22 before 23

I've been really bad at following through with these lists in years past. (See here and here.) Maybe they feel too much like resolutions since my birthday falls so close to the new year. Whatever the reason, I really do want to accomplish the things on my list this year. I want to be more intentional about it.

1. Graduate with my B.A. in English and Theological Studies.

2. Move out on my own.

3. Donate my hair. (It's almost long enough!)

4. Save up enough money to upgrade my camera.

5. Join a ministry that allows me to minister to others on a weekly basis.

6. Learn how to budget.

7. Take up rock-climbing.

8. Grow my photography business.

9. Learn how to knit or crochet.

10. Paint three new paintings.

11. Go camping with friends at least twice.

12. Read fifty books.

13. Write at least two short stories.

14. Read The Silmarillion. 

15.  Blog at least twice a month.

16. Take active steps to worry less.

17. Read through the entire Bible.

18. Do something nice for a friend at least once a week.

19. Write an encouraging note to my heroes.

20. Meet a celebrity. 

21. Do something out of my comfort zone.

22. Be a tourist in my own city.

Yes, I realize that some of these are repeats from years past (uncompleted ones, I might add). But I think that they're things really worth doing. I'm going to try to keep up on my progress throughout the year as far as this list is concerned.

Here's to making twenty-two my boldest, most passionate, most selfless year yet.

xo,

Katy

twenty-one before twenty-two

1. Hold an art show.

2. Visit every (good) coffee shop in Nashville.

3. Learn to knit.

4. Learn "Montagues and Capulets" by Prokofiev.

5. Visit a new country. (x2)

6. Go to the farmer's market downtown.

7. Attend a show at the Ryman.

8. Write something once a week.

9. Read through the entire Bible.

10. Watch all seven Harry Potter movies in a row.

11. Make a new friend.

12. Begin learning Spanish.

13. Get organized. 

14. Grow my hair out.

15. Make a stop-motion film. 

16. Become confident enough to share my songs.

17. Host a party.

18. Re-brand my photography business. 

19. Read Flannery O'Connor's anthology.

20. Visit the Grand Canyon. 

21. Go on a fancy date. (Read: find a boyfriend.) (Read: just kidding.) (Read: kind of.)

This list is one-part new years resolutions, one part birthday goals, and one part insane. I didn't get anywhere near to finishing last year's list, but I don't see why I can't at least attempt it again. And these goals are somewhat more manageable, as many of them are already in the works. Maybe it's cheating, but since this is my birthday list, I suppose I can make the rules. :)




Me and my sassy self are off to watch Nashville and try not to get sick.

xo,
Katy

family and fences and trains

 

I got to photograph my sister's ridiculously good looking family this past saturday. Though it may look like frigid mid-winter in these photos, it was probably 70 degrees outside. The weather here in Nashville is so confused right now. It's currently pouring rain outside. 

 

My sweet sister and I. And yes, my hair is now a nice shade of Christmas red! Also...unicycles.

 xo, 

Katy

november blue

 

So here's what's up with life at the moment:

First off, I've been a giant bundle of stress lately. I seriously have a problem with telling people "no." Thanks to this character flaw, I've ended up with entirely too much on my plate. I hardly have time to do the things I have to do, let alone the things I want to do. Thankfully, there are four weeks left in this semester. I'm really going to cut back on my commitments next semester so I can actually get the rest I need to function. I'm tired of pulling myself together and scrapping up enough energy to get through the day. I want to live. 

November is tough month for me. If you've been around here a while, you know this already. Super thanks to those of you who've been praying for me. I've been doing okay thus far...I've only had my reoccurring dream once, and only one random breakdown. It's hard to believe my sweet mom has been gone almost four years. I miss her like crazy.

Lately I've been trying to plan out my future. Instead of worrying about the things I have to do today I've been worrying about the things that might happen twenty years from now. Life just can't be lived that way. It isn't possible. Christ has given us hope for tomorrow, but He's also given us hope for right now. I've stopped stressing over what might happen, and have instead been asking myself what's the next, best thing I can do? 

My hair is long enough to wear in topknot. Squee!

I voted for the first time last week. I have peace about whatever happens tonight. 

Finally, I found out a couple of days ago that I'll be going to Spain and Morocco this spring! I can't begin to tell you how excited I am that God has given me this opportunity. Pray for our team, the missionaries, and funds. I know God will provide, and I can't wait to see what He is going to do!

I leave you with this:





so,
Katy

short hair don't care?

I really can't believe I went six months without a haircut. That's probably nothing to you long-haired gals, but those with short hair will understand. Short hair loses its shape so quickly. It's less maintenance on a day-to-day basis, though.


 

I was stuck between growing my hair out and chopping it into a pixie again. I finally went with my old standby--the bob. My mom had my long, thick, tomboy hair cut into a bob when I was around eight or so. I've had short hair ever since, usually some variation of the bob. I really like this cut. A sweet girl from my church cut it, and did a fantastic job! My head feels so much lighter. Now I just have to wait for the sunburn on my head to heal and I can dye my hair. ;)


 

This is an awkward picture, but I wanted to share it. Though my eyes usually appear brown or black, they're actually amber colored. Fun stuff.

I hope your weekends are lovely! I'm headed to the mall to procrastinate. I have a paper due at midnight. ;)

xo,
Katy