Three Things that are Changing ~ Promise

  


   Howdy! I'm back with a list. Today I'm posting about three things that I'm dealing with currently. If you know anything about me, you know that I do not react well to change. It stresses me out. This is my way of trying to deal with it.

1. Some of my closest friends are moving. They're going to be driving back and forth between houses for a year or possibly more. I have no idea how this will impact me, as my best support friend will likely be living down there part of the time.


2. I'm taking a general psych class at a community college. This will be interesting. This is my chance to see if I want to pursue a degree in psychology. I'm not sure how this will work, especially now that I have a job, but I'm going with two friends, so at least I won't be alone.


3. I'm having a test done to see if I actually have Celiac Disease. I honestly don't know what the results will be. I've been eating gluten for the last two months and I really enjoy not having the hassle that comes from a special diet. I guess we'll see.



   How do you guys deal with change, and does it stress you out?



   ~ Promise

A Few Things I've Learned about Anxiety ~ Promise

   Hey guys! I'm back. It's been a bit, hasn't it?


    First off, I've learned that moving around helps. No duh, right? Sometimes when I'm struggling I just want to lie in bed all day, but that doesn't always help, and it's not very productive. Getting up and doing SOMETHING helps. I always feel better if I accomplish something.

   I don't sit still well. I have to move somehow when I'm feeling crummy. I also have strange habits that comfort me. I rock back and forth, bite my lips and fingers, or bounce my leg while I'm sitting (sometimes I don't even notice that I'm doing any of these). It's weirdly soothing.

   I need sleep. If I don't get enough sleep, I'll feel edgy all day.

   I can get angry easily if I'm having a bad anxiety day. I'll snap at people or get upset about nothing. I think it's because I'm worn out and lose my patients. I can get so caught up in how bad I feel that I can't relate to other people or use my empathy as well.

   Lastly, sometimes I just need someone there. We don't have to talk or do anything. They could watch Netflix with me or we could listen to music, it's just reassuring to have someone there to remind me that there's a world outside of my head.

   Thanks for dropping by! I'll see you again soon.

   ~ Promise

Ten Random Questions for Grace

   So, as always on this blog, Grace and I are bored, and we're doing a Q&A.These are ten questions that Grace has to answer.

1. Do you do Halloween? Why?
We used to do Halloween when I was younger, just like we always used to do Christmas with the whole Santa thing and Easter with the whole Easter bunny thing, (and the tooth fairy and whatever).  I don't really do Halloween anymore because I'm not really big on the whole dark, scary fantasy that my generation seems to be obsessed with.  BUT... I do love dressing up when I can.  :)  I'm excited for this Halloween because I'm going to wear my Civil War costume and hang with Promise and some other friends.


2. Favorite song? Why?
Currently my favorite song is Deep River by Vocal Majority... or anything by Vocal Majority.  But I LOVE the opening harmonies of their Deep River.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jztLz_SAS7g


3. France or Italy? Why?
France.  Because, Belle.  Beauty and the Beast.  Gorgeousness.


4. Nickname or given name? Why?
Do I use a nickname or given name, or do I prefer a nickname or given name?  Some of my friends call me Peachy because my family used to call me that when I was little.  And when I was little, my grandpa called me "Sweetheart", and now my best friend calls me that a good amount of the time (haha, that sounds weird,  but it's true).  But I use my given name on a day-to-day basis.


5. Favorite color? Why?
My favorite color right now is emerald green.  It will probably change, but I'm kind of obsessed with it at the moment.  Long-time favorites include lemon-y yellow paired with different shades of blue.  Oh, and I love royal purple and lavender (by themselves).


6. Three names you like? Why?
Can I use combos?  Hehe...

Joseph Ray is my favorite boy's combo right now. Joseph is my all-time favorite boys' name, and Ray is after my dad and grandpa.

Mary Eleanore or Eleanore Mary (probably the first) is my second-favorite girls' name.  My dad's maternal grandmother was Mary Norene, and my mom's maternal grandmother was Eleanore.  I never got to meet them, but I've heard many stories and I'm currently finishing a baby quilt my Grandma Mary started.  I think it would be special to have a girl named Mary and give her the quilt my Grandma Mary made.

