Be careful what you wish for, cuz you just might get it!

During Saturdays in the months of February and March this is my life.

First I arrive to North Central at the crack of dawn to load the bus and travel to wherever the competition is being held that day. This week it was Mooresville. All the Descants pile on the bus and we pass bags of bagels and water bottles around and complain about how early it is and how tired we are. Finally we arrive to Moorseville to be directed to the room which will become our home for the day. Our hosts decorated our room with a blue/star theme. They even gave us bubbles! That was maybe the best decoration I've seen at a competition.

We have just enough time to grab some food, and then start on the 2 hour process of getting ready before our warm up time. Girls use up entire bottles of hairspray in hopes of making a poof so large on the top of their head that the judges could see it from Mars. We work and work to get the perfect smoky eye, and apply more bronzer, blush, and mascara than we use for the rest of days of the year combined. Finally we glue the false lashes on and our hair and make-up is complete. Its now time to put on our costumes. We spend the next 45 minutes with moms adjusting our spangly dangly things, taping up our shirts so our longlines don't show on stage and putting on last minute deodorant and fuscia lipstick.

These are me and Virg's best show choir facials (and Mom).

 Our hosts gather us out in the call and we walk through Mooresville High School on our way to warm ups. We performed at 3. It went really well! Last week I had some costume malfunctions and messed up on some choreography, so it was a big improvement for me. After the performance we went to the viewing room to watch how we did and take notes for if we make it to finals.

At this we go back "home" and its a freenzy to get changed and find our dresses in the big heap that they ended up in after our costume change and hang everything back up. I really don't like this part. Plus, at this point everyone smells really bad. It's gross. After we get all changed our group breaks up and we can eat or try to take a nap or watch other groups perform or sit around and just hang out. I did all of this with the exception of the nap. A few hours later they announced who made finals in the gym. Me, Virginia, Gabby, and Maddie decided to eat through the announcement instead of waiting around in the gym. We knew it was good news when 30 girls in blue Descants hoodies came running through the cafeteria scrambling to get back to the room and yelling "We have 20 minutes! Get dressed! We're first!".

We had made it to finals and would be the first women's group to perform. We quickly changed back into our outfits and made our way back to the warm up room, even more nervous than before. We sang through everything, and our director gave us some last minute pointers and pep talks. It was time to perform.

I love the feeling of a showchoir rush. The feeling you get when you leave the stage knowing you left everything you had to give up there. Youre sweaty and gross and your make-ups smeared, but you have this intense rush of energy. Its so great. After the finals performance it was time to do some more waiting....and waiting....and waiting. Several Diet Cokes, a few mixed choirs, and a great solo performance later, it was finally time to head back to the gym for the results. I always feel really nervous at this time. Its like when you know you gave everything you have and you've worked so hard it would just be the best feeling ever knowing you've won, and it all payed off.


This is what Grand Champions look like.

Just Call Me Babysitter

Tonight was my 4th night in a row spent babysitting. I love to babysit, I really do, but sometimes I'm not sure a 17-year-old spending all the free times she gets watching other people's children is healthy. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I went to straight from school to Descants practice to babysit and got home around 10:30 each night. Tonight I was looking forward to having a night off, and getting some rest or spending some time with the friends who feel like they never see me anymore. Well... last night while driving to a babysitting job, I got a call from a desperate parent in need of a babysitter for Friday (tonight) and asking would I be able to help. My initial thoughts were "No, I have so many other things I could be doing. Molly, just say no. Molly you haven't hung out with your friends in so long". My verbal response was "Yeah sure! Sounds great, I don't have plans. What time do you need me?"

I have problems saying no. I really really like helping people. I have a really really hard time turning people down. So tonight, I babysat for night number 4.

Waking up this morning, I was dreading it. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized this is just one night. One Friday night out of the hundreds and hundreds I will have in my life, and if I can spend it doing a favor for someone else then right now I'm content. That was all it took. A simple change in my attitude and outlook and I went from viewing it as a wasted weekend to a good chance to help someone and play with little kids (Hooray!).

Margaret and Nathan were both wonderful. Margaret gave me a tour of the whole house (including both bathrooms and all the drawers in the kitchen) and we ate pizza and watched Toy Story. By the end of the movie both kids were passed out on the couch, and I had the privilege of carrying them one by one upstairs and into their beds. Oh, and I really liked this sign on the wall:

What I'm trying to get at here is basically this: Living today well doesn't mean doing everything you want or spending time trying to make yourself happy. Living today well is just as much about serving others as it is your own happiness, and most of time by doing the first thing, you get the second.

Excitement

Yesterday me and my friend Mags took turns naming off things we're exciting about right now and why. Right now I feel like I have so many fun, awesome stuff to look forward to and it makes me so excited! Winter can seem to drag on forever and ever, and I get so busy and swamped with choir and homework and it seems to never end. Here are the things that are getting me through these last months of Winter:

1. Spring Break! In a month I get to go to Florida for a week with my best friend and my family. I can't wait to have nothing to do for an entire week and just be able to be outside and enjoy myself.
2. Junior Prom. I might not have a date yet, but I'm still just so pumped! I've never been to a real dance before and the idea of this one night of getting all dressed up with my friends seems so wonderful to me.
3. Camp Tecumseh. This summer I'm officially going to be in my favorite place in the whole world for a total of 6 weeks. If there were ever anything that keeps me getting out of bed every morning this would be it. I can hardly wait for the sweet summer days spent at Camp Tecumseh (also known as Heaven on Earth)
4. Taylor Swift... TWICE! It's official I get to see my favorite favorite favorite singer not once, but TWICE in concert this summer. I am the luckiest person ever.

Even though the days seem to be dragging on and on and sometimes it seems as though I may never see the sun again when I think about all the wonderful things that await me for the rest of the year I can't help but to just be excited. I have never been more pumped to take opportunities and live every single day well. I don't want these days to just be days of anticipation, I want to make them all count. So right now I'll embrace the busy and embrace the work because I have so many exciting things to look forward to that will make the harder times more than worth it.

So Much Talent

Lately I've been a lot more active in North Central Younglife and have been trying to go to campaigners or other activities as much as possible. I like having the opportunity to have fun and openly discuss Christ or voice any questions, fears, comments, joys, or concerns. Friday night I got the chance to be a student leader at the Wyldlife talent show and open gym night. Middleschoolers gathered at the Northview LGI to practice and plan their talents for the big show.

Here were some highlights:
1. the groups of girls that came prepared with funny outfits and crazy make up
2. Getting to do a duet with Katie to Don't Stop Believing for the show (Glee version of course)

3. How these girls even though they were the youngest their radiated confidence and tried to help and include as many people as they could

4. Singing Taylor Swift really loud

5. Matt and Joe's talent of Joe throwing grapes and Matt catching them in his mouth
6. Getting to MC the show and have witty banter with Chris
7. Hearing Natalie's story, and getting to know her better

I really love being a student leader and getting to hang out and get to know these great kids. I love the other student leaders and how they're willing to take time out of there Friday night to be there for these kids and help make the night as much fun as possible. I love singing and dancing and being silly and witty banter. I love that I have opportunities like this to work with kids and do the things I'm passionate about.

"Oh sorry I thought you were Molly Henry"

This week at school it was North Central's basketball spirit week. I love spirit week.

Tuesday I got a twin for the day. Virg and I were like real-life sisters! People were calling us by the wrong name, and getting us mixed up all day. Our classy Wall-Mart outfits purchased at 7:30 am Tuesday morning were a huge hit.

Wednesday was princess/prince day, so naturally I didn't really have to wear anything different from my usual attire.

This is a picture of me in my everyday clothes, and my friend Linda in her own princess get up. She looked so regal. I loved that everyone else got to join me in my everyday life, and become a princess for 24 hours. Here were some of my favorite members of the NC royal family.

 

Today was ugly sweater day. It was perfect. I walked through the halls seeing a blur of wool animals, tassels, rhinestones, and Christmas trees. Such a great day. I wish every week was spirit week! Thank goodness I will be spending my summer at Camp Tecumseh where that wish will become a reality.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today when I woke up and went to school, I forgot it was Valentine's Day. I wouldn't go as far as saying I hate this day, and wear all black and walk around all bitter for 24 hours, but also don't consider it one of the most significant days of the year. Walking through the halls between passing periods I was hit with swarms of girls carrying carnations, candy, teddy bears (ew), and all sorts of Valentine's surprises. Other than the overdose of pink and red presents, it was a pretty routine, normal day.

Then I got my Valentine.
Ok. So, no my life (or my day even) was not completely altered by this sudden change of events. The story wouldn't be found in any chick flick. I didn't start worshiping St. Valentine or have a deep desire to change into an outfit covered in hearts. But it was still nice to know someone was thinking about me, and wanted me to know they care. During my lunch period my friend Ben came up to my table and gave me this:

It was completely unexpected, and really just nice. I love that he hand made the card, and spent time on it. I also love that he told me his mom helped pick out the flowers. Usually I'm not big on Valentines, but this was just really really nice, and Ben is really really great. I'm glad we're becoming such good friends.
Now, you might have been thinking I was special (ok- you're right, I kinda am), but Ben gave out another Valentine today. Virginia was the lucky recipient of this masterpiece:

What is it you ask? Well a vase of assorted felt mustaches of course! What else? Did I mention Ben is sweet, but maybe the weirdest person I know. Now you are probably thinking it must be some kind of an inside joke- something Virg was sure to understand. Nope, wrong- still just a vase of mustaches. I think this might just be my favorite Valentine ever. Virginia was a big fan also.

