{Post 20}

Dear Student,

         Good luck in your english class. I enjoyed this class. Truth be told it wasn't that difficult for me. The projects were all very fun to write because we didn't have to write essays all the time. We were given the freedom to pick any topic for the projects, which made the writing fun. Make sure you take your time to write good papers. The genre's are much more fun to write in than boring essays. I took the time to plan out which genre was going with what paper on the syllabus and that seemed to help me a lot. Plus, then I didn't run out of genre ideas on the last papers. My biggest downfall was attendance. Go to class! You get points for being in class, so take them. Also, participate and join in the conversation. Those points matter too. Let your voice be heard even if you may not be correct. There isn't many right and wrong questions in this class though, so speak up and participate because any points are necessary. If you go to class and write good papers, you should be just fine in this class. I would totally recommend Joe Sanders to teach you this class because he is a very good teacher. The way the class is structured is great, and he is very helpful with everything. This class has been fun, and I really like how all of my papers have turned out. Hope you find a way to make the class enjoyable and successful for yourself. Remember to be in that class chair every time the class starts.

                                                                                 Sincerely,
                                                                                        Riley Smith

{Post 19}

"For Sale: Baby Shoes. Never Worn."

          It was a misty monday morning here in Australia. We hoped in the car to head to a doctors appointment. It was me and my beautiful, loving husband. On our way to the appointment we discussed our lives and the three wonderful children we had here in Earth still, and the one daughter who had left our side three years ago at the wee age of three. ver since our loving daughter went to heaven we wanted to have another baby. I have put myself through torture to create another little life to join our family's journey. For some unexplainable reason getting pregnant the first four times wasn't hard at all. Everything went as planned, but that was back in a normal life with a normal family. Back in the days when all four of my children were alive. It has been many years now since my beautiful mini-me died, but it doesn't seem to get all that much easier. It's a new reality in my new not normal life. Anyways back to the baby talk. I have gone through five failed IVF treatments, and I promised try number six would be my last. If it doesn't happen this time I will have to accept that it was the way it was meant to be. The eggs have been planted and now we must see if they have attached or not.
            As we approach the doctors office my mind goes to all the worst possibilities. I know that it shouldn't operate this way, but it does. My mind races and I open the doctors office door to be greeted right away, and taken back for my appointment. The doctor takes a look at the ultrasound and smiles as if it is good news. I am here to announce that yes I am indeed pregnant with baby number five. We have been looking around at shoes and little outfits for the baby. We have to stick with the neutral theme because we have no idea if our tiny human will be a boy or a girl, but as soon as we find out there will be no more yellow clothing purchased. Right now we are praying for a healthy little one with gender put aside. We are elated and can't wait to find out.
             As much excitement and pure joy that came with the story above, I am here today with a heavy heart. My heart aches for the little baby that didn't make it past week 13. It happened baby number 5 ended in a miscarriage. With all the joy, nervousness, and excitement we felt after the appointment we lost our baby. We had even bought a few pairs of little baby shoes and blankets for our precious addition that never quite made it to our world. Follow this link to check out some of the lovely items we had purchased, but no longer need: For Sale: Baby Shoes. Never Worn. I have given up on my journey for another baby. I just can't afford more treatment and the torture that it puts my body through is too much to bare. I might have to take down one for sale item to keep as a keepsake of this precious baby who never got to meet the family. I will keep one pair of shoes, but the rest will be sold to loving families who need tiny human shoes for their little bundles of joy.
              Thank You all for the prayers and thoughts throughout this journey. We have not given up our faith and will continue to raise our three loving children who are still on Earth and keep the spirit of our beautiful angel baby in heaven alive. Thanks for everything!

