2011 In Review

Oh 2011, I don't know how I feel about you ending. Don't get me wrong, you were great. I'm not really sure I'm ready to let go of you. You brought me so much joy and so much pain (yes, pain can be good). It was a perfect year.

This past year, I moved in with my besh fraaan, got rid of some trash in my life, met some amazing new people, dated a hell of a lot more than I should have, laughed a lot, loved more, learned a lot of great lessons, had some scary moments, found out who I can trust, learned how to love someone so much, and, most importantly, I think I finally figured out who I want to be in this world. At 22, I know things still change (especially with me...daily) but I think I have a good direction of who I want to be now.

Having to stay in Wise an extra year is a bit sobering but I'm super excited about it and can't wait to really get going with what comes next. Plus, I'm ecstatic that me staying an extra year means I get to rebid for Director of VACURH. I have grown to LOVE my state so much and help them a lot. I can't wait for our conference February 2012 at UVA. I'm going to be one proud Momma Fox.

Harper was a huge part of my 2011 and is sunshine when the rest of the world is dark. She can light up a room with just a smile. It's amazing how someone who isn't yours can feel like she is. I would do anything for that little girl. Harper Jade, you'll never understand how much I love you.

As for the boys of 2011, I'll leave all of those (except one!) in the past. Word to the wise, don't EVER date/sleep with ANYONE who you have class with.

My goals for 2012 are similar to those I made this time last year. In fact, they're almost the exact same. I met some of them this year but I'm going to try and make these more of a change in my life instead of just some list I want to achieve.
Here they go::

Continue to grow in my faith and be accountable for things
Be a better person
Laugh once an hour, even when the times are rough
Tell the people I care about I love them
Be a better friend
Study harder
Have Emily time
Blog more, Tweet the same, and Facebook less
SAVE money!
Love everything that happens, even if it sucks

Friends, I hope you had a wonderful 2011. Praying for a safe night (PLEASE don't do anything stupid guys!) and a wonderful year for you. Thank you for being part of my life. I love you all.

xoxo

we owned the night

this makes me think of one of my favorite boys in the entire world. love you.

Songs Of The Day

Hey all! I wanted to share with you the five songs that I'm singing today as I study. They're COMPLETELY random. Enjoy!











I know, the last one's really weird but I really like that song. Happy Studying, UVa-Wise kiddos!

advice for the week.

this week is halfway over, friends! remember to breathe!

Things I've Learned Today

Today, I learned that...

*helping someone can be rewarding unless all you two do is distract each other. This included when people randomly come over and tell you about who they had sex with last night. %%% to you.

*waiting until the last week of classes to do a six piece project is a bad idea.

*not drinking coffee because you don't feel well isn't an excuse. Everyone, everywhere, should drink coffee. All. The. Time.

*a drink from Sonic is an okay sub to coffee.

*people with simple minds...enough said.

You're Who I Want

Okay, seriously, this is my new favorite song. HOWEVER! I can't seem to find a youtube video of this anywhere. Sigh. I don't understand. I bought it on iTunes and I totes recommend you do the same. It's a beautiful song. Plus, it kiiiinda describes my life (which all the best songs do). Enjoy!

You're Who I Want - The Biscuit Burners

I stood alone on an empty street corner
The sky was a fiery orange
And I thought of you many miles back home
And I thought how you were the one

The one who I want when I'm lonely
The one who I want when I'm blue
The one who I want when I'm tired
At the end of the day, dear it's you

Well it's all mixed up and I don't know where it's going
There doesn't seem to be a way
But I know that I want you near me
How I wish that you'd come home to stay

Cause you're who I want when I'm lonely
And you're who I want when I'm blue
And you're who I want when I'm tired
At the end of the day, dear it's you

And I know that it won't be easy
But the best things come from joy and pain
I don't wanna live life without you
When I know that you love me this way

Cause you're who I want when I'm lonely
And you're who I want when I'm blue
And you're who I want when I'm tired
At the end of the day, dear it's you

You're who I want when I'm lonely
You're who I want when I'm blue
You're who I want when I'm tired
At the end of the day, dear it's you
At the end of the day, dear it's you

I think I can. I think I can...

...make it this last week. One more week of classes and Fall 2011 will be peaced out. That's SO incredibly insane to think about. I have so much work for next week, it's going to be a little overwhelming but I'll survive. I don't have another choice. Here's a look to my week:

Monday-No Interpersonal, Rhet exam review, sem presentations
Tuesday-Business presentations, Bio review
Wednesday-Interpersonal paper due, Rhet conference day, sem presentations, RHA
Thursday-Business presentations, Bio quiz
Friday-Interpersonal class, Rhet portfolio due, Rhet final, sem presentations, seminar paper due

Yes, I will be attending Happy Hour Friday afternoon.

The week after that is exam week. Luckily, I have one exam on Monday and one exam on Tuesday. That means, I can go home Wednesday! yay! I can't wait to see my babies at home and go back to work.

If you see me complaining on here in the next week, this is why. Don't worry, though, I'll still have Christmas cheer...eventually :)

World AIDS Day

Wildflower

Theme song of the day:: Wildflower by Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicolson


I'm a wildflower by the highway,
Up against the rain
I'm an old man, growing tired,
Getting used to the pain

I'm a wildflower in a garden,
Tended everyday,
I'm an old dog, hard to love,
And even harder to change.

But it's no time to be slowing down,
It's no time to be turning 'round,
You could blow a hole right through this town
If I don't ever let you down

I'm a wildflower by the streetlight
Where the night begins,
I'm an old house, barely breathing,
As the walls fall in.

