Hello, 2017

Wow. I never thought I wold make it through this past year. And yet, while I sit here thinking on this past year and all of the changes and trials it brought, I find myself thanking God for everything He sent me. 

But, why? 

The past few months, I have read status after status of reasons why 2016 has been the worst year ever. Every person on my Facebook page seems to have some reason why they hated this year and cannot wait for the next one. And, believe me, I can totally relate.  This year did not start out good for me. Actually..2015 did not end well. I failed two classes and had to change my future plans. Again. So, I was determined to make 2016 my best year yet. 

But it did not start that way. It started with disappointment and failure and a feeling of worthlessness. 

And, somewhere in the midst of all of this heartache, I discovered something. I was trying to make it my best year. But I was not allowing God to help.

That was a hard realization to come to. It is so hard for me to hand over control. I like to be independent. I like to figure things out. I like to be in charge. But, I can't. It's not my job. And, once I realized that I really can't control everything, 2016 became so much better. 

God gave me a new dream and new goals. And, when I least expected it, he opened doors for me to be able to continue my dream of becoming a nurse.

He sent new, amazing friends into my life and renewed old friendships that have turned into major blessings.

He taught me perseverance and endurance. To never give up. And to let go, and let God.

I went to Nicaragua again. And fell in love with the country. Again.

I ran a marathon.

I worked at a children's Bible camp for the second summer and had an amazing, exhausting, wonderful time.

I retook the 2 classes I thought ended my chances of becoming a nurse. And I passed. With a B in both classes.

But, I did not do these things on my own. I did them with God by my side. It took me awhile. Several months. Many tears. But I did it. HE did it. And, while those accomplishments certainly do not mean 2016 was a year without hardships, it shows the positive things as well. Yes, 2016 was a hard year. Yes, there were times when I hated it and felt hopeless. But, that does not mean that 2016 was the worst year of my life. Nope. If anything, 2016 taught me to be a better person. 2016 made me stronger. And 2016 taught me to never ever give up. 

Dear reader, I want to leave you with these wonderful words from Jesus:

Isaiah 43: 1-3 ..."Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God"...

Whether 2016 was YOUR year, or whether you want to forget it ever happened.. Never forget that God has a plan for you. It may be a wonderful, messy plan. But He created it just for you. And, when we remember that, we can almost always guarantee our best year. Every year. 

H A P P Y N E W Y E A R 

XOXO, Nichole

Choose Joy

I have never had an easy semester of college. Never. Mentally, emotionally, physically...college has just been a struggle. Let me give you a quick run down...

Semester 1- First college semester. In Florida. 16 hours away from home. Who knew I was going to get so homesick? Turns out I don't love to be far away from my family! It was a great time, and I met my best friend. But, still a challenge..throw in the fact that I started working a campus job that I HATED..I cried everyday. Yeah..true story.

Semester 2- Second semester of freshman year. Trying to get into the nursing program. Trying to get all A's...or at least pass O Chem! Overall, not a bad semester. I did step on my phone and broke it, causing me to be without a phone for a week. Sad, but you really do use your phone for everything! 

Semester 3- First semester of sophomore year! Back at PCC, and in the nursing program! (Which was definitely a cause of stress!!) Sadly, I struggled finding friends in the program, because the ones I had been friends with didn't make it in or changed their majors! Also that year, my best friend didn't come back. Now that was hard..

Semester 4- Second semester of sophomore year. I hated it there. I struggled with my classes so much! It was just a bad semester..

Semester 5- Transferred to Liberty University. Best decision ever. Hard decision, though, because I knew NO ONE. Talk about flashback to freshman year! Had to decide if I was still going to pursue nursing or switch my major. Wanted to stick with nursing, but needed a 4.0. I got a 3.8....but an A in chem!

Semester 6- Changed my major. Then felt God telling me that I had given up way to easily...so placed that semester in His hands and applied for the nursing program. Got on the wait list..then got accepted!

Semester 7- Junior year of nursing! By some miracle, all of my sophomore classes from PCC transferred, so I was able to take junior nursing classes. Honestly, it was a blast. I loved it. But there were two classes that were a struggle...They say first semester junior year is the worst..and they aren't lying!

Now, I didn't write all of that to complain. And I didn't write it to tell you what a terrible life I have. I wrote it so that you can get an idea for how I could have felt. And now I'm going to tell you how I really feel... I am currently in my eighth semester of college. Yes, I am a senior. No, I am not graduating. But that's ok.

This semester started out rough. Like, more rough than any other semester..

What I'm about to share isn't going to be the happiest story ever. But it's my current story. And it's where God has me.