{Post 18}

          The government is in control of so many things. Every law, amendment, and even social disputes in the United States must go through the government. Every branch of the government is responsible for making sure the United States is ran properly. We as citizens are expected to follow the laws and live how the government says. This even includes certain religious practices. What would happen if the government became too powerful and we as citizens tried to revolt? In the book "The Hunger Games," author Suzanne Collins depicts what happens when a colony revolts against the capitol. The book is very over-aggregated and futuristic, but the common theme of citizens revolting against the higher power is very relevant. In the book the world is split up into districts, and the capitol is the higher authority govern the districts. The districts are treated terribly and expected to be ok with all of it. District 13 began a revolution against the capitol many years prior to the present time in the novel. This did not end well for the district. After this revolution the capitol began what is now known as "The Hunger Games." The game itself is not really a game at all, the capitol picks one boy and one girl from each district and places them in an arena to fight to the death. There are 24 children placed in the arena, and only one child leaves the arena. The book shows what happened when the district revolted against the hierarchy. This book places emphasis on how powerful a government can get. Citizens had no say on how the government was ran, and they definitely had no say after the revolution. Citizens of the United States are expected to follow the law and if they do not they are taken to court and sometimes end up in jail. If they don't end up in jail they get probation and must meet with the government through a process called probation. This is just a little bit of how the government controls the citizens in today's world. "The Hunger Games" is a crazy, over the top replication of how the government could over take the community, but it shows how citizens have little say in how a country is actually ran.

{Post 15}

     My best friend's name is Jessica. She goes by Jess or J, but never Jessie. She is about 5'7" and has brown hair. Jessica loves music, her favorite singers are Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, The Band Perry, and the wonderful Colbie Caillat. She spends much of her day listening to music. There's never a time that she doesn't have her ipod and headphones. Jessica also enjoys attending concerts, her next concert is November 15th where she will be seeing Carrie Underwood! Jessica also happens to be my roommate. She attends WMU and is majoring in Early Elementary Education. She loves children, and can't wait to have her own kids in the future. Jessica is from Kentwood, MI and graduated high school in 2011, as did I. Her parents, Kim and Tom, currently live in Kentwood with their two dogs, and two cats. Jessica has a sister, Katie, who is a year younger than Jessica. Katie attends NYU. Jessica and her sister do not get along that well, but it's nothing too terrible. Typical sibling annoyances. Jessica is my best friend, and the best friend I could ask for. She always there for me whenever I need anything. Love her and her craziness!

{Post 13}

    One of my favorite singers, Tristan Prettyman recently released a new album. This is her fourth studio album and it is titled "Cedar and Gold." Tristan is a singer/songwriter with an incredible voice. The album is all about her recent heartbreak when her fiance, Jason Mraz called off their engagement. The album takes you through the pain and heartache she gained from that experience. "Cedar and Gold" is an incredible album.There are so many well written songs. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, nothing is, but I thoroughly enjoy her type of music. She pours her heart and soul into everything she releases. Everything is also written by her, which makes the album so much more personal. Tristan takes you through a journey with every song she sings. The album has a variety of songs on it a lot of slow, calm, and beautiful songs mixed with a few upbeat, fun songs along the way.There is only about one song on the album that I am not a fan of, but that is the bonus track from itunes, so it didn't make the hard copy cut. Every album has that one or two songs that aren't as great as the others, but I believe Tristan worked hard to put out a well written and well produced album for her fans. It's been a long time since she has put out new music, so it is very exciting for TP fans! If you like singer/songwriter music, like Colbie Caillat or Jason Mraz then I would most definitely spend money on this album. I spent the money and it was well worth it! Love it!!

{Post 12}

      Children need to learn music in their lives. Music does nothing but make children smarter. If you don't expose your children to music it's basically child abuse. Why wouldn't you let them be exposed to something so influential. Schools need to get their priorities straight. They spend millions of dollars to get the newest technology  Why? Just so they can brag and pretend to be a better school because they have the newest computers. However, schools that put more money towards music are better. Teach children music or they will be stupider than children who learn music. The facts are there and can be found in so many sources that music makes children more intelligent. Not exposing children to music is neglect towards the child. Read about it, learn about it, and expose children to more music because it makes them smarter.

