Senior Updates I

Friday, October 6, 2017


It's already a month and a half into senior year, and the fact that I'm a senior still hasn't gotten any less weird. It's been crazy, and things have gotten super overwhelming recently, but overall it's gone pretty well. I know that soon, I'm going to blink and the semester is going to be over, and then I'm going to blink again and find myself at graduation, so I just want to try to enjoy everything as it comes.

I'm sorry if this post isn't remotely coherent my brain is so fried.

If you know anything about me, you know that I'm a complete memory hoarder. One of the things that I knew at the beginning of the year was that I wanted to try my best to remember everything that happens this year. I was inspired by my lovely friend Rachel's series last year to write a series of senior year updates here on the blog. I apologize in advance if they bore you to death, but I'm excited to be able to look back on these later.

-------

L A T E L Y

School has been going well so far. I have a fairly light load for senior year, thank goodness, and classes have been going well for the most part. I've been doing a decent job of getting assignments done early instead of waiting until the last minute, and it's definitely saving my sanity. Here's hoping that this lasts for the rest of the year!

because gifs just make things better

Theatre wise, things have been busy prepping for our fall play. I'm in charge of props, which I always love doing. It's crazy, but it's a lot of fun. We only have a couple weeks left, which always is nerve wracking, but it's super exciting! We've also started working on some choreography pieces for our Christmas show, and I'm pumped. I think they're going to be really, really good. Fingers crossed!

Here on the blog, I've been kind of absent, which I hate, but I've had to devote my attention to other things, and I'm learning that that's okay. I did share two posts that I really loved, though, so if you missed them, you should totally check them out. For Suicide Awareness Month, I joined with Elissa for her "Stay" series, and shared something that's super close to my heart. Then, later in the month...I GOT TO MEET AIMEE!! It was the most wonderful thing ever, and I miss her already. ♥

In smaller happy life-y things, we had a bouquet of sunflowers in our kitchen for a week, and it added so much sunshine to life. I finally managed to find a planner that I love, and that's just been an overall highlight. Elevation Worship's music is a blessing to life and basically is what keeps me sane at this point. A terrible group project is *finally* coming to an end, and I could cry tears of joy. Overall, my schedule has been ridiculously busy, but it's been peppered with lots of small, happy moments, so I'm thankful for that.

-------

G O A L S

-Rewrite rewrite rewrite rewrite REWRITE. So far it's not going super well, but I really want to get this second draft finished.

-Outline for NaNo. I haven't decided which project I want to work on yet, but I'm determined to take part in NaNo again. 

-Survive the SAT. I'm taking it a second time, and I can officially say that standardized testing is the worst.

-LOTS OF SNAIL MAIL!! I have so many people that I want to send some snail mail, but I just haven't had the chance yet. Several super sweet friends sent me things this past month, and I hope you all know that you made me cry happy tears and I love you very much. :') ♥

-College apps. They have to happen and I'm absolutely dreading it, but it's got to be done. 

-Start a habit tracker. I finally got a new planner (!!!!), and it comes with a few sheets of graph paper every month, so I want to use those pages to start a couple bullet journal type pages, including a habit tracker.  

-------

R E A D - S E P T E M B E R

Mr. Darcy's Daughters by Elizabeth Aston- Not a bad book, but not one of my absolute favorites. It's written very stylistically similar to Austen, but it just wasn't a book that I loved.

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams- I had to read this play for school. It's actually really good, with a ton of fantastic subtext. Naturally, reading it for school always dulls things a bit because you have to worry about whether you're comprehending it correctly, but it really is a good play.

A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway- I've wanted to read this forever, but I was really disappointed. I wanted to like it so badly, but I just didn't enjoy it at all.

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger- Honestly, I loved this book. It's not a super deep read or anything, and if you're looking for a clean book, this isn't the best option, but oh my goodness it is hilarious. It was just so entertaining, I couldn't help but love it. A definite guilty pleasure.

Dancing for Degas by Kathryn Wagner- I ended up DNF'ing this one. It just wasn't a book that I enjoyed. The writing style wasn't my favorite, and the plot went in a far different direction than what I expected. Just not one that I was a fan of.

We'll Meet Again by Mary Higgins Clark- I'm still in the middle of this one, but so far it's really good. I love Mary Higgins Clark novels, and this one has not disappointed.

Unwind by Neal Shusterman- And now we have arrived at the reason that I haven't finished We'll Meet Again. My friend Aimee absolutely blessed my life by sending me a copy of this book, and I have fallen in love. It. Is. So. Good. It's intense and it's sobering and it's thought provoking and it's absolutely wonderful. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.


