Wendy bird

Earlier this week, I turned 23 years old. Whaaaaaaat? It seems like only yesterday I was a fresh-faced hooligan giddily flashing my ID. Alas, those days are gone….according to Blink-182, nobody likes you when you’re 23. I could psychoanalyze the heck out of why I was filled with dread before my past two birthdays, but instead I’m going to counter all those unhappy thoughts with the wonderful truths I discovered thereafter.

Unhappy thought: April 25th is just another reminder that I’m growing older and the best days are behind me.
Wonderful truth: I may be aging, but my added years only contribute to the amount of love I feel and wisdom I’ve gained that enables me to live a richer life. Plus I’ve got seven years left of my twenties…..seven years ago I was 16, so we’re swimming in time. 

Unhappy thought: No one cares about my birthday anymore = I don’t care about my birthday anymore.
Wonderful truth: People who made me feel special, including but not limited to: my parents, coworkers, Grandpa, Aunts, cousins, old friends, new friends, best friends, acquaintances, people who randomly found out it was my birthday, mentors, friends of friends, Starbucks, cats, etc. Ways they made me feel special: cards, texts, hugs and kisses, flowers, cake, phone calls, dinners, surprise visits, singing, Facebook posts, cupcakes, laughter, coffee, movies, more cake, etc.

Unhappy thought: Everything looks different than it did last year, which means it’s worse.
Wonderful truth: Oh how little faith I have in my stupendous loved ones — miles and circumstances could not stop them from showering me with kindness, and although my situation might differ, the important things remain steadfast.

Unhappy though: I’m not qualified to be 23.
Wonderful truth: There are are thousand and one ways society tells you what you “should” be doing in your twenties, but expectation is the root of all heartache. Everyone’s definition of happiness is different, so we may as well just try to live our best lives and figure it out along the way.

Unhappy thought: I don’t know what’s going to happen in this 23rd year, therefore I must fear it.
Wonderful truth: I know that during this year I will continue to travel, love my job, grow closer to my family, try different things, strengthen friendships, read more books, meet new people, learn about myself and the world around me, solve problems, rewatch my favorite movies, seek out God, face challenges, eat lots of popcorn, write about my feelings and so on and so on.

I think that’s cause for excitement, don’t you?

 

 

 

Let Comrade Answer “Here”

April 21, 2016 marked my first Muster as a Former Student, and while the experience was definitely different than the previous four years in Aggieland, it was no less profound.

For Aggies, Muster is the most tangible experience of the Aggie Spirit. It’s a time to honor our fellow classmates and loved ones who have recently passed away, lighting a candle and proclaiming, “Here” during roll call. Watching a stadium somberly answer to the list of deceased is magnificent to say the least; it is awe-inspiring and poignant and powerful. Based on my undergraduate Muster experiences, San Jacinto Day’s ritual is the embodiment of Aggie grandeur: a tradition that is fulfilled in the most epic of reverence.

But there’s another reason why we Aggies Muster: to honor the dead, yes, but also to celebrate the living.  The March 1923 Texas Aggie is often quoted: “If there is an A&M man in one hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas.” 

Camaraderie has always been emphasized when describing Muster, but as a student, you live that every day. There is no need to track down an Aggie 100 miles away because there are probably ten less than 100 feet from you.

Now I moved to Houston, a measly hour and a half outside of College Station, so it’s not like I struggle to find other Aggies. But it’s not quite as easy to reminisce as it once was. I’m still very close to my friends from school, but we have new lives consumed with jobs and relationships and travel and all sorts of other “adult” things. We’ve moved on from our beloved Texas A&M, it still being a major part of our lives, but no longer being our whole lives.

To jump back into that mindset — of MSC programs and Fightin’ Texas Aggie Football and Fish Camp and late nights in the library and going to the Chicken after Midnight Yell and so many other shared memories — that’s not something you get to do everyday, much less with thousands of fellow Aggies who have similar experiences. Tonight I did just that, with old and new friends alike. It’s a real blessing to remember where you came from, and thank those who came before you by declaring unanimously that you stand for them.

“May good fortune smile upon us until we meet again.”

One last visit to Downton Abbey

This evening is both somber and celebratory, for tonight is when the US will watch the series finale of Downton Abbey. I would feel dishonest if I didn’t disclose that I’ve already seen it (we bought the last season on DVD), but not to worry, you won’t find any spoilers here. Despite my foreknowledge of “how it all ends”, I still feel a part of the American fan base’s anticipation for tonight. We’ve seen the Crawleys through six seasons of drama, happiness and heartbreak, and now it’s time to say goodbye.