{Post 5}

        In life we always face tough decisions. We struggle between what is right and what is wrong. We as children are always taught to tell the truth no matter what. I have always been an honest person. I'm a terrible liar too, so that doesn't help. When I was about 14, my sister, brother, my sisters friend, and I all went to spend the night on a submarine. We hung out on the boat and on the dock most of the time, however, there was a small gift shop that was there with little gifts and candies. My sister, her friend, and I all went in the shop and were looking around. My sister and her friend didn't have any money to buy anything, so they were going to steal necklaces and some earrings. I didn't want to get in trouble, so I just went out of the gift shop.
          At first, I didn't say anything about it because I was young and didn't want to get my sister in trouble, but I felt horrible not saying anything. I knew what they were doing was wrong, and that they shouldn't just get away with stealing things. I was raised with morals and I knew what they did was morally wrong, but more so I knew that lying and not telling anything was morally wrong on my part. That night, however, I went to sleep without mentioning it to anyone.
          The next morning came around and I knew I couldn't keep it a secret, so I told my mom. I told her that I didn't want my sister and her friend to be mad at me, but I couldn't keep it a secret because they had stole about $100 worth of jewelry from this shop. Need less to say my mom was upset with them. She confronted them and made the two of them go into the shop and return the stolen jewelry. The two were so embarrassed and mortified.  Not only did they have to return the stuff, but my sister was also grounded and couldn't have her cell phone for a month.
          I know that what I did was the right thing, and that my sister would forgive me eventually. I felt relieved after I told my mom about it. I also knew that my sister needed to be a better person and not steal things. I have no idea what happened to my sisters friend. Looking back now I don't know why I just didn't tell my mom that night or why it was such a big deal, but it's done now. I believe I did the right thing.

{Post 17}

            I miss my sister. I sit here in my house with nothing to do. I have my mom, but I can't talk to her like I did with Katniss. My mom doesn't provide for me like my sister did. Everyday we are forced to watch the Hunger Games. I have to stand there and hope nothing will happen to her. She is the strongest person I know, but I can't bare the thought of losing her. I watch as her and Peeta fight to stay alive and am so proud of how they are handling the situation. Katniss will make it through, she has to. I can't provide for myself and my mother. Katniss always took care of us, and with her gone it is so hard. I cry myself to sleep every night. My sister is and will always be my hero. I am so thankful that she took my place in the games and will forever be grateful. I hope she makes it through because I will spend the rest of my life thanking her for what she did for me. When Katniss is back I want her to teach me how to hunt, just like her. She's the best hunter I have seen. I want her to teach me how to be just like her. I look up to my sister more than anyone on this planet. With that being said, I hate the capitol and how this country is ran. I can't stand the fact that my sister is in an arena full of other kids fighting to the death. It makes me sick to think about. I am so nervous for her, and can't wait for her to come home. She will come home because I believe in her strength.

{Post 13}

Today I am going to teach you how to make a tissue paper pom-pom. These are great for party decorations and much more. They also make a great backdrop for photography too!!

Materials:

• Tissue Paper
• Scissors
• Floral Wire
• Fishing line (to hang the pom-poms after they are made)

Steps: 

1. Take 8 pieces of tissue paper and lay them on top of each other in the same direction. Cut them all in half using you scissors. 
2. Take the tissue paper you just cut in half pieces and lay them back on top of each other giving you 16 pieces of tissue paper stacked on top of each other all in the same direction.
3. One the short end of the tissue paper (one side should be longer than the other) begin folding the tissue paper. Fold at 1/2 inch of the end in, and then flip over the entire stack and fold the 1/2 you just created a 1/2 inch the other way. You will be folding it like an accordion. The paper should continue to get smaller as you go along. 
4. Once you have you paper folded in the accordion fold, you should end up with one strip of think tissue paper. 
5. In the middle of the paper take the floral wire and wrap it around the middle. Keep the wire flat, do not crinkle the center of the paper. It is not necessary. Twist the ends of the floral wire together and cut it off. Your floral wire should be secured flat around the tissue paper.
6. At each end of the strip of tissue paper, take your scissors and cut the end either rounded or into a point depending on how you want it to look. Make sure you cut through every layer the same. 
7. Once that is cut, take one side of the paper and begin unfolding the accordion shape. Do this to both sides so it completes almost a circle.
8. Then, take each individual piece of tissue paper and separate them from each other carefully. Be careful not to rip the paper. To achieve the best look take half of the sheets of paper and fold them upwards, and the other half downwards.
9. To hang them up attach a piece of fishing wire around the center piece of floral wire. Length of the fishing line will vary with the length you want the pom-pom to hang.
10. You should have a completed pom-pom. To make different sizes of pom-poms simply cut your tissue paper bigger of smaller. Good luck!! 