-------

L I S T E N I N G

Car Radio- Twenty-Øne Piløts
I Won't Let You Go- Switchfoot
CAGES- NEEDTOBREATHE
Sun- Sleeping at Last
Here as in Heaven- Elevation Worship
How to Save a Life- The Fray
10,000 Miles- Sleeping at Last
Ireland- Legally Blonde
Stones Under Rushing Water- NEEDTOBREATHE
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic- Sleeping at Last

-------

So, tell me- how has life been going for you lately? What's been making you smile? What have you been reading and listening to? I want to hear everything! HAVE AN ABSOLUTELY LOVELY DAY, MY FRIEND! ♥

39 comments:

  1. That's awesome that you're in charge of props. I'm in charge of costumes for my school's theatre program. I love seeing the play when everybody is in their costumes. My school's play is in a few weeks, so we've been working overtime to prepare.

    http://www.goldclutter.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh, working costumes is so much fun! I totally feel you on the loads of preparation leading up to the performance. What show did you guys put on?

      Delete
  2. Life has been crazy. Some songs that have helped me are Warrior by Hannah Kerr and Fighting For You by Tenth Avenue North.
    I'm glad senior year is going well for you. It's definitely something I miss. I'm not going to college, so I'm just trying to figure out life right now, but God's got this. We'll be okay!
    This post is amazing. Just remember to have fun and focus on the present, not the future. :D
    God bless you!

    ~Ivie
    iviewrites.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am definitely going to check both of those songs out. Thank you for them. <3

      God's totally got you, girl! I can't wait to see all of the awesome plans He has for you. :) Thanks for your sweet reminders!!

      Delete
  3. NEEDTOBREATHE! Ahh! How to get them out of one's head is the question ;)
    -Michaila
    seventytimeseven.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right?? I feel like their songs are in my head 24/7 these days!

      Delete
  4. Love the idea of being a memory hoarder! I'm one, too :) Question: what grade is Senior year? Grade 12? In Canada, we don't use the Jr/Sr/Soph terms so much ... (or maybe we do and I've just never noticed and am super clueless? Who knows?) My fall has been just slightly busier than I'd like without being full-on crazy, so I'm living in the tension and putting one foot in front of the other :) Glad to see a post from you again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad that I'm not the only one! ;) <3 Yes, in America, senior year is twelfth grade! That's super interesting that y'all don't use those in Canada- honestly, it sounds simpler.
      I hope that your fall calms down just the slightest bit, and you're able to have a break from the tension!! <3

      Delete
  5. Always love your life updates posts x) Sounds like a good year so far! Good luck with the rest of it! <33

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are the sweetest <3 I hope that the rest of your year is lovely, Abby!

      Delete
  6. Sounds like you've been busy lately! Senior year is the most fun. There are stressful elements for sure, but most of it is a joy! Love the sunflower. I need to buy some flowers to brighten up my room real soon. <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very busy, but lots of good things, so I definitely can't complain. <3 Senior year really is a great time.

      You should ABSOLUTELY buy some flowers. They make any room 109820948x brighter and more lovely. <3

      Delete
  7. Ahhh, I'm so excited for you!!! :):)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm so excited to read your future Senior Updates posts! It seems like you've been super busy, good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I know that school can be super tough, I've watched my sister go through high school. <3 But try to soak all of this knowledge up, girlie, and enjoy it and reflect on it, because I think that once you get to college you won't be able to appreciate it as much. <3 <3 <3

    Amelia xxx
    <3

    Postscript: My life has been going well. We're just hopping from one thing to another during the week along with tons of school, so I'm really enjoying weekends now, lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very, very true, Amelia! : )

      I'm glad that things are going well for you! Enjoy those weekends, girl. xD

      Delete
  10. In charge of props...awesome!!! I don’t even know what role I’m gonna get for my next play lol But that’s so neat that you’re in charge! ;)
    Have the best senior year ever, Grace Anne. ❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh, what play are you doing???

      Thank you so much, Maxene <3

      Delete
    2. It's play my drama teacher wrote herself--a western. I found out that I'm actually playing one of the mainer characters! And I have to fall in love....(insert monkey-with-hands-covering-its-face emoji. xD)

      Delete
  11. Oh! I love this post! UNWIND!!! EEK! Major flailing happening over here. That whole series is just absolutely amazing and in no way disappointed me. I'm sure that you'll absolutely love it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love YOU!!! Oh my goodness, still can't get over how amazing Unwind is. BLESS AIMEE GAH. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

      Delete
  12. SAT's and college apps... fun fun (note the sarcasm). I can't wait to listen to some of those songs!

