Keep it Positive...

Always look on the bright side of life.

I seriously live my life by this simple statement.

There's really no point in searching for negativity.

There's always a bright side to everything.

No matter how difficult it is for you to find it.

It's there.

I promise.

While we all go through life yearning for something that's bigger and better than what our neighbors have, we don't stop to be thankful for what we do have. The happiest of people are those who remain thankful, not those who are never pleased with anything but the best. Each day, it's easier to witness ungratefulness; however, the refreshing scene of pure appreciation is still there within a select few individuals.

As my time in high school's end is drawing nearer, I've realized this more. I only have 27 more days of school left, and I can't even believe it. It seems like only yesterday I started this blog to document my 2010-2011 school year. I can't really say that I knew I'd enjoy having something to look back on and read later, but I already enjoy it. When I go back and read an old blog, I remember exactly how I was feeling that day, and it amazes me. It's also very cool that other people can see life through my eyes. I like to think that I'm pretty inspirational. Not in an, "Everyone looks up to me," type of way, but more of an, "I can be a good influence on you, or at least lift your spirits," type of way. I've got a lot to be thankful for, that's for sure.

I've got an excellent attitude toward life, as you've probably gathered. I have personally been able to witness the way a positive attitude can affect others. I have my parents to thank for that. Honestly, I love my parents. So many people sit around complaining about things their parents do and say... I can't name one thing that I would change about my parents. They've been an excellent influence on me. I've grown up in a happy family where I was taught that I can dream about anything, and no matter what that dream might be, I'd be able to accomplish it with dedication, determination, and good old fashioned hard work. I love them for never telling me that I wouldn't be able to do something. I've also been able to see the proper way a happy marriage is supposed to be. Unfortunately, the divorce rate of today, even though it has dropped, is still too high for my liking. Being surrounded by so much love has taught me what to look for and what not to look for. To me, a promise is forever, and I don't think I'd ever be okay with breaking the bonds of holy matrimony. I thank my parents for that. They're definitely the best.

One thing that surprises most people is how well I get along with my brother. He's going to be sixteen this year. You'd think that we'd absolutely torture each other with no mercy... That'd be entirely incorrect. I love him so much! Secretly, I'm going to miss him the most when I go off to college. I'm going to miss the first time he drives a car by himself for the first time... I'm going to miss him going off on his first date... I'll miss three more years of his first days of school... We won't be able to go on spontaneous trips to places around town after school... Sit around and watch Friends & quote the entire episode... Drive around in my car and sing harmonies together... Him going to school dances.... His birthdays... I just don't like thinking about it. He's seriously one of my best friends, and I'm getting teary just thinking about all the things that we won't be able to do anymore. I love him so much, and I will surely treasure every moment I have with him.

