Friends

Warning: This post is ridiculously sappy. I don't know what came over me but holy cow get ready.

We've been out of town the past two weekends and while we're both fairly tired, the visits were absolutely worth it. Two weekends ago we traveled to Tulsa and had a reunion with several of my college friends, and this weekend we traveled to Mount Magazine (Arkansas) to visit one of my high school best friends. You probably noticed that both visits were to see "my" friends, but Michael said one of the nicest things on our drive home today. He talked about how glad he was that I'd made (and kept up with) such wonderful friends, and in turn how happy he was that they'd each married amazing guys who he now considers his friends as well. Music to my ears. While I know family comes first, I'd have a hard time marrying someone who didn't love and support the relationships I'd made before we married. He's quite the opposite and is constantly encouraging me to give one a call or find out how another is doing. To see him talking and laughing with each of them is one of the greatest gifts he could give me. And while this post is about the past two weekends, let it be known that I feel the same way about his friends--we're both so fortunate.

Tulsa

We left right after work and headed to Kait and Steve's house. Leighton was already asleep so we sat around their dining table and caught up on the past few months. Kait is constantly updating their house with beautiful furniture or awesome throw pillows so it's always great to see the place. Saturday morning we met up with the rest of the group at Dilly Deli (aahhhhh, I love that place so much!) and were introduced to beautiful baby Siena. I know it's so cliché to say, "We picked up right where we left off" but I don't know how else to describe it. Let's just say if there was a television reality show for the best set of friends I'd submit us in a heartbeat. Mostly because I'm so competitive and would love to retire early... But I really think we'd stand a good chance. The girls (Summer, Emily, Kaitlin, Siena, and myself) split from the dudes and went to Utica Square so we could visit our favorite Starbucks. I've known these girls for 11 years and it just gets better every time we see each other. While a visit doesn't go by without discussing our crazy college antics, it's clear we've all grown up a bit and our "new" stories are just as fun and fascinating as the old.

We drove back to Kait's place and the boys picked up some steak, fish and chicken for a grand cookout. Food was delicious and the night ended with Oklahoma's largest earthquake. Perfect way to end the night. :)

On Sunday Leighton found my phone, which has a picture of our favorite fat feline, Thumbs Magee. She looked at me and said, "Kitty? Kitty!" and I swear I almost took her to a cat store (yes, I said cat store) to buy her a kitty. It was precious. She'd leave my side to play and then come back moments later and ask to see the kitty again. I missed that girl the moment we got in the car to drive back to Dallas.

While we were there I took some pictures of Summer's beautiful family. I also managed a 2-minute photo session with the sweetest ginger I know.

Mount Magazine

Last October the two of us along with Leslie, Julie, and their counterparts met in Fort Smith and together we visited Arkansas wine country. We named it Altoberfest (Altus, Arkansas) and decided we'd do it every year. Unfortunately, Julie and Mark weren't able to make it this year due to their recent move to Charleston. We missed them so much. The trip got pushed back to November and Leslie had the excellent idea to switch it up and head to Mount Magazine State Park. Seeing that she is 19 weeks pregnant, a winery tour would've been a bit boring. We met up yesterday morning so Michael and I could see Riggs before we drove east. When he's excited or surprised he gets a huge grin on his face and yells "Oh wowee!" It is absolutely adorable. We had a great lunch at Grapevine Restaurant in Paris (not that I really need to clarify but I'm not referring to the city in France), and then made our way to the Mount Magazine lodge. The foliage is breathtaking right now--I couldn't get over all of the colors. I'm used to Dallas, which has a lovely mix of green and dead. It's gorgeous.

The wind was ridiculous so our plans of hiking turned into sitting inside the lodge and staring at the beautiful view. Dinner was "meh" but I'm not sure any of us really cared. I love that couple so much (and I think they should write a book on parenting). When Leslie found out about my miscarriage, she asked if she could come to Dallas (after dropping off Riggs in Fort Smith) so she could be with me. You guys, the girl lives in Memphis and was ready to jump in a car and drive 10+ hours so she could cry with me. Of course I told her it was not necessary but what made it so special is I knew she would've done it in a heartbeat if I'd said yes. How did I get so lucky?

