tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33016106623868160062024-03-05T03:09:07.771-05:00awkwardly carolineCaroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.comBlogger224125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-30782808732198638642019-03-20T13:00:00.000-04:002019-03-20T13:00:04.352-04:00i'm really great at talking to guys. *sarcasm*<span id="docs-internal-guid-ca46f6a6-7fff-5a97-fd34-de4e0fa93dd7"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-ca46f6a6-7fff-5a97-fd34-de4e0fa93dd7"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Let’s discuss something. I’m REALLY great at talking to guys.</span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-ca46f6a6-7fff-5a97-fd34-de4e0fa93dd7">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: 36pt;"></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> By “REALLY great”, I mean I’m terrible at talking to guys. </span></div>
</div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-ca46f6a6-7fff-5a97-fd34-de4e0fa93dd7">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> By “i’m terrible” I mean, its real bad ya’ll.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Real. Bad. </span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-ca46f6a6-7fff-5a97-fd34-de4e0fa93dd7">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It feels like it’s always a walking bad dream. Not bad like those dreams where you wake up in a cold sweat remembering you forgot to give table 9 their sweet tea. More like one of those bad dreams where you wake up in a cold sweat realizing you forgot to turn off the oven and now you have to go drive down to your job and make sure the building didn’t burn down. And it’s 4 in the morning. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For clarification, yes, I know you’re asking “but you work in the service industry. You serve everyone coffee. Men and Women. You should be great at talking to men and people in general.” To which I would say, yes, true. You’d THINK that I would be good at talking to ANYONE.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t have any problems talking people, as long as there is a counter between myself and the outside world that they belong too. I don’t have a problem talking women, as we can usually find something in common and have that normal womanly banter of “OH EM GEE YAAAAS GIRL, I FEEL THAT.” I don’t usually have a problem talking guys that come up to my counter, because i can just put on that “cool, hippie barista vibe” and go about the conversation. I definitely don’t have a problem talking to the guys that are my friends, that I have some history with and have known for a very very long time. I can be the truest form of myself, oddities, weird humor, and all and not worry about trying to impress them. Because, guess what. DON’T WANNA IMPRESS THEM. WANT THEM TO STAY FAR FAR INTO THE FRIENDZONE. Faaaaaaaaaaaar in that black hole. And never come out of it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, if I don’t know a guy, and find them in the least least bit attractive, and if by SOME STRETCH OF THE IMAGINATION they want to engage with me in some delightful exchanges, my entire brain goes into “abort mission” mode. I’m convinced my brain is trying to sabotage me in some way. If I attempt to flirt at all, it comes out as sassy, sarcastic, and awkward, all at once. Throw in the whole, not being able to form words properly, and you’ve got a decent idea and a terrible execution.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With ALL this being said, let me tell you about one of my most recent blunders with talking to the opposite sex. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once, an attractive man came in to my workplace. </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was talking to this </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; white-space: pre-wrap;">attractive</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> man, while I was working, as one does when they are trying to maintain good customer service. However, in the course of this conversation, I was trying to get some information out of him.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now I KNOW HOW TERRIBLE THAT SOUNDS. But I promise, the information was vital for any other potential interactions. Let’s list a few reasons why I needed to get this information.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. This man was very nice on the eyes. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. He was very charming. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Some vibes were being put out into the atmosphere.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">of what, i'm not here to assume anything. so we will just call them some ole' run of the mill vibes and not label in any particular way.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Being mildly attracted to this very handsome man - I say mildly because this is only the second or third time we have ever interacted - I wanted to be sure we were on the same page with something very important to me before I went swimming in potentially shark infested waters.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let’s also keep in mind, previous to this interaction, there had been other small talk. Any previous conversation consisted of sarcastic banter with underlying levels of intrigue. Might I add that he started it, and I’m sassy so, there you go. Don’t judge me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love Jesus, a lot. I wanted to see where this guy stood in that regard so as not to waste time with my curiosity. I wanted to see where he fell on the “Jesus Spectrum”, if you will. I do this with anyone, usually, that I’m conversing with. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Because of my clear lack of social skills, I ABSOLUTELY went about this the wrong way. If you know me well at all,Let’s be honest with ourselves and admit that nothing about this is new.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What had happened was………….</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This fella at some point, made his way to my counter. I’m pretty sure we were having some gnarly sarcastic banter as per the usual, when he decided to ask me how old I was.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“26”, I told him, confident in my age, but also saddened at the same time. I never thought I’d make it to 26. It feels like yesterday that I was 16 screaming to ‘burnin up’ by the jonas brothers and planning my wedding to the middle brother, Joe.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I digress. What was I talking about? Oh right.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This guy asked me how old I was, I told him. Right. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I decided to ask him the same question.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He told me his age, 33. He was the same age (that we know of) of Jesus in His last year of ministry. And that’s when it hit me. THAT WAS MY WAY IN TO TALK ABOUT JESUS even if briefly. Nevermind the fact that people were around and about to order coffee, they could listen too. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I mustered up some sort of courage - remember I’m an anxious little bean - and said, with some deeply hidden confidence,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“OH YOU’RE THE SAME AGE JESUS WAS WHEN HE DIED.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As soon as that sentence exited my mouth, I knew I done messed up A A RON (let the record show that I am merely quoting a popular Key and Peele sketch. I in no way am claiming this as my own. It just fit perfectly). I knew that was the actual DUMBEST THING to ever leave my lips. I knew I had screwed up any other potential interactions with this gentleman.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Or so I thought.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What happened next was nothing short of some sort of miracle. He laughed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Laughed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Did anyone hear that (or read that rather)? Is this mic on? Everyone knows how to read, right?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HE LAUGHED AT MY STUPID JOKE.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That laughed was quickly followed by a concerned sigh of realization of what I said, and answered, “you’re not wrong.” BUT HE FOUND IT FUNNY EVEN STILL. Shockingly he’s still managed to want to engage in conversation with me since. Bless his heart.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To that fella,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I feel like if you’re reading this, you’ve already remembered this moment well. Who wouldn’t? It was a goof of a conversation and a poor attempt at Jesus and humor and i respect you for still finding it hilarious. Hope you enjoyed this re-telling. Thank you, from the bottom of my very awkward yet big heart, for laughing. You deserve a medal. Or a vacation. Or a new barista.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To anyone else reading this, </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. I’d love to hear any recent, or not recent blunders in conversation. Hit me with them in the comments below. Give me a good laugh or a full body cringe. I’m ready for it.</span></div>
</span>Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-88644107368681779402018-10-13T12:30:00.000-04:002018-10-23T16:59:15.231-04:00more things baristas are begging you not do.<div style="text-align: center;">
helllllllooooo dear friends and loyal readers who i always leave hanging because of my inconsistency. i adore and appreciate every single one of you.<br />
don't ever forget that.</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i am so excited to share with you another installment of "thing baristas everywhere are begging you not to do." </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://awkwardlycaroline.blogspot.com/2017/04/12-things-baristas-everywhere-are.html">if you are new to this blog, read the first post by clicking anywhere in this sentence.</a><br />
but in summary, as a barista (it pays my bills ya'll), i felt it necessary to verbalize a written list of proper conduct/ decent human behavior/<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">normal human social skills</span><br />
<br />
when at a coffee shop.<br />
<br />
and also the things we baristas wish you wouldn't do/wish wouldn't happen.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that was a lot of slashes. let us move on.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://media.tenor.com/images/c1e37c4768c5fb239622ae6f13977b0a/tenor.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="124" data-original-width="220" height="225" src="https://media.tenor.com/images/c1e37c4768c5fb239622ae6f13977b0a/tenor.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
please do not freak out about tiny changes like a menu redesign. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just because it looks different doesn't mean anything. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so don't whine or get scared.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
please don't assume the creamer pitcher is broken.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
really, you just don't know how to use it, but that makes me sad since the lever you need to release the cream is RIGHT THERE next to your fingers. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not all creamer pitchers are a pour and go. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in fact most aren't. crazy to think, huh?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if the couch seats three or four people, you shouldn't need to sit on top of each other when you are THE ONLY PEOPLE IN THE SHOP.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i thought i was done dealing with cross pda couples. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but clearly, i'm not.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
therefore i will stare at you till you get the hint.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when i let you know where to put your dishes, should you ask, i mean it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
don't come back moments later saying "i don't know what to do with my dishes."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there are counters, there is a tray outside, did i mention THERE ARE COUNTERS.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
do not, i repeat DO NOT,<br />
just hand a barista a wad of change to count out because you don't feel like doing it.<br />
that's a level of lazy that doesn't make sense to even me, A LAZY PERSON.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
please,<br />
PLEASE don't give me attitude when you've come to the shop after closing,<br />
AFTER CLOSING,<br />
pull on the door and it doesn't open.<br />
you need to learn how to read signs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
adding to the after hours, don't give me attitude when i won't let you in AFTER HOURS to let you use the bathroom. i don't know of many places that will open to anyone that has to use a bathroom. its a liability on my end and a safety hazard. you made the choice to go drink too much at the bar down the road, so your bladder issue is a YOU problem.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i may have mentioned this in the last installment, but if you see pastries in the pastry case, you'd better believe those are the only pastries we carry.<br />
what you see is what you get.<br />
we don't just put half of our crap out there.<br />
we may rotate new items in but we can't magically appear with the muffin you want that's not in the case.<br />
we make what we make.<br />
go elsewhere.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and this should be obvious, but the world is full of people who are oblivious but DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES come into my shop THREE MINUTES before closing and ask if you have time to grab a quick drink.<br />
you are taking advantage of everyone working in that shop and the fact that technically we can't turn you away (though we should be able to because three minutes, that's just wrong).<br />
use your brain and realize that we are about to lock to door in a matter of minutes and we need to clean.<br />
we've almost shut everything down.<br />
i'm not re-brewing a new pot of coffee for you.<br />
i'm sorry.<br />
you should have considered that when you left to get coffee as it's getting dark.<br />
you should have thought, "maybe i should have a backup plan in case they aren't open." i know that's asking a lot of people these days, but COME ON.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
whew. that felt good.<br />
needed to get that off my chest.<br />
thanks for reading.<br />
let these be lessons for you on how to be a people in a coffee shop.<br />
<br />
again, thank you, friends.<br />
you reading this makes me smile and brings me joy.<br />
comment down below any thoughts, questions, comments, concerns, general "hey how are ya?" or have any workplace horror stories/ things you wish people would understand, i'd love to hear from you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
k thanks luv yew bai.</div>
<br /></div>
Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-52376168021227226412018-04-12T13:50:00.000-04:002018-04-12T13:50:30.446-04:00i don't hate this. i love this. #blogideasfrompinterest<div style="text-align: center;">
i was flipping through blog today and realized that the last time i wrote was in october.</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ironically enough it was a post in reference to how my blogging hiatus was over and i was back at it with the word stuff. well here we are in april and i'm just now writing again. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i promise i don't hate blogging, internet writing, etc. I truly love it. i started when i was a little baby in 2009 and still <span style="font-size: large;">trying</span> to pursue it to present day. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/3865_82845592311_6811429_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=a3fd45ef521149b3892d8577bc727eee&oe=5B2A9967" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="604" height="476" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/3865_82845592311_6811429_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=a3fd45ef521149b3892d8577bc727eee&oe=5B2A9967" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">for reference, dis me circa 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t34.0-12/28722197_1706757472739899_92925718_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=094fde22458b7ae933ebf069efdf145d&oe=5AD28617" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t34.0-12/28722197_1706757472739899_92925718_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=094fde22458b7ae933ebf069efdf145d&oe=5AD28617" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and dis me circa 2018. thank you bekah heape photography- look her up on instagram.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it does have something thing to with the fact that i have a full-time job. that will do it to anyone unless you're this magical superhuman bean who can take on all of the different multitasking abilities. if you're one of those people, just stop reading now.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the honest truth is that i have truly lacked any kind of writing inspiration. and that just plain sucks.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i'm not kidding, nothing comes to mind to write about. if the time comes that i do think of something to write about, i jot it down on some paper (i'm normally at work when this happens) and then, being the dummy that i am, i end up throwing the paper out and forgetting about the thought completely.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and yes i know i could just jot it down in my notes on my phone, but i forget to do that half the time and paper is usually closer. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with all of this being said, i'm working on something to fix the "writing inspiration problem". i have decided to use pinterest as my source of inspo, thus creating the series and hashtag #blogideasfrompinterest- translated for those who don't understand the language of the hashtag "blog ideas from pinterest."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/XbCMKSQLe4jKJTnySDToPf-tKZrYkrwCIhSaQwR0jpBBfVVOFjWqSe5ijsOU8rEKvafBhiwJM00=s400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="400" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/XbCMKSQLe4jKJTnySDToPf-tKZrYkrwCIhSaQwR0jpBBfVVOFjWqSe5ijsOU8rEKvafBhiwJM00=s400" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what will hopefully happen here is that i will create this hashtag #blogideasfrompinterest because lets be honest,<span style="font-size: large;"> i need help. </span> i'm using pinterest as my way of finding my inspiration and showing the honesty behind blogging from my perspective. i hopefully will put out two posts in a week as time allows and i would love it if you follow along in the journey of blogging transparency.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so, lets see what happens, bros.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but bear with me please, i'm delicate.</div>
</div>
Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-50702377453237624012017-10-15T21:15:00.001-04:002017-10-15T21:15:15.109-04:00weirdly long hiatus over and the reason why it happened to begin with.<div style="text-align: center;">
hi friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
here i am for the millionth time writing a post after a long hiatus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i can't count how many times i've written one of these, but this time, my reason is an actual legitimate reason.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">i didn't have a working computer. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
well also i had problems writing anything because i was working on some posts that require research, but mainly because i didn't have a working computer. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
old faithful just up and quit on me. she got old and couldn't handle what i needed her to do. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
poor girl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the timing couldn't have been more perfect (sarcasm) considering i had just gotten a new camera (like new as in pretty freaking professional and nice and beautiful and i'm still in shock and awe that i even acquired it - another story for another time), and i couldn't upload my pictures because the old girl would run so slow that i felt like it wasn't necessary to do much other then watch youtube and netflix, til she finally breathed her last. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
