Trying New Things

So, I am almost 'all the way' moved into my new apartment. 

(I'll be posting photos likely with the next blog that I write, in due time.)

 It's the first place I've been in that has a lease in my name.

But with this new apartment, comes new responsibilities, like keeping the space organized, and paying bills.

Luckily, I was given a promotion at work recently (from Barista to Lead Barista... Kind of a lower management level position), which means that I will be able to work more flexible hours, and have (though it is slight) a pay raise.

With all kinds of obligations now, I have still to 'ball' harder on a budget, and do some things that I'm not used to doing.

Crazy, right? Trying new things? What?

The first thing I'm focusing on is food--

as in cooking for myself, not splurging a whole bunch on junk, and eating healthier.

With drumline in full swing, I'm in the best shape I will be all year-- unless I learn to maintain it.

So here's my first shot at a home done smoothie.

My roommate, Erin, brought this beauty (the blender) with her to Morgan Junction (that's the name of our apartment, I will indeed explain more about my place later), and today I was able to figure out how this old school piece of machinery works.

I threw in some frozen mixed berries, frozen pineapple chunks, chopped carrots, then added grapefruit juice.

Voila!

It was a bit sour due to all of the grapefruit juice, so next time I'll cut it with some other liquid.

Readers: Do you have a suggestion of new things I could try?

I'm thinking healthy, borderline-simple, and frugal!

Thanks for reading! I have a smoothie to finish!

The Pursuit of Happiness: Counting Blessings

Life is hard. I mean, really really hard. Making day to day decisions and managing time while trying to take care of yourself is an ongoing challenge.

Lately, my biggest stresses have been about my self-esteem and whether or not I'll be able to achieve my education and career goals, or if they're even what I want. 

But even in that, I realize something:
I am so very blessed.

An example of this is by considering the situations that others are in, in comparison to my own--

A few months ago at work, a man came in and gestured something to my coworker, Katie. He mouthed "I am deaf", and asked for a pen and paper, which Katie handled him. He wrote his order on some receipt paper as follows:

I proceeded to make his drink. He said "thank you" aloud, with the biggest smile in his face. 

I swear, I'm such a baby, but tears welled up in my eyes as I realized this man was doing just fine, if not better than most of we "non-disabled" people of the world. They hold the most determination and pride that I have ever witnessed.

Another man came in only a few weeks ago. 

He was in a wheelchair and had to be pushed by someone. 

After I finished making his drink, I was asked to push him over to the windows so that he could look outside. 

Yes, there was a big line and everything, but I couldn't help but make this man the priority. 

You see, these kinds of things are what brings hope and compassion alive and burning in my heart. 

I feel like whenever I am losing faith, 

He shows me just how to appreciate life

and reminds me that I am so very blessed.

That will always remain true; being God's child brings me daily blessings, I just need to get closer and closer to him. Sometimes I lose sight of that.

I am writing this as I pack up my Orting room, breaking down furniture, and preparing for another huge transition in my life. 

I am so blessed to have the opportunity for an education at such a great institute like the University of Washington, and this year I am going to focus more on my academics, as well as the daily blessings I may have not taken notice to last year.

Let's count some blessings, shall we?:

1. I am blessed to live in the beautiful PNW. 

The beautiful new stadium, with a beautiful PNW sunset.

2. I am blessed to be a part of the Husky Drumline,

which brings me to--

3. I am blessed to have played at the first game in

the newly renovated Husky Stadium!

4. I am blessed to have such great friends from

all around the country, and possibly the globe.

(Speaking of across the country:...)

My  incredible brother, Braxton.
He lives in Waco/Baton Rouge,
but he is such a strong man of God
and huge support to me.

This is Devin. He lives in Oklahoma,
and let's just say that he's one of the craziest guys I've met.
He's a tenor player, so that explains a lot.

5. I am blessed to have food to eat, clothes to wear, 

and a warm place to stay every night.

I should return to packing, but as I do so... I continue to reflect on all of these blessings, and more.

For these things, I am forever grateful.