I got some not-so-happy news over Christmas break. Turns out I was a couple of points away from passing two classes. It kills me, but the rules are that if that happens, you can't continue in the program. But, there's hope..you can petition! So, petition I did. And my parents and I prayed every night for my future. In my mind, I've faced enough heartache and turmoil where my college education is concerned, and if God really wanted me to succeed, He was going to miraculously let my petition get accepted. He can do miracles, so why not?

I had gone into this semester with the mindset that I would take the rest of my general education courses that I needed and then retake the classes I had failed Fall 2016. Perfect plan. But not God's plan. The Saturday before classes started, I opened the worst email of my life. And read the worst words ever. My petition was not accepted. And I would not be graduating with a BSN. 

In that single moment after reading those words, I think I went through every stage of grieving. Seriously. My mind was racing as I tried to figure out what to do. How could this happen? What had I done to deserve this? I've already been through enough trials..why did I need ANOTHER ONE? All of these thoughts [and more] went through my mind. I had no idea what to do. 

And then, I remembered that I didn't have to do anything. The only thing I could do was trust in God! I'll admit, this is very hard for me. I am a planner, and I want to know the future now! But that's not what God has for me! He just wants me to trust. And, somehow, strangely, I have been at total peace since handing this situation completely to Him!

This semester has, without a doubt, been my worst semester so far. I feel lost..all of my hopes and dreams of the future seemed to shatter in one single moment. All of my nursing student friends are busy, and I never see them. I am taking classes with people that I don't know, who all seem to have their life figured out. I still don't know what the future holds! 

But, this semester has also been the best. Because, in those terrible moments, I am choosing joy. Joy that, although I don't get to see my friends everyday, I do still get to see them! Joy that, although I don't get to do clinical this semester, I will, someday. Joy that I am still planning on going into the medical field, just not as a nurse. Joy that I can still graduate around the time that I was planning on. Joy that, although I don't know anyone in my classes, I can make more friends! Joy that, although the future is scary, God has a plan. And His plan is clearly way bigger than anything I can imagine.

Since that life-changing moment, I have been reading in the book of Job. I can honestly say that, though I have grown up in church and read my Bible every day, I have never actually studied Job in depth. But I am loving what I am learning! 

I wrote this post, not to tell others of my sorrow, but to encourage those who are struggling! It's not easy. Most people don't know what to say to you or how to respond. You probably will cry a little. But just know that God has a plan. And it will be worth it. Ans by choosing joy, you can make the best out of any situation.

XOXO, Nichole

Another Flashback

Wow. Two blog posts in one month. I am on a role. But, seriously...being a nursing student, keeping up with schoolwork, putting in community service hours [which we're required to do to graduate], and working is hard! Nursing students don't get enough credit..just sayin'. But, anyways, it's test day, and I typically don't do much the night of a test. Why, you ask? Because I just spent almost a whole week studying my butt off for the test I took earlier today. And I'm brain dead. And I need something fun. So, catching up on blogging it is! And movies. I'm also watching Cinderella. Probably my absolute most favorite thing to come out on dvd lately. I can't help it. I'm a sucker for fairy tales. 

Anyways, on to the real reason for writing today: another flashback to Spain. I only have a few journal entries left, but I still want to share!

Tuesday, March 10, 2015 - Leganes, Madrid

Spending time in God's Word

 Today we arrived at our location at 0930. A few of us were able to sit in on an intermediate/beginner Spanish class. It was great to get to learn that way! At around 1130, one of the men shared his testimony. It was amazing to hear how God was working in his life, even when he didn't know! Being here has really opened my eyes to the north African and Moroccan religion. I never thought I would have been so drawn to it, but I really am! These people have captured my heart, and I want to pray for them as much as I can! Especially S, as he goes back to Morocco and witnesses to his family.

Eating lunch in the sun

At 1430, we ate Dominoes pizza. We also worked on our lesson for the day. My group had a four-year-old class at 1730. They were brilliant! Most of them knew English words for colors and numbers, and we also played duck-duck-goose for 30-45 minutes! Between classes, we started organizing all craft supplies and teaching materials. At 1930, the youth came. The 2 teenage girls from Monday (H & I) that came yesterday brought five other girls! We had a lot of fun, playing ninja and around-the-world with them. My heart is already so full of love for them! I pray that we can be great influences, and that others will come along and witness. I want for them so badly to know Christ!

Adventures with the team

Well, that's enough for today. I still think my heart goes out to those children we taught and spent time with. I don't think God is calling me to Spain, but he definitely brought me there for a reason. To open my eyes. And show me others to pray for.

Now, to go enjoy the rest of the fairy tale on the tv.