I first got into Downton Abbey one summer break during college; my mom and I had heard so many wonderful things about it (two seasons had already aired), so we decided to give it a try. After all, we Fishers are quite the Anglophiles! Not surprisingly, my entire family was instantly hooked: we devoured seasons one and two, pouring over every bit of material this fandom offered. Once it was back on air stateside, we religiously spent our Sunday evenings tuned into PBS, crying and laughing, then crying some more (season three, I’m looking at you).

Well done period pieces like Downton Abbey are so remarkable because they make you yearn for the pleasantries of the past yet appreciate the positives of the present. The characters in Downton have much fewer distractions than we do today, and people were much more respectful and dignified. However, the class system was incredibly archaic, and women had little power. Mary is the eldest daughter but cannot inherit anything simply because she’s female — if I was alive back then, I would be in exactly the same position as Mary, as I am the oldest of my sisters and my father would be the one to inherit with no heir. (Unfortunately, he’s not the Earl of Grantham, much to my dismay!) The high quality — in writing, acting, and overall historical accuracy — has solidified Downton as a staple of today’s pop culture despite its presence in the past.

More so than the glamorous costumes or delicious plot lines, I think the thing that I’ll miss most is the familial bond, both in real life and onscreen. Although Downton is set in the early twentieth century, the differences between the Crawley family and our own are not as drastic as they may appear. Three sisters navigate their relationships with one another while dealing with the expectations set by their loved ones and society as a whole. Social issues, economic pitfalls and major events constantly test the members of the household and cause them to evaluate their opinions and values as what they once knew to be normal destructs. An ever-changing world forces each person to adapt and move forward, evolving with the times while keeping true to what they hold dear. Sound familiar? I encounter this sensation each time I travel, including my pilgrimage to the real Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle. By immersing ourselves in the lives of those who’ve come before us, we come to realize that we’re not all that different than we once thought.

So thanks for all the memories, Downton Abbey. We will miss you dearly but hold the (fictional) lives of Mary, Carson, Anna, Edith, Sybil, Robert, Violet, Mr. Bates, Branson, Mrs. Hughes, Thomas, Matthew, Cora, Isobel, Daisy, Molesly, Rose, Andy, Mrs. Pattmore, O’Brien, and so many others in our hearts. But I suppose life must go one, as Maggie Smith’s Lady Violet Crawley would say, “Don’t be defeatist, dear. It’s very middle class.”

 

 

To Kill A Mockingbird

This morning, news broke that Pulitzer Prize winning author Harper Lee had passed away at the age of 89. She had been in poor health for quite some time, so it came as no surprise to hear that she’d died. Nevertheless, it got me thinking about the impact she had on my adolescense, and why To Kill A Mockingbird has and always will be one of my favorites novels, as it is for so many other Americans.

Written in 1960 during the height of Jim Crow laws, Mockingbird is a snapshot of Scout Finch, a young girl being raised in Alabama by her attorney father, Atticus. We embark on the journey of growing up with Scout as she witnesses racism, death and the injustices of society. What overpowers the tragedy around her, though, is her father’s unwavering morals with which he defends an innocent African American man on trial for rape. Scout also displays her integrety when she befriends the town recluse, Boo Radley, who ultimately ends up saving her life.

When I read To Kill A Mockingbird in the 8th grade, I felt I had a clear image of what the book is about: doing the right thing, even when it’s not easy. As a 16 year old rereading Mockingbird, I discovered that the richness of the story’s moral lies within the tragedy of losing one’s innocence. In college, I was amazed at humility of true heroism .

That’s what great storytelling is: timeless exposition. To Kill A Mockingbird is children’s literature, but it resonates with everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, etc. It is the tale of what it means to be human. The last line of the book is Scout’s account of Atticus kissing her goodnight and staying by her brother’s bedside til morning. It is in this final statement where Harper Lee made her intentions known: the choices we make, big and small, define our true character.

I regard Atticus Finch as the greatest literay hero, mainly because I see so much of him in my own parents. Atticus is intelligent, incorruptible and courageous, yet he is gentle and kind and selfless. Sure, there have been times when my parents have personified these traits in grand, epic gestures (which often times is not easy), but for the most part, their virtue is in the ordinary. I see Atticus Finch when my mother cares for my grandmother suffering from dementia. I see Atticus Finch when my father forgoes sleep for helping family members with his professional expertise (he’s a lawyer, too). Or maybe…I should say I see my mother in Atticus Finch when he tells Scout not to shoot mockingbirds, for innocents should be protected…or I see my father in Atticus Finch when he denies his peers’ prejudiced opinions with respect and compassion.

