Well so. Tonight my family and I went to a restaurant that I love, Lucille's, and I ate TOO much! It's easy to do there. They have portions the size of Montana. HOLY COW. I'm also typing from a new computer too, so that's nice. But I will tell you it took a while for me to figure out my username and password because my other computer had it autosaved, thus I wasn't able to log on for a while.. :)
This week at Jr. High group I was crying a lot. Now I've been a Jr. High leader for 6 years and I have not felt this sadness like I do this year with the end coming up fast. I'm going to miss these 8th graders SO much. They are the best kids I know and they brighten my day just talking to them. I love hanging out with them and going to the movies and listening to them talk and interact with one another, and in just a few weeks they'll be gone into the craziness of High School. Now don't get me wrong, I love the 7th graders too, but these 8th graders I've known since they were 3 years old and I feel like they will be gone and I hate this feeling. Some of them are like my best friends and know me better than some of my friends my age. So here's to you guys!
I love you so much. I will always be here NO MATTER WHAT! I mean that, You get into major trouble, I will always love you like I do right now and do whatever I can to get you out of trouble. Here are some words of advice from someone who's been there and has made mistakes in the past. I hope that your High School experience is better than mine, and mine was AWESOME.
1. Listen to your mother and father. They also have been there and no matter how long ago, we all deal with the same issues, some a little different, but the general issues are the same. They are only looking out for you and have your best intrests in mind. They live for you and they always want the best for you, so listen to their imput, it's most likely the best. And THEY REALLY KNOW WHAT kind of friends are best for you. (You may think they don't but that's why you're a teenager and they aren't--TRUST ME).
2. Do your homework. Don't fall behind because you will never catch up. If you know the answers and feel like "working out the problem" is cutting into your time of watching TV, then suck it up. TV will ALWAYS be there and chances are you've already seen the episode you're "dying" to watch at that time. (And you're very lucky because you can catch up online these days or Tivo it and watch it later). Strive to go to the best college you can think of. You all can do it. Work hard and don't EVER let your studies fall behind, you WILL REGRET IT IF YOU DO.
3. Be involved in school or an extra curicular activity. This is where you'll make your lifelong friends. Your friends right now might not last and don't be surprised if y'all change over the next couple of years and you don't know why you were ever friends with them...someday you'll understand. For the meantime, make friends with people you have things in common with because when all else fails, you'll have some kind of basis for the friendship. Keep the friends you have at church because you will ALL go through rough stuff and it's good to have Christian friends in times of need. Other people don't understand how to hug like Christians do (true story).
4. Don't lie to parents or teachers. No matter how well you back up your lie, they will always find out. Let me repeat that: THEY WILL ALWAYS FIND OUT!!!!! And then you're worse off than if you told the truth. The more truthful you are now, the more trust you will earn and you'll be better prepared for college.
5. Don't ever settle for anything. You are worth more than anything and if you are not being treated right or if someone is hurting you then speak up! Keep pushing for the best and never give up. You will have a successful life if you keep pushing forward than if you stumble backwards. Life's a football game, you have to keep pushing toward the endzone to earn points, and the more people you have that are stronger, faster, healthier around you as your O-line or recievers--they will be able to assist through all the blitzes that come toward you.
6. Go to the football games! They are fun. Even if you hate football (which is just silly) GO!! You will have so much fun.
7. Take pictures. You can never take enough, even if you are L.R. :) In 10 years you'll be glad you did.
8. In all you do, love God with your whole heart. More than friends, more than family, more than youth group, more than me, He is always there for you to lean on. During a tough test, during a football game, during a yearbook meeting, during choir rehursal, during lunch breaks, during AP Euro, during STAR testing, he is there. He will always give you the strength that you need to get through anything. He Loves you and you are his children. He too, wants what's best for you so show him what your best is and do it for Him whole heartedly.
I can't wait to see where God takes you in life. Please keep in touch with me and I will pray for you everyday. I mean it too, if you need anything, I have a fast get-a-way car and a trunk full of disguises. I will do my best to get you out of whatever trouble, or problem or situation you may find yourself in. I'm here for you to cry to on those rough days and I'm here to pray for you no matter what. You could not do anything that would make me not love you. (read that sentance again). I will always love you, who you are, who you become and who you have the potential to be. Please don't ever forget that.
We have a graduation party in a few weeks so I hope you will all hear this message from me before then! XO
Other tid bits to say about the world before I sign off: Go DUCKS!--Yea, HIMYM is coming back for a third season, so y'all better watch!!!!!!!--I love you SYD, you've been the bestest friend lately and I will never be able to show how much you mean to me because there isn't enough love in the world.--Nicky, you are awesome I'm so proud of you and I Love you more than I could ever say--Jen, where the ____ have you been all my life, I miss you to pieces.--Memorial day was awesome, must do again soon.--All-nighter killed me, but Chip and Kim RULE.
I think that's all for now. Goodnight and Goodluck! :)