I don't know how'd I get through life without everyone who I surround myself with. I love each and every one of them. I've got the best of friends that anyone could ever ask for. I always hear people talking about their "friends" and how they don't actually like them. How can you call them a friend?! My FRIENDS are all people I love so much & I definitely couldn't live without them.
[Alphabetical Order]
Amy: I love how close we've become these past few years. Especially after GD & lunch this year. We also had some pretty fun times in our video class :P We have really awesome venting sessions & I love being able to talk to you about things. I love the way you say certain words so enthusiastically (Beebee!), and I love how incredibly sarcastic you are all the time! You're the BEST hurdler ever!! Even though the boys think you guys are weaklings :P Hahaa. Don't get in trouble with homeland security ;) Hahaha. Will they read this?! :O Hahaha. Probably... maybe I should take that off? Haha. Anyways, I wish you the best of luck at THE Ohio State University next year, and I can't wait to come visit all of you! You can always ask my cousin if you have any questions :P
Ashley: Now, we've been friends for quite some time now. All the way back to the days of Theatre 8:15 and dance. I love you and your boy-craziness :P (Please don't kill me for addressing you with that :P... no one reads this anyways :P) I love that you love the 80's as much as I do & we definitely need to watch a bunch of them before the summer is over! We also had so many interesting times during our confirmation process... Especially the retreat :P And, recently I learned that you look identical to your mother! Hahaa. Soo funny! But yeah! Look at for vomit in college.. I hear that occurs a lot! I hope you can handle that from people ;P I wish you luck at THE Ohio State University as well! I know you're gonna love it!
Caitlin: You've been my best friend for so long! I couldn't possibly record every ridiculous thing that we've done throughout the years. I'll try and pick out a few of my favorites though. Theatre 8:15, BK (and breaking up with his dad over AIM chat), Hairy toes, When you liked Dan and I was mad at you, Cory Potter forgetting you, Cavs game, your mom's work party, baking cakes.... Yeah, these were probably the most RANDOM things I could have picked. But I mean, you'll get some laughs ;P I love you so very much & I don't know what I'll possibly do without you in my life. I know you're going to have a blast at Ohio University though!
Chandler: Channy, I love you so much! We didn't really become close until this year since we had lunch together! And, when you set me up with Scotty on a blind date :P Haha. But for real, I can't believe we'd been lacking a close friendship all these years! Now, I don't know what I'd do without you in my life. You gave me my "wiener" nickname too... :P Which is funny, because now everyone calls me that! Haha. Also, just throwing this out there, "SEVEN!" ;) Haha. Anywho: I have a really funny story to tell you, but I can't tell you about it until you get the letter in the mail ;).. which, will happen soon! Haha. I love you so very much & I wish you much luck at Kent Stark next year, where I know you'll have a grand ol' time!
Julianne: JEWELS! JEWELS! JEWELS! JEWELS! JEWELS! JEWELS! JEWELS! JEWELS! JEWELS! JEWELS! JEWELS! JEWELS! JEWELS! JEWELS! JEWELS! JEWELS! EVERYBODY! :P Yes, that was incredibly necessary! Haha. I had you for our senior links >:) Anyways: I love your so very much as well! I love how close we became this year & I wish we didn't wait this long! I love how dedicated you are to being healthy and how obsessed with carrots you are! Also: I heard the other day that you sprinted on the treadmill for like, a million years?! Weirdo! ;P AND! I love that you have a treadmill in your ROOM.. because YOU would! Fond memory: When you had to tell me that we were "Number one" because, obviously, I don't know our own cheers :P Hahaha. Anyways, I wish you the VERY best of luck all the way down at Florida State University! Know that I'll be jealous in the 10ft of snow during the winter ;P I'll be forced to come visit :)
Katie: MLTMS >:) I love ya! We've been friends for quite some time as well! A fond memory: During earth science freshmen year.. when Dan and I made a million little wads of paper and dumped them down your shirt :P I mean, classic "Katie with her cleavage out in the open" kinda story ;P Hahaha. But seriously, you're awesome. I hope you're not at The Corner right now ;P Hahaha. Honestly, best prank phone call ever. You were so nervous, and that was the funniest thing ever. So believable! Anyways, I'm glad I was able to have class with you this year! OH! Remember on our way to the American Idol Live concert?!... Your sister.. the jerk driver.. enough said. That was one of the funniest car rides ever. Haha. Anywho: Seriously, I love you so much and I'm gonna miss you so much! I'll definitely be coming to visit the OU crew! So yeah, I wish you the best of luck at Ohio University!
Mallory: A.K.A. Mally (Even though, yes, Caitlin, I know you all hate that name... :P) We used to be friends in 4th grade and I can't believe you didn't remember that when I showed you the bracelet that you gave me for Christmas! Haha. Anyways, we too have become closer this year, which I love! I love that you're brave! And I love that you stole Chuck :P.. and I'm sorry that you didn't get arrested.. despite the fact that I think it's super strange that you want to be ;P Hahaha. AND! Even though you're obsessed with Texas A&M, I KNOW you're gonna have a blast at THE Ohio State University! :)... Even if you ARE going to be living in the nerd housing establishments ;P Hahaha. Just kidding >:)
Michaela: Chaeler Whaler! You and I have been through so much! Our friendship began in 8th grade... and I remember that since then on, we always just said how we couldn't believe we weren't friends before. From our awesome time capsule & secret book of notes that we will get to read soon, to our million and one inside jokes... From creative writing with Mr. DeVitis.. and Yusufi.. and our awesome songs we wrote and random videos we made... We've always had such great times. I love you so much, Whaler. I'm surely going to miss you an uber amount.. but, I know you're going to have a great time at the University of Cincinnati! I will definitely have to come visit you some time! :)
Tierney: You and I also go very far back! From all the shows at Theatre 8:15 and dance, to our 7th grade story... Which, I think we should try and write down to put in our time capsule. Because, we were hilarious :P There was also our obsession with American Idol... Ryan's face... We seriously watched it together every week. I loved those days. From the times when we'd have sleepovers and you'd force me to stay up all night long to the time in choir when we both realized we liked the same person :P Which was incredibly hilarious! Haha. I don't know if I've ever had a high school class with you... I can't think of one... but I love that that hasn't stopped our friendship :P haha. But yes, I love you and I know you're not quiet! And, I know you're gonna make that evident next year at Ohio University! :)
Veronica: Veron, I don't even know where to begin. I remember the first day when we met in Mrs. Seloover's class in 5th grade... and we had the same last name :P And, are obviously awesomely distant cousins! Haha. I love your determination and how independent you are! You're able to take care of things, and I love that no matter what, we can all count on you. You're an awesome runner and I'm really excited that you might get to run next year. We've had a really awesome tradition the past four years, where we had matching locker signs... And ya know what's awesome? We can continue this tradition next year! We're going to be roommates in college! And, I can't think of anyone I'd rather share a living space with! Haha. I love you so very much, and I look forward to venturing into the future together! Good luck at Bowling Green State University... with me :) Where, I know I'll get to visit you.. because we'll be living together :P So, everyone else should definitely come visit US! :)

I can't wait for senior trip with you ladies! :) You're the best friends that everyone wishes they had! Without a doubt! <3

In addition to having the greatest friends and family, I've got a pretty awesome boyfriend.

Benjamin.

I met him in 2009, when we were cast in the show Anything Goes at the North Canton Playhouse.

We obviously didn't know that something was going to come out of it...

But, it did.

And I couldn't be happier.

We're weird together, and he likes my evil laughs...

He sings...

And, I  mean, of course he likes argyle...

What more could an argyle/sweater-loving, musical girl want?! :P

So, with these last 27 days, I can honestly say, I'm leaving high school in the best of moods.

I don't like looking at it as leaving Green, but going to Bowling Green :)

I can't wait to see where life will take me.

But remember to

Stop and smell the coffee grounds... ;)

Don't rush into things in life too quickly.

(and stay positive)

:)

Food for Thoughts :)