i'm a big girl now.

I am in denial. I have been for the past week. Which is my excuse for not posting since last Sunday. The last week of school had been creeping up slowly since the very beginning. I guess I never thought it would get here. It always seemed so far away, but now, its over, and we're moving on to bigger and better things. Graduation was Sunday, May 27, 2012. It was a beautiful ceremony. I am happy to say that I have graduated with the Pellston High School Class of 2012. I couldn't be any happier, or more proud of myself and everyone else in my class. Here are some pictures:

This is Carly (my best friend) and I walking in together. I'm gonna miss her so much.

Here I am standing and waiting for them to announce that we are represent the Class of 2012.

This is me receiving my diploma. Such a proud moment.

This is me directly after the ceremony. I was just finishing up crying. So my eyes are a little watery looking.

My dad, me, and my step mom afterwards.

Me and my dad ♥

My grandma Byard, me, and my grandpa Byard. ♥

My momma and I ♥

Cap and gown finally comes off! (o:

So, now that I have your attention, I'd like to say a couple things and point out a few others. First of all, graduation was a blast. Like I said earlier, I couldn't be any happier. It feels so good to know that I am finally done with the high school years of my life. I am ecstatic about moving forward. This summer is going to be wonderful and it is going to be a perfect lead in to the awesome year that is to come.

That being said, I want to touch on what I am doing. Recently, just yesterday actually, I finished up my picture a day for a year album that I had going on Facebook. Now that it's done (and I don't plan on doing it for another year or for any other years to come ever again) I have decided that I would like to document the next stage of my life in some way, shape, or form. So, what I've decided to do is to continue to document my life in its future stages through the posts on my blog. If you were wondering why the name and design of my blog changed from paper planes & playground games to I'm a big girl now. it's because I am a big girl now, and I wanted to change things up to go along with all the major changes that have now taken place, or will shortly, because I am done with high school.

Today I am going to leave you all with a list of changes that I am extremely excited about.

---Working two jobs for the entire summer. 4 days a week at Hush Puppies shoe store, and on weekends at the Dixie as a hostess.

---Moving out of my parents house, and into an apartment with my boyfriend when the leaves on the trees start to change colors.

---Starting college at North Central Michigan College to work on my Associates of Science degree focusing on Biology/Pre-med so I can become a successful pediatrician

---Starting a new job in Petoskey when I move there. Hopefully working early mornings at Starbucks in the local Glens store in town.

---Driving the new car that my graduation and work money will buy me at the end of the summer. I'm looking for a Grand AM or a Monte Carlo. We'll see what I can find for under $4,000.

---All the first times that I will experience as a brand spankin' new adult who has graduated from high school!

I'm also very excited that you will all be following me on my journey in this small world. (o:

The future begins today...

in my dreams, my actions, and my heart. 

It's time to dream big, live wisely, and be kind...

And to never forget how much I have to offer the world. ♥

happy birthday!

Those of you who are following my blog, and those of you who aren't,  if you don't know the girl who made Ivory Giraffes, stop by her blog today and wish her a happy birthday. She's a beautiful person, all around, inside and out.

We've known each other literally since we were tiny babies. That's because we're cousins, and we're only born 3 months apart. When we were younger, we used to be super close. We used to hang out together at the beach, camp in my yard, go for long walks and bike rides. We shared our secrets with each other. We shared everything: our family, our ideas, concerns, stories, and even some of our material things like books, snorkels, goggles, beach toys, and probably even some clothes. I miss that.

Since then our lives have taken completely different routes. All this time she was home schooled, I went to a public high school. She has a sister who is her best friend, I have a brother who might be very close to that for me. I'm fortunate enough to have a daddy, her's joined heaven on this day two years ago. Now she is going to Bethel University in the fall, and I am staying home to attend North Central Michigan Community College for the next two years.

We don't talk as much as we used to. In fact, we barely talk at all. I don't know where she's at with many things. It's crazy how the time flies, and how so much can change in so little time. So, as a lesson to all of you reading this, really treasure and appreciate your loved ones, your friends, your family, just because you really really never know when things might change, and you might all of a sudden find yourself without them.

Happy Birthday, Hannah banana. I'm thinking about you, and I love you!

My seventeenth birthday at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Hannah and I at my dad's wedding July 30, 2012.

Will you look at those beautiful brown eyes?!

Hannah and I at my Junior Homecoming. 2011

Gorgeous.

And Hannah and I at the beach. Where we used to spend the most time together. I'm so jealous of her pretty tan skin.