    Hailey
    www.haileyhudson.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ugh, I refuse to think about them. I hope you like the music!!

      Delete
  13. College classes, fam. Hard yet fun. Midterms are coming up in a couple weeks so pray for me...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh man, I hope that midterms went well for you!!! <3

      Delete
  14. Great post <3 Life's been fun - college classes, working as a ref, and attempting to finish a story!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh, that sounds very fun!! I hope that everything is going well for you, Madison!

      Delete
  15. YOUR POSTS ARE ALWAYS LOVELY AND COULD NEVER NEVER NEVER BORE ME :'''') Sounds like you've got a busy few months ahead!!! YOU KNOW I WOULD COME AND MAKE YOU WAFFLES IF I COULD <3 also sunflowers are so amazing aren't they?? like who can look at a sunflower and NOT smile?? that's what I want to know. ;) ALSO THERE'S SO MUCH SLEEPING AT LAST UP THERE ON YOUR RECENT MUSIC AND THAT MAKES ME SUPER HAPPYYYYY <33333 I really want to read Unwind sometime!!! I'VE HEARD THAT IT'S REALLY GOOD BUT ALSO HEAVY SO I HAVE TO MENTALLY PREPARE MYSELF HAHAA :")

    GO GET EM, GIRL. YOU GOT THIS ALL DAY ALL YEAR ALL THE TIME !! *fist bump*

    rock on,
    abbiee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YOU ARE SO SWEET I CANNOT HANDLE IT :''') goodness, I WISH WE COULD JUST HAVE A MASSIVE WAFFLE PARTY. That would literally be so much fun. Sunflowers are the best!!! I just want to fill a whole room up with them. <3 AND YES OH MY GOODNESS I LOVE SLEEPING AT LAST SO MUCH. Their music is so beautiful and relaxing, I can't get enough of it. YOU TOTALLY NEED TO READ UNWIND OH MY GOODNESS. It's definitely heavy and A HEART PUNCHER WOW but it's so freaking good I can't handle it.

      LOVE YOU SO MUCH MY FABULOUS FRIEND <3

      Delete
  16. Oh oh Unwind is SO GOOD but so brutal....I really want to reread it and then finish the series but ajdfkslad my FEELS. Also you sound super busy!! Good luck with aLL THE THINGS (especially the NaNo prep too!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love Unwind so much oh my goodness. <3 NEED TO READ THE REST OF THE SERIES. I'd love to see a review from you on it xD and THANK YOU MY QUEEN! <3

      Delete
  17. Sounds like life's been crazy for you! But also really good :) AND OMG HAVING SUNFLOWERS IN YOUR KITCHEN SOUNDS AMAZING <33 That would majorly lift my mood xD UGH AND YES I'm such a memory hoarder too. I try to write down every single little thing haha. But it will be worth it one day (I hope)! :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crazy but good is the perfect description of it. YES SUNFLOWERS ARE SO WONDERFUL. <3 I just want to have bouquets of them everywhere. I'm so glad that I'm not the only memory hoarder! I need to get better about writing everything down, because I just don't ever want to forget. <3

      Delete
  18. Standardised testing IS the worst. Best of luck for your SAT! I also got a new journal recently, but I'm starting to lean towards creative journaling more than bullet journaling lately. This is a great post, btw!
    You have a super lovely blog <3 I'd love if we can follow each other maybe? Do let me know!
    Have a great week ahead.

    Joanne | With Risa: A Lifestyle Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Joanne! Creative journaling is SO much fun. I love it. I've never gotten around to bullet journaling- I just don't think it's ever going to work for me.
      Thank you so much for your kind words! I'll definitely check out your blog. :) <3

      Delete
  19. Ugh, I feel you, man. Senior year is hitting hard. (I'm only taking 4 classes? which is half of last year's? but somehow it's super stressful still?) I've done literally n o t h i n g in the blogging world recently..or on social media, for that matter. XD Horray for new journals!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAME. How is it so hard with half the classes?? I don't get it, gah. I feel you on being forever behind in the blogging world. It's about to drive me crazy, ahaha. BUT YAY FOR NEW JOURNALS!

      Delete

♥ Comments brighten my day- I'd love to chat ♥

CopyRight Grace Anne Johnson 2024 © | Theme Designed By Hello Manhattan