Advice from a wise sage (that's me!)

WHY IS TIME GOING BY SO FAST. 

My sophmore year is almost over. My sister is graduating high school. My best friends will be graduating next year. I'm about to turn sixteen. WHAT IS HAPPENING.

Guys, you've probably heard this a million times already, but one more time can't hurt: we need to cherish every moment. Every laugh, every tear, every post on Instagram, every chicken nugget. We're only young for so long, and don't we want something to smile about when we're sitting in a rocking chair while watching Wheel of Fortune sixty years from now?

Take risks. Go on adventures. Try something new, even if it's a new salsa for your tortilla chips.

We're only a couple weeks away from the end of the school year and after this, I won't be going back to Heritage. I'll really miss it, even though I had to give several speeches and read way too many confusing books. And yet, so many of my best memories were made there! (my favorite being the time I hit one of my teachers on the head with a ball) But it's time to grow up and experience new things, so I'll be spending my junior and senior year at our community college.

Knowing that everything is changing so quickly, I've been able to appreciate everything a little more. The beach days, photo shoots with Kryn, and spontaneous swing dancing with friends. When you look back at all the fun things that've happened, you realize that life is truly beautiful! I encourage you to do the same, friends!!

THE PERKS OF BEING A FLORIDIAN

In case you don't know me, I'm Sarah. Lover of donuts, big-time complainer. And whiner. And pouter. It's a problem.

I complain about a lot of things, including the amount of homework I have and why Zac Efron won't marry me. But there's one thing I complain about more than anything, and that's Florida.

Yeah, Florida is nice if you're going on a summer vacation for two weeks, but when you've lived your entire fifteen years of life in what seems to be a pit of fire, it gets a little annoying!!

But hey, it's starting to grow on me. For one, I'm starting to really love the beach. I mean I've always enjoyoed it, but this year it's different...it's like the beach and I have a new appreciation for each other. Whether playing volleyball with friends or trying to take the perfect Insta picture, the beach is always a blast.

Also, for someone who hates jeans, I don't have to worry about that! The weather here is always perfect for some shorts and a top and flip-flops. Even in the winter (when the low is like 60 degrees), shorts are still an option. And so is eating ice cream!

So overall, Florida isn't all that bad. I may bash it a lot, but actually, it's okay, I guess.

Inspired by a vanilla latte...

I took a bit of a blogging break (though I didn't know I was taking one...it just kind of happened) because my mind has been all over the place lately, and I can't seem to focus on anything. I had so much stuff going on all at once and then BAM, I had nothing to do and what does that result in? Netflix and cookie dough, yes.

And also being sad and alone.

Anyway, my point is, I haven't been myself lately. I haven't been obsessing over the very important things in life such as nail polish and Dylan O'brien. I haven't been butting into every conversation possible or taking selfies in the classroom.

But this weekend has been better. I went to a nice, quiet little cafe with a good friend, and also discovered that I am in love with vanilla lattes. (seriously, I tried one last week and I can't stop drinking them. I think I have a problem!) And then tonight at youth group, a young girl was talking about changing yourself if you aren't happy with who you are, and it inspired me.

Whenever bad things happen in my life, my solution always seems to be to shut down and block everyone out. But I don't want to do that anymore. I want to tell people about my problems and get some encouragement. It's really hard for me to open up sometimes, but I think it'll be good for me!

And also, I've discovered this: I need to stay busy in order to be happy. I love going from one place to another, rushing around, having places to be, things to do. And sometimes it gets a little overwhelming! Trying to juggle school and a social life, it's difficult! But it beats having nothing to do all day so business it is!

All I'm trying to say is that I'm going to start changing who I am. I'm going to be more positive and friendly and try to get the best out of life, because we are here for such a short time, so why waste it?

"LIFE IS A GIFT. 

WAKE UP EVERYDAY AND

REALIZE THAT."

TWENTY FIFTEEN GOALS.

It's already January 8th and I haven't shared my new year's goals with all of you. How can that be?! Oh well, better late then never, am I right??

I actually wasn't sure if I wanted to do this this year. Usually whenever I make goals of any kind, they just end up being ignored and forgotten. I felt like it was a waste of time, trying to get my lazy butt off the couch and out doing something. But yet, here I am, making more goals that probably will not be accomplished!!!

A NEW ACTIVITY TO TRY|| I used to be so scared to try something new, but now I'm opening up to the idea! I love making new friends and new memories. I've recently found a new love for theater, so who knows what my next obsession will be! Maybe dance lessons? Bagpipes?

A NEW BOOK TO READ||  I always tend to forget that we have these things called libraries, and that in these libraries are thousands of magnificent books that will take you to a whole new world. I keep searching for the perfect book, but so far I haven't found it! Book suggestions, anyone?!