Sorry for the brief side story. Back to Mount Magazine. After dinner we watched Bridesmaids and then had a delicious breakfast this morning with the same beautiful view. It was SO great to see them.

Both visits just made my heart hurt and soar at the same time. I miss those girls like crazy. I learn something new about each of us every time we're together. Regardless, I ended each weekend feeling so content. Of course I wish we all lived on the same street and met each other for coffee each morning (did I mention my high school and college friends all get along too?!) but I know that will never happen. What I DO know is my Prius better be prepared for a lot more road trips because these visits are never going to stop.

Shutter speed is fun...

Just In Time For Halloween

At about 4:30 Friday morning, Michael and I wake up to our smoke alarm. There is no smoke, it's simply beeping to let us know the battery is low. Due to our high ceilings and groggy minds, we can't reach the detector and decide we'll mess with it later. And so we shut our door and sleep through it. Last night, we get home from having dinner with friends and notice the beeping has stopped. Happy that the battery has finally died, we are both grateful for a night of restful sleep.

6:00 this morning we both wake up to the beeping. Again. This time Michael takes matters into his own hands and removes the battery from the alarm. It keeps beeping. After doing a bit of internet research, he finds out it is connected internally and has nothing to do with the battery. Dejected and down, he goes back to bed. (Sidenote: He stood on our side table, which was perched on top of our coffee table.) (Second sidenote: We are buying a ladder today.)

We wake up a few hours later and Michael decides to remove the entire alarm. The next moment was absolute comedic genius and I'm so sad we don't have it on video. Michael is upstairs and I'm still downstairs in bed. After several minutes I hear Michael yell, "Take that, bitches!" as he removes the entire alarm from the ceiling. Three seconds later it loudly beeps and I hear, "...What the hell?" I'm laughing so hard I'm crying. He runs downstairs with the alarm in his hands and a very confused look on his face. We stare at the alarm, which is still beeping without a battery. Just as we decide we have a haunted alarm, it quietly goes, "Beep. Beeeeep. Beeeeeeeep." Flat line. Michael killed the alarm.

And now I believe it's time for a nap.

Anniversary Post

In case you missed it, last month we were blessed with a Free Crappy Portrait, which still cracks me up on a daily basis (it's on my desktop at work and is currently my Facebook profile pic). Since I've had some super serious posts lately, we decided to have a bit o' fun with this year's anniversary post.

We present to you our own crappy portraits. I wrote all over mine so you'll have to click on the picture to read everything. Michael wrote commentary below his picture because he was afraid you wouldn't be able to read his handwriting.

I wish I could say we drew these when we were four, but no. The following pictures were drawn by two relatively intelligent (I think?) 29-year-olds using a box of 24 crayons. Perhaps we're better off calling it abstract?

Enjoy!



The following was written by Michael:

This is a bouquet of your favorite thiiiiiiiiings. (It works better if you sing it a la Sound of Music.)

Let's start with the obvious. This is a celery stalk that has sprouted tentacles. Also, apparently everything you like is black or gray. Glad we splurged on the 24 pack of crayons. I probably could have done a better job with an old piece of charcoal from the grill.

Moving on, from left to right...

That is not a one-eyed baby seal with a horn, it's your camera! I'm so happy you found photography because you seem to enjoy it so much.

A calculator because you love math you big dork. You would find this specific calculator very frustrating because it only has number keys.

Your Prius! Amazingly enough the tires aren't round or the same size and you still get 40+ mpg. It's self conscious about its nose so don't bring it up.

The Mac. This is the only thing I was able to reference while drawing, and it's still awful.

Cheese! ...or the moon! Take your pick.

Hand bags. Though it's plain, this was about the most accurate representation of the lot. I was going to add a set of heels, but I knew that was pushing my luck.

And finally...Thumbs! Apparently she has a rash and is closer in relation to bovine than feline, so that would explain her size. I believe I was still able to accurately represent her disdain for me as she appears to be flashing the skank eye.