granted, that was without much warning.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i know, the slow and incapable nature of her should have been enough of a sign, but i'd rather a noise or something. it's more abrupt and really really obvious. i do fairly well with really really obvious. fairly well being the main idea here. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so here i was, feeling awkward as i tend to be, all of my resources minus one main one. it was weird editing pictures on my phone, but also really cool to know that's an option- technology has come really far.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then my sweet mom, decided to help me find a good deal on a computer. she found one and was so kind and got it for me- she's a huge supporter of my dreams and i am very thankful for her help.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">thanks mom. i love you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but that particular computer is having an issue. i am trying to get the proper software downloaded on to it, and it's being a giant jerk and not doing that. it requires some help from people who kow more about computers then i so....yeah. working on that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so i have an inexpensive back up that i'm currently using (a little chromebook, it's rather adorable), just so i can get going (thank you queen d for that suggestion) with some writing and editing pictures and just pursuing some passions. i also went ahead and got it to see if i could figure out the other software issue myself. but it seems i cannot. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at least i tried.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
anyway...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thank you for being patient, my few loyal readers. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you really are too kind for that. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
really.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you are. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-44425570622740889602017-05-08T12:00:00.000-04:002017-05-09T13:02:52.024-04:00a post on insecurities.<div style="text-align: center;">
hi friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if you've checked out my "about me" page (<a href="http://awkwardlycaroline.blogspot.com/p/about-caroline.html">and if you haven't you should, and then tell me that you did by posting a comment here or, even better, on the page it self</a>), you've seen my "mission statement" of sorts. but,while you should go check it, i'll post it here for the sake of time and getting to the root of this post:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "crimson text"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">" "awkwardly caroline" </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "crimson text"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">is a blog dedicated to life and all the weirdness it brings. through this space i hope and pray to encourage and entertain through my writings about my lifestyle, my travels </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "crimson text"; font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;">(which have slowly become greater in the last couple years, for which i'm thankful)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "crimson text"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">, food </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "crimson text"; font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;">(i've been experimenting massively in this area, #vegan/#vegetarian)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "crimson text"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">, and awkward amounts of honesty."</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i'm pretty sure i've got the awkward and entertaining part down to somewhat of a science <span style="font-size: x-small;">(or at least i think i do-i'm thoroughly entertained by the things i write most of the time, i ain't even gonna lie to ya.)</span> but this is the time of the blog where i want to share something on my heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i had the opportunity about a month ago to share this with a group of young girls a couple of months ago and i want to share it a little farther. but as i sit here trying to collect my thoughts and notes, and i can't seem to get it together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#storyofmylife </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
however, having shared this once already has done wonders for my mental, emotional, and spiritual state. it's amazing how God brings things up in order to allow you to actually deal with things. i feel as though i have this new found freedom from the things that used to weigh me down.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so........</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i want to talk about insecurities and our identity in Christ.<br />
in a ramble, rant kind of way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i am going to be real and raw with you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i have/had many insecurities in my lifetime.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*collective gasp*<br />
<br />
i know, crazy.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
whodathunkit?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(sorry, so much sarcasm.)</i></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but seriously.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i have many insecurities that i have dealt with in the past or still currently struggle with and am working through by the grace of Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
these things that i have struggled with include, but are not limited to, my physical appearance, my singleness, and the fact that i am 24 (i'll be 25 in September of this year. yikes.) and still haven't finished college and am leading myself to believe that i am not progressing in life or moving forward in adulthood.<br />
<br />
basically i don't feel like i have my crap together. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#adultingfail</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
most of these things, i've struggled with them internally. i didn't talk about them much in detail, but rather to a certain degree, would end in beating myself up in my own mind about these things and how they needed to be fixed so that i could become "better".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there. i said it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but admittance is the first step to recovery. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or so they say. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i've struggled with the fact that my face is rather lopsided. if i turn my face in one direction, my profile is actually quite nice. but should i turn my head in the other direction, i have a double chin that goes on for about 500 miles. and when you look at me head on, there is this clear, uneven section of skin by my chin.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>granted, i'm usually the only one who sees this. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but some days it bothers me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
while i have this more or less under control now, i used to hardcore struggle with acne.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>please note that my skin is still not perfect and may never be, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>but it is so much better thanks to healthy foods and lots of water.</i></b></span><br />
<br />
my acne used to be so bad that i rarely left the house with out some sort of makeup on, which in itself is not good for one's skin either. in order to cover up these little face demons, i'd pile on layers of makeup in hopes to have something that resembled a clear face. then, reality sets in and the break outs get worse because there is so much crap and so many chemicals on your face, making everything worse.<br />
it's a vicious cycle.<br />
on top of all this, it would take me up to 30 minutes to put everything on and get that "natural" look. 30 minutes for a "natural" look?<br />
get out of here with that witchcraft.<br />
nobody has time for that.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(i'll do another post in the future about a current face routine and make up that really helps with the breakouts because all of these things are a massive life changer. i promise.)</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i am insecure over the fact that i am not a tiny or small girl. not only am i tall for a woman (according to society, but i'm not model tall, rather on the short side of tall), but i am "big boned" as they say. basically i'm tall and somewhat built like a football player, or at least that's how it makes sense to me. i have a good deal of muscle, shockingly, but the number on the scale would never tell you that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i have always struggled with my weight- the goal always being that i needed to loose the weight. i've tried numerous diets and mostly all of them were dumb. i have since had a weird relationship with food that i am now slowly figuring out, to my benefit. but food was my enemy, whether because i wanted it all the time or didn't want it at all. this is not to say that i starved my self, but rather my appetite would fluctuate based on reasons.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i don't have a "thigh gap", or whatever the latest, stupid body trend is. i will NEVER have a thigh gap. i have curves. i have thick thighs that rub together when i walk or run and sometimes can even rub holes into my pants. i cannot tell you how many pairs of jeans that i have turned into shorts because of the hole left in them from the wear and tear of my thick thighs and everyday life. the most recent victim, my favorite pair of jeans from old navy that only lasted a month because i wore them so much.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
according to the internet (which, lesbihonest here, isn't always as reliable== as we claim), as a 5'9'' 24 year old female, i should be a certain weight. but i've learned that that weight is a ridiculous standard set by people who don't fully understand the facts about the body and the fact that not all people are built the same. let's be real here - if i weighed the amount that i'm suppose to weigh in my age and height bracket, i would not look healthy at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my hips are wide. they are what like to call birthing hips- hips that are perfect for birthing babies. however i'm single and know nothing about pushing babies our nor will be pushing any babies out anytime soon. my hips make it hard to sit on a plane or sometimes even a bus because they like to peek into the next seat and, should there be someone sitting next to me, sometimes makes travel uncomfortable. but really i'm just over reacting and whining. my hips make trying on jeans an interesting situation. while things are beginning to even out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i have been insecure in the fact that i am 24 years old and still single. i've never even gone out on a date. no one has ever asked me. i some times blame this on the fact that i am big and "not pretty" for anyone to like me. that's silly. but i have this standard for beauty in my head because of things like social media and magazines where every woman mentioned is stick skinny and not too tall and proportioned "just right".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i get insecure over the fact that i'm single and that i get lonely. and loneliness isn't a fun thing. i wish i could be in a relationship at this very minute. what i forget is that God's timing is perfect. Ecc3:11</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i get insecure over the amount of anxiety that i have. i feel stupid for allowing the anxiety to take over my mind and spill out into my emotions. i fell silly for feeling anxious because scripture talks about the issue with anxiety and how to cure it. (find scripture) and yet some how, recently, i have had a couple anxiety attacks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i get very insecure about the fact that i am half way through my 20's and i haven't finished college and am currently a full time barista (but don't misunderstand me, there is NOTHING wrong with being a barista. it's a great job!) most people my age have finished school and have started careers. for me, i started college in one major, switched schools and majors two years later, and then changed my major yet again a year later. and here i am, no longer in school and working full time as a barista at a job that's one of the most stressful jobs i've ever had, yet i can't leave it because i won't find a job any where that pays as well as this one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sometimes i wonder how someone could love me with all of these things. but then i remember the only thing that is even remotely important through all of this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus loves me despite these things. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he's made that clear through scripture and with the fact that he died for ME. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if you are struggling with anything similar or a different thing of your own, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Jesus loves you despite all those things.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
these things are lies that satan puts into our heads to mess with us. i think it's especially easy to get to us as women because we are already already concerned with these things so satan takes the vulnerability and runs with it. but it's also possible that when one get's off track and looses focus, these things come more and more to light because you are not surrounding yourself with Jesus and what His promises say.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
these things, the insecurities, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are<span style="font-size: x-large;"> lies.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is it good to take care of yourself and your physical body? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">absolutely.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? MAY IT NEVER BE! Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, '<span style="font-size: x-small;">THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.</span>' But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Or dod you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you. whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God with your body." (1 corinthians 6:15-17,19-20/ emphasis added.)</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
john piper said it best in his commentary on this passage of scripture, </blockquote>
"the body is for the Lord! your body has been given to you for one reason: an instrument for glorifying Christ (vs. 20). the way you use your body an the way you take care of your body should communicate that the glory of Christ is all-satisfying."<br />
<br />
piper goes on to say that not only is "the body for the Lord, but the Lord for the body". Chrsit cares about our body and He cares how we use our body. he's put a "premium" on how we end up using our body.<br />
(you can find the entirety of the article on this passage <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/messages/i-will-not-be-enslaved-by-anything">here</a>.)<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
so its obvious that our body is not ours, really it's a loan. we've been giving this structure, this vessel, to use for glorifying God. when we tap into the ways of using it well, we are being poor property managers. (me included, i'm also talking to me.)</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
being healthy and taking care of the temple you have been provided is important, VERY important. but should it become an obsession based on the pictures you see in magazines and on social media and people with good looking features? should you strive for what those things have made to be absolute body perfection?<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">heck no.</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
every body was created differently, there for each body requires a different kind of maintenance (for lack of making bodies sound like cars but you know.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
would it be nice to meet the man or woman of your dreams <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(i'm all about traditional here)</span></b>, with the intentions of marrying and starting a family and being in ministry together <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(or whatever you feel you've been called to do, but don't forget that is still your ministry)</i></span> and living "happily ever after in a dang fairytale?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(jk jk we all know that's not realistic, that fairytale nonsense)</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">for sure. </span><br />
i know that's my dream eventually.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but should we hate ourselves because no one has expressed interest?<br />
should you question yourself when you wonder why no one has ever asked you out on a date?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>(this one can be a daily battle, so it requires a daily climbing over the mountain)</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">noooooooooooo.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">in Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon talks about how there is "an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven...." and he then he goes on to list what i visualize as different seasons of life and how God makes everything appropriate and beautiful in it's set time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">we just gotta remember that timing is everything.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">it has nothing to do with how we look or why were are still single or WHATEVER it is that we ask ourselves.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and we definitely shouldn't be beating ourselves up because our college careers or whatever went down the toilet compared to our original expectations. that's not going to do any good at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that's not to say that you shouldn't try your best in whatever you do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
"whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, not man,<br />
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.<br />
It is the Lord Christ who, you serve." colossians 3:23-24 <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
dear sister or brother- whoever may end up reading this- whatever job, whatever schooling,whatever you are doing right now, that you know you are suppose to be doing, keep on doing it. do not play the comparison game, as i like to sometimes, with other people's lives. the grass may always been greener on the other side, but that's because we are too busy looking at our neighbors lawn and not tending to our own.</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
keep on keeping on. do what you know.<br />
what you are doing is of no less importance then someone else, as long as you are being obedient and glorifying God through it.<br />
<br />
let's quite beating ourselves up an start glorifying up.<br />
<br />
that makes sense right?<br />
<br />
<br />
anyways, i hope you got something out of this long massive ramble.<br />
leave me a comment of your thoughts.<br />
thanks for reading.<br />
i love you for it. </div>
Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-21517043474719033642017-04-06T11:30:00.000-04:002017-04-07T21:20:14.539-04:0013 things baristas everywhere are begging you not to do. <div style="text-align: center;">
hi friends.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as many of ya'll know, i am a barista.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
out of all the jobs i've had (i haven't had many), this has been my favorite. i've truly enjoyed learning the art of traditional coffee, meeting new people, making new friends, and having my co-workers feel like family. i've been very blessed with this job and the opportunities that have risen from it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">however, </span><br />
there is one set back about being a barista; it is part of the food and beverage industry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of course you're thinking, "well DUH caroline. coffee is a beverage. most coffee shops sell food. this is obvious."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">i know.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> trust me.<br />