Harper Lee’s characters serve as mirrors to what the world is and what it should be. She gave us the fictionalized versions of people we already knew, both good and evil. But she doesn’t spell this out for us. She presents a tale of a girl coming of age who is learning to face the harsh realities of the world and how those around her help her grow. Her father encourages her, just as my parents have encouraged me, and their parents before them. And Scout’s friends and enemies help her to grow, just as my peers teach me through our interactions.  To Kill A Mockingbird challenges us to look within ourselves and decide what we stand for, because it is in these answers where we discover who we really are and what our legacy will be.

7 Questions Every Post Grad Asks Themselves

Although I graduated from Texas A&M way back in May (it’s been nearly 9 months — how crazy is that?!), I finally feel like I’ve regained my sense of “normal”. My weekly routines are pretty solid, and I no longer wake up wondering when this weird break from school will conclude. I am now able to travel back to Aggieland and not fall victim to my own nostalgic pining; this weekend I even got to attend the annual OPAS Gala as a guest, not a student….and it was awesome!

Having finally caught up to my status as a “young professional”, I’ve come to find that there’s a whole slew of topics the world just expects you to know how to navigate…. Here are some of life’s mysteries I question daily….

1. Is it as unhealthy as I think it is for me to spend so much time staring at a screen?
I’ve started to exclusively read during my lunch break (physical books, mind you) because I realized I go from a computer screen to my iPhone to a tablet….the struggle is real.

2. How am I supposed to get my 10,000 steps in each day if I sit at a desk?
I’ve only seen my Fitbit do its little celebratory dance a few times since purchasing this thing a month ago….and I even make an effort to walk around outside!

3. What is a 401K….or really any long-term bank account thingy….but seriously….?
I’m pretty sure I have one….Warren Fisher, financier extraordinaire, set up a Roth IRA for me….but even after explaining it several times….I still just have zero clue…..

4. Will I ever make as good of friends as I did in college?
Without a built in common denominator like school, it’s really, really, really, really hard to establish a solid connection. Especially when you already have you’ve already found your besties/soul mates, they’re just far away.

5. If I listen to NPR, will I sound more worldly and intelligent?
NPR is a magical three letter acronym that everyone casually name-drops in conversation. I eagerly await the day when I can respond to a discussion with “I heard on NPR….”

6. When will my self-confidence be restored to its former glory?
I work with the greatest people at the most fabulous job, but going from the top-of-the-totem-pole to a fresh faced newb means making rookie mistakes and feeling bad about it….a lot.

7. Why has my alcohol/junk food/desire to go out tolerance  suddenly diminished so drastically?
Like speaking a foreign language, you either use it or you lose it: The city is waaaay more expensive than a college town, and it’s just so nice to go home to Netflix after a long day at work……

Throughout all these inquiries, I’ve come to one and one conclusion alone: no one has any idea what they’re doing, so I might as well play along and learn to deal.

Ringing in the New Year at The Happiest Place on Earth

I may have just returned from a different trip (to Denver — another post soon!), but first I must recap the vacation that kicked off 2016. Walt Disney World has always been my family’s favorite destination, however this was the first time for us to experience it during the holiday season (we did Disneyland four years ago at Christmastime). With Claire and Margaret in school, my parents have taken my presence back home as an opportunity to travel like the empty nesters they’ve become. Armed with annual passes, frequent flyer miles and hotel points burning holes in their pockets, Liz and Warren often use the phrase: “Well we have to eat somewhere and you’re home to watch the cats so why not go!” At this point, I usually grit my teeth and remind myself of my rent-free existence. And you know, that their happiness brings me happiness…..

Because my parents are such frequent Disney travelers nowadays, I was shocked to discover that I, too, got to be included in their fun! Shocked because I can’t imagine that they would want to throw a wrench in their perfectly synchronized couple plans, but more importantly, shocked because it was a surprise! On Christmas morning, my sisters and I each unwrapped three gifts, from top to bottom: a Disney pin, ornament and finally, our new magic bands! Mind you, I knew about the trip before then (that Southwest Airlines “future trips” portion of the app can get you into trouble when on the receiving end of surprises), but I managed to keep it a secret from Claire and Margaret, thus making the reveal that much sweeter.