No manatees or ostriches were harmed in the making of this "masterpiece o' poo." (<-- Before & After, like Wheel of Fortune!)

If it's the thought that counts, I love you so much. If not, you shouldn't have married a left handed guy with the artistic ability of a three-year-old with two broken arms.

I Left My Legs In San Francisco. My Heart? He Came Back With Me.

Michael and I just returned from our trip to Healdsburg and San Francisco! We had such a wonderful time and don't worry, I have full plans to completely bore you with detailed recaps of each day. Right now, however, I'm tired. And I have a huge suitcase that is begging to be unpacked. And a fat cat who is desperate for attention. And some sore legs that might not ever recover from those hills.

I will mention one tiny memory from our trip: we celebrated our 4th anniversary! As you probably know, we say our vows to one another once a year on our anniversary.* While no place or time will ever quite compare to the first, this year absolutely took my breath away. Why, you ask? Because we said them to one another here:


Hand in hand, walking down the most gorgeous, peaceful path. At that moment, I felt no want, no sorrow, no sickness. Only joy, plenty, and health.

I am the luckiest.

Each year we write our own anniversary posts, but this year we're shaking things up a bit, which you'll see in a few days. Should be fun.

*Have I mentioned (only 100 times?) how special it is to say your wedding vows to one another without the help of a pastor or sheet of paper? It is the best advice our pastor gave us, and four years later I am so grateful. If you aren't married (or heck, even if you are), I really encourage you to memorize your vows. We may only say them to one another once a year, but it is sacred to us, and a wonderful reminder. We vowed before God to be loving, to be faithful, and to stand by one another in good times and in bad. What a gift!

I Meredith, take you Michael, to be my wedded husband.
And I do promise and covenant, before God and these witnesses,
to be your loving and faithful wife.
In plenty and in want
In joy and in sorrow
In sickness and in health
For as long as we both shall live.

Fall Favorites

Does anyone else think Fall feels like a new beginning? I know most consider New Year's Day to be their "fresh start," but on that day I can barely zip my pants, my skin is dry and pale, I'm slightly hungover from too much bubbly, and all I can see in my future is February. On January 1, I feel exhausted. Fall, however, makes me want to become a better person. You can walk outside and not immediately gasp for breath due to the temps, the trees are prettier, moods are cheerier, and something about school supplies at Target makes me think, "This is it. My slate is clean."

Anyway, thought it was time to do another favorites post and I believe I will keep the subject matter Fall-related because it's just so damn great. For the record, my favorite season is and always will be summer. However, after experiencing 71 days of 100+ temps, I think I'm ready to exchange the tanks and shorts for boots and blazers.

1. Oil of Olay Regenerist Serum. This is some good stuff. Fall = drier skin. Wrinkles have declared war on my face and unfortunately, they are winning. I try to use it every night. (There are still plenty of nights I don't wash my face before bed. Haley--don't hate me.) I always use it in the morning on my forehead and laugh lines, but avoid the eye area because it can cause your eye makeup to run. Oh and did I mention Target makes their own knock-off version? It's a fraction of the price. Oil of Olay is reasonable, but Target still managed to beat 'em and it works just as well.



2. Lululemon Define Jacket. Let me start out with the bad news. It's not cheap. Not at all. But the fit will cause you to not bat an eye at the price tag (well, maybe a few bats, but no permanent damage). I am the proud owner of two and am a very happy customer. I wear them all of the time, especially when flying. I don't enjoy looking like a slob in public but I refuse to fly in uncomfortable clothes. This jacket is the perfect answer. Anyway, if I can put on a workout jacket and feel confident (and dare I say a wee bit sexy?), I consider it money well spent.


3. Chai Latte by Cafe Escapes. This stuff is SO GOOD. I think I could drink four cups a day but that's a bit ridiculous so I stick to one. I feel odd spending a lot of time writing about how something tastes so I'll just tell you to go try it. FYI - My mom had it and thought it was too sweet. Then again, my favorite drink at Starbucks is a white chocolate mocha so that doesn't surprise me.
4. Football. I know. I can't believe I, Meredith Leigh Besancon Haynes, just listed football as a favorite. Hear me out. I really do enjoy a game each weekend in the Fall. Please note, I said a game. Singular. I'm actually doing pretty well in my Fantasy league and due to my competitive nature, it's made football more fun. Not to mention, I love how happy it makes Michael.