i've been in the industry for a hot minute. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">i'm fully aware.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what i mean is that being in the food and beverage industry has it's issues. mainly those issues are with the people that come into the establishment. and sometimes, that's where i've had most of my issues...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which leads me to inform the general public of some guest-to-barista etiquette.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i have taken the responsibility of compiling a list for those who frequent the coffee houses and shops and chains.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMBr-X4bO_ahfiMnXDI2fgD_XoeCgfTg_7QjYn7ikoVep7ZRAeXx7lyCmpcbxIMfLq_6xk82riKYoJjTuJtFINeTnTVOeZZNNLFHuONRpI1mXMMFhiH0ZjkIbGzE6TkGT-O2NowS7jph7/s1600/buy+1+get+1+free+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMBr-X4bO_ahfiMnXDI2fgD_XoeCgfTg_7QjYn7ikoVep7ZRAeXx7lyCmpcbxIMfLq_6xk82riKYoJjTuJtFINeTnTVOeZZNNLFHuONRpI1mXMMFhiH0ZjkIbGzE6TkGT-O2NowS7jph7/s640/buy+1+get+1+free+%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1</span>. <span style="font-size: large;">please do not start off your sentence with " i want" or "i need".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
especially if i am kind enough to ask you how you are before i ask what you would like. usually i care how people are. i genuinely want to know how your day has been. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
humor me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
also, you do not <span style="font-size: large;">need </span>coffee unless you're feeling dead to the world and even then manners are so key. and sometimes, you can't always get what you want, the rolling stones remind us of this. <i>even they know this fact of life to be true. sorry to disappoint.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2</span>. <span style="font-size: large;">please do not make a stink over the fact that we don't have the coffee/ tea you like that particular day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's a crazy thought, but it's possible for that particular brew, flavor, or tea is empty and we need to refill it.<br />
or we are done for the evening with that option.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">or we are just plan out of it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it's also all about cost of food and waste. if we are out, usually we are waiting on a shipment. if it's empty around nine thirty and the shop closes at ten, chances are, for the sake of not wasting valuable product and money, we may not make it again til the following morning. having a tantrum and giving the barista a hard time isn't going to solve any of these issues, it's just going to make us serving you that much harder. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3.</span> if you come in at the same time every day and are used to seeing the same barista on those days, please do not make the fill in barista scheduled that day feel less then or think they don't know how to make your drink of choice. we have been trained to make you coffee. just because i am not</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">your favorite barista</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and cannot start your drink as soon as i see you, <i>does not mean i can't make your drink. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just be patient. you won't die from having to speak a few extra words.<br />
calm down.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">4. do not ask me if we have coffee.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i will never understand this question. you are the one who walked into a coffee shop, what do you think we are going to serve you, grass? no. are your senses off? can you not smell the coffee when you walk in? did you not read the sign before walking inside? do you go about life in complete oblivion? <i>if you ask me this question, expect your drink to magically turn into decaf and slightly sarcastic response. </i>no waking up for you for asking such silly questions. just stop.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">please read the menu before ordering</span>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
unless your drink is basic enough, in order to know for sure what you want. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">please read the menu</span>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this saves many questions, disappointment, and frustration. <i>it is key to know that not every coffee shop, whether locally owned or a chain, is the same</i>. we may not carry everything that your coffee shop at home has. we may not have coconut milk like the shop up the street has, but i can promise that the non-dairy milk we do have, it's listed on our beautifully drawn chalkboard menu. and that menu took a lot of time and energy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(this goes along with number five BUT) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">6. please do not assume you can add literally ANYTHING to your drink.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i know places allow very flexible customizations to drinks, especially their smoothies and protein shakes (if they even carry those), but not every place does that. some menus are customizable within reason and some are just what you see on the board. so again,<i> please read the menu or AT LEAST get a general idea of the menu before ordering. </i>everything will go very smoothly after that. and i will do my best to get you the drink you want. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
within reason.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
side note, please don't think i'm not willing to answer your question. I AM. however, if it has to do with menu items and is not allergy related, READ THE MENU FIRST, then come order.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
also along with menu reading,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">7. please make a decision</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or at least have an idea of what you want or narrow down what you would like before you order. do not come to the counter completely undecided ESPECIALLY if there is a long line. <i>you're holding everyone and everything up and it's super awkward for me to stand in front of you silently while you graze through each option.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">8. please learn the name of your drink.</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
listing random ingredients that we may or may not have is time consuming. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>example- hot chocolate with a shot of espresso are the ingredients of a hot mocha. there is no nee to list them. this is not a different drink. a frappe latte' is not a thing AT ALL. it is, in fact, two different drinks. one of them being ONLY frozen. the other is typically hot.</i> if you're willing to pay for both, i'll make you both, but combining the two is nearly impossible. you'll end up with a melted, weird drink and your hopes are dreams taken away from you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">9. please wait your turn for your drink. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>be aware of who is around you.</i> no one is too tired to notice that there are other people waiting for their drink before you. if you ordered a small cappuccino, that medium latte i just made is<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">not. for. you. </span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
don't jump the line because you can't pay attention. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that's rude. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you are not God's gift to me just for providing your business. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">10. please do not tell me how to make your drink.</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
unless you went to barista college in the mountains of italy and have hand picked beans straight from coffee plantations in brazil, let me do my job to provide you the best coffee and experience possible. i promise i know what i'm doing. this is especially true if your used to drinking those "cappuccinos" from the machines in gas stations. i hate to break it to you, but as one who used to frequently consume gas station "cappuccinos", <i>those things are awful for you, and there is no actual coffee in them, rather just caffeine and sugar. </i>if you come in ordering a vanilla cappuccino, you'll get one, just not what you expected only consuming that fake stuff.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">11. please do not come into a local shop and order in starbucks lingo.</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
now before i go on, i want to make something very clear. this is not a dig at starbucks. i too frequent there. i too have a decent dosage of basic white girl in my system. <i>however,</i> i know when to shut it on and off. if you walk into starbucks, certain phrases and words are fine. in fact, they are encouraged! but those phrases (i.e. the names for their sizes) do not work in a locally owned place. i will, kindly, repeat your order back you in the correct for the environment manner.<i> and do not correct me because in this scenario, the barista is right and the guest is wrong. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">12. please, if you are going to move the furniture around, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">put it back when you are done.</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as baristas, we have many things that are necessary for us to do rearranging the already perfectly placed furniture is not one of them. if you meed to add chairs to a table? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
fine! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
go ahead! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have a party!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> put them back when your done.</b></i><br />
want to move a comfy chair over by the couch because all three of your friends are sitting there and you want to be near them? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cool stuff bro-ham! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
move that chair! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
fellowship with your friends! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>but put that chair back when your done or so help me, i'll give you decaf.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>if you're on a date and spending some special time with your significant other,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">13. do not do nasty things on my furniture.</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
first of all, gross. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
get a room. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
second of all, there are cameras in practically every food establishment, especially one pointed at that couch that your trying to snoodle on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>we see you. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>we don't want to see you.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
third, have some decency.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
leave that kind of PDA for private. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no one wants nor needs to see that. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
get out of here with that crap.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
man, it feels really good to get that all off my chest. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like i said before, i love my barista job.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but i love it even more if people are willing to cooperate. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are there any baristas out there with pleas for the general public? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
leave them in the comments! i'd love to hear about them!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-85468306232495225262017-04-04T11:00:00.000-04:002017-11-21T10:54:39.542-05:00get yourself a tribe.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
hi friends! fair warning and i'm not sorry for this at all but there is about to be a massive picture explosion. but again. not sorry about it in the slightest.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
so, while working on more post and content for this sweet little home i've found here, i want to share about a group that is so close to heart. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but, group is not the proper word for what i want to talk about.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my people could be described with a number of different words.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
example:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
herd.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
pack.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
school.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
clowder.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
pounce.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
brood.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
raft.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
colony.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
rookery.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
waddle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
huddle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
romp.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
litter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
prickle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
mob.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
troop.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
colony.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
fluffle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
nest.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
tribe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">yes i just went through an entire list of animal groupings.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">ahh yes tribe is the perfect word for what i'm feeling and thinking.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">tribe.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">dictionary.com defines this as<i> "a division of some other people", "a company, group, or number of persons", "a class or set of persons, especially one with strong common traits or interests", "a large family"</i> along with a number of other definitions.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">this is a proper idea of my people.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">ya'll, get yourself a good tribe.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13321625_1366536450026881_1992947567422183987_n.jpg?oh=e6d2aa1998b44520fee417c00544faaa&oe=5950F312" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13321625_1366536450026881_1992947567422183987_n.jpg?oh=e6d2aa1998b44520fee417c00544faaa&oe=5950F312" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
get yourself people who will laugh with you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and at you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13266009_1366537683360091_6081160935139281002_n.jpg?oh=68780a13f825e5b1a9003758002d0f97&oe=595B6831" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13266009_1366537683360091_6081160935139281002_n.jpg?oh=68780a13f825e5b1a9003758002d0f97&oe=595B6831" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
get yourself people who will encourage you in your walk with Christ.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13001144_1330480450299148_2842217026685305627_n.jpg?oh=5d72ca511b82fbe1af9224670280c5e3&oe=594EE7F7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13001144_1330480450299148_2842217026685305627_n.jpg?oh=5d72ca511b82fbe1af9224670280c5e3&oe=594EE7F7" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
get yourself people who will adventure with you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13001176_1330480336965826_2431595977633194194_n.jpg?oh=f7d2549e01c9d3d29c9d85a300f985d7&oe=5956A381" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13001176_1330480336965826_2431595977633194194_n.jpg?oh=f7d2549e01c9d3d29c9d85a300f985d7&oe=5956A381" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12963571_1330479880299205_6728178165212891675_n.jpg?oh=f905fa35e6ea08ae415b8ad77a4c811b&oe=595E8364" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12963571_1330479880299205_6728178165212891675_n.jpg?oh=f905fa35e6ea08ae415b8ad77a4c811b&oe=595E8364" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13015220_1330479483632578_1501850880768198734_n.jpg?oh=ee3790cc385f323616a81630471c60a8&oe=595B5B04" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13015220_1330479483632578_1501850880768198734_n.jpg?oh=ee3790cc385f323616a81630471c60a8&oe=595B5B04" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12987052_1330479570299236_4983939256975931648_n.jpg?oh=5bdadaa2213197f220de852ce7d464bd&oe=59698E46" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12987052_1330479570299236_4983939256975931648_n.jpg?oh=5bdadaa2213197f220de852ce7d464bd&oe=59698E46" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
get yourself people who are willing to go through EVERYTHING WITH YOU.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13495059_1390764630937396_2313623124226883446_n.jpg?oh=50bcbfeb1688b890136fe18ee9e2b9d6&oe=59530754" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13495059_1390764630937396_2313623124226883446_n.jpg?oh=50bcbfeb1688b890136fe18ee9e2b9d6&oe=59530754" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15826779_1331218416898736_359516949634774984_n.jpg?oh=b7609dcf2a2536587a3a5940af0382ce&oe=594F8222" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15826779_1331218416898736_359516949634774984_n.jpg?oh=b7609dcf2a2536587a3a5940af0382ce&oe=594F8222" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13043757_1112701455417101_2507012930945248374_n.jpg?oh=7927593ec03eee640bd3a7dfa6b1f9fe&oe=5965C9DB" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13043757_1112701455417101_2507012930945248374_n.jpg?oh=7927593ec03eee640bd3a7dfa6b1f9fe&oe=5965C9DB" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
get yourself people who know when to be serious, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but don't take EVERYTHING seriously.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13094394_1112698478750732_7933916751602178387_n.jpg?oh=84961e943d3f72fd6e6e6ee834fe2d57&oe=599A7672" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13094394_1112698478750732_7933916751602178387_n.jpg?oh=84961e943d3f72fd6e6e6ee834fe2d57&oe=599A7672" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13094111_1112698492084064_6692439667168529538_n.jpg?oh=bf31baf7a1caa6677b662efdd6963aa2&oe=596A863C" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13094111_1112698492084064_6692439667168529538_n.jpg?oh=bf31baf7a1caa6677b662efdd6963aa2&oe=596A863C" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13092133_1112701842083729_3811629086451734421_n.jpg?oh=a57b9437788ee7d0b94d25ae3b6b67f8&oe=5951EE5C" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13092133_1112701842083729_3811629086451734421_n.jpg?oh=a57b9437788ee7d0b94d25ae3b6b67f8&oe=5951EE5C" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
get yourself who care about you and who you care about in return.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12794451_10153309438072312_5965951246262331873_n.jpg?oh=bd6fc88b8324b9d83ba6259d51c448c7&oe=59664030" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12794451_10153309438072312_5965951246262331873_n.jpg?oh=bd6fc88b8324b9d83ba6259d51c448c7&oe=59664030" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13043679_10153426273602312_1650125124527705549_n.jpg?oh=81afc48d071134f1b47c8a924694b53c&oe=59590A7D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13043679_10153426273602312_1650125124527705549_n.jpg?oh=81afc48d071134f1b47c8a924694b53c&oe=59590A7D" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12311218_10153132685297312_3067251953958968897_n.jpg?oh=6cbf59c9129b1debadfe9e62913313c4&oe=5962AA5C" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12311218_10153132685297312_3067251953958968897_n.jpg?oh=6cbf59c9129b1debadfe9e62913313c4&oe=5962AA5C" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my tribe consists of Abby, Cara, Michayla, and myself. we have all been friend for years, some of us our ENTIRE lives. i am so thankful for my tribe, these beautiful woman. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1505040_797708590249724_8579053809590889563_n.jpg?oh=49fafbec993373714962c08eda1a3423&oe=5999CFCF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1505040_797708590249724_8579053809590889563_n.jpg?oh=49fafbec993373714962c08eda1a3423&oe=5999CFCF" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/525943_387371251283462_147341917_n.jpg?oh=0311b2c58e88b4ec545ebea906d00b69&oe=595CD664" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/525943_387371251283462_147341917_n.jpg?oh=0311b2c58e88b4ec545ebea906d00b69&oe=595CD664" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we've been through just about everything together; school, puberty, love, heartbreak, weddings (only one so far) and so many things i can't begin to name. these ladies have encouraged me spritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. they have been my rocks. they have supported me, they have called me out when i'm being stupid.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and last but not least, they have dealt with my VERY weird sense of humor.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the four of us recently were able to get together for dinner and it was the most refreshing time of friendship. we don't get together often, but when we do, it is the best time. we had dinner, caught up on each others lives and laughed and that is my favorite kind of girls night out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh717CDP9ZftTBu3M_kpvtgR-r0OSqL1B7zdlisRjwfLexfSCTqoSR6tjO-qppPTmh3lZCy7bjWl2efw2ywsQu45HZowkEGI4HQ4SSQU54S9v7xah2iYQNLUnd-S18mQqWNryCiz4VRxKsS/s1600/IMG_4062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh717CDP9ZftTBu3M_kpvtgR-r0OSqL1B7zdlisRjwfLexfSCTqoSR6tjO-qppPTmh3lZCy7bjWl2efw2ywsQu45HZowkEGI4HQ4SSQU54S9v7xah2iYQNLUnd-S18mQqWNryCiz4VRxKsS/s400/IMG_4062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpt1tizRrutahkoeMUDeZZ8ZUAigGYRstURygfIPTTLpMLfpnDEaODJpmg-ch2c-Ui3b5TFtap77ub4-6DwpdMMtlYgPkg9HhbvZLMhn-bipC2yQDC4LHGROQKN64EJZtKbw8lJHzRYyNv/s1600/IMG_4063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpt1tizRrutahkoeMUDeZZ8ZUAigGYRstURygfIPTTLpMLfpnDEaODJpmg-ch2c-Ui3b5TFtap77ub4-6DwpdMMtlYgPkg9HhbvZLMhn-bipC2yQDC4LHGROQKN64EJZtKbw8lJHzRYyNv/s400/IMG_4063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
