And I'm off!

This is one of those situations where I decided to ask for forgiveness instead of permission.  I am currently using Anne's laptop because I felt an urge to write down some thoughts before I start globetrotting.

What a life I lead.  Tomorrow I leave for 5 and a half weeks to travel to 11 different countries, 3 different continents, and who knows how many cities.  Sometimes I sit back and I am in shock that this is my life.  This is what I do.  I am that girl who is beyond lucky.  Lucky for this chance.  Lucky for the people in my life who have made it happen.  Lucky for the people who are ok with saying goodbye to me for 5 weeks.  Blessed, blessed, blessed.

People keep reminding me that this is a life-altering trip.  I couldn't agree more.  What I'm going to see and what I'm going to experience is going to fundamentally change me, whether I know it or not.  And I am grateful that I get these next 5 weeks to become whoever I want to be.

I'm starting this trip out with a little infection (nbd) and a little nervousness.  I will find out about my program--end all be all on this trip.  I'm a little sad that I won't be around my people when I get the news, but in a lot of ways I'm grateful that I will be out of the country.  Away from the people who will ask prodding questions.  Away from the business boys who always seem to come into my life at inconvenient times.  And you know what?  Whatever happens, it will be fine.  Maybe Econ is the major for me?   Maybe I will get into all three of the programs I applied for.  Who knows?  Well, Heavenly Father does, and He is so excited for me.  And I'm grateful that I have Heavenly Parents who are thrilled for however things turn out.  I'm grateful that I have earthly Parents who are excited for me either way.  I'm grateful I have a best friend who lets me steal her laptop and lets me cry and laugh.

It's going to be ok.  It's going to be more than ok.  And I'm grateful for that knowledge and that testimony of faith that I have fought on a daily basis for.  I'm grateful for the peace that has come into my life and for the tender mercies that truly are there every single day.

I'm excited to go do something a little crazy and a little wild and a little (read: a lot) out of my comfort zone.  I think it's time I'm pushed.

And I can't wait.

xo. Elise

Finals Week

I just wanted to write a quick note while I'm feeling good.

Can we talk about how cool it is that I get to be in finals right now?  This is something you always hear about.  This was something that Anne always did, not me.  This is something that seemed so impossibly old and grown up.  And now I'm doing it.

I am so grateful I get to call BYU my school.  I'm lucky I have this chance to just study all day.  I'm alone in my apartment this morning, and I love it.  I'm grateful for this chance to listen to the music I want.  I'm grateful for my Heavenly Father.  I think VBA programming is so cool.  I think it's amazing that I have learned so much this semester.  I have done the what if calculator (and panicked fyi).  I've looked at my schedule, and I've been stressed and worried.

But right now?  Finals week is pretty cool.  And I am grateful that I still have hours to study before the actual test, and I'm grateful that I still have time.

This feeling doesn't last forever.  In about an hour when I hit a wall it will be gone, and everything will seem futile.

But, right now?  I lead the coolest life I know.

xo. Elise

First Down

For the first time in my life, I actually had fun at a football game.  Football is not a sport I can really get behind, but last night changed my mind.  BYU beat Boise State, making them jump eight rankings and securing the number 18 spot in the national rankings.  (And this is where we pretend I have cared about any of this before 24 hours ago.  Also, take a look to see where the Arizona Wildcats are ranked.)

In all honesty, it was so much fun.  We waited for two hours to get in, barely found seats and free t-shirts, and I was convinced it was going to be a long game.  But a touchdown in the first two minutes of the first quarter was exciting, and the two touchdowns in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter nearly gave me a heart attack.  65,000 people packed into the stadium and it was a crazy game.

Right before the game, my roommates and I threw a panini party.  In some ways, it was really good because people came and it was a lot of fun.  In other ways, it was not so good because some people didn't come after they told us they would (ahem, back window neighbors) and now we have two extra pouches of lunch meat.  Good thing our freezer is empty.

I feel pretty lucky to be rooming with these girls.  One of the best parts is that I don't ever have to push them to go to church activities or to hurry so we won't be late. I love it.  (Also, I am wearing my first ever purchased BYU shirt.  It was a big step for me). 

Here is a lot of people that came to our panini party.  I look like I'm standing normally, but I'm actually on my tiptoes standing on the bench trying not to fall backwards.  

It feels good to be back at BYU.  I'm pretty grateful I get to go to this school.  

Isn't it crazy to have a great football game one night and then go and hear one of the Quorum of the Twelve speak live the next morning?  You are looking at a very blessed girl right now.  

I will now retreat to my bed with a tissue box by my side to impersonate Walter on Sleepless in Seattle.  

xo. Elise 

Lake Powell!

I can officially say that I have been on a road trip with college friends.  And I can officially say that I drove!  Check. Check.

The whole trip was a tad surreal because a. I never expected it to actually happen because everyone and their dog plans a fun trip with their college buddies, but not everyone executes it and b. because I never thought I would have friends that I would want to road trip with.  And here we are!

We took an insane amount of pictures together.  College girls are the best people to travel with because #noshame if you ask for another picture of yourself or to take it again or to do it in a different pose.  Hiking, good food (ice cream), a (freezing) lake trip, jaw-dropping beauty, and too much laughter.  It was a beautiful four days.  (Ok, but seriously?  Why did no one tell me how beautiful Page, AZ is?? It is gorgeous!  I was stunned at what I saw).

Exhibit A. "Guys, I want an individual picture.  Ugh, I'll just do my regular pose."  

These pictures don't do it justice, but wow, it's beautiful.  The dessert gets me every time. 

This trip was also special because it was the same route my dad and I took for our spring break road trips.  It brought back a lot of fun memories, and I am so grateful that I got to do that with my dad.  Had to stop at Big Al's--so good as usual, even if I didn't do a 7 mile hike + 4 mile run beforehand! 

#safetysquare  Lucky to have met these girls and had such a great year.  Also lucky that I get to still keep two of them around next year.  

xo. Elise Clark 

And another!

And today I ran another half marathon.

I am still in shock that I've actually done two, because one sometimes just sounds insane.  But I did it.  And I had so much fun.  Really, I actually had an amazing time on the course today.  I was shocked to find that because my last half marathon was full of stress and insecurity and uncertainty.  Running it the day I moved to college probably didn't help.

But this time around, I loved it.  Around mile 8 I was convinced I could run forever. Obviously not true because I can barely walk right now, but I was just so happy.  And it was perfect to be reminded of how much I actually really enjoy running.  It rained constantly throughout the whole race, but I kept thinking how lucky I was to be running in the beautiful green canyon with sheets of rain washing over me.

All throughout the race, when it got really difficult, I would pray for my dad and my sister.  It wasn't an elaborate prayer, but over and over again I prayed for them.  I prayed because my dad was trying to reach a goal, and Anne was running her first race.  And they did it.  And I am grateful that I got to experience this race and this hobby with them.

During the home stretch, I heard people cheering my name.  Looking up, I saw my mom and dad, screaming my name, just like they have for years at volleyball tournaments and track meets and award assemblies.  And I grinned.  Just grinned.  I hope I smiled the way I did when I was younger and full of swagger.  Because it was a treat to see them.

I am off to Lake Powell this week, and I am getting sentimental thinking of what I'm going to miss out on with this family of mine.  I'm excited for a vacation, but I've realized how blessed I am with this family of mine.

xo. Elise

Year One: Check

Life is a tad surreal right now.  I am moved back home, but not to my old house.  Boxes are everywhere, and I am trying to remember how I packed everything and where everything is.  I still text my friends, slightly expecting to go back to college soon.  I just realized that it's not going to happen.  I really did say goodbye to that dorm room and all of my roommates.  And all of the things.  

Mostly feeling grateful for the people and experiences I have.  I'm at that point where I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing or how the next few months are going to end up, but I keep reminding myself that it is going to turn out just fine.  

This last week has been a whirlwind, so here is a recap: 

Made it through my freshman year!  Wahoo!!

Free bowling.   I don't even like bowling and it was a blast.  

Some pictures form our dorm room.  Never thought when i moved in I would love it or feel at home, but I did! 

Last OG run.  Oh my word, Earnestly Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cup do it every time.  

March 13th is officially our traveling dinner night.  (And yes, we literally said, wow, that's a beautiful tree, we should take a picture by it.  We attempted a self-timer for a bit, but decided to just ask someone.  And yes, Hannah changed so we would be more coordinating).  

Hashtag fries with my hashtag girls.  

Last self-timer in Alesha' dorm room! Around 1:30 in the morning.  

Anne graduated!  Crazy. 

Look how cute she is?  

I don't want to boast, but this is probably one of my favorite pictures I've taken of Anne.  I love it.  

Cheers to an exciting summer!  

xo. Elise 

6 Months Ago

6 months ago I was worried for my mom as she applied for tenure.

6 months seemed so long ago. 

6 months seemed like such a long time.  

6 months ago flew by. 

6 months later.  

SHE GOT TENURE! 

Congrats Mom.  I could not be prouder.  

xo. Elise

Thankful. So thankful.

I am beyond grateful right now.  Like, it's crazy how grateful/humbled/crazy I'm feeling.  I am so intensely humbled beyond belief.  I just had the best news today, and I wish I could tell you how extremely grateful I am.

I am so grateful for my family.  They don't even hesitate to congratulate me on the best things.  They love me, support me, and am so excited for me.

I'm grateful for my great roommates, who celebrate me and brag about me, even when they have absolutely no reason to.

But most of all, I am eternally grateful for my Father.  That Father who knows all of my flaws, my fears, my worries.  Yet, He continues to bless me.  This weekend was rough, but He was there through it all.  I am so grateful.

So humbled.  This world is beautiful.

And crazy.

xo. Elise

Origins

This whole blog started because I had a list of goals.  16 things to do before I turned 17.

I have continued that, and today I crossed one off today.

It was the first snowfall, amazingly enough everyone let me know that through every single social media platform possible.  Got it.

Anyway, I was trudging home today and knew I had two gross-o bananas that I needed to use.  So I decided to cross off #12 from list today of my 18 going on 19 list.

I decided to make banana bread every year on the day of the first snow fall.

And so I did. (check)

xo. Elise

I should note, that this is NOT what the weather looked like today.  But it's a pretty shot, so I would get over your accuracy issue.  

Dinnertime

As I hovered over the stove, eating roasted sweet potatoes right out of the pan, I realized that probably 98.67% of college students couldn't imagine eating the dinner I just had (the others being the vegan in my FHE group and the rest being someone who really likes sweet potatoes).  The thing that kills me about these sweet potatoes is that I didn't even put garlic salt on or have ketchup to dip with. I didn't want to ask my roommate to borrow her ketchup again...and I don't know, I just ate them.

That is how most of my college dinners have been, me looking down at the cutting board wondering what I'm going to do with those chopped up vegetables.  And most of the time it kind of tastes like I had no idea what I was doing.

Hence, this Snapchat to my sister:

But this time? It actually worked out.  So it calls for a recipe. 

An Elise Original: Brown-Sugar Glazed, Lime Refried Beans: (ha that title just kills me). 

-Some leftover beans from yesterday's meal.  (Black is preferable). 

-About a fourth of a yellow onion

-Teaspoon of brown sugar

-Juice of one lime 

-A little chili powder

-Dash of garlic salt 

-Obligatory minced garlic/EVOO 

-1 sweet potato

Roast some sweet potato with a little EVOO in the oven at 400 degrees for maybe 25 minutes.  I don't know...until you want to eat or they look brownish in some spots.  

Sauté the onion in the obligatory garlic/EVOO until it looks good.  Add the brown sugar.  Throw in the chili powder and stir it around to mix it.  Add the juice of half a lime.  Rinse the black beans and toss them in there.  Let it sauté for a bit, and then squeeze in the rest of the lime juice.  Add the garlic salt whenever you feel like it.  Add to the sweet potatoes and add some green onions for a garnish. 

Wa la!  There you have it.  An Elise Original with some good protein in there.  

I never realized how much beans are a comfort food until it was cold yesterday.  Mom, sorry I never requested beans.  

FYI, the beans really were good.  I'm giving all of the credit to that lime juice.  

xo. Elise 

G.N.O.

This weekend a friend from high school came down and visited us and we had a mini high school reunion.  It was so good to be with people from high school who knew me and knew I didn't have to impress anyone or create good friendships anymore.  

We had a girl's night out, and it was so good.  We toured campus, got pizza take-out, and went shopping.  We talked about our future families, our current testimonies, and the change that we are all going through.  

The weirdest thing is that I could see us doing this in five years.  I don't know whether this group of friends will stick together, life is fickle when it comes to relationships.  I do hope that we stick together, but it's nice to have them in my life for now.  

In any case, I can see myself in ten years as a young mom, meeting with women who strengthen me and uplift me.  I can see us going and window shopping, buying journals that make us laugh, and perusing every single piece of jewelry at Old Navy.  

The pizza was good and the company was excellent.  I had a lot of huge realization and epiphanies that are definitely going to help me as I continue to transition. 

I don't know if I was starving or what, but this was pretty good.  Not as good as the pizza oven (obv), but it was still so good. 

Me and my cute friend, Heather.  She is going to Utah State, but we have forgiven her for that.  

Sam, Heather, Sammy, Elise.  It was so good to see these girls!  

Embarrassing amount of selfies last night.  Sorry, but apparently when I feel cute, I can't help it. 

Cheers to shopping for cute raincoats, long talks, and a night finished with ice cream.  

xo. Elise 

One Month

Today I am celebrating my one-month anniversary of moving out.  (Ok, if you want to be technical, my parents left me on the 24th, but I haven't been home for a month.  So it counts).  I celebrated by buying chewy Warheads, just like Anne used to buy when she would come home from college.

At the risk of sounding cliche, I'm a little surprised it's only been a month.  I've already lived a lifetime here, yet didn't I only see my parents yesterday?  Moving must change the time-warp somehow.

Anyway, I wanted to jot down some lessons of what I've learned in this month on my own.

1. Everyone's standard of living goes down.  Or maybe it was just mine.  I just spent three years being the only kid at home, and I observed my parents--how they entertained, cooked, lived.  I've come to realize that box mix brownies are just as good as homemade raspberry bars for visiting teaching, and most people really don't care.  College students are very forgiving, especially when it involves food.
2. You really do need to branch out, but it's not as awful as you would guess.  I went into college with everyone telling me that I would have to branch out like crazy and talk to everyone.  I saw my roommate almost go crazy trying to meet everyone, and I realized that you don't have to meet everyone on the first day.  It's not as hard or as strenuous as I thought it would be.
3. You have to turn a blind eye.  No, I'm not just talking about roommate situations (even though you should sometimes do that too in regards to roommate quirks).  I'm talking about the comparison situation.  I've mentioned this before, but all of a sudden everyone is much more comparable.  You really do have to create your own life here.  For the first time, you aren't going through school with five hundred other kids with the same schedule as you.  You have to decide when to say no, when to go to bed, when to run, when to relax, and make sure you accomplish what is important to you.
4.  Everything is a million times more exhausting when you don't have a garage and laundry room in your apartment.  Seriously, going grocery shopping, doing laundry, cooking in an unfamiliar kitchen. Everything is so much work.
5. Alone time is important.  Or at least that's what I tell myself.  I've taken to walking up on campus by myself on Sunday evenings, and yes, I sometimes feel weird.  People really do think it's strange to do anything by yourself, but I can't help it, I love the empty campus.  I guess that's another lesson I learned.  You have to be ok with doing things because you want to.
6. The workload is really constant.  You always have homework to do, regardless of how 'caught up' you are.

That's all I can think of for now.  There have been times throughout this month that I look down at myself and I am amazed at how strong I am.  I have done things I didn't think I could.  I have literally sat outside of buildings, taken deep breaths, and waited ten minutes, praying the whole time, before I have been brave enough to walk inside.  I have really started cleaning my room and straightening everything.  I have said hi to people and gotten used to not always asking my parents if I can do something on Friday night.  I've written my first college paper, read countless textbooks, fallen in love with learning all over again.  I have walked on campus and marveled at my legs that seem to know where they are walking.  This life is new, scary, intoxicating, freeing, hard, natural, strange, and truly beautiful.

xo. Elise

Mind the Gap

I was talking with a friend last night about how weird this summer is.  Everyone says congrats at graduation and good luck with college, but they ignore this little baby gap of a summer.  Pictures on Instagram and quotes on Pinterest try to convince you that everyone is having the best summer of their life, but at the end of the day, it's really just a bunch of growing pains.  I realized, that I literally have to mind the gap.

I was reading in my current favorite book, Daring Greatly by Brene Brown, and I remembered that she talked about minding the gap.  She describes it as the space between where we want to go and where we actually are.  In order to mind the gap, we have to embrace vulnerability and change.  

So here I go, let's mind the gap.  Let's embrace this little time on my life that is almost over to mind this spot between my current state and my future standard.  Because I am going to be just fine.  

xo. Elise 

Let them have shirts!

My dad completed his second half Ironman yesterday.  That means, ahem: 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and 13.1 run.  And he did it faster than I could drive (you know, in a car) to St. George. That is impressive.

However, the Ironman gear.  Let them have shirts for heaven's sake!  The day before the race we handled all of the logistics. (When I say 'we,' I mean my dad + his two satellites/clothes hangers/navigators/and otherwise color commentators-my mom and me).  Checking in the bike, registration, and prep work all took place before the race.  You'd be amazed at how many people had Ironman shirts/backpacks/tattoos/stickers everywhere.  I don't know if it's just me, but do they not have any other shirts?  Have they trained so hard for the race that every other shirt is filthy?  Or, perhaps they have done so many races that they only have Ironman shirts left.  In any case, I think we should help these people out and get a fundraiser going so they can wear something made of non-athletic material that doesn't boast of their completed mileage.

Also, it seems a bit excessive to have shirts labeled 'Ironmaid,' 'Future Ironman (on a six year old),' 'Irondog,' 'Irongrandma,' and the 'Ironwife.'  Ok, so I only saw two of the four...unless you count the poor dog stuffed into a neon orange 'Ironvolunteer' shirt one.  All I'm saying is that Ironman sure knows how to help the support crew feel just as cool as the athlete.  Maybe to compensate for the fact that the cheer squad wants some nifty gear so everyone knows that they are veterans of the course.  They have suffered through and seen it all.  Nothing surprises them anymore, and every other spectator should know it.

Other than that, I can't think of any other reason why the athletes would wear their shirts to registration or why the six year old is advertising for Ironman.

Congrats again to my dad, it was an impressive weekend and I can't imagine anywhere I would rather be to cheer him on to a personal record.  So darn proud of him!  

xo. Elise

      

Graduation

Well folks, I've graduated!  That is a crazy thought, huh?
First, whiplash is real folks, even for a supposedly young adult in her prime.  Ouch.
Second, runs at 5 in the morning after being up all night are pretty much perfect.
Third, going for doughnuts right as the store opens is probably the best time to go.
Fourth, speaking at graduation was one of the highest honors I can think of.
Fifth, this is going to be a summer of goodbyes.  First one was on Saturday.
Sixth, late-night talks are beautiful when outside.
Seventh, so far the pool on my lips got up to $210.
Eighth, I got 10 hours of sleep last night and I think I finally recovered from my all-nighter.
Ninth, graduation day was pretty special.  It made me all sorts of happy.
Tenth, this is going to be a crazy summer since I have three different bucket lists.

xo. Elise

Senior Countdown.

I graduate in 3 days and my world is slowly shifting to accommodate that.  WEIRD!  Might as well detail for you the best parts of my senior year because let me tell ya, it's been one beautiful experience after another.

*Warning: If taken out of context, this is a completely narcissistic post.  I recorded this simply for the record books so I don't forget the opportunities I had.  Sorry if it seems supercilious.

September:
Debate retreat: This was the moment when I realized I'm in charge.  This is it.  I was so scared, and we each went around the circle sharing our biggest fears.  I am happy to tell you that my fears were not realized.
Miracle at Philadelphia/Unit Assignments: This was the beginning of my We the People experience.  I learned who would be in my unit and I wrote 11 pages for a book assignment that probably only needed 5 pages.  Awesome.

October:
Young Lawyers: I took third at this tournament and this was the first tournament that I didn't care how I did, and I did so well!  Only undefeated person in prelims, and one of the judges was so kind and congratulated me.
Tidal Wars: Only tournament I didn't place at the whole year.  Isn't that cool???
Sterling Scholar/Academic Olympiad:  I found out that I was the Speech/Debate Sterling Scholar and I found out I made the nerd team.  That was such a great day for me!
Cache Classic: Last tournament I had on home turf and I had a perfect night.  Literally, 3-0 and perfect speaks.

November:
USSYP:  I was the alternate for the United Stats Senate Youth Program.  I was one of two representatives from my school and I was the alternate for the state of Utah for a $5,000 scholarship and free trip to Washington D.C.
Academic Olympiad:  The tests were so hard but hey, we took first in English. Wahoo!!
Speech Arts: I took first in the Championship division and my team did so well!  I was undefeated in prelims, beat Tommy twice, and was so complimented by the qualified judges.

December:
Silver and Black:  This is a huge, Tournament of Champions bid tournament in Utah.  I was undefeated in prelims, 7-0.  I don't know if Utah has ever had anyone go undefeated before.  I lost on a 2-1 decision in a bid round, I don't know if anyone from my school has gone in a bid round.  Wow, that was quite a weekend.
Woods Cross: I did Impromptu and got first.  That's kind of hilarious.
Surprise Party: My mom threw me a surprise birthday party, and it was perfect.  From the pink balloons to the amount of people and the cake.  I loved it.

January:
ASU: I made it to quarter-finals (went the farthest from my school) and lost twice to the kid who took first so...who cares.
Copper Classic: Didn't actually go to this tournament, but my team did so well!  This was the tournament that I thought we might take State.
We the People District: We took first and so we could go onto State.  Not a huge surprise, but still pretty cool.

February:
We the People State: We took first for WTP!!  This was such a great day because I had been waiting for that day for years.  We earned the chance to go to Washington D.C. for Nationals.  Oh, that was a beautiful day.
Sweetheart's Dance: I planned the Sweetheart's dance for my school.  Raised over $6,000 and the gym was beautiful.
Davis Dart: I was undefeated and took 6th (?).  This was the tournament when I realized it didn't matter how I did at these little tournaments because I have had so many great opportunities elsewhere.
Sterling Scholar: Both of my interviews were during this month, and let me tell you, I had so much fun at both!  I was so happy with how I did and the people who interviewed me were so kind.  I advanced and was a Regional finalist.
Mountain Crest tournament: I took first at this tournament and had a very satisfying win against an annoying opponent.
Black-Out Week: This was my little baby that I planned from the beginning.  The debate team worked their tail-ends off and we had a great time together.

March:
Region: Took second at Debate Region.  This was such a relief and I realized I placed at Region for all 3 of my debate years.
Natquals: I took FIRST at Natquals and was undefeated.  That was amazing.  I qualified for Nationals and took first again, proving it wasn't a fluke.
Sterling Scholar Awards: I learned I was the State Runner-Up! I was so excited and proud.  It was a lot of work, but it was an amazing experience.
Debate State: Remember that USSYP Washington D.C. trip?  Yeah, well that would have happened this week.  Instead, I had the absolute privilege to go to debate state with my team.  We took first (99-64) again!  I took first...again!  This day will be forever burned in my memory because it proved it wasn't a fluke and all of my hard work paid off.  The team was back together again and it was a beautiful moment.

April:
Huntsman Recruitment: I was invited to attend the Vision 20:20 event for the Huntsman Scholar Program.  This was an opportunity given only to 7 other students in Utah. I had the chance to meet a bunch of rich people and eat some food. :)
We the People Nationals: I went to Washington D.C. for a week!  Oh my, this was so much fun!!!! We took 12th in the Nation, better than Utah has ever done.  I was so proud of my unit and all of the work they put into it.  The trip was amazing and I was so happy and content.
Valedictorian:  I learned I was valedictorian in April.  This was a huge honor and shock.  I am humbled I have this opportunity.