My third, very favorite, best, most lovely, FAVORITE NAME IN THE UNIVERSE is Theodosia Irene.  It's a long story, but I L.O.V.E. I.T.


7. What animal would you be? Why?
A cat.  Cause...naps.  and fur.  I'd never be cold.


8. Courting or dating? Why?
I've talked about this extensively between my friends and in Junior High classes (ahhh, the good old days of 6th grade relationship talks...), and I've decided I'm kind of in favor of a mix.  I want to have strong, good boundaries (holding hands, hugging, maybe a kiss on the cheek), but I don't want my first kiss to be in front of all our friends and family at our wedding (so like, maybe the morning of?  Haha).  Likewise, I want both of our families heavily involved (I'd especially appreciate it if my man talked to my dad about dating me and asking for my hand), but I don't want them to tag along on e.v.e.r.y. s.i.n.g.l.e. outing.  Some people act differently when you're with a group versus alone, and I don't want to cause stress between my parents or his for feeling like they have to be there.  That said, I really DON'T want to put myself in situations where I'm tempted to do something I shouldn't.  So....yeah.  A mix.  :P


9. Do you support our President?
Yes.  I might not approve of everything he does, but yes, I support him.


10. Something you like about Promise? Why? ;)
I would say, "The way she has stuck with me through the years", but you said "like" and I love that about her.  :D  So I guess I'll have to stick with the way she says "meep" and calls me "fluffy" occasionally.

Nah, really, Promise's always been there, even during the tough times.  I'm eternally grateful for that and I love her for it.  :)

-- Grace

Ten Random Questions for Promise

I'm...still...alive.  Has it been awhile or what??  Aggghhhhhhhhh.  Lots of stuff have happened since my last post in... MAY?!

Okay, well, anyway, Promise and I are doing this thing were we ask each other ten questions and the other one has to answer and why.  So . . . . here we go.

1.  What's your favorite instrument (to either play OR listen to), and why?

 Vocals. I love hearing people's voices. But if you're talking about a typical instrument, then cello. I love the deep, rich sound you get from it. I like feeling the vibrations. (gooooooood good goooooooood good vibrations.....we don't know that song? okay then...)




2.  Are you afraid of clowns?  Haha, this was really random, but a friend and I 
 were talking about it the other day.... so.... are you?

 Not really. Most clowns are completely harmless, unlike spiders.


3.  What's your favorite board game, and why?

 I love trivia games. I store away little facts easily, so I'm pretty good at it.


4. Do you like barbershop, and why?  :D

 Not really my thing. It's a bit too bouncy for me.



5.  What's your favorite hobby, and why?  (I think I already know the answer to this ;) )

Fixing Grace's emotional trauma. She needs it. ;)


6.  What color are your eyes?  I'd ask why, but...genes.

...They aren't really a color. Blue green with a lot of grey.



7. Favorite letter of the alphabet?  Why?

 I've always liked Q. It's very fancy looking and she hardly ever goes without her best friend U. I think that's a good way to live.


8. How do you feel about rollercoasters?

 I haven't been on one in years, but I used to like them. As long as I know I'm safe, I think I'd be fine.


9.  Do you have a favorite T.V. show?  What is it and why?


There are so many good ones!!! Maybe Girl Meets World. I like the messages that this show teaches and I ADORE Maya...When she's not getting trouble.

10.  And finally, in honor of the "holiday" right around the corner, have you ever dressed up for Halloween?  What was your favorite costume, and why?


Never. We weren't allowed to participate in Halloween. I have gone to costume parties though. I had a really cool mad hatter costume once. I made that hat and everything. It was fun.

What I've Been Doing Lately ~ Promise

   Nothing.


   Kidding, lots of stuff, but here are three random things I'm doing right now.

Typing this post.

Sipping on water with a cranberry vanilla tea bag. It makes water so much more tolerable.

Sitting in my room with the window open, listening to the rain outside. I'm a pluviophile, heart and soul.

