Makers Gonna Make (Goals That Is)

It’s starting, you guys.

A new school year.

And in the life of Avery, new school years bring upon new goals. It’s one of the only things about me that is really constant. I’m a goal maker.

I like to blog about my goals because it helps me to really think on them as I type them out. And it also helps me stay accountable. Sort of.

So here we go!

1. Be Good To My Body

I want to make a real effort in taking care of my body. I want to work out more consistently, eat healthier, take better care of my skin, teeth and hair. Just all the way through I want to make changes and be more cautious about what I take in. It’s really important and if I don’t start now, I probably never will.

2. Have A Morning Routine

I’m not really a morning person. But I really want to be. And I think the first step is to get into a routine. Coffee, breakfast, quiet time, working out, etc. It’ll take some practice, but I think it’s possible. Or at least I hope so.

3. Stress About The Important Stuff

Stressing isn’t good. But I do it. Just like everyone else. And this year will be more stressful than most. But I am determined to stress less. It’s about knowing what the most important things are in life and only striving for those things. That’s my plan. I know that I will stress about important and unimportant things alike, but I hope to reduce that stress by a lot. Everything will work out in due time and I don’t want to take things into my own hands.

4. Invest In My Relationships

This is always a goal of mine, but it has become more of a priority now that I’m facing a huge change in my life soon. I want to only grow closer to the people who have been with me for years and to the ones who have faced the college experience with me. These people are important. And they should know that.

5. Be The Person I Want To Be Now

Sometimes you look back on your time and they way you spent and you realize that you’re not sure what you’ve done to be the person you’ve always wanted to be. I don’t want to finish school and feel that way. I want to look back and know that I made strides in the direction I need to go in. I don’t want to compromise my dreams or desires. And I want God to dictate those dreams and desires.

There they are. It’s going to be a crazy, beautiful year. I think I’m ready.

Avery

Simplest Love

Goodness, you guys! I just love these photos that my sister took of me and my boyfriend Ethan. She is really growing in her talent. And of course, it was just fun to be all lovey dovey in front of a camera. It always feels weird, but it's fun too. It's fun to see the results. I'm so happy I have moments like this captured. I will be so glad someday that we took these photos.

Thanks sis!

Also, you guys should go like my sister's photography page.

Adison Shae Photography.

Thanks for wading through all this mushy gushy love!

Avery

What To Do When Everyone Else Is Getting Married

I would like to preface this post by telling you all that I am writing this more to myself than to anyone else. But I had a hunch that there are others out there who need this too. If so, I hope this helps...

It’s that time. I was told it would come. That time when it seems like there are more people your age that are engaged or married than there are single people. It comes out of nowhere and kind of slaps you in the face. And all of the sudden, you feel like the only person not getting married. You feel alone. And let’s be honest, as happy as you are for all of your friends, amidst their newfound happiness, you can’t help but think of yourself and it kind of makes you want to pull all of your hair out.

Yeah, I understand. Trust me.

There could be lots of different reasons as to why you’re not getting married: you are single, you’re not ready for it, it scares you, or maybe you just don’t want anything to do with marriage. We all vary on the spectrum. But no matter where you are, if you aren’t about to get married, there are some things you’ve got to remember.

1. Everyone Is Different

Just because it seems like everyone else is getting married DOES NOT mean you have to. I know that seems like a given, but it’s really true. Don’t feel pressured to make a life changing and extremely important decision just because it feels like you have to. If you’re in a relationship, go at your own pace. If you’re single, don’t rush out and start dating the first person you meet. It’s not worth it. Take your time. If you feel that marriage is the next step for you, then do it. If you’re not comfortable with that, don’t do it. I’m making this sound a lot easier than it is. But this is so important! Everyone is different. Don’t try to live someone else’s life.

2. Be happy For Your Friends

     This can be easier said than done too. “They’re way too young!” “What are they thinking?” “They’re never going to spend time with me anymore!” “What about me?” I may or may not be guilty of thinking one or all of these things, but I will be the first to say that I am very wrong for doing so. Marriage is such a beautiful thing. If you’re friends are blessed enough to get to start that journey, then you should be nothing but excited for them. Whether they say it or not, they need your support. And maybe someday you’ll need their support when you’re on the road to say, “I do”. Love them and help them in any way you can. And remember that this decision in their life really has nothing to do with you. Your friendship will only grow stronger as you support them. Don’t jeopardize that by being jealous.