SAY YES TO LOTS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES|| It's crazy how often I find myself bored. And part of the reason is because I always turn people down when they invite me to things. But I've decided to start being such a grouch, put some decent clothes on, and go out and have fun. I'm always glad when I do!

BAKE MORE|| Baking is something I really enjoy doing, and I started a cake pop business a couple years ago. It brought me a decent amount of cash, but it's kind of fading off now!! So I really want to learn some more recipes and make some fancy stuff. Partly because deserts are delicious, and partly because they make for great instagram pictures. It's a win win!

Only four goals this year; I wanted to keep it short and sweet so that I might actually have a chance at accomplishing half of them. Hopefully I can stick to it this year!

thoughts on a rainy tuesday.

START EACH DAY WITH A POSITIVE THOUGHT. I keep seeing this all over Pinterest and the more I see it, the more I love it. Whenever I wake up, I'll think about something positive, like "It's almost Christmas" or "I'm going to get donuts today". (don't judge. Donuts make me happy.)

INNER BEAUTY IS GREAT, BUT A LITTLE MASCARA NEVER HURT. Lots of people are debating on whether or not makeup is okay for girls to wear, and I started getting a little confused too. But then I realized, makeup is a way for girls to feel good about themselves. It's a way for us to express ourselves, and I think that's just fine. Boys have their abs that give them self-confidence, and girls have their makeup. 

LIFE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT TO BE WONDERFUL. Life will never be perfect. You will never be perfect. Nothing will every be perfect. But we can still have fun, enjoy life,  because life is beautiful. Get out there and sing with the birds and say hi to strangers. 

WHAT DEFINES US IS HOW WE RISE AFTER WE FALL. When something happens in your life, and you feel like you won't ever move on and you just want to sit in a dark corner of your room for the rest of your life, don't. You need to get up, forget about it, and move on with life. Just sitting there and thinking about it won't do any good. 

IT WAS TIME FOR A CHANGE, SO...

 As I keep reminding you, fall is here!!! And I decided that with fall here, it was time for a change. But before I could just whip up some change, I needed inspiration. And where do you go for inspiration? Pinterest, my friends!

So I'm scrolling through my Pinterest feed and I'm seeing lots of fall pins of girls surrounded by beautiful, colorful trees while in dresses and tights and comfy sweaters. And glasses!

I have always had a hard time understanding that with the right pair of glasses, you're able to see clearly and look cute. I ended up hating my first pair, but I guess second time's a charm for me, because so far I'm loving these glasses! 

Change can be scary sometimes, but other times, it's not so bad!

FOR THE LOVE OF FALL

Two days ago was the first day of fall (as you all know, I'm sure) and let me tell you: I live in Florida, and in Florida, wonderful things like fall and winter don't exist. But we like to imagine! So when I saw two little leaves fall from our big oak tree, you can bet all your donuts that I was jumping around and screaming "It's happening! It's happening!!"

Floridians I get very excited over these things.

So anyway, in spirit of fall, I bought some ankle boots (with a coupon, of course) and new sweaters and took pictures in them. It's the obvious thing to do, right?

I'm dying to travel to a state where it actually gets cold during fall, and to see the leaves actually change colors, and be able to drink hot chocolate without burning up inside. These are the things that I consider bucket list items!! Other people might want to travel to Paris or see a Justin Bieber concert, but not me, I just want to wear my sweaters and jeans and be cold.

To conclude: I love fall, even if the closest thing I get to it is looking at fall pins on Pinterest!

Shake it Off

"Cause the players gonna play, the haters gonna hate, I'm just gonna shake it off, shake it off"

So this new Taylor Swift song...

Other people may just listen to it and not even think about what it means. And I did that too, at first. But the more I heard it, the more it began to speak to me.

"Heart-breakers gonna break, fakers gonna fake, but I'm just gonna shake it off, shake it off"

There are some things that have happened in my life, and I always have trouble moving on from them. They stay in my mind and often appear in my journals. Sometimes I have a hard time falling asleep at night because I'm still thinking about those moments. 

But after hearing this song, I've realized: what's the point? Why should I keep obsessing over the past when it's over! It's done! I can move on with my life now! I can shake it off. 

I'm trying to think more positively now and live my live with more smiles, laughs, and all things pleasant. I'm trying to forgive and forget, to love people. 

I know it'll still be hard. I know that these thoughts will still creep into my head sometimes, but I have to remember this: I am not alone. I have been blessed by so many friends that love me and care about me, and I have a God that is always with me. We are never alone, because our God is always here and always will be.