"lets just run with it"

you're just what I needed. 

Stepharonie, 

I just want to take a second to tell you how proud of you I am. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. You are constantly, constantly, constantly, giving to other people. The best part? You never ask for anything back. You are an advocate for children who can't speak up for themselves, a helper to people who are in need, and an influence to people who need to learn from you. You are an amazing person, and amazing crazy scatter brained person. I think the most amazing thing about you is that you fight back with love. Love always wins, love always conquers. At the end of the day, love is what people will take home with them, and you deserve it   given back to you. I can't wait to see you in Carolina. 

-Rachelmac

This is Spud.

For those who don't know, Spud is the FoCo dog. He is a scaredy dog who is afraid of everything. He had a rough past, someone abused him, and now he doesn't trust people easily. This morning I was thinking about Spud and the way he reacts when people try to get close to him. haha...I was laughing to myself because I was picturing people acting like Spud when they are afraid of things. Spud runs outside when new people walk in the house. What if people did that? What if your roommate brings a new friend over and you run outside through the doggy-door in fear? hahhahaha. Isn't that funny? What if someone talks to loud and you pee on the floor? ...I was amused with myself :)

I've been talking to a lot of my friends lately, 

They are all in love! <3 

It makes me so happy that we can all talk to each other about it! 

The best part is, every one of them have had crappy past relationships, just like Spud. (--kinda) It's the best part because they (we) have all moved on and are now happy. They (we) didn't run outside or pee on the floor. They (we) hit the ground running and accepted what was presented right in front of them (us). Even if it (god forbid) ends badly, they (we) can look back and not regret holding back. They (we) can look back knowing they gave it their best shot. WE gave it our best shot. 

And you know what? We freaking deserve it.

I can't believe it's August 3rd. 
This summer has gone by so fast, and so wonderfully. 
I have learned more about myself and about the world around me, and that to me, is a success.