Hannah, if you're reading this, I just want you to know that I'm still always here for you. And if you ever want to talk, I'm all ears. You know I'm a great listener and I love to give advice. I hope that we can become close friends again before you go off to college. Because who knows how fast time will go after that, and who knows if I'll ever see you again. Best of luck to you. ♥

we're almost done.

Good afternoon my lovelies. My apologies for not posting in nearly a week again. The school year is coming to a close, so I've been extremely busy. I'll be just as busy next week. But I have something planned for each of the last five days of my entire high school career. So don't worry, you will hear from me. I'm so happy this journey I've been on for the past 13 years of my life is ending and a new one is starting right after in it's place. I'm trying to enjoy the last few days of this life. It's beautiful outside. It's supposed to be just as nice tomorrow. God is surely looking down on us all today, hopefully he will reach down and touch those who may struggle to find the strength to enjoy their day tomorrow. ♥

If you're doubting you will enjoy tomorrow, please, enjoy today. If not for yourself, or for me, for your daddy. I love you ♥ 

There's nothing like...

...waking up to sun streaming through the windows in your room. That's what happened to me this morning at around 7:30 this morning. Then I got up and worked on my English Exam project, which is due this Monday. And after that I laid out in the sun for a half hour (I can't lay out for any longer in this kind of heat because I'll completely fry if I do. My pretty skin is just too white and delicate for the sun's rays). I just love the way the sun feels on my skin and the way the breeze feels when it lifts my hair. I've missed the warm weather. I'm so ready for summer. Even if I have to work my life away. I'm just ready for it to come. I'm more than excited for beach days. This year I'm going to go more than I've ever gone before.

Doing It Wrong.

Doing It Wrong by Drake

I stumbled across this song just yesterday night. I am in love with Drake. This song is just great because it is my most favorite type of music. The kind that has meaning that is nice and slow and pretty sounding.

God, I miss you so much.

When a good thing goes bad it's not the end of the world

It's just the end of a world, that you had with one girl

And she's the reason it happened, but she's overreacting

And it's all because she don't want things to change

So cry if you need to, but I can't stay to watch you

That's the wrong thing to do

Touch if you need to, but I can't stay to hold you

That's the wrong thing to do

Talk if you need to, but I can't stay to hear you

That's the wrong thing to do

Cause you'll say you love me, and I'll end up lying

And say I love you too

But I need someone different

You know it, oh ho, you know it

Oh ho, you know it, we both know it

I need someone different

You know it, oh ho, you know it

Oh ho, you know it, we both know it

Something's been missing

You know it, oh ho, she knows it

Oh ho, I know it, we all know it

I need someone different

(Oh ho, oh ho)

We live in a generation of, not being in love, and not being together

But we sure make it feel like we're together

Cause we're scared to see each other with somebody else

So cry if you need to, but I can't stay to watch you

That's the wrong thing to do

Touch if you need to, but I can't stay to hold you

That's the wrong thing to do

Talk if you need to, but I can't stay to hear you

That's the wrong thing to do

Cause you'll say you love me, and I'll end up lying

And say I love you too

But I need someone different

You know it, oh ho, you know it

Oh ho, you know it, we both know it

I need someone different

You know it, oh ho, you know it

Oh ho, you know it, we both know it

Something's been missing

You know it, oh ho, she knows it

Oh ho, I know it, we all know it

I need someone different

(Oh ho, oh ho)

WTF #13 - Summer sandals.

Weekly Top Five

So, basically, this entire week it has been super nice outside. And since summer is really right around the corner, and I've already started working, the money is already flowing in. I think it's time for a new pair of sandals or five. ;o)

1. This first pair is super cute. I love the almost-gladiator look.

2. I hardly have any white shoes. These are super adorable and white!

3. These are even more gladiator like than the first pair. The little buckles are just too cute.

4. I am in love with any shoes that have flowers on them. These are superrrr cute. I loveee the flower.

5. Again, the flowers just totally make the shoe. And these are white too (o:

Tattoos On This Town

Tattoos On This Town by Jason Aldean

This song goes out to the graduating class of 2012 at Pellston High School. This is OUR song.

There's still black marks on that county road, where we drag raced our pick-ups and mustangs

And weathered all the sun and rain

And to this day up on that overpass, even underneath the new paint, you can still see,

"Ali, will you marry me?"