{Post 6}

 Riley Smith of Lansing, MI passed away last night, Monday, October 15th, 2012 at the age of 19. She was killed instantly when a drunk driver ran into the side of her car late last night. Funeral services will be held in Charlotte, MI Saturday morning at 11am. 

       Riley grew up in Lansing, graduated high school in Olivet, and was in her second year of college at Western Michigan University. She was working on a degree in Early Elementary Education. Riley was a good student and was looking forward to starting new upper level classes in the spring. 

      Riley loved life, she was a very happy and loving person. Her main passion in life was music. If Riley had plans, she was most likely going to a concert. Other than music she loved spending time with her family and friends. She was the greatest big sister. Riley also loved photography. She always was taking pictures and capturing life's moments. Her beautiful images will be a light in the dark days to come. 

     Riley was survived by her parents, Heidi Martin and Greg Smith; her step-parents, Cristina Smith and Blanche Martin; her sisters, Dakota, Rebekah, and Bethanie; her brothers Tucker, Jaden, and Noah; her Grandmother, Elaine Lenon. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Marcia Smith, Edward Lenon, and Maynard Smith. 

    Riley was looking forward to graduating from Western Michigan, and beginning a career. She was looking forward to getting married and having children of her own in the future. She unfortunately will never be able to accomplish these dreams, but she will forever be remembered. 

{Post 11}

• Music 
• Why smoking is bad
• How to interior decorate
• Crafting
• How to make jewelry 
• Why adoption is a good thing
• Why homeschooling is good
• childhood cancer

Childhood Cancer

1. What is childhood cancer? 

     a. Facts and Statistics

2. Types and Stages

     a. Rarity 

     b. Stages of cancer

3. How do children get cancer?

     a. No way of knowing 

     b. From treatment from other cancers 

3. Bringing faces to childhood cancer 

     a. Layla, Ellie, and Ronan

4. Foundations

    a. Certain foundations

    b. What the foundation does

    c. Awareness to childhood cancer 

5. Cures

    a. Chemotherapy

    b. Radiation

    c. Surgery 

    d. Transplants and transfusions

{Post 10}

Dear Jessica,
         I am writing this today to let you know that you should give me your car. I know it may sounds silly, but it really does make sense. I need a car, and you won't be able to drive anyways come December. You are having surgery on your right foot and will be in a splint for two weeks, then you will be in your cast for another 8 weeks, and finally you will have to wear your walking boot for at least two weeks after that. There is no way you will be able to drive for the rest of the school year, so you should just hand the keys over to me. I would also like to point out the fact that I am a superior driver than you are. I have never hurt anyone in a car accident, and I promise I won't hurt your car. Well, hopefully it will be my car soon. You would always have a ride to anywhere you would like to go, but I need a mode of transportation to get back and forth from work. There is no way I could buy a new car or a used car for that matter. I know it wouldn't be as beneficial to you, but in December the car will be useless to you. You giving me your car would be the solution to all of my problems. Give me the keys, please!!
Sincerely,
        Your roommate


Dear Jessica,
         I understand your point, I really do. If you gave me your car, however, there would be benefits to you too. After I had saved up money from work, I would totally give you the car back. I would eventually buy my own. You wouldn't have to give it to me forever, just the time being. It's necessary for me to get back and forth from work. With my money from work I could possibly give you some money for loaning your car to me. It would be a good trade off, plus I'm your best friend. You know you want to help me out. I would try and help you out if you were in this position. I love you!! With my money from work we would be able to take a trip to Nashville, but without your car I won't be able to get to my job to get money. We will have a blast this summer, if you give me your car for the time being. Please help me out, you know you want to!
Love,
     Your best friend

