Day 4: Favorite Childhood Memory

[Day 4]: What's your favorite childhood memory?

When I think back to childhood I automatically think to things that happened to me ages 4-6...apparently my most fond memories are from that time frame. I guess that does make sense since most all of the memories that first come to mind take place when my Grams and Papa babysat me when I was in preschool. 

For example, Grams drove me to preschool and once her blinkers weren't working on her car so when she had to turn right, she had me stick my hand out the window (and when she had to turn left, she stuck her hand out her window). I remember being 4 years old and thinking it was the coolest thing ever to "help her drive". 

Also, on our way home we would sometimes stop at a doughnut shop. She would get a glazed doughnut for me and a chocolate one for Papa. EVERYDAY we would get home and my Papa would eat my glazed doughnut even though he KNEW it was mine. That was just how he was... he loved to pick on us grandchildren. 

But that's OK- I guess I deserved it for making him sing with me. I was obsessed with recording my own songs on my cassette tape deck (wow that makes me feel old...). I would have him and my Grams write lyrics and sing duets and then I would sing the chorus. I vividly remember them singing a song they wrote called "Melody of Love"- I can see it now, us in their living room and them listening to their bossy 4 year old granddaughter. My Papa thought it was ridiculous (I have no idea why ;]) and started singing "Lets go eat some spinach. Oh yeah now lets go eat some spinach!". Where did he come up with that? No. Idea. Oh my. It was ridiculous. Oh how I miss him...

There is one last memory that sticks out in my head as a defying moment in my childhood. This is the story about how I met my first best friend at my new house once we had moved. We had just moved into our new house (that my parents still live in today) and my Dad and Grandpa were going to put together a swing set for me in the backyard. I was beyond excited and decided to take my tiny red plastic chair to sit and watch them build. Shortly after, a little boy from next door came over and asked if he could sit with me. I was pretty shy but I saw his matching plastic chair in green at hand and decided to say yes. Now my Dad and Grandpa were never very handy so this was an all day event. Sandro and I sat there for the entire day watching them build, and ending up with extra pieces. We swung on the swings and slid down the slide until the sun had set and the stars were out over head. Ever since that day, Sandro and I were inseparable. Over time and through the cooties we grew apart but have still stayed in touch and maybe attended a homecoming together. Ironically enough we both traveled across the state for college and attend GVSU together. It's nice having my next door neighbor in Grand Rapids with me :).

OK, so that wasn't one story but my memory ran wild and how could I pick just one of the memories that came to mind? Impossible.

Pair of jeans that fit just right, and the radio up...

Day 3: Write about a article of clothing that you you deeply attached to...

This is a tough one! I have a lot of pieces that I love to wear but not a single item that comes to mind when I think of  this challenge.

Do I write about my black blazer that can dress up any outfit up? 

Or my lace tee that is my personality made into a piece of clothing? 

Or what about my black flowy top that looks awesome paired with pearls? 

Now if we were talking about jewelry that would be a different story. I have pieces I could write  about for days. We can save that for another day...

I guess I will go with the item of clothing that is my go-to piece that I can wear with anything and everything- my favorite jeans. Shocked? Probably not because it's the safe choice to write about since you can't go wrong with a good ole pair of jeans! I bought them on a whim at Marshals (from The Limited) because they were on clearance and who doesn't need a new pair of jeans (especially if you try them on and they fit just right). They are skinny but not too tight, dark wash but not overly dark and just all around perfect. 

SO that is all. My go to pair of jeans. 

Happy Monday- I hope you all have a lovely week! 

P.S. Since this post is all things clothes, might I add that this weekend we went Bridesmaid dress shopping for Sami's big day (BTW what a wonderful group of girls she has by her side for her big day)...let me tell you we picked the most perfect dress. So sleek. Totally formal. Flattering on everyone. It's just perfect. 299 days until Sami and Josh's big day and I cannot even wait- she will be the most gorgeous bride ever. Seriously.

Day 2- Six Word Memoirs

 Day 2: Write a [few] six word memoir[s]

-Enjoy the little things in life.-

-Never forget who means the most.-

-Trust in God's plan for you.-

I don't think these need a lot of explaining- I am a believer in being positive, enjoying life, cherishing the ones you love, and having faith. 

I must say it was tough to put my own perspectives into 6 word phrases!

Happy Friday eve :]

15 Day Challenge!

My lovely friend, the soon-to-be Mrs. DuVal, over at The story of a girl... started a 15 day challenge today and I thought why not join in on the fun! 

So here goes nothing: Day 1...15 fun facts about me!

1. I would be no where without my friends and family. It is so tough living on west side of the state when all of my family and most of my friends live on the east side, however, moving to Grand Rapids really did show me who I want in my life. 

2. I don't sleep in. I am most productive first thing in the morning. Plus, ever since I started at Ops, I feel like if I sleep past 8:30am I am wasting my day away. 

3. The only meat I eat is chicken (and sometimes turkey). I think it started out because I was a picky eater, but I'm not sure. I've ate this way my entire life

4. I'm a total Daddy's girl. My favorite thing to do when I'm home is set my alarm for early so that I can get up and chit chat with my Dad over coffee before Mom and Zach get up. Plus, we have so many similarities it's frightening. He's my role model and has taught me so much about life.

5.  I studied abroad in South Africa this past spring and loved every minute of it. I learned so much about not only South Africa and its culture, but about teaching and life. 

6. Avid Red Wings fan...really hoping for a better season this year. I'm convinced they did bad this year because I was out of the country hah.

