a month to remember: march 2019

Hey friends! I seriously cannot believe it's April. My junior year is coming to a close and I'm not ready! Looking back on the past month, I am blown away with what a transformative and fantastic few weeks it was.

It's far too easy to get caught up in our fast-paced lives and keep moving forward with never taking time to reflect, so I am stopping to take a moment to remember this amazing month gone by.

I hope this encourages you to take a minute to look back at your March.  How was it? 

For me, it started pretty fast-paced with a college visit I was SO excited for! I won't go into detail, but I'll just say there was an AMAZING breakfast served and that's my kind of college. 

The next day I headed to DECA state! I started doing DECA this year mainly to get some experience practicing a job interview, and I had no hopes or intentions of competing. It's pretty crazy how God has other plans for you sometimes. Not only did I actually compete at state (like whattttt?! I honestly didn't believe it for a solid week), I made it to finals and got 6th place in my event! Being my first year in the club and having never even taken a business class, sometimes I felt underqualified. But what I've realized is that I have been preparing for this in other ways my entire life, and through all my practice this year. This turned out to be a great experience that showed me how going outside of my comfort zone can really pay off. And just a reminder, you are more capable than you think, so don't doubt yourself.

A few days later, my cousins came to visit! We had a great time showing them around Northfield and eating delicious snacks while watching Legally Blonde (which I totally forgot is the best movie ever btw). I always love spending time with them!

I also took the ACT!! I still can't believe I've taken it! Obviously it wasn't super fun, but I survived. I remember walking home after the test and falling onto my bed the second I got there.

Also this month, I remember racing home from volunteering to catch the Bachelor finale because can you even imagine missing this one?! Hands down best season I've ever seen. I could ramble for way too long, but I will just say that the way Colton truly loves Cassie and shows his love to her is the sweetest and most genuine thing I have ever seen. 

And then there's the big one... moving!

I am still unpacking boxes to this day, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am just so excited to be living here!!! My new room is slowly coming together and I truly love our house.

Okay I lied, the true big one was our spring break trip to Paris, France!
Ever since I can remember, I've dreamed of going to Paris. It's a dreamy place. I found it especially exciting because I've taken French for a few years and I saw my education come to life when I was over there!
The Eiffel Tower took my breath away the first time I saw it. It's just one of those things that never compares to its photo. It twinkles for five minutes every night, and when it does, the city turns to magic.
Although I have to say, the Eiffel Tower area is my least favorite part of the city. I love the hidden, quiet neighborhoods and beautiful flower markets sprinkled throughout. I love the cobblestone streets lining the Seine and the beautiful, walkable parks.
(I am thinking about doing an entire post devoted to my thoughts on Paris, so that may be coming soon!)

And now, here I am. March is behind me and a new month has come. I will always cherish these memories, and I've loved having the chance to write about them (to look back on one day when I'm old!) 

I encourage you to take a moment of gratitude for the month that has passed. Even if it brought more hardships than joys, there's always something to be grateful for. 

Now time for new beginnings and a great month ahead.

xx, gracie