Day 120: Nerf Guns & Avatar

This is my friend Harold playing with Katy's nerf gun. It was pretty legit; I am not going to lie. The nerf gun shoots out neon disks at the speed light... you can't beat that. Avatar was on in the background, even though none of us were watching it. Avatar is one of the top grossing films and they spent 10 years making it! I mean I am surprised they didn’t have a scene with Harold in it… he fits right in! ;) Tonight was filled with nerf guns and Avatar... boom (pelvic thrust). Haha!

Day 119: The TAKS Test

This week is the TAKS test. Shannon took the 4th grade Math and Reading test and I took the exit level Math, Science and History test. I am taking my last TAKS tomorrow and I am so glad to be finished with these silly tests. This afternoon I was walking around the house frustrated, because I did not have anything to take a picture of. Soon after, Shannon called me to the side of the house to show me her 'TAKS Artwork'. Then she did ‘The TAKS Dance'... it was so cute! I love this girl more and more each day!

Day 118: News Update!

News Update! Recently they passed a law that prohibits the use of cell phones while in school zones. One minute I will be talking to someone on the phone and then I realize that I am in a school zone, so I scramble to get off the phone. I am sure it will soon be illegal to talk on a cell phone or text anywhere while driving! I took this picture while I was driving to school this morning... I wonder if taking pictures is illegal?! ;) In Arizona they passed a new immigration law and it is causing quite the controversy. Many critics assume that the new law will lead to racial profiling--police stopping Hispanics at random and asking them to produce proof that they are in the U.S. legally. Oh you gotta love how the media takes a story and blows it out of proportion!

Day 117: Eat Mor Chikin

Tonight I went to chic-fil-a with Mrs. Lazarou and the other girl FCA leaders. We have grown so much together over the past few years and we could honestly talk for hours about anything! I love nights like tonight when we can just get together, laugh and enjoy some chic-fil-a! I adore and admire Mrs. Lazarou and I hope I will stay in touch with her for many years to come!

Day 116: Thank You!

Today I baked a little tub of goodies for the West Law Firm. They have helped me and my parents so much with the aftermath of my car accident. Without them this process would still be dragging on... we are so thankful for everything they’ve done and their generous hearts. They sacrificed their personal time just to help some family friends and for that we are so appreciative. Thank you to everyone at the West Law Firm and I hope you all enjoy the treats!

Day 115: Dream

"Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith, belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe."
-Gail Devers

Day 114: Crush Picture Day!

This morning I got to go to Total Conditioning with my Mom, which kicked my booty! This afternoon we had volleyball pictures in our great Crush shirts! Our team consists of Shannon, Megan, Mia, Anna, Kennadie, Lucy, and Kenzie! Even though we lost our game today, they are a great group of girls and I really do enjoy coaching them! Tonight I went to dinner and hung out with some friends! We finally got the chance to finalize our prom plans and work out all of the kinks. I am excited!

Day 113: The Cook Family

Today Ashkahn asked Jiji to prom during 52 Questions in PALs class, Harold signed to play football in college and I got 2 good test grades back! Tonight I babysat for the Cook family. Suzie, is one of the kids from my kindergarten class at church. One Sunday her mom asked for my phone number and ever since that day it seems like I've been giving out my phone number to ALL of the little kindergarten girls! We had a fun girls night, filled with coloring, painting nails and eating ice cream! This is our finished artwork; a collage for the entire family! It is neat seeing that the time and energy I am dedicating to my Kindergarteners on Sunday is actually making a difference in their lives. 

Day 112: The Office

Today during my study break I watched The Office. This show always makes me laugh and thanks to Lauren... it is one of my favorites! Every episode cracks me up, but my favorite is still The Dundies!
Ryan - Hottest in the office Award
Angela - The Tightass Award
Kelly - The Spicy Curry Award
Stanley - The Fine Work Award
Kevin - The don't go in there after me - "For that time I went into the toilet after you and it really smelled"
Pam- Whitest Sneakers Award
Phyllis- Busiest Beaver award (mislabeled Bushiest Beaver)
"TMI? Too Much Information. It’s just easier to say 'TMI'. I used to say "don't go there", but that's lame." --Michael Scott...King of 'That's What She Said' jokes and the World's Best Boss! Obviously I didn't take this picture… I just needed a break! :)

Day 111: Surprise!

