The other, more challenging, struggle I have with time is regarding things I can't control. I can make sure I show up to clinical on time, but I can't slow time down. I can't add days to my life or spend time with those who have already passed before me.

I catch myself every day counting down the weeks left of school. Actually, the days. And depending on the day, maybe even the hours (just kidding). But seriously, being stressed makes me want it to be over. And over as soon as possible. But I know the only thing that I'm doing is wishing away time. One thing my mom has always told me to never do. 

I know that I'm doing this every time I say to myself, "okay only three more regular weeks, two more half weeks, finals, and I'm done." Because I'm going to say that one too many times and years are going to be gone. But not only years, time. Time that could be spent enjoying every day and making most out of every season of my life. 

I catch myself wishing I was five years old again. Seriously, five. I want to go back to when I didn't have a care in the world. I want to cry to my mom, her give me a kiss, and everything be better. Or my dad put me on his shoulders and I feel as if I can conquer the world. I miss that. And I know I'm going to miss being twenty years old one day too.

The thing that tears me up the most is in regard to my family. I can't tell you how much I love to spend time with my them. If I could chose a trip with anyone, I'm probably going to name one of them. Girls night? My mom. Ball game? My dad. A weekend getaway? My cousins. And so on. That's just who I am, and I love it. The thoughts of not being able to experience every little thing with them scares me to death. I think this is the scariest part of wishing time away, is that I'm wishing time away that could be spent with people I love.

I constantly am talking to my mom about how "I can't wait" to meet the right guy and really fall in love, get married, and eventually have kids. I've dreamed of those things since I was probably five years old. But I can wait. Because yet again, I'm wishing away time. 

So to be honest, I'm not sure if what I'm doing is right or wrong. I know that I cherish each day, but also subconsciously am wishing them away. Through all of this, I've learned one thing: to be content with where I am and enjoy each day for what it offers. I need to live a life that I won't look back with regrets. I need to live each day with intention. As my mom has told me time and time again, worrying about how fast time is passing is the quickest way to make it pass.

My goal is to live in the now and be present no matter where I am so that I can make the best of today before it's too late.

I sure am missing the beach, but not the Spring Break sun poison. 

As fun as spring break was last year, the repercussions that came along with it were not my favorite. When it's so foggy you can't see off your balcony for days.. a sunny day is treasured. And goodness did we treasure it. The ride back from Florida was the longest 8 hours of my life. Sun poison is not a fun experience. Spring breakers, wear sunscreen and don't be dumb.

This year my spring break will be spent in Chattanooga. I'm looking forward to catching up on sleep, regaining my sanity, and just taking a deep breath.

Here's to refueling and finishing the semester out strong. If you would like to see any cute pictures like the one below or any updates from the last few months in regard to life/school/puppy, check those out here...

Week 9 Update and all about my Nashville trips

Week 5 Update ... plus an eye twitch

Week 1 Update

Back to School

And so far on Spring Break..

Downtown days with the sweetest pup

How time keeps flying by absolutely amazes me! We're already nine weeks into this semester. I honestly can't believe it. Clearly keeping up with these updates is not my strong suit, so let's see if I can remember more than what happened yesterday. I think I'm going to have to start changing these into monthly updates, because I'm clearly failing at keeping up each week. Last time I updated was after week 5, and since then I've had clinicals all over the city while drowning in books in any of my "spare" time. The last few weeks I've constantly felt behind. And honestly it's more than a feeling, it's a fact. I've been behind numerous chapters each week, but some of the best advice I was given was from my mom. She simply reminded me, "You'll get it done. Even if it's the night before the exam and you're pulling an all-nighter, I know you'll get it done." This. This right here is what I needed to hear. As simple as this was, it couldn't be more true. I now remind myself this each day.

Last weekend I gave myself a break and headed up to Nashville! Let me just say... what a trip! The trip up was easy as can be (except for the rain), we had dinner at The Pharmacy, and then headed over to 3rd and Lindsley to see my girl Jessie James Decker perform. Yall... I've been dreaming of this day for years. The best part is, I had a VIP pass and was able to meet her. This show was so. much. fun. I've seen a bunch of shows in this type of venue, and let me just tell ya, this one was up there at the top! Now the interesting part... we get back in the car at about 1240 Chattanooga time. I had to be on the floor in Hixson at 630 for clinicals and normally get up around 515, so needless to say I was going to be running off of next to no sleep for the night. About an hour into the trip home, we come to a stop. A complete stop. Turns out the interstate was shut down due to an overturned 18 wheeler. Cars were off, people were walking around, it was 130 at home, and I was freaking out. Long story short, after about an hour we started moving again. Aside from the absolutely awful fog that we hit on the mountain, the rest of the trip was a breeze. After about an hour and fifteen minutes of sleep, time for clinicals. Clinicals passed and then it was time to do it all over again. Yep, you heard that right. This time mom joined me and we headed back to Nashville to go see Blake Shelton, her absolute favorite. Blake was incredible! I can't believe I forgot to get a picture of us. We'll blame it on my sleepy brain. I absolutely love these trips with my mom. Nashville is our place, and we never fail to have a good time.

This is what dreams are made of!!! Jessie James Decker!

Eric and Jessie Decker

Now we are one week away from Spring Break and I'm pretty sure my motivation is at an all time low. Once we're back from Spring Break, five weeks plus finals and this semester is in the books!

And now for puppy pictures... 4 months old and wild as can be. Obsessed with sticks, walks, tennis balls, and his teddy bear.