ladies, i hope you never doubt how much i love all of you, how thankful i am for you, how i wouldn't be where i am without you. thank you for loving me. thank you for letting me love you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
cheers to the best friends i've ever had.</div>
Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-43370636595625632712017-02-23T12:30:00.000-05:002017-02-23T12:30:33.558-05:00i swear i didn't leave.<div style="text-align: center;">
hi friends. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i'm so so so so so so so so sorry for the tiny hiatus. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was unplanned, minus the fact that for half of it i was out of town. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if you noticed on instagram, i was in chicago and IT WAS THE BEST. but as soon as i got home, i got sick with something and couldn't really function for most of the week. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but i'm working on a couple post that should be up thought out the next week or so, specifically one about chicago, so IT'S GONNA BE SHAWEET.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but as for now, i'm working on a presentation/ post for this site and currently donning a black facial mask because "i'm such a basic white girl."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have a lovely day, you lovely people.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">p.s. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">i'm hoping this video will load. if it doesn't, then dang.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/FCBC9C31C7FA31194B1B28B1C1A4B59F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-73711129938648677462017-02-06T12:00:00.000-05:002017-02-06T12:00:07.664-05:00|| 5 reasons why i love being a youth leader ||<div style="text-align: center;">
hi friends!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
as you are reading this, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i am currently headed to chicago with a van full of spunky teenagers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and one entertaining youth pastor. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
why you may ask?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we are all headed to<a href="https://www.moody.edu/"> moody bible institute </a>for <a href="http://www.moodyconferences.com/founders-week/">founder's week</a>- a week long bible conference. we get to take this opportunity to visit the school, attend a conference with a bunch of fantastic speakers and amazing worship (as a worship leader, i am most excited about this part), visit some of our former students, and on top of all that, explore the blustery city of chicago. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what more can you ask for?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with all this being said, i thought it would be appropriate to explain why i love being a youth leader. here are the ten reasons why its cool. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOv3zdchxqjXfi6R5O5I7Q8-cPbtsjzLxJ4wAnqVC7sptm5r-Mtw0iAkyPVpXgAgL4_P_eTd9HYNbPsPm9L8_MhIuii_yHoGVVNOwBeCgP2Pz9YleNUJahde7c6sbAdEVAOsQZoB906zKQ/s1600/IMG_3551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOv3zdchxqjXfi6R5O5I7Q8-cPbtsjzLxJ4wAnqVC7sptm5r-Mtw0iAkyPVpXgAgL4_P_eTd9HYNbPsPm9L8_MhIuii_yHoGVVNOwBeCgP2Pz9YleNUJahde7c6sbAdEVAOsQZoB906zKQ/s640/IMG_3551.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">part of my small group</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(in no particular order)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1. i get to channel being a kid again </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and build relationships with the teens.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's really refreshing after a long week to unwind by hanging out with kids at least ten years your junior. not much is expected other than acceptance, a little love, and someone for them to talk to. and if you act a little crazy, it's socially acceptable. you don't have to fully act your age for a few hours.`</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2. i kinda get to do the whole </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"what i would have told my younger self" </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to an actual younger version of me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have you ever come across a teenager who, maybe minus looks, is exactly how you were as a teen? scary isn't it? but also it's kinda neat and sometimes scary to see that from a different perspective. you see then make the same choices, good or bad, that you made back in the day and this gives you the opportunity to correct some wrongs in another youngster by walking them through "what no to do" and hopefully steer them in the right direction. *fingers crossed*</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7REkz5Qj_q6L7lpn6IsJv2_wSk0h-kzGyn8y3XZ2loE80m1k3pynxpNRrvjjRO3zfxAM7vz3K4prUJ8DKYF22R9j7ZYvRs2A07rzFwACG8vsbqmf7YqkQR4rCcdgCcEN9cDF2N44kTuuJ/s1600/IMG_3071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7REkz5Qj_q6L7lpn6IsJv2_wSk0h-kzGyn8y3XZ2loE80m1k3pynxpNRrvjjRO3zfxAM7vz3K4prUJ8DKYF22R9j7ZYvRs2A07rzFwACG8vsbqmf7YqkQR4rCcdgCcEN9cDF2N44kTuuJ/s640/IMG_3071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my small group </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-HyRLKgOVpB8DZRYbW4Jhyphenhyphenw80KXUN7Zj_-2J_dXR87LJaeHK-29FmJ-xfFT6ZFBWNL8zg9dTxgcoPWn1xU-p5mjqh6Jn37kGLrdNQN8SVVPtQ6s11dePGuXMJol-5-xxlmJKjn_-9Cdx/s1600/IMG_3499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-HyRLKgOVpB8DZRYbW4Jhyphenhyphenw80KXUN7Zj_-2J_dXR87LJaeHK-29FmJ-xfFT6ZFBWNL8zg9dTxgcoPWn1xU-p5mjqh6Jn37kGLrdNQN8SVVPtQ6s11dePGuXMJol-5-xxlmJKjn_-9Cdx/s640/IMG_3499.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNru743FpOLxyYMV6b-YCtxdHX5JdtAfpbBTPtWtNmIUI90m55ERORUQaX6GSuzAx093Lr8TamXIqNnpU1y6TyczqtN0-hCQ9LUsq9oLzQwykbXUXg4q8NgJoirlNQgqGLmRmOsEEWuX7N/s1600/IMG_3525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNru743FpOLxyYMV6b-YCtxdHX5JdtAfpbBTPtWtNmIUI90m55ERORUQaX6GSuzAx093Lr8TamXIqNnpU1y6TyczqtN0-hCQ9LUsq9oLzQwykbXUXg4q8NgJoirlNQgqGLmRmOsEEWuX7N/s640/IMG_3525.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XHF-eo7kP26LcQb2QmqH726TP85faw8F3Qm3PpeJILQ98VJk9ZwvmVJTqBICNgqDA_GmGuSNf2lIGoVQ-tAP6yOqNgz_XBymevZQtJRamM9IGhYRHp74cPHbdw3rF_GJ__uD8BvOjB_j/s1600/IMG_3526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XHF-eo7kP26LcQb2QmqH726TP85faw8F3Qm3PpeJILQ98VJk9ZwvmVJTqBICNgqDA_GmGuSNf2lIGoVQ-tAP6yOqNgz_XBymevZQtJRamM9IGhYRHp74cPHbdw3rF_GJ__uD8BvOjB_j/s640/IMG_3526.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CX0BAh5vO2uIbqy7VDlfPNkzkpBNtys2xyBqlz_RLyY35X-QIj6oc2TGS5Hno-Qvu2eK_Ohv5l7i3MkiD6IyLu5iZt-NC2p02SC4bOto-HwotmbD0D0kekhYdhcgAT3JoBiKyLyKbuVy/s1600/IMG_3535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CX0BAh5vO2uIbqy7VDlfPNkzkpBNtys2xyBqlz_RLyY35X-QIj6oc2TGS5Hno-Qvu2eK_Ohv5l7i3MkiD6IyLu5iZt-NC2p02SC4bOto-HwotmbD0D0kekhYdhcgAT3JoBiKyLyKbuVy/s640/IMG_3535.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this girl reminds me of myself when i was her age. i love her dearly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3. it helps to keep me spiritually accountable.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
now i realize that this isn't the only way to keep accountable, but it is very helpful. the way i look at it is, how are you going to help teenagers grow spiritually when you're not there yet either? how are you going to answer questions, particularly the hard ones? you gotta be alert, ready to go. prepared for anything. "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong." (I Corinthians 16:13)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">4. i get the opportunity to instill some Godly truth into, and disciple the youngers.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
someone once described the importance of youth ministry to me in this way- this is the time in a teens life where they are becoming older and beginning to make and for their own decisions and opinions on certain things and topics. you want to get them while they are still forming said thoughts and opinions. this is one of the best times to tell them about Jesus. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPWDIIjpYzKMLU-1aLome24DicaezRcorLtXlLZK-9GJW7nXi-cz55wqGmotIt6sBRNXQ7YZyb41Ear7z9ZdC7uJ28GLouKT9A3B_j-WtUTORIM6QtnjQrdtK53R96n-YBlXwuek37yt4/s1600/13497562_1055587537855919_2601408872202713042_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPWDIIjpYzKMLU-1aLome24DicaezRcorLtXlLZK-9GJW7nXi-cz55wqGmotIt6sBRNXQ7YZyb41Ear7z9ZdC7uJ28GLouKT9A3B_j-WtUTORIM6QtnjQrdtK53R96n-YBlXwuek37yt4/s640/13497562_1055587537855919_2601408872202713042_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2shFkNz9LtxKUNpQ4eZW9gucv28PZwfKyKmNuQ-jfYlqhRHJ9-2ktFil6ZIrsGFHdhl64uuokvmlYuLuGGWTnVHziDV8M0_OERsP-CxFXc_8lGDuY2_eNa_adbEM2SwF1dIeOXEQbEE8/s1600/13497870_1055587677855905_7696030982660667282_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2shFkNz9LtxKUNpQ4eZW9gucv28PZwfKyKmNuQ-jfYlqhRHJ9-2ktFil6ZIrsGFHdhl64uuokvmlYuLuGGWTnVHziDV8M0_OERsP-CxFXc_8lGDuY2_eNa_adbEM2SwF1dIeOXEQbEE8/s640/13497870_1055587677855905_7696030982660667282_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkj7-6S2D9jB_AQD_4-pc7r79A1ICwwW7Vu_o6E87Rxxes3Pkryk1JMHirDmPwnqxm1Dzzl_01iAmbwZWwenVk7wmRSFAa3xsUau5Bb1eLXSgx11Q4ZExsehhPRGJQlN6pKQuZ4bH4GwxY/s1600/12742026_10153257442992312_1202811289223919581_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkj7-6S2D9jB_AQD_4-pc7r79A1ICwwW7Vu_o6E87Rxxes3Pkryk1JMHirDmPwnqxm1Dzzl_01iAmbwZWwenVk7wmRSFAa3xsUau5Bb1eLXSgx11Q4ZExsehhPRGJQlN6pKQuZ4bH4GwxY/s640/12742026_10153257442992312_1202811289223919581_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5. i potentially get to travel.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i love to travel. so when i can do it with the youth ministry, it's the actual best thing. i've been able to go to chicago once before, youth camp over a million times (ok ten, but you get the picture) and overseas. mission trips with teenagers is a fun and rewarding time because you get to watch these teens practice what they've been taught to those who don't know Jesus. i love watching them step outside their comfort zone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeKS7W4ZGXLoSOsf2JVPVq5o0-6SGfbkj-wqHe35TNQ-ks7xb_il1kpeRGV2PMeZxAmgfR7p4g_i1faGM_uqLPw6F4h8JQZFS3P9Wl7CFsPIxvvCOnOO4aQSjlv6HtSjgKhQtLTsBbjtj/s1600/IMG_1383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeKS7W4ZGXLoSOsf2JVPVq5o0-6SGfbkj-wqHe35TNQ-ks7xb_il1kpeRGV2PMeZxAmgfR7p4g_i1faGM_uqLPw6F4h8JQZFS3P9Wl7CFsPIxvvCOnOO4aQSjlv6HtSjgKhQtLTsBbjtj/s640/IMG_1383.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the forbidden city<br />
beijing, china<br />
2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizapRyIZTrc38Av2CZWvmMBpm-2gv2l4gZHrCUYlW8lVDdWJy1yNrQVquuTKwSLhvKXLhUUbyNZB9sreRW-lQ9jksSeSTZX5ygedqb3l_nyYTrehTLpISBgng2tMqBWYcaVjt0S0WCg3WM/s1600/12733999_10153257453312312_7339802497500772395_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizapRyIZTrc38Av2CZWvmMBpm-2gv2l4gZHrCUYlW8lVDdWJy1yNrQVquuTKwSLhvKXLhUUbyNZB9sreRW-lQ9jksSeSTZX5ygedqb3l_nyYTrehTLpISBgng2tMqBWYcaVjt0S0WCg3WM/s640/12733999_10153257453312312_7339802497500772395_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrggDfEIrX7bOkyXvjsPEI6kA813sDWs8bQA3qLIqn9uvlLETBgALknaaWlZbl-ruJY6bJwsfMnqdCLlCZWBZ9dCK3EB25xt_XCTSCS41RknMICsobN5T1aX1ZVIbUB_mAuomN0klyjK0/s1600/12670106_10153257460362312_1041998033398612911_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrggDfEIrX7bOkyXvjsPEI6kA813sDWs8bQA3qLIqn9uvlLETBgALknaaWlZbl-ruJY6bJwsfMnqdCLlCZWBZ9dCK3EB25xt_XCTSCS41RknMICsobN5T1aX1ZVIbUB_mAuomN0klyjK0/s640/12670106_10153257460362312_1041998033398612911_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but in all honesty, it's really an amazing opportunity to teach young kids, mainly young girls, who's exact seats you were sitting in ten years ago, about Jesus and how to love Him in a time where its really hard to. and i'm still being taught as well, because the things we teach the teenagers, it's still very essential to adults.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hope you enjoyed this post, friends!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i have some questions for you- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are you a part of any ministries at your church? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what is it/ are they? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
do you love them? <br />
<br />
ps. here is a picture of me in highschool.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PLaJNdqnXxbA4CXx-Q8SbA8kPvOpIoa2k81EdqDSAwWaeARUeZGIbFTjI_s_GIFR4oPfbsiCq3p8SkDO9hN1EmxF-xc8ROjV0oJwD10lSqA-a2MtEMmGazRd2PAaTXpyt-rBCahne1tP/s1600/71749_447433507311_6549518_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PLaJNdqnXxbA4CXx-Q8SbA8kPvOpIoa2k81EdqDSAwWaeARUeZGIbFTjI_s_GIFR4oPfbsiCq3p8SkDO9hN1EmxF-xc8ROjV0oJwD10lSqA-a2MtEMmGazRd2PAaTXpyt-rBCahne1tP/s640/71749_447433507311_6549518_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>emphasis on the awkward. </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>but don't forget thats why we are all here to begin with. </b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-86049475808173482872017-02-01T12:30:00.000-05:002017-02-02T00:05:25.121-05:00|| don't get me started ||<div style="text-align: center;">
hi friends. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
today am beside my self with hilarity over this post that i'm about to crank out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSh57egFOkPQuF7Ri6LW-P9RNwfPDaPpgxJyFUXVt8avmhuEh5lLQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSh57egFOkPQuF7Ri6LW-P9RNwfPDaPpgxJyFUXVt8avmhuEh5lLQ" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i once saw a wonderful idea for a road trip game on facebook. the idea is that everyone lists a topic, and after each topic you start off your statement with "don't get me started on (insert topic here)" and from there, you just <span style="font-size: large;">vent the crap out</span> of whatever topic it is. it doesn't even have to be something that makes you angry, you just have to go off on each topic. you can take it in an angry manner or "it's so good its annoying" kind of manner.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so with that being said, here is the (hopefully) first ever blog version of "don't get me started".</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i went on my personal and blog facebook pages and asked y'all for random, but not political (because that will defeat my purpose and no one needs that kind of current negativity in their life), topics. little did you know what i was going to do with them. prepared to be confused and feel a little uncomfortable and hopefully awkward.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://68.media.tumblr.com/643d2f775b5c8e8fe3f6d0aea3c97dda/tumblr_o1exaeLktF1uh2mkho1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/643d2f775b5c8e8fe3f6d0aea3c97dda/tumblr_o1exaeLktF1uh2mkho1_400.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>social media.</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
don't get me started with social media ya'll. it is beginning to get a little weird. have you noticed how awkwardly social everyone is becoming lately? you want to know why that is?<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">because of the media that is social.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>all these teeny booper folk are walking around with their nose on their phone<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (which, if you know about germs, is incredibly unsanitary)</span> and then the inevitable and very backward thing happens- these poor kids with this growth attached to them end up running into inanimate objects and <span style="font-size: large;">apologize</span> to said objects <span style="font-size: x-large;">or</span> they run into a human being and say <span style="font-size: large;">nothing</span>, blush, stick their nose back on their phone or tablet and run away. what's up with that?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://68.media.tumblr.com/4880540ecd58542e8eb37a9f7ac2ab67/tumblr_nxbe8zqLSw1qj4315o1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/4880540ecd58542e8eb37a9f7ac2ab67/tumblr_nxbe8zqLSw1qj4315o1_500.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>pigeons.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
don't get me started on pigeons. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what's the deal with these birds? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with their wing flapping, their pecking, their begging, their general nosiness? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">why?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and have you ever taken a good look at a pigeon? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">they are ugly as sin</span>, with their beady little eyes that stare judgement into your soul if you look at them for too long. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they're just so..........</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ugh, ya know?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i know you get what i mean. and you know who else gets what i mean? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">pigeons. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they are too intelligent for their own good. they know. they know that i know that they know that i know that the pigeons know, man. they just know. creepy little beasts of the air....oh wait, thats the crow. <span style="font-size: x-small;">don't get me started on those.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://68.media.tumblr.com/c2966f068851bcc15676256a61f75bbd/tumblr_o8frexzUPG1r66xfro1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/c2966f068851bcc15676256a61f75bbd/tumblr_o8frexzUPG1r66xfro1_500.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>online shopping.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
don't get me started on online shopping. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
online shopping is the worst and also the best at the same time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's the worst because you have no legitimate guarantee that something is going to work or going to fit. you are basically playing Russian roulette with the internet. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">for product</span>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that just doesn't make a lot of sense to me. but then online shopping is pretty legit since you <span style="font-size: large;">literally have to do nothing </span>but push a couple buttons and your product, that you're gambling for-don't forget, appears and your weird fed ex man shows up at the door to hand you your goods. this requires nothing, <span style="font-size: large;">not even pants</span>, and we all know what a hassle pants are, but don't get me started on those. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
too complex.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://68.media.tumblr.com/c29a29ef364ae21431a43da630e55afc/tumblr_n7yh5qqfNy1rljj38o1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/c29a29ef364ae21431a43da630e55afc/tumblr_n7yh5qqfNy1rljj38o1_400.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and from it all you slowly begin to spin out of control.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">naps.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
don't get me started on naps. the word automatically makes me want to crawl in a rabbit's hole and snuggle into the warm fluffy coat of the den mother. there will i fall into the sweetest of slumbers, dreaming about puppies, coffee, happy things.......</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">whoa.</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i actually started to fall asleep for a second.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