XOXO, Nichole

Flashback to Spain

I'm sitting here at my kitchen table with a delicious cup of raspberry chocolate truffle coffee. Trying to pretend that it feels like fall outside, since it is, in fact, September. Which is kinda fall...although not technically. Anyways, I should be focusing on the task in front of me, which is to tackle my first patient profile/care plan/pathophysiology paper that is due tomorrow at midnight 11:59 PM. Instead, I keep thinking about the fact that I kept telling myself I would write about my trip to Spain. And only got one post done. So, here I am...procrastinating, and writing about that amazing trip. It shouldn't take too long, right?

Monday, March 9, 2015 - Leganes-Madrid, Spain 

It has been completely different than I thought. And yet, somehow, it's exactly how I thought it would be. We aren't technically in the city of Madrid, which I thought we would be. We're more on the outskirts of the city, like suburbs. Yesterday, we got to go into the city, which I absolutely loved!

Cimber, one of the leaders, going to church

Let's face it, I am a city girl. Some of my all time favorite places are cities. So, yeah, I love Madrid. We walked around for hours, took pictures, ate traditional Moroccan food and gelato.

Moroccan food

Gelato

 And let's not forget about the delicious Starbucks! Seriously, I think I may be addicted to cappuccinos now...

Starbucks in Spain

 It was an amazing day. But, the real magic happened today.

We started today by meeting at 9:30 AM to head to the mission building. Once there, we did some debriefing, had some coffee (my fav!), and prayed. One thing I have learned is that prayer is SO very important in missions! 

At around 11:00, Eva had some ladies come for aerobics. I think it is absolutely amazing how she can witness and build relationships through exercise! At 12:30, the team had our second Arabic lesson. We learned colors, objects, fruits & veggies, and some phrases [fast forward to September, and I don't remember anything..]. I honestly wasn't that interested in learning at first, but I actually really liked it! 

We ate lunch around 2 and started preparing for the night. At 5:15, my group (Deya, Collin, and myself) started teaching six 4th graders. It was great! We definitely had challenges, but I can't wait to see them again! If anything, God has just added six new names to my prayer list! These children need Jesus! 

At 8:15, it was time for the youth. We weren't sure if anyone would come, but two girls showed up. Deya, Emily, Kristen, Rachel, and I spent an hour spending time with them, playing games, and teaching them English. They were the sweetest girls ever!

I am so excited to see them for the next four nights! I especially am praying for them. At one point, they asked about America, culture, and religious freedom. They were amazed that all of us (five girls) had a choice in life and beliefs! It breaks my heart how much I take for granted! I feel like God has put them in my life (however brief that may be) for a reason. I will be praying for them constantly. I already feel like they have a little piece of my heart. 

I am so excited to see what God has for me and the rest of the team!

11:30, pizza for dinner. Yummy.

Well, I guess that's that. I finished one more entry about Spain. Now, time to start procrastinating, and time to start tackling that paper due tomorrow. At least there's coffee...

XOXO, Nichole

Saturday, March 7, 2015

After snow, ice, delays, a very long flight, and missing our second flight, we finally made it to Spain! Boy, what an adventure already! Thursday afternoon, we headed to the airport. Our flight wasn't scheduled to leave until 6:50 pm, but we had to check out of the hotel in the afternoon, so we spent some time at the airport. We made it pretty quickly through security...they didn't even make us take off our shoes, which was nice! After sitting at our gate for a few hours, they announced that we would be boarding about 45 minutes late. That's ok..we could still totally make our next flight! It was snowing outside, but other flights were still taking off..

We finally boarded our plane. I was all the way in the back. I had never been on a plane so huge..it was pretty cool. At least, at first it was cool...About 2 hours later, we were still sitting on the tarmac. Not so cool anymore. We finally took off, and I was so happy to be in the air. I barely slept at all on the flight..airplanes are not easy to sleep on. Plus, it was SO turbulent! 

We finally landed in France at around 10 am Europe time. We got on another flight to Spain pretty easily, which was totally a God thing. Then we went through customs and had a couple of hours to chill. I drank my first European cappuccino, which was heavenly. 

I also ate some kind of croissant with chocolate in the middle..also amazing. Then we went in search of some French macarons. 

Can I describe them as heavenly, too? Because they totally were.

We finally boarded our plane for SPAIN! As we were flying away, I saw the Eiffel Tower from the window. Of course it looked super tiny..but maybe one day I will see it for real.

We landed in Spain completely exhausted. You know that thing, jet lag? Yeah, totally real. Thank goodness we were in Europe, which, I discovered, has some pretty amazing coffee.