{Post 9}

    Music education in children is not important. Schools cannot afford to continue to teach so many extracurricular activities as music and art education. The government has been cutting funding to schools making it impossible to keep these classes readily available to children. Schools know that music helps improve brain function, but for a child to get through high school and college they must be able to understand the four main subjects of school: Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, and History.  Government funding needs to remain with the four main subjects of school in order to be beneficiary to the children.
     Technology is needed for the school systems. If they must take funding away from music and arts, that will be fine. Schools must provide technology to children or else that school will begin to lose students. The internet is beginning to play a huge part in education, and has progressively became a vital part of teaching children. Some students have homework that can only be completed online. Children must be provided with resources to use outside of school to do these activities, so they receive Ipads or laptops for the year. Parents will not continue to take their children to a school that doesn't meet every need for that child. Parents want the best for their kids, and if the school is not providing the fanciest of equipment parents may take them to a school that does offer that equipment. A school that continues to lose students, also continues to lose funding. Schools must pick and choose where their money will go.
      Some people purpose that schools cut funding from sports activities, but this will not solve anything. It would make matters worse, actually. Sports play a huge roll in bringing income to the school. Children must pay to play the sport, while other children pay to watch the sport. Football games sell many tickets and all of that money goes right into the schools funding. Sporting events also sell concessions, which provide major profits for the school. Sporting events even bring people from outside of the community to the school to spend money to watch their children play. This in turn brings more money to the school. An art program or music class would not bring in nearly as much profit as sports do. Instrument rentals take place outside of the school, which would keep the money away from the school. Schools don't typically offer instrument rentals. Then there is concert season. No one pays to attend their child's band or choir concert. The school wastes electricity and time hosting these concerts and no one pays to get in making no profit for the school.
     Music is good for the brain, but it is not good enough to keep in schools if funding isn't provided. Schools will continue to fund the four main subjects because those are needed in higher education. Technology will also continued to be funded because more and more schools are leaning on the internet and technology to teach the children their material. Also, music brings no income into the school. Music doesn't provide money like sports do. Music and Arts are too expensive and not needed in the school systems.

{Post 8}

The topic I want to write about is music in education. I want to write about this topic because music has had such an amazing impact in my life. I don't know what I would do without it, if we're being honest. Music just so happens to increase intelligence in children, so why would we want to cut it out of their curriculums completely? I remember music being one of my favorite parts of school. I was not and am still not musically talented, but that doesn't matter. What matters is the fact that music helps people heal, music helps children memorize, it also helps them communicate. What can't be voiced through words can sometimes for certain people be voiced through song lyrics. If I wasn't in college to be a teacher, I would be in college to do something in the music industry. Why would we want to deprive children from something as powerful as music, when schools can afford to give everyone Ipads? If they can't afford music class at least incorporate it into the classroom. Two of my favorite things in life are music and children. That's why this topic is perfect because it incorporates both things. Ever been to a concert? Those happen to be one of my very favorite things to do in my life. I have never been to a concert that I didn't like. My favorite shows, however, are when my friends band plays. They are not famous (yet!!) and I can tell that everything they play comes straight from the soul. The raw emotion in music is incredible, yet we still feel that arts aren't important for children. Maybe I am just biased towards music education because of my love for music, but music is a powerful tool to help children grow and gain intelligence. Children gain communication skills through music. I have never not been able to communicate, but I can only imagine how terrible that would be. Sitting there with all of your thoughts and having to keep them to yourself because you are unable to communicate... I would go insane. I love to laugh and to talk with my friends, heck my friend wouldn't be able to sing if she first couldn't communicate, so why wouldn't we want to help children communicate with music. They even have musical therapy for people to go to, obviously music has a profound affect on people. Let the music be played, sang, danced to... just let it help children!