Take a ride, look around

There ain't no doubt

It sure left it's mark on us, we sure left our mark on it

We let the world know we were here, with everything we did

We laid a lot of memories down, like tattoos on this town

There's still a rope burn on the old branch, that hangs over the river, I still got the scar

From swinging out a little too far

There ain't a corner of this hallow ground, that we ain't laughed or cried on, it's where we loved,

Lived and learned real life stuff

It's everything we're made of

It sure left it's mark on us, we sure left our mark on it

We let the world know we were here, with everything we did

We laid a lot of memories down, like tattoos on this town

Like tattoos on this town

Everywhere, it's where we are

It gets me right, in my heart

It sure left it's mark on us, we sure left our mark on it

We let the world know we were here, with everything we did

We laid a lot of memories down,

And we'll always be hangin' around, like tattoos on this town

Like tattoos on this town

WTF #12 - Victoria's Secret.

Weekly Top Five

So, because my boyfriend has started working out regularly, and has already lost a significant amount of weight, I have decided that it is time to finally turn my 'almost Victoria's secret' body into a 'Victoria's secret' body.  It is almost summer, so I need to get a new bathing suit. These are my top five.

1. I absolutely love the top piece of this bathing suit. Not only the style but the color. This color would suit me well I think. 

 2. I wouldn't usually get a black bathing suit, just because I am so white all the time, but I love the ruffles on the top of this one. It is sooo cute.

 3. I love everything about this bathing suit. The white, the jewels, the purple and the frilliness of it. Don't be surprised if you see me wearing this in some pictures this summer!

 4. I love the color, and the style of this bathing suit. The top looks super comfortable and I bet you don't feel super exposed wearing it.

 5. When you mix polka dots and floral together you usually don't get a so hot outcome. But that is NOT the case with this bikini. I absolutely love this one. So cute.

I want to know what you think! Which one is your favorite? Comment below with which number you like most. (o: 

100 questions! (part 4)

Here are the links to the other three videos if you haven't watched them yet and would like to. (o:
-100 questions! Part 1
-100 questions! part 2
-100 questions! part 3

76. If you were an animal what would you like to be? 

77. What would your animal name be? 

78. If you could go back in time, what would you like to see? 

79. Any person alive or dead - who would you meet? 

80. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

81. Tea or coffee? 

82. What was/is your nickname? 

83. Have you been to college? 

84. What is the wildest thing you've ever done? 

85. Can you play an instrument?  

86. What's your favorite Disney Character? 

87. Favorite theme park? 

88. What size feet are you? 

89. If you were President for a day what’s one change you would make? 

90. What is your favorite Night Club?  

91. Name one thing that most people don't know about you? 

92. When was the last time you cried? And why? 

93. If you could have 3 wishes, What would they be? 

94. Would you ever have plastic surgery? If so, where? 

95. What are you most ashamed of? 

96. Thongs or Underwear?

97. Blondes/ Brunettes or Red heads? 

98. What do you find disgusting on a male? 

99. If you could have one thing in the world, what would it be? 

100. What is your favorite month? 

100 questions! (part 3)

51. What School did you go to? 

52. What/ Who annoys you? 

53. Do you recycle? 

54. What's your favorite sport? 

55. Who was the last person to upset you? 

56. What are your hobbies?  

57. What was the last joke you heard? 

58. What is the best joke you've heard? 

59. What's the worst joke you've heard? 

60. Name 3 places you have been on holiday: 

61. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? 

62. Favorite Season? 

63. What's your favorite website? 

64. What's your favorite shop?  

65. What's your worst habit?  

66. What's your favorite animal? 

67. What is your ultimate fantasy? 

68. Can you cook? 

69. What is the last lie you told? 

70. Favorite flavour ice-cream? 

71. Favorite restaurant? 

72. What do you hate doing the most? 

73. What do you like doing the most? 

74. If you were a Super Hero what would your power be? 

75. What is your porn star name (take the name of your first pet and your mother's maiden name and put them together) 

picture an hour #3.

I haven't done a 'picture an hour' in a couple months. So I decided that today would be a good day to do one. So here you have it, a picture an hour!

 8:00-9:00

This was what we did in Physics today. A whole lot of nothing. We basically just used noise makers and played around for the entire hour. I worked on my study guide instead because we have a test this Monday.

9:00-10:00

 During this time Carly and I worked a little more on our ceiling tile. It is coming along so great! Then I went and got another tile from the senior hallway so that we can have the seniors all write their names on it.

10:00-11:00

 This was Calculus for me today. We had a fire drill and a substitute so that was hilarious. And everyone brought the noise makers they made in Physics with them to calculus. So you can only imagine how the teacher was feeling. This was our last Calculus notes EVER, and we had a sub, so Mrs. Carter wrote some funny notes on the overhead.