   And, just because, here's a mood board about today.














~ Promise

My Stupid Phone Broke ~ Promise

   Well, no photos for awhile, my phone accidentally flew from my hand and skid about four feet on the floor; It has a weird blue glitchy screen and no longer functions. Fun times. I was going to do a fall makeup look book for my favorite fall trends, but now that's on hold until further notice. Everything seems to be breaking down lately, my phone, my insulin pump, my energy. Any way, that's an update. I just felt I should write something and this is what came out. See you soon.

   ~ Promise

Fall in 15 Words ~ Promise

   Apple Cider. Burning Leaves. Candy Corn. Hay Rides. Sweaters. Dark Lipstick. Pumpkins. Denim. Pies. Boots.


   ~ Promise

Mood Board 9/19/17 ~ Promise

   This post isn't going to have many words. I'm going to try to show you what my mood has been like by pictures. I got the idea from Kelli Taylor's blog. check it out here.









 









 



   ~ Promise

Life Update ~ Promise

   So, I've tried to post more often, but I'm still not very consistent, and here's why.

   I got a job. Yep. People, long hours, money,and responsibility. It's not easy, but I think it's good for me. I've discovered what being an adult entails and how to manage my time and energy more efficiently. That doesn't mean I function as an adult all the time, but it is getting me used to it.

   School. I'm in my senior year of high school. I'm almost done! Schooling is hard for me because I'm a 'big picture' person and I have a hard time focusing on the little things everyday. All I see is the vast amount of hours I have to do, and that can be very overwhelming for me. My Mom, however, is an excellent teacher and is a great help to me, especially in math. I'm just trying to take it one day at a time and focus on what I'm getting done. Fortunately, I was wise and knocked out a bunch of credits before my last year, so I actually don't have a ton of school to accomplish. I'm hoping to pick up a few classes I'll enjoy as well. I really wanted my last year of high school to be fun and less stressful.

   ...New medical issues. I was just diagnosed with PCOS and the medicine I'm on makes me feel sick a lot of the time. Not horribly sick, but now I feel a little queasy 80% of the time. I've also been trying a lot harder to get my Diabetes under control and check my blood sugar, stay on top of bolusing, and eat better. My hope is that I can get off this medicine by improving my health, because managing sugar levels can help with some of the symptoms of PCOS.


    I haven't done an update for quite some time, so that was a pretty huge information dump. A lot of things in my life are changing, and I've been processing, but I guess that's life, huh? Anyway, thanks for dropping by, and I hope you come back again soon. God bless!

   ~ Promise

Top Three Favorite VeggieTales ~ Promise

   Hey guys! Today we're talking about something very near and dear to my heart. VeggieTales. My brother and I grew up on them, and lately we've been watching them every Sunday. Here's a list of my top three.

3. Who's My Neighbor? I was cracking up over this one. Especially the first part. I remember not having a clue as to what was happening in this movie and I enjoyed watching it over again.

2. Josh and the Big Wall. Ohhhh the references... It's so amusing. This one has one of the best Silly Songs EVER, The Song of the Cebu. If you've never heard it, you've gotta give it a listen.

1. Jonah. OBVIOUSLY. The music is incredible (I'm serious! Those angel veggies can belt and riff like nobody's business), it stars one of my favorite characters, and the way they cleverly retell the story of Jonah is cute and funny.


   I'm really curious to hear what your favorites are below! Please comment and tell me! See you again soon.

   ~Promise

Songs I'm Liking Lately ~ Promise

  Hey guys! Today's post is on some songs I've been listening to on repeat. I hope you'll find something here that sparks your interest.


Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair by Peter Hollens and Avi Kaplan. It's such a beautiful song, and Avi's voice is AMAZING.

The Voice by Celtic Woman. I've always been obsessed with Celtic music, and this is one of my favorite songs. It's haunting melody and words are stunning.

Forget and Not Slow Down SURPRISE! Relient K. I love Relient K. This is one of my new favorites. As a perfectionist person that harbors a lot of regrets, this song really speaks to me.