{Post 7}

     The topic I have been thinking about writing about is why it is important to continue to teach art and music in school. Music has been proven to make children more intelligent. Unlike other activities that may get in the way of school work and normal school classes, music classes are one activity that continue to help children become more intelligent. Music should be incorporated into the curriculum and teachers should encourage students to learn through music. I know that there is a time and place for music and arts in schools, but if school's don't have the money to provide a music class teachers should incorporate it into the classroom. Children thrive from music lessons. It doesn't matter the music lesson I  read a study once where they took four classrooms and placed all the children from one group into guitar class, group b into piano class, group c into voice lessons, and group d did not take any music lessons. Groups a, b, and c showed improvement in their tests scores, where as group d didn't show much improvement. I thought it was interesting that even singing improved the children's intelligence. Of course music will affect the child more at a young age, then say when that person is in college. That is why it is so important for the music to be taught in pre-k and elementary school. Arts are quickly being cut out of school's curriculums because of lack of funding. Schools and government believe that art and music isn't as necessary as the core of english, math, social studies, and science, but I disagree. I will need to look more into facts about how art class affects intelligence, but I'm sure kids who are more artsy are more intelligent than children who are not exposed to art. I know I need more information, and facts, but this is what I will hopefully be writing about because it's something I am passionate about. I know music class was always a favorite of mine, and I know how music has changed my life. I think arts should remain in school. This topic has increasingly become more problematic with all the school cuts and out horrible economy, but I don't think we should get rid of something so important to children's learning and intelligence.
     I don't really have a back-up topic, so if I can't write about this I will have to look into and research something else.

{Post 4}

Generating Ideas- Argumentative Research Project

1.  Woman

     MI Resident

     Student

     Friend

     Employee

     Daughter

     Sister

   

2. If I was given a million dollars today, I would payoff my student loans to start. Then, I would buy a house in Tennessee. I would move there and take online classes. I would also buy a car. After that, I would start a charity for pediatric cancer. 

2b. If I wanted the things listed above, I would have to approach someone to hire me to make more money. I would either have to work towards more employment, or I would have to approach our government to give me more grant money, and less student loans. I would have to argue the fact that going off my parents income isn't fair because my parents don't help pay the hefty college tuition bill. I would argue that they should go off my minimum wage salary, then the bill would be more accurate, and better suited towards a student in college.

3. My biggest pet peeve is smoking. I cannot stand smoking, I think of it to be one of the most disgusting habits that I know of. More than just smoking, however, I hate when people smoke around their children. Just because the adult wants to purposefully kill themselves, the child shouldn't be forced into breathing their intoxicated air, or smelling that nasty cigarette or cigar smell. Smoking should be illegal around kids. I don't care about anyone's argument that child did not ask their parent or guardian to blacken their lungs a little too.

    

{Post 3}

"From now on I will call you, Riley." -Siri

    Here to blog today is not Riley, but her Iphone. Yes, she loves me so much that she let me take over the blog today to let you all know just how much she loves me, and how I love her back. We make a great team. Riley and I spend far too many hours of the day together. She makes me do everything!! Riley makes me remind her to call her mother, she also makes me check her facebook, and her twitter. She is just far too into social media, but I guess if it wasn't for people like her there would be no need for objects like me. 

   I haven't been in Riley's life for very long, in fact she only got me about three months ago. I think she loves me though, she even bought me a fancy case to protect me, but she thinks that since it's waterproof that I like to take pictures underwater. She has yet to figure out that her pictures are always blurry underwater because I don't enjoy being submerged, it's just not something Iphone's like to do. I'll give her little break though because some of the underwater shots make great instagram photos. Yup, she has one of those too. I know right, shocker! She has one of everything. 

   I have been on many adventures with Riley in my three short weeks of being with her. We traveled to New York City together. We rode on top of a double decker bus in the middle of a downpour and had tons of fun. Again, she used me to take pictures in the rain, what is it about her and water pictures. I got to capture all of her memories in NYC with my fancy little camera and all her apps that she uses. I haven't done much traveling with her other than this quick trip to New York, but I can't wait to go on more.

  I have a feeling Riley and I will be together forever, or at least until her two year contract is up and she can get a better Iphone. Until then, however, I will be here all day everyday to keep her entertained. She will continue to use me, and I will continue to let it happen. She will make me go swimming, and do all sorts of crazy adventures. I love her and she loves me! 

{Birthday}

"Riley, with love and Happy Birthday. Love, Carrie Underwood!" 

   July 8th of 2011 will always be one of my favorite day. It is also the day I turned 18, and had one of the best birthdays ever. A little bit of history on the life of Riley, I love country music and going to concerts is one of my favorite things to do. There is just that feeling you get when you're in an arena with thousands of people all there to enjoy the music of one of your favorite bands or singers. If I could go to a concert every weekend I would. This particular concert though was special. 