After meeting up with our host, we headed to the organization we would be working with for the next week. We took a tour of the building, had some dinner, and headed to our hotel for some MUCH needed sleep. Oh, did I mention that we took the metro? Yeah, every bit as confusing as you think..

This morning, we got to sleep in a little and woke up to gorgeous sunshine. After some delicious breakfast,we took the bus (all by ourselves) to meet Dan and Eva. We got to see a little bit more of the building, and did some work and preparation for the coming week.

For lunch, we ate at this little bar/cafe down the street. We had salad, bread, and paella (top left corner in photo). Paella is basically this delicious conglomeration of rice and seafood. Emphasis on delicious! Seriously. For dinner, we got to experience some flamenco music and tons of traditional foods, such as: Spanish tortilla, chorizo, and pig ears. Yeah, pig ears. Kinda like chewy bacon.

It was a wonderful and exhausting day. (Have I mentioned that dinner is at 9:30 pm usually?) Tomorrow we will be heading to church in the city of Madrid. We also get to experience some Moroccan culture! Can't wait for that!

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Sheraton Hotel
Washington, D.C.

Here I sit, in a super nice hotel room, drinking coffee and reading my Bible. Of course my mind is wandering...we leave for the airport at 1. Our flight to France leaves at 6:50 pm. And we'll be in Spain by 9 am tomorrow! Although, when I say 9 am, I mean Europe time...which is actually 3 am here in America. So that should be interesting. I like my sleep, so not sure how tomorrow is going to go! 

Coffee. Lots of coffee. Which I am totally ok with. :)

So, Spain, huh? I can't believe it's finally here! I am probably equal parts excited and nervous. I love traveling, and for some reason have always had a love for Spain! It's always been a dream to go there, and the fact that it's for missions just makes it so much better! Did I see myself working with Muslims? Certainly not. But I guess just because God gave me a passion for Spain doesn't mean I have to work with Spaniards. Let's face it, God has a crazy way of planning things out.

With all of the anticipation for this trip, I've been thinking more and more about my relationship with God. Lately, this thing with ISIS has been really getting to me. But, ISIS isn't the only thing persecuting Christians. Christians are persecuted everywhere! It even happens in America (although it's more verbal than anything else). And it makes me think: if I was being persecuted, would I be able to still stand by my Savior's side?

It's a scary thought...one I prefer not to think about. But it is pretty thought provoking. I've spent my whole life in a good Christian environment. Never has anyone held a gun to my head and asked me if I believed in God. Never have I been tortured so much that you can barely recognize me [To be honest, I don't even go up to random people and talk to them about god. And I should. Really. I live in America. I have the freedom] And you know what? I should be experiencing that! Do I want to? No. Do I think I could get through it? No. But, God made the ultimate sacrifice for me. He died. For me. So I should be willing to go through anything for him!

Anyways, just a thought. But, in light of that, please keep my team in prayer. We should be safe, but we are in a different country...

XOXO, Nichole

Spain On My Mind

I've been back from Spring Break for 2 days, and I am definitely having withdraws. Now, it was no ordinary Spring Break, and here's why: I went to Spain to serve the Lord. And what I experienced there was more amazing than anything I could have experienced at the beach.

In the next few posts, I plan on going day by day and writing about everything in detail. Unfortunately, I don't have the time for that now. Nope..as soon as we got off the plane in DC, it was back to reality. Back to school and classes and tests, quizzes, and projects. I also seem to have acquired some kind of cold or sinus infection, which makes jet lag even less fun. And I should be studying for my Spanish class right now, but instead I'm getting distracted on my computer...

I can't wait to share everything with you guys! God truly worked in my life in an amazing way. My eyes were opened to a different religion, one I never would have given a second thought about before. I built relationships with people that I never knew existed. I learned to love the teenage girls in Leganes, and they will forever be in my heart. I learned how to have a stronger prayer life. I discovered friendships that I hope to keep forever, and got to know people on my team like I wouldn't have thought possible. We became a family. And it was amazing.

But, sadly, that's all I can share for now. Keep a lookout, though, because I hope to start posting each day soon! And I can't wait for you to experience my trip with me through words and pictures.

XOXO, Nichole

Dear Disgruntled Guest...

Hey there. Long time no see. I figured with Christmas Break I would have unlimited amounts of time to blog. Well, sadly, that was not the case. Almost every night has been busy, I have 1, 000, 001 things to do, and I've been working. Yep. Funny, I'm not even working full-time right now, but every day STILL tires me out. Which brings me to the topic of my writing today: my job.

Yes, I may or may not be venting. But, here me out. It's worth reading. 

