Forty Eight

It Gets Better.

Tonight I had the privilege of attending Elon's benefit show for the It Gets Better Campaign.  I don't know if I can put into words just how much pride I have for the university that I recently graduated from and the amazing student body that is still inspiring the masses.  If you don't know "It Gets Better" is all about reaching out and bringing a positive message to the LGBTQ community and letting those people know that it does get better and that all the bullying and hate that they may receive will stop and life will get better.  For me, this is one of the most important causes to be a part of.  I can not and will not ever understand anyone showing hatred towards another human being, especially when the only reason for the hate or harm is because of their sexual orientation.  

Love is what drives our lives - everyone is entitled to love whomever they choose.  It's not up to any of us to judge those around us or to tell someone they are wrong.  If you read my blog or have read it before you know that I am all about Jesus.  It is because of my love for God and his love for me that I support the gay community.  Jesus doesn't call us to love everyone except the gays - NO, he says to love your neighbor as yourself.  Whether that neighbor is white, black, blue, gay, straight, transgender.  God's love is for everyone and I believe that if Jesus were walking around today he would be embracing those in the LGBTQ community, telling them that he came to earth for them as well and that they were loved unconditionally.  No scripture I've ever studied tells me to hate my gay brothers and sisters or anyone for that matter.  It is my job to love every single person I can and to make Jesus famous.  And those two things, I try to do everyday.  

My opinion is only my own, but I just can't understand how anyone who claims christianity can hate anyone, ever.  I'm proud of the students at Elon who refuse to sit silent while their friends are suffering. I'm grateful that I was able to spend two hours hearing testimonies from gay students and allies encouraging those in the room that it does get better.  And I'm forever appreciative for the passion I have been given for the stage and the power it has to transform lives.

If you're still reading this just know, I love you, and it does get better, I promise.

Forty Nine

Two things:

1.  I told you how I left my church to start working with another youth group, right?  Well tonight was my first night going solo as a leader with the girls.  I loved it and they are precious, of course.  I had to take a photo of my name tag because I'm just so legit.  

2.  These guys are wonderful and we got some food after church tonight.  At least for Ryan and I this is week two of din din together so I'm thinking the tradition should continue.  But really, I'm loving getting involved at another church and having some new friends to hang out with.  

Fifty

Wow, time really does fly.  When I started this blog I really had no idea where I would be at this time - it's amazing to me how much life can change.  For today there's a big change I guess.. It's different having to schedule time with your best friend when she comes to Elon for our homecoming weekend!  But, we did!  I'm so used to her just being across the quad and being able to stop by her room anytime but alas, life changes, people move and friends get separated.  Luckily she's not too far!  So, tonight I got to catch up with Elisa and we had some delicious hot chocolate!  

Fifty One

Remember how I used to live at Blue Ribbon and just work all the time?  

Well, now I do that to the max.  

One Six Four - Fifty Two

OH MY GOSH.  I took quite the break from the blog.  Too long, indeed!  

Let's catch you up to speed on the life.  Here's what happened in the past one hundred and thirteen days..

1.  I GRADUATED.  Yes, that's right, I, Ivey, graduated from Elon University.  I did it.

2.  I started teaching acting at a studio in town and feel like a pretty legit adult.

3.  I was given a Tiffany&Co. bracelet which is one of my lifelong dreams.  (thanks, mom!)

4.  I went on an awesome trip with the youth that I love so much.

5.  On that subject, that was my last trip with them and in August I left my church to seek out another youth group to work with.  I'm still sad about it but excited for what God has in store for me on this next journey.

6.  I got to visit Boston again with my favorite man, James.

7.  I had a fairly quick relationship that taught me a lot about myself, who I am, who I want to be and what I won't settle for.  The quote is true "we accept the love we think we deserve" and I learned that I deserve more than I was given and I won't accept anything less ever again.

8.  I was reunited with all my FAVORITE friends from Elon.

9.  I found out that regular date nights with my "adult" friend, Taylor, can be the best nights of the week.

10.  I loved unconditionally, I laughed uncontrollably, I dreamed irrationally, I cried passionately, and I embraced this beautiful ride we call life.  

One Six Five

THE LAST HUGE PROJECT OF MY COLLEGE CAREER was just completed.  That's right, the end is in sight.  My final for my global class (which is the senior requirement, along with senior seminar, at Elon) was to do a thirty minute research presentation.  Mine was focused on music psychology and how music effects our mind.  

Thirty minute presentation via a website is no joke.  But here it is, if you want to see my hard work put into practice!

music and the mind  :)

Enjoy!

Here's me stressing - and feeling more intelligent sporting my Harvard sweatshirt and my glasses!  I needed all the help I could get!