But it's no time to be slowing down,
It's no time to be turning 'round,
You could blow a hole right through this town
If I don't ever let you down

I'm a wildflower, and I'm an old man.
There's so much in between

And it's no time to be standing by
it's no time to be asking why
You could blow a hole right through this town
If I don't let you down

Happy December

Happy December Bloggers!
I'm very happy to be blogging that today is December 1st. The sun is shining, it's a little chilly, and Wise is getting all Christmasy. Town and campus are decorated with lights, wreaths, and trees. Tonight is the lighting of Crockett. It's the most magical (and stressful) time of year for us.

That being said, I'd like to remind all you of some end of the semester things that I've found useful the last three years.

Take time for yourself. I know that seems crazy with papers and projects that we've pushed off until the last minute but it's important to still love yourself.

That being said, naps are great! Sleep is even better. Use your day wisely (that doesn't include stalking people on Facebook) and get your work done when the sun is up!

If you end up pulling an all nighter, take breaks throughout the night. Take a walk, stand up and stretch, listen to a few of your favorite songs.

Stay away from tons of energy drinks. Trust me-from someone who has ended up in the ER because of a panic attack and chest pains due to TS and too much Red Bull, it's not worth the bills you'll get in the mail a few weeks later.

Most importantly, breathe. Everything will get done in the end. Take your time, don't stress, and remember, by December 16th, this will all be over!

Love you all. Hope your December wishes come true.

tunes for a rainy day.

perfect for rainy days when you have coffee and pumpkin chocolate chip bread.

Thankful&Blessed

November is the month that people always talk about how incredibly blessed and thankful they are for everything. Instead of blowing everyone's Facebook up with things I'm blessed to have in my life, I'll just blog about thirty things I'm thankful for and post a link. Simple and easy. Plus, it gives me more time to think about things :)

Thirty Things I'm Thankful and Blessed To Have

30. A car

29. A cell phone

28. Karrye

27. A bed to sleep in-and all the naps I take in it!

26. Food to eat

25. A jacket for when it decides to snow...and shoes to wear on my feet.

24. A camera to capture my life

23. Harper

22. My brother and sister

21. Mom and Dad

20. James and Chase-they put up with way more than they should from me.

19. Patience

18. Kind strangers

17. My extended, extended family (and friends that might as well be family)

16. A journal and a pen.

15. The ability to be creative.

14. Snuggle time with my kids.

13. Coffee

12. Music

11. Laughter

10. My church

9. Donna, Buck, Kristen, and Sara

8. Sherri, Matt, Jess, and Mark

7. Dan, Jen, Ian, Meagan, Ben, and Harrison

6. My grandparents

5. The time I had with Grandad

4. An imagination

3. Ice Hockey

2. Football

1. You

Okay, I know that was a super cheesy way of ending the list (and I'm sorry if it was a let down) but seriously. Those who made it through the list and are still reading. I'm so thankful that you care enough about me to read about my ramblings and my life. Thank you for being there for me and for your support. You all mean so much to me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Top 5 Dance Songs

This is what I'm dancing to when I need a break from my sem.

5.

4.

3.

2.

1.

Yeahhhhh

Miss Tina Hughes

I'm so incredibly blessed to know some amazing musicians. The stories they write and sing about are so special.

This lovely, Tina, will always have a special place in our family. She was Erica's twin for years. We were in choir together in high school. She would awkwardly call when she'd miss the bus for a ride. Her sis, Tiff, dated my brother. They're entire family is just so cool.

I'm so proud of the person Tina is! She's in Boston now sharing her talents with anyone with ears. Her singing gives me chills.

Enjoy!

Latest tracks by MissTinaHughes

song of the day 11/11

11/11/11

today is 11/11/11. apparently, it's going to be the most magical day of my life.

i don't think so. all i see coming from today is a nap from the lack of sleep i had last night (although naps can be magical), a ton of work on something i don't want to do, possible fighting with my boss, and an evening alone since new video games surfaced this week.

sigh.

on the other hand, a sweet friend, em, blogged the other day about something that totes inspired me to do.

talents and skillz (yes, with a z.)
inspired by the ever so wonderful Emily Morgan Thompson

*texting while driving (not safe, but I'm great at it)

*epic hugs

*getting myself into situations I can't get out of

*smiling and laughing at inappropriate times

*wobbling (wobble baby wobble baby)

*car dancing (and awkward dance moves everywhere i go)

*tweeting! (@emlaaay)

*making top ten lists/pro-conning things/telling people the chair does not recognize them

*napping (this is an amazing skill to have. i can sleep through anything!)

*entertaining kiddos (specifically, making elephants out of playdoh)

*making good food in a microwave (it's totes harder than you think)

*speaking in abrevs and in #hashtags

*talking about harper jade (seriously, look at the pics on my facebook. you'll fall in love)

*drinking obnoxious amounts of coffee (at 2 am)

*making to-do lists (i didn't say i was good at doing the things on them though)

*keeping my mother sane by making her laugh

*writing love notes on jonathan adler stationary

what are you good at?

sometimes, life isn't fair

Today, my grandparents would have celebrated 50 years of marriage. Grandad passed away the last summer, right before their 49th anniversary.

He was so close to this amazing milestone, why couldn't he have just held on? Sometimes, life isn't fair.

But look at what he saw in those 48 years of being married to Grandma...

He saw the birth of his three children. My dad, Aunt Sherri, and Uncle Dan are such amazing people and reflect Grandma and Grandad so much. Their joy was contagious so naturally, their three children have it too.

He saw his three kids get married. My mom, Uncle Matt, and Aunt Jen were welcomed into the Baxter family with open arms. Grandma and Grandad's three kids turned into six. That joy and love that the five original Baxters has spread to eight people now. And it keeps on spreading...

