The End of an Era.

Hello dolls,
I know I've been drastically slacking when it comes to blogging this semester. It has been my last semester and I've been trying very much to live 'in the moment' which hasn't allowed for much reflection honestly. If I could explain to you the beautiful mess of joy that is my life I would. This semester has been perfect and difficult and challenging and full of growth and happiness. I know, I know, vague.

Let's see. I have had many adventures with the beautiful souls placed in my life throughout my college experience. For spring break. I ventured to Atlanta with my roommates Jenna, Brