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!