see, this is why i don't talk about naps. i'm automatically taken into a trance of sweet, sweet, sleepy coma...............</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and there we go again. that's why you never get me started on naps.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://68.media.tumblr.com/5d22ff3118f2eba6691787729d294158/tumblr_o1nr9pjEko1smqfiko1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/5d22ff3118f2eba6691787729d294158/tumblr_o1nr9pjEko1smqfiko1_500.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">the freshness of Wonder bread.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
don't even get me started on the freshness of wonder bread. it's so fresh that it makes me angry. i've never experienced something so fresh, so fly. it has much style. it stays classic, vintage and never changes. the glistening plastic bag keeps the sweet loaf in it's form- the kind of packaging is what brings the people back every time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we can learn something from this- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">consistency is key</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://68.media.tumblr.com/36d60921618be7b49a48bc7a1edb9c6a/tumblr_ob768grDbN1uyks91o1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/36d60921618be7b49a48bc7a1edb9c6a/tumblr_ob768grDbN1uyks91o1_500.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">and with that, we have one of the strangest posts i have ever written.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">ok thats actually a lie. the strangest post i have ever written is <a href="http://awkwardlycaroline.blogspot.com/2012/10/first-almost-all-nighter.html">here </a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">but this one is a close second.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">i challenge everyone to play this game in your car, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">whether you're on a raid trip or stuck in traffic. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">heck, maybe even play it in walmart. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">that couldn't be the oddest thing that has happened in there, amiright?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-48244965267177005012017-01-30T11:30:00.000-05:002017-01-30T11:30:14.732-05:00|| the best of awkwardly caroline ('09-'14) ||<div style="text-align: center;">
for some reason, i decided to go through my blog and look through my posts for the last 8 years. it was crazy seeing how my ability to write has grown along with my creativity. i also thought this would be a good way for all of my readers (new and old) to get to know me as a blogger/writer/author.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so, with that being said, and in no particular order (because i love them all), here is <span style="font-size: large;">"the best of awkwardly caroline"</span> (or if you were here in the very beginning, a gracious demeanor/ everybody behave naturally).</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
first, and most important, here is everything i've written that's been <a href="http://awkwardlycaroline.blogspot.com/search?q=awkward">awkward</a>. clearly that's why we are all here. <span style="font-size: large;">it's clearly why i write.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://68.media.tumblr.com/75f659cb9498d9fdc5279e99dc13649b/tumblr_og8une4KdF1vzhmn5o1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/75f659cb9498d9fdc5279e99dc13649b/tumblr_og8une4KdF1vzhmn5o1_400.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
next, we have <a href="http://awkwardlycaroline.blogspot.com/2012/04/exam-that-was-bunch-of-poop.html?showComment=1335832666491#c938297111835876755">the exam that was a bunch of poop</a>. here i tell you about the most frustrating test i have ever experienced in my college career.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://68.media.tumblr.com/9432d9603e7dbadb4b0e3983fe5ea9eb/tumblr_ok6c63SFyo1u9fmtgo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/9432d9603e7dbadb4b0e3983fe5ea9eb/tumblr_ok6c63SFyo1u9fmtgo1_500.gif" width="301" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then, we have a very serious post referring to <a href="http://awkwardlycaroline.blogspot.com/2013/03/god-is-love.html?showComment=1365029296709#c7554890896223318853">God's love</a> and how His love is the most important love. for sometime frame- this was written about 6 months to a year before same sex marriage was legalized and everyone was in an uproar over something regarding all of that <span style="font-size: x-small;">(this is not to sound insensitive, i just don't remember the reason why all this stuff was going on).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then, we have that split moment in college where i thought about <a href="http://awkwardlycaroline.blogspot.com/2013/04/im-going-to-want-to-be-midwife-after.html?showComment=1366212339480#c3728301421791291023">becoming a midwife</a>.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> oh silly 20 year old Caroline. yes, while being a midwife would still be incredible, you do not need to do that. you would have to go through nursing school, and we all know you would fail it. it's just not a good idea. just stick to what you know- writing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then, we have one of <a href="http://awkwardlycaroline.blogspot.com/2013/07/life-update-probably-one-of-longest.html?showComment=1375272452541#c6671038601187570509">the longest posts i've ever written.</a> gosh, i just went back and read through this post and i remember so clearly all of it. i'm so thankful that God laid it on my heart to continue in the ministry direction.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
next, and this one still kills me (but i could probably make it actually work now that i have more cooking experience), there is <a href="http://awkwardlycaroline.blogspot.com/2013/08/that-one-time-where-pinterest-failed-me.html?showComment=1376334656138#c3157745672595504279">that one time that pinterest actually failed me</a>. <span style="font-size: large;">shocker, i know. i wasn't ready for it either. </span>maybe i should redo this one as a follow up and see if it still breaks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://68.media.tumblr.com/434aed9ba0de809673a4a7873ccf1de5/tumblr_nitmtsgReM1u64k17o1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/434aed9ba0de809673a4a7873ccf1de5/tumblr_nitmtsgReM1u64k17o1_400.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then, let's remember that time i gave some helpful information to the gentlemen out there <a href="http://awkwardlycaroline.blogspot.com/2013/10/real-talk-on-taking-your-lady-out-to.html?showComment=1384359438851#c1415895265113156661">on taking their lady out to dinner.</a> i still stand firmly but this, and if my standards for men in my age group are still to high, then <span style="font-size: large;">maybe those men should get their acts together</span>. there is no reason why this should still be happening, and if it is, fix and eat your food at home. you can have a perfectly good date night at home while not ripping anyone off in the process. <span style="font-size: large;">#sayitlouderforthepeopleintheback</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://68.media.tumblr.com/72f0bf5e2598a1e7d359ba098357dc75/tumblr_nqs3bl8mDo1uzk4sio1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/72f0bf5e2598a1e7d359ba098357dc75/tumblr_nqs3bl8mDo1uzk4sio1_500.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">but i digress.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://68.media.tumblr.com/832076bbdb6809813b2e3992a37ca15a/tumblr_ojaipmm2yg1uedw08o1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/832076bbdb6809813b2e3992a37ca15a/tumblr_ojaipmm2yg1uedw08o1_500.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">back to the actual content of this post.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
here we present the comical little post about <a href="http://awkwardlycaroline.blogspot.com/2011/11/why-pens-are-so-important.html">the importance of pens</a>. i remember finding a small blurb about this online, and i took it, gave credit to the source, and ran with it, <span style="font-size: large;">because sometimes i think i'm hilarious.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://68.media.tumblr.com/b85247ed032395718f6f057435620bc4/tumblr_mlzg29W3rO1rmvfheo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://68.media.tumblr.com/b85247ed032395718f6f057435620bc4/tumblr_mlzg29W3rO1rmvfheo1_500.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and finally, since next week is the super bowl and <span style="font-size: large;">the end of football season </span>(can i get an amen? no one interesting is playing and i'm sorry, i'm tired of football. i'm ready for baseball) is near. i give you, <a href="http://awkwardlycaroline.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-i-did-instead-of-watching-superbowl.html">what i normally do instead of watch the super bowl; college student addition.</a> i'll try to a follow up with a barista or working girl addition for next week and then we cam play compare and contrast.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i don't know about you, but as i said in the beginning, i'm very proud of these posts. i hope you too enjoy them. let me know which one is your favorite!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-13430140475239560472017-01-23T21:09:00.001-05:002017-01-23T21:09:17.920-05:00on bloglovin<div style="text-align: center;">
hi ya'll! just as a quick heads up, i'm on bloglovin'!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you can find me<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/18453353/?claim=ukpa23urev8%22%3EFollow%20my%20blog%20with%20Bloglovin%3C/a%3E"> here</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have a great day!!!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/FCBC9C31C7FA31194B1B28B1C1A4B59F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-56213241833509292092017-01-23T10:30:00.000-05:002017-01-23T21:36:44.162-05:00|| what i'm currently listening to. ||<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
music is one of my favorite things. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ever. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
seriously. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ask anyone who knows me well, and they will tell you that music is my jam. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
get it?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
music?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
jams? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*insert finger guns here*</div>
<br />
since i love music so much, i want to share with you all what has been on repeat for the last month . this has been my go to playlist of songs to listen to at six am while i am getting to work and setting things up for the day. they are great for getting into the mood of "yes, today will be good. i will do the things, i will serve the coffee. and i'll do it with a spring in my step."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
ok, maybe thats too enthusiastic for six am, but whatever.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so....in no particular order:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkO21nH23A5khP6Tk5fu0q6niYrOjPHZwZ3tswyhXcis5rTiSUjnWZJfVhbDNUmMCpVQKlVtR2CfAY1nYESmQsGxq_3-NKyMBkGXPbKDD1urwdIT6ppYoaWh-62BRNlOOtEZm-bumFJXyR/s1600/Bruno_Mars_-_24K_Magic_%2528Official_Album_Cover%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkO21nH23A5khP6Tk5fu0q6niYrOjPHZwZ3tswyhXcis5rTiSUjnWZJfVhbDNUmMCpVQKlVtR2CfAY1nYESmQsGxq_3-NKyMBkGXPbKDD1urwdIT6ppYoaWh-62BRNlOOtEZm-bumFJXyR/s400/Bruno_Mars_-_24K_Magic_%2528Official_Album_Cover%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. "24k Magic"- Bruno Mars</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this ENTIRE album is incredible. i was a tiny bruno fan when "just the way you are" came out because, well let's face it, that song is cute, sweet, and what every girl wants to hear. but then he dropped off my radar for a while (unless one of his hits came on the radio) and theeeeeeeeennnnnnn 24K MAGIC APPEARED as the first single off his newest album. i was intrigued instantly, and then when the album came out, i got it. OHMYLANTA YA'LL. it is such a fun album. it's the 70's groove, with a top 40s twist. straight fire. i kid you not, i listened to that album for a straight month- this was sue to the fact that there is no aux chord in my car and also the album is THAT GOOD.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8hUpcP3TSC9pVNlCNTAmu1JdYgqC-7b613dCJSp3SDjzql8pUmi5OvJm7G1yWh_mBF-3pPwTgVB1nQ1PViP0P8pb_8M5eeViXj0CHXlNLubyaWa7Hm1Kk0qy5tCdfaeHvK-qkAcDUO82/s1600/kelsea+ballerini.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8hUpcP3TSC9pVNlCNTAmu1JdYgqC-7b613dCJSp3SDjzql8pUmi5OvJm7G1yWh_mBF-3pPwTgVB1nQ1PViP0P8pb_8M5eeViXj0CHXlNLubyaWa7Hm1Kk0qy5tCdfaeHvK-qkAcDUO82/s400/kelsea+ballerini.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. "Yeah Boy"- Kelsea Ballerini</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this is a "country" jam. i sue the quotations because, like much of today's country music isn't what it used to be. at least, so i've been told. i didn't really start listening to country music (i actually used to hate it witha fiery passion) till i was a senior in highschool.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
don't get me wrong, i love to listen to this country music. this particular jam has a nice beat, nice sound, and pleasing to the ear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhv7DT0MLHX_BybibSRY1AabaJw7As4vQJtG7O76TlO0_uo6g6W6GwmctQP9qxMNVt2CVoSqQkxY6uyRQ2B961iJfJ0m_LHvGWC5L9gAIsUBpe7RscPCij_0z_3kg7cuI6_cn_96Ui4P9/s1600/dnce.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhv7DT0MLHX_BybibSRY1AabaJw7As4vQJtG7O76TlO0_uo6g6W6GwmctQP9qxMNVt2CVoSqQkxY6uyRQ2B961iJfJ0m_LHvGWC5L9gAIsUBpe7RscPCij_0z_3kg7cuI6_cn_96Ui4P9/s400/dnce.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. "Body Moves", 4. "Toothbrush", 5. "Good Day", 6. "Pay My Rent"- DNCE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so, time for some honesty. the main reason i listen to DNCE is because of Joe Jonas. he was and still is my favorite jonas brother. <a href="http://awkwardlycaroline.blogspot.com/2012/05/fan-girling.html">after having been teased back in 2012</a> about the return of the jonas brothers, i've been lowkey bitter about no new music from anyone in that family at that moment. then i heard this band was forming, i heard that Joe was in this band, and i heard that the jonas brother's former drummer, jack lawless, i was COMPLETELY on board. granted i don't think dnce's music is as tasteful as the glory days of the jonas brothers, i'll still take it and i'll dance with it til it dies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8T9ONl3grPu5mfMnYlyQRplUTDl3CHsq86sC3BW5KXUaQS-8e7xYqo2P4o6yV8uDlbIMmJUZ3U12Avumrfl_IP2Ym1trUXKffhU2_6bNq8Emvvxb4YDxCdiA_qv8Odprs_vWxYI8xyd3Y/s1600/duffy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8T9ONl3grPu5mfMnYlyQRplUTDl3CHsq86sC3BW5KXUaQS-8e7xYqo2P4o6yV8uDlbIMmJUZ3U12Avumrfl_IP2Ym1trUXKffhU2_6bNq8Emvvxb4YDxCdiA_qv8Odprs_vWxYI8xyd3Y/s400/duffy.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
7. "Mercy"- Duffy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i'm bringing this one back from the back of the closet. i listened to this song again recently and i can't begin to explain to you why i like it, but i do. i definately cannot relate to the subject matter (at least i hope not) but i really dig duffy's vocal range here. it's a good song to belt out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUhqoWGDO7cxNWDNQCNeomQ6y-tkniJ_jOUItYbOsAF5-My4O6RoZKX1xEkyW1n4EvX1-UqkB0RlPOimBiBC1wwoP7bmdyWawx0XLZCMzGPVsQ7BsC5_QDepiZz0OmMt7ZDlCHh5MBo4U/s1600/amine%2527.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUhqoWGDO7cxNWDNQCNeomQ6y-tkniJ_jOUItYbOsAF5-My4O6RoZKX1xEkyW1n4EvX1-UqkB0RlPOimBiBC1wwoP7bmdyWawx0XLZCMzGPVsQ7BsC5_QDepiZz0OmMt7ZDlCHh5MBo4U/s400/amine%2527.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
8. "Caroline"- Anime'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can you guess why i like this song? i have yet to find a song called "caroline", that i don't like. maybe its a cocky thing, but you have to admit, most of the time, songs that feature you're name make you feel real special.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1iR3n2MsVOjMCvLX5USyummrmuwx0baOt5seKRvrHnvZ427suV61gZpuMN6XfkY8-qTHh0znaJrsR1hyphenhyphend4__eO0NmtSwXeEbSwijnukGl4QE4kdbEdwkRuCAhpdbrbnufaAp79yx4i7H/s1600/fifth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1iR3n2MsVOjMCvLX5USyummrmuwx0baOt5seKRvrHnvZ427suV61gZpuMN6XfkY8-qTHh0znaJrsR1hyphenhyphend4__eO0NmtSwXeEbSwijnukGl4QE4kdbEdwkRuCAhpdbrbnufaAp79yx4i7H/s400/fifth.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
9."That's My Girl"- Fifth Harmony</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i'm not the biggest fan of this group. i can't explain why i've never been a fan, but i'm just not. HOWEVER they have been able to pump out a few banging hits. this one is no different. it's got a jammin beat, and it talks about (however correct me if i'm wrong) supporting and praising the best pals in your life and i really dig that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQcuPuHISO4gMxMDydR6348Lai5hIA3_fFYKUtazsNW1b-pvwD6FJc8HeWgIBXPpdaZWAmZ5Je_Ji-yvtEYQsG3mApw6Dp9UvWnVOulEcfak65tbj9A1jqBqawywG3XzppiKXQ9XQli-o/s1600/starley.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQcuPuHISO4gMxMDydR6348Lai5hIA3_fFYKUtazsNW1b-pvwD6FJc8HeWgIBXPpdaZWAmZ5Je_Ji-yvtEYQsG3mApw6Dp9UvWnVOulEcfak65tbj9A1jqBqawywG3XzppiKXQ9XQli-o/s400/starley.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
10. "Call On Me" -Starley (Ryan Riback Remix) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(specifically this remix)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Its a tights song about being supportive, and it has a tight beat. therefore, it's tight. and also i came across this from soneone i follow on snapchat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0EMfueZo1PS7dbyxuc1CgmL2UDYy_53iFIV_vwnvImYJqofxVzl1rAOj3hPBWGvZcBWXVClz2VL7EhPuxQF1lazGlErRbjUx0QYI-K35FfSy6r7EHOgoqFpjQDBVooCnH_L34rql9vOL/s1600/bobby+brown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0EMfueZo1PS7dbyxuc1CgmL2UDYy_53iFIV_vwnvImYJqofxVzl1rAOj3hPBWGvZcBWXVClz2VL7EhPuxQF1lazGlErRbjUx0QYI-K35FfSy6r7EHOgoqFpjQDBVooCnH_L34rql9vOL/s400/bobby+brown.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
11. "My Prerogative"- Bobby Brown</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
really, the only reason i found this song is because it was sung on glee and i'm currently watching it two years two late. but, it's tight.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVp-KyNemkPKqUIN7RxmxUa1P6IRMshPYdG7OtdyUT1w8YinH51GaVwD0ZcShI__ar0QPDZp0RkL3Yx-bM0nj0iaBwHG80yIk4oiJxh66_L2RdSFJOv3yco_BRV9hAeEDhnQQFqPKSBi7J/s1600/madonna.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVp-KyNemkPKqUIN7RxmxUa1P6IRMshPYdG7OtdyUT1w8YinH51GaVwD0ZcShI__ar0QPDZp0RkL3Yx-bM0nj0iaBwHG80yIk4oiJxh66_L2RdSFJOv3yco_BRV9hAeEDhnQQFqPKSBi7J/s400/madonna.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
12. "Like a Virgin."- Madonna</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
80's music is the best kind of music. always. and also, this too was sung on glee. i'm a sad individual.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ry6gQ2X6-kMDoYEHweWh8gzx2PzjdNMTYeDXlz28uIoBdjpb0z5i2DtDZzxcX8bbH4OMriQVyfzDampLlqf78pmssXCOJ8IdPT9DiHNGTR6QltSn8mCQl0guHt58115H7Q6h7USx-QEp/s1600/drake.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ry6gQ2X6-kMDoYEHweWh8gzx2PzjdNMTYeDXlz28uIoBdjpb0z5i2DtDZzxcX8bbH4OMriQVyfzDampLlqf78pmssXCOJ8IdPT9DiHNGTR6QltSn8mCQl0guHt58115H7Q6h7USx-QEp/s400/drake.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
13. "Too Good"- Drake ft. Rhianna</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for some reason, drake has been a jam lately. he's got good, danceable rhythms (yes, even for the ones wo can't dance, but try ever so hard to do so aka me). add rhianna in there, and it's good to go. just run with it. or dance. i don't know you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ0sd7vRL3S72Fa48OIDky83VMu-XR_nNzFMVc12TwrSNyHyL-35jz3az8-G79qnT42HPdup-HRotzvtzYmf2BKgYmjhZg8SPUUpPTapL5zb99Ovg8lVCFDgGk_w9wIbmYXswXcUcAl43/s1600/Celine_dion-im_alive_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ0sd7vRL3S72Fa48OIDky83VMu-XR_nNzFMVc12TwrSNyHyL-35jz3az8-G79qnT42HPdup-HRotzvtzYmf2BKgYmjhZg8SPUUpPTapL5zb99Ovg8lVCFDgGk_w9wIbmYXswXcUcAl43/s400/Celine_dion-im_alive_s.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
14. "I'm Alive"- Celine Dion</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as you can see, a pattern is forming with jams that have good beats. i'm a sucker for a good beat, whether electronically or acoustically. pump out a good beat and my head will bop and next thing you know, out pops the whitest white girl you've ever seen. this song is no exception.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBs4bBMekkil3uzlDF_xLVtlfMOiDKnGQ09xolCclwZ8H38g_V-Q7iz1Wuo0DZ8aZt5L90pn255ZYmzsXl4ax0SeUv84u2QDw8qDt9cYxjjQe8EEz4WA-yg0EB2ejA6IYEG61r3UkjW-FP/s1600/dustin.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBs4bBMekkil3uzlDF_xLVtlfMOiDKnGQ09xolCclwZ8H38g_V-Q7iz1Wuo0DZ8aZt5L90pn255ZYmzsXl4ax0SeUv84u2QDw8qDt9cYxjjQe8EEz4WA-yg0EB2ejA6IYEG61r3UkjW-FP/s400/dustin.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