A mere five days after the grand announcement, our family boarded a plane to Orlando, eagerly beaming with the excitement of Disney upon us (okay that was mostly me doing the beaming, but everyone was pumped). After utilizing the Magical Express — Disney’s incredibly efficient transportation to and from the airport for resort guests — we checked in to the Polynesian Resort and hopped on the Monorail to Epcot. The Polynesian ended up being superb, despite our last experience’s let down. With updated fixtures and decor, a layout conducive to our family of five (hard to come by these days), and most importantly, the luxury of being just steps away from the Monorail, the Polynesian Resort was the perfect place for us to unwind — or rather crash — after a full day in the parks.

Thursday (Dec. 30th) was a fun-filled day at Epcot spent utilizing our Fast Passes and exploring the World Showcase; lunch at the German Biergarten was definitely a highlight, as well as the Candlelight Procession hosted by Amy Grant. We ended up calling it an early night because we knew the next day was going to be ~epic~.

Ah, New Year’s Eve. Noted as one of Disney’s busiest days of the year, the Magic Kingdom has been known to reach maximum capacity (yes, they do stop letting people in) sometime in the morning (we later found out 10:00 AM). Still, we were up for the challenge.

Claire and Margaret and I woke up early to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours: a designated park open early/closes late for resort guests, so we knew today was the day to take advantage of this amenity. The Polynesian is located on the Monorail, but it is also just steps away from the Transportation and Ticket Center, which has an express Monorail service to Magic Kingdom. Feeling an extra pep in our step, we decided to walk over to the express Monorail; it was here that we got a glimpse as to just how crowded the day was going to get.

Feeling especially #blessed, my sisters and I whizzed past the hoards of people waiting for the park to open, and I LITERALLY could not contain my excitement. Just imagine me bouncing up and down on our ride to the Magic Kingdom. It isn’t hard to do. A quiet and cloudy morning was the backdrop to Cinderella Castle, causing us to pause for a second and marvel at the awesomeness that was to come. Taking a breath, we raced to Space Mountain for a 15 minute line….that short of a wait time never happens……even on normal days….. Baffled by the lack of clogged rides, we sprinted to Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain AND Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, conquering each of these in less than one hour total…..I’ll say it again, that NEVER happens!

At this point, my parents were attempting to enter the park with the other peasants not staying at a Disney resort (I have been one of the peasants before, so I shouldn’t sit on such a mighty throne). By attempting, I mean shuffling along with thousands of vacationers trying to make it to the Magic Kingdom before the doors shut. Luckily, Liz and Warren squeezed their way through and the five of us were reunited, ready to BTHO New Year’s Eve.

And what a satisfyingly fun day it was. Despite the gobs of humanity, we really did ride everything we wanted. Sure, a lot of our time was spent playing Ellen DeGeneres’s Heads Up game in line, but the new Fast Pass system allows you to pace yourself throughout the day, which meant we were never too far from a shorter line. A delicious dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern energized us for the remainder of the day (and subsequent morning); after riding Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — THE Fisher family favorite ride – we were approached by cast members passing out party hats and noisemakers. This was it, folks, the countdown had begun.

Making our way to the hub of Magic Kingdom, we took in the spectacle of 2015’s final hours. A DJ kept the crowd energized at the base of Cinderella Castle. Parade floats lined the now accessible back alleys for guests to take pictures with. Main Street USA was no longer a path but a place where patient ground dwellers staked claim on territory for prime fireworks viewing. We, too, chose a spot close enough to see the sky lit up but far enough back that we wouldn’t get caught in too much exit traffic.

As the five of us snacked on sugary treats and waited for the new year’s arrival, I couldn’t help but think about the impact 2015 will forever have on my life. I know I already spoke to some extent about this meaningfulness, but I felt it so appropriate that arguably the most dramatic year of my life thus far (ups and downs equally represented) was ending on such a bang. And a happy one, at that….

Ten seconds to go, Mickey Mouse led us in a giant countdown before the night was illuminated in magnificent bursts of color and sound. We cheered and sang “Auld Lang Syne” as 90,000 other celebrators and I welcomed in 2016. It was overwhelmingly magical.

We spent 17 hours in the park that day, so you can imagine how exhausted my family and I were on January 1st. We went to Hollywood Studios, which was all decked out for Star Wars because The Force Awakens had just been released. I, of course, let my geek flag fly proudly, especially when we got to meet Darth Vader (as did my parents!). Margaret was even chosen as the “Rebel Spy” on Star Tours, which now features Finn! We watched our favorite nighttime show, Fantasmic! but a disappointing evening due to a disastrous dinner caused us to miss The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. This incredible display choreographs over 5 million Christmas lights to music, and coincidentally, our first year to experience it was the last year Disney was hosting it. Hence our frustration that we would, in fact, never get to participate.