He saw the births of his grandchildren. All nine of us. David, me, Erica, Jessica, Mark, Ian, Meagan, Ben, and Harrison. I don't know if they all realize how incredibly fortunate we are to part of this family. Grandad's laugh was contagious. His love for helping people inspired us. His knowledge of all things good is running in all our veins.

Not only did he see the births, he saw us grow up. He saw David, me, and Erica graduate high school and start our lives. He saw dances and plays and gymnastic competitions. He saw confirmations and baptisms and scout events. He saw the love that our parents learned from him and taught us.

The only thing I wish he could have seen is Harper. That little girl has his belly laugh and his smile. He would have thought the world of her.

Yup, sometimes, life isn't fair.

things i learned today

• being away from work doesn't mean you're forgotten
• your munchkins will always run back to your arms where they fit perfectly
• cds get scratched when they ride on the floor of your car
• yelling REEEEMIX when a song skips with a stranger in your car isn't always the best idea
• a smile goes a long way
• don't start to tell a story when the people have no idea who you're talking about
• it's even worse when you laugh and can't finish the story
• bodo's is still the best place for bagels
• the 2000's had some pretty great songs
• snuggling with harper can fix the problems of the world

one of the most difficult things...

...is trying to prepare yourself for the unknown. obviously, it's not known because nobody has been there. nobody has done whatever you're about to do.

in my case, i'm still trying to figure out whether everything i'm doing in life is right for me. one day, it'll be fabulous, the next, life smacks me back a few steps and makes me try again. it's so hard when you try and try to make everything perfect and then it all gets knocked away-like nothing was done in the first place.

i've changed my mind about this project that i'm doing four times. i have to give my teacher the proposal at 12 today. i missed class this morning to try and desperately fix it for the last time but all that did was make me realize i don't want to do it that way anymore.

how can you be so certain that your degree is going to be everything you want it to be? my project has to reflect what i'm going to be doing with my degree and my life. if i knew that, i wouldn't be so stressed. i change my mind about my life plan everyday. how will i know if i'll love working at a college or a hospital until i actually try. all this project is doing is making me realize that i probably don't want to do what i was so excited about.

thanks, sem. i owe you one. =/

hello, world.

i know i've been gone for a long time. i don't have a good excuse...just that life gets in the way of my dream of being a blogger all the time. i guess that's the trouble of having a goal like that.

i'll play catch up for those who have missed me.

i went home for the summer. i know, i shouldn't have. honestly, i understand that now that i'm playing catch up again with school. but i can't stand being away from my family for too long.

this summer was spent with lots of little ones. harper jade is one of the funniest, cutest, happiest babies i've ever been around. when she's unhappy, it doesn't last long. over the summer, i got to see her learn her voice, expressions, how to laugh, how to sit up, how to scoot across the floor, and how to almost stand up. when i got back to school, i got a lovely text with a picture of her standing next to the table playing with the remote. i can't believe it. she turned six months last wednesday and she's already going on sixteen.

my other little ones were ben and natalie. i loved, loved, loved having them this summer. natty and i had a big bond as the summer came to an end and i hated to leave those two. plus, christy and travis are two of the nicest people in the entire world. i'm so blessed they let me into their lives and got to take care of their kiddos. the day before i left, christy took me out to lunch and gave me pictures of the kids. they're hanging above my desk.

then, of course, i had my work babies and megan's kiddos. i enjoyed spending time with samantha, clayton, mason, and camdon the most. i've seen sam grow up since she was nine months old and helped welcome clayton, mason, and camdon into the world. i have a picture with those kids hanging above my desk too. it's unreal that they're growing up so fast. sam started fifth grade this year. ten years seems like it's flown by in a blink of an eye. sigh.

on top of work, which is what i did mostly, i played at the beach, visited with family, celebrated my grandparent's fiftieth wedding anniversary, and hung out with alex a lot.

now that i'm back at school, i'm back into the routine of balancing classes, study time, meetings, office hours, friend time, and me time. i'm still color coding my day planner. i'm still obsessed with office supplies. i still drink too much coffee. i guess after being away for a summer, it's nice to come back to something i know so well.

sleepy but can't sleep rant

seems to be a theme with me these day. after a the past few ones consisting of me feeling like i was going to throw up everywhere, my stomach finally settled down long enough for me to visit my best friend, chase, up in winchester. (chase in winchester?! i know...)

while i do love that boy and would do almost anything for him, riding on the back of a four wheeler and being scared because he's driving through mud puddles (while splashing my toms with mud. grr) and past people shooting guns scared me more than i think i lead him on. don't get me wrong, i'm down for shooting guns just like the next girl who was wearing heels and had on $110 earrings when she arrived (it was only me if you haven't picked up on my sarcasm...hence why i changed into my toms) and got the warning, "it's really muddy down there, lil pretty lady. make sure that boy treats you right or you ride yourself back up here and i'll take care of ya" after, of course, he started speaking to me in french, but that was a bit much. fabulous.

it was totally worth it, though, as is every adventure with chase. even the ten dollar margarita i had. (yes, it was ten dollars. no, i didn't know it was ten dollars.) it still doesn't seem real that i won't see him for another three months. womp. i might just have to take a weekend and go to wise to visit. three months is just too long in my book.

in other news, i've been working (praise the lord!) and momma's birthday is sunday! i'm so excited. it'll start her last year in her forties...(i know, momma's young) and will be an excellent celebration to such a lovely lady. aaand, next friday, i'm leaving for nacurh. i'm soo incredibly nervous about flying again but i'm sure it'll be just fine. (dad says 99% of people who die in plane crashes don't feel a thing. james likes to remind me of this.)

well, for now, i'm off to try and dream about playing with the nerf n-strike vulcan blaster chase and i saw and drooled over in toys r us tonight. (and here's hoping i have boys so i can buy this "for them" but only let mommy play with it.)