15. "Seein Red"- Dustin Lynch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just ask my roomate (who feels the same), this song gives me feels man. all of the feels and dance moves. all over everything.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEhDFR1_vO_kQglZrySocwLBm2Guko05r45vWZckQvHP5mKB4L0-zy88nwRWmr_MRYCdsEzs0pC7gaVRVKlDfJRfHT_5bOKAIgxV0V0G07RZb39d-KAOyMwSOUROqjhnnfic2AL05RBdf/s1600/bonnie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEhDFR1_vO_kQglZrySocwLBm2Guko05r45vWZckQvHP5mKB4L0-zy88nwRWmr_MRYCdsEzs0pC7gaVRVKlDfJRfHT_5bOKAIgxV0V0G07RZb39d-KAOyMwSOUROqjhnnfic2AL05RBdf/s400/bonnie.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
16. "Stars in Your Heart"- Bonnie Mckee</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this is just a sweet simple song about love. at least that's my interpretation. but it's just good. even when you are losing the ability to properly describe feelings towards something, as i currently am, it's still real good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9oi2rklYD4Uh2hUxwoXB76XGRFhClf7Ef61vm9SX0-tRYeu3iS7b0_hKT26hqfnVG68StCZLjsRp28IS-haF7q6k7MJdhIIYtRI_UbQ_waVi2hcLF9ssD498jiIA0nrI3tEaPKUKdOQ9/s1600/gabrielle+aplin.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9oi2rklYD4Uh2hUxwoXB76XGRFhClf7Ef61vm9SX0-tRYeu3iS7b0_hKT26hqfnVG68StCZLjsRp28IS-haF7q6k7MJdhIIYtRI_UbQ_waVi2hcLF9ssD498jiIA0nrI3tEaPKUKdOQ9/s400/gabrielle+aplin.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
17. "Miss You"- Gabrielle Aplin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
FAVORITE SONG ALERT.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
FAVORITE.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
FAVORITE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
FAVORITE.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SO GOOD. SO SWEET.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
IT'S ABOUT MISSING SOMEONE which i've related to a lot recently and so i think that's why i'm crazy about this song.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and finally last but not least because if you remember these were in no particular order......</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlQ76YWsRrjua_kFfDm8QMIkYbkTP6sDCN5cU6aMhsix-O48uX1kUYBMoEz7bCS04RPsV22s7a7XUevVAoCIiHO4h_50NwE_s07Wt1HCOvx8yecivLmJNW6yqcWpc_gKJmegNj8cpLYUH/s1600/high+valley.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlQ76YWsRrjua_kFfDm8QMIkYbkTP6sDCN5cU6aMhsix-O48uX1kUYBMoEz7bCS04RPsV22s7a7XUevVAoCIiHO4h_50NwE_s07Wt1HCOvx8yecivLmJNW6yqcWpc_gKJmegNj8cpLYUH/s400/high+valley.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
18. "Make You Mine"- High Valley</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SECOND FAVORITE PROBABLY BECAUSE UUUUUGGGGHHHH. my roommate showed me this song a couple days ago and it's SO GOOD. it's not a typical country song. it's got a folky feel and it makes you tap your feet. not to mention the line "soul miner's daughter." in context, UGGGGGHHHH its the best.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and, like all good things, this post must come to an end.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what are you listening to currently? i'd love to know!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-90997403902262424342017-01-10T10:30:00.000-05:002017-01-10T10:30:28.864-05:00a year in review: 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
hi friends! it's been a while! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i figure that the best way to dive in is too just do a good ole' year in review. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
so here we go!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3dZJAZPVrdl0ejRZfAfIS0REmkX9SYOtReYFYHIVF3Sv5mC8rmURkcbqsGO3mRgjt-WcTzc-S0gG2lEZ3hKYX89A_gzhppNHFHExnLX2NwFxJES1dkgk56Ux61m5n3drVKL4vgklDx4U/s1600/january.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3dZJAZPVrdl0ejRZfAfIS0REmkX9SYOtReYFYHIVF3Sv5mC8rmURkcbqsGO3mRgjt-WcTzc-S0gG2lEZ3hKYX89A_gzhppNHFHExnLX2NwFxJES1dkgk56Ux61m5n3drVKL4vgklDx4U/s640/january.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
January: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
celebrating my mom's birthday from afar,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and a wedding where i was able to see my brother and some close friends.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHLgTaVYEqGzim31LlhU-j2RdLxB0LCf8A37a-NWXarl9QzP0jxneu_AOZtYIOd9utLuTckIONqKHOGIXHYcF4m1YbQXXCkREix9lTuFS0t6Xg4NBW85C1mP-_tXoqW3ZxERHlACStKT6/s1600/february.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHLgTaVYEqGzim31LlhU-j2RdLxB0LCf8A37a-NWXarl9QzP0jxneu_AOZtYIOd9utLuTckIONqKHOGIXHYcF4m1YbQXXCkREix9lTuFS0t6Xg4NBW85C1mP-_tXoqW3ZxERHlACStKT6/s640/february.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
february:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
was a chaperon for a college trip. the youth pastor and myself took a handful of our youth group to chicago to visit moody bible institute for a conference and the chance to visit the school. we also got the joy of seeing some of the youth that had graduated and started attending school there.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbP15Y4KBQKbg7slOGBDRo-2SdW0MEOOOVMuUxiXLGG0NtviH9rZjw6j3ZOSLKH0KkqedkM5gPS-ArSWlmvnZ_tfvHkbXQFscMyDZG6yWgEPj9O6bSY2AefqbC4RVYG3NaoquKhplcZRS/s1600/march.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbP15Y4KBQKbg7slOGBDRo-2SdW0MEOOOVMuUxiXLGG0NtviH9rZjw6j3ZOSLKH0KkqedkM5gPS-ArSWlmvnZ_tfvHkbXQFscMyDZG6yWgEPj9O6bSY2AefqbC4RVYG3NaoquKhplcZRS/s640/march.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
march:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
attended one of the most jammin concerts i've ever been to</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(not including my favorite band, The Oh Hellos the year prior) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
with some of the loveliest people. this month also started the wedding festivities for one of my dearest and oldest friends (she got engaged the previous fall). also, voted in what i THOUGHT was going to be a hopeful election. also notice the most terrifying face swap of the month.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Jdfvv81nDvPmH1uuUKcmYB9dRgRm_IK4OsRazYXRY0OywYeqbiVpcZv7t21DIfHX3TAGrwvkdAz1cO9caZNymo-Qmqr9oqDTex9zHeewubJ3BNv4LtiMV0qmgYMMM19pgpZxxO2abz7k/s1600/april.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Jdfvv81nDvPmH1uuUKcmYB9dRgRm_IK4OsRazYXRY0OywYeqbiVpcZv7t21DIfHX3TAGrwvkdAz1cO9caZNymo-Qmqr9oqDTex9zHeewubJ3BNv4LtiMV0qmgYMMM19pgpZxxO2abz7k/s640/april.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
april: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
this was actually one of the most diffcult months i've ever experienced. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i had some property stolen and work became very stressful. thankfully that smae weekend, after these things happened/ were happening, i was able to get out of town with some of my dear friends (abby and cara)- we hightailed it to the mountains where we rented a cabin in the woods (no weird movie ref here, i promise), and we just spent some much needed time in the mountains, away from everything. praise the Lord for calm bachelorette parties. thankful for these beautiful woman and our lifelong friendship.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRsJhRzjsnuQbvUSNTu8oc1ypiRDPm3rb0FWjZCnTrx1PduZA9zdoHUxaop_ovDuERjQVOYKM_qQGLZHRgq4Z9NhSzdlPxCaaodaZzgToT9GvGurEXrUbutnUS9oZQXGhLVQ5YOUPlYUo/s1600/may.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRsJhRzjsnuQbvUSNTu8oc1ypiRDPm3rb0FWjZCnTrx1PduZA9zdoHUxaop_ovDuERjQVOYKM_qQGLZHRgq4Z9NhSzdlPxCaaodaZzgToT9GvGurEXrUbutnUS9oZQXGhLVQ5YOUPlYUo/s640/may.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
may: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
what a month this was!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i got to watch someone who has been one of my sisters,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
get married to her best friend. it is such a cool thing to watch.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDQpgYTvG2DcK53mUGMjNsok03KGh7g1F307crqc9ty789jirMzJgTj7BsutXdES_k0P8pQnm_1oifoVnX1E2wj9yBZkow80oCZQvHnAWUbL3zDoR-gtPgGjiIG-LzpCpxbEMQzXuaen1/s1600/june.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDQpgYTvG2DcK53mUGMjNsok03KGh7g1F307crqc9ty789jirMzJgTj7BsutXdES_k0P8pQnm_1oifoVnX1E2wj9yBZkow80oCZQvHnAWUbL3zDoR-gtPgGjiIG-LzpCpxbEMQzXuaen1/s640/june.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
june:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
this month had some hectic and busy times. i had to make a last minute trip up to West Virginia as there was a loss in my family. while this is not the best of circumstances, it was a good time to visit with family that i hadn't seen in ages. then i came home and had to turn around the next day and head off to camp to get set up. my church does a yearly youth camp (as seen here and here) and this year, i was in charge of the worship team. so we headed up a few days early (with the help of my brother coming as well) to get set up and get the sound checked. it was a wonderful week of learning and worship God, and while trials happened, the devil did what he could to discourage us, God prevailed overall. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnnKlAlRXhCMfVJNp28eayXXPK8qkkW80z9e0SpK7niyQ4w3-fzRNjAtva4OcL6-3ivKoePXUwpsMij9d4PHFZd45H1WPlOGlIAtodc9u6psIw1vTIKy96TrW1dD1k07zhw_QnQ6DGy-t/s1600/july.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnnKlAlRXhCMfVJNp28eayXXPK8qkkW80z9e0SpK7niyQ4w3-fzRNjAtva4OcL6-3ivKoePXUwpsMij9d4PHFZd45H1WPlOGlIAtodc9u6psIw1vTIKy96TrW1dD1k07zhw_QnQ6DGy-t/s640/july.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
july:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
this was definitely one of the main highlights out of the year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i was able to revisit a country that captured my heart- China. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
made some wonderful friends, saw some amazing sites, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
ate some crazy good food; this was a good month! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_MnramZ3uzda5WJGxsSAGzLCjGWFnL9JR74UBzCe-Lx1I1qAS6lPlVp7VmTQ3Df7PwIVytlY80-VK2nFZLRmroEWzwcctRE4B-9MLEWgjJfJ0u4_7kwQsa-zpvKHzTM2kqbJVDL3V3Ja/s1600/august.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_MnramZ3uzda5WJGxsSAGzLCjGWFnL9JR74UBzCe-Lx1I1qAS6lPlVp7VmTQ3Df7PwIVytlY80-VK2nFZLRmroEWzwcctRE4B-9MLEWgjJfJ0u4_7kwQsa-zpvKHzTM2kqbJVDL3V3Ja/s640/august.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
this month really only required me to readjust back on american soil, s</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
pend time with my furbaby and best friend, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and get used to a job promotion. very relaxed over all!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXk5YPBsOX3fuyWuJjJFJQmFDSZTxlkMZLWe_sa8G3-WdUDD-J_thEkNITDRGKC3CGgFJ6TXg_aaPb5rz_2-OJ1_Ah0sw8xcN7TOe6ITO83otU2C9mEdztDXFhinnCYTlb2bVIoiEXwvzV/s1600/september.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXk5YPBsOX3fuyWuJjJFJQmFDSZTxlkMZLWe_sa8G3-WdUDD-J_thEkNITDRGKC3CGgFJ6TXg_aaPb5rz_2-OJ1_Ah0sw8xcN7TOe6ITO83otU2C9mEdztDXFhinnCYTlb2bVIoiEXwvzV/s640/september.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
this month was lovely because i was able to see another year and celebrate my 24th birthday. a couple of my dear friends were in town and my best friend/ roomate took me to my favorite place in the world- Charleston, SC. also, (not pictured) wrecked my beloved truck near the end of this month.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeTtqkjRNnhSa8dE1QKy0ioJOp-H0pB7JsV5TBRg9Dx2Bfba-0gUhb_Q9s5k6u1a9VxvMbPB5-u0dsCi_LxPJo_R_OqASclJ1vvVtUf0dgsFCIbo-0JR5X84MIAEgKWpf_DOdj0Ejs56g/s1600/october.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeTtqkjRNnhSa8dE1QKy0ioJOp-H0pB7JsV5TBRg9Dx2Bfba-0gUhb_Q9s5k6u1a9VxvMbPB5-u0dsCi_LxPJo_R_OqASclJ1vvVtUf0dgsFCIbo-0JR5X84MIAEgKWpf_DOdj0Ejs56g/s640/october.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
this month was a whirlwind. at the beginning of the month, a hurricane swept through my sweet, sleepy little town and along the east coast. with that came evacuation. thankfully (especially since i was with out a car at the time) i was able to high tail it out of town with my roommate, Caroline, her family and boyfriend. we headed up to greenville and spent about five days in the mountains and it was a much needed break, yet again.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClPW65cmPMlkQZ3ZXmVa9eF2gIiklKbQbvNbZZ3t6QGHC7WEr6B3HpZpUvVyWofI0eN_wBWDMyEqmb-g2PoswQAOCHfPBIJoTjpc7SjdMEnaQlplUynv_IyfwY2cirjQ0YvK7_3gU-qTc/s1600/november.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClPW65cmPMlkQZ3ZXmVa9eF2gIiklKbQbvNbZZ3t6QGHC7WEr6B3HpZpUvVyWofI0eN_wBWDMyEqmb-g2PoswQAOCHfPBIJoTjpc7SjdMEnaQlplUynv_IyfwY2cirjQ0YvK7_3gU-qTc/s640/november.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and so begins the holiday season. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i voted in the scariest election that i have ever actually paid attention too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
then a couple weeks later my mom came into town and </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we celebrated thanksgiving with some dear family members.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaea0fzfff7L3bgVhvzcecWPBtIfreb0BavM5N16ZT8QZz8ViR3V1boPXpHasxP5uDlgTymcEAHw_0H_FSQcInBVVWVtssU41S_XIk2Bmz9rOs9xP9XfWCnZLUvRdP-KSW16asxeNmVnfo/s1600/december.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaea0fzfff7L3bgVhvzcecWPBtIfreb0BavM5N16ZT8QZz8ViR3V1boPXpHasxP5uDlgTymcEAHw_0H_FSQcInBVVWVtssU41S_XIk2Bmz9rOs9xP9XfWCnZLUvRdP-KSW16asxeNmVnfo/s640/december.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
december brought in the usual christmas cheer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
i started out the month with a christmas party for the youth group, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
had the wedding of my dear friend a couple weeks later, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and ended it with heading out to colorado to spend christmas </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
with my mom and other family members.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
this past year was an odd one, both in the media and in my own life. there was lots of learning, lots of questioning, lots of jim halpert faces. but over all there were many good moments, as you can see through the cluster of pictures. and over all, one is to remember how GOOD God is. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
so here is to 2017.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a year to once again remember how GOOD God is no matter what happens.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-339162044357501932016-09-08T11:30:00.000-04:002016-09-08T11:30:35.169-04:00how i ate vegan at ihop. #beginnervegan<div style="text-align: center;">
what's good my people.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">was that too hip? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">should i tone it down a touch? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">probably. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">sorry.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
anyway, in the past month I've decided to make some massive lifestyle changes, specifically with my health. for years, i have had a weird relationship with food. i went back and forth with eating "healthy" and then completely do everything wrong the next time. or i've even gone as far as skip meals, primarily because i forgot to eat, and with the work hours i keep, it can be very hard to keep a regular eating schedule. so, I've tried different methods of dieting.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but friends, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
DIETS ARE THE ACTUAL WORST THING. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
they are temporary and typically they go away when you've finally gotten the results you wanted. AND if not done properly, the results don't last. and in the end, it can be so damaging to your body.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
so i came to a decision about a month ago. i had just returned from an overseas trip (one that i will hopefully talk about when i found what i can say about it and what pictures i can show) and i was ready to change many things. (i've found that i eat better on overseas trips or out of town trips than i do at home.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
i don't really know what prompted this, but i decided to look into a vegan lifestyle. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
crash course: being vegan is literally staying away from any animal by products. but here's the thing, there is so much crap out there that qualifies as vegan; oreos, for example, are vegan. (that's the only thing that comes to mind at the moment but there are many other junky things out there that are vegan.) the main idea is putting things in your body that are real-fruits, vegetables, grains, protein- but still staying away from things that are made of animals. the goal is putting fresh, real, whole things into your body.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
disclaimer: the primary reason i am doing this lifestyle change is for my health. yes, i love animals; doggies, kitties, giraffes, llamas, and cows are all glorious creatures that my powerful God created. yes, the way A LOT of factories deal with meat is the actual worst. but my main goal here is to just be healthy. for me, this means lots of things that come from the ground. cooked or raw. and ya'll, ya girl feels great. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
another disclaimer: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
so with all that being said, welcome to something i am experimenting with eating a plant-based food choice. i'm still very beginner in it, because sometimes, I JUST WANT SOME BACON. but overall, i love this choice. the food is good and i'm happy with it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
tuesday night, my friends wanted to go to ihop. because i wanted to socialize as well, i tagged along, trying to figure out what i would eat.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJVAqsIJkAOFNxLpEbwe1J304DoKHuexYPT8IVhu2Mb6LygHRKnpbUaUTIbQc3MSa0nZJOCDYUoBPa1P3MwWrR4BzUmiORSZ2YhBhnqL0yqxV01QPZHzS5I7vDjkW70VNxEWhbNieygzy/s1600/vegan+ihop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJVAqsIJkAOFNxLpEbwe1J304DoKHuexYPT8IVhu2Mb6LygHRKnpbUaUTIbQc3MSa0nZJOCDYUoBPa1P3MwWrR4BzUmiORSZ2YhBhnqL0yqxV01QPZHzS5I7vDjkW70VNxEWhbNieygzy/s400/vegan+ihop1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQsymSu8TFF3qO_eAAHgJso1hQGg-4eIL269GieH_sTbvxUHXOuRHBu49_gSxplYpG9TvYp3_XVoYVVuE8z4Ve77vwIe9LthbsTYictl3psyCPObaXFEgLtsFKqKZ6yNRqrtGjO1fWLH8/s1600/vegan+ihop+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQsymSu8TFF3qO_eAAHgJso1hQGg-4eIL269GieH_sTbvxUHXOuRHBu49_gSxplYpG9TvYp3_XVoYVVuE8z4Ve77vwIe9LthbsTYictl3psyCPObaXFEgLtsFKqKZ6yNRqrtGjO1fWLH8/s400/vegan+ihop+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this is what happened. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
friends, if you ever want to eat vegan at ihop, order a burger without the meat or the cheese and ask for extra tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. it's so tasty! decided to be bad and get the onion rings. but fun fact! ihop uses either vegetable oil or canola oil to cook with. so it's safe.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
please know, this is just a lifestyle change on my end. this isn't something to be forced on others. this is something i am doing for me, myself, and my health. i am doing/ have been doing much research on this. i'm not jumping into this with no knowledge. i'm easing my way in and loving every moment of it.</div>
Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-15928026734511006332016-09-07T18:38:00.000-04:002016-09-07T18:38:13.660-04:00hey guys. i'm back again.<div style="text-align: center;">