Here is what I think about Valentine's Day: It's certainly not the worst day in the world, and its a good opportunity to tell people you love them, but I don't think it should end here. I think everyday is the perfect day to be intentional about telling people you love them, and showing them you care. So while today was great, and filled with love, I want this kind of love to be in my everyday life. I want next Tuesday and the Friday after that to be days filled with telling the people I love how much they mean to me just as much as today. I want to show people I care every single day of the year. Valentine's Day may be ending- but the love doesn't stop here!

One on One

If my weekend had a theme, it might be one on one. No- I didn't play tons of basketball or anything like that, but I did find myself in situations where I was with just one other person a lot. This seems rare to me now a days, and I feel like most of the time I'm with other people I'm with a group of at least 3. But not this weekend! 

Friday night, after a very productive meeting of junior class council and working on the all important planning of Junior Prom 2011, my friend Virginia and I decided we were gonna have a sleepover! So, about an hour after the meeting Virg arrived inside my house for the FIRST TIME EVER. Exciting, I know. We hung around and then went to Chipotle. I like spending time with Virginia a lot, and I don't think I've ever spent time alone with her before. It was really great, and gave us so much opportunity to talk and really get to know each other. We laughed the whole night, and she thought it was especially funny when I noticed the lettuce was different at Chipotle and commented about it to the guy behind the counter... I guess its not normal to notice things like this (I love Chipotle). After dinner we decided to go to our friend Ben's house with a few other people (pause on the one on one theme), but on the way there we played the question game in the car, and found out a lot of fun stuff about each other. Pretty sweet Friday night if you ask me. We finished off the night going back to my house,Virg complaining about me only having one sink in my bathroom, and having a funny conversation with my mom.

Saturday my friend Kellie swam in the state swim meet! Naturally I had to go support her. I ended up driving down with Keeley, another person I've never really spend any time alone with. We had a pretty long car ride, and I'll admit there were some awkward pauses, but overall we had some good conversation, and I got to learn even more about her. I'm thankful for the opportunity we had to bond, and become closer friends.

Tonight after a five hour, yes that is FIVE WHOLE HOURS, long choir practice I had dinner with Sar. I have hung out with Sar tons of time just us, so this wasn't that new of an experience, but it was still really great. We haven't seen each other since Wednesday so of course we had tons and tons to talk about. I feel like with Sarah there's hardly ever gaps in conversation... we just always have so much to say! I really like that about our friendship. 

This weekend I'm thankful for being able to form better relationships with friends, learn more about fairly new friends, and spend time with a best friend. I think hanging out in groups of people is great, but sometimes that one on one experience is even better. Its a great way to learn more about someone, and really grow closer. My one on one weekend was definitely a success.

(sorry about the lack of pictures... I promise I'll start taking more!!)

Chill

I have a friend who's really laid back, and just very "chill" as the kids are calling it these days. I observe as he lives his day to day life with a care-free, positive attitude and for some reason lately I can't seem to help but notice a tinge of jealousy every time he lets something roll off his back or laughs something off. I am not as "chill". Some would say I'm a tad up tight even. I worry. I over think. I get stressed really easily and I'm somewhat of a perfectionist. Sure, there are days when these qualities come in handy, but I think there are a lot of great things I can learn from my very "chill" friend.

I want to live a life where I can let my self relax. I want to be able to let things go and not overreact and just roll with the punches. I think part of living your life well is being able to find that balance. To live your life in a way where you have the right perspective to see what really isn't that big of a deal, and what you shouldn't waste your time worrying about. For me, this concept is really difficult. But as I watch my friend more and more everyday, the more and more I want to model after him. I think it's important to go easy on yourself every once in awhile.

Once not too long ago I was freaking out about a test I had the next day. I've had a ton of extra curricular stuff going on recently, and sometimes I let those stressful situations completely consume me. My very "chill" friend texted me something in the middle of my panic session that really stuck with me.

"You just need to realize that sometimes its better for you as a person, not a student, to get sleep and be happy and not stress as much, rather than get an A on this test"

I really think he might be on to something there. 

