dear future husband,

i think about you often. i find myself wondering where you are, what you're doing, and mostly, whether you are happy. i wonder if we've already met or, if not, how our first encounter will play out. what our first conversation will be about. whether we'll know right away or whether our love will slowly blossom. i think of the adventures you and i will have together. of how our lives will be so much sweeter and richer. of the laughter we will share and the family we will one day create together. i can't wait.

with love,

mona

listing

you remember what is lost, and you forget what is right in front of you.

summer goodness:

endless amounts of ice cream. devouring books. catching up on tv and many movies. time at the pool. reuniting with favorites.

in other news:

i am super excited for next summer and the plans i have created in my head. now i just need to spend the next few months turning it into a reality.

homesick for, always:

bosch: the beauty, comfort, and inspiration of the redwood trees. the smell of the forest. the sun shining on the top of the mountain. being surrounded by pure hearts and feeling the love that comes from serving together. how prayer makes everything better. endless laughter with fellow counselors and teachers. witnessing transformation of the most wonderful youth. the bond of love that souls create.

reminders

--enjoy the next five weeks as much as possible

--absorb and learn as much from the amazing people i am lucky to have around me

--love fully and constantly keep my heart open

--not to hide my light (courtesy of jpg)

--be genuine all the time (courtesy of pta)

--laugh loudly and fully

--bask in happiness and the sunlight

--be grateful always

dear april,

i know it's only been a week, but seriously? i know the saying is 'april showers brings may flowers,' but these 'showers' are more than just a little intense. maybe you could ease up. just a little bit.

thank you,

mona

* * *

too much stuff has happened in the last week. things that came completely out of left field. pretty much unbelievable. something is definitely in the air. i'm ready for normalcy.

there is some good news though: spring break in one week! i'm so excited for the georgia sun, time to sleep in, working at my old school, catching up with friends, nights with my family, spending time with my cousins, and reading for the fun of it.

i've also started to make a list of things i'm super excited for this summer. here is a glimpse:

--drive-in theater

--star gazing

--tubing in helen

--flicks on fifth

--swimming

--sleeping in

--reading

--riding bikes in the park

--laughter

twenty-five

this year's birthday was so different from last's. it was a quiet celebration this year, but still full of some goodness.

birthday wishes:

--health and happiness for all my family

--to develop some true, pure friendships with people i can spend time with on a regular basis

--to find a job at an amazing school for august

--a spectacular vacation

--continuous improvement of my character

--time to do the things i love the most

--time to spend with the people i love the most

--laughter

--to meet the wonderful man i will one day marry