11:00-12:00

 In English we basically just worked on our final exams. Mine is coming along slowly. I finished the book a long time ago, I have just been slacking on the writing part. Only one more week to finish the entire project. We'll see how that gets done. I'll probably end up taking a day off of school next week. More than likely it will be Tuesday.

Later that night...

 I got out of work and went to Jessie's bonfire. It was so fun. We played water-pong. Because none of my nerdy friends like to drink. Which is fine, I'd rather not drink with them anyways. I respect their wishes.

 Carly and I were on a water-pong team. We kicked butt! We were knocking cups out throw after throw. She's gonna be super great at it at college! Haha.

 Dale decided to bring these cool things. You light the thing in the center and then the balloon fills and you can let it go into the air. I guess it's supposed to go out eventually and then fall to the ground. Hopefully we didn't start any forest fires!

I love nights like this. Just hanging out with lifelong friends who are there for you and who truly appreciate you as a good person in their life. I can bet that there will be many more of these kinds of events in the next couple weeks just because we're all about to take separate paths and go out on our own. We might not see some of the students in our grade for the rest of our lives. Its crazy to think that in just two weeks on May 27th, it may be the very last time I see some of the people in my class. Wow. How the time flies...

100 questions! (part 2)

For some reason I accidentally skipped over numbers 41 and 42. So, The answers are written under the actual question. Also, I know I'm squinting. Sorry haha.

26. What is your dream job? 

27. What is the most painful injury in your life so far?

28. What's your favorite Newspaper/ Magazine? 

29. Which celebrity do you like the most? 

30. What religion are you? 

31. Do you have any siblings? 

32. Have you ever been in the hospital?  

33. Have you ever broken a bone or had stitches? 

34. Do you believe in Angels/Ghosts/Demons? 

35. Are you superstitious? 

36. What colour eyes do you have? 

37. What colour hair to you have? 

38. If you could change 1 thing about your appearance, what would it be? 

39. If you could change 1 thing about your personality, what would it be? 

40. What is your biggest fear? 

41. Do you have any regrets? If so, what are they? 

Yes, but if I didn't do everything I've done up to this point, I wouldn't be who I am today.

42. Have you ever been in love? 

Of course, two times. Now, and before #42. How convenient, this question falls right on the number 42.

43. What's the most important thing to you in the world? 

44. What your most treasured possession? 

45. What's your job? 

46. What's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you? 

47. What's the worst thing anyone has done to you? 

48. What is your dream car? 

49. What is your favorite celebration? 

50. Where do you want to live? 

Both Of Us

Both Of Us by Taylor Swift and B.o.B

I was listening to the radio, the day before yesterday I believe it was, and I heard this song for the first time. I love Taylor Swift, soooo this song is great. At first I just liked it for the artists, but then I really listened to the words and there's a whole lot more to the song than just a couple of good singers. Give it a listen.

[Taylor Swift - Chorus]

I wish I was strong enough to lift not one but both of us
Some day I will be strong enough to lift not one but both of us

[B.o.B]
Ever thought about losing it
When your money's all gone and you lose your whip
You might lose your grip when the landlord tell ya that you do for rent
And the grass so green on the other side
Make a nigga wanna run straight through the fence
open up the fridge bout twenty times
But still can't find no food in it
That's foolishness
And sometimes I wonder, why we care so much about the way we look,
and the way we talk and the way we act and the clothes we bought, how much that cost?
Does it even really matter?
Cause if life is an uphill battle
we all tryna climb with the same ol' ladder
In the same boat, with the same ol' paddle
Why so shallow? I'm just asking
What's the pattern for the madness
Everybody ain't a number one draft pick
Most of us ain't hollywood actors
But if it's all for one, and one for all
Then maybe one day, we all can ball
Do it one time for the underdogs
Sincerely yours, from one of y'all

I wish I was strong enough to lift not one but both of us
Some day I will be strong enough to lift not one but both of us

[B.o.B]
I can feel your pain, I can feel your struggle
You just wanna live, been everything so low
That you could drown in a puddle
That's why I gotta hold us up, yeah hold us up
For all the times no one's ever spoke for us
To every single time that they play this song
You can say that that’s what Bobby Ray wrote for us
When the tides get too high
And the sea up underneath get so deep
And you feel like you're just another person
Getting lost in the crowd, way up high in the nosebleed
Uh, because we won't be near yet, both of us
But we still stand tall with our shoulders up
And even though we always against the odds
These are the things that've molded us
And if life hadn't chosen us
Sometimes I wonder where I would've wound up
Cause if it was up to me, I'd make a new blueprint
Than build it from the ground up, hey
But if it's all for one, and one for all
Then maybe one day, we all can ball
Do it one time for the underdogs
From bobby ray, to all of y'all

I wish I was strong enough to lift not one but both of us
Some day I will be strong enough to lift not one but both of us

There's nothing like...