5. Fall fashion. Oh it makes my heart happy. Sweaters, cardigans, scarves, plaid button-ups, leggings, boots, leopard-print, menswear inspired shoes, stacked bracelets, blazers.... I love it all. I think my limbs are silently screaming because they're being covered up but I always feel more "put together" in Fall attire. I included some of my recent favorites from Pinterest. Sorry, such a broad category. I also included a few of my latest shoe purchases (well, one was a gift from the Mr.), which are both very Fall and very comfortable! (I cannot get enough of mustard!)

Source: goingtomakeitmine.tumblr.com via Meredith on Pinterest

Source: paloma81.blogspot.com via Meredith on Pinterest

Source: momsafashiondork.blogspot.com via Meredith on Pinterest

Source: None via Meredith on Pinterest

Source: wowowow.com via Meredith on Pinterest

The latest newcomers to my shoe shelves:



They're a bit quirky but hey, so am I. It works.

6. HeyTell App for the iPhone/iPad (holla!) or Android (don't holla). Ok, this has nothing to do with Fall but you will FALL in love with it. (eh? EHHH?) Not to mention, it's free! My friend at work told me about it a few weeks ago and I'm hooked. It's similar to a walkie-talkie and great if you're driving and need to send a quick message (quit it with the texting)! Michael's messages are something like, "Don't take 635--heavy traffic" or "I fed Thumbs this morning." My statements are closer to, "Would you rather be a werewolf or a vampire?" and "Who do you love more: Me or ____ (fill in the blank with absolutely any person, place or thing)?"


So there you have it. Fantastically fun fall favorites from Feredith (I tried).

Do you have any fall favorites?

(Also--thanks for the sweet notes on my last post. Looking back, I should've turned off the ability to comment because my intent was to share my thoughts with you--not have it turn back to me. Anywho, from the bottom of my grateful heart, thank you.)

An Email

When I wrote the ridiculously long miscarriage post, I said I wouldn't talk about it again on the blog. However, my thoughts have changed a bit due to some of you. I've received A LOT of emails from friends and readers who've said they don't know what to do when they find out a friend or family member has suffered a miscarriage. I received an email yesterday from yet another friend and I thought I'd publish the email I sent her. I asked for her permission first and she mentioned it might be helpful to some of you. She said, " I was nervous asking you so maybe this will allow someone to know all the things you told me without having to ask you."

Anyway, I've modified it slightly and removed the names but this is pretty much it. As I mentioned in the below email, I only know how I felt. A miscarriage is a very personal matter and as with anything else, people react differently to tragedy. And again--you are always welcome to email me if you have questions. While it's not a club I love being a part of, I know it's something that touches everyone. If it's not you, it's your friend, or sister, or daughter, or wife.

Please understand, I realize a miscarriage does not just affect the woman, but again, I can only speak for myself. Due to my friend's question, I wrote from my perspective only.

Thanks for your email. I've actually had several people write with questions very similar to yours and I don't mind at all. Actually, I love it because it shows how much you care for your friend and her feelings. Perhaps I should become a national spokesperson and travel around the world (specifically places like Maui, Europe, etc.). Sorry, not trying to make light of the matter but you know me.

Ok, back to it. I'm so sad for her. You absolutely don't have to experience a miscarriage to feel terrible for someone, but having been there it just makes me angry when I hear someone else is going through it. I think one of the biggest struggles for the woman is moving from an incredible high to rock bottom. And all it takes is one minute. What she is feeling is a mixture of sadness and pain, but she's also angry. Very angry.

As far as what to say, I know it's different for everyone and I don't know her that well, so I can only tell you how I felt. I didn't want the few people who knew to completely avoid it. I didn't need 20 questions but acting like nothing happened was awkward. I wanted them to tell me they were thinking about me and then let me decide if I wanted to talk about it. Nice gestures like a card or a quick email are great. I even received some emails that included scriptures, which meant a lot.