   I hope you enjoyed hearing these! Maybe you'll find a new favorite.

   ~Promise

Five Things I'm Excited For ~ Promise

   Hey guys! I'm trying to bring this blog back to life. I've been really busy lately, so the blog's taken a back seat. Today I wanna focus on something positive. Here are five things I'm excited for! 

1. Fall. I love the cool temperatures, the colors, the fashion trends. I'm pumped! I can almost smell the leaves, campfires, and apple cider now! 

2. Santacaligon. I love santacaligon. Its a giant craft fair with rides, fried food, and music. It's kinda the last hurrah or summer. It's amazing, and I look forward to it every year. 

3. Choir. Music is possibly my greatest stress reliever. I love our choir director, the music, the practice, and our services. 

4. Decluttering my Closet. Weird, maybe, but I love organizing and weeding things out. It's hard, and stressful because I'm a sentimental person, but it needs to be done, and I always feel more at peace when my environment is tidy. 

5. Sleep. I'm sooo tired. I got up early to go to a party with a friend and had a full day after that. Sleep will be needed. 

   Thanks for reading this! What are you excited for? Tell me down below. 

   ~ Promise. 

Burnout. ~ Promise

   Grace and I both have chronic illnesses. Today Grace asked me how you deal with being so exhausted by everything these illnesses drain you of. 

   That got me thinking. Usually, I don't think about it. It's a routine at this point. But some days are hard. How do you deal? 

   Really, there's not much you can do. I can't just choose not to take insulin. I mean, I can, but that would drastically harm me. Grace has things she has to do as well. I'm using chronic illness as a example here, but really, this applies to us all. 

   Sometimes, you just have to scream, yell, throw something, cry, and feel sorry for yourself. You can't deny yourself stress outlets, or you just become a volcano waiting to explode at any random time. 

   I guess the point of this post is to encourage those who deal with things that they have to control on a daily basis, and to let you know that it's okay to feel like life is unfair. Just as long as you keep doing what you need to do and return to a more positive outlook. It's not easy, but it is necessary. 

It reminds me of a scripture that talks about enduring to the end. God knows that we will still stuble and fail at times, but he also knows how strong we will become and will reward us for not giving up. 

   Keep it up guys! I believe in you. Take care of yourself, because you are very much needed on this planet. 

   ~ Promise

   

Tuesday Tunes with Josh Groban

   Hey everyone. I kinda took an extended break from the blog after camp...I think I just needed some time to recharge. Anyway, I've got an amazing song for you today.

   If you DON'T know the awe inspiring wonder that is Josh Groban's voice, well, now you do. First off, I adore 'Bring Him Home.' It's from one of my favorite musicals, 'Les Miserables.' The lyrics are beautiful, the melody passionate, and Josh just nails the one power note of the song. His tones are perfect through the lower notes to the high ones! I hope you'll enjoy this.


   ~Promise

Camp is Coming ~ Promise

   Hey guys, I'm sorry I haven't been posting lately. I've been massively stressed. Today I leave for a week long camp. It should turn out okay. After this is over, I should be considerably less stressed out, and I'll post more often. I shall endeavor to resurrect Tuesday Tunes from the dead as well. See you soon! 

   

    ~ Promise 

Grace's Challenge

Try to describe me in three pictures.

Awwwww!!!!!!  They're all sooooo cute!!!!

Which President of the United States reminds you most of me?

This.....is actually very true. #campaigner

What are two songs that make you think of mwah?

Look on Up

You're Still that Girl

Awww.  Neither of these songs are things I would have listened to on my own, but both are kinda cute.

What animal makes you think of me?

OH MY GOSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH PLEASSSSEEEEEE

One fashion and one beauty picture that fits my style?

 
WHOA hahahahhahaha
What quote or Scripture (or both) reminds you of me?

THAT SECOND ONE WAS MY HOME SCREEN FOR AWHILE OMG

What place could you see me traveling to?

oh yes ma'am

Pick two time periods could you see me living in?

 
YES YES YES YES
What house could you see me living in?

YES

If I wasn't American, what nationality would I be?

