swimming

Summer 2013

One of my favorite things to do is look back though past events and times in my life. I thought it would be fun to do a recap of all of the wonderful (and not so wonderful) things that went on for me this summer.

May

I shared some articles that I wrote for the school newspaper, my brother moved back to Pittsburgh, and I made Jimmy an Oreo cake for his birthday. Yum.

Oreo cake

I answered 12 questions about purity rings and got super muddy at MuckFest MS Pittsburgh.

10

June

My family went on vacation to the Outer Banks and we rode horses on the beach. That was definitely one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

10

I also wrote a super random poem about swimming.

July

I took two weeks off of blogging and social media. It felt pretty amazing. I also competed in a triathlon and began working for my parent’s real estate brokerage during that two week period.

triathlon

Hannah did some modeling for my blog and I struggled through a dry socket after having my wisdom teeth removed. Worst time of my life. I also baked 763 cookies for my brother’s wedding during the week that I had a dry socket.

IMG_57299

My brother married the love of his life, Racquel. They’re such a beautiful couple!

wedding

Hannah got the cutest puppy for her birthday and I made a lot of pickles! The pickle recipes can be found here and here. I promise they’re super simple.

Jimmy proposed to me. That was hands down one of the best moments of my life! What a blessing.

6

Last but not least, I started a crazy busy semester at good ol’ Penn State.

*

So that’s my summer in an nutshell. I had my ups (getting engaged, watching my brother get married, and baking a ton of cookies) and my downs (wisdom teeth removal+ dry socket).

All in all, I’d have to say that it was a wonderfully perfect summer.

I’m sad to see my summer break end, but I’m also extremely excited to see what God has in store for the future!

How was your summer?

My swimming poem

I started this poem in my head while I was swimming this morning and decided to finish it when I got home. I should probably get a life. Winking

055

I wake up early and put on my suit.
I eat cereal and peanut butter, and drink coffee to boot.

I dip my toes in the water. I slip on my cap.
I suction my goggles and start my first lap.

The water feels good and I feel strong.
I know the pool is where I belong.

Butterfly, breaststroke, and free.
Backstroke is what steals my glee.

I take a sip of water. I fix my cap.
This is no time for a quick nap.

Off I go, in my own world.
Inside my head, thoughts always swirl.

This is my time to sort out problems and pray.
It’s something I look forward to almost every day.

Sometimes I think about life decisions.
Or how to cook tonight’s chicken.

Lap after lap, I go and go.
Even when the outside world is filled with snow.

The water is often choppy.
My flip turns are always sloppy.

I swim. I pull, and I kick.
Even though I don’t go very quick.

I know I smell like chlorine.
It’s okay that my hair turns green.

I have my swimming friends, and they understand.
They know that this sport will always be my jam.

My arms slide through the water like butter.
I cough and spit a huge hocker into the gutter.

One last set. I’m almost done.
I finally see the morning sun.

It’s time to warm down and start my day.
I always enjoy my time of play.

I love this sport because it’s so fun.
Especially when I’m all done.

Swimming is for me and I’m for it.
I’m pretty sure I’ll never quit.

163