What (another) beautiful wedding!

Holly and Kelly: This past weekend was a dear friend's wedding! The three of us have been friends for about 11 years (and counting). We met when we were freshmen in high school; she's a year older than us. Right before Christmas, she asked us if we would be bridesmaids in her wedding, so of course we jumped on the opportunity! The kicker? The last time (other than this weekend) that we all saw each other was 4 years ago.

Yup. You read that right. If THAT doesn't stand the test of true friendship, I don't know what does!

The wedding was yesterday, and we couldn't have asked for a greater day weather wise. It was cool, sunny and breezy. Since it was in September, we were a bit worried about how the weather was going to cooperate, but it was perfect! I (Kelly) was worried about how much stress was going to be involved in being a bridesmaid and of course with nuptial drama (which there was very little), but it was actually one of the most low stress and low key weddings we've ever been to. Never mind the fact that the both of us were in the wedding too! There weren't a lot of people at the ceremony, too. It was outside on some guy's farm that he owned and uses for weddings and other things (it's called the Willow Tree in Tipp City, Ohio. Give the pics a look!)

Overall it was a really awesome weekend! It was great to reconnect with old friends and meet some new ones along the way. We adore her now hubs and could not have asked for a better fit! We'll put some pictures up and possibly share some more stories as they come up along the way! As our mom would say, it was a 10+ weekend!!!!!

:) 

Why is it bad to be good?

Kelly: This has been in numerous conversations between Holly and I. In today's society, now stop me if I'm wrong, it seems to me that the world we live in is very negative orientated. Now what do I mean by that? In my experiences, the stigma associated with being a "good" individual was often looked down upon. In school, one may have heard phrases such as "teacher's pet" or "goody two-shoes." The good behavior in a student was often mocked, while the bad behavior was praised and often overlooked. Bad behavior, such as being disruptive, turning in work late and picking on other students. I, along with sis, was one of the "good" kids. I did my work, turned it in on time, participated when needed and was respectful of the teachers I had. This sometimes resulted in me being the butt of jokes; this also happened in band as well. There was one person in particular who gave Holly and I hell...for no apparent reason. We never did anything to provoke or wrong this person, but that was just the way it was.

I don't know what happened to this person, and I have put behind what has happened and forgiven this person in my heart. But something I will never understand is the fact that everyone seemed to look the other way. Why did nobody stand up for us? Why didn't I stand up for myself? It's not like I was expecting anything like that, but I do wonder sometimes. In today's media, bad behavior is always being reported, and it's often. OJ gets away with murder again, Casey Anthony walks free, and Kim Kardashian is at it again spending millions of dollars to rid herself of a 72-day matrimony. Yet the world we live in EATS THIS UP and young ones, especially girls, look up to people like that and say "I want to be like her!" It absolutely breaks my heart to raise my younger generation in this type of society. So what do we do? I don't know. I don't have a solution. My behavior will not change, that's for sure. 

Holly: I'll be honest, because I don't like bragging on myself, but I was pretty much the model child growing up.  I did what my parents told me (with the occasional typical grumbling and eye-rolling, of course), I worked hard in school and did well, I always did my homework, I hardly ever went out, I didn't drink, smoke, or party.  I'm pretty sure the whole "teenage rebellion" never happened to me.  I never gave in to peer pressure, but I'm not saying I was ever tempted.  Oh, and listen up y'all, if you've ever heard of peer pressure going away after high school, it's a load of crap.  I think it actually gets worse.  In high school I was relentlessly called "the smart one", the overachiever, the goody-goody, you name it, I was probably called it. God forbid we ever did the right thing; it was utterly savage.  

And to this day it still doesn't stop.  I totally killed a work conversation by saying I don't party, and that, no, I didn't get completely hammered on my 21st.  It was like I had just admitted to murder.  I DREAD conversations like those, because as soon as I open my mouth, even though words are hardly ever spoken, I know I'm getting judged.  I hate that.  Why does it have to be like that?  By my peers I've never been told "hey, good for you and the choices you make".  Or don't make, in many instances.  I'm the complete and polar opposite of what a 20-something is supposed to be in society: the social butterfly, always going out, hooking up, drinking.  Now listen here: I love going out.  I enjoy a drink every now and then.  I love being social.  But you can have fun without drinking, without acting wild and crazy, without threatening your reputation.  

