Day 3: My Parents

This one is simple: My parents are freaking awesome.

Sure, I have my moments when I'm not too thrilled with them or I think I know better. Quite frankly, I'd be worried if I didn't. But in the end, they're the best parents. And I'm not exaggerating.

My mom is one of the best friends I've ever had. I've confided in her and told her all my secrets. And she's one of the best shoppers ever. Our mommy/daughter dates are awesome. If you want to know how cool she is, you could ask any of the CV music students. They all want her as their chaperon and know she bakes awesome treats. I spent all of my high school years in that program being known as "Annie's Daughter." She's fun and bubbly and draws people to her. Other than that, she is one of the most giving people I know. She dedicates her time to help almost everyone who asks. She's always listened to me and been the best example. She laid down the rules and expectations and expected me to follow them. When I thought I was too good for the rules and disobeyed them, she pulled me back in. She encourages me and pushes me, even when I want to give up. As I get older, she's started letting me make my own mistakes and learn to stand on my own two feet. And all the while, she stays this amazing example and guides me on my way.

My dad is one of my most favorite people. He's quiet and calm. One of those people who, when he opens his mouth, you know it's to say something important. I always wonder if he realizes how much I appreciate that. Even though he doesn't say much, I always know I can go to him. I can ask him for help with school work or about church, or just for his opinion. We can spend time just reading together or watching something or listening to music. And I love that he takes an interest in the stuff I like, even if he thinks it's ridiculous. The fact that he's quiet also makes those moments when he bursts out in random dancing or decides to be a complete goof all the more funny. I can't even count all the fond memories I have of him doing stuff like that. Or the movies and songs he's made fun of that always make me think of him because of that. He's steadfast and unwavering and I can always count on him.

I don't think words could describe everything they mean to me. Ever.

I can say that one of the things I love the most about them is that I know they are in love. I see it in the little looks they exchange or the way they reach across a small space to hold hands. Or in the way my dad still opens the door for my mom and treats her like a lady. The way they always want to go out together and spend time together. How they always want to help each other. It's truly a beautiful thing.

Like I said: My parents are freaking awesome!!

~Sydney

Day 2: My Crush

Okay, let's be honest here:

I do not have a real life crush.

Actually . . . I have two.

There is the lovely Mr. Monteith.

A leather jacket is always good.

Mmmmm-hmmm

Again with the leather! *swoon*

And, of course, the gorgeous Mr. Pattinson.

Oh hai there!

This picture makes me smile.  Too cute!

Wet Rob is hot for some reason.  Getting distracted here . . .

*drool*

Whoa, where was I?

Oh.

Yeah, yeah, they're not real crushes. I know.

I've had several crushes growing up. It's only natural, right? Some have worked themselves out, some have passed me by. Some make me look back and go, What the heck were you thinking?! I'm sure I could sit here and reminisce and tell you all these funny stories about previous flames, but I'm all about living for the now. Trying to move forward and all that guidance counselor crap. At least for the time being.

So who's my crush right now?  I'll tell you who.

Yep, you caught me. Books. Books are the source of my many crushes right now. How is this possible you say? Well, let me explain. Or at least try to without making myself look completely pathetic.

I don't really have my sights set on dating right now. Honestly, I'm more concerned about surviving school and figuring out what I'm going to do with the rest of my life. At this point in time, I feel like if it happens, it happens. But I'm not going to go seek it out. Especially not around GCC.

That doesn't mean I've put my hopeless romantic nature aside. No, that part of me is alive and kicking. It doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon. To keep it satisfied, I read. And I read some more. Then I read a little more. Then I make a trip to the bookstore. And then I read again.

It's a perfect cycle.

The only problem is that I seem to find myself falling in love with many of the characters.

Let me get one thing straight: I KNOW they are fictional and don't exist. Just because I spend the majority of my time reading doesn't mean I've lost touch with reality.

Moving on . . .

I find myself drawn to certain characters in books. Sometimes it's a main character. Other times it's a minor, almost background character. It simply depends on the type of character. Sometimes I catch myself wishing a character were real so I could talk to them, hang out with them, and do whatever. I wish for their happiness, cheer for them through the story, and even cry for them when they are struggling. If there are sequels, I eagerly await for the time when I can enter their world again.

You know the saying, "Boys are better in books?"

In my limited experience, I find this to be true.

So bring on the fictional crushes!

~Sydney

Day 1: My Best Friend(s)

I obviously couldn't stay awake long enough last night, so you're getting two posts today if you're reading/following this challenge.


Let's start off with a difficult one. I'll be the first to admit that I don't let a lot of people in. See it as a fault or a quirk or whatever you like, but it's just who I am. Doesn't mean I'm unfriendly or anything. (At least I don't think I am . . . but maybe I'm wrong.) But when I do let people in, I really let them in. So picking my one best friend is pretty much impossible. I've got a bunch of people in my head, but I can't pick and I need to move on to the next paragraph.


Crap.


I guess we'll call this an ode to my best friends.


I've been blessed with some amazing people to stand by my side. You know who you are. I can't even begin to say how much that friendship has blessed my life. I'm a better person for knowing you and being able to call you my friends.


This is starting to sound cliche and sappy, but I'm telling the truth. Those people I call my best friends have stuck by me, even when I tried to shut them out. They waited patiently for me to let them in and are still by my side. That means more to me than almost anything else. That they fought to get in and haven't wavered in their loyalty is the mark of best friend material to me.

I couldn't be more blessed. I have the greatest best friends on the planet.


~Sydney

30 Day Challenge

Okay, I admit I stole this idea from Katie. The whole idea seemed so fun and it'll keep me updating the blog. So, Megan and I are embarking on this together to take up all 30 days of September. I'll post the first day shortly after this (if I can stay awake long enough) and then one post for each day based on the list we're all going from. Be sure to keep checking back! Who knows what will come of this!

Much love!

~Sydney