7. I have slight obsession with make up. I know, I know, you don't need make up to make you look beautiful...but it just makes me feel put together and ready for the day. End of story.

8. I am in shock that I've been dating Bryan for over 3 years now. I love him unconditionally and cannot imagine life without him there by my side.

9. My Grams is my favorite person. She is 90 years old and still going strong. So many of my favorite memories involve her =]

10. I adore giraffes- seriously the best animal ever. 

11. I have a journal that I record inspiring quotes in. Whenever I'm having a tough day I open up my journal, read a few pages and instantly feel hope.

12. I cannot wait to have my own classroom but at the same time the idea terrifies me. 

13. I've been on a health kick lately thanks to Sami and although I still hate running, I do feel better after I do it. It's crazy how much better a healthy diet and water can make you feel.

14. I'm starting to realize it's a problem that I feel like I'm friends with my favorites from reality TV...particularly the Bachelorette/Bachelor, Bachelor Pad, and Big Brother...

15. My perfect day consists of Lake Michigan, the people I love, a glass of wine, country music, and a good book.

That is all for today. Happy Wednesday!

I live for Michigan summers.

Days spent on Lake Michigan

Weeks up at the cottage

Evening bike rides

 Tiger games 

Chicken kabobs on the grill

Sangria with friends

 Windows down, country music playing

Sunsets over the lake

Evening walks (and runs too)

Hikes through the woods

Boat rides

Ice cream cones

More time to craft

Attempting to fish

Running down the sand dunes

Reading a good book on the lake

And most importantly...

 Time with friends and family

 

 

Favorites

Our last assignment for our South Africa study abroad program was to pick our favorite 6 pictures from the trip and explain why they are our favorites. I had a hard time choosing 6 so ended up with 8 (oops!). I thought I would share them with you :). So here they are in no particular order...

 

 

 

#1. This is a picture of me, Bryan, and Zukanye. Zukanye started out hating me (and telling me how he felt about me to my face). I knew from the first day that it was going to be my goal to build a relationship with him and to have him trust me as an adult in his life. Zukanye was known as the "trouble child". My CT was not afraid to tell me that he was a "lost cause" and that he had already been held back in grade 3. By my last week, Zukanye wrote me and Bryan each a note, gave me a hug, and I even got a smile out of him! The last thing he said to me was, "Miss Katie, you're pretty cool." I will never forget him, what he said, and his final hug! He was a challenge each and everyday but I know with time and attention he could be a wonderful student.

 

 

#2 This is one of the many pictures I took while on safari. Addo was one of my favorite parts of holiday simply because we saw some of my favorite animals in their natural setting. I was amazed by the zebras and elephants (and lions of course!). This picture reminds me of the many drives we took and all of the fun we had.

 

 

#3 The township tour- my favorite part of the trip. This was such an eye-opening experience and I was amazed to see how many of our students lived. It was life changing to see how happy the people of the township were with what little they had. I had so much fun seeing all of the kids and passing out all of our goodies.

 

 

#4 Surfing! This was one of my bucket list items that I got to check off in South Africa! It took me a lot time but I got up for my last 4 waves. It was amazing! I learned so much about how to spot the current and what parts of the ocean are safe to swim in vs. not. Our instructor even saved a child from drowning in the middle of our lesson! We had a great time.

 

 

#5 How could I not include a South African sunset? I will honestly never forgot how beautiful they were. I have countless pictures of the sunsets and I don't get sick of looking through them. What more is there to say besides, "I love the sunsets down in Africa! (sung by Jody)" :).

 

 

#6 I think this is the only entire group picture we have (including Sandy, Sean, Pierre, and Antoinette). I love this picture because 1. it's the ENTIRE group and 2. it was one of my favorite places (Cape of Good Hope). The trip would not have been the same without our group of 17 students, 2 instructors, and 2 tour guides. Each and everyone of you made a difference on this trip and had an impact on me and my life!

 

 

#7 The Taylor gang plus our parents, Helen, and the dogs :). My trip would have been totally different if I hadn't lived with these wonderful people. The Taylors were so welcoming, the dogs reminded me of home (one of their dogs usually doesn't like new people around but he warmed right up to Bry and I!), and my roommates were so fun to be around. I didn't know Beth, Jeremy, or Rob very well before the trip but I grew very close to them and loved getting to know them along the way.

 

 

#8 Lastly, my wonderful grade 3's. These little ones changed me for the better. They were so welcoming, kind, and loving. I learned so much from watching Ronel teach and seeing how they learned each day. I think I learned the most on break when I got to talk to the students and have them tell me about their families and everyday lives. They are each showing their personality in this picture. Sesethu, the girl 3 to the right of me, was one of the students I bonded with the most. I learned so much about her and she made saying goodbye so hard. She recorded a message for me, a message for my mom, AND  message for my dad on my last day of school. Her message to my dad said "Dear Miss Katie's father, I love you very much. Please let Miss Katie stay in South Africa. When I come to visit you in America I will bring presents for you." I get tears in my eyes every time I watch her messages!

 

 

There you have it. South Africa in a nutshell. <3

5.

5 things I could use more of:

Weekend getaways

 Girls nights, complete with wine and crafting 

Hours in a day

Date nights

Episodes of the Bachelorette

5 things I could do without:

2 hour drives in order to see my family and pup

Math homework

Short-tempered people

Expired groceries

Grown up decisions

brought to you by The story of a girl