Yeah, school and work and every other commitment you may have are important. But I've discovered that equally important is knowing when to put those things aside and not take everything so seriously. I want to take a break from studying to make a friendship bracelet and hang out with my Mom as much as possible. Maybe you'll fail a test every once in awhile, but five years from now thats not the kind of thing you will remember. Looking back you won't think of the bad grades you received or the games you lost or even the most of the good test grades. So next time I have a big test, yeah I will study, but if I don't as much as I need to...well.. maybe its not the end of the world. Maybe taking a break to help a friend or just going to bed won't lead to a total downfall. Maybe those things are actually even more important.

Choices

Everyday we make choices. We choose what we're going to wear to school. We choose what to eat for breakfast. We choose to spend our time waiting for the fun part, or making life the fun part in itself. Some choices are smaller than others, some are less important, but none the less we choose over and over every day.

Over the last week, I had a really tough choice to make. I felt like no matter what I decided, someone would get hurt. Ultimately I had to choose what I thought would be best for both parties involved, and that choice wasn't easy to make. At all. Choices are hard, and sometimes knowing what the right choice is can be even harder, but over all I am a strong believer in going with your gut and doing what feels right. No, you won't always make the best choice, and yes, you might regret your choice later, but thats what life is about. You chose and then you learn.

As a typically indecisive person, even the smallest of choices are sometimes hard for me to make. This week I've learned that sometimes you just have to do what you feel in your heart (all corniness aside) and make your decision. Yes, a recent choice I made hurt someone. Yes, I currently feel like not all that great of a person, but I am confident that I made the right choice- and for right now, thats all I can ask.

Best. Weekend. Ever.

Sometimes I feel really alone. I feel like I don't have many people who share my values or that I can talk to. I feel like I'd rather just stay in then go out and pretend to be something I'm not. Then I have a weekend like this one, and perspective comes flooding back in. I have some of the best friends with the best values and best hearts on this planet, and I am so blessed.

On Friday afternoon me, Col, and Sar drove to downtown Indy to pick up our Chicago friends Julie, Annie, and Sarah who would be staying at my house for the whole weekend. The good times started from the second we saw each other, and we left the rest of the MegaBus crowd gawking as we screamed and ran and hugged and laughed and loved each other. We got in the car for the beginning of what was sure to be a beautiful weekend.

Spending time with camp friends proves over and over again to be the best times of my life. I get to be honest and fun and laugh a whole lot and cry and do weird things and just be me. Even when I am the lighting bolt version of myself, they love me. And for those reasons these girls who I spent two weeks with in the Longhouse at Camp Tecumseh have become some of my very best friends. Though the visits are few and far between, each time we see each other feels like no time has passed. We never stop loving, never stop caring, and never stop trying to be the best friends we can to each other. Its amazing to me. God's grace and love radiates through each one of them, and I couldn't ask for better people to share my life and my journey with Christ with. They rock!

Some highlights of this weekend included:
The Game of Things (play it, seriously.)

Singing REALLY loud every time we were in the car

Sar-car laughing at Applebee's

seeing Annie D. in Plainfield and finally finishing out Christmas craft exchange

teaching everyone how to Bernie in the 96th St. Steakburger parking lot

sitting in a circle and coloring special things

reading Cold Tangerines out loud to them several times

having a snow-filled photo shoot with Sarah Briggs

card board confession air-matress devotions

Super Bowl Sunday Sundaes at Huddles with the whole crew

and getting to spend time with some of the most special people I know.

I pray that as each of us returns to our normal lives and daily routines, that we can remember we are loved. This weekend may be over, but our friendships continue to grow and grow as the time passes. Knowing that its possible to maintain relationships with people hundreds of miles away gives me hope. It gives me strength to continue living my life well. And it gives me faith that we have a God who loves us enough to put these relationships in our lives.

Snow Day III (seriously, this is getting crazy)

WE HAD ANOTHER SNOW DAY. This must be some kind of record. I actually WANT to get back to school. Crazy some days you can't stop looking at the clock waiting to get out of the place and next thing you know you're dying to be back. (Ok, maybe not dying)

Today I hung out with Sar. We made a list of things to spend our day doing that included (but was not limited to): playing with Emma, working on friendship bracelets, buying the Game of Things at Target, and eating Chipotle. Mission Accomplished. Not only did we complete the majority of our list but we also went to the movies with my mom, had pizza with her for dinner, and then all three watched Grey's Anatomy. What a great day.