My Momma

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.

My mom is the most incredible person I've ever met. Honestly. She deserves so much more than this little blog entry but since I'm seven and a half hours away from her, this will have to do.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've been like my momma. The way we look, the way we act, everything we do is the same. I wouldn't change a damn thing about that either.

I remember the first time I answered the phone and someone thought it was my mom. I was in middle school, when it's not cool to like your mom. My grandma called and started talking to me about something before I stopped her to go get mom. "You sound just like your mom!" she said...wow. What a great thing for a 13 year old to hear-she's already turning into her mother. That's when people started calling me Little Kim. I didn't like it at first but now, I realize it was one of the best compliments I've ever received.

In high school, it became okay to hang out with your mom again (thank God, I never really stopped during middle school). Mom and I would go out to lunch and shopping, comparing styles, talking about anything and everything. That’s when I realized that not only am I turning into my mother, I’m already there…and I was so okay with it.

Being in college so far away from mom, it made me realize how much I miss her. I can’t just call down the hall and have her come in. If I fall, I have to help myself up. I’m 21 years old but I still call my momma when I have to make a life decision. I still call my momma after I have a rough day or if someone made me sad. Momma is the first to know about a great date I had. Momma is always the first to know everything.

I’m so lucky to not only be just like my momma but to also have her as a best friend. We laugh together, cry together, make mean faces together, don’t understand the problems of the world together. (And to think, she’s just like her amazing mother so I think I’m gonna end up just right.)

Happy Mother’s Day, Mommy. I know I tell you all the time how much I love you but I don’t tell you thank you enough. You are my rock, my inspiration, and the person that I’m so lucky to have become. You’ve made me everything I am today and for that, I am eternally thankful.

fsr fml

i just saw where fsr is going to be at the tavern may 13th and summit city may 14th. i go home may 10th.

fml.

theme songs of the day:::

i've had a really shitty past few days. because of that, i've been listening to songs that are similar to how i'm feeling. here are the top five theme songs for my life.

five: the good kind http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x5RxCmXbiE

four: what hurts the most http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj6MjMpbneM

three: part two http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNXdDGrhi3o&feature=related

(side note:this should be number one because it's my favorite...but it's not. plus, i was there when this was recorded. <3 them)

two: if i die young http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NJqUN9TClM

one: i never told you http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij9NtI3xh8Y

enjoy the misery with me.

truth.

You could ink yourself until everyone knows all the things you love. You could wear uniforms that gave you all the authority in the world. Lose weight until there was nothing left. Cake makeup on your face. Suck in your gut. But in the dark, stripped down to your bones, all that remains is you.

so the question is...who are you?

100 Facts About Me

So...instead of flooding your Twitter account with 100 facts about me, I thought I'd just put it in my blog and post a link. Enjoy :)

1. My full name is Emily Nicole Baxter. I have so many nicknames, I can’t even begin to describe them! Most of are a play on Emily: Em, Emmie, Ems, but I have completely random ones, too, like Poco and Holga.

2. I love anything that has my initials or an E on it. I even have an E stamp that I stamp people with to claim them as mine.

3. I was born on my due date-October 28^th. Mom calls me “the textbook baby” because I was on time for everything I did according to all the baby books. Too bad that didn’t stick.

4. I love ladybugs only for the fact my mom calls me ladybug. Mom is my best friend…I tell her everything.

5. My daddy and I really only bonded over sporty things and music when I lived at home but ever since I moved away, we’ve gotten closer. I wish I lived closer to home so I could go home and hear him say how much he loves me more.

6. I am the middle child and that explains a whole bunch about me and how I can blend into any situation.

7. My older brother, David, lives in Austin, TX. As much as we get on each other’s nerves, I miss him and wish we were closer.

8. My little sister, Erica, and I are only 15 months apart. She drives me crazy but she’s one of my best friends and someone I know I can always count on.

9. My brother-in-law and I have a love/hate relationship that makes people around us uncomfortable. For the most part, though, he’s a pretty okay guy. (He gets extra points for being such an excellent husband and father to my sister and niece.) For the most part, we’re just so sarcastic to each other; my mom thinks it’s me being mean. I think Steve and I have “bonded” over it.

10. I’m close to my family…all of them. I talk to my cousins on a regular basis, text my Grandma, and love to sit and chat with my aunts. When I’m in Burkeville, my Grandma, Papaw, and me will stay up late just talking about life. My Aunt Donna and I like watching tv and sipping wine with my cousin, Sara. When I’m at the beach, my Grandma and I talk about everything. I love spending time with my beach family because it’s always a big party. It sucks I’m not closer to either of them.

11. I officially became an aunt February 24, 2011 to our sweet Harper Jade. She is so full of life, even at 5 weeks old. I love her with all my heart and plan to spoil her TONS when I go home.

12. At home, I’m mostly known as Miss Emily or Miss Em. I work with kids all the time. My favorite things about home, besides, ya know…home, is going into work and having the kiddos run up to me and tell me how much they’ve missed me. Cara and Hazel definitely get the award for telling me how much they love me when I go into work. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact they don’t want to lay down and take a nap.

13. I change my life plan almost every week. I’ve changed my major 6 times (yes, for real) and my idea of what I’ll do after undergrad. Today, I’m majoring in Communication and minoring in English and want to go to Grad School for Student Affairs.

14. In my heart, I think I need to go to Seminary but I’m scared beyond belief to try and do it. I sent off for information about Seminaries. I’ve only opened half of it.