I work at a fast food, or "quick service", restaurant. I am not going to reveal the name of it, but those of you who know me know what restaurant it is. I love my job. Really. I love the people I work with. I love the regular customers who come in. I love the business. But there are definitely some things I do NOT love. Let me elaborate.

I work in the drive-thru for my job. This includes places such as headset, window, bagging the food. There is actually a lot more involved in getting your food out to you than you think! We are hard working and don't get paid all that much. Those of us who work during the day are full-time. Some of us get to work as early as 4:30 AM if there is breakfast involved. That's early. Seriously. You try waking up at 3:00 AM five days a week. Not easy. But, I am not writing this so you can commiserate with me. Nope, not at all. I'm writing this so you can possibly show us a little more respect. Like I said, we work long hours, some of us have families to provide for our school bills to pay..and we don't get paid that much. So, here goes...

Let's start with the wait. So many customers take it upon themselves to complain about the very few times they have to wait in line. Yes, I realize drive-thru is supposed to be fast. I do. And yes, it is our job to get your food out to you fast. But, at the same time, I cannot make people coming through the drive-thru get their money out in 0.5 seconds, take the bag from me, and leave in less than a minute. Now, don't get me wrong, that would definitely be ideal! But, trust me, it won't happen. Which brings me to the next topic.

Please, please, PLEASE, if you are going through the drive-thru, have your money ready! Please don't drive up to the window and look shocked when I tell you your total and hold out my hand for the money. Please don't make a joke about having to pay. It's great that you're nice, and I would much rather have you joke with me than yell at me. But please have your money ready! And having two handfuls of change in your hand and asking me if the total was in fact $12. 82 and counting out the change in pennies is not ready. Not even a little bit. So please, have your money ready. And by ready, I don't mean that you have to get out of your car, open your trunk, and grab your card. Yes, cards are fast. But, no, getting out of your car to get your wallet is not fast.

Let's talk about sauce, shall we? So, at this restaurant I work at, we have a sauce limit. Because, in case you didn't know, sauce costs money. But, we hand out sauce for free. But, there is a limit of sauce per item or meal. This limit is drilled into us by management when we start working. Going over the limit is counted as waste. If we waste sauce, the chances of getting a raise are slim. Some of us work hard to get a raise. So, please, respect us when we deny you of the THREE extra sauces you request, because I could get in trouble. While I won't get fired over handing out too many sauces (at least..I don't think I will) I won't be getting a raise either. And, like I've already said, I work hard. I have things to pay for, college to finish. And when you tell me "I NEED at least 2 more sauces. I don't care if you have to take it out of your paycheck, you are going to give me more sauce." I am most definitely NOT going to give it to you. Because, #1. HOW RUDE. and #2. I am not entitled to give you sauce over the limit. I am a human being, and I should not have to tolerate being nice to you after you say things like that to me. 

Ok, last one, and I think I may be done. When I hand you your food, please do not question that I have given you everything. How about a little trust? Yes, I know sometimes we make mistakes. Sometimes we are working at such a fast pace trying to get your food to you in less than a minute that we miss big orders. Sometimes the people on headset accidentally switch a car and don't inform us and we hand out the wrong food. SOMETIMES THINGS HAPPEN. We are only human, after all. But, please respect us enough not to question our abilities. As I've said before, I am a college student. I have done 2 years of nursing school (I am changing my major, but that doesn't really change anything..) This past semester, I got an A in my chemistry class. AN A!! I studied my butt off. I am smart. I got a 3.77 GPA this semester. Next semester I am trying to get a 4.0. I do not plan on working in fast food for the rest of my life. I have future plans, goals. So, PLEASE, do not talk to me like I am stupid and don't know anything. I am quite capable of accomplishing anything in the fast food business. I am only working so I can have money to pay for school. And, you treating me like some stupid person does not make me want to be nice to you. Sure, I will be nice to you and smile. It's my job. But please don't talk down to me. I deserve better. For all you know, I could have spit in your food.. (of course I didn't, and I never would. EW. But it could happen. Just sayin')

Well, I believe that is enough venting for today. I hope I didn't offend anyone, but I just had to do this. After all, it's time to get these things out in the open and start fresh, right? Because, tomorrow is the first day of 2015. Gotta start it off right! :)

To all of you fast food employees, I love you. Keep working hard at what you do. And those of you who really are slackers, shape up! Work hard so you deserve praise. Make someone else's day better. You can do it.

Happy New Year, guys!!