I love my mom. I know everyone loves their moms, but i really really really love mine. I love that she's becoming friends with Sar and that I got to spend so much time with two of my favorite people tonight. I love that we bonded and talked and watched a slightly inappropriate movie together. I love that I can tell both of them anything and that they will always support me. I've been blessed with not only a great, awesome, super, fantastic mom, but also a great, awesome, super, fantastic relationship with my mom and for that I cannot express enough gratitude. My mom jokes around a lot about how I'm never allowed to leave and I have to stay at home forever, and sometimes I kind of have the urge to say "OK Mom, sounds like a plan!" But I know I can't do that, at one point we all have to make our own lives and go out into the real world. For now, though, I can't imagine anywhere I'd rather be than right here at home.

Snow Day the Sequel: A Friend-filled Day Off

Today I woke up really early. I woke up really early on a snow day. Weird, right? I thought so too. Luckily I wasn't the only one having trouble sleeping, and I got a text from my friend Ben asking me to have a snow day hang out! I took on the ice and made my way to the other side of town to begin snow day number 2.

Here's what I like about today. Not only did I get to hang out with Ben, but a lot of other great friends too. I saw Sar for a little bit, and then went to Keeley's with a bunch of school friends. If I've learned anything in the past year, or maybe even less than that, about friendships its that you can't limit yourself. Not to certain groups. Not to certain types of people. Not to certain ages. Be open minded, and never miss an opportunity to form great friendships. I think its really easy to get tied down to that one group of friends, or feel like its not okay to hang out with or be close to anyone but a select few people. That is completely 100% false. This year I've made new friends at school (that's what happens when there's 4,000 kids), grown closer to old friends, and have more friends that don't even live in the same state as me than I ever thought possible.

I love that I can go from lunch at Penn Station with Ben to Sar's apartment to Keeley's kitchen, and skype with friends from out of town all in the same day. I love that my relationships are not limited. I love that I have friendships based on values and trust and fun and honesty rather than who I'm "supposed" to be friends with.

Yeah, sometimes it's really hard to balance it all, but at the end of the day the balancing is worth it. I'd much rather have friends spread out in all the different areas of my life than be trapped in one place without the meaningful relationships I've been lucky enough to form. I pray that I can keep these relationships strong, and always be reminded of how lucky I am for the friends I have. I pray they know that they are loved, and I pray these relationships can last and last.

Snow (ice,sleet,hail,wintery mix) Day!

Last night I listened to a message on my answering machine from a man claiming to be the head of the Washington Township transportation department. Turns out he is who he says he is- and he gave some wonderful news: No school on Tuesday, February 1. So far, I love February. I stayed up late watching my Monday night shows I usually don't have time to watch until later in the week, and I went to bed very happy. Guess what? I woke up happy too!

Shortly after I awoke, Emma came over for some long overdue collaging. This is what my room looked like after about 10 minutes.

We searched and cut and watched FRIENDS and found inspiration for our collages in the making. It was really great. Emma is really artistic, and she wants to carry out her passion for art in some shape or form throughout her life. I think its so cool that she knows what she's passionate about and that she has big dreams.

We finished some collaging, very successfully might I add, and decided on a couple things for the rest of the day: 1. making the whole day a craft day! 2. going to get Jimmy Johns

I know you might be thinking, wait... after that blog title they still went out just for a sandwich? To answer your question : yes. We did. We walked out of the house to find my car sitting in the driveway, a giant red ice cube. It was crazy! (and slightly sad)

 After a quick run to Michael's for some modge podge and new craft inspiration, we made our way through the 82nd street construction and to Jimmy Johns. it was so worth it. 

When we got back to my room, we didn't waste anytime before we started crafting again. I love crafting. Its relaxing and fun and inspirational and creative. I also love that I have friends that love crafting too. A batch of brownies and several episodes of Friends later, our crafts were complete. 

AND, the snow day fun doesn't even stop there! My mom made us tacos, and then we all played Trivial Pursuit (Junior, because my mom and Emma were a little nervous about the real deal) Board games are really great. Its an opportunity to all gather around the table and play and joke and talk. So great. Today I didn't go to any big parties, or hang out with a bunch of people, or even really leave the house. But today I lived my life well. I spent time with a great friend and my parents. I made the most of a day spent inside, and I had a lot of fun. Oh, and I won the game so that was a plus as well.

This is what I do when I win board games.

Tomorrow is another snow day (yay!) and I don't have any plans yet, but sometimes those are the best kinds of days. Whatever tomorrow brings, whether its just relaxing or something really exciting, I plan on making the most of it. For now I'm just going to eat a brownie, watch more Friends, and listen to Emma laugh at Pheobe, Rachel, Joey, Chandler, Ross, and Monica.