...skipping school and laying in bed for a while, then getting up and drinking a nice glass of Grape Punch. Yum.

I am so sick of school at this point, and there are only 14.5 days until we are out for good, but I just don't know how I'm going to get through those days. I'm so busy, and there is just so much to do in one day. I have no idea how I'm going to get it all done. I spent the second half of Monday and Tuesday with my Garret, basically just venting to him and talking about all that I have to do and all that is on my mind. Then yesterday I left school early again and went to finish up my night class at the college. Today, I'm just kicking it at home and I'm gonna do a ton of homework and catch up on everything that I need to do.
Days like this I just have to take a step back and really appreciate the littlest of things. Without the little good things, there would be no point in continuing on. I look forward to life because of the little good things that come along with it. Thank you Grape Punch, for allowing me to thoroughly enjoy my morning.

senior ceiling tiles.

Today Carly and I worked on our ceiling tiles for another hour. This is the progress we've made over the course of the past couple days. We've been told that if we are able to finish it by May 20th we can put it in the art show. So if you guessed that we'll be working our little butts of for the next few days you're absolutely right! So, here you have it! The nearly finished tiles (:

What is it? #2

So, I got out of school and I've been sitting here staring at this because I cannot figure out what to write next for this book report. Here's a picture of what I've been staring at. What is it?? If you think you know, leave me a comment. First person to comment with the first correct answer will be featured in one of my blog posts next Friday!

100 questions! (part 1)

Today I've been super duper bored. So, here's a picture and a video for you. (o:

1. Which do you prefer - shower or bath?  

2. What do you swear you'll never do? 

3. What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done? 

4. What is your favorite quote? 

5. What was your favorite holiday? And why? 

6. What was your favorite childhood toy? 

7. Do you have any pets? 

8. Savory or sweet? 

9. Hot or cold? 

10. What's your favorite drink? - Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic 

11. What's your favorite food? 

12. Who do you hate the most? 

13. Favorite song?

14. What is your favorite colour? 

15. What did you do last night? 

17. Favorite Book?  

18. Favorite T.V Program? 

19. Favorite movie of all time? 

20. Have you ever had a supernatural experience? 

21. Favorite Sound?  

22. Favorite Smell? 

23. Favorite place to be? 

24. Happiest moment in your life? 

25. What would your idea of a perfect date be? 

almost satisfactory.

Today has been an absolutely fantastic day. I've done just about everything I could have possibly wanted to do in a usual, single day. I woke up early but was still able to sleep in. I blogged this morning for a bit. Then I had a nice breakfast of toast with apple jelly and animal crackers. After that I decided to play The Sims 3 for a couple hours. A little later I decided to curl up on the couch in my snuggie and start reading a book which I'll do a full report and prepare a speech on for my final English exam. Then I ate some delicious ramen. Halfway through the book I cleaned out the bathroom cupboards and took my nose ring out for the very first time (in almost two years (since July 2010)).

After I cleaned the ring and my nose, I did my face a favor by plucking my eyebrows and putting on a face mask for a good 15 minutes. Then I sat back down on the couch and finished my book, which was rather good. I'm verrrrry surprised that it was on the list my English teacher gave us to choose from. Who would have thought, Sherlock Holmes?!

After I finished The Hound of the Baskervilles I took a nice relaxing shower and I shaved my legs. I love shaving my legs; because I do it so rarely it just feels so nice and fresh when I finally get a chance to do it. Then I put on some lotion and drove myself 8 minutes to the good old Carp Lake store to treat myself for my accomplishments today with some lemonade and orange slices, which have been my favorite as of late. And for only $1.99 I was able to buy at least a two day supply of goodies for the bump and myself ♥

On the way home from the store I heard like five of my favorite songs in a row which never happens and was super great. Then when I got home I read a little bit of Dear John by Nicholas Sparks and shortly after took a little stroll up the dark drive way with my dog to see the full moon which will not be this close to the Earth for another 40 years.

It certainly is magnificent. My iPhone does not do it justice.

But it still isn't any bigger than my thumb or yours. 

Not here at home where I sit.

Not where ever you happen to be tonight.

No matter where we are, ever.

My God, it's been a long time... 

So my plans for the rest of the night, before bed, are to watch Remember Me, to text my boyfriend as he is getting out of work in just under an hour, and to sip pink lemonade until there is no more. Goodnight my lovelies. ♥