love with Jodi Picoult's writing.
I love that this book has pages that are dog earred and wrinkled, and the covers edges are peeling and fading. I've got parts memorized and always cry whenever I read it. I've never had a book that I loved so much and that left me so inspired.
My sister, who's in 8th grade, wanted to borrow my book. I almost didn't let her because she just seemed too young for such a complex story, but then I realized that I was younger than her when I read the book. I didn't want to restrict her from the greatest book ever-- especially one that left me more than inspired. I remember when she finished it, and came to me, confused and upset with the ending. Oh Olivia, how I feel with ya.
My Sister's Keeper was also the book that clicked a piece of the puzzle inside me together. I read the book, gaining more than perspective but a call to action. It's the book that really made me think about what I wanted to do with my life. Seventh grade, I knew I wanted to help people through medicine. I dabbled with the idea of being a neonatologist or a pediatrician. But reading My Sister's Keeper opened my eyes up to oncology and there's always been a piece that has stuck with me. After reading that book, I knew for sure I was going to be a doctor, and a darn good one. It made me realize how I will do anything and everything to help people who are sick, whether that be through donating blood or cutting my hair for wigs for cancer patients, I want to do anything to give someone life, because it has been a gift for me.
At my high school, as seniors, we have to do a project in order to graduate. They want you to choose something that you're interested in, something with a learning curve, something that maybe you can use down the road in life. I chose to shadow an oncologist and research bone marrow transplants. I'm writing my research paper on the ethics of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, which is what My Sister's Keeper is completely based on.
If you haven't read My Sister's Keeper, do it. I promise that it won't disappoint.
my favorite santa knit socks, striped leggings, and the best book ever.
Oh, and the movie is alright. It's different than the book, I'll tell you that, but I won't tell you how. I cried, but I cry easily at movies so there's that. (I just rewatched the trailer and almost started crying, it hits me bone deep) But Abigail Breslin is in it and she is my favorite actress ever so you can enjoy that too.
And this song from the movie is a favorite- it's a reminder that life is a precious gift.
xo
Hannah
PS: Happy 18th birthday Maddison! I hope you had the best day ever! xoxoxo
November 21// I am thankful for today. I can't really describe it, but as I'm sitting here now thinking about what I'm thankful for, there's not one thing that comes to mind. Instead every little thing has made me thankful, in some way or another.
It's always the ordinary days that you seem to forget, but there the one's to cherish. There's peace that comes with the normal.
Today was the first real snowy day of the year. Nothing made me happier than waking up to a winter world. I always wake up so much easier on days where there's snow. I turn up the Christmas music when I'm getting ready, open my blinds, and can't help but smile when I see the snow. It's my favorite. Even though it's my least favorite thing about having a car, I make sure to get ready quickly so I can clean the snow off my car. No matter how cold it is, I sort of love putting on a hat, coat, and gloves and embracing the snow, and the stillness of the world around me. I am thankful for my dad who turned my car on so the heat was already on full blast when my brother and I got in to go to school.
i love a fresh, untouched blanket of snow
Thursdays are usually the loooonnnggg days for me at school. I go all day with a 35 minute break for lunch. I honestly don't know how I used to go to school from 7:40 to 2:50 every single day. Off periods are bliss. But today didn't feel as long as the other Thursdays. We watched a move in history and it wasn't actually terribly boring. Science was upsetting because we learned that because kids stole a test that we already took and distributed it to other students, we would have to take a new test. As angry as this makes me, I hope the culprit feels guilty and realizes how wrong they are. I guess you could say the silver lining in this is now I really know the material (since I already retook the original test, and this will be my third time being tested on the material!). I never dread choir, but sometimes it's just really, really long. Not today. We're singing Christmas songs and that brings me joy joy joy. And we're singing the Handel's "Hallelujah" chorus, which always makes me think of this scene from Christmas Vacation.
English was simple- we had to do a timed write which I honestly enjoy doing a lot more than formal essays because I am forced to get my ideas out in a limited amount of time. Today, I even got to right about genetic testing, which was awfully similar to what I'm doing my argument/research paper on so I got to show off what I already knew a little;)
After school was some blog business. Mackenzie and I met up to help each other do some blogging stuff, which required us to be outside. I decided to get us some Starbucks before so we could stay warm. The wait in the drive-thru was outrageously long for some reason, so they were kind enough to give me both drinks for the price for one. Doing something nice for someone always ends up with something nice happening to you! Mackenzie and I then braved the 16 degree weather, but it was well worth it.
We worked on some secret project stuff, and then wandered around Target for an hour or so. We looked at just about everything, down to the baby clothes, because come on- nothing is as cute as mini Mary Janes or little tights with hearts or little dresses.
When I finally brought Mackenzie home, we ended up sitting in front of her house for an hour and a half talking. #typical We can't help that we have lots to talk about! We eventually parted ways, and I came home to relax and watch Christmas movies. Nothing is better than a night with NO homework!!! My mom surprised me with a peppermint chocolate chip milkshake so that was also just great.
In this constantly changing world where life throws us endless curveballs, it's nice to have the ordinary days in life to give you comfort. So I am thankful for today, in it's simplicity and normalness I have found something to be happy about.
November 20// I am thankful for class. Not school class, but class as in elegance. My personal belief is that a woman should be classy. I suppose it's not for everyone, but I see the value. Anyways, Mackenzie, Isabel, and Ainsley also enjoy being classy. We have found a common bond, and now I think of us sort of like the Finer Things Club, a la The Office.
We may not gather and discuss literature and art, but we discuss the value in things such as clothing (Isabel wrote a great post on that here), the holidays, and life overall. We're quite mature in my opinion.
Last night, we had a meeting to discuss some very official things that will be on the blog soon. We met at Tattered Cover, my personal favorite meeting location, and sipped on some steamers and cocoa among the twinkly Christmas lights. It was all so posh. I cannot wait to share with all of you what we met about! It's super exciting!!!
"I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say." -Flannery O'Connor
This quote is one that I love for several reasons. It's truth is one. I have so much to say that I can never get it all out with my words. When I get really excited about things, I can't speak clearly. It's like all the words I'm feeling and thinking are regurgitated at the same time. But when I take the time to sit down and really write down my thoughts, things begin to make sense. Often, if I have a disagreement with my mom, the best way for me to communicate with her is through writing letters. Then, I can say what I really want to say without the emotions that usually ensue when talking with her face to face in a heated moment.
This blog has been the perfect outlet of writing for me. It's the perfect way to write down my thoughts, my memories, and everything in between. I wish I was an avid journaler, but instead my journaling is subpar. I go through phases when I'm really good at journaling, but then I forget about it because I get majorly distracted with life. I'm happy that I will have some journals to look back on one day when I'm an adult, but I'll have this blog, which in my opinion is even better.
Writing is the best way for me to express my passions. It's not just writing like the kind I do on my blog that excites me, but the stuff we do in school. Not literary analysis or persuasion or reviews, but a good old fashioned argument essay or a research paper. Then you're sure to write about something you love. For my senior paper, I'm writing about preimplantation genetic diagnosis (this means stem cell donors, savior siblings, designer babies, whatever you want to call them) and my stance on when it is ethical, and for what diseases it can help treat. It is one of my favorite topics ever and I love learning more about it. And I also love telling people I'm researching and writing a paper on preimplantation genetic diagnosis because it's big and I sound smart;)
Getting the right words out isn't always easy but when it is, there is no better feeling.
November 18// I am thankful for pictures. This post could have a million pictures because there's so many pictures I have that I love. Pictures are perhaps the most precious thing to me-- they represent a memory and they can always take you back to a moment. I love authentic pictures, the ones that are taken when you least expect it, but that truly capture the moment.
Mackenz and I had a photoshoot today for an outfit post, but right now, I just have to share the outtakes. Soon, I'll write the actual outfit post, but for now, just take all of this in. Because we're hot and hilarious.
0 months pregnant hahahahahahaha
just casually frolicking through a field. ps- zoom in on my face
stunna
b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l.
sinister leaf monster
i just can't even handle it.
hannah on a serengeti
the wild mackel
if this doesn't epitomize white girl, i don't know what does. but i love it.
but we're actually pretty sometimes
i mean you can't help but love us
The real outfit post is coming up, but I think you all need to know the reality of an outfit shoot;)
xo
Hannah
PS: in case you forgot, here's Mack's blog. Because you'd be stupid not to read it
November 17// I am thankful for crafting. I don't care how lame that sounds, I find so much joy in making things. And today was a crafting day. I only had to read history for homework (hallelujah!) so this afternoon I went to town (that town would be the North Pole of course ;)) on Christmas crafts. My Christmas style is traditional and slightly extravagant while also maintaining some taste and class. But really you might as well just call me Mrs. Clark Griswald.
Here's some of today's crafting...
mod podged metal H covered in gold glitter (made a few months ago)// gold star kraft paper (the best holiday paper)// a gold glitter dipped mason jar with pretty candies
my bookshelf "mantle" is in the works, still needs lights and a few more details!
i freaking love my merry christmas banner. it's perfectly imperfect
my chalkboard skills are only getting better and better!
As the Christmas season continues, expect more crafts people. I love doing them so I only assume you love seeing them;)
November 16// Today I am thankful for high school football games. Emphasis on the high school. You see, I actually really don't understand football. I just cheer when everyone else does or someone from my school has the ball;) Haha but in all honesty, I've gotten a lot better at understanding the game, but some of it still confuses the heck out of me.
Our high school is pretty darn amazing at football, at least in my modest opinion. We've only lost one game this year (to a private school that recruits, lame) and now we are on to the semifinals! Today's game was about 30 minutes away, so Sierra, Mackenzie, and I all drove out together. I've decided I love long drives with my friends. There's always lots of talking, singing, and it's a grand time. We got to the game at the start of the second quarter and we were down 0-3. It's never fun losing. And then we scored a touchdown so we were no longer losing:) The game went on and it was the final quarter. We were up 13-9. All of a sudden, there's two minutes left in the game and the other team has the ball. Stress was HIGH. They had the chance to score a touchdown twice but with only 43 seconds left on the clock, we got the ball and won the game. Holy shoot it was great!!! I am so proud to be a Grizzly. I didn't get any pictures from the game but let me set the picture for you... Sierra, Mackenzie, and I bundled up wearing white shirts as the wind was blowing like crazy and it was cold and none of us had hats or gloves, freezing our heads off but screaming and shouting as loud as we could.
November 15// I am thankful for FRIDAYS! They really are the best days of the week. I get to sleep in, go to one class, and then the rest of the day is spent enjoying!
Yesterday was probably one of the busiest, most fun Fridays of the year. From the moment I got up to the moment I fell asleep, there was a lot going on. But it was a lot of fun stuff:)
So here is Friday, November 15, 2013 through the eyes of Hannah
First, a wake up call at 8:20am. That's an extra two hours than usual and I live for that extra bit of sleep. Waking up was followed by some quiche and orange juice.
Then came school. My one class is AP Calculus by my teacher is the best ever and I have friends in the class and get to sit by this gem♥
We were out of class by 10:55 and Jess, Mack, Sierra, Riley and I went Chick-Fil-A for lunch, a favorite of ours. You can never go wrong with Chick-Fil-A. Especially when it's the holiday season and they have their Peppermint Chocolate Chip milkshakes!
After lunch, Sierra and Jessica had to go finish a project, so Riley, Mackenzie, and I drove to our favorite place to judge. The three of us live by this quote
This town we drive to just has a variety of houses, ranging from big, beautiful castle-like homes to homes where it's very possible that a gang lives there. So strange.
things needed for judging- a comfy sitting position and milkshake
We kept driving and ended up Chatfield Reservoir so we decided it was time to turn around. We went into singing and dancing mode, which happens 99% of the time.
After this, we went to the Dollar Store, got some candy, and then went to Riley's house so she could change clothes to play tennis in. Mack and I just played in our jeans so that was fun. We then went and played tennis for about 40 minutes. Riley is super competitive playing any sport so you could say it was heated.
After that game of tennis, we went our separate ways for just an hour, and then we met back up again for more tennis! This time, Isabel and Ainsley were there so we helped them get better at tennis with a few drills, since we are tennis experts;) Afterwards, Riley went home to get ready for the talent show and Mackenzie and I went to Taco Bell with Ainsley, Isabel, and Liam, Mack's little brother whom I love. Taco Bell is Ainsley and Isabel's Sonic, so they were pretty excited to go. While we were there, Liam and I got to be BFFs. Hahaha just kidding, I think I just freaked him out.
When we were finished there, we went to the talent show at school. Holy mackerel, kids at our school have talent. Singers, musicians, dancers, puppeters, there was a wide variety of AMAZING acts.
oh liam i love you
bffs
The party didn't end there though. We had to bring the three young children home. The ride home consisted of blasting "Dancing Queen" (which is actually a very relevant song to my life) and of course, Christmas music. Mackenzie, Isabel, Ainsley, and I all love Christmas music so we're a great little group. After we brought home the kids, Mack and I went to pick up Riley and Sierra and go bowling with Matt and Brenden. I won bowling, in case anyone was wondering.
the bowling alley looks really cool after 11// this is the only picture i got from this part of the night
After bowling, we went to Village Inn but I didn't get anything because I wasn't very hungry. We finally left around 12:20, and the second I got home and in bed, I was fast asleep. It was a busy Friday, but one of the ones I'll always remember and be thankful for.