I've never been one to follow the crowd.  Never have.  And I don't intend upon changing anytime soon.  

30 Days of Writing: Your academics

Holly: School has always been a big part of my life.  Now that I think about it, I'm 23 and I spent 20ish years of my life in school.  I was always motivated to do well in school...I rarely had a report card in elementary school with anything less than a B on it.  Same in high school; I think I had 2 C's on my report cards in four years of high school (you can thank physics and statistics for that).  High school holds a lot of fond memories: proms, Mock Trial, SEVEN YEARS of marching band, meeting my best friend, whom we are still friends with.  College was...a struggle.  I barely had to work in high school compared toBerea College; it was a whole new ballpark.  It's a lot different getting an A at Berea College than it is anywhere else.  I was struggling most semesters to just PASS my classes, let alone shooting for an A.  But nevertheless, I graduated, and I am so proud of myself, even a year later.  I made some of the most amazing friends there, formed close relationships with some of my professors, spent seven semesters in BME which changed my faith and my perspective on life in general, spent four weeks in England and learned so much more about the world, another culture, and myself (I WILL go back someday!!), found my wonderfully amazing church family...need I say more?  Is more school in the cards for me? Maybe.  I mean, there are so many options out there, and there are so many options that interest me.  But it's too hard for me to devote myself to just one area of study.  And to be honest, right now I don't think I'm disciplined enough.  In fact, I know I'm not disciplined enough.  I'm enjoying working and having time to myself and other areas, and not having to worry about school.   And the fact of the matter is that school is always out there, and I am always learning, even without a textbook or a Microsoft Word document in front of me.

Kelly: I did my best in all of my schoolwork, even though I mostly struggled. I worked hard for the C's on my report cards/college transcripts! When I was in 2nd grade I was told I had a "learning problem." Not necessarily a disability, but I struggled more than the average student. Had a hard time focusing...thought maybe ADD/ADHD/nonsense, but turns out I was just waiting for Holly's direction. Struggled a LOT in test-taking, the standardized ones of course. Made a 16 on the ACT, yet still got into Berea. Graduated 9th in my high school class with a 3.8 GPA. Then I came to Berea and decided I wanted to do nursing; THAT in of itself was the biggest challenge. My GPA took a nose dive, and as a result did not allow me to practice nursing in one area; the University of Louisville. It hurt, but there are plenty of other fish in the sea. But I worked VERY HARD and am proud of my college roots. If it wasn't for Berea I would have never got to meet all my awesome friends, go to Scotland, or anything that I am proud of and was able to do! And now...I'm getting ready to pass the ultimate test; the boards (May 29!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). I think my education at Berea has really prepared me for what is to come, and I will do my best to try and retain a fraction of what I learned in the almost 5 years I was there. I scored well on my HESI's in my capstone class (precursors to the boards; they were our finals in my nursing classes) so maybe I'm starting to get over my standardized testing phobias. We'll just have to see!

30 Days of Writing: Some things you'd like to say to an ex

Holly: Well...this is kind of interesting.  Not because of any ill-will or hard feelings, but because that part of my life was practically ancient history. We haven't talked in a while.  I'm such a different person now, and I'm willing to bet that you are too.

It's silly, actually, because when I talk to other people about you I still refer to you as "my ex", only for the simple fact that even though that part of my life was so long ago, you're still the only boyfriend I've ever had. Do I still think about those days? Of course I do.  Even though the relationship was short, I was happy, and I really did care about you.  I mean, it's not like I was expecting marriage or anything.  Honestly, I don't know what I was expecting.  I was 16.  I was an immature, star-eyed junior in high school who changed her dreams about every five minutes.  I found my MySpace blog a while ago...I couldn't shut up about you.      Seriously.  It was kind of ridiculous, actually.  But it definitely made me smile.  I'll be honest, after we broke up, I was really hurt and really confused for a really long time.  I blamed myself.  I look back on it now and it's just silly...high school romances rarely last and it was such a short run for us.  But when I fall for something, I fall for it hard and it takes a long time for me to let go.  Eventually though, I did.  I built my own life here in Berea.  I'm so happy now, and I sincerely hope you are too.

