3 Amazing Years

Hello followers of Madison's blog,

This is John making a guest appearance on the blog! I'm not really sure what a standard blog post should be like so I think I am just going to write down some of my musings on this very special day! Why is this day so special you might ask? Today is 3 the year anniversary of our relationship! Wow I guess 3 years is quite a long time. 3 years is 17% of my life so far! The crazy part is that these past 3 years have gone so quickly and I think that has a lot to do with having Madison as my girlfriend. I am a strong believer in the saying that "time flies when your having fun". I think that is my explanation for why these 3 years have gone bye in a blur. In 3 years the longest I have been away from her were the first 3 months of college. That time was probably the most challenging stretch of time in my life and I have learned so much. I learned how much just having my best friend (Madison) there to hangout and talk to helps me stay positive and happy. It's almost like having someone to vent my problems and frustrations helps me keep my sanity. I also learned how valuable it is to be around someone that knows you so well and thinks all of your jokes are funny. Madison is someone that I don't have to try and act normal around, I can just be me and I think that is one of the things I love most about her. I was sad to leave her again after just a few short days where she reminded me of all the reasons that I love her so much. I can't wait to be back with her in a couple of weeks and celebrate her favorite holiday! She gave me a trip to the ballet for a present before I left and I absolutely loved it! I think dancing is a fascinating art form and it was intriguing to see. I have to admit though that I didn't quite understand what was going on so luckily she was there to explain it all to me. I can't wait to give her my present when I return! It's a super secret surprise so I won't divulge any secrets here.

 Madison gave me this picture in a little picture frame before I left. I think Madison thinks I haven't taken it out of the package yet but in truth I keep it on my desk next to my bed. That picture serves as a constant pick me up when I'm feeling stressed or a little upset. I look at it every morning when I get up and it inspires me to go conquer the day like I know she always is. I also look at it when I get sick of doing homework to remind myself that I gotta keep working that way she will be proud when I succeed. I also look at it before hopping into bed every night because it helps me relax and shake off the day as I remember how relaxed and happy I am when I am around her. I am so lucky to have met such a spectacular lady so early in my life, it is truly one of my greatest blessings. I love her so much.

To many more,

John

my thanksgiving break

^ Lookie who came home!

This break was probably the best one yet. I came home last Friday and had a full 9 days here! It was exactly what I needed. And obviously, Johnny boy came home!!! This week with him was so perfect. It made me realize that this long distance relationship is so worth it.

On Tuesday, I went to the airport with his momma to pick him up. Seeing him walk around the corner was one of the coolest moments ever. I couldn't believe my eyes! I was actually seeing him in person.  Afterwards, John wanted to go toWhataburger (obviously) and we went to go see a movie with his family. I was on cloud nine following him around all day!

On Wednesday, we went to the DMA and had an awesome afternoon with his family. We walked around Klyde Warren Park and enjoyed some food truck food.

^ J's fortune cookie.

We spent Thanksgiving with both of our families. I probably gained 10 pounds this week. I was so thankful this year for all the wonderful things in my life! The yummy food just made it all better.

For our three year anniversary, I got him Nutcracker tickets. He enjoyed it, even though the gift was maybe more for me ;) We got all dressed up (for the record, I hate heels) and had a nice, little date! J didn't even fall asleep during the show! I'd say it was a success.

All week long, we played ping pong like the ping pong champs that we are. John is the best at spinning and slamming the ball, but I have the best defense and direction. I'm proud to say I won more games and am the true ping pong champ. John never loses anything - so you could say I rubbed my wins in his face. 

This week was perfect - I haven't laughed so much in a long time! I was worried that when John got home, it would be awkward, you know? We hadn't seen each other in three months, so who knows if we might've changed. But as soon as we saw each other, it was right back to normal! I was so happy that things hadn't changed. He's the same dork that I have loved so much for the past three years. Saying goodbye to him again was hard, but I'll see him in 19 days. I think I can do it ;)

I'm heading back to school in about an hour and can't help but be sad about it. Leaving John and my family is always the worst! With finals coming up, there's not much to look forward to. I just need to get through these next two and a half weeks. I can't wait to be back for Christmas! 

Happy sunday everyone! 

things to be thankful for

Today, I have so much to be thankful for. Seriously, life is so great. Yeah, school is crazy and stressful, John has been almost 2,000 miles away, and I frequently get homesick. But, those are such small things in the big scheme of things. In the big scheme of things, life is wonderful and I am so so so lucky. I've compiled a list of some things I'm extra thankful for this year. 

My family, John being home (I MISSED HIM!!!!), my puppies, being a student at the University of Texas (praise the Lord I'm a longhorn), my health and my families health, really good food, coffee, Christmas coming (!!!!), my friends who have proved that they will always be in my life, worn out boots, comfy flannels/sweatshirts, good weather, new music, surviving school, my sorority, my cozy bed.

The list could go on and on, but I'll stop there. I encourage you to make your own list of things your thankful for. Even the small things (like coffee and ice-cream) are important!

Happy Thanksgiving! And Christmas is coming!!!!

NINE DAYS

I see John in nine days. NINE DAYS. It's been 101 days and now I have only nine more to go. 

People ask me all the time how John and I are and I'm never sure what to say. We're good and all, but I haven't seen him in almost three months. All I can say is that he is doing good and I'll see him soon. 

I'm no pro at long distance relationships (like, not at all), but I've found peace in knowing that John is having the time of his life at Yale. I mean, come on, he's at Yale. He's playing football, making new friends, and enjoying school. As much as I wish I was a part of this new life of his, I'm not. But, that's okay. He deserves every bit of happiness and success up there. I used to bring him down by complaining about how we don't go to school together and blah blah blah... but, I realize now that he earned this. I shouldn't take away the pride he feels as a Yale student and football player. I should celebrate it and tell him how awesome it is. Yeah, it sucks. It really sucks. I had lots of sleepless nights and tears, but the worst part is over. John is coming home soon. :) (btw, our three year anniversary is just a few days away. Crazy.)

falling in love with fall

I've always been a winter or spring person. In the winter, you can snuggle up by the fire and drink hot chocolate. In the spring, you can finally start to wear short sleeves again and go on long walks. But, fall really is wonderful. It's slowly beginning to take the lead in my competition for favorite seasons. And Halloween? Don't even get me started. Love love love it. Christmas will always win in my book, but Halloween is a very close second. 

SRD had it's annual fall carnival this afternoon. I may or may not have skipped a class in order to go (sorry, art history), but it was well worth it. There were corn dogs, caramel apples, popcorn, s'mores - you name it. It definitely helped my love for fall grow even more. 

^ The roomie and I put mustaches on our fingers, just for kicks. In the second picture, an SRD waiter decided to photobomb it and he even had a mustache on his finger. Boy, do I love SRD and it's people. 

 ^ Look I got a tattoo! (Just kidding, it's only temporary. Don't worry, Mom!) I decided to cave into the "Flash Tattoo" trend here in Austin. I actually kinda like it. 

^ S'mores. Enough said.

^ SO, Emily and I may be turning into the same person. We woke up this morning and found that we decided to wear basically the exact same thing. We even are getting to the point of finishing each other's sentences and saying the exact same thing at the exact same time. It's weird. Maybe being roomies and being with each other nearly 24-7 explains it?

Also, side note. Emily and I went to Target last night at like, 10:00 to get Taylor's new album. It's beautiful, wonderful, perfect, and everything else that is good. The polaroids that came with the album was the cherry on top. They're now taped to my dorm wall. It makes me want a polaroid camera even more... 

3 more sleeps to Halloween!

a halloween worth melting for

Kappa Delta Halloween casual was a success.

I've been told by several Gideon kids and other people that I look like Elsa from Frozen, so I knew for a while that I wanted to be Elsa for Halloween. But then, someone gave me the idea for my roomie to go as Anna and I thought it was perfect. We asked some pretty awesome guys who are such troopers and were willing to dress up as Olaf and Sven to complete the look. 

Friday afternoon was a little hectic. I ordered an Olaf costume that never came in (I'm so mad...) so it was up to us to make something that would suffice. We went to about 5 different stores in search of supplies (why does no one carry pipe cleaners?!) but finally found what we needed. We came back to my dorm to put it all together, then grabbed dinner, and got ready. 

 ^ You're the Anna to my Elsa, roomie.

Walking down the drag and sitting on a bus was pretty hilarious. All of us had ridiculous costumes on, so of course, staring ensued. But hey, how often do you get to make a complete fool of yourself? We headed downtown and continued to make fools of ourselves dancing like idiots and downing shirley temples... I wouldn't of had it any other way.

family time is the best time

^ dad attempting to do the Kappa Delta hand sign... he got it eventually. ;)

Life is great because this past weekend was parents weekend for my sorority. My mom, dad, and sister came down to Austin to spend the weekend with me - I was so, so happy. I wish they would just move down here so I could be with them all the time. They really are my best friends. We enjoyed looooots of mexican food, dessert, and laughs. Man, I love them. I'm not sure when I'll see them next or go home again, so I'm a little sad (and I really need to see my puppies...). But, thanks fam for letting me show you a little bit of this new place I call home!

Sunday Night Update

I got to go home this weekend, which was pretty dang awesome. Seeing my family makes me so so happy... they really are my favorite people. And seeing my puppies? That's the icing on the cake. My dogs are seriously my life... they may or may have not been my hardest goodbye. This weekend I got to enjoy plenty of Mexican food, football, and relaxation time with the fam. It was just what I needed!

This week is promised to be preeeetttyyy crazy. With two papers and mid term coming up, coffee will probably be my best friend this week. But to be honest, I actually love being busy. It makes me happy (sometimes) and gets me up and running. If I wasn't busy, I'd probably nap all the time which is so lame. So, thank you for busyness! 

This weekend is parents weekend for Kappa Delta and I couldn't be more excited. I get to show my family around Austin and get to spend some more time with them. It also gives me an excuse to take them to the best restaurants and dessert dives. This weekend is gonna rock.

I'm praying for peace and a worry-free week. Wish me luck! (Fingers crossed Friday gets here really fast)

^ I love this quote! It defines my growing love for October. 

^ Say hello to my new, little friend, Kevin! The roomie and I bought ourselves each an adorable succulent today (they were only $2 at Whole Foods... how could you not?). And yes, that is Frankenstein on him. It's a halloween costume for him, so he can get in the spirit ;)

This Weekend

This weekend has already been totally awesome - and it's only Saturday morning. 

My best friend, Madeline, came to visit me yesterday! I was so so happy. Even though she is an Aggie, I think she enjoyed Austin!

I tried to give her a classic Austin weekend. First, we grabbed lunch at Kerbey Lane and had the Kerbey queso - any austinite would say it's the best (it really is). Later, we stopped by the KD house and gave her a quick tour of campus, where we laid on the in the grass in front of the tower. The weather was absolute perfection. 

^ How crazy beautiful is this? Lovin' this cool, fall weather. 

Later that afternoon, we hopped in the car and drove to the Greenbelt, where we hiked and carved some pumpkins with a good group of friends. Traffic was pretty crazy with Baylor game weekend and the Austin City Limits music festival, but we made it. We hiked, carved pumpkins, ate pineapple, took lots of pictures, and jammed to some country and Disney music. 

^ Besties rock! get it? :)

I carved this pumpkin all by myself! The past few years that I've carved pumpkins, John was there to do the hard arm work, but this year, I was on my own. And of course, I had to make it a KD pumpkin. I may or may not have left the pumpkin on the Kappa Delta house porch... happy halloween, KD ;)

Later, we went to South Congress and ate some dang good pizza. We even had Tiff's Treats cookies and Banarchy for dessert. We ate goooood. The food in Austin is reason enough to come to UT. 

I am so so so thankful for good friends and an amazing best friend who would drive all the way to Austin to see me. Days like yesterday bring me so much joy!

Happy October, everyone! Now go carve some pumpkins. 

Randomness

^ Mt. Bonnell, you make Austin look reeeeal beautiful

Today, I may or may not have skipped a college class. For the first time, ever (it was an accident, I promise...). So now, my stress level is even higher. Is that even possible? This week will be pretty crazy, with two tests and meetings that seem to be taking up all of my time. But, hey that's okay. Being busy is fun. Sometimes. Right now I'm sitting in the 24 hour quiet study room of SRD (supposed to be studying) and drinking some coffee. It's national coffee day, wahoo!

Last week was pretty great. I got my sorority big (YAY!) and am so so so happy! I'm starting to feel like a real member of Kappa Delta and I can't wait to be initiated. I may not enjoy the party scene or the craziness that can ensue when in greek life, but I truly love KD. Sorority life is the life for me!

I went home for the weekend and totally surprised my parents. My roommate and I hopped in the car on Friday, told nobody, and came home! When I walked into the house, my mom's reaction was priceless (tears may have come later... from me, too). My weekend was spent with looooots of good food and puppy cuddles. After watching "The Fault in Our Stars", my mom and I even had our own little sleepover Friday night! Let me tell ya, going home is good for the soul. Getting to see my favorite people is exactly what I needed. Leaving home will never get any easier, but getting back to Austin didn't feel so weird this time around. It's starting to feel normal to call this place my home... who knows if I'll ever leave. 

Also, I got to watch John play football on TV. I kinda sorta almost cried when I saw him. Man, I miss him. By the way, Yale won. :)

Thanks for reading all my randomness. There's not much to write about, besides studying, studying, and more studying. Back to studying I go. 