XOXO, Nichole

Home Sweet Home

     Well, here I am again. I am sorry I have been such a terrible blogger. I promise I will get better. This semester has been a crazy busy, nightmare-ish, wild roller coaster, but good news! It's almost over! Only 2 more CHEM 107 classes, 2 more PSYC 101 classes, and 1 more CSPA 101 class. Plus, 3 tests (1 for each class) and a few homework assignments. Oh, and a video for Spanish. I'm actually pretty excited about that, because I am basically going to walk around my house speaking Spanish, spouting off random information and shoving the camera into various family member's faces. Should be great.

     But, for now, I am just going to sit at the kitchen table with my 3 cup of coffee and enjoy not thinking about school. Like I said before, it's been a crazy semester. Which I'm sure you can figure from my lack of posts. It's so sad, but I have a goal to post more this Thanksgiving & Christmas break. I am actually pretty excited for this week. Aside from being home and not having to go to class, my sister and I plan on working on a few DIY projects. I decided it would be so much easier to make presents this year than buy presents! Not that I don't care enough to BUY people stuff..but let's face it, it's more fun to make presents! Plus, I'm the kinda person that doesn't want to leave anyone out, and that gets kind of expensive. I can't wait to post about the DIY adventures that will be happening! 

    How's school, you may ask? Well, it's not too bad. Spanish continues to be my favorite, and that had a major role in my decision about next semester. Yes, you read that right. I have kinda made a decision about the future. I say kinda because I'm still not sure. And I honestly don't want to talk to people about it. Because, what happens if it changes? I don't know...But, as for my current classes, they are going very well. I actually don't think I've ever done this well in school and NOT been super stressed. I mean, I have my moments. But, not gonna lie, for the most part I have been pretty calm. Weird. 

More exciting news!! Last week I posted an ad asking for someone to design some business cards for Elizabeth Maree Cupcakes. I got a TON of responses. It was so hard to choose someone, but I did, and she created the cutest business cards! She also put the logo in digital form, which I needed since my best friend from high school drew the original logo with colored pencils. Anyways, here it is!! And I can't wait until my business cards come in! Business is also picking up, so that's exciting.

NEW LOGO

Other random updates: 

One of my best friends from high school got married! Over a month ago now. It is so weird having a friend who's married! I don't feel old enough..EVERYONE IS GROWING UP AND I'M NOT SURE I LIKE IT! LOL Anyways, it was a beautiful wedding! And I can't wait to go and visit her soon!

 

I turned 22. It's weird thinking that's how old I am now. It was a great birthday, but definitely bittersweet since it was my first birthday away from my BFF in 4 years. Yeah, 4. But she managed to make it amazing, even all the way from Chicago. And my family and friends helped too. So, all in all, a successful 22nd birthday. 

My little bro came to visit me! That was a fun weekend. I can't wait for him to come to school here next year if that's what he decides! 

We ate too much food, walked around campus, he came to class with me..we went to a football game AND my first hockey game! Which I must say was super fun and I pretty much love watching that sport now. So cool! We also saw For King & Country and Britt Nicole in concert. 

Last weekend I drove to Blacksburg to visit my cousin. It was so cool to see Virginia Tech. The last time I saw the campus was over 10 years ago. Both of my parents went there, and my mom graduated from the vet school. It certainly has grown since then..but it was cool to think about the fact that they were there so many years ago! Yeah..I get sentimental like that. Anyways, we had fun going hiking and working on homework. Typical smarty-pants college students, right? 

     So, there's an update on my oh-so-exciting life. It will get more exciting this week, I promise. For now, I am going to go and help my "big sis" cook for our church dinner tomorrow night. It's our first one! So exciting! (Did I ever write about CityLight? I don't remember...I shall have to do that sometime) Lots to do!

    Happy Saturday everyone!

XOXO, Nichole

    

Long Time No See..

I'm alive! No.. Really. I can't believe how long it's been since I posted something. Like, years. Ok, actually just about a month and a half, but I feel like it's been forever! You know what they say about college..you have no life. Between classes, homework, driving home some weekends, required tutoring, and everything in between, I'm lucky to get any sleep! But, I love it. Really. I love the school atmosphere. Can't say I love my classes..but I love school. 

What has happened in my life lately, you may ask? Well, I suppose I will fill you in.