In true fashion, though, Disney came to save the day: My dad sends Customer Service a tweet explaining our situation, a Disney representative then calls him to see what they can do to help, we are granted Park Hoppers to go to Hollywood Studios again, the Fishers get to see the truly incredible Spectacle of Dancing Lights, all is well and faith is restored in the power of Disney’s commitment to their guests. A prime example, ladies and gentlemen, of the classic wisdom: ask and ye shall receive.

Along with our return to Hollywood Studios, we spent the last two days at Epcot and Magic Kingdom, and just when I thought the trip couldn’t get any better, my former boss at A&M, Catharine, texted me saying they were at Disney World, as well! Her daughter, Emma, is one of my dearest friends who I’ve had the pleasure of sharing some wonderful memories with (also she just turned ten, everyone!). It took quite the effort to meet up, as our schedules never aligned. But on our last afternoon, they raced over to meet us, and we had a surprise mini-reunion!

Within a few minutes, my family had to depart for the airport, but it was the perfect ending to a perfect trip. This really was the best Disney vacation we’ve had since my sisters and I were younger, and I’m so grateful that my parents decided to schlep us along for a New Year’s adventure. What a way to start 2016!

 

 

9 thoughts I had during the High School Musical 10th Anniversary Special

When High School Musical premiered on January 20, 2006, I was in the 7th grade: it was a point in adolescence where kids programming wasn’t exactly cool, but people still talked about That’s So Raven as one their favorite shows in an non-sarcastic way. I remember coming back from winter break and casually discussing this new Disney Channel Original Movie…. little did we all know it would be the cultural phenomenon that would shape our formative youth years. Now on the 10th anniversary of the High School Musial premiere, I sat down to revisit this teenage classic, courtesy of Disney Channel and their reunion special that aired tonight. Here’s how it went:

1. Wow, it’s been a whole decade since the movie came out…..has it really been that long? I feel old. And sad.

2. Ms. Darbus might be my favorite character; she’s spitting one-liners that Maggie Smith would be proud of.

3. JK Troy’s dad is my new favorite character. Why take Zac Efron with Justin Bieber hair when you can have Coach Bolton…..

4. Speaking of Troy, I’m only slightly offended that Zac Efron was “unable” to make the cast reunion. I get that he’s a movie star and all, but once a Wildcat always a Wildcat, ammiright?

5. Those flip-phones, tho. Okay, maybe it has been 10 years. Ms. Darbus, if you think cell phones are an issue now, just wait til Snaphat comes along.

6. This fashion is on point. The headbands, the sash belts, ALL OF THE SEQUINS. What a time it was to be alive.

7. Kids these days don’t know squat about “sticking to the status quo” — HSM was on the cusp of the Glee revolution where it’s now cool to be different.

8. Do you feel that? Chills. Troy + Gabriella harmonizing = magic.

9. Ugh, why can’t my life be a musical. This looks like so much fun. Unfortunately it’s not. Which is why I am so glad that high school’s over…..

Thanks for the throwback, High School Musical. You gave us millennials so much.

Awards Season 2016

Tonight are the Golden Globes, thus kicking off Awards Season 2016. For the past few years, my friends and I have gathered for every awards ceremony, filling out ballots to see who predicts the correct winners (and earns bragging rights for the rest of the year). Sadly, we’ve all graduated and no longer are able to gather around Hollywood’s brightest stars. Sitting at home by myself this year, I still love the glitz and glamor, so here are all the reasons why Awards Season is the best:

FASHION
If we’re being honest here, this is my favorite part of any awards show. From timeless looks to edgy trendsetters, there’s nothing like a gathering of movie stars to make the world collectively ooh and ahh over the fabulousness we all aspire to achieve.

Celebrities, they’re just like us!
I am completely guilty of worshipping the ground celebrities walk on. But awards season is the perfect opportunity for them to showcase their true selves: some humorous, some heartfelt, all genuine. When you’re wearing an evening gown in LA weather under the constant flash of cameras, even the most talented of actors can’t hide their real emotions, making those on the red carpet that much more….human.

Entertainment recommendations
For some, the list of nominees is daunting. For me, it’s a checklist. While I don’t always agree with reviews, most of the time if a movie’s good enough to be included in an awards ballot, it’s worth a trip to the theater. Because it truly is an honor just to be nominated.