Today Melinda threw a surprise dinner for Eric's birthday! After volleyball practice, I rushed over to Willies so I wouldn’t ruin the surprise! It was very spontaneous, considering she planned it on Monday night! There was a great turn out and we all had so much fun! Happy 18th Birthday Eric and I am very jealous of your Taylor Swift tickets!!!

Day 110: Math Awards Night

Tonight I got a Mathematics Achievement Award for Pre Calculus Honors. It was not necessarily for having an A, but for working hard, doing homework and asking tons of questions! There was a big truck dilemma... which caused a ton of traffic and 1464 to be blocked off! Once we finally got to the ceremony using the back roads, my class was the first class to be presented their awards! This is my Mom and I, in our very tropical attire, with my award. I love my Mom SO much, especially for giving me her great studying abilities, determination and organization skills!

Day 109: Bubbles

Today I got to babysit the Singleton babies, even if it was only for a little bit! I call them babies, but these sweet kids are growing up way too quickly!!! Ellie is fascinated by bubbles. She screams, giggles, and jumps for joy when she sees a giant bubble! And when I say giant, I am not joking. They have a bubble wand that is capable of making HUGE bubbles. Ellie's enthusiasm quickly spread to the rest of us! It amazes me how the simplest things can entertain kids for hours!

Day 108: Jesus Would Like A Cupcake...

This morning at church my kindergarten kiddos were cracking me up! I asked them... "If you could give Jesus anything, what would you give Him?" We went around the circle and everyone answered. They said that Jesus would like some pink ice cream, their teeth, a Shamo stuffed animal, the whole world, their brother, and a cupcake. They all agreed that He doesn't have these things in heaven, so He would really like them. One little girl said that while she was on an airplane she flew through heaven and met Jesus. They always bring a smile to my face!

Day 107: Scavenger Hunt

Today was an action packed Saturday! I woke up at Katy's house and decided to get breakfast before I had to volunteer for NHS. On my way I got caught in a ton of traffic. I knew there had been an accident and I had a bad feeling about it. I said a quick prayer for the people involved and their families. When I got to the intersection and saw the destroyed cars, I lost it. Since I was in a car accident last year (in the same intersection), the scene was surreal. I was very emotional and knew that someone had lost their life this morning. I later found out that the mother was hit by a drunk driver and killed instantly. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families involved.

This afternoon/night my volleyball team owned in our game and we had a PALs scavenger hunt! This is a picture of the RED team! It was a lot of fun and we had to do some outrageous tasks. A few of the tasks included... my friend Ashkahn stood in front of Hollister without his shirt on, we moo-ed like cows throughout chic-fil-a, we had rap battles with random strangers, I tangoed with a Wal-Mart employee, we sang Happy Birthday to a random family at Willies and we performed Kiss the Girl in the Wal-Mart isles. Tonight I also celebrated two of my friends’ birthdays! Happy Birthday Anam and Tori! :)

Day 106: Disco Birthday Party!

Today in the PALs class we had a birthday party for EVERYONE! Since our schedules are so demanding and there are so many of us... the juniors decided to have one big disco birthday party to celebrate the entire class's birthday at once! We brought in decorations, food, music, and balloon animals! The party was planned to be a big surprise for the senior PALs and Life Skills class! We were hustlin' down the soul train and bumpin' it like it was the 1970's! I hope everyone had fun at the ultimate disco birthday party! Tonight I am spending the night at Katy's house! Sleepovers are rare for me since I fall asleep SO early.... but I am excited to finally have pillow talk with my best friend! :)

Day 105: Simple Reminders

It's the little things in life that make it so beautiful. You may see a stranger smiling, witness an elderly couple holding hands, spot a child licking a popsicle, or cry a tear that you can't explain. God sends us each simple reminders of how great His love for us is. His ways of getting our attention are unpredictable and mysterious. God will do or use whatever it takes to tell us that He loves us… because we all need to be reminded every once in a while.

Day 104: Fear Less

"Take Courage. I am Here!" - Matthew 14:27

This is inspired by Max Lucado's booklet called Imagine Your Life Without Fear. Fear seems to be in driver's seat these days. We fear failing. We fear finishing last. We fear not mattering. We fear disappointing God. We fear what is next. We fear overwhelming challenges. Fear crumbles our confidence in God’s goodness. Lucado said, “Fear never wrote a symphony or poem, negotiated a peace treaty, or cured a disease. Fear never pulled a family out of poverty or a country out of bigotry. Fear never saved a marriage or business. Courage did that. Faith did that. People who refused to consult or cower to their timidities did that. But fear itself? Fear herds us into a prison and slams the doors. Wouldn't it be great to walk out?" If we trust God more, we can fear less. "Don't let your hearts be troubled. I will be with you always."