1) I started a Facebook page for my cupcakes. Yes. About time, right? Of course, it hasn't been a huge hit. I really should put up posters or something to get the word out. But, I have had 2 people put orders in, and hopefully once I REALLY start advertising, word will travel fast. I mean, I do make some pretty amazing cupcakes, if I do say so myself. Are you on Facebook? Check it out! Elizabeth Maree Cupcakes. Soon I'll have business cards. Moving up. ;)

2)  I have allergies. I know. Me. The healthiest child in my family. Allergies. I don't even know what to say! But, it's quite obvious when you have a foggy head, pounding headache, scratchy throat, stuffy nose, and stuffy ears (can ears get stuffy? not sure..but you know what I mean..) . Yeah, all of those things happened to me from Monday-Wednesday, and then I went home for Fall Break and viola! No more stuffiness. Then, BAM, come back from Fall Break and it all starts up again. Hmm..fishy. Thankfully there's this amazing stuff called Claritin that clears away those nasty things called allergies! Since I'm a poor college student, I went with generic Claritin. But, you know..it's the same thing. 

3) I AM GOING TO SPAIN!! Yep! So excited! We have these things called Global Teams here at school, and we take trips to different countries. I applied for the Spain Global Team and, well, I got accepted. The hard part will be raising the support, but I'm working on that. Hopefully this weekend I can REALLY start working on it, and not just thinking about working on it. But, brainstorming is the first part, right? We will be going during Spring Break, and it is going to be amazing!

4) Speaking of Spain, Spanish is definitely my favorite class. I am in no way speaking smoothly or expertly, but I am really enjoying the little achievements. One step closer to be fluent! Yippee! 

5) I joined an 8 week #FriskyFall challenge with #TIU. Yep, I would consider myself a #TIUgirl. (Don't you just love all of the hashtagging going on..) Anyways, it's a fitness challenge to work out daily. Some days I am better at it than others. I joined because I just wasn't making myself get up and go running like I wanted to. I used to be SO GREAT at waking up and running, but lately I've lost my love of running. Well, not lost..it's just been hiding beneath my super lazy self. However, this fitness challenge really helped! I wanted to lose weight, but I wouldn't say that happened..however, I have definitely gotten stronger! The first couple of weeks, I really struggled through some of the exercises. I wouldn't say I don't struggle anymore..I definitely still do. But I can do things that I couldn't before. And that makes me feel good. So, I've gotten the working out (for the most part) taken care of. Now I really just need to work on the healthy eating. I usually try to be healthy. But sometimes, that brownie is just begging to be eaten. Or that pumpkin muffin. Or scone. Or cupcake. You get the picture. I'm a foodie. I major foodie. And I especially love pretty food. But I really need to learn to control myself. Anyways, I guess I will stop lecturing myself on here. I'm sure you're not really interested or amused. Maybe you're amused. ... BOTTOM LINE: Next 8 week challenge from #TIU I will be focusing on working out AND eating healthier. And I just wrote that on the internet. So now you guys can hold me accountable. 

Well, I believe you guys are mostly caught up on my pathetically boring and unentertaining life. Maybe it will get more adventurous soon. Here's to hoping! Now excuse me while I go play "good student" and read an article for BWVW 101. Until next time..

XOXO, Nichole

Coffeeshops Etc.

     Currently sitting in this random bakery (which is really more like a deli) somewhere in Lynchburg. I still depend on my GPS to get me places, because I honestly have no idea where everything is! I WAS at this adorable coffeeshop, The Muse, but for some odd reason my laptop wouldn't connect to the internet. And that was a problem. So my roommates and I walked down the street to this weird bakery. The raspberry scone is yummy. The atmosphere is not.

     Well, here we are, the middle of the third week! Time is pretty much flying, but dragging at the same time. There are still so many things to get used to. Liberty University is SO much different than Pensacola Christian College. For one, you can actually acknowledge guys outside of campus. And holding hands? Not a problem. Yeah, shocker. Really, I keep having to tell myself not to be surprised. haha 

     I am not as homesick as the past two weeks, so that's nice. The homesickness really caught me by surprise. I mean, really, I spent TWO MONTHS away from my family. In a different country. Yeah. But, I suppose it wasn't as bad considering I was with my SECOND family. Anyways, I said all that to say the homesickness is better. Phew.

Surprised my sister for her birthday!

     Classes aren't too bad. Finally getting back into the swing of things. My chem class pretty much feels like a joke. I keep having to remind myself that we've started back at the basics...the last time I was in chem class, it was Organic and Biochem. Talk about a challenge. But, back to CHEM 107. Yeah. Not cool to have to take general chem again. Not at all. But, it is what it is, right?

     Favorite class so far? Conversational Spanish. Yes. I. Love. It. I had my first speaking test the other day..it was rough, I definitely wasn't fluid, but it was awesome. Painful (sorta) but awesome! I love learning how to say things and just thinking about the Hispanic culture and everything I can do when I (finally) can speak better. I keep thinking back to Nicaragua and wishing I had soaked in more. And missing it. Boy do I miss being there.