HOW DID YOU FREAKING KNOW?!

A word of a different language that describes me.

(Gaelic word that means sister.)
Awwwwwwww

What book character would I be?

Hahahahaha yeahhhhh.  Actually true

Promise's Challenge.

   Try to describe Promise with three pictures.





P: Ohhhhh I love it! CONVERSE.

   Which American President does Promise remind you of?
 the best president I could think of :P
P: Really? Sweet. He's awesome.

   What are two songs that remind you of Promise?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F77v41jbOYs I thought of this song because you showed it to me first.  :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT6lFcM-Fv8   I thought of this song because I remember you sharing a testimony about it at camp.  :)

P: Casting Crowns :)

   What animal would Promise be?


P: Whoooooaaaaaaaakay. I don't think I'm that majestic, but I'm honored you see me like this...

   Pick one fashion and one beauty picture that fits Promise's style.



P: Her eye makeup is B E A U T I F U L. Also, I need that lipstick.

   Quote or scripture (or both) that reminds you of Promise.


P: My verse!

   Where could you see Promise traveling?

 P: Yeeeeeeesssss

   Pick two time periods where you could see Promise thriving.
 1920s America

 1950's America

P: Nice. Glad you didn't pick a time before the 19th Amendment...Oh.

   A Promise style house.


P: I'm not sure that I'd actually want to live there, but it's so pretty and earthy.

   If Promise wasn't American, where would she be from?


P: Wow. Okay, not what I expected, but cool! Katie Gergoir.

   A word from a different language that describes Promise.


P: NAILED IT, GRACE.

   A book character that reminds you of Promise.


P: HAHAHAHAHA...He's an ENFP, but I've always loved him. 

 Good luck. ~Promise

I'll Just Leave This Here -- Grace

Ya girl graduated high school on Thursday, May 18th, 2017.

YA GIRL GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL WHAT???

Yeah...............I still can't comprehend it... *sigh*

Wellp.  Onto bigger, better things: camps and traveling this summer, a job in the fall, college at some point in the future. . . . 

One of my favorite quotes this year was this: "I'm like 2017% done."  :)

GO CLASS OF 2017!!! <3

Love, Grace

Congratulations Grace ~ Promise

   Today, I just want to take a moment to honor Grace. She's worked so hard to complete her schooling, find her calling in life, become a Godly woman, and serve her friends, family, and her Lord. I adore her bubbly personality, and I love to make her laugh, just to watch her eyes twinkle. Grace, I am so, so proud of you, and I can't wait to watch you keep on growing into the wonderful person God created you to be. I love you little sister! Congratulations on your graduation!

~Promise

Tuesday Tunes with Tauren Wells and Jasmine Murray

   Today I have two songs, one by Tauren Wells called 'Hills and Valleys' and one by Jasmine Murray called 'Fearless'. Both have spectacular vocals. I'd love to have Jasmine's voice. :) 'Hills and Valleys' is a song about praising God wherever you are in life. It's such an inspiring and uplifting song to me.
   I love 'Fearless,' it makes me feel so... fearless. It's a confident song about living unashamed of what you believe. It reminds me of a scripture in Romans that says 'For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: For it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.'(Romans 1:16)  I certainly want to live like that.


   Hope you guys liked the music!

~Promise

Graduation, Lexi Walker, and Burritos -- Grace

    Hey guys!  Promise did a life update so I took it as a hint I needed to do one, too.  Lol...

