I received a nod for my undergraduate achievements in the College of Human Environmental Sciences. I didn't get to wear a sundress and be honored on the 'mound' on the quad at the university, only the MOST high honors are granted that experience. My honor came in the mail that was addressed to the house that has been my home for the past two years. Even though I always wanted to be part of Alabama's "Honor's Day" festivities that took place today, Friday April 9, I was still pleased with the turn around I have made in my studies. I realized that if I had not switched majors when I did, then I most likely would never have received any sort of honor or certificate of excellence from the College of Communication and Information Sciences.
Most people, including my close friends and family, see me as a writer. Usually, this is what they view me as more than anything else. My sister describes me as a free-spirit and my mom says that I'm her "little wildflower", but above most things (trade wise) they see me as a journalist. But when I opened my letter from the Dean of Students, I realized that I had changed. Somewhere in this five year span, which might I add has gone by way too quickly, I morphed from an opinionated sports columnist to a child development specialist and developmental educator. Ok, ok... I'm still opinionated. But joking aside, I saw the change on paper... a certificate... official business.. dunzo. The change had happened. Luckily though, I still have a love for writing (why else would I ramble on this blog so much??) even though I do not have a love for studying journalism, newspaper ethics, public relations, and communication sciences. Five years ago I loved it. Now, I study developmental disabilities, advocacy, human sexuality, and creative concepts. Even though I changed majors (maybe a little bit later than I should have - sorry, Dad) and finally earned a certificate of undergraduate achievement in my new studies, I am most proud of the fact that I have always stayed true to WHO I was, WHAT I wanted to become. As I changed, my passions changed, and the fact that I rose to the challenge and didn't deny those things, I am more proud of myself than any sort of honor I could have received from the university. Lately, I have also realized that when you take the girl out of the honky tonk, you may not be able to take the honky tonk out of her but when you take the girl out off the mountains, you definitely take the mountains out of her. What I'm saying is, I might be a gal from Western North Carolina but I grew up a flat-landed Florida girl for sure. After I ran the rolling hills at the arboretum on Wednesday, I hiked the trails at Tannehill State Park on Thursday. One of my very favorite people in the world, Chace, and his dog, Tripp, went with Millie and I to blaze the trails. Let's just say that some of the inclines tested my athleticism, weary knees, and cardiovascular health. I don't know if I blazed the trails or the trails blazed me, but it was fun being with good people and good dogs in good weather. It brought back some very fond (and not so fond) cross-country memories and served as a notice that I need to get my hiking legs in shape if I plan to keep Millie happy. She has become quite the lover of the outdoors. In dog years she's 7 and has four legs. In dog years I'm 154 and have 2. Trust me, I'm feeling my age as I try to keep up with her!!! She probably hasn't drank beer at as many tailgates, fraternity parties, and bars as I have either.
For the past couple of days I have been at my sister and brother-in-law's house in Trussville. Most of you know by now, my sister and I are best friends and polar opposites. While I can be described as spontaneous, funky, a 'free-spirit', bohemian, and a 'wildflower', Ashley is probably more along the lines of organized, conservative, modest, graceful, and a 'Suzy-home-maker.' We're both respected for being our own individual selves and this shared sense of respect is probably what sews the wonderful fruits of our friendship and sisterhood. I can't help but look back and marvel at the differences that are displayed in front of me as I write this. For 48 hours my parents, grandparents, Ashley, Tyler, and I have labored over the curtains in her house. An admirable quality that we both have is that we cherish the looms that are handed down over generations. So, it is special to her that our grandmother sew her curtains. Not to say that I do not love my elders as much as she does, but I didn't even know people knew how to make curtains. I thought they were bought. Literally, I figured when I had my own house rather than piece of rented real-estate, I would move up from the curtains at Wal-Mart and Target to the more sophisticated and classy curtains at an interior design store. But, I learned two things as I blog and watch the tedious taking of measurements, the humorous arguments (out of love, of course), and the seams of thread through the chic floral fabric... 1.) my grandmother can sew hems, valances, and window treatments and 2.) the Wal-Mart and Target curtains might hold less sentimental value but they'll do for me, for now. These curtains might be the death of all of us. On a sidenote, the cat fights have been surprisingly mild. Very mild. I have a feeling that this might have something to do with me sitting here blogging and not playing too big a role in the curtain making. I seem to have the smallest amount of patience in my entire family tree so "projects" like this usually result in a breakdown. I'm sure Ashley and everyone else appreciates my absence more than they probably would my attempt to play a bigger role.
In the friends' department, I realized that you truly are judged by the company you keep. Since that is the case, I can assume I am judged as being honest, real, caring, and fun. Because you, my friends, are all of those things. As I recount my blessings here lately, I know I am so blessed to have the wonderful people all around me that call me their friend. If I'm a wildflower, then these other flowers make me bloom, water me when I need it, are of all different colors and personalities and styles, and most importantly, are true gifts from God. They make the world a more beautiful place. Justine, a rose. Jackie, a daisy. Elena, a lilly. Ashley, a hydrangea. Kabbie, a magnolia. Mandy, a tulip. And Kathleen, a dogwood. Wait... can't forget Millie - my little dandelion!!!
I hope everyone has had as beautiful a week as I have. We are all blessed but we need to remember to step back and recount our blessings in order to experience all they have to offer. I'm glad I spent some time this week telling those I love that I love them, kneeling by my bed to spend a little more time than usual thanking the good Lord, and trying to be the type of friend that brightens other's days, just like a bouquet of flowers can brighten even the worst situations.
Life's a garden, so dig it! haha :)
Peace&LOVE
-a wildflower
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