     Least favorite class? Not chem. Close, but not quite. My least favorite class would, without a doubt, be statistics. Hate it. So much. Like, what's the point? I'm an algebra girl. Not a statistics girl. No way. Ew.

Vanilla with Lemon Whipped Buttercream

     Well, I have been so busy lately, I haven't had a chance to even think about posting my recent cupcakes! For one, I got a new computer! Yay! Say hello to my new 13 inch MacBook Air! Haven't named him yet, but love him so far! As for cupcakes...I made Red Velvet Oreo & Vanilla with Lemon Whipped Buttercream for Labor Day. Delish. One of these days I will get around to actually posting recipes...

Red Velvet Oreo

     So, how's life you may ask? Aside from school and stuff? Still no job here in Lynchburg. Not cool. But, that will come. I hope. All in God's timing. It's so funny how much I feel I've learned, just in the past month. Clearly God wants me here. I can see it in everything. And it's an amazing feeling. Very challenging, because when you're on the right path, things don't always go according to your plan. But, God has had His hand in everything that's happened. I can just tell. It's hard to explain..just trust me on this. And I know that not everything that happens is a "sign from God". I realize that's not how He works. But, I'm starting to take things day by day, and focus on what He has put into each day. Maybe a person He's placed in my life. Maybe someone that will be there for me, or someone I can be there for. Maybe a challenge, such as taking chem AGAIN. Maybe letting me focus on school for the first few weeks instead of a job. Maybe placing me in a prayer group that I really need, or one that really needs me. We never truly know. It's just our job to live our lives for Him. Every day.

     Sadly, I haven't been running like I planned. Like, at all. I need to. Tomorrow, I aim to get my sad, tired butt out of bed and off to run. Maybe just a mile. Maybe two. Actually, no...definitely only one. Baby steps. 

     Anyways, maybe I should stop procrastinating and work on some Spanish vocab before bed. I do, after all, want to be fluent. ;) And need to wake up at 6:30 AM. Darn.

XOXO, 
     Nicky

Getting Adjusted

     I am a bad person. Seriously. I told myself I was going to write at least once a week. But, you know, I had to go and get distracted by packing and leaving for college. Yep. Of course. It's been 2 weeks since my last post. That's 14 days. Or 336 hours. I can keep going, but I think you get the point! Anyways, I do regret not keeping up with this. But, I'll make up for it.
    
     Well, I'm assuming you noticed that I said I left for college. Let me tell you, I thought it was going to be so much easier than it has turned out to be. No, I don't mean college...I just mean getting back INTO college. Like, the routine and being away and sitting in class. Let me tell you...it has been a challenge. For one, I don't have any close friends here. Like, I know people that go here, but haven't talked to them in years! But, my roommates have been pretty awesome, and I've met people in every class. That still doesn't mean that it's all fine and dandy. But, I suppose where friends are concerned, it's getting there. Aside from friends, let me tell you..sitting out of school for a year and trying to get your mind back into learning is kinda hard. Like, I feel like my brain is like "Hold up Nichole. You just spent over a year doing nothing with that brain but working and making cupcakes. Can we just go back to that?" Well, this is my response: "Brain...while I would love nothing more than to bake cupcakes all day and watch Netflix, I don't think that's God's current plan for me. So, Brain, we need to get used to going to class everyday, sitting through BORING classes like CHEM 107, and working hard to get As. Because, Brain, we. are. getting. As. Or A+s." 

     (Ok, so, maybe I don't really talk to my brain like that. I definitely don't. But I have been constantly telling myself that I can do this. It's hard. Really. But I can do it.) Today is only the 3rd day of classes. It will get better. Maybe I won't be so homesick if I didn't have a horrendous cold. Like, seriously, my voice gets more hoarse/non-existent every day. I'm just waiting to wake up without it. Hasn't happened yet though..

     Well, where cupcakes are concerned, I have created some concoctions in the past 2 weeks:

 

 

 Banana Split

 

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

 

(not pictured)

 

 and, the most recent,

 

 

Reese's Peanut Butter. Yum.

 

     What's the next cupcake project, you might ask? Well, that's a secret. But, it will happen soon. Like, probably tomorrow night. Depending on how much time I have. But, since classes haven't really been crazy yet, and I could really use some sort of stress reliever, I'm thinking I see some baking in the near future.

 

    Other random updates:

 

 



Said goodbye to my CFA family. (oops..sorry.."see ya later")

 

AND

 

 

We officially welcomed Shadowhunter into our family. Such a cutie.

 

     Now that you are completely caught up on my life, I have to say goodbye for the night. Unfortunately I am a college student once again, and would LOVE to get ahead on work. Until next time!

 

XOXO,

 

Nicky