    ANYWAYS, life is kind of exciting right now.  As of Thursday, May 18th, 2017, should everything go well, I will officially be a high school graduate.
   I've finished school for the year and it's weird to think that technically speaking, I'm no longer a homeschooler.  I think, though -- and I'm guessing other homeschool graduates agree (right?? right?!  tell me you agree...) -- that I will forever refer to myself as a homeschooler.  ^_^
    It's been interesting seeing the last few days how I'm learning to *adult* even now that I don't have my (totally awesome, BTW) grandmother breathing down my neck, making sure I cross my t's and dot my i's.  I've been taking responsibility for a lot more things.  It's just interesting...
   My parents are being SO awesome and letting me take my lllaaassst summer as a kid.  I'm planning on going to my church's reunion for the second week in June, then my last (and first, unfortunately) senior high camp the week after that.  In July, I'm going to be able to spend about a week with my "other family"; they live in Nebraska and we definitely don't see each other enough!  :)
    In between my camps and visiting, I'm planning on spending my days writing, writing, quilting, writing, and quilting.  We recently discovered some unfinished quilts my great-grandmother started but never finished.  There were ten pieced quilt tops and several scraps.  I really want to finish them.  There was a beautiful, beautiful stack of embroidered quilt blocks which just need to be sewn together and quilted.  They each depict a clump of lavender (one of my favorite flowers) and a purple dragonfly.  My great-grandmother had already purchased enough fabric to sash the quilt (that is a way of attaching the squares together) and enough fabric to back it -- we just need the batting, or sandwich filling if you will.  ;)

    So...yeah.  I'm graduated.  #classof2017

I'M DONE WITH SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!  In the fall, I plan to get a job and save up money, then go to community college in the fall of 2018 (I should have graduated in 2018, so my gap year technically won't ruin my life...lol).

     Okay... I CANNOT STOP LISTENING TO THIS.  It's Lexi Walker singing When You Wish Upon a Star.  DUDE.  THAT VOICE THOUGH.

   Innnnn other news, I had a burrito tonight.  I love burritos.  They remind me of my best friend because we call him by a Mexican name...even though he's not Mexican...  ANYWAYS.  Burritos are awesome.

Goodnight.

-- Grace

Allergies, Animals, and Action Adventure Novels ~ Promise Life Update

   It's spring, and everything outside wants me to suffer. Don't get me wrong, I love spring; It's budding greenery and mild weather (well...depends where you live...we can be a bit unpredictable where Grace and I live) give me a mood boost after the grey of winter. I just happen to be allergic to a vast majority of that lovely budding greenery. So far I'm trying a homeopathic allergy medicine that works decently if I remember to take it, that is. That would be my main downfall. *sigh*


   I'm not overly fond of animals. I like horses, some dogs, and cats, but I'm not particularly interested in them. Until we got Reggie. Reggie is our grey and white cat, and he's great. I didn't think I'd be able to adjust to pet ownership, but he quickly became part of the family. It's strange how therapeutic it can be just to hug a warm, purring animal. It's been a little over a month, and now, I can't imagine life without him. (Grace is enraptured by Reggie as well)


   And, action adventure books. I'm a huge fan of mystery thrillers, and I've read about 3 1/2 books that fit that genre within the last week. (They're mostly centered around the police/F.B.I.) I sometimes wonder if I could have a career in law enforcment or criminal justice...But I don't know yet. I guess we'll see.


   I'll be back Tuesday for Tuesday Tunes, and I have two songs in mind already. Hopefully you'll like them (And hopefully I'll remember...) See you then.

   ~Promise

Tuesday Tunes with Remedy Drive ~ Look! I'm on Time!

   Hey everyone! I'm here today with Remedy Drive, a spunky band with a great lead singer (in my opinion). The song I chose is called 'Get to Know You' I'm not sure that I've heard it before. It came up on my Spotify today, and I liked the theme and lyrics. The beginning lyrics kind of remind me of 'Whatever' (you should totally check out this song if you haven't before, it's great!) by Steven Curtis Chapman. I hope you guys like it both of these.

   ~Promise

My Formal Adventure ~ Promise

   Well, Friday was interesting. I woke up and had to pack for the retreat I was going to after the formal.

This was me before. Look at my pretty nails.

At 2:00 I got my hair done. It took an hour, but it turned out beautifully!

My hair.

These are all the pins that were in my hair.

This was my final look! I was going for a timeless elegant feel. I liked it.

Anyway, we had a blast with the banquet. There were a bunch of foods from places around the world and some games. I started off a little awkward, but it was great.

   That was my adventure. I had a ton of fun getting ready and picking out my jewelry and dress. What would be your ultimate look for a formal be? Let me know!

~Promise