Here's what she doesn't want. She doesn't want anyone telling her everything happens for a reason. She doesn't want anyone saying, "At least you weren't very far along" or "Now you can drink again!" The worst thing anyone can do is to make light of the situation or try to fix it or belittle it. Of course everything happens for a reason but she doesn't want to hear it. Not right now.

Unfortunately, the next "stage" she'll go through is a bit of bitterness (if she's not already there). She will notice all of the pregnant women around her, the babies, the whiny moms, the complainers who feel "fat," and it will piss her off. To be honest, I still have these feelings but they are not nearly as strong. It's more of a dull ache, but I'd be kidding myself if I said it was completely gone. (Added this:) There isn't much you can do at this point but if you are pregnant or have kids, be sensitive to her feelings. Don't lie or omit stories (of course you're allowed to be frustrated with your kids or pregnancy!) but be a little lenient if she doesn't respond the way you'd expect her to. At the end of the day she wants to feel normal, but she needs time to grieve.

I'm sorry she's going through this and I'm sorry you are too. I know the people who were aware of my miscarriages felt helpless and were frustrated they couldn't do anything for me. What you have to understand is there is nothing you can do to take away her pain. Don't put that pressure on yourself. My biggest prayer is that ___ married a good man because he will be the only one (on earth) who can carry her through this. I'm tearing up now just thinking about Michael and the way he took care of me. I knew I loved that guy but he absolutely blew me away. This stuff can tear relationships apart but fortunately it made ours so much stronger. I pray the same is true for them.

So there you have it. As a very brief update on us, we're doing well. I still have good days and bad, but the good days far outweigh the bad and as long as that's the case, I know I'm moving forward. The calls, emails and texts we received after I published that post confirmed we have a pretty awesome support system. So thank you for that.

And to those of you who've emailed me and asked for advice, I'm so grateful your friend, or sister, or family member has a friend like you.

No Butts About It (Har Har)

Thank you (so much) for taking part in the "What should go on Michael and Meredith's living room wall?" survey! I had no clue what you'd choose but the Sanibel Island beach shot won by a landslide. The silver medal went to my dear friend, the hibiscus, and as far as the other two....

Let's just say they received green participation ribbons and were quietly escorted out the back door.

So, beach scene it is. Several of you said the picture was probably tied to a great memory and you're definitely right. Every time I look at it I smile and relax just a bit. With that in mind, why wouldn't I want to stare at our butts, which will be blown up to a size no one should ever see? (But will. Every single day.)

Thanks again for your votes. This was fun!

HELP!

Several months ago I ordered a 16x20 canvas (thank you, Groupon). I have yet to submit a photograph and noticed it expires next week. My original plan was to blow up our favorite wedding picture, but I think the wrapped canvas would cut off a portion of my dress (not good). I went through A LOT of pictures, narrowed it down to 16, Michael cut half of them, and then I cut half of what was left. For you non-math folk, that leaves us with four.

And now I'm stuck. I need some advice. Which one should we blow up? It will be hung upstairs in our navy/orange/chartreuse room so keep that in mind.

Thanks in advance for your help! (Please help!!)

Option A
(Nasher Museum in downtown Dallas)


Option B
(Backyard hibiscus)


Option C
(Deep Ellum)


Option D
(Sanibel Island--I love this picture, but is it weird to blow up a picture of us in swimsuits? I think it might be...)

Random Thoughts

Random thoughts on a Tuesday...

I realize the following statement is going to make me sound like a complete narcissist, but I’m nothing if not honest: I like to go back and reread my own blog posts. I don’t spend hours a day doing this (I promise), but at the bottom of each post I have one of those “You might also like..." and oftentimes I’ll click on one of the recommended posts and read about something we did, say, three years ago. Some seem like they happened yesterday and other posts I’d swear I didn’t write because I have absolutely no recollection. When that happens, I open a new tab and research “Early-onset Alzheimer's." That shit is real, people.

