For many people, they are entering week 2 or 3 of quarantine and I know that at this point I would be going stir crazy! Luckily, I am back at Liberty University staying focused on work and activities around campus. I know we are all a little tired of hearing about COVID-19 but I hope y’all will appreciate this time to rest a bit and also you are utilizing this time to spend time with God. In the meantime, I threw together my favorite cures for the quarantine crazies!
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My friends, I have no happy or peppy greeting for this article because what I’m about to tell you breaks my heart. Call me an emotional whack job, but tears fill my eyes as I am writing this. I have tried to avoid politics on this page for a few months but I feel it is my duty as someone with a voice and audience, however small, to share what happened today. On June 12, 2019, Illinois governor JB Pritzker repealed an act that had previously prohibited partial-birth abortion. While “partial-birth abortion” is not considered a medical term, it is most accurate for the procedure that takes place in this case. The actual medical term is ‘Intact dilation and extraction’. Intact refers to the fact that the child is intact and living. Dilation represents that doctors must dilate the woman’s body to remove the child. Extraction is used because the abortionist removes the child before ending its life. Deemed ‘partial birth’ because many states consider birth to be when a baby is fully removed from the womb and it shows signs of life, for however long, this procedure pulls the baby halfway out before beginning the abortion. The abortionist (doctor performing the abortion) then uses a tool to puncture the baby’s head before removing its brain with a vacuum. The abortionist then removes the lifeless child and disposes of it. These types of abortions are performed late in the term. Usually during the late second or early third trimester. During this time, the fetus is likely to be able to feel pain. According to studies performed in 2006 published in the International Association for the Study of Pain, babies can feel pain as early as 18 weeks, nearly halfway through the 2nd trimester. This means that the children that are killed through partial birth abortions can feel the intense pain of having their brain removed through suction. To use this type of torture on any other form of life would be condemned as cruel and evil, but it happens 3,000 to 5,000 times a year according to the National Coalition of Abortion Providers. Pro-Abortion advocates will tell you that this procedure is only used when the child is not viable outside the womb or in the case of the women’s health, but this is not true as of June 12, 2019. In 2003, President George W Bush signed an act banning partial birth abortions except in the case of women’s health. This bill stated: “A moral, medical, and ethical consensus exists that the practice of performing a partial-birth abortion--an abortion in which a physician deliberately and intentionally vaginally delivers a living, unborn child's body until either the entire baby's head is outside the body of the mother, or any part of the baby's trunk past the navel is outside the body of the mother and only the head remains inside the womb, for the purpose of performing an overt act (usually the puncturing of the back of the child's skull and removing the baby's brains) that the person knows will kill the partially delivered infant, performs this act, and then completes delivery of the dead infant--is a gruesome and inhumane procedure that is never medically necessary and should be prohibited” Despite this, the Illinois state congress passed a new bill that states “a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent rights under the laws of this state”. This act completely contradicts the act passed in 2003. While many people may say that this was always an issue for the states, I agree it shouldn’t have been done through the courts, but it is not a states rights issue, this is a human life issue. Science overwhelmingly tells us that a “fertilized egg, embryo or fetus” is life from the moment of conception. So even though this is used occasionally as a measure to protect a woman’s health, Illinois has now made this an option available for any person. Human life is sacred and must be protected. To me, as a Christian, this is terrifying and heartbreaking. I wonder how many of you had heard about this before this popped up on your feed? This is because the media will not tell you about it. If you did stumble on this news, the tone of the article would be quite different than mine. It will be painted as a celebration of “reproductive health” and not the murder that it is. I would like to encourage you to share this article, not for my own notice, but so that others know about the threat and war on the life of the unborn children. I compel you to share this so that you use your voice for those who do not have one. Proverbs 31 is written about what makes a godly woman but there are several principles that apply to all. Verses 8-9 say: “Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable. Speak out in order to judge with righteousness and to defend the needy and the poor.” I must use my voice to speak up and inform those who don’t know about the silent slaughter of the unborn. Here are a few other articles that probably explain this better than me: National Review LIFE Site National Right to Life Hey y’all! Hope everyone is having a great week :) So I’ve mentioned it a couple times but I am a high school senior graduating in TWO WEEKS! I honestly can’t believe that it is that close. So many of us have been counting the days for months that for it to be a mere 14 days away feels unreal. So how have I been preparing for this all year? By carefully constructing a playlist of songs that will for sure make you cry if you are graduating or a close friend is! Here are my top ten songs for graduates: 10. Time of Your Life by Green Day: It’s definitely a cheesy one and high school should not be the best times of your life, but when your feeling sentimental, this song is great for reminiscing. 