Life is definitely different. I haven't decided what I think about life, except that I have not really figured it out yet. A few things have happened this week...

1. I chopped my hair off again. It looks a little something like this...


I thank Erica ever so much for the styling of the first picture. When I walked out of the salon with poofy hair looking nothing like what I had requested, I questioned short hair on me. Now that it looks more like what I want, it takes only about 10-15 min to blow dry, and I don't have to go to sleep with it wet---I'm not sure I am totally against it any more. A full ponytail is non-existent, but hey...who cares? Im pretty much thinking about leaving it like this at least for the duration of my stay in Texas...frizzy long hair is just NOT cute.

2. I have come to the realization that real life is less than two years away. Yes, my real life still includes the dream of moving to Portland and teaching at an inner city school. I have been looking at what it will take for me to get certified and all. Just before school starts...so I know and I dont have to be rushing to do anything when I graduate. I am trying to make as many tentative decisions before life gets hectic. Nothing is final, but a girl can dream, can't she? Good news---Oregon takes most state's certifications to where I will be able to teach for 6 months and take the Oregon tests during that time. So I dont have to hectically try to schedule tests other times. In less than two years, I will need to move into a place of my own. I love my parents, but I dont think after being on my own for three years that I will want to move back here. Literally, since last summer I have not spent a long time at once at home. Its been hard living here, because my parents love me so much that they just want to help me in any way. But I am use to making my own choices and doing my own thing and its hard to be under my parents' roof again. I don't think I can move back in.

3. I've been thinking of my weird need to feel validated. It's weird to me because I don't feel like I do a good job validating people, but that I need to feel like I am wanted and loved. I love being at home and hearing "I love you" all the time. I don't say that phrase to too many people, so when people say it to me...it is just one of my favorite things. But, I have also realized that I need to stop depending on others to feel like I am doing well or loved. It is nice, don't get me wrong, but I need to stop putting so much importance on it, if that makes sense.

4. My momma re-did my room while I was in Portland. I have always had a dream of having grey walls, black and white pictures, black and white furniture, a black or white bedspread, and little pink accents everywhere. Well, I got that when I got home. It was the first time my room has been redone since we moved here when I was 6. I am really excited. I really, really like it. It looks something like this...



5. I miss a lot of people A LOT right now. I have one of the greatest friends ever, who has been there for me on AIM pretty much every night this week. School will start and life will get busy and we won't talk as much, but it is amazing to have someone who takes as much time as her to make me feel like I matter.


6. Trinity Rose, I miss you sweet girl. A lot....a lot...a lot. I hope you are having fun with your last bit of summer! I love you, girl!

Cute hair! It's a fun change - and it always grows back.

I miss you.