May:
A.P. Tests: Ok, so I don't know how these actually ended up, but it was a huge accomplishment to have them done.
5 College Classes: Ha, I'm done!  Completely done, and I got A's in all of them.
BYU: I actually got accepted to BYU in March and committed in April, but this is my next chapter.

Wow.  A busy, beautiful, humbling senior year.  Definitely one for the ages.

xo. Elise

Saliva needed.

I've always had a secret desire to be Southern.  You know, the big wrap-around porch, drinking lemonade, and a cute little accent.  One thing that has always fascinated me about the Southern culture were their thank you notes.

I've decided that there aren't enough thank you notes in this world.  Too few people really write their sincere gratitude and give it to people.

I've decided that is my personal mission.  To resurrect the thank you notes.  To change that in my life.  I want to write so many thank you notes that my hands tremble and my cards run out.  I want to write so many notes that I don't have enough envelopes or stamps or saliva to lick them all.

I want to  let everybody know that I appreciate them as a human being for simply trying their hardest.

So, thank you, void, for being there.

h&g. Elise

Make Roll in the Aisles

I looked up synonyms to 'wow' in my best friend (the thesaurus) and that is what I came up with.  Pretty spiffy if you ask me.

However, I feel like they need to have more of an...I don't know...stressed out version of 'wow' in the thesaurus.  Because right now?

Woooooooowwwwwwww.

This week is about as crazy as you can get.  Seriously, I very seldom miss school, and I am missing two days this week for extracurricular activities.  Both of which require me to know random facts and miscellaneous trivia.  Nobel prizes anyone?

One thing though, my mom told me that I seemed to be handling it ok.  Which I think I am.  I greeted my dad with a big smile as I came home tonight, and it was fun to see him light up with a smile right back at me.

The little things peeps...the little things.  About all I can afford right now. :) Wish me luck!

h&g. Elise

November 1st.

Yesterday was my sister's birthday.  She just turned 21.  I didn't have the opportunity to write a post about her yesterday, and I apologize for that.  But now, I have nothing but time.  Time for Anne.

Yesterday someone asked me who my best friend was.  I was in a crowded room.  I had friends surrounding me.  I had talked to a lot of my friends before that moment.  I had a phone full of contacts and of people who I consider my friends.  I could have spouted off any name.

But the only word in my brain was Anne. 

Before I get tears in my eyes, I wish I could write in such a way that I could convey what Anne means to me.  I wish I could conjure the words out of the air surrounding me to proclaim exactly what her friendship and sister-ship means to me.  But it somehow never seems enough.

That's ok.  Because Anne gets it.  Anne knows.

And that is one reason why we're best friends.

For me, a best friend teaches you, challenges you, cries with you, wallows with you, laughs with you, dreams with you, fears with you, stresses with you, plans with you, plays with you, creates with you, sings with you, dances with you, stands up for you, comforts you, teases you, cooks with you, drives with you, talks with you, impresses you, amazes you, opens your eyes for you, sets the path for you.

I am lucky that this girl, this gorgeous girl, is in my life.  Honestly, without her?  Elise Clark wouldn't be the same.  And I will be eternally grateful for that.

Let's make this year even better than your 20th.  (And let's be real, that was pretty great.)

xo. Elise

P.S. 0: (One to grow on...I wanted to send this to you yesterday, but I forgot.) I love your college lingo.  It makes me happy and makes me want to imitate you.

One of my favorite pictures of her.  Because this folks, is Anne Elizabeth.  Beautiful isn't she?

Hey there.

I really don't have time to post right now... I really have fifty bajillion things to be doing.  But right now, the rain is pouring outside the window.  I'm hoping for a power outage with all of this lightning that's happening.  A lot of electricity around here peoples.  In more ways than a dramatic lightning storm.

I feel like my life is humming like a live wire.  Humming with possibilities...endless possibilities.  Isn't that scary?  Isn't it nerve-wracking to realize the whole world is at your feet and you just have to decide what to do?  It is all up to you and you could have your cake and eat it too if you really wanted.

Wow.  Too many things to do and too many thoughts to think and I think that is all that I will say on this subject.  Good.

And the pictures aren't working....use your imagination peeps!