Morning Thoughts

1. Why is Starbucks never able to spell my name correctly? I have the most common name in the book. Apparently, my name is 'Madiso' today.

2. I'm sick of wearing nike shorts and t shirts. I'm ready for some cute outfit weather.

3. Long distance relationships are no fun. Zero fun. None.

4. Fall is tomorrow. Tomorrow.

5. Why aren't there more dachshunds walking around Austin? I need some wiener dog love.

Happy Monday, everyone! Go make someone's day today.

There's No Place like Home

^ i love letters. sending and receiving... either way.

Things I miss about people back home:

mom - someone to talk to with no judgement, our late night talks, mexican food runs, her jokes & how she laughs at my jokes, someone who will always, always listen to me. i miss my best friend!

john - bear hugs. his sense of humor and high pitched laugh. i miss having someone to do stupid, crazy stuff with. i miss his silly stories and having someone who will always listen to me. i miss my boyfriend & very best friend. 

dad - his crazy sense of humor. his advice. i miss the sunday morning donuts he would bring me. our jokes that can go on forever and ever and ever.

sister - her crazy, silly stories. having her there for sisterly advice and how she is always down for an ice cream/mexican food run with me.

gran & grandpa - our friday night dinners and our dog park runs. i miss just running around town with gran and always find something to do. i miss how they would listen to me talk and tell stories for hours. 

molly & riley (hey, dogs can be people too) - cuddles and kisses! i miss kissing them on the forehead and petting them till we both fall asleep. i miss dog walks and laughing at their craziness. 

madeline & caroline - my. best. friends. i miss their sense of humor and how we can literally laugh for an hour straight at the dumbest things. our broadway and dog obsession. they just get me. i can't wait to be reunited. 

Is it sad that I already am going home next weekend? Who cares. I MISS HOME! As awesome as Austin is, there is nothing quite like your family and puppies surrounding you. I don't even miss my bed, I just miss the people. They could make me sleep on a wood floor, and I would still come home. I. can't. wait.

Dorm Life

It's been almost two weeks since I left Coppell, but it feels like longer. I consider myself a real "Austinite" now.  There is so much to cover in one post, so I'll try and keep it short... but it probably won't be. 

Rush week was insane. The week was exhausting, heartbreaking, fun, and everything in between. It made my hatred for Texas heat grow even more and I realized how awesome cars really are... I now have a love/hate relationship with walking. I always said I wanted to live in a pedestrian city, but I figured out pretty quickly that walking can be so tiring. When rush was over, I ended up exactly where I wanted to be (KAPPA DELTA!). I'm so happy to officially be in a sorority and have an awesome group of girls to call my sisters.

Class started Wednesday and I'm already so overwhelmed. Being a PR major, all of my classes this semester are reading based, so basically I'll be reading 4 books all at one time. Uh, help? No matter how much you prepare for college, I don't think anyone can mentally be ready for how difficult the classes will be. Hopefully I'll adjust to this college life soon, or else my grades are going to suffer...

I've been trying to go out and meet new people and eat new food and see new places. So far, so good! Although, I will admit, I have been crazy homesick. Being such a homebody doesn't mix well when you're a college student... and I also miss Johnny Boy like crazy. I'll admit, I have cried a few times, but I'm trying to be strong! Thanksgiving can't get here fast enough.

^ I just wanted to put this in here because John is SO CUTE! And I miss him a whole bunch. Yale, why do you have to be so far away?

Tonight is the first football game for me here in Austin... wish me luck! Time to put on some high waisted shorts and find cowboy boots to borrow (I don't own cowboys boots... oops?)

Hook 'em Horns!

John, Art, & Packing

John and I spent the afternoon at the DMA and loved every minute of it. He loves art and anything educational, whereas I am a little harder to please. But, against my initial lack of excitement, I absolutely loved touring the museum with John. Modern art really is my favorite and being with John made it so much more fun. 

^ John pondering the art & me sneaking in a pic of my shoes.

We finished the day with some ice cream in Klyde Warren Park. I really am going to miss exploring with John. He's the best buddy I could ask for on our little adventures.

I officially leave for college in three days. There has been lots of tears and hugs, but I couldn't be more excited (or maybe I'm just nervous?). It'll be so hard leaving - my mom really is my best friend and I have an unhealthy obsession with my dogs. But, I can't wait to start a new life in such an amazing city. I always told my family I would never grow up, yet here I am, about to go off to college. How the heck did that happen? 

Wish me luck as I start packing today... as an avid over packer, we'll see if I can fit it all.