Thanks, Trent

This Friday started out as a Monday for me; everything that could go wrong went wrong. I was tired and frustrated and I just wanted to go home. Then Trent called me on Skype and we got to chat while I waited for my bus. We talked about school and writing and Blanding accents. We didn't talk long, but it was enough. With my workload in school this semester I won't have a lot of time for updating my blog. But I wanted to give a shout out to my brother overseas and let him know how much he means to me. Thank you, Trent. You really boosted my spirits today.

Game. Set. Match.

Of course. I finally changed my blog to match summer only to realize that it will have to change again soon. But it's done, for now. And that's a small accomplishment in a way, I suppose. 

While I was looking for a new background, I was trying to think of what I would even write about. I'm kind of in a funk right now and I think my brain already went to bed. So, being the procrastinator that I am, I hopped on Facebook to see the kind of funk other people are in. I guess like misery, funk loves company. But instead, I was met by a very profound quote posted by my cousin:

"A person either hates losing enough to change

or he hates changing enough to lose."

-Orrin Woodward

Honestly, I have no idea who Orrin Woodward is. And I'm hoping that doesn't make me look silly. But I really liked this quote. 

I played tennis all through high school and I absolutely loved it. When I was a Junior, I had the chance to go to Region. I lost. And like the emotional teenage girl I was, I threw a fit and got mad at myself, chiding myself for losing and scolding myself because I knew I could do better. I acted like a brat. And about twenty minutes later I was ashamed of myself.  I knew I could have done better. I knew I acted like a child. I knew I couldn't change the past, but I knew I could change myself. So I did.

I became more committed,  practicing on my own and doing my best to not miss any practices. I worked harder, increasing my chances of landing the first serve and controlling my backhands. I focused more, not worrying about who was watching me or what the other players' fans were yelling. And I strived for better self-control, over my physical abilities, my emotions, and my attitude. I changed myself.

The next year I had the chance to go to Region again. Many of the players were incredible opponents. But I made my way up the bracket line and claimed my place to go to State. I was on fire. At State, the games were postponed a few hours because of rain. Eventually we ended up playing on indoor courts. And I lost. But I didn't throw a fit. I didn't chide myself. I was happy. I had never played on an indoor court, but I gave it my best shot. I had made it to State. I had improved my game, my attitude, and myself. I was a better person than who I had been the year before. And that's what really counted. Game. Set. Match.

Such A Slacker

Was my last post really back in November?! Jeesh. What a slacker I've been. We're in the process of moving right now, so most of my attention is focused on packing and trying to finish up sewing and crafting projects. I actually thought to sit down and write up a quick post because Mom  texted me and brought to my attention that I hadn't posted anything new on the ty and i blog. Which I should have been on top of because this last Sunday was our First Anniversary. Yes, I have now been married for one year. And yes, it has been absolutely amazing. So, because of my mother, I have repented of my slothfulness. In addition to writing this short little post I have also written about mine and Tyler's first year together. This post is also kind of short, but it's there. And that's what matters, right? So even though this is short, it has jolted me back into writing (on the blogs). You have my mother to thank. I probably won't post again until after the move (or change the blog background), so have patience and I'll tell you all about it in a few weeks (on a blog without snowflakes).