Right now I’m reading Demetri Martin’s book, This Is A Book. The guy is hilarious. And pretty dang brilliant. For example, one chapter includes a few short palindromes and then he ends the chapter with a three-page palindrome. Three pages. He also draws a lot of pictures/charts/graphs, which crack me up. Below is typical Demetri Martin humor. If you think it’s funny, you will like his book/stand-up. If you don’t think it’s funny, forget his name because you’ll hate him. If you don’t understand it, open a new tab and research “Early-onset Alzheimer’s” because you’ve forgotten a lot, sister.

I joined a fantasy football league. Yep, you read that right. The name of our group is Real Housewives of Fantasy Football. When Lindsay asked me to join I sheepishly told her I don’t watch any of the Real Housewives shows. I am bloody brilliant. Anywho, we had a live draft last week, which was fun for the first thirty minutes. Two hours later I was all, “Do you play football? Great, you’re on my team.” I think Michael was super proud until he heard some of my ridiculous comments this weekend. (Something to do with not knowing the difference between a running back and wide receiver.) Also, did you know there was only one football game on Monday? You did? Very well then.

We experienced our first Porktemberfest and let me tell you... holy cow (holy pig?). A couple from our church hosts this every year but it’s typically Porktoberfest. She is expecting a baby in October so they decided to push the party up a month. The pig was amazing, although I felt a little sad for him all exposed like that. Met some great people and had a wonderful time.

We’re (slowly) redecorating our upstairs living area. I’m trying something new. It’s called, “Don’t buy everything at once.” With that in mind, the big room reveal will take place in approximately two to 47 months. Anyway, the color scheme (pronounced: sheeeme) is navy, orange, and chartreuse/lime. There will be plenty of white to keep it from looking like a dungeon, but it’ll definitely be different than our other rooms. Let’s hope we’re adding to the house value and not ruining our chances of ever selling it. You can always paint over navy, right?

Our San Fran trip is less than a month away. We can’t wait. Flights are booked, hotels are booked, outfits are mostly planned (leave me alone). All that’s left is filling in the hours between 8a and 11p. Hoping for another epic trip like NYC (I actually read all of the NYC posts this weekend and it reminded me how much we love to travel).

I guess that’s it for now. Oh and thanks for the lovely comments about our free crappy portrait. Several people have already said they’re planning to submit their own and my only request is you let me see it!

Our Free Crappy Family Portrait

This morning my alarm went off at its usual time. I rolled over and grabbed my phone to check email and read some blogs before I started my day. Michael was getting ready in the bathroom when he heard me laugh. And laugh. And laugh. Not used to hearing such happiness at 6:30 in the morning, he asked what was going on and I gleefully showed him our free crappy portrait.

Let me back up a bit. It all began when I ran across their website: www.freecrappyportraits.com. The concept is simple—you send a short bio along with a few pictures and one of their many talented artists draws your family portrait. As soon as I heard about this website, I knew we wanted, nay needed, a free crappy portrait. Below is the bio and two pictures I submitted. I am quite certain you will see this beaut hanging in our home the next time you drop by. It's published HERE on their website and I already replied to Tera Sue letting her know she’d made our week. She definitely captured the essence of the Haynes family.

What I submitted...

Bio:
We live in Dallas with Thumbs, our fat polydactyl cat, who makes Homer Simpson look like an Olympic athlete. Michael loves soccer, comics, and video games. Meredith loves math, manatees, and ostriches. We're as cool as we sound.





And the result--absolutely brilliant! I think my favorite part is Thumbs giving two thumbs up!

Party Like It's 1998, Part II

In case you missed my last blog post, I came up with a list of things I would love to tell my 16-year-old self. Michael made a list as well! Today is his 29th birthday so I thought it was a great day to share his thoughts...

In 5 years you won’t remember some of the things you consider so important and stress over right now.

Take half an hour and look at the book of jobs your mom gives you during your senior year in high school. You don’t have to figure out your destined profession, but at least get an idea so you major in something you enjoy.

"Catching up" is a phrase that should never be used when alcohol is involved.

