The Dream

Good morning everyone! It's been a hot second since I posted anything, and I just really felt like writing a lil bit today!
When people ask me how I'm doing, my most common response has become: "Well ya know...just livin' the dream." This is said half sarcastically, half seriously. Upon a little bit of self-reflection, that phrase is more serious than sarcastic. I am at a really great place in life right now. I'm nearly finished with college, I've got a job that is not only great with my schedule but is also the best place on campus and I'm surrounded by amazing people. I have opportunities to serve and love and have fun everywhere, and that's really special.
Another thing I've been thinking about this week is the Fourth. Guys. The Fourth of July is honestly one of my favorite holidays. The current Top 5 goes as such:

1. Christmas (duh)

2. Fourth of July and my Birthday tie for second place

3. Thanksgiving

4. Halloween

5. Easter

There are few things about the fourth that I don't love. Red, white and blue is my absolute favorite color combination. Fireworks are basically giant explosions of glitter, I don't hate it. It's in the middle of summer, which already makes it a winner by default. Good food always seems to be a thing that happens on the fourth. IT'S JUST THE BEST HOLIDAY GUYS.

Also, Provo is the bomb on the fourth. So many cool things it makes me smile just thinking about it. Every morning this week I've been sitting by my window reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone while listening to hot air balloons all around. Completely casual and completely captivating. I need to ride in one someday. Freedom Fest is this weekend, and it's likely going to be insane around here. The parade is Saturday morning and I would bet money on people already setting up tents to reserve their spots along University Avenue for it. Probably my favorite thing that's happening is the Rooftop Concert this evening. If this isn't the coolest thing Provo does, I have no clue what is. Plus my fam is coming into town for it today, so that makes it even cooler.

I also love the fourth because I am insanely grateful for this nation. I am so blessed to live in a nation that allows me the freedoms it does. I am so grateful to know that I can vote, and attend a religious university and have rights. It is a privilege denied to millions of women worldwide, and I'm so blessed to have these rights. I am grateful every day for those brave souls who protect my nation. For those who do good even if no one sees. I am a believer in putting good out in the world, and anyone who takes the time do so at no benefit to themselves is someone I'm grateful for. Life is too short to be angry at things you can't change. There are so many things to be happy about. "I'm on a roller coaster that only goes up my friend." (S/O to John Green for writing The Fault in Our Stars and for that quote.)