15. I have a control issue…I like to be in charge. I don’t usually freak out when things don’t go my way, but it makes everyone’s lives easier if things happen like I want them to.

16. I go to a small school and I love it. My freshman year, I hated it because it was just like being in high school all over again. Sometimes, the drama still gets to me, but now, I respect it because we’re like a family down here in Wise. I love that I can see my professors in Wal-Mart and they know my name. That means a lot to me.

17. I’m always listening/downloading music. Lately, I’ve been in a Tom Petty/Supertramp/America/Mumford and Sons/Avett Brothers/Folk Soul Revival mood. It confuses my iPod to pieces but makes for the best dance/sing songs in the shower and excellent driving music.

18. I love when people make me mixed CDs. I always wonder why they pick the music they do. When I make CDs for people, there’s usually a story behind each song. It’s fun to ride around in the car and have fun with the random music that’s on it.

19. I LOVE to drive. Absolutely love it. If we’re going somewhere, I usually ask to drive. I think part of it has to do with me being in control and making sure everyone is safe. (Plus, I do my best car dancing behind the wheel.)

20. I love photography. I love framing pictures and putting them around my room. I want to be reminded of people I miss, times I loved, and just everyday life. If I could afford it, I’d get a super nice Canon camera and have it attached to my hand always.

21. Audrey Hepburn is one of my favorite people ever. I wish I knew her when she was alive. I secretly (okay, maybe not so secretly) want to be as classy as she was.

22. Flowers make me smile. Usually, I buy them for myself. They’re even better when someone else buys them for me.

23. I love quotes. I bought a quote calendar for a friend of mine and ended up keeping it because I liked it so much. I keep the ones I like and hang them on the wall or stick them on my fridge.

24. I like to read books that other people hate. To Kill A Mockingbird and Of Mice and Men are two of my favorites.

25. I love poetry, both reading and writing. My favorite poet is Emily Dickenson. I used to want to be like her until I found out she suffered from manic depression and killed herself. I still think, from time to time, she’s somewhere down inside of me, waiting to come out again on the paper.

26. I make New Year’s Resolutions every year and never keep them. This year, I wanted to grow in my faith, be a better person and friend, laugh often, say I love you more, study harder, look for unexpected love, cry more, have more Emily Days, Blog more, and love every moment. I have only succeeded in two, maybe three of those. Suck.

27. My friends mean the world to me, especially the ones I have here at school. They’re like my family and I would be so lost (and probably would have transferred a really long time ago) without them. That being said, I feel like my group of friends change every year. There are some consistent people, but for the most part, it changes.

28. My roommate, Karrye, and I get along really well for the most part. When we don’t, it doesn’t last long. People at school told me I was crazy to live with her but we click. We’re living together next year. Suck on that, Wise.

29. I have groups of best friends. My home best friends are Alex, who I’ve known since third grade, and Crystal, who has four kids. My school best friends are mostly guys, Chase, James, and Brad. Then, I have my big sis, Brianne, and my sister, Erica, my mom, and my cousin, Sara. All together, they keep me sane.

30. If I have a problem, I solve it somewhere between 1 and 3 am at Huddle House with a cup of coffee and James Tiffany. For some odd reason, he’s always been able to read me and I hate it (secretly, I don’t). I don’t know how he does it, but he can get absolutely ANYTHING out of me. Really.

31. I talk in my sleep. If you ever want me to be honest with you, wait until I’m sleeping then ask me a question. Sometimes, I “wake up” and will tell someone something that I’ve been trying to hide from them. Ask Chase. It’s happens. Freaks both of us out.

32. I might be addicted to the internet. I am always on Facebook, Twitter, or checking my email. I date online (lameee) and blog occasionally.

33. I play Petville on Facebook. A lot. I’ve also convinced friends they need them too. We’re sad.

34. I LOVE office supplies. School shopping is my favorite time of the year. If I had more space, I’d have an office to myself, complete with post-its, tons of pens, and I would staple or paperclip everything together. I also love binders and organizing things. True bliss.

35. I text a lot. On an average month, I send literally 5 times the texts anyone else does. Yes, I am that cool.

36. People think I flirt a lot but that’s just my personality. No, I’m not dating any of my friends. I’m not dating anyone right now. And I’m pretty happy with that.

37. Sometimes, I talk to my ex boyfriends just to make myself feel better. It usually backfires.

38. When I’m stressed, I drive, go to the gym, color, or play with play-doh. Recently, I’ve added drinking to that list. Bad.

39. I love wearing ribbons in my hair. It makes me feel like I’m in high school again.

40. Canon in D by Pachelbel is one of my favorite songs ever. My bridesmaids, if and when I ever get married, will walk down the aisle to it.

41. I love youtube! It provides hours of entertainment. Plus, there are websites that you can extract sounds from the videos and that’s how I’ve obtained most of the current music on my iPod. Tricky, tricky!

42. I drink coffee a lot. I’m really picky from my coffee and if it’s really bad, I’ll complain a lot about it. My three favorite places to get coffee are Starbucks, Huddle House, and my Grandma and Papaw’s. Each, I think, has good memories so the coffee coming from there always tastes best.

43. If I had all the money in the world, I would redefine my style every season. Currently, I’m into wearing skinny jeans, tank tops, and my Toms. I’ve also been into straightening my hair and wearing a lot of eyeliner.

44. I fractured my foot last semester and it probably will never heal all the way. My orthopedic told me that I shouldn’t wear heels higher than an inch or two tops. Every time I put my heels on, I hear him saying no in my head. One day, probably the next time I’m on crutches, I’ll listen to him.