   The concert this day was a Carrie Underwood concert. If you haven't seen her live, she is an incredible artist, and has a great voice. My mom had bought myself and my friend, Jessica tickets to go to this show. The concert was in Ohio at a festival called "Country Concert," this concert is a three day event, however, we only went to the one day. I have been to plenty of concerts, but this one was particularly special simply because it was one of my favorite singers, and it was my birthday.

   We had woken up bright and early in our hotel room to get ready for the day. Jessica and I had to be at the show at noon because the festival was an all day event. We got there, got our seats, and were ready for the show. The JaneDear Girls took the stage first, followed by Josh Thompson. By the time that Josh Thompson was playing my friend Kristin, who happened to be at the same show was there, so I went back by the backstage area and met up with her. We exchanged a few words before a lady came up and was handing out meet and greet passes to people who had won them through the fan club. Kristin and her husband knew that they would be meeting Carrie Underwood that day because they had won a contest. However, I had no clue that I would be meeting Carrie that day too. The lady called my name, and I was shocked that I had won. Typically I would've gotten an e-mail about this, but I never received one. Thankfully I was there when she called my name, or I wouldn't have gotten the opportunity to meet her. 

  All of us had our meet and greet stickers and we were lead to Carrie Underwood's tour bus, where the meet and greet took place. She was the most sweet, down to earth singer I have ever met. She wished me happy birthday, and autographed my poster. We took two pictures together and chatted a bit. Then I was one my way. Kristin and I took a picture backstage, and then talked and hung out a little more before the show started.

  Around 9pm Carrie Underwood took the stage, and rocked the house. She was amazing. Jessica and I had the time of our life singing and dancing. As stated before Carrie Underwood puts on one hell of a show. The night quickly came to an end, and we headed back to the hotel room. This birthday will always be one of my favorites, and I don't know if anything can top it!! 

{Post 1}

"Summer, after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen to people. For those few months you’re not required to be who everyone thinks you are. The fresh cut grass smell in the air & the chance to dive into the deep end of a pool, gives you courage you didn’t think you had. Summer just opens the door and lets you free." -Anonymous 

  May: May was the first month of my summer, however, it was the most boring of the summer months. I worked, and then worked some more. I had been off of work for a few months. I took the first year of college off from work to focus on college. Going back was fine, but I didn't miss it at all. This whole months goal was to save up money to make Summer 2012 a success. That is what I did, and it was well worth it.

  June: My favorite month of the whole summer. This month was jam packed with pure fun, and a little work while I was not having fun! The first full week of June was spent in my favorite city ever, Nashville, TN. I went to the Country Music Association Festival (CMAF) and many other events that were happening that week. I met up with many friends from many different states, and even one from Great Britain. We had the best week ever. I met so many awesome country music singers, and had the time of my life. I love Nashville with all my heart. 

  June part 2: Fast forward two weeks after my Nashville trip to the other big event that took place in the month of June. I may need to explain that my friend is a singer, and she had a dream of playing B93's Birthday Bash. Birthday Bash is a two day concert held by 93.7 in Martin, MI. B93 picks local artists to open the show each day, and they held voting to decide who would be playing. Basically, her band got chosen to play at Birthday Bash, and it was a big deal for all of us. The show day came and it was amazing. I was so happy for her, and couldn't be more proud to call her a friend. 

  July: My 19th birthday took place in this month, and nothing else was significant to write about. 

  August: August was another amazing month of my summer. In this month I saw Miranda Lambert and the Pistol Annies rock the stage at Rock the Rapids, and I got to meet Miranda Lambert. I am seriously obsessed with Miranda Lambert's music and her group the Pistol Annies. She is one of my favorite singers at the moment. I love how she doesn't care what anyone thinks of her. She is a badass. After this unforgettable night, we headed to NYC for the weekend. This was so much fun! My favorite part of the trip was seeing Wicked, the musical in the first row. NYC is an awesome place, I'd love to visit again!

  My summer in a nutshell, it was packed of many fun adventures. I'm going to miss Summer 2012, but am looking forward to this school year, and to begin my second year of college. Bring on fall, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and college! 

xoxo,
Riley