     3. You're Not Going To Die Alone

     This has kind of become a joke in our generation. “Forever alone.” You know what I’m talking about. It’s pretty funny, I’ll admit. But if you get down to it, it’s kind of selfish. You’re saying that you’re going to die alone just because you’re not romantically involved with someone. This is absolutely not true. You have family. You have friends. You have so many people who love and care about you. Having a boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse is not the antidote to loneliness.  

4. Cultivate The Relationships You Do Have

On a related note, don’t forget about all of the important relationships that are going on right now. Don’t forget about your best friend who has dealt with you for the past ten years. Don’t forget about your sisters and brothers who need you. Don’t forget about your roommates who are probably going through this too. And, in my case specifically, don’t forget about your boyfriend of almost three years and all the happiness you have. Don’t put pressure on the relationship you’re in. Have good conversations about the future of marriage, but also watch movies and talk about really good music and live for right now, together. Don’t waste the time you have today because it’s going to go by too fast. Focus on the relationships you have right now and work to make them the best they’ve ever been.

5. Marriage Isn’t Everything

“Ring by Spring” is really all I hear about because of the Baptist University I attend smack dab in the middle of the Bible Belt. There really is too much stress put on the subject of getting married. What about your education? What about your future career path? What about your family and friends? What about doing the will of God in other parts of your life? Don’t get me wrong, marriage is extremely important and I really, really want to get married someday. But there is a lot more going on in the world. So, instead of stressing about that, immerse yourself in where you are right now: the community, the people, the places. And most importantly, focus on Jesus and you’re relationship with Him. I promise you that no other relationship is going to go very well if that relationship isn’t put first. Go back to the roots of His love for you. Remember how you fell in love with Him in the beginning. Ask Him to help you through this time. Talk to Him about your fears. This really is the most important thing you can do.

I’ve had my fair share of panic attacks when it comes to the subject of marriage. And I’m sure I will have a few more. But I can tell you that I always go back to these things I mentioned above and I find peace. I hope you do too. I really do.

Avery

Cue The Month Of Emotional Breakdowns

It's the first of August.

Cue the start of many, and I mean many, emotional breakdowns.

So many breakdowns that it deserves a blog post dedicated to them, made complete with ridiculous selfies. Oh, and sad tuna faces.

August 2013 is the beginning of the end for a very important part of my life. I am now a senior in college. I've been denying this fact all summer because frankly, I just don't want it to end...

These past three years, soon to be four, have been the absolute best of my life. Now, I am a firm believer that the phrase, "These are the best years of your life. It only gets worse from here" is completely and utterly false. I know that my life will only get better and better and I refuse to listen to anyone who tells me otherwise. But these years have been pretty incredible. And I'm just not ready for them to end yet.

This August will bring about many conflicting feelings for me. On the one hand, I'm super excited to get back to school, good ole Bison Hill. But on the other, I'm dreading how fast this year will go by. I'm also dreading the amount of stress it will put me under. I'm already saying prayers and readying myself for what's to come, because let me tell you, it's not going to be easy. With three plays, putting on a one woman show for my theatre capstone, being a leader in both of my departments, and making decisions I can't believe I'm old enough to make, I'm going to be in for a crazy year.

But it's the last one. I've already started to get ridiculously sentimental about it. I've been going through old pictures, thinking about how I felt coming in as a freshman, freaking out about how I won't get to read books and learn like I do ever again, freaking out about my future...And I've already teared up twice today. Once because two of my really good friends got engaged, and another time while writing this post. So, as you can see, I'm kind of all over the place. This is a rough time. I don't care what anyone else says about it (I mean that in the nicest way possible). It's hard being thrown into a completely new place and being forced to choose a life path, and make friends, and possibly find a future spouse. And then just as soon as you get adjusted to this major new change, you're ripped from it and forced into the real world. That is hard, my friends.

But you know what? It's going to be okay. Sure, this year will be an emotional roller coaster, but it's also going to be one of the best ever! There is so many things to be happy about and thankful for. I have gotten a wonderful education at a university that has changed my life. I have made amazing friendships with people I will cherish for the rest of my life. (You know who you are.) I've been educated, discipled, and befriended by my professors. I am experiencing my amazing life. And that's what I've got to focus on. God has got this. And I don't. And that's the way I want it to be. Because I'm a mess, as I've proven above, and I can't take control of anything that is going on. But He can. And He will.