45. Tagalongs are my favorite Girl Scout cookie. I also enjoy Thin Mints but those HAVE to be eaten once they’ve been in the freezer. I also like Trefoils, but I only eat those if I have a cup of tea and mom around.

46. Red Velvet cake is my FAVORITE! I also really like Funfetti cake and my mom’s homemade chocolate cake but only if she makes the frosting and sticks it in the fridge.

47. I have two tattoos and 10 piercings. My tattoos mean something to me. I have a heart on my foot and a scorpion on the back of my neck. When I’m stressed or bored, I go get pierced. All of them, though, are on my ears. I have four lobe piercings and my tragus on the left side and three lobe and two cartilage on my right side. If I had more money, I’d have more. My next tattoo will be on my ribs on my right side and my next piercing, if not in my ear, will be my nose. I’ve thought about getting my lip pierced but I recently saw someone do it and it looked HORRIBLE. Thanks for helping me not make that mistake.

48. If I could make money napping, I’d be a professional napper.

49. I am 110% positive that spiritual warfare happens all around us. My freshman year in college, I experienced it firsthand. It scared me so bad; I get fidgety when I have to talk about it.

50. I get scared really easily. People coming up behind me, people telling me there’s something wrong, anything. It’s not fun.

51. While I download music from the internet in a way some artists may frown upon, I still buy iTunes gift cards from time to time to justify my actions.

52. I love the smell of new Crayons, Old Navy flip flops (before they’re worn, of course), laundry, nail polish, and gasoline.

53. I need to wear my glasses more…it might help with the fact I’m a bad parker.

54. My day planner and I are in love. Last night, I color coded the month of April. It was an excellent date.

55. I really like to clean and do laundry…but not when I have to do it for myself.

56. If I could get Cadburry eggs all year, I’d be in serious trouble. I’m also very strange in how I eat them…I break it in half, pour the middle into one half and eat the empty shell. Then, I make the fondant go into the bottom of the remaining shell, eat the empty part, and slowly eat the fondant. In short, that’s my favorite part.

57. I LOVE anything Reese’s! Cups, pieces, peanut butter from the jar-it’s my favorite candy ever. Every year for Easter, Mom gets be a Reester Bunny (hahaha) and it’s usually gone in two days.

58. When I make lemonade, I like to squeeze a lemon and an orange into it. I thank Bruce for that one.

59. When I go to the movies, I like to get a small popcorn and a box of Bunch-A-Crunch and then mix them. That way, I get sweet and salty at the same time. If people would listen to that idea, there would be so many more happy people around.

60. I have a serious problem with saving money. No, really. I’ll buy anything if I have the money for it. I think that’s why I enjoy Petville so much-it makes me think I’ve spent tons of money just by decorating Madelyn’s house. If only making real money was as easy as it is in that game.

61. For Easter, mom got me Little Kids Squeeze ‘n Blow Pop Up Bubbles from Toys R Us. I have a feeling I’ll be going back when I go home for summer for more.

62. I LOVE sidewalk chalk. It doesn’t matter if it’s tracing someone, drawing a picture, or playing hop scotch. There’s something about it that makes me so happy.

63. I really like the Bed Intruder song. I know every word. It’s on my iPod. It may or may not be a ringtone. So dumb, so dumb, so dumb, so.

64. I have tons of sunglasses. I don’t know why I need so many pairs that look exactly the same (I only have one face) but I have tons.

65. I miss my church family so much when I’m at school. When I go home, I always feel so at ease.

66. I’m the Director for the Virginia Association of College and University Residence Halls. I love every second of doing things for the state and their RHAs. Plus, I get a gavel!

67. I’m the President of our school’s Residence Hall Association…which means, I get another gavel.

68. People think I’m power hungry. I think I’m a micromanager and can’t let other people do work I know I can do better.

69. I used to hate Train. I’m starting to like them. Right now, I’m obsessed with Marry Me and Meet Virginia.

70. I always have my AIM (yes, I still use it) and Facebook chat up. If I don’t answer you, I’m probably not by my computer.

71. I hate when gum loses the flavor. How ‘bout we find a gum that never does that?

72. I say kaythanksloveyoubyeee (yes, its one word) too often…and I’m pretty sure I’m the only one that finds it cute.

73. I think I’m a really cool person. Sorry if you don’t.

74. While I miss being a go-to person for my girls that were my residents, I certainly do not miss the drama that goes with being an RA.

75. I have Safari band aids. I may or may not pretend to need them just so I can show them off.

76. My favorite local band is Folk Soul Revival. I am a bit obsessed with them. I won tickets to Rhythm and Roots this past year and only went because I wanted to see FSR. I walked away with so many great memories and new loves for music. Secretly, I thank FSR for that.

77. The other day, my dad gave me new dry erase markers. By the look on my face, you would have thought he handed me a thousand dollars. It made him happy.

78. I really like Diet Coke but I’ll only drink it if it’s from a can or an individual bottle. Otherwise, I have to have the real stuff.

79. I’ve become quite the wine-o since I turned 21. Sangria has got to be my favorite.

80. If I need a timeout, I take a shower. I do my best thinking, best crying, best singing and dancing, best whatever in the shower. And I usually stay in there for at least 30 minutes, but probably more.

81. I use hand sanitizer more than anyone ever should. Right now, I’m in love with Bath and Body Works’ Island Margarita scent. It reminds me of summer.

82. My Grandad passed away this past summer. He was such a great man, I miss him so much. When he was in the hospital before he passed away, he said, “Guess how much I love you.” I told him I loved him to the moon and back and he smiled and told me he loved me to eternity and back. It makes me cry every time I think about that.