I will say this: you were a really good friend to me, after it was all said and done. I feel dumb saying this, but I hope that there's no hard feelings, even after all these years.  I hope I was good to you back then.  You're going to be an amazing music teacher someday.  Like I said earlier, we haven't talked in a while...drop me a message sometime, I'd love to catch up.

Kelly: I'm not where I want to be, but I'm not who I used to be. This is hard, because I've...never really been in a serious relationship. I was a freshman in high school and two of my friends wanted me to go out with a friend of mine and a friend of theirs...who was 2 years younger than me. We knew each other through band but that was about it. Yeah we did the silly "maybe this will be something more" taunts, flirts and other things young kids do when they're in "love." Classic school boy and school girl crush; nothing really more to me.

I don't want to say too much for the fear of hurting people's feelings, but I will say this; I wasn't ready. I wasn't a good "girlfriend" at the time and I don't know if I ever would have been a good one. I was young; I didn't have much say in the relationship, and I didn't feel like I was in control. Maybe if I had more time things may have been different. Maybe if I knew what I was doing....I don't know. And now; we both have grown up. It's been a while...a long while since we've last had a conversation, and I still remember what the conversation was about. I didn't know what to say, but I do now. Please...don't wait for me, because I'm not coming home. I've made Berea my new home, and I have a life here that I love. You deserve someone who will give you everything that you need, and as hard as this is for me to admit I'm not that person. Perhaps you don't feel the same way now, and maybe you've even forgotten about me. Whatever the case may be, I sincerely hope that you are happy and doing the work that God has blessed you with. I don't regret the time in which we were together and the times we were friends in high school, not at all. In fact it's completely the opposite. If you want to get back in touch with me great, and I've tried as well. If not, that's ok too; I'm not mad or angry, and I hope you're not angry with me. If you do want to talk though you know where to find me.

The power of words

Holly: It's not much of a surprise that many of our blog posts stem from conversations between Kelly and I.  This one is no exception.  Earlier this evening, while out and about taking a stroll through campus, we came across the subject of bullying.  Not just bullying, but words in general, and how they affect us.  Or don't, in the case of some people.  But that makes me wonder. 

I'll start this out by saying that Kelly and I were bullied in middle and high school.  Nothing horrible or anything, but yes, we were.  Obviously being in marching band and not giving in to the power highs of the queen bees of Fed Hock definitely made us prime targets.  But it wasn't what they said about us that bothered us, it's why they were saying these things about us.  Why had their perspectives of us changed?  Did one of us do something negatively to change their thinking?  I don't know how many times I've heard "Oh, I don't care what people say about me."  I think, to some degree, we do. 

Earlier in the semester I had a conversation with a friend about bullying, and I was expressing to her that I didn't understand why bullies bullied.  I learned from this (and I find this to be rather true, now that I think about it) that bullies usually attack because it's an outward expression of stuff that's going on on the inside.  The prime queen bee that bullied Kelly and I in high school, let's be frank, did not really have the greatest of home lives.  But something that got to me is that people react and deal with things differently.  Like Kelly and I, for example.  Our queen bee bully had a terrible home life and probably had some horrible things said/done to her, so she, in turn, took all that #$%^&*&^ going on at home out on Kelly and I.  But Kelly and I had a wonderful, loving, and supportive home life.  How were we supposed to react to that?

Then I think about children who have crappy home lives, and then go to school and deal with more crap from bullies.  How are they supposed to react to that?  I think that this is what is driving 11, 12, and 13-year-old to suicide! All because of what other people say about them!  That, in my eyes, is totally unacceptable. 

I know I digressed quite a bit, and I apologize.  But from what I've been through and from what others have been through, it has definitely made me more aware of what I say.  There are so many young people out there who go through each day thinking something to the degree of "If no one smiles at me today, then tonight I'm ending it all", or "If no one says hi to me, then that's it.  I'm done."  What if something we say drives someone over the edge.....or pulls them back from it?