I'm sure most of you reading this are dealing with many, if not most, of these feelings. I hope you've gained a bit of hope from reading this. I also hope you know that you're not alone. I'm feeling like this. And so is every other college junior and senior. Just smile and cherish the time you have in this chapter of life. We're all going to graduate and move to the next step and it will be great.

So, no worries....right?

Avery

A Remedy For A Case Of The Mondays

Today was such a Monday. Hard to wake up. Hard to get out of bed. Hard to get ready. Hard to leave the house in time to get to work. Hard to be at work.

It happens.

Honestly, I just wanted to be curled up in bed while I watch movies all day. Yessir.

The summer is winding down and I'm pretty okay with it because that means I get to go back to school and go back to my routine. But the end of summer always comes with the annoyance of monotony for me. It kind of wears on me.

But tonight I'm going to get to work on some things for this next semester. And while I do that I will be listening to a playlist I made for this summer. It's a pretty good one if I do say so myself. And I thought I'd share it with you all just in case you are also having a bad case of the Mondays or if you just love good music.

Enjoy!

Avery

Lessons Still Learning: Coffee Shop Knowledge Part II

In my last post, I gave you a broad overview of the things I have learned while working in customer service. In this post, I would like to be a little more specific. I want to talk about two different categories: The Better Server and The Better Customer.

The Better Server

The past two summers I have collected mental notes about how to deal with customers. Much of this was trial and error, if I’m honest. But these are just a few of my tried and true methods of loving customers better:

Remember Names

This is the simplest of the techniques. The coffee shop I work in is located inside of a metroplex that holds different businesses. This is where we get most of our customers. Because most of our customers work in our building, almost all of them come in multiple times a week if not every day. I learned some of their names right off the bat and they just stuck with me for some reason. Some of them took me a little longer to remember. And, sadly, there are still a few that I don’t know or remember. But I try my hardest to remember the names of the ones who come in the most.

The reactions I get when I call someone by name are awesome. Some are weirded out because they’re not sure how I know their name. Others are surprised that I have such a good memory (which I don’t). And even some have tipped me just for remembering their name. They were that impressed.  It makes them feel good though. I can tell. They feel like they’re getting special treatment, and most of them are. It’s a simple gesture, but it really does make all the difference for people.

Smile

I know it sounds stupid, but the happier you are, the nicer the customers are going to be to you. When they see that you are smiling and making jokes, they’re more apt to do the same instead of yell at you for getting their order wrong.

And let’s just be honest, when someone smiles at you, it’s really hard not to smile back.

Make Conversation

Get to know the people that you’re serving. Find out where they work, what they enjoy doing, how they’re feeling that day. If there’s one major thing I’ve learned while working at a coffee shop it’s that baristas are underpaid therapists. For some reason everyone feels like they can vent to me. It’s a very strange phenomenon, really. But you know, maybe I am the only one they feel like they can vent to. If that’s so, then I’m okay with it.

There is a fine line between making conversation and being obnoxious. You have to tread that line very carefully. Don’t pry. Don’t talk too much. In fact, let them do most of the talking. Be a good listener. People appreciate it, even if they don’t say so.

Compliments

If you notice something new, appealing, or attractive about a customer, tell them! Compliment their new haircut or their shirt that you like. Don’t be awkward about it. Just be genuine.

Lately, I’ve been trying to make an honest effort to give more compliments. I think way too much about myself and not enough about others. So, I’ve been trying to be more attentive to people. I don’t just give out compliments if I don’t mean them. I want them to be genuine. (I hate when people give compliments just because they feel awkward or because they feel like they have to or if there’s a lull in the conversation. And you can totally tell when people do this.) Just be genuine. That’s all I can say.

The Better Customer

I’ve also learned a lot about how to be a better customer. Here are some things I’ve learned and try to do more actively in my daily life as a customer:

Tip Well

This is something I have never been good about until now. It’s really hard to shell out extra cash for what feels like nothing. But, let me tell you, it’s not nothing.

Tipping is really important. Especially if someone does a really good job. Let them know. If you can write something on the receipt, do that too! It really changes someone’s whole day to be told they’re great.

If everyone just tipped a dollar everywhere they went, can you imagine what a difference that would make?

Be Understanding

Baristas, waiters, cashiers, cooks, employees everywhere are just people. They make mistakes. Lots of them. Just like you do. If the person that helps you makes a mistake, just let them know nicely and be patient. It’s a lot harder said than done, but it’s really not helpful to give people an attitude. If it takes a little longer to get your order, there are other people waiting on orders too. If they forgot the cheese on your cheeseburger, they’ve probably got more important things on their mind. In the end, it’s going to be okay, so just chill.