Day 103: Glee!

Today was Mrs. Lazarou's birthday! Yesterday some of the PALs helped make some signs to decorate her classroom and brought in cookies and cards this morning! She does SO many little things for us that go un-thanked! I hope that we could show her how much we appreciate everything she does and the impact she has made in our lives! Also... Season 2 of Glee premiered tonight! This show is the perfect combination of singing, dancing and acting... I LOVE it! Since it is so unique from any other television show, it has captured the attention of millions. What can I say… I am a GLEEk!

Day 102: PALs Interview

Today I had my PALs interview. I wasn't too worried about it, since I was in the class this past year. Right when I walked in I discovered that Ms. Malin was one of the faculty helpers for my interview! She is my Psychology teacher and I think she is one of the greatest teachers ever! She is so organized, passionate and entertaining! When I saw her at the interview, I acted as if I just saw a celebrity... even though I see her every day in class! The interview went well and no one was able to keep a straight face! Haha :) Afterwards, I sat through the longest NHS officer election meeting in the history of NHS. It is an important meeting, but these kids were rambling on and on! If this is how NHS will run next school year... then it's going to be a LONG year!

Day 101: The Last Song

Today after church I went with Mom and Shan to see The Last Song. I absolutely loved this movie! Miley Cyrus did a great job and Liam Hemsworth was SO darn cute! I was definitely not expecting to experience the water works during this romantic film... but we all cried a lot. I never read Nicholas Sparks' novel, but I think that caused me to enjoy the movie more and not fret over the little changes! Like it says on the poster... this movie is all about family, first loves, second chances and the moments in life that lead you back home! If you're ready to see the other side of Hannah Montana, then The Last Song is a must see! "Sometimes you have to be a part from people you love, but that doesn't make you love them any less. Sometimes you love them more." Oh Nicholas Sparks!

Day 100: This is Day 100!

Today is Day 100! I can't believe I have already completed 100 blog entries. I can remember 100 distinct memories, thoughts or joyful days. Of course, there are many more days to come! I really appreciate the individuals that follow my Project 365 and remind me daily why I continue to embark on this challenge. You all contribute to this project in one way or another...whether it is suggesting your creative ideas or simply telling me that you read my blog. Thank you all for following and supporting me so far and I hope that you continue the rest of this year!

Today was Mini Mathletes, which is an event put on by the Math National Honor Society at my school. I was a chaperone and I had to watch three 4th graders all day. It is extremely long, tedious and requires a bunch of energy, which started Day 100 off shaky. This is a picture of one of my doodles that I made during the day... let's just say I was bored. However, tonight I went to Japaneiros with my family and hung out with a bunch of my friends afterwards. It was a lot of fun goofing off and making jokes... not to mention our 'singing + guitar playing' competition. Overall, it was a great 100th day!

Day 99: One Day At A Time...

This week has been exhausting. I've been staying up too late and waking up extra early. As I am writing this blog, my eye lids are literally drifting shut. Tonight Harold, Katy, Taylor and I went shopping for tuxedos and ties. It was as fun as tux shopping can be. We ended up finding a tie for Taylor that matches my dress perfectly! I have so many things on my calendar for this spring... AP Tests, SAT, Prom, Schoolwork, Extracurricular Activities, etc. I just need to take it one day at a time! Thank you God for weekends, random pictures and beautiful flowers!

Day 98: Impromptu Thursday!

Tonight my Mom, Shannon and I went to the Galleria for a couple different reasons. But while we were there, they were setting up for a fashion show! This huge special event covered the entire ice rink area! They had security everywhere, elaborate flowers, a cocktail/lounge area, huge lighting equipment, the long white runway... this was the real thing! We have never seen a fashion show before or even the set up of one, except for on TV and in movies! We were acting like awe-struck tourists! Of course, I quickly grabbed my camera for my daily 365 picture! However, when I had the perfect set up a security guard instructed me to put my camera away and stated that photography was prohibited. That chick didn't stop me from getting a photo. We circled the rink just to sneak a picture! Afterward the girls and I went to Chuy's for dinner! We had a great Impromptu Thursday, even though I have a million quizzes tomorrow! Sometimes you just got to live a little!

