a little background...

...I think is in order.  Even if it's just for me.  A foundation, a level playing ground.  Some good things to know:
I'm an only daughter. My parents are the two most important people in my life and I love them so incredibly much.
I'm a college student. I attend James Madison University in the beautiful Shenandoah valley of Virginia. There's a part of me that's in love with the mountains, and I think always will be. It's beyond gorgeous here, but maybe I'm biased!
I'm a sophomore nursing major. I'm not officially in nursing school yet, I still have to apply to get in this December. But nursing and the medical field is something I'm so passionate about, and I can't imagine trying to do anything else. 
I'm a planner.  I like to be in control of things, especially my time.  I like to know what's going on, what's up, and what's coming next. I'm gradually learning that I need to let go of being in control. It's a daily struggle.
I'm an introvert.  Sometimes I just need to be alone and not talk to people for a while.  It helps me recharge and keep my sanity.
I'm a lover of a lot of things... 

• Animals ~ especially cats. I joke that I'm going to be a cat lady one day, but it might actually be true and I think I would love it! I love other animals too, I just have a soft spot for cats. I have two back home that I miss dearly when I'm away at school.

• Coffee ~ I don't think I could make it through my day without it. In all seriousness. I'm most likely addicted, but it's just too good! 

• Reading ~ As in actually turning pages in a book. There's something about holding a book in my hands, turning the pages, smelling the new book smell, and letting myself get lost for a while.

• Black & white pictures ~ I'm not quite sure what it is, but something is simply better about them.

• Music ~ All kinds. Classical, country, rock, Broadway, Top 40 etc. I play the piano, which I also love. It's a stress reliever for me, and it just makes me happy! In fact, I think I'm almost happiest when it's just me and the keys in front of me with time to waste.

• Stargazing ~ I'm that nerd that absolutely loves the planetarium. But stargazing is one of my favorite things to do and I don't do it nearly enough.

• Movies ~ I'm a huge movie buff. I get it honestly from my parents. Watching movies is something we love to do together. And I'll give any movie a shot, at least once!

• Laughter ~ I love hearing people's laughs. It's so unique to each person. Sometimes a good, long laugh makes things a little better. And another thing my family loves to do together is watch stand-up comedy. Corny jokes, dry jokes, I've heard a lot of them!

• Sleep ~ I like it a lot. I'm the type of person that if I don't get my sleep, it's just not a good thing. And call me crazy, but I have this theory. I think a person is most beautiful (or handsome) when they first wake up in the morning. When they first open their eyes, stretch, that's when they're most vulnerable. Most real.

• Simple things ~ Everything from sunsets, singing, fresh air, real conversations to running outside. And a lot of things in between. 

In my opinion, i think I saved the best for last. A huge part of me is my faith. I wouldn't be who I am today without God in my life. He saved my life. He sent His son to die for me, because He loves me that much. Loves all of us that much. I know I'm far from perfect. I mess up a lot and make a ton of mistakes. But He loves me just the same. Incredible. I fail him every day, but He never fails. It's safe to say...I'm in love. I'm in love with God, His Son and living life for Him. It's not easy. Oh my, it is not easy. But it's worth it. 

A little love note God left outside my apartment the other night. And the mountains I so dearly love.