Constructive Criticism

On a very similar note, when someone does make a mistake, you should let them know. It’s not helpful to let things go. But it’s also not helpful to tell someone that they made a mistake in a rude tone. Just be nice. They’ll fix it. They’ll work harder to not let that happen again. And you’ll be happier for saying something. Customer feedback is very important to businesses. Both the bad and the good kind. So give both.

Also, you can incorporate tips from The Better Server too! Like remembering your server’s name, smiling, and making conversation. All of those things are important too.

All of these thing have helped me while working and being a customer, but they are also helpful tips for dealing with people in general. If everyone used these simple tips in their daily life, man, there would be a lot of change a’happenin’.

Show some love.

Avery 

Lessons Still Learning: Coffee Shop Knowledge Part I

I’m standing at the food table at work and I’m rolling meat before the lunch rush and I’m thinking, “What am I doing with my life?” I am an extremely passion driven person. I have goals. I have dreams. I want to go live in new and exciting places. I want to do things I’ve never done before. I want to learn new languages, climb mountains, sweat, and eat exotic food. But most importantly, I want to change people’s lives. And what am I doing with my summer? I’m making sandwiches. I’m making coffee. I’m rolling meat.

As I’m standing there, methodically and meticulously rolling the meat, I think to myself, “How are you living out any of your dreams right now?” Sure, I’m a poor college student who is home for the summer and my only real goal is supposed to be to make money, but still. You can’t just live life with your only goal being to make money. I’ve never been that kind of person and I never will be. I love people so much. I want love to be the outcome of what I do. I want to be able to reach out to people and change their lives for the better. I want to bring light to people. And then it hit me…

You’re an idiot.

My job, what I’ve been paid to do for the past two summers, customer service, is all about people. It’s all about serving. I mentally scolded myself immediately and began to think of all the things I’ve learned about people and how to love them by working in customer service. And then I realized what a great blog post it would be, because let me tell you, I have learned A LOT. So here we are. This will be a two-part post because of the amount of information I would like to share with you. I hope you gain something from it.

I would like to begin this topic like I like to begin most topics: from a missional and an anthropological standpoint. There is a quote from one of my favorite movies, Elizabethtown, that has been my life motto:

“I don't know a lot about everything, but I do know a lot about the part of everything that I know, which is people.”

I have had a knack for people my whole life. I can relate. I can connect with them. I have a sick sense of empathy. I can see through them. I can see the best in them. All of these things are gifts given to me by God, but they’ve also oftentimes been curses. Because people are broken and hurting and that brokenness can wear on you. I’ve learned that the hard way many times.

While working at the coffee shop/café that I work at, I have met many different kinds of people. I grew up in middle class suburbia and to be honest I only saw a handful of blacks and Mexicans in my town. The coffee shop I work at is only about eleven-ish miles away from where I grew up and yet the amount of diversity I encounter there is off the charts comparatively. Whites are sometimes the minority (which is not a bad thing in my opinion). I deal with at least two to three, sometimes more, customers a day that do not speak English very well. And I’ve seen some very sad, poor, lost, and broken people.

There are two groups of people that make up the majority of the customers that come through the shop: the obviously broken and the broken behind a mask. The obviously broken come in many different forms; some are dirty, disheveled, and disillusioned. Others look just like me but don’t really have proper social skills. And yet others sit in the shop for hours and talk to themselves. These are the ones that are the hardest to watch and the easiest to love, in my opinion. They are almost always grateful and easy to please. They’re the ones I want to go above and beyond for. They’re the ones who thrive on your light because all they know is darkness.

The other group, the ones behind the mask, are the ones who are the business men and women who work in the building we share. They get up, go to work, hate work, go home, maybe hate home, get in bed, think about how much they hate work and home, and then get up the next morning only to start the day all over. Sometimes this group is the hardest for me to study (because let’s face it, I’m always studying) and serve. Most of the time they are angry and they usually take it out on me. They are rushed and sarcastic. They act like they have everything together and you don’t just because you messed up their white chocolate mocha. But really, they’re so incredibly broken inside. They are always working so hard to hide whatever piece of their life that has fallen apart. They are the ones that most people, including myself, don’t want to show love to because they don’t seem to want or need it. But I’m learning that sometimes they’re the ones who need it the most.