why helllllllllllllllllloooooooo there.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's been a while since i've written, yet again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as you can see, there's been a name change. yes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's awkward. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ba dum tsh.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but i've missed writing here. this space is where my love for writing started. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and it's going to continue here. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so in the meantime, here are some picture from my birthday/ labor day weekend. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because turning 24 was wonderful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5YFlelA9YNkiF332Vvs_aEcF4o5IAl3cAzHRgpQtuL8wgwIfHKYLdk0XI7MqC1fKfEdR9KsLuTpcDxU_PvLPQ1E8M00qJwc3ewFhbhnANwZLzkZgHHMSEl_npOlUDg9hsNUr5kMf5WOL/s1600/IMG_2041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5YFlelA9YNkiF332Vvs_aEcF4o5IAl3cAzHRgpQtuL8wgwIfHKYLdk0XI7MqC1fKfEdR9KsLuTpcDxU_PvLPQ1E8M00qJwc3ewFhbhnANwZLzkZgHHMSEl_npOlUDg9hsNUr5kMf5WOL/s640/IMG_2041.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUP3SHV25bh6zirxYWmQcakYDpI2W71benlECsnuOTIsMYvSisGUYj54koo6xvvmFUinv95nXljns-XtzlXh8cEuASzH0bvPW1I5jiQkj15kKXWKRdVWFMDIzvwcmt-GkvVaTzpQrKYxL5/s1600/IMG_2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUP3SHV25bh6zirxYWmQcakYDpI2W71benlECsnuOTIsMYvSisGUYj54koo6xvvmFUinv95nXljns-XtzlXh8cEuASzH0bvPW1I5jiQkj15kKXWKRdVWFMDIzvwcmt-GkvVaTzpQrKYxL5/s640/IMG_2017.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCugkzOe1yyOFYf7Jhm5O1_ha7PpIV9ANXdoeIJMnD6ESgUKu_6oAKYyJYGAsg6qS2ieQ8I079maKkQc2sbRkaplHvxJY4d_RM5PDGfP3MwPJRIez4r540sQ1-i7l9wn1El9Mi6qY4iwAx/s1600/charleston1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCugkzOe1yyOFYf7Jhm5O1_ha7PpIV9ANXdoeIJMnD6ESgUKu_6oAKYyJYGAsg6qS2ieQ8I079maKkQc2sbRkaplHvxJY4d_RM5PDGfP3MwPJRIez4r540sQ1-i7l9wn1El9Mi6qY4iwAx/s640/charleston1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_8TW2JOWK0mUntizR95JYnJpbdPha7Y7ldvaKWQHwVfYPLT0bfj1xWhfrCC5Et8JEmz0kkTISNCtox1yjJIQh2piKPsw8uu5rk5KLyDDDIXi8vKI-7KCRW8cgbH9-hK8Vj0oKQwwqlQ9/s1600/charleston2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_8TW2JOWK0mUntizR95JYnJpbdPha7Y7ldvaKWQHwVfYPLT0bfj1xWhfrCC5Et8JEmz0kkTISNCtox1yjJIQh2piKPsw8uu5rk5KLyDDDIXi8vKI-7KCRW8cgbH9-hK8Vj0oKQwwqlQ9/s640/charleston2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10HfZdiqUn-UkFJd7EBoUFALbjNH1ohkcTyr8ZyBpNetWDzMYowjYNSi1C-SQ85efwCvj247u2BoKvA_SmsmipAEpnqerAKlFLRDbJ4QjwN3lgYMnsFpOXvjSeBSkY-UTkGwFq3DyJ1Xo/s1600/charleston3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10HfZdiqUn-UkFJd7EBoUFALbjNH1ohkcTyr8ZyBpNetWDzMYowjYNSi1C-SQ85efwCvj247u2BoKvA_SmsmipAEpnqerAKlFLRDbJ4QjwN3lgYMnsFpOXvjSeBSkY-UTkGwFq3DyJ1Xo/s640/charleston3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
excited to be back writing, my friends. much excite.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
-Caroline</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-15573738984119623222015-04-23T11:52:00.001-04:002015-04-23T11:52:17.713-04:00this place is moving!hi friends!<br />
<br />
i have done a complete makeover and moved this here blog over <span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.everybodybehavenaturally.com/">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
this is where i'll be writing from now on! to keep up, head over to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Everybody-Behave-Naturally/205318079541061?ref=aymt_homepage_panel">EBN facebook page</a> and hit that like button. i have yet to figure out a way to let my readers subscribe to the blog on the page, but baby steps.<br />
<br />
head on over and check out my newest post!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/FCBC9C31C7FA31194B1B28B1C1A4B59F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-85986820773325734442014-09-09T15:37:00.002-04:002014-09-09T15:37:55.275-04:00life update: this post will have many pictures. //summer 2014//<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0rDCaDoWaw7eVuDLBGfayocldNnsUu2wFCH1is8mB0PmTdC0I_Nq_CgpVCIlKnknbtGAt5KETpig6Ihxn6GKYjldIRPbzZDtCvDPTHvEqw5rEtrINmw-5v-1HohBFvwikIjdvRX_y3lM/s1600/0812142023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0rDCaDoWaw7eVuDLBGfayocldNnsUu2wFCH1is8mB0PmTdC0I_Nq_CgpVCIlKnknbtGAt5KETpig6Ihxn6GKYjldIRPbzZDtCvDPTHvEqw5rEtrINmw-5v-1HohBFvwikIjdvRX_y3lM/s1600/0812142023.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i live in a very beautiful place. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
and here we are again. more than a month has passed since my last blog post and another school year has approached. summer is basically over, minus the weather...but even the weather has shown itself to be changing earlier than normal. i'm not sad about that by any means.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(when i first started this post a couple weeks ago, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">the weather was showing some glorious signs of fall, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">but really it was just teasing us. we are back to hot. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">blech.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREAvkvwxdo8k6sNXMLr7PCggEXY_vYTKwl7Kleuatc9gZuSOtXdcfbLexO_hBdP-DzLWUOUOMuf8w23ZqRiC1O6jdPg6auiRA018nufyPCbe0v2oPadPUQ7nbYhSCNFUzgqKIXxdBq7-s/s1600/0724141441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREAvkvwxdo8k6sNXMLr7PCggEXY_vYTKwl7Kleuatc9gZuSOtXdcfbLexO_hBdP-DzLWUOUOMuf8w23ZqRiC1O6jdPg6auiRA018nufyPCbe0v2oPadPUQ7nbYhSCNFUzgqKIXxdBq7-s/s1600/0724141441.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this summer has been the best summer. as my friend, Cara, and i were reflecting, we classified this summer as being the one that most people hope to have while in high school. i am so very thankful to have had this summer during this time in my life, but also i now understand how great summer actually is- and i'm not talking about the weather, or the beach or ombre'd hair.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rFhecEXV55LYHAjpju4B9mErC2rNdU0m1MhFL5uLqj8xdorWobtHvcN6s60txUVLcRec5VqMYkwgu4YajBoVESDS-cZh6Ltb0mOoNOYD0diEW8_50qA6XueRCrVBqRkdAYV9UARJlOUZ/s1600/2014-08-31+09.28.09+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rFhecEXV55LYHAjpju4B9mErC2rNdU0m1MhFL5uLqj8xdorWobtHvcN6s60txUVLcRec5VqMYkwgu4YajBoVESDS-cZh6Ltb0mOoNOYD0diEW8_50qA6XueRCrVBqRkdAYV9UARJlOUZ/s1600/2014-08-31+09.28.09+3.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i'm talking about Jesus and friendships and the occasional caffeinated beverage.. that's ultimately what makes a good summer in my opinion.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">so here's a recap/ life update for your reading pleasure:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
the Lord has taught me so much this summer. I was given the opportunity to lead a bible study for some middle and high school girls, and in the midst of going through almost all of the book of Ruth with them, God taught me much about patience and waiting, and what do do while i'm waiting. He is also still working on me, as i am a continuous work in progress. i want to know so very much about what is going to happen, and where my life is going to go, but, as the saying goes, "patience is a virtue", and one that i am learning to use.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTazw2OQUHqz29a45WjdZMmBH7ya0GnBD0PpsVLtRcu7TNzjqvs4orkr1bufnAO7JEUc2xe_WP8Gs8lbQrNcRuMNn3e8HLtuxp6Q_7n4JymC1za7jDXFKNLjOAGiYtNxYPk6cQNmxCqgrP/s1600/2014-07-10+12.15.52+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTazw2OQUHqz29a45WjdZMmBH7ya0GnBD0PpsVLtRcu7TNzjqvs4orkr1bufnAO7JEUc2xe_WP8Gs8lbQrNcRuMNn3e8HLtuxp6Q_7n4JymC1za7jDXFKNLjOAGiYtNxYPk6cQNmxCqgrP/s1600/2014-07-10+12.15.52+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaVWA8IyjIPXNL-WuxsxOxMf7Iyi02wj2VQeg1ml_GXwEqPKONwWSFul6e9PJlY_Q8PBFGgzAJBjtiPzIvF4mmw9ZAg_gs1mTf_9ojRPgZmoCzu3pZwkANhQNj-K2BjZIPzfpgVl9OLs6/s1600/2014-08-13+09.27.29+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaVWA8IyjIPXNL-WuxsxOxMf7Iyi02wj2VQeg1ml_GXwEqPKONwWSFul6e9PJlY_Q8PBFGgzAJBjtiPzIvF4mmw9ZAg_gs1mTf_9ojRPgZmoCzu3pZwkANhQNj-K2BjZIPzfpgVl9OLs6/s1600/2014-08-13+09.27.29+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ecclesiastes 3:11 has been my life verse.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9ygykMWQt5Ho1AQVzrSMdY-PC4RJiCG7L8SjsdzckR1bYJwxwSk_5uw1RiLP34v4-whTdJ3uM0Xkw30h6ddUy5tZengpmGx_Nq-nUtrro5pJ4R_mGZVlPAjru0C5oiSKXSH17y_3RbBL/s1600/ecc311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9ygykMWQt5Ho1AQVzrSMdY-PC4RJiCG7L8SjsdzckR1bYJwxwSk_5uw1RiLP34v4-whTdJ3uM0Xkw30h6ddUy5tZengpmGx_Nq-nUtrro5pJ4R_mGZVlPAjru0C5oiSKXSH17y_3RbBL/s1600/ecc311.jpg" height="508" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is how people usually remember this verse, but i love how the NASB puts it- <br />
"He has made everything APPROPRIATE in its time." <br />
emphasis added.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i was able to spend time with some stinking spectacular people. i have never been so happy, so pleased, and so very blessed with friendships as i have been this summer and this past year. but i know that these friendships are all from God, not of my own doing. i have these people in my life for a reason and i am so thankful. i have never had more fulfilling friendships. watch me say "friendships" one more time. i'm so happy to do life with these people!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKBaeMAd6M1aNE0vEEpyFYRNnU3DfsCbRspGg40XC_RhrZMLrE4NSQsqjISyiAlGw9DhymPvBNoKosZOUaOENbw-N8-OSFC4JEYG7GYsZ5EeBtu9V4nCcIhJoR7cjMIlCAiaBjVgVs_oY/s1600/10563028_787377694616147_6846474095014631815_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKBaeMAd6M1aNE0vEEpyFYRNnU3DfsCbRspGg40XC_RhrZMLrE4NSQsqjISyiAlGw9DhymPvBNoKosZOUaOENbw-N8-OSFC4JEYG7GYsZ5EeBtu9V4nCcIhJoR7cjMIlCAiaBjVgVs_oY/s1600/10563028_787377694616147_6846474095014631815_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">reunited with our dear friends after almost a month of them being out of the country serving the Lord!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliNNDZuyv_YiqDFmPfQjpIfGMpzaU2vjEgqaYMdSE9XY7rjzJLd1_oe3v3ouYZwfe-hcdCs-GxQx4-X0sgL1DoHO5RxhKBTGS88dysVxyfgdtrPvdta4YTO7qzrwnp8RHMUsAgMAZ_Y1Z/s1600/2014-07-29+12.48.06+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliNNDZuyv_YiqDFmPfQjpIfGMpzaU2vjEgqaYMdSE9XY7rjzJLd1_oe3v3ouYZwfe-hcdCs-GxQx4-X0sgL1DoHO5RxhKBTGS88dysVxyfgdtrPvdta4YTO7qzrwnp8RHMUsAgMAZ_Y1Z/s1600/2014-07-29+12.48.06+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMU9j9S8GS1hTRMZjxTP_a1nPtGwYTneVc2RrgXPthfJJ3YFUIOjqZxN1o1Eipw0gxPxTnVaUF90RwSebQoipNaGRz99Edm6zfpAOpv4rSkr6u2Cf3SQ7G9g7RHS8F1Ij1UGiUlJmNwGjM/s1600/summer2014+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMU9j9S8GS1hTRMZjxTP_a1nPtGwYTneVc2RrgXPthfJJ3YFUIOjqZxN1o1Eipw0gxPxTnVaUF90RwSebQoipNaGRz99Edm6zfpAOpv4rSkr6u2Cf3SQ7G9g7RHS8F1Ij1UGiUlJmNwGjM/s1600/summer2014+2.jpg" height="382" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXlA7aoJ1mOWSHwRIv674Gg-LvfgxFQ0HLtoTnYXhX1tP8aenzDlhl8aSeOb-AKi-TSNjqgQPEtDp5oPKheoexsRdDRF15GUfpOq0Y2fDDffODClcXbIw5oAHRVgHg7CpXlxWTNKWvbjx/s1600/summer+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXlA7aoJ1mOWSHwRIv674Gg-LvfgxFQ0HLtoTnYXhX1tP8aenzDlhl8aSeOb-AKi-TSNjqgQPEtDp5oPKheoexsRdDRF15GUfpOq0Y2fDDffODClcXbIw5oAHRVgHg7CpXlxWTNKWvbjx/s1600/summer+2014.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPA0nxJbVmvJefcZI_ao00CLB-t4DJNwjZO8Z7vNZY_MLpjZuRbkjHm7IPg2qaCRsbR-krarHV9Vimwl1t3f33K6sIz0VnWnEiymp_7MLGimc6lBujtCqQLvyOP1fH21K8cJDw56nWAETZ/s1600/framily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPA0nxJbVmvJefcZI_ao00CLB-t4DJNwjZO8Z7vNZY_MLpjZuRbkjHm7IPg2qaCRsbR-krarHV9Vimwl1t3f33K6sIz0VnWnEiymp_7MLGimc6lBujtCqQLvyOP1fH21K8cJDw56nWAETZ/s1600/framily.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this isn't technically a summer picture, but these are three of my dearest friends and i love this picture so stinkin much.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
God also called me in a slightly different direction (yet again) with my schooling. as you may remember if you have followed me long enough, <a href="http://awkwardcaroline.blogspot.com/2013/07/life-update-probably-one-of-longest.html">last summer</a> i jumped the gun, transferred schools, and changed my major. well, while i am still at the same school, i changed my major ONE MORE TIME.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
psychology was NOT working at all. after three or four classes in my program, i saw that there was no growth, and i could not wrap my brain around concepts and theories from an area of study created by man.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (please know that i am not dogging you should you choose to study/ are currently studying psychology. if you can understand it, more power to ya! you have a mental capacity that i lack. press on!)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
i was frustrated. so very frustrated. i wanted very much to do well in school, but i didn't see it happening and, after a <i>very bad </i>semester, i basically went back to the drawing board in regards to where i wanted to put my focus. i knew that youth ministry was still a thing that was on my heart, but i knew the psychology route was not the way i needed to go.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
back to youth camp i went (i still have yet to write a post for this year's flow, but it will happen eventually) to spend some hardcore, one-on-one time with the Lord.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
back to the Lord i went, and shared my concerns and desires.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
back to my people i went to get their opinion/ affirmation/ confirmation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
back to researching i went to read up on different options that still suited the area i was entering.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
after much prayer and counsel, i went and changed my major. while i still have my focus/minor in christian counseling, i now am a student of religion! so far it has been very interesting and rewarding!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDlnLJXJrw-4OnRBdNYAV8xgAcjkv1qAUt6x_WPjp2s-zHqz-ffubXRAsqiKdxXguXojS-sYMZN4o-pJej_nvc2YHr1t-YxUwrkgCpRoDfx-U2V_ekR6Z6yURTXBmY4liUuiAuMu0meNn/s1600/2014-08-20+04.20.08+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDlnLJXJrw-4OnRBdNYAV8xgAcjkv1qAUt6x_WPjp2s-zHqz-ffubXRAsqiKdxXguXojS-sYMZN4o-pJej_nvc2YHr1t-YxUwrkgCpRoDfx-U2V_ekR6Z6yURTXBmY4liUuiAuMu0meNn/s1600/2014-08-20+04.20.08+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifU_XuVluKHSJOIcIPh6M7Jf_d7HavPAhfC6hOvPOXnWtMRkcNLf8VpZfvKaqrD4anf6lr9jXGoa-5FzsG5kEcfNHBosdOwALMJ0sjhwpnIzmtjjYcztZQ719C4xzA6dVv1AF50kdSx9-H/s1600/2014-08-28+02.49.07+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifU_XuVluKHSJOIcIPh6M7Jf_d7HavPAhfC6hOvPOXnWtMRkcNLf8VpZfvKaqrD4anf6lr9jXGoa-5FzsG5kEcfNHBosdOwALMJ0sjhwpnIzmtjjYcztZQ719C4xzA6dVv1AF50kdSx9-H/s1600/2014-08-28+02.49.07+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the youth group has started back full swing. i turned 22 a few days ago. life is good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and now for a picture overload.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MIHY31VV-hUmZswX4njD4ZGYDW5pX2HNGOZuX-GyZCGMBZietllLe4wWrkOmT53fjSrp02x8iXz31NwBzOw6bZyS7eTBbWB39R-6OxTDwOztskDLfFiFUdw7MF6CqlB66wRkyIQM7mwr/s1600/2014-07-15+10.02.45+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MIHY31VV-hUmZswX4njD4ZGYDW5pX2HNGOZuX-GyZCGMBZietllLe4wWrkOmT53fjSrp02x8iXz31NwBzOw6bZyS7eTBbWB39R-6OxTDwOztskDLfFiFUdw7MF6CqlB66wRkyIQM7mwr/s1600/2014-07-15+10.02.45+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NMLH7wn-etRGB9DM0indeEmaVW6hwj6hQLA_-27l6Cf-EoCboYRx0_w6WY1iPvqGMrWtzvNqmXrnXzHJCf2fK3NmBMXQ8p4cBILSkHTQzs9nMptFRZ4p2MBxbk3EY3lIXIFS8LjNnC2X/s1600/2014-06-21+01.40.30+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NMLH7wn-etRGB9DM0indeEmaVW6hwj6hQLA_-27l6Cf-EoCboYRx0_w6WY1iPvqGMrWtzvNqmXrnXzHJCf2fK3NmBMXQ8p4cBILSkHTQzs9nMptFRZ4p2MBxbk3EY3lIXIFS8LjNnC2X/s1600/2014-06-21+01.40.30+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhe_K39diU4WzIZlhfCKSOEnfa7JzpDn3KYB-GdjnCkPUr2auHWBf2rqbn3R5JGPo4l4WQWVKUc3rOn-Z2eJax3tg9yLoVVwHTdnJZlaFce99gSQ2QXKdOHudJElK0Y12RggDxmHR34uf/s1600/2014-06-25+08.29.26+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhe_K39diU4WzIZlhfCKSOEnfa7JzpDn3KYB-GdjnCkPUr2auHWBf2rqbn3R5JGPo4l4WQWVKUc3rOn-Z2eJax3tg9yLoVVwHTdnJZlaFce99gSQ2QXKdOHudJElK0Y12RggDxmHR34uf/s1600/2014-06-25+08.29.26+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJpfUmBwk8oQFQu25b03d2ZmHM6XGSNzpAxZPwKOtX2OaJazeHBBGUUg9DKpePCKlqB1KVG5PM50PpOUMCMsRPe0GdHscskhYVoRi_OhwqJglx3Gg7OXPw1q7HH9jSGtLvfa7plgRUB8e/s1600/2014-06-28+12.42.57+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJpfUmBwk8oQFQu25b03d2ZmHM6XGSNzpAxZPwKOtX2OaJazeHBBGUUg9DKpePCKlqB1KVG5PM50PpOUMCMsRPe0GdHscskhYVoRi_OhwqJglx3Gg7OXPw1q7HH9jSGtLvfa7plgRUB8e/s1600/2014-06-28+12.42.57+1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8mU0KBUjegXjPYoje2VPbcGsIFy8z9LgrtQIvvMW_QJIKEr8j8BQxQGIhyMafIvS7rGyEuSOWHs7cwQE21hL06CmXo5cr87ZgFOEnJMcIIItKoaSzwVDy8-p3lZ5Hq5zZ2Dvi-0xns_w/s1600/2014-06-30+10.34.48+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8mU0KBUjegXjPYoje2VPbcGsIFy8z9LgrtQIvvMW_QJIKEr8j8BQxQGIhyMafIvS7rGyEuSOWHs7cwQE21hL06CmXo5cr87ZgFOEnJMcIIItKoaSzwVDy8-p3lZ5Hq5zZ2Dvi-0xns_w/s1600/2014-06-30+10.34.48+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdyP51igyXWQrjIdpVyU-a7HyjIBrljX8Jr31voYDDdxWDbRtJGF6am1zXn4GBY-wo_hu67Ztv_t0cVT59PBfLOCMQOwyL0rIdhg2HjknR6Gc52Rr1PRaRdGDGb5CGEobTQH8CFWpMfvA/s1600/2014-07-15+01.24.50+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdyP51igyXWQrjIdpVyU-a7HyjIBrljX8Jr31voYDDdxWDbRtJGF6am1zXn4GBY-wo_hu67Ztv_t0cVT59PBfLOCMQOwyL0rIdhg2HjknR6Gc52Rr1PRaRdGDGb5CGEobTQH8CFWpMfvA/s1600/2014-07-15+01.24.50+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHePc09KJ2Xu19jy0E9GJh3211LV_XuXlRQMu6cuk1AaVeV9kJz347lyc3ZTR3I-_dB68PPoek0NG3gNK260KFwXQpuYA3bYs_5z5O-LZ_4oaPwpUgst-rt2jl2gVMp5zu8DqyVjJmyBcH/s1600/10487384_10152186666712312_2890072187240878275_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHePc09KJ2Xu19jy0E9GJh3211LV_XuXlRQMu6cuk1AaVeV9kJz347lyc3ZTR3I-_dB68PPoek0NG3gNK260KFwXQpuYA3bYs_5z5O-LZ_4oaPwpUgst-rt2jl2gVMp5zu8DqyVjJmyBcH/s1600/10487384_10152186666712312_2890072187240878275_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeMUHNLtQef0lsbiFoIuhw4KerxAsdBwLoQr8g7_vzoQmlnotPSbCXODJWOA0Bai-qsEb5tJxgFShyFpWhTMU8U4UYN2RHJiHU-mxdfj1yHlL0cTDoZRzzNzF6eTvx9RBENuX4p55kmC_/s1600/2014-07-24+03.11.23+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeMUHNLtQef0lsbiFoIuhw4KerxAsdBwLoQr8g7_vzoQmlnotPSbCXODJWOA0Bai-qsEb5tJxgFShyFpWhTMU8U4UYN2RHJiHU-mxdfj1yHlL0cTDoZRzzNzF6eTvx9RBENuX4p55kmC_/s1600/2014-07-24+03.11.23+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my dog ended up in the "cone of shame". even though it was pitiful, it was also kinda funny.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgFucBl6voSp-ogOtUpaJqu91YjpRYTHNSLF3ky4RsXREA2Ufmwq91jKfaxf0TrpFcGVLoCRJtuJX_sVTT3jiqt8Xego7HVswIM6qWi3nLrF2HUtDt2N_EuTB84yseT8itupVmlUGvPR4/s1600/2014-07-29+11.35.24+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgFucBl6voSp-ogOtUpaJqu91YjpRYTHNSLF3ky4RsXREA2Ufmwq91jKfaxf0TrpFcGVLoCRJtuJX_sVTT3jiqt8Xego7HVswIM6qWi3nLrF2HUtDt2N_EuTB84yseT8itupVmlUGvPR4/s1600/2014-07-29+11.35.24+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i decided that i would cut my hair some. so far it's been interesting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPMJXbmNwnDLChX1QLWWecedtfH2JuM6xJ2g0ktlya0Ub-XU0bS3CEjB3HXwmavb9NXJ_LHny_SicYjbqIjpBc-hsCe8qv-g1BEExTTkgc5P-j2gtAB69SK8tsqA_idUtbd1esDg3c3G1/s1600/1555536_267163703482614_7739198899690946115_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPMJXbmNwnDLChX1QLWWecedtfH2JuM6xJ2g0ktlya0Ub-XU0bS3CEjB3HXwmavb9NXJ_LHny_SicYjbqIjpBc-hsCe8qv-g1BEExTTkgc5P-j2gtAB69SK8tsqA_idUtbd1esDg3c3G1/s1600/1555536_267163703482614_7739198899690946115_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRqJB2rQgq1EjXZAO9u_mDjkCGuUjDrjKZlKngaGC4HDWiLWneuUi7_juFg-wVQGcOIG12PUFKRjYuiBXHPm8EGsov8ql88_GZ6K6JqUybRBJ_9Wni4FB8yGkErpeSDae77cScBCv4NF7/s1600/2014-08-05+11.56.04+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRqJB2rQgq1EjXZAO9u_mDjkCGuUjDrjKZlKngaGC4HDWiLWneuUi7_juFg-wVQGcOIG12PUFKRjYuiBXHPm8EGsov8ql88_GZ6K6JqUybRBJ_9Wni4FB8yGkErpeSDae77cScBCv4NF7/s1600/2014-08-05+11.56.04+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHMiFAUJzUETw5lE2ox7_5GywomsjrJ6giUBgspQksF-Vl0HE6ZBXDvV8s5PGNUKYPGFVkAEDNFqWweSNJMfAr_A6ok3X2BRY-w7Ekd7cLPEtfnl3zH-YAkWyFmU9YHbbeOgAGMfkBjz2/s1600/2014-08-18+11.26.35+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHMiFAUJzUETw5lE2ox7_5GywomsjrJ6giUBgspQksF-Vl0HE6ZBXDvV8s5PGNUKYPGFVkAEDNFqWweSNJMfAr_A6ok3X2BRY-w7Ekd7cLPEtfnl3zH-YAkWyFmU9YHbbeOgAGMfkBjz2/s1600/2014-08-18+11.26.35+1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMjF_ARhl-j9qlt-qRy0uWcyN5TE0bt56Pb9ictKOOgULcH8WuzTzGjlwJxrsiy43FwR_I9Il-MHdRKaabfKYhyphenhyphenWOkad00bIGBDA4cCLbcMehbwrVEjzQ9MyJ6iFP3V6bhhMU7lgNim8P/s1600/0628142318a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMjF_ARhl-j9qlt-qRy0uWcyN5TE0bt56Pb9ictKOOgULcH8WuzTzGjlwJxrsiy43FwR_I9Il-MHdRKaabfKYhyphenhyphenWOkad00bIGBDA4cCLbcMehbwrVEjzQ9MyJ6iFP3V6bhhMU7lgNim8P/s1600/0628142318a.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitN5ISy5uPdUvP4jOEdJs49SP8dixaf5nBxEiUVw2b5MoRliF-Ke66DmJ2nDjXSdPBH9jYh3oqX1GCLE2NmvyHpdRUTSfRIZD0SXXeaw4k89Z1UhvaQ6FgjglPT-kYpsmWT2ky4mofE8L7/s1600/0804141951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitN5ISy5uPdUvP4jOEdJs49SP8dixaf5nBxEiUVw2b5MoRliF-Ke66DmJ2nDjXSdPBH9jYh3oqX1GCLE2NmvyHpdRUTSfRIZD0SXXeaw4k89Z1UhvaQ6FgjglPT-kYpsmWT2ky4mofE8L7/s1600/0804141951.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwyyqqV8jQ_BGdAvcZxFl__nMCZkMhQCnU_XyzHcUHDYmmlnSjKmmdt51UPLEVc8UlKIOtc7eAYpE4F9wRFTKMkjhoYuWA-xOjtwCcK9FVS_2qrLkYLXwMDwfzmSfhUDJv6-bIYyth9n-/s1600/1406161174577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwyyqqV8jQ_BGdAvcZxFl__nMCZkMhQCnU_XyzHcUHDYmmlnSjKmmdt51UPLEVc8UlKIOtc7eAYpE4F9wRFTKMkjhoYuWA-xOjtwCcK9FVS_2qrLkYLXwMDwfzmSfhUDJv6-bIYyth9n-/s1600/1406161174577.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9olj_ksq_9-Nr01j71CmP-KRufHGzBpXs2ApS5nM0YYkF2rzoxRBB5NDOo0kbBQp3WdjxLGb9IFFqd2nqDwAqECH09s83ofdSQ01DhbrjgwaDt6jDE4QyYYItsZYzxDUP2-5DyMxqS6y/s1600/Screenshot_2014-08-10-14-06-09.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9olj_ksq_9-Nr01j71CmP-KRufHGzBpXs2ApS5nM0YYkF2rzoxRBB5NDOo0kbBQp3WdjxLGb9IFFqd2nqDwAqECH09s83ofdSQ01DhbrjgwaDt6jDE4QyYYItsZYzxDUP2-5DyMxqS6y/s1600/Screenshot_2014-08-10-14-06-09.png" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so. . . how was your summer?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOquVlf-lOhkG8b7MjsLtLfgZe05kE8krlFn4NnVGsRqcCRMfocBTmr_0LTyt_opTGmjNBB5Od3Geath9rzfHLd63yT56BWZrw3LPzIZxJWNVIuWuWAgv3n5ahLTYl37mQA9fWbDxKk2b/s1600/1408405360176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOquVlf-lOhkG8b7MjsLtLfgZe05kE8krlFn4NnVGsRqcCRMfocBTmr_0LTyt_opTGmjNBB5Od3Geath9rzfHLd63yT56BWZrw3LPzIZxJWNVIuWuWAgv3n5ahLTYl37mQA9fWbDxKk2b/s1600/1408405360176.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/FCBC9C31C7FA31194B1B28B1C1A4B59F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-57551305856648093072014-07-23T09:30:00.000-04:002014-07-23T09:30:01.046-04:00mary.<div style="text-align: center;">
