The Beginning

I never thought I, of all people, would have a blog.
In fact, I always said that I didn't have anything to say that people would want to read. I thought I wouldn't have the time, nor the know-how, to adequately put my life onto a blog for all to see. 

Have I changed my mind?
No, not exactly. I still feel as though my thoughts and feelings are nothing extraordinary, and I know for a fact that time will be an issue. But, with all that is going on in my life, from school, to study abroad opportunities, and beyond, it would be lovely to have a place to write about whatever I want and not have to worry about essay prompts, word counts, and draft deadlines. (Plus, it would serve as an excellent method of stress relief!)

So, here goes nothing!
My name is Diana. I'm a freshman in college with the amazing chance to spend a semester abroad in New Zealand. (And of course, I will use this blog to post the hundreds of pictures I plan to take in one of the world's most scenic places.) 

I grew up in a small town in Tennessee on my family cattle farm. I went to a small high school and graduated at the top of my class of 150 students, most of whom I had graduated kindergarten with 12 years earlier. Fast forward to now, where I am one in almost 5,000 freshman; merely another face in the crowd. (Insert cliché joke relating the size of fish to their respective ponds here.)  Don't get me wrong! I absolutely love college, and I don't really mind being another "little fish," in fact, I rather enjoy it! 

With a little help from my loving family, my wonderful friends, and my incredibly supportive boyfriend (and a with whole lot of help from God), I've realized that college is really whatever you make of it. Which brings me to another point: my faith.  When I was six years old, I made the best decision one could ever make and trusted Jesus Christ to save my soul. He is the most important person in my life, and I strive to please Him in all that I do. 

But that the world may know that I love the Father; 
and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.
 Arise, let us go hence.
John 14:31 KJV

Finally...
If I had to be completely honest, I would tell you that I don't know what I'm doing. I don't have a clue what I'm going to write about. I have no earthly idea when I'm going to do said writing. But I do know this: having this blog will help me. It will help me dwell on my thoughts for more than a few fleeting seconds. It will teach me to think outside the box in my writing and communication skills. And it will help me feel connected by allowing me to share my experiences with the people I care about, even when those people are far away. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have created this blog purely for selfish reasons.  It's not for you, readers, however few or many there may be. It's for me. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Plymouth, NZ

Image
This weekend, a small group of us took a bus to New Plymouth, a smallish city on the west coast of the North Island. It was a four hour bus trip one way, but getting to see the ocean was worth the long, winding drive. We stayed in a nice hostel about a 25 minute walk from town, and the whole weekend cost me next to nothing! (Hostel hopping is the way to travel!) This weekend was incredible, and I can't believe how gorgeous this area of New Zealand is! But then again, I haven't seen anything but beauty since I've been here. I'm definitely planning on going back to New Plymouth when it gets a little warmer; it's by far my favorite place I've travelled thus far. (Plus, it was a still a little bit chilly to do some of the things I wanted to do.) Here are some pictures from my weekend! Haley took this picture without me knowing it, and I love it! I think it really captures the adventurous spirit of this journey. These boots were NOT made for walking. The
Read more

March 2015

Image
March was such a magnificent month! Despite the busyness and the rushing to and fro, March has turned out to be quite wonderful.   Test Week Because of relentless snow and ice during February, so many classes were cancelled and as a result, exams were postponed... all to the same week.  The week before spring break, I had five tests in 48 hours, along with a five-page paper due and regular homework. (Biology, Statistics, Psychology, and two Chemistry tests. Yes, you read that right. Two. Chemistry. Tests.) Needless to say, I was a bit stressed. But with endless studying, prayer, and amazing support from my family and friends, I made it through, with flying colors, I might add. As it turns out, everyone else had faith that I could do it. I just need to have a little more faith in myself and God.   Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. 2 Chronicles 15:7 The Music Man If you know me at all, you know that I adore musicals
Read more

Our First Home

Image
I realize that I should have posted these photos many months ago, but, hey, better late than never! Ben and I have lived in our first apartment for eight months now, so there have been some slight changes in our apartment since these pictures were taken. Still, since I know many of you will never get to see our Knoxville home in person, I hope you enjoy seeing these photos and hearing about how our little haven came together.  We are so fortunate and blessed to have such generous family and friends. Most of the items in our apartment were given to us, or we bought them for very cheap! Ben bought the dresser a year or two ago while he was living in Riddleton, and I painted it with homemade chalk paint. It's amazing how a fresh coat of paint can take a dated dresser and turn it into something pretty! My favorite piece of furniture is definitely our hutch. It was a wedding gift from my grandmother, and we had so much fun picking it out! I always joke that the hutch looks l
Read more