So, what does this all mean?

I’m sure if you’re reading this you are or have worked in customer service sometime in your life. It’s one of the most underrated and least appreciated jobs there is. It also makes up the majority of jobs out there. We all need groceries, gas, coffee, etc. We all have to go buy things and eat dinner. And all of those things are at places where people work. They’re job is to serve you. And if you’re like me, you’re the one doing the serving. It’s a hard job sometimes. But it is one of the most important mission fields there is. When I hand people their coffee, remember their name, or strike up conversation with them about how their day is going, I am sharing the love of God with them. Because God and I both know I couldn’t share love with them on my own. Just by doing these small things with a joyful heart and a willingness to love them, I am bringing a light into their life that they may not see the rest of the day. It may sound overdramatic, but it’s true.

I’ve learned so much about people and how to love them better by working in customer service. I have also learned a lot about how to be a better customer to others working in this field. I will discuss these things practically in my next post. But for now, I challenge you to see people a little differently than you usually do, especially if you work with customers, or heck, if you have co-workers or a boss. Because everyone is fighting a battle. That is one of the biggest clichés in the book, but it’s also one of the truest.  The people we encounter in our daily lives can make or break us.

Which kind of person are you for others?

Avery

When The Going Gets Rough

I took this photo on Tuesday morning. The caption was, "My avenues to success: top knot, bison necklace, and Belle and Sebastian." The day before this I had a very rough day. On Tuesday I woke up early, made myself breakfast, and spent some time in the Word before going to work because I was DETERMINED to have a great day. I was in such a good mood and I was ready to face the day. I had no idea the kind of day that was coming. I won't get into the details because that's not the point of this post. But I will say that it was just a REALLY bad day. And the rest of the week has followed suit.

This week has been the hardest week I've had all summer. And to be honest, it's really bringing me down. I'd like to say first that I am not one that airs my private matters all over the internet. Mostly because I don't want everyone knowing my problems and negative feelings. I try to not post tweets or statuses that are negative because that's not what I want to be known for. And also because I know you probably don't care anyway.

But that is not what this post is.

It is more of a wake up call for myself. And maybe for anyone out there who needs it.

This week, I have been defined by things that I am not by other people. This doesn't happen to me very often.  I am very aware of myself in general. I try very hard to be pretty genuine and honest about my strengths and weaknesses, and let me tell you, I am VERY aware of my weaknesses, and I can honestly tell you that the things I have been told that I am are not true. Everyone has dealt with this problem. And everyone knows how hard it is. I've taken it particularly rough this week and it has affected the way I deal with almost everything. I feel very sensitive. I feel very angry. I feel very sad.

I do not want to let this rough time define me. Because I know it does not. There is a reason for this, and it will only make me stronger. I must choose to learn from this, even though it seems almost impossible. But I know that God is with me. He has been very near to me throughout this week, whispering in my ear and guiding my every action. He has calmed my fears. He has slowed my anger. He has redefined me. Because after all, He really is the only opinion that matters in the end.

This week could have been worse. It always can be worse. But it was bad. And it did hurt. But all I can do is fight my way through it with the Spirit on my side. He always sees me through.

Hope all is well with you.

And if it's not, I hope you know that He will sustain you.

Avery

Summertime Sadness

I have to confess something...

I miss my two best friends so much it hurts.

Britni is in New York being awesome and interning with PBS.

And Hilary is in Texas being awesome and teaching children about Jesus at Pine Cove.

And I'm here. Without them.

There's just something about summers with your best friends. My two best friends go to a different college than me, so we don't see each other enough throughout the year. So, naturally, the summer is when we would see each other the most. But that really is never the case. We all have our things and we're all trying to grow up and be the people we want to be and therefore we have to get jobs and internships and go on trips. All of those things are so amazing. But they definitely cut into our best friend time.

I'm so happy for both of them but the past two weeks I have been really missing them and wanting them to be back home.

We've had some awesome summers together.

I can't wait to drive around Tulsa, stay up late talking, roam around Target for no reason, cry about everything because we're girls, laugh hysterically, drink endless amounts of coffee, and plain just do nothing with them. Because they make nothing something.

Life just isn't the same without these two. And there's something that really is obviously missing when they are gone. I can't wait to have them back and spend as much time with them as I possibly can before we start our senior year of college....woah.