this girl's birthday was the same day that fireworks go off EVERYWHERE. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
lucky her.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b_DEkLqQ17DLWv_PA1ZmjzLA3SbqjrFWFDSkhSBQip4S_5PeE3DI1gByteqLTWCQf2CmYHdVCpyRvwlLjomsrcPZuanw-mJg1jOAgUUwuYu7rNkJ9IHWkGk5zj0P5kvslgEvanDHYUDk/s1600/0704141929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b_DEkLqQ17DLWv_PA1ZmjzLA3SbqjrFWFDSkhSBQip4S_5PeE3DI1gByteqLTWCQf2CmYHdVCpyRvwlLjomsrcPZuanw-mJg1jOAgUUwuYu7rNkJ9IHWkGk5zj0P5kvslgEvanDHYUDk/s1600/0704141929.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mary is a new friend, but one whom you feel as if you have known for a life time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
immediate kindred spirits. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i had the privilege to meet this pretty lady about two months ago, through Cara, and it has been such a joy to to know her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mary,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bless your sweet, sweet soul. i love you so very much and am so happy to call you one of my dearest friends after only a short time. you have been such an encouragement to me. i am thankful for you!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/FCBC9C31C7FA31194B1B28B1C1A4B59F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-47254521045545749442014-07-21T09:30:00.000-04:002014-07-20T23:15:42.619-04:00cara.<div style="text-align: center;">
this lady's birthday was almost a month ago and i have yet to write anything about it. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVIvPTIRNWUKociR0R4bRHYk5VgBAWma_PbQ3DO3xPqWxs9Y8zA23uMouP4P1N-bVnTjBdTD9B5mN1zXRuIhjH2bEuCEf0g1kb-q9IYNmlY52Bib1CIvoy7ol3EZmvvuMP2nGl-jPPoZ1/s1600/IMG_1504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVIvPTIRNWUKociR0R4bRHYk5VgBAWma_PbQ3DO3xPqWxs9Y8zA23uMouP4P1N-bVnTjBdTD9B5mN1zXRuIhjH2bEuCEf0g1kb-q9IYNmlY52Bib1CIvoy7ol3EZmvvuMP2nGl-jPPoZ1/s1600/IMG_1504.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so here we are. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-MMRIeP3kfZSoW-jDiBq-b1PmsVkPrma32mU43TWoRzSttRXmFweCFLYUv_qdhpW8KSu2GcClrZsnRxkwnzqLbmBoeq6iJLqRP3VHXn-QDBydYjcChAS8Z3_frTxUmr9PtC5bOyM4Prc/s1600/IMG_1506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-MMRIeP3kfZSoW-jDiBq-b1PmsVkPrma32mU43TWoRzSttRXmFweCFLYUv_qdhpW8KSu2GcClrZsnRxkwnzqLbmBoeq6iJLqRP3VHXn-QDBydYjcChAS8Z3_frTxUmr9PtC5bOyM4Prc/s1600/IMG_1506.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cara is one of my very very very best friends. she is one whom i go to to vent about things, she always has good advice, and she just generally understands me. we share a love of all things the office and parks and rec, oldies music, and having weird dance parties after 10pm. also, and something SO IMPORTANT in friendships: SHE LAUGHS AT MY JOKES. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">she thinks i'm funny, i think she's funny, it's a win-win.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cara, you're so wonderful. thank you for being one of my oldest and dearest friends. i know we have talked about how blessed, grateful, and how much we love the friendships God has given us recently, but i have to say it again: I AM SO VERY THANKFUL FOR YOU. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
also i'm sorry your birthday post is so dang late. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my bad.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
luh you girl.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/FCBC9C31C7FA31194B1B28B1C1A4B59F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-39473818015382922882014-07-20T22:41:00.000-04:002014-07-20T22:41:03.480-04:00july.<div style="text-align: center;">
it's july.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's the middle of july. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this month is already almost over.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this year is already over halfway over.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what.</div>
<br />
it's also been over two months since my last blog post. but this is not a new thing, nor something to raise any concern. i've been seeing weird patterns in my blogging, despite the fact that even when i "regularly post" (regular for me is still sporadic, let's be honest.), it's not consistent.<br />
<br />
here's confession time:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">i'll probably never be as consistent as i want to be. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">i'm not the most consistent person in real life, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">so why be so on the inter-webs.</span></div>
<br />
there. i said it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">FREEEEEEDDDDDDOOOOMMM.</span></div>
<br />
i think i allowed myself to worry that i had to fit in a certain "<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>blogging mold</i></b></span>" for this whole thing to work. but if you have followed me long enough, you know good and well that isn't a thing here...<b><i>but</i></b> blogging is a form of expression. so it really shouldn't matter how one goes about it, regular or scattered. keep in mind that if you have the dream to blog as a part of your livelihood, inconsistency is not going to work.<br />
<br />
but that is not a thing here at Everybody Behave Naturally. that wouldn't be natural behavior for me. inconsistency here is a thing and it's something that we will have to deal with.<br />
<br />
so now that that's out there.......<br />
<br />
nice weather we've been having, no?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6qzJwIT7ioftz_drn0EwmwTosyim7iBG2kyQ5ksUxxHC_nU8c1O-6aL6tDqBIOEez1FuaILC3vFUFELiN6k_fEhoyrvnSeMHqP3A54iaLFswSlOnrMgaHr1hPUB3fVsa3Wh4yXhrSVIQ/s1600/86131cf5698ec5e461177a6b8924a606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6qzJwIT7ioftz_drn0EwmwTosyim7iBG2kyQ5ksUxxHC_nU8c1O-6aL6tDqBIOEez1FuaILC3vFUFELiN6k_fEhoyrvnSeMHqP3A54iaLFswSlOnrMgaHr1hPUB3fVsa3Wh4yXhrSVIQ/s1600/86131cf5698ec5e461177a6b8924a606.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/FCBC9C31C7FA31194B1B28B1C1A4B59F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-2261053144796722702014-05-01T00:16:00.000-04:002014-05-01T00:16:21.190-04:00danielle.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQMDjKgzjQ3g_Inqzc9BCuR7Ucpcv48OwQK_zrT0GXvcdupeKyp0bE3rUcU5qDPpVd0JTN_ayGufG1E5A58HXtvfEuGcVr36PLWwGnO21mwdt64VkryGKKY9JvQB7w4fn7-ZlRF7CSnxs/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-01+at+12.05.29+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQMDjKgzjQ3g_Inqzc9BCuR7Ucpcv48OwQK_zrT0GXvcdupeKyp0bE3rUcU5qDPpVd0JTN_ayGufG1E5A58HXtvfEuGcVr36PLWwGnO21mwdt64VkryGKKY9JvQB7w4fn7-ZlRF7CSnxs/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-01+at+12.05.29+AM.png" height="357" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
today is a special day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
one of my very best best BEST FRIENDS enters her 20's. and i am so excited for her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this best friend, is the da best. she is loving, caring, loyal, and quite funny. she get's in a momma bear mode if necessary, and tolerates my rambles. she is one of the few that gets me. even if i'm being the weirdest form of weird, she still loves me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and she's marrying the one of the nicest guy's.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
casey, you're a lucky man.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
danielle, you da best girl. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you da, you da best.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love you and hope you have the happiest day of birth ever. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
EVER.</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">i want to do this thing where i blog more often and blog about the people i love on their birthdays.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> if your one of those said loved ones and didn't get a blog post....ooops.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> i wish this idea popped into my head earlier.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> but you'll get your chance next year. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">love you!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/FCBC9C31C7FA31194B1B28B1C1A4B59F.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-89793516749448787532014-04-29T22:30:00.000-04:002014-04-29T22:30:35.607-04:00i'm still alive. just foggy brained.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">hey there.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJqur-NSFhz_YgzFqtJoOmsqh4C-gLaifAcVjzi_bPxCzdE8YnfVuzTMPwgHR0Hr6nbsjDD8ovgNKXeuVxvZ7Rtxd91A_JUu0H0QAgai7yZh5dasPPtt9eanzld0nG1f-9vq7h1PXf5n2/s640/0413141914a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJqur-NSFhz_YgzFqtJoOmsqh4C-gLaifAcVjzi_bPxCzdE8YnfVuzTMPwgHR0Hr6nbsjDD8ovgNKXeuVxvZ7Rtxd91A_JUu0H0QAgai7yZh5dasPPtt9eanzld0nG1f-9vq7h1PXf5n2/s640/0413141914a.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">just wanted you to know that i'm still alive in the blog land.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">i'm still alive. just foggy brained.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">it's a problem.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">i have wanted to blog for weeks but have had nothing to blog about.....writer's block man. it's the worst.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">oh well. i'm going to try to ease back in to this section of the world as best i can while i finish up these last few weeks of school.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">so, in the meantime.....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">how are you?</span></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/FCBC9C31C7FA31194B1B28B1C1A4B59F.png" style="border: 0px !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJqur-NSFhz_YgzFqtJoOmsqh4C-gLaifAcVjzi_bPxCzdE8YnfVuzTMPwgHR0Hr6nbsjDD8ovgNKXeuVxvZ7Rtxd91A_JUu0H0QAgai7yZh5dasPPtt9eanzld0nG1f-9vq7h1PXf5n2/s640/0413141914a.jpg" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJqur-NSFhz_YgzFqtJoOmsqh4C-gLaifAcVjzi_bPxCzdE8YnfVuzTMPwgHR0Hr6nbsjDD8ovgNKXeuVxvZ7Rtxd91A_JUu0H0QAgai7yZh5dasPPtt9eanzld0nG1f-9vq7h1PXf5n2/s640/0413141914a.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F-GMupHOYqS5A%2FU2BcB3NiapI%2FAAAAAAAACKY%2FPmHq6VrddEM%2Fs640%2F0413141914a.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJqur-NSFhz_YgzFqtJoOmsqh4C-gLaifAcVjzi_bPxCzdE8YnfVuzTMPwgHR0Hr6nbsjDD8ovgNKXeuVxvZ7Rtxd91A_JUu0H0QAgai7yZh5dasPPtt9eanzld0nG1f-9vq7h1PXf5n2/s640/0413141914a.jpg" -->Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-20238891868356534522014-04-03T12:12:00.000-04:002014-04-03T12:12:19.787-04:00the awkward moment when...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVSSJKFcHqUzk5TvrWYbGSudpjAnOE8nmskDRrusfjJ1OHHaHkL34tAHHNBRlhZW6Wcb3zdWQwujzi0nmLjXuY0oenfmnfI4_C2YpqsMlGH5O706nynoXkTp7TuxnezZan-ftIcwLXGeY/s1600/superman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVSSJKFcHqUzk5TvrWYbGSudpjAnOE8nmskDRrusfjJ1OHHaHkL34tAHHNBRlhZW6Wcb3zdWQwujzi0nmLjXuY0oenfmnfI4_C2YpqsMlGH5O706nynoXkTp7TuxnezZan-ftIcwLXGeY/s1600/superman.jpg" height="400" width="294" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>when your mother forgets the name of one of your friends.</b> and i'm not talking about random friend that i only see once a week. i'm talking in my inner circle. and she it's not like she doesn't know this friend. smh.<br />
<br />
<b>when you're in walmart at an ungodly hour and your buggy is one of those buggies that doesn't ride smoothly, or even straight for that matter.</b> it was more like my buggy was drunk, it couldn't keep a straight line! *ba dum tsh* but seriously it couldn't. i wasn't weaving back in forth in the aisle for my own amusement.<br />
<br />
<b>when you're so sore after work, the only way for you to get around is to come across as if you're re-learning to walk</b>. and nearly bent in half. i have never been in so much soreness.<br />
<br />
<b>when shopping in the local walgreens, you see a young girls jumping up and down while walking, saying "I'M A SUCKER FOR SUCKERS."</b> and not 30 seconds later her brother, as if on queue, (because he probably has heard this since his sister thought of this five hours ago) nonchalantly tells her to "shut up." i have no idea why that is awkward and/or funny, but it is.<br />
<br />
<b>when you show off your intensely white-girl dance moves in your workplace, while other people are trying to enjoy a leisurely lunch</b>. #unashamed. queue the shopping cart, the sprinkler, the crossing guard, and my personal favorite:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view2/1077133/charlie-brown-dance-o.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view2/1077133/charlie-brown-dance-o.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">specifically the girl in the purple dress.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>when you dropped your phone in water back in JANUARY, and it still basically works. except for when it doesn't. </b>don't play me phone. either freaking DIE so i can get another phone or don't. I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS FOOLISHNESS. (update: i have since gotten a new phone, thank Jesus)<br />
<br />
<b>when you color your hair, only to find, a week later, that you missed some spots.</b> awesome.<br />
<br />
<b>when you've dyed your hair, you go to rinse it out and it looks as if a massacre has taken place in your shower.</b> jaws part whatever.....blech.<br />
<br />
<b>when it's been raining and you practically slip right out of your shoes in the middle of the wal-mart parking lot.</b> then, if you're like me, you need to stand still for a minute, breath, and regain some sort of composure.<br />
<br />
<b>when in the bathroom at work and you go to take your apron off in the stall and in the process you fling the door open. </b>good thing it was just the apron and an empty bathroom.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/FCBC9C31C7FA31194B1B28B1C1A4B59F.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301610662386816006.post-47340429686142848732014-03-19T09:30:00.000-04:002014-03-19T09:30:02.555-04:00taking stock.<div style="text-align: center;">
howdy friends! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if you're wondering why i haven't posted in a while, it's because of writer's block. lots and lot's of writer's block. it's supah helpful when one has a blog. i had completely intnended on posting last week when i actually had time (spring break) but that obviously didn't happen.<br />
<br />
i'm cool.<br />
<br />
anyway, my lovely bloggy friend <a href="http://theoddone2013.blogspot.ca/2014/03/guest-post-with-caroline-of-everybody.html?m=1">Kate of Odd One Out</a> invited me to her blog to guest post for the first time in the history of ever (i think.) i am so honored that she asked me to be her first guest poster!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so head on over and check it out!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the mean time, and since i haven't posted in such a long while, i though i would ease back into it by trying out something: i saw this post on <a href="http://www.foreignroom.com/2014/02/taking-stock-vol-i.html">this blog</a>, and thought i would partake in the fun of taking stock of my life currently!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT_b9VtqZCpoHEUY1G5LMEabCDPuhweGlD-qplmowRkBETCWuyozlLoikgkCD3r-w9y01WnCB5N2qVBzXkdCm1e1LcbRBoE9CbeXSrG6H1H07hGjll2mA_D-aicioC5NzT7rSngwIVu0_/s1600/taking+stock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT_b9VtqZCpoHEUY1G5LMEabCDPuhweGlD-qplmowRkBETCWuyozlLoikgkCD3r-w9y01WnCB5N2qVBzXkdCm1e1LcbRBoE9CbeXSrG6H1H07hGjll2mA_D-aicioC5NzT7rSngwIVu0_/s1600/taking+stock.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>making</b>- nothing. i lack so much creativity and it makes me sad.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>cooking</b>- fried eggs. i have learned the art of the fried egg and may never go back to scrambled.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>drinking</b>- lots of water, lots of coffee, lots of chai tea. it's a problem. a wonderful problem.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>wanting</b>- to something creative, like learn to knit, or paint or SOMETHING.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>looking</b>- around. people watching. ya know.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>playing</b>- my guitar and singing with my pals. it's a lovely thing to have musically minded pals in your life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>wasting</b>- my time on a regular basis. i need to work on this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>sewing</b>- nothing. i wish i was sewing something. i need to relearn.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>wishing</b>- to go on a hike. WILL SOMEONE GO HIKING WITH ME.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>enjoying</b>- rewatching some of my favorite tv shows on netflix. i haven't yet learned to move on and try something else. i am forever reverting back to the familiar. so sue me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>waiting</b>- on the caffeine to kick in constantly. it's a problem.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>liking</b>- my friends. i like them alot. i like the poo outta them. that sounds way weirder than i intended it too. just trying to express how much i like my people ok?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>wondering</b>- about this coming week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>loving</b>- jesus and learning to love like he does.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>hoping</b>- to pass my classes because these suckers are HARRRRRRRD.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>marveling</b>- at the blessing's God has given me, and realizing that i don't deserve them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>smelling</b>- smells. all of the smells.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>needing</b>- a tissue. the yellow snow is coming out and it's not even march. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
side note: there are two types of yellow snow, in case you're confused. there is northern yellow snow- the kind animals pittle in <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and maybe even people....i don't know you nor do i live up north. though, if you relieve your self in the snow, i'm judging you harshly right now.) </span>and then there is southern yellow snow- pollen. glad we have clarified.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>wearing</b>- clothes and i hope you are too. if not, again i judge you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>following</b>- jesus the best i can.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>noticing</b>- and learning how the simple act of being nice is overrated and down right not a good thing. i'm talking about niceness as opposed to kindness or loving-ness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>knowing</b>- that i can make people laugh sometimes, even if i am embarrassing myself in the process. i don't really care, because i love laughter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>thinking</b>- about a lot of things actually. one of those things being the fact that i need a good haircut, but also may cry if it's too short.....i know i know. IT'S JUST HAIR. leave me alone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>bookmarking</b>- a book that i have actually attempted to start reading for the HUNDREDTH time. Christy by Catherine Marshall. i'm so excited. i've watched the series a million times but it ended and left you hanging. and then no one liked it enough to make more seasons so i have no idea who Christy ends up with. so, i am reading the book. and i am pumped. if you've read it, DON'T RUIN IT FOR ME.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>opening</b>- a can of worms. always.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>giggling</b>- constantly. i love giggling, it's my favorite. and a good giggle is always necessary. ALWAYS.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>feeling</b>- thankful.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
have you taken stock of your life recently?</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/70/FCBC9C31C7FA31194B1B28B1C1A4B59F.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Caroline Ganthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199750411585089035noreply@blogger.com1