Kelly: I couldn't have said this better than myself. Being on the outside looking in has helped me to try to be more kind to people in general. The truth is at any given day or time we don't know what someone is going through. All it takes is one thing that we say wrong or one wrong action. And that's it. Kind of makes you wonder; do the bullies feel sorry for what they do/did? Do they feel remorse? Or do the viscous cycles continue? One thing is for sure, something that Holly mentioned. She mentioned that our top bully probably had a bad home life and such. But some bullies DON'T; some of them are raised by wonderful parents and have a wonderful home life. Yet something in them flips a switch. I don't understand it. And as long as I am a living, breathing individual I don't think I will. And sometimes it doesn't end. Even here in college I have witnessed bullying through gossip. One time it was my peers bullying a friend of mine. I put a stop to it!

So what do we do? Here's a thought; what if it were you? What if it were a friend? What if it was your son/daughter/grandchild/niece/nephew etc? My answer; just depends on the situation. But I close with this; let's all just THINK before we SPEAK. Words really can hurt, but they can also encourage and uplift. Pick flowers, not fights. Make love, not war. James 1:19, be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Hasn't changed a bit

Holly: I know we just blogged yesterday, but too much good has happened not to share! ^___^

Kelly and I spent the day having our spring break scheduled "sister date".  Yes, we had so much planned this week that we scheduled a sister date.  Sue us.  We visited our high school alma mater today. 

Yup, good ol' Federal Hocking.  Seems like ages ago that Kelly and I graduated (2008...so it wasn't THAT long ago).  Anyway, we hadn't visited since just starting out at Berea and after Mom ran into some of our ex-teachers, we figured we'd pay everyone a little visit.  It was so wonderful to reconnect with some of our favorite high school teachers!!! They were so excited that we were almost finished with school, trying to figure out what to do with our lives, and I graduating very, very soon!  As Kelly and I wandered the halls hunting people down, something that kept coming to us is "Wow, this place hasn't changed a bit."  Suddenly we were transformed back into wide-eyed 15-year-old freshmen! 

Yeah, high school wasn't a picnic for us (being in marching band, science olympiad, and mock trial puts you at the very bottom of the social totem pole), but seeing everyone today reminded me that we had some pretty great times in high school.  I miss having the teachers I ran into today.  I miss the innocence of high school; you didn't have to have all the answers!  Kelly and I were welcomed with open arms as we opened the doors of the seemingly-forgotten halls of Fed Hock.  I will never forget that.  I hope to visit again before we make our big move.

P.S. An unrelated bit of good news: JOB INTERVIEW NEXT WEEK! Sometime.  Not sure yet! BUT IT'S A JOB INTERVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Kelly: I admit, I was a little skeptical walking into the doors, just because it has been so long. How in the world were people going to react to us two geek burgers walking in through the double doors on a Thursday afternoon? But it was just like old times; picked up right where we left off. We filled everyone in with our potential move, apartment finding, college hustle and bustle, and of course, me and the fact that I still have one more long and painful year of nursing school left to endure. But it will be here before I know it!


After our high-school rendezvous, we hit town and did some mini shopping. What I distinctly remember about today (other than sis getting a high-five from our former Spanish teacher) was listening to a song on the radio and thinking about good times from long ago. When we were still in youth group in high school we would go to this big weekend outdoor concert thing that was SUPER AWESOME. There was one band that was playing their well-known song called "Washed by the Water." As soon as the chorus started, it began POURING.


Even when the rain falls
Even when the flood starts rising
Even when the storm comes
I am washed by the water 


On the way home today, it had been sprinkling on and off. When that song came on the radio I said to Holly "wouldn't it be funny if it started raining?" Turned out I had been thinking the same thing too. I realize that my contribution has nothing to do with Holly's, but it just made me think. We have worked very hard to get where we are today, and the roads we have taken have not been easy. But we were both reminded we've got a large cheering squad here at home that are rooting for us! Yes, we have been hit with personal rain storms and floods, but they wash away and good times come forth. Ok, enough of my platform today. Yay for good times!