Anyways, sorry this was so sad. I just haven't been able to stop thinking about it and I thought it would help if I just got it out there.

Brit and Hil,

I miss you and love you dearly.

Your Best,

Little Bird

Averly Kay

Reptar

Husband

Ave

The Pinterest List

I know everyone thinks Pinterest is just a place that makes people look and feel like they're creative when they're really not, but that is not what Pinterest is to me. I use Pinterest for inspiration and I really try to make or use as many of my pins as I can. Honestly, I have cooked and baked a lot of the recipes on my food boards, I've tried almost all of the pins on beauty board, and I have even made a few things off my crafty and DIY boards.

So, now you know that my Pinterest is an actual tool in my life.

With that said, this summer I would like to really use my Pinterest to its full potential. So, I'm committing myself to The Pinterest List.

Here's what it is: I have a goal to complete at least five things off of Pinterest in the categories of recipes, beauty, and crafts. I have to do five of each. That's fifteen. (Math is hard.) Here are a few examples of what I would like to try....

Recipes

This strawberry and coconut milk smoothie, or these creamsicle popsicles, or blackberry mint lemonade! Yum!

Beauty

This DIY hair lengthener, bronzer, and citrus scrub!

Crafts

This dip dyed bleach t-shirt, these adorable shorts with patterned pockets, and this feather mobile!

So there are some sneak peeks. I don't know if I'll do all of those necessarily, but I will do five of each. And maybe I'll blog about them.

I'm excited to put my inspiration into action!

Happy Weekend!

Avery

The Unexpected Introvert

Lately, I have been feeling myself sink deeper and deeper inside myself trying to find energy to face the day and to make decisions about my life. It's really hard sometimes to have to think about and make so many decisions without really knowing who you are yet. I don't know what the statistics say, but I really do think being in your twenties is one of the most complicated times in life.

But you know what?

It's also one of the greatest.

I've really never been happier than I am today. Each year, each month, each day brings on more than I could have ever expected and I am very very thankful for that.

I am in a pretty constant struggle about who I am and what I want and who I am going to be, but I'm trying to cherish that struggle, if that makes sense. Because someday I'll have the answers to some of these questions and I'll look back and think, "Man, I didn't even stop and bask in the chaos that was becoming who I am today". And I really don't want that.

I'm seeking God so much more earnestly than I ever have and finding out that not only do I have nothing good apart from Him, but also, I have to expect more from Him. He is God. And He will bring about great things in my life. It's in His character.

So, for now, even though my insides are pretty crazy and I'm constantly changing in every way (because hey, it's biological to feel this way), I'm learning to be thankful for these years.

Great things are happening. And even greater things are coming.

Thanks for listening.

Avery

You've Gotta Have Goals

Hey there! I wanted to start off this new season of blogging by sharing with you all my goals for the summer. I try to make a list of goals for every big break I have because I have to have something driving me, you know? Goals are very important to me, especially once they're written down.

So, here we go!

1. Be better at blogging. (That's a given.)

2. Take a summer class. (I'll be starting an online class next week.)

3. Work on my senior capstone (I have a huge Theatre capstone next year, so I want to get as much ahead on that as I can!)

4. Learn how to keep a cactus/succulent alive....Ha!

5. Read a book with my little sister, Auree. (I think we're going to read A Series of Unfortunate Events!)

6. Work out. (Just more than I do now, which is never...)

7. Change up my style. (Which I've already done by getting bangs!)

8. Finish an art journal.

9. Build my record collection.

10. Read five books. (Already finished one and on my second!)

11. Take a trip to Guthrie or the Wichita Mountains.

12. Save A LOT of money.

13. Go on a silent retreat. (I've been wanting to do this for a long time.)

14. Start researching more about future career options. (Yikes!)

15. Become very friendly with the new juicer my family got.

16. Go to Guthrie Green in downtown Tulsa.

17. Write stuff down! (I am very forgetful and I want to remember things better, especially the things that happen in my life, so I want to be better at journaling and the like.)

18. And last but not least....The Pinterest List. I will be blogging more about this one very soon!

Well, that's the list. I'm not stressing myself out to finish it all, but I'd like to check a lot of these things off by the end of the summer. 

What are your summer goals?

Avery

I'm Back!

I've had a few people ask me if I'm going to start blogging again and I really wasn't sure until this moment. I gave the blog a little revamp, got some bangs, and I think I want to try again. So, be on the look out for new posts very soon. Or don't. Either way. Live your life.