One Six Six

So, have I told you about my Guilford Soccer shirt?  Well, if not then here you go.. I'm obsessed with this shirt.  I love it.  I bought it to wear to one of Justin's soccer games in the fall and I probably wore it at least two or three times a week because it is so incredibly comfy.  During fall break, I took it to the beach with me and I lost it.  LOST IT.  I thought I was going to cry, I may actually have shed a tear.  Anyway, when I went back at spring break I found it!  YAY!  

I say all of that because today I wore my favorite shirt for the first time all summer.
I'm telling you, it's the simple things that make my life so much fun.  :).

One Six Seven

Huge research project due.  Didn't leave the house.  Well, except for a thirty minute ride to Target with Taylor Moser for some popcorn.  That's right I go to Target for popcorn.  Oh and rice crispy treats.  They are delicious.

One Seven Five - One Six Eight

Over the past week here's what my life looked like..

1.  Father's Day spent at the shore with my daddy!

2.  Vacation Bible School started at my church and I got to watch the youth teach kids about Jesus.  Here's a favorite moment of the first night.

3.  Class day - I decided to buy a new water.  It was black and I was not a fan.

4.  Another night of VBS and Landon had kids crawling all over him.  I adore this child and he is turning into such a wonderful young man.  He's definitely the closest thing I have to a little brother so I love him to the max.  I can't wait to see what his future holds.  Oh, and he's going to be one amazing daddy, can't you tell?

Also, I catered an event today with this handsome man.  

Reunited with Justin Torrence, nothing can be better than that.

Model status right there.

5.  Another day spent in class.  But I heard this song as I drove to the lovely ACC and can't get it out of my head.  I think the lyrics are so true about Jesus and falling in love with faith.

6.  FRIDAY!  Well most of the day was spent doing homework and such, along with running errands which, is literally one of my favorite things to do - ever.  To end my day of fun I went to the park to hang out with Coleman for a bit.  And I bet you're like, "Wait who is Coleman?"  Well, I forgot to get a picture!  Whoops!  But he's presh - take my word for it.  :)

Also, as summer continues I get a little more obsessed with fishing.  I soooo want to take a boat out on the water and spend the day just fishing away.  I actually spent time watching two men fish on television today in between classes.  Now, THAT is dedication.  

Here's to the dream of my own boat. 

7.  Another day of catering!  The charming man that I playfully call my husband was there of course.  Who better to cater a wedding with than this fella?  It was a good time for sure and the venue (which was the groom's house) was breathtakingly beautiful.  I mean, it was phenomenal.  Oh weddings, they are all so wonderful, right?  SUCH a hopeless romantic - sappy to the core.

Aren't we cute?

8.  Church time!  I realized this week that most of my friends at home are either under the age of 18 aka the youth group or over 40 aka their parents.  What a life, right?  And I love it so much!  Anyway I got to see all of my favorites today at church.  I especially love these two ladies - Kathy Hines and Liz Hill.  At this point, I don't know what I'd do without them in my life.  I wouldn't trade my over 40 friends for the world.  

It's from the fall but it's a favorite picture of mine :).

One Seven Six

MINI GOLF!  I love mini golf - SO MUCH.  Tonight I got to play with my grandma and my aunt, Debbie.  It was a grand time even though I came in second.  I love all games and childish things so anytime I get to be a big kid is a good time for sure.

I started off the night strong with my hole in one but that was the only one for me tonight!

And, this - such a classic Ivey moment - using the plastic club designed for a two year old.  Anytime I can be ridiculous, I take advantage of it.  I think it's part of my charm :).

One Seven Seven

I'm in love with the beach.  I know you're aware of this at this point.  Anyway, it is the place that I feel at home and that I can just sit back and relax.  More than that, the beach is where I feel the most peace.  When I look out across the ocean it amazes me every time and I realize how small I am and how great God is.  I just love it so much.  I don't even know the words to say.  So, I'm back at the beach!  This time, it's with my dad, his sister & her husband, and my grandma.  I love them and this beach time together is great! 

Oh so you know how I'm obsessed with boats?  Well, I am.  I want one in the future.  BAD.  Our dinner was overlooking a marina.  I was in awe of the beautiful boats.  But, I didn't get a picture of the greatness.  

Our first night here we had this view at dinner.  Perfection.

and some time on the beach - love my hair after the salt water and breeze have done magic on it!

One Seven Eight

This is weird.  Just be aware, it's going to be weird.  I slept A LOT today.  And, that makes me really upset.  I know, who gets upset about sleeping?  Well, this girl!  I had become an early riser and I loved it and was being so productive in life.  But now I sleep all day and am just a lazy bum.  So, here's to me changing it back.  I'm going to be a real life citizen and more of an adult.  If you sleep all the time you definitely are not taking advantage of each moment of every day and we all know that's what my greatest desire is in life.  Goodbye days of snoozing - except maybe the weekends.  I mean a girl has to get her beauty sleep, right?

One Seven Nine

Obsessed with this song.  Obsessed with this lyric.  Obsessed with Jesus.  

I actually think I've played this song one hundred times today.  I just love what it says and the way it sounds and just how excited I get thinking about my God as I hear the words and the tune.  

here, have a listen :).