83. Listen to Part Two by Folk Soul Revival. You’ll understand me.

84. I love love notes and keep the ones people send me.

85. I change the cover on my cell phone to fit my mood. The zebra one is probably my favorite.

86. I think everyone should try chocolate covered sunflower seeds. They’re to die for.

87. When I’m thinking about something, I make pro/con lists and top 10 lists. I blame Res Life for that.

88. My favorite thing to do is cuddle with someone in bed.

89. Chinese food is my favorite kind of food. Sesame chicken, fried rice, and crab ragoon will instantly put me into a good mood if I’m ever not in one.

90. I wish Wise had a Panera. And a Chick-Fil-A.

91. I give people ridiculous nicknames. It’s fun.

92. I have tons of favorite movies. My top five are: When Harry Met Sally, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Enchanted, Mean Girls, 300.

93. I love, love, love going grocery shopping. I have no idea why but grocery stores are fabulous. Maybe, it’s because everything is really organized.

94. I love my Toms. Because I wear them, I also participate in A Day Without Shoes. People think it’s really disgusting. It kind of is, but think about the people who don’t have a choice as to whether they wear shoes or not. A day won’t kill you.

95. If I watched the news as much as I watched ESPN or the Food Network, I’d know everything going on in the world.

96. My favorite color is pink but when I decorate my house, I doubt I’ll have much of it in there. I really like decorating in blue/brown/yellow and black/white/red combos.

97. I really want a room of windows with plants and couches in my house where I can go and sit with a cup of coffee or paint.

98. I love children more than anything…but I only want two of my own.

99. I drive a 2005 Saturn Ion named Tranny. I love him/her.

100. I’m finally getting comfortable with the person I am and I love it!

Imagination is more important than knowledge...

I made a sweet CD for my beautiful niece, Harper. I'm so excited to send it off to her so I decided to share the music I put on it. I think it fits Harpie well.

Sweet Harper, Don't ever forget how much I love you. ~ Aunt Em

1. Almost Over-Folk Soul Revival

2. Part Two-Folk Soul Revival

3. Viva la Vida-Coldplay

4. Slow Dancing In A Burning Room-John Mayer

5. You're Gonna Be-Reba

6. My Wish-Rascal Flatts

7. Meet Virginia-Train

8. Sweet VA-Folk Soul Revival

9. China Town-Folk Soul Revival

10. Don't Do Me Like That-Tom Petty

11. Two Princes-Spin Doctors

12. I Missed You-Lisa Loeb

13. Sister Golden Hair-America

14. You Are So Beautiful-Joe Cocker

15. Maggie May-Rod Stewart

16. Your Mama Don't Dance-Loggins and Messina

17. Baby I Love Your Way-Peter Frampton

18. Lullaby-Matt Costa and Jack Johnson

I'm So Blessed

Coffee and blogging...my two loves that I don't enjoy as often as I should. I also enjoy reading quotes (from my quote calendar!) I hung the one from last Thursday up on my wall and forgot to include it yesterday but it's a really great quote from Anna Freud- "I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time." I think I've become more confident now that I'm learning to be alone and comfortable with myself. I am blessed.

I have better friends than I could have ever hoped for. This came to my attention yesterday when I was overwhelmed with the people who loved me. One particular came over last night and we had a heart to heart over chocolate chip cookies. I love that sweet friend to death and literally would do anything for her. She is not only a beautiful person outside, her soul glows with each word she says and Christ's light shines through her into darkness. I am blessed.

I also realized today that my life could be so different. I'm lucky to be able to go to school. I'm lucky I have a roof over my head, clothes on my body, and food in my stomach. I'm lucky I'm sitting out of the cold and rain and on my laptop sharing my thoughts with you. I'm lucky I don't have to hide my opinion. I'm lucky I have a family that if I really needed them, would drop whatever they were doing to be there. I'm lucky I have friends that text me just to say hi or swing by my apartment just to give me a hug. I am so lucky and I am so, so incredibly blessed.

Thank you for being part of my life and a blessing to me.

XOXO

Quotes

I have this calendar that gives me little quotes for the day. Let me share a few of my favorites:

"I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment." ~Frances Farmer

"There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart." ~Jane Austen

"To love is to receive a glimpse of Heaven." ~Karen Sunde

"Nobody has ever measured, even the poets, how much a heart can hold." ~Zelda Fitzgerald

"Love is an attempt to change a piece of a dreamworld into a reality." ~Theodor Reik

"Dreams are necessary to life." ~Anais Nin

"The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." ~Allan K. Chalmers

"To love and be loved-this on earth is the highest bliss." ~Heinrich Heine

"The greatest gift we can give one another is rapt attention to one another's existence." ~Sue Atchley Ebaugh

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on." ~Robert Frost

And I'll save my favorite one for last...

"In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary." ~Aaron Rose

I'm sure there will be more later :)

I can't believe...

...it's been SO long and SO MUCH has happened in my life! Seriously!

I guess the most important thing that happened is MY SISTER HAD HER BABY (a month ago...).

Harper Jade Dudas was born February 24, 2011 at 6:40 pm. She was a huge baby, weighing over 8 lbs and was 22 inches long. She is probably one of my favorite people ever. When I went home a few weeks ago for Spring Break, she was only 2 weeks old but already has SUCH a personality...she reminds me a lot of Erica (although, she kinda, sorta looks like me when I was a baby...must be a Baxter thing). You can see SUPER cute pictures of her on my Facebook.

Hmm...I guess not much else has happened. Spring break was amazing spending time with Harpie and Erica and working. I'm so blessed to have a job to go home to. I was re-elected RHA President and represented the state of VA at the regional business meeting (No Frills) this past weekend at App State in Boone, NC. I'm so proud of everyone who was elected to be on the SEC next year. I think they have their work cut out for them but if anyone can do it, this board can.