Day 97: Commander Baker Softball Game

Today was our school's 9th Annual Commander Baker Softball Game! It is a student vs. faculty game filled with midway, crazy teacher cheerleaders and lots of fun! I got the opportunity to play in the game last year and this year I was the photographer! :) All of the different organizations got involved and managed to raise over $2,500 for charity. This is a picture of the student team rockin' the baby blue in the sunshine. However, that sunshine did not last long... by the end of the game it was pouring. Despite the bad weather, the ending score was Students-13 Teachers-11. Great job students!

Day 96: Pretty In Pink!

Today when I went outside to get the mail, I saw a nice little package at the front door! And to my surprise... it was my prom dress! It was expected to arrive this Friday and I got it on Tuesday! I was impressed by the quick delivery and overly excited to try it on! I ripped it out of that little brown box and put it on right away. Shannon was the only one home, so she got a private fashion show! Once she saw it on me, we grabbed each other’s hands and jumped up and down in excitement! As you can see it is hot pink… so it is a little loud, but I LOVE it! So now I got Mom, Shannon and Dad's approval! Woo for prom dresses! :)

Day 95: Authentic

What does it mean to be authentic? It seems like everywhere I turn Christians are putting on a show to try to impress someone other than Christ. I am not perfect by any measure. But I have an authentic relationship with Christ and he doesn’t expect me to be perfect. I don't read my bible every single day or always reach out to the lonely kids at school. But I try my best to love others just like Christ loves me. No matter what we do, we will never be perfect according to the world's standards. But since we have Christ living inside of us, we are perfect in his image. My question is… what does it mean to be authentic?

1. Admit what you don't know.

2. Ask for help.

3. If you can't help someone, find a good person who can.

4. Don't be afraid to laugh.

5. Mean what you say and say what you mean.

6. Don’t worry about being perfect. Admitting flaws, fears and mistakes makes you human and likeable.
7. Apologize right away if you screw up.

8. Take responsibility for your business. If someone is unhappy or unsatisfied, don’t be afraid to ask why.

Day 94: Happy Easter!

Everyone needs compassion

Love that's never failing

Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness

The kindess of a Savior

The hope of nations

Savior,

He can move the mountains

My God is mighty to save

He is mighty to save

Forever

Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as you find me

All my fears and failures

Fill my life again

I give my life to follow

Everything I believe in

Now I surrender

Shine your light and let the whole world see

We're singing,

For the glory of the risen king!

-Mighty to Save-

By: Hillsong United

Day 93: Final Four & Liars Dice

Tonight was game night! Jason, Mom, Dad, Shannon, Kevin and I played Liars Dice and watched the Final Four games. Jason taught us this dice game, which is basically another version of BS. During the game Shannon kept on saying, “This is such a fun fraction game”! No one knew what she was talking about, considering the game has nothing to do with fractions. For example, I might say... "I bet there are Three 4's" and Shannon would try to out bid the fraction 3/4ths. It was hilarious! Tonight was full of strategizing, extreme betting and college basketball.... gotta love game nights at the Engle household!

Day 92: Prom Dress Shopping!

Let's just say... we don't waste anytime! Today Katy and I went prom dress shopping with Mama Kay and Mama Engle! These ARE NOT our dresses... this is just the only picture we got together! We went to many stores and tried on over 50 dresses. Katy found her prom dress at the first stop and I found a dress at one of the last stops! We had to special order my size in the dress, so I am not 100% sure I have found the one! Both of our dresses are extremely beautiful! I had so much fun shopping with my best friend and basically my two moms! :)

Day 91: Prom?

As the school day ended on Thursday, Melinda and I were walking to our cars like normal... however; mine had a little surprise waiting for me. At first I couldn't find my car, but then I saw Lauren hiding with her camera! I couldn’t believe my car was ‘promed’! My friend Taylor asked me to go to prom with him! I was so surprised and excited!!! They painted and glued petals on the windows and threw streamers all around it! I can't even describe how much I wanted to go to prom as a junior... and now I get to!!! Thursday was a great day and now I can't wait for prom! Thank you Taylor and everyone else that helped him! :)