slow down

I honestly feel like I was writing my sophomore year ode to Schroeder 2 weeks ago… How come as you get older time goes sooo much faster? I would like to talk to whoever came up with that concept and tell them to knock it off. I truly thought sophomore year was one for the books but… oh boy move over sophomore year, junior year’s got some stories to tell. It was a year jam packed with everything you could think of: making new lifelong friends, drifting away from some people you didn’t expect, epic traveling, countless 21st birthday parties (still recovering), my first apartment, falling in love, uncovering a new sense of what I want to do with my life after school (that’s a senior year worry), feeling confident in myself in a way I never have before. After looking back on this year though, I often times find that I have to remind myself of how blessed my life is and what a fantastic year its been for me. Honestly looking at it, it's unfair how good of a year I have had. From the people and friends I have gained this year to the opportunities at school and work, the places I have been so fortunate to travel to, I truly don’t know what I have done to be so blessed. So from now on, I hope I won’t have to remind myself that anymore, I will just appreciate it everyday without taking it for granted. Without further ado, here’s my ode to junior year… one I will never forget. 

twenty eighteen

This year was one for the books. I would be lying if I wasn’t superticious that my best years tend to be the even ones. And let me tell ya… 2018 was a rollercoaster of emotions but it topped every other year 20 year old Abby has faced. Many of the moments that took my breath away or made my heart flutter into a million pieces weren’t and couldn’t be captured with a photo. But I will forever have them stamped in my brain so that will be good enough for now <3 So without further ado here are some of my favorite (captured) moments from 2018…

i met the most empowering group of women this year through Sigma Kappa and i couldn’t have survived the year without them. they helped me grow and believe in myself in ways i never thought i could. because of them i’m confident enough to live an empowering life as a strong woman and i could never thank them enough

not to be dramatic but the best week of my life happened in a crammed house in naples over spring break 2018. '“some of us came as strangers but this house made us a family. we laughed, we cried, we hooched” - the gang

the iconic wedding in New Orleans… long story short my brother went to a party the night before, missed his flight, got yelled at by literally everyone in the family… but somehow pulled it together to show up last minute. he’ll never live it down

Antwerp, i found a new home in you and i am forever grateful for the 3 weeks i got to experience your beautiful french fry filled city

paris, paris, paris.. all i need to say is i love you and can not wait to visit you again

queue Barcelona by Ed Sheeran because it was a vibe for the whole 4 days i got to experience this beautiful city. from sitting on the beach all day to drinking copious amounts of sangria to living my cheetah girls dream it was the best long weekend of the year

this summer was filled with lake days for dayzz.. hard to believe but we actually took a photo we all loved and fought over to post (HA i win cause it’s on my website)

the greatest day of the year once again topped itself. my 4th of july family even made me the greatest gift i have ever received and i will cherish for all the 4th of july’s to come

floating down a river, soaking up the sun, and laughing with friends… for sure an summer tradition i can get behind

zac brown band at alpine valley stole my heart again… too bad Bryan ruined this adorable photo

took the greatest girl gang photo of all time!!!! seriously look at this!!! desperate housewives vibes were definitely channeled

parent’s weekend in Eau Claire was a memorable weekend to say the least. i swear my parents (including the Leowus’s) have way more fun than me

spent an unforgettable night with my sorority sisters raising over $10,000 for Alzheimer’s Research!!!!! (also got to bring a pretty smokin date)

i started dating my best friend and took what i believe to be the best photo of him ever <3

celebrated a damn good MU game day with my girl gang. nothing better than morning bacon with the girls and lots and lots of photos

celebrated the end of the year, the christmas season, and showed some love with the best roomies known to man

10 Moments That Make Life Worth Loving

There are certain things in life that really make it amazing. And I have realized most of them are the little things. If you don't try to recognize the little things that truly make you smile then what's the point? And the coolest part about these little things... they are different for everyone. So to follow that, here are my 10 moments that make life worth loving: 

1. Hearing someone say "I am proud of you"

2. Feeling the warmth of sunlight soak into your skin when you first step outside

3. Laughing so hard your stomach hurts and there are tears in your eyes

4. Singing in the car with your best friends

5. Laying on a blanket watching the stars

6. Falling asleep knowing that you don't have to wake up early

7. Slow dancing in the kitchen

8. Driving with the windows down listening to your favorite song 

9. Hugging someone you can't imagine your life without  

10. Looking around and realizing that you are blessed

Chicken Permission

After 28 weekends, countless sleep deprived nights, dozens of Netlfix shows, and hundreds of pictures, dorm life in Schorder is actually over. It's always a bitter sweet moment when the school year is over but this time is slightly different. You spend the whole year complaining about having to live in the dorms for a second year but you never consider the moments you love. It takes days or even weeks to pass for you to realize that those were the times and nights you would look back on and miss. So here's an ode to Schroder 336. To all the great times, hard times, and times i just didn't know what the hell to do with my life...

these three!!!! humans who make my heart so full i could burst. don't you just love making your friends pose for super cheesy pictures 

usa themed appeal and best friends... what more could a girl ask for (specifically me) 

just a zombie looking for a guy with brains and a boxer showing off her abs... but holy white shoes am i right!!!!!!

this was one of the last weekends in 336. few nights make me happier than hanging with my bff, moscato in hand, watching new girl. safe to say it was a great way to end dorm life 

a deep deep love for jon snow was born in 336 this year. game of thrones and sendiks queso consumed my life but i wouldn't have changed it for anything... even when i couldn't remember the season 7 finale  

so so so many shows where watched in 336... new girl, parks & rec, the office, PLANET EARTH (it will always have a special place in my heart), stranger things 2 (so much love), hundreds of illegal movies (the FBI agent in my phone was cool with it so i'm all good), queer eye, friends... clearly i could go on and on. but thanks to procrastination, adorable christmas lights, and a comfy bed these shows will forever have my heart

Grocery List

Sometimes I write things down in the notes section of my phone because I am afraid to forget a feeling or moment. I named it "Grocery List" just in case someone happens to take my phone. I don't know why I am ashamed of them or scared of someone seeing it. I guess it's a space for me to write down my exact feelings even if I can't put them into words. Which is pretty ironic since here I am creating a blog that literally anyone can see. I think the past 5 months have shown me that you can't be afraid of having deep, emotional feelings. It is a part of who you are and accepting them instead of pushing them to the side can be more therapeutic than ignoring them all together. I hope one day I'll be able to share my Grocery List but for now I'll just start will a blog.