Lock the door to your dorm. Always.

The arguments you’re trying to make are wrong. Your parents are right.

There’s nothing wrong with being young and single. Don’t try to be in a relationship during your entire high school and college careers.

Life is more than good grades and sports.

Be more outgoing in all situations. It pays off down the road.

The Rock Shox on your mountain bike can’t handle a giant tree root. Just lift your front wheel, you moron.

Holding grudges is futile and wasteful.

Make an effort to keep in touch with friends you won’t see regularly.

Stay away from fast food. That stuff is nasty.

Figure out that sunglasses are helpful before you turn 25, that way you might be able to keep your eyes open during pictures.

You’re going to get hurt early in the year during your junior season in college. Redshirt right then and have the surgery. Did you know you had an extra bone in each foot? Freak.

Pay attention to the girl in the chicken hat.

Take golf lessons in high school.

Call your parents more often when you’re away at school. And let them know you appreciate them buying you all the loot at Sam’s, including the economy size box of Twinkies.

If I could add one more: "You will make your future wife so, so happy."

Happy Birthday Michael! Love love!

Age 15

Age 17ish

Age 28

Party Like It's 1998

Over the last few weeks I've seen a familiar post finding its way around blog-land and decided I should partake in the fun (just like the vlog). One day I swear I'll be a trendsetter. Until then...

If I could have a chat with my 16-year-old self, this is what I would say...

Don’t stand on a chair on your 21st birthday and yell “Everyone look, it's Bob Marley! Bob Marley is here!” It’s rude.

Use sunscreen. Wear sunglasses. Drink water. Wash your face at night.

You will not have everything figured out by the time you turn 30. But what a relief—how boring would life be if you did?

Your breath will be taken away so many times: Finishing a half marathon, looking up from a scrapbook to see your boyfriend down on one knee, and watching your baby’s heartbeat light up the screen are just a few...

When you’re with someone who’s the life of the party, your laughter will never be enough. Date them anyway—it'll allow you to appreciate the one who makes you laugh when no one else is around.

Quit eating crap. Your fast metabolism doesn’t last forever and bad habits are hard to break.

Thank your parents for making travel/vacations a priority. You've seen more sights than most your age.

Very soon you’ll have a dance party in the garage with Julie and Leslie. Have someone record it because you’ll reminisce about it forever.

Being class president is not necessary to get into college, but I’m proud of you for doing it. 12 years from now, you’ll help throw a pretty fantastic reunion.

The lessons you learn from your college friends will far outweigh the lessons you learn in the classroom. It’s ok to miss a few classes due to the memories you made the night before.

….But don’t miss too many classes, otherwise you’ll have reoccurring nightmares for the rest of your life.

Don’t hold grudges. It’s a waste of time and bitterness is not attractive.

You will not live in Fort Smith forever. Breathe.

Watch some soccer games in college—not all TU soccer players are jerks.

Pay attention in German class. You’ll need it when you live in Deutschland for a month.

Spend more time getting to know John Paul and Matt Richard—their memories will far exceed their lives.

Your thoughts on politics and religion will change. (Hooray!)

Just because someone is a grown up does not mean they've grown up. Immaturity can last a lifetime if you let it. Don’t let it.

Hug your parents every chance you get. You’ll miss those hugs when you live four hours away.

Your brother is better at math. Quit trying to compete and enjoy being the “fun one.”

Marriage is a slumber party every night with your best friend. But that friend will try to steal your pillow, so watch out.

Love yourself. Be proud of yourself. And rock those ridiculously short shorts while you still can.

I wish my 16-year-old self could offer my 29-year-old self some tips as well. Something tells me the thoughts would revolve around a boy, queso, and shopping. I guess some things never change? :)

Stay tuned--Michael put a list together as well!

(I was 17 here--close enough...)

2 weeks shy of 29...

Never Forget

Michael and I saw this segment on ESPN yesterday and I've been thinking about it ever since. It's a wonderful tribute to someone who lost his own life in order to save others.

Grab a tissue (or if you're like me, grab the entire box) and CLICK HERE.

We will never forget...