My internship and classes are going really well. APO is starting to pick up again. Our numbers are a little on the low side but the group that's there is dedicated and I'm proud of them. Kay and I are still writing our advice column and that's getting great feedback so I'm really happy about that. We decided to try and live together again next year. I'm thrilled! :)

Other than that, I'm doing so great. I think I'm happy and that's such a big change for me. :)

I miss blogging. That was one of my New Year's Resolutions and I've been failing miserably. I'll have to try and fix it.

XOXO

such is life

I've made some super bad decisions in the past few weeks. I know college is a time to "find out who you are" and "explore the unknown" but my behavior isn't somthing that I want to be defined as. However, due to some of my actions, I think my life is about to change...and I don't know if it's for the better or not. I'm not going to blurt out what's on my mind quite yet, but if you know me, you know what I'm stressing over. =/
In other news, I was elected Director of VACURH last weekend. I'm so super excited (and hope I can continue with it) because Virginia is going to be the foxiest it has ever been! We had a great SBD last year and another fabulous group this year! I'm so glad James is on the board again because I don't know what I would do without him! He is such a fantastic person.
I know this is a super short post but I just thought I'd throw something at ya'll.
Here's to not making any bad decisions tonight.
xoxo

Day Four

DFF.

Day 3

Gilmore Girls has been my favorite show for a really long time. I have other favorites (Desperate Housewives, Scrubs, Chopped) but this show describes me really well. I love it!

Day Two

Erica and I are only fifteen months apart. We've been through so much together, I don't know what I would do without her. She is such an amazing individual and will be a great mommy in just a few weeks. I'm so blessed to not only have her as a sister, but also have her as a friend.

Day 1

1. My full name is Emily Nicole Baxter
2. I was born October 28, 1989 at 12:19 am.
3. I'm in my third year at The University of Virginia's College at Wise.
4. My favorite color is pink.
5. I love my family more than anything.
6. When I'm sad, I watch When Harry Met Sally or Breakfast at Tiffany's and eat Reese Cups.
7. I'm addicted to my iPod and my cell phone.
8. I text more than any person should.
9. My day planner has my entire life in it.
10. I want to help people more than anything in the world.

Why do I do it...

...when I know I can't keep New Year resolutions.
From the ones I blogged about the 30th of December, I've onlly kept a few.

I have laughed so much more this semester, for sure. Living with Karrye is always an adventure. We have SO much fun with each other, it's a little ridiculous sometimes. Our plan of going to bed early hasn't been going so well lately but I can't complain.

I think I'm starting to be a better person. Of course, I'm still as sarcastic as ever, but that's not going anywhere anytime soon. And I'm starting to be more comfortable with who I am. I loved my girls last semester but this one is so much better. I'm much more relaxed and nicer to be around. Someone even said that I looked happier the other day. Maybe it's because I've been laughing...that does have positive side effects on people!

I think I've Facebooked more and blogged less though so I'm so very sorry to those of you who actually read this (yes, there are some of you!)

This upcoming weekend, I'm going to Divine Rhythm to work on growing in my faith. I'm a little nervous for some reason, not really sure why. I went last year and had a blast but I have a strange feeling I'm going to be broken and I don't really think I'm ready for my world to be rocked at this particular point in time. Guess I don't really have a say in it though, do I? ;)

My niece should be arriving very soon, too, and this makes me an even more excited person! I can't believe my sister has been carrying life around in her...didn't think she could. haha I can't wait to meet the little pumpkin. I love her already so much.

As for my personal life:
Everytime I talk about a specific person on my blog, it seems to curse it. I have NO idea why but it does. And it sucks. But I've been talking to a really sweet guy and I'm pretty excited about it. He's really great. Plus, he likes hockey so that can't be bad. Stay tuned for updates about him :)

I'm going to get ready for class then I have two back to back meetings-Yikes! Let the hectic life continue!

XOXO

moon river

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMPC6C1e-EQ

click on the link.

it's a) one of my favorite songs.

b) has audrey hepburn.

c) will be played at my wedding.

that's all.

last week home!

and it's going to be sooo crazy!
I work today, tomorrow, maybe Wednesday (if not work, up there organizing and doing things), and Thursday. Friday, I'm going shopping with mom and doing stuff to get this "small" baby shower together. Who knew it would end up being this big of a deal...almost 40 people! HOLY COW! Good thing it's really low key!

Yesterday, I went over to see Alexander. Oh my God, for real. I'm so in love with him and his shaggy hair. When I got there, he was in time out. :( Susan went upstairs to see him. He tromped down the stairs saying no and then saw me. It was such a happy reunion! He ran over and jumped up in my arms like an old movie scene. He wouldn't let me out of his sight, which made me feel better than I had for a really long time. He was talking up a storm, telling me all his new words and showing me how he likes to jump in and out of his pack and play. He sat on my lap and showered me with hugs and kisses and would rub my cheek after giving me a kiss and say I like!. I just LOVE him! I almost cried when I put him down for a nap when I left but can't complain-Joe and Susan didn't have to let me come over and play with him. I'm sooo glad they did. They also mentioned something about him and me for the summer so we'll see if that pans out.

Tomorrow night = CAPS TICKETS! I'M SOOOO FREAKING EXCITED! They beat the pens New Years Day in the Winter Classic WHICH WAS AMAAAAZING! so we're all excited to go tomorrow.

For now, I'm thinking of going to Borders, getting a cup of coffee, a new calendar, then heading home to go to bed. I almost got in trouble this morning-I had to be at work at 9 and got out of bed at 8:40. Oops.

XOXO