Speeches
Actors and actresses’ jobs are to speak lines that other people write, so awards shows offer a unique opportunity to hear their voices. There are speeches that bring us to tears and the winners that are so flabbergasted its adorable, but the universal denominator is that NO ONE IS SAFE from play-off music if you take too long.

Conversation starters
Awards season is not just a time to celebrate the stars, it’s also an opportunity for Hollywood to take a collective stand. From natural disasters to social issues, this is a platform that has proved to be quite influential. Recently, gender inequality in interviews has been brought to the media’s attention through the #AskHerMore campaign, calling on journalists to discuss more than just fashion with the female celebrities and give them the same opportunities as the boys.

Welcome to the 2016 Awards Season, and may the odds be ever in Leo’s favor.

 

7 Non-cornball New Years Resolutions that are actually plausible: 2016 Edition

1. I’m now paying for my own gym membership (versus mooching off my parents’), so I intend to get my money’s worth.

2. I want to always have the “next trip” planned, i.e. have another plane ticket purchased before any upcoming travels.

3. Because I live with Master Chef Liz Fisher, I’m setting out to actually accomplish this cooking resolution that I’ve historically aspired to (and failed at) so many times before.

4. I am committing to writing/reading for at least half an hour everyday.

5. Being an adult is bizarre in that you actually have money and now get to decide how to spend/save/donate it , so I would like to really understand what I’m doing with my $$$.

6. I will actively strive to make a positive mark on the people and places I encounter day-to-day.

7. Lastly, my mission for 2016 is to NOT BE BORING!

Thanks For The Memories, 2015

~My year in review, as told through 2015’s New Year’s Resolutions~

1. This is sort of a roll-over from last year, but I am committing to cooking a meal once a week (that’s not Easy-Mac).
Starting off strong, I terribly, horribly failed at this….. I did, however, instagram a lot of really delicious food.

2. Because I’m all about expanding my horizons and such, I want to learn a new hobby or dust off an old one.
After moving back home to Houston, I have gained so much from getting re-involved at my church, now in the young adult ministry. I’ve made lots of new friends participating in everything from bible study to pub trivia.

3. I am going to drink lots and lots and lots more water.
Especially since starting work, I’ve kept a water bottle at my side and stayed hydrated, trying to opt out of sodas to stick to this goal.

4. Seeing as it’s my last semester of college, I want to take at least one spontaneous road trip….or something along those lines.
When my best friend from studying abroad texted me that she was coming to Texas, I knew I had to meet up with her. So one Sunday morning, I drove to San Antonio and back for brunch; it was the sweetest reunion, even just for a couple of hours. I also (somewhat) spontaneously visited Alex and Margaret in New York earlier this month, thus beginning my solo travels as an adult.

5. I would like to organize my life and living space to the point that even my mother will be satisfied.
My childhood bedroom is all grown up: I cleaned out my closet, purged myself of unnecessary clutter and donated three car trunks worth of messiness for a more organized Rachel.   

6. In the spirit of Carrie Bradshaw, I’m hoping to post on the blog weekly because I’ve been really, really lazy about writing — who knows, maybe I’ll get a TV show about my life!
I posted a total of 34 entries over the course of 2015, so I’d say that’s a pretty substantial number compared to the 10 I wrote in 2014! Plus, the blog got a whole new look and new home with wordpress, a big step for someone as bad at computers as I am.

7. I pray to make the most of my remaining time at A&M and plunge head-first into this crazy thing called adulthood with eagerness and an open-mind.

2015 was quite the eventful year! Filled with emotional endings and exciting beginnings, this year proved to be one of the most defining times of my life:

I graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Urban & Regional Planning and minor in English, saying goodbye to MSC OPAS and my time as Chair.   

My last Spring Break was spent at the Happiest Place on Earth, and I even get to ring in the New Year here at Disney World (I’m typing this waiting for the fireworks to begin)!   

My best friends and I moved out of our house where we spent two fun-filled years and took a Spice JAHR road trip to Destin, Florida.   

I went on the biggest and most amazing trip of my life when I explored Italy and France with Alex and Jordan, then meeting up with my family in England.   

By the grace of God, I landed my dream job and began work this fall as the Marketing Coordinator of Miller Outdoor Theatre, helping to bring free world-class shows to Houston (and even going to our Gala with Tony Danza)!   

As we approach the final hours of 2015, I thank God for each moment big and small, as well as His constant reminders that the best is yet to come. 

Happy New Year!