One Eight Zero

You know that whole YOLO thing going on these days?  Well, I think that whole phrase is ridiculous but it's also pretty much how I've always tried to live my life.  I do what I want, when I want (for the most part).  I always think "hey, this is the only life you're going to get so make the absolute best of it". For me, this theory on life is the only one to live by.  And, it's what keeps me interesting.  

Tonight, I skipped class.  Not something unusual for me AT ALL.  But, I found this picture earlier today and I thought, "hmm, I really haven't been living like that lately".  This whole growing up and doing adult things has shaken me up a bit.  So, because I didn't want to be there tonight, I missed a class.  Oh and it didn't hurt that there was a handsome fella to skip with me :).

One Eight One

So, I just talked about this guy the other day.  Taylor Moser - the one and only.  I can tell you about how awesome he is again and how much I love him but it's just kind of annoying to type out.  So, he's presh.  We went to Starbucks.  That is all.

One Eight Two

Sunday fun day.  I love Sundays.  I think I've mentioned this before.  Anyway, tonight we didn't have youth activities so I went to dinner with the high school girls and then had an adventure with a mix of the high schools boys and girls.  It was epic of course.  I love them SO MUCH.

One Eight Three

Today was pretty dull.  I spent my evening working at the ribbon, of course, and that's all the excitement I could handle for one day, I guess.  

Oh! I did find an old book of mine to use at the restaurant and inside I found some of the pictures from my best friend's wedding last summer.  I thought it was perfect because her anniversary is right around the corner.  This beauty is my favorite from the stack (which only contained 3 photos, I should add).  The attractive man beside me is Justin Torrence.  He claims he's my future husband.  I don't think that would be a problem at all.  But really, he's wonderful and a great friend and he is a person that can absolutely always make me smile.  

I love him a ton.  

One Eight Four

I literally spent my entire day on my computer in my online classes today.  I am hating my decision to finish my last semester via summer school.  But nonetheless here we are and I've just got to power through!  Anyway, the only plan on my agenda tonight was dinner with some friends.  Well, when I got to the lovely Village Grill I was surprised to see this beautiful lady there!  This is my greatest mentor in life.  I call her PMeb and I love her dearly.  She was my theatre teacher in high school and she is still the woman that I seek out in times of struggle and in times of joy.  She's my go to girl and one of the greatest influences in my life.  I cannot imagine what the high school or college years would have been like without her.  

One Eight Five

I know I don't need to tell you, once again, just how much I love my mom.  So, I won't.  But today we had a cute date involving hot dogs at my favorite, Jim's Tasty Freeze, and mani/pedis.  

We're just adorable, right?

One Eight Six

Today, I found out that I made Dean's List.  Now, that's something impressive to talk about.  

One Eight Seven

I guess today wasn't the best day in the life.. I had class which is just annoying in the summer and an exam tonight but that wasn't too bad.  But when I got home tonight I pretty much realized that I'm not thrilled with where I am.  Now, I was STOKED to take a year off from life after graduation but as that reality continues to sink in I'm more and more distraught over it.  I really don't like the idea of not being productive in life and just hanging out working a little at the ribbon.  So, I started reading my devotionals and some other literature that I find inspirational to try and find a sense of where I'm going.  I know what I want in the future, it's just time to finally say ready, set, GO.  

I'm super excited for what's to come and I guess tonight I realized I'd like to start the journey now instead of in a year.  Why wouldn't I?  What am I waiting for?  

I don't think life is going to wait on me, just saying.  

Here are the words that inspired me today.  Hopefully they'll touch your heart too.

One Eight Eight

So, I know I've told you about Taylor McKee or "girl Taylor" and how much I love her.  Well Taylor, being the amazing girl that she is had two interviews at different schools in the area for teaching positions open next year.  Now, because she lives in Charlotte, actually Waxhaw, it was easier for her to stay in Burlington over night before her interviews.  So, guess who had a slumber party?!  US!  and Bogey of course!

One Eight Nine

I had the best day working on a photo shoot with Cali Lowdermilk.  She is so beyond talented and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be her makeup artist and hair stylist on this beauty shoot.  Here are a couple of behind the scenes shots and my own perspective during the shoot.  

One Nine Zero

Here I go again talking about the family.  So, my grandma, who I know I've posted about tons, and I went on a mini road trip today.  Really we just drove way out in the country and she took me to the farm, which I wish could be my future home.  My ultimate dream is to have the most beautiful white plantation house out in the country.  Today, I saw a glimpse of that dream.  It was wonderful.

After our trip we did a little shopping and I got this beauty for a "happy graduation" gift.  I am too spoiled sometimes!

After all of that excitement I got to spend my evening at the lovely Blue Ribbon Diner which I haven't been to in close to a month if not longer.  I missed it a little bit.  Obviously we weren't busy at all - we had enough time to be silly.