9. For Good by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth: This song sums up what it's like to be shaped by someone or a large group of people. And then facing leaving those people. Plus the iconic mix of these two voices makes this sweet song beautiful! 8. See you When I See you by Jason Alden: “Let’s not say goodbye, let’s just say for now”. No one wants to say goodbye to the friends that have laughed and cried with you for 4 years or more, so follow Alden’s advice and say “see you when I see you” 7. Senior Year by Randy Houser: While you may not have shared in all the experiences Houser describes in this song, I bet you relate to one or another. It’s a classic small-town high school experience with football games, driving around, letterman jackets and falling in love. 6. Long Live by Taylor Swift: This song has a special place in my heart and always will. I used it for my football video a few months ago and it brings me to tears every time. T.Swift has always had a talent for hitting you in the feels and this song is no different. “I’ve had the time of my life fighting dragons with you” 5. Damn Good Goodbye by Mike Ryan: Another country song, shocking! Ryan expresses how it feels to be moving miles and hours away from your best friends and high school love. He teaches appreciating the goodbyes we are all dreading. 4. I’ll Always Remember You by Hannah Montana: I know we all cried when Miley walked around the Hannah closet one last time remembering each outfit while this song played. And now it has come time for us to say goodbye to school uniforms that we made memories in, but not to forget the people in our memories. 3. Ready, Set, Don’t Go by Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus: Back to Back Disney channel songs! But not ashamed because this duet describes parents and kid’s feelings about leaving home. The unspoken agreement of want to bring them along, but knowing it's time to part ways. 2. The Words I Would Say by The Sidewalk Prophets: A song that describes all the things you want for the people you love as you go separate ways. These words come with love and appreciation built right in. 1. Don’t Forget to Remember Me by Carrie Underwood: My sister used this song in her graduation video almost 10 years ago and it’s stuck with me ever since because of the way the words perfectly express the emotions of leaving home and being on your own for the first time. Beyond these songs, the best advice I can give you for graduating is to take every moment in. Don’t say no to spontaneous plans, late nights out or lunches at school. You will never be in high school again and while to me that sounds amazing, I know it also means I will never be in the same place with my friends who have grown so close to my heart they are almost family! Through good and bad, you have endured 4 years of tests, sports games and relationships with these people and you are a unit like no other. So while you're counting the days and listening to these songs, think about those around you and give ‘em all you got, because this is all you’ve got left. Thanks for reading. xoxo Hey y’all! I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. I loved my Easter dress from Vineyard Vines, check out my latest post on Instagram to fall in love with it. As spring has arrived, finally, and summer is coming up, one of the biggest trends I have been noticing is eyelet! Every top prep store is carrying it and even more mainstream stores like Target and Lulus! So here are just a couple of my favorite picks from this new fad.
So there are my top picks if your searching for the perfect eyelet item: dress, swimsuit or top! There are a million more items out there so if you have any suggestions, then leave them in the comments.
Thanks for reading y’all xoxo
Recently, Lauren James announced that they would be rebranding to better cater to their market. Lauren Stokes -- the brilliant designer, CEO, and creator of the brand-- spoke about the importance of growing the brand from what she started as a recently graduated sorority girl to the self-confident modern women she herself has become. The items in their Spring line are still fun and youthful, but they also have styles for brides and incorporate some of the latest trends into their clothes-- like jumpsuits, short sets, and eyelet material. But they have yet to (and hopefully never will) abandon their signature seersucker style! They have revived many of their old styles in professional colors and materials. While remaining southern and sweet, Lauren James has also become professional and preppy!
Happy Valentine’s Day, Y'all! Whether you spent today with your girlfriends or on a romantic dinner date, this holiday can be exhausting! And there’s no better way to finish off V-Day than with a romantic-comedy snuggling with your boo or giggling with your girls. So here are my top 5 recommendations for post-Valentine’s Day dinner. The best Rom-Coms on Netflix: 1. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before “When her secret love letters somehow get mailed to each of her five crushes, Lara Jean finds her quiet high school existence turned upside down” This 2018 Netflix made rom-com was an instant hit with teenagers and young adults alike. With a yummy love interest (Noah Centineo) and relatable and adorable heroine (Lana Condor), this movie steals your heart and will have you watching it again the next night. About an hour and a half, this rom-com is perfect to top off your night. And if you love it as much as I do, read the book by Jenny Han! 2. A Cinderella Story “Routinely exploited by her wicked stepmother, the downtrodden Sam Montgomery is excited about the prospect of meeting her Internet beau at the school's Halloween dance.” This is tied with Pink Panther as the most quoted movie around my house. We watch this at least once a month. With a baby Hillary Duff and a young Chad Michael Murray, the chemistry between a modern-day Cinderella and her Prince Charming is undeniable. You will recognize many other stars from their iconic roles now; like Jennifer Coolidge, Regina King, and Julie Gonzalo! An hour and a half and the classic high school love story, you will fall in love. 3. Sex and the City “A New York City writer on sex and love is finally getting married to her Mr. Big. But her three best girlfriends must console her after one of them inadvertently leads Mr. Big to jilt her.” I had not seen a single episode of this famous series (or even knew there was a series) when I watched this New Year’s Eve. My sister had always told me that she and her friends loved this movie because it was about more than sex. It is a true tale of friendship. And while it’s a bit graphic in some scenes, the bond between these ladies is iconic and enviable. Better for girlfriend and galantines than a romantic night with your boyfriend, this movie will show you what it really means to endure everything with your besties. 18+ 4. Angus, Thongs and the Perfect Snogging “The story centers on a 14-year-old girl who keeps a diary about the ups and downs of being a teenager, including the things she learns about kissing.” Put away all maturity when you watch this underrated, Nickalodian made movie from 2008. It is a guilty pleasure chick-flick if I’ve ever seen one! While among my family is a classic, many have never seen this cringe-worthy middle school coming of age story. The title says it all. If you watch it, be prepared to giggle, cringe and learn what a snogging even is! 5. Sydney White “A modern retelling of Snow White set against students in their freshman year of college in the Greek system.” Learning to navigate college is difficult enough when you don’t have a wicked step-sorority-sister making your life a living hell. Amanda Bynes and Sara Paxton face off for the scrumptious Matt Long. With modern day seven dwarfs and gorgeous dresses, you will love this silly movie! A sweet rom-com about being true to who you are and being confident in everything you do! Hope y’all have had a lovely Valentine’s Day and enjoy one of these sweet movies! xoxo For three years in high school, in the fall, I spent my afternoons around 35 to 40 sweaty boys in smelly pads. I wouldn’t trade a minute of being an athletic trainer. To begin, athletic training is a profession that falls under the sports medicine umbrella. It entails medical training, but you don’t become an actual doctor. Many high schools have programs for students to be student athletic trainers, with a professional athletic trainer to guide them. For students, this involves filling water bottles, learning to tape, assisting the athletic trainer with injuries, and sometimes even telling boys pickle juice is Gatorade so they won’t get cramps. I was familiar with athletic training because my two older sisters participated in high school with their football and baseball teams. I had always planned to follow in their footsteps. But when I reached the 9th grade, the Lord called me to a different school. I was called to Coram Deo Academy (CDA), where I will graduate in 105 days. But CDA did not have an athletic training program. Over President’s Day of my freshman year, I used my day off to write an essay to my dean of students, Mr. Jordan, proposing an athletic training program for CDA, specifically focusing on the football program. The essay was about four pages long, littered with in-text citations, interviews with both my sister and her former athletic trainer, and Bible verses about serving. The main points of persuasion were that students are drawn to athletic training because it allows them to learn about sports, be part of a team, and explore the field of health. When I delivered this paper this paper to Mr. Jordan, my parents warned me that the program would likely not happen. I accepted this and tried not to get my hopes up as I set the essay on his desk in its pink portfolio. A few weeks later, I was sitting up as straight as I could in his office while the assistant athletic director took notes on his laptop as we discussed what the program would look like. It seemed it would actually happen. One more meeting with Mr. Jordan and after the first day of school sophomore year, my dad was driving me to football practice. It was weird for quite a while; being the only girl among 35 guys is an experience. Coaches didn’t know what to think of me, players didn’t know my name and I had no idea what I was doing because there was no professional trainer to guide me. Fill water. Place water. Watch water. Repeat. Mid-season, I started bringing ice to put in the water jugs; the guys liked that. I remember the first time I got to tape a small cut on a boy’s arm. I was so eager to use the tape I had bought in the Kavu bag I ordered specially for this. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I remember the urge to check on him the next day. Right before playoffs, I had an accident at one of the games and broke my leg when a player came rolling off the field. A couple weeks later I had surgery and that was it for my sophomore football season. That summer I attended the TCU student athletic training camp, where I learned how to actually use tape, how to make an ice bag, and other important athletic training skills. The following August, I got a call from a man who said he was the new athletic trainer for CDA. An actual, professional athletic trainer. Someone to mentor me and someone to talk to at practice! It was an answered prayer for all of CDA sports. I met him at two-a-days the next morning. His name is David ‘Doc’ Ortemier. He’s a kind, semi-retired athletic trainer who became another grandfather to me. I remember the first practice I worked with him, setting down my water bottle rack and feeling a magnetic pull to him, thinking ‘Someone to tell me what to do next; someone to teach me.’. Junior year season underway, I made friends with the boys, standing at the back of practice whispering and laughing. I bonded with upperclassmen and underclassmen, training connecting me to people I never would have met. During the season, I learned how to give an ultrasound, how to tape an ankle, how to record treatment, to give stim treatment and many more things, all because of Doc. When the season ended, I wept. Senior year, it was even better than I could have imagined. I got another student athletic trainer. Summer Rogers, who is now my best friend. We survived football camp in the 100º heat days with countless trips to Chick Fil A, naps in between practice, and jam sessions on the way home from practice with the AC blasting. It was two weeks of two-a-days with 7 am practice every day but Sunday and I could not have made it without her. It was the best season. My relationships with the boys grew and I felt affirmed in what I was doing from an athletic training standpoint. I can not describe how hard it was to walk off the field, losing in the state semi-finals. One game away from state champions. I sat on the bench after most of the team and other trainers and my friends had left. A coach came up to me and I told him I just wanted to stay for a few more minutes. Knowing I wouldn’t tape another ankle, I wouldn’t fill another bottle and I would never wear my football necklace on a high school field again. Athletic training is not an easy job. It is a serving job where you receive little praise, but each day was a constant reminder that I didn’t do it for the praise. It is a humbling job because you know no matter how tired you are leaving the second practice in August, you know the boys are so much more tired. It’s a frustrating job listening to people call you a ‘water girl’ when you treat and tape and care for boys every day, in more ways than just filling water bottles. It is a spectacular job because you learn to be a servant and put others above yourself. It was the best job because of the friends I made. It was one of the best experiences of my life to be apart of a team of guys and men that wanted to honor the Lord in everything they did, with every down they played. I was never athletic so this was my way of being a part of a team. I would never trade a single practice; because even the ones where it was 100º or I stood alone having nothing to do but watch, I loved the feeling of being on that field every Friday night. Human beings are fascinated by the twisted nature of man. We strive to understand things that have absolutely no meaning, or at least not one we really want to know. Like why would someone murder a teenage girl and bury her in a park? Why would a doctor harm his patients? Why would a school teacher mysteriously disappear one morning? Why would a man try to kill his step-daughter? All of these questions were raised in my mind when listening to true crime podcasts. The first one that sparked my interest, and many other people's interest, was "Serial" by This American Life with the host Sarah Kanik. I can't remember which summer I listened to it first, but I can tell you I've listened to it several times! The next one I was engrossed in was Payne Lindsay's "Up and Vanished" from Tenderfoot TV. Then I binged two mini series, both from Wondery. "Dr. Death" with host Laura Beil had been recommended to me by my sister who lives near Dallas, where the story took place, and by one of my friends who is a nurse. The second podcast I listened to by Wondery was in partnership with the LA Times' reporter Christopher Goffard, "Dirty John". Each story is addicting and gripping, so it's really hard to rank them, but I'm going to try! 1. Serial (season 1)Serial season one follows the case of Adnan Syed who was convicted in 2000 of murdering his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee in 1999 in Baltimore. The 17-year-old boy cannot quite remember where he was that fateful January afternoon. In this series, Sarah Kanik dives into all the possibilities of what could have happened, following every lead almost 15 years after the murder. She talks to Adnan, his family and friends and anyone she can who has information about the case. It's a nail biter that will leave you wondering what really happened on January 13, 1999 to Hae Min Lee. The first podcast is always the best, or something like that. This podcast is enthralling and hard to turn off. It got me hooked on true crime podcast and I've listened to it probably 5 times! 12 episodes, with bonus updates after the original season ends, it's not hard to burn through it in a week or less! I highly recommend.
4. Up and VanishedEverything is either perfect or disguised as perfect in small towns. In Ocilla, Georgia, the seemingly peaceful small town is shocked when high school teacher and former beauty queen Tara Grinstead doesn't show up for history class on Monday morning in October 2005. This twisted story of cover-up, secrets, and unanswered questions will keep you up at night. Why would she just leave? What made Tara "up and vanish"? This podcast was extended from 12 episodes, to 18, to 24. It is entertaining for a while but seems to drag on. I wouldn't recommend it very highly but there are interesting points and some exciting twists and turns. If you've got a lot of free time, dive in! Podcasts are great to listen to in the car, on a plane or while getting ready in the morning. I love learning new things and mysteries so true crime podcasts are the just my cup of tea!
Let me know if y'all like these podcasts, if you have another true crime podcasts to add to the list and what you think of this article in the comments! Hello guys and gals! It has been a while but I am so glad to be back! Hopefully, I will be more consistent with posts now that the season is starting to settle down (hopefully). This post will focus on my recent trip out to Lynchburg, Virginia, to visit Liberty University. Though this was a college visit, my mom and I did lots of fun things in Lynchburg and around it too! So the trickiest thing about getting to Lynchburg was the flights. Though there is a small regional airport in Lynchburg, the flights are very complicated and require several connections. So if you are planning a trip, I recommend flying into a nearby airport and then driving in. I have flown into both Dulles (IAD) and Raleigh Durham (RDU), each one about a 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive into the city of Lynchburg. I personally preferred the drive from Raleigh Durham more because of the scenery and the shorter distance. Other airports within driving distance include Richmond and Charlottesville.
After the game, with our stomachs growling, we drove to Downtown Lynchburg for a late dinner. Yelp led us to Waterstone Pizza. The exterior of the building is a dark, old brick, making it feel very rustic yet urban. The Downtown area is still developing so there are many different options for food from food trucks to sit-down-restaurants. Waterstone had a variety of menu items but being tired from the trip, we settled for pizza. None the less, the meal was delicious and thoroughly enjoyed. The interior was beautiful, with exposed brick and a black metal winding staircase. The service was excellent. An easy five out of five stars. The next morning, Sunday, my mom and I drove out to Charlottesville, Virginia, the home of the University of Virginia and Monticello! Upon arriving in Charlottesville, about an hour and a half drive from Lynchburg, we drove around downtown trying to figure out where to park for a few minutes. Parking in this area is small and often restricted, so I suggest parking in a garage and pay the $3 an hour fee. When we finally parked, we walked to the cutest brunch place, Farm Bell Kitchen. Luckily, on a Sunday at noon, they were able to fit in two hungry girls for brunch. But if you plan on eating here, I would definitely make a reservation. This place was so good, with quick service and an adorable site. The restaurant is actually in an old house downtown. The kitchen is below in the basement level and seating is open throughout the rest of the house. The food here was also amazing. I got a Belgium waffle and fruit while my mom got a fried egg in an avocado. So for all the picky eaters and the basic girls out there, the Farm Bell Kitchen has something for everyone. After having brunch, we made the 15 minutes drive out to Monticello, the home of our third President, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was a brilliant architect who helped design his own home as well as the University of Virginia's campus, a school he founded (which is why his house is so close by). For this excursion, you will need tickets, but my mother and I purchased them a day before, so no stress; they also have several tours running throughout the day, allowing for a flexible schedule for any visitors. They have special tours on the property focusing on the gardens and slavery, both of which were very educational. Beneath the house, there is a more interactive area that kids will enjoy, while inside the house you are not allowed to touch anything, in order to preserve the historical integrity. The house is still 90% original. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable about any item we pointed out and answered all of our many questions about the property. We probably spent about two hours here. Heading back to Lynchburg that evening, I discovered an interesting burger place: Bootleggers. Sitting on a hills edge, this joint had amazing views overlooking Lynchburg's mountains and the river. A casual environment with the windows open and huge photographs of nature on the wall, this restaurant felt super comfortable. The service was amazing, especially since our waitress was a Liberty grad, willing to answer all our many questions! If you go here, you must order the truffle fries! They were incredible, and I still have dreams about them. My mom got a BLT and I got a burger; both were amazing! Dessert gave us an ice cream sundae, so yummy. By the time I left, I was so full I couldn't even look at food until Monday. Unfortunately, that ended my Virginia weekend. On Monday morning, we took a tour of Liberty University and then drove back out to Raleigh Durham airport. A quick stop at Duke University just to drive by and it was gorgeous. I wish we had more time to spend here, but maybe I'll get to go back someday.
Thank you for reading and I hope you get to make out to Virginia someday! New York article coming soon! Hi Friends. I hope you've had a good few weeks. I know everything is crazy with school starting again but I think we should all take a moment to recognize the events that took place 17 years ago today.
17 years ago, four planes were used as weapons of mass destruction and took many lives. 9/11 was a disaster that no one could have seen coming and few could cope with. As the anniversary approaches, I hope that everyone will remember the first responders, the volunteers, and the politicians that were faced with the worst terrorist attack in over 50 years. Despite what you might believe about Bush, I encourage you to sympathize with him and the situation he was presented with. As so much time has passed, there are few reminders of what happened if you don't live in near Ground Zero or a 9/11 Museum. Maybe you are a frequent flyer and are reminded by the security measures taken. Maybe you live in NYC and have to take the subway to the financial district each day. But in Texas, the school I go to does nothing to recognize 9/11 and it makes me sad. But hope is not lost, there are organizations and others that remind us of this horrible event. One of these organizations is Young America's Foundation. They encourage clubs to place flags throughout campus in order to recognize the lives lost on 9/11/2001. This memorial has one flag for each life lost. Another reminder is the Tony winning, nominated for Best Musical 2017, Broadway show: Come From Away. It tells the story of the tens of planes required to land at a small airport in Canada and the relationships between the passengers as they take in the events of 9/11. I highly recommend the music. Other reminders come in songs like Alan Jackson's Where were you when the World Stopped Turning. Or Toby Keith's Courtesy of the Red White and Blue. No matter how you choose to remember the attacks on the US that took place on September 11, 2001, the important thing is that you do. In the same way we remember the Holocaust; soon there will be no more survivors of the Holocaust. A day will come when there are no more 9/11 survivors, but we cannot forget it. Because this attack showed the world that though we might be attacked, we will never be defeated. And we will Never Forget |
AuthorA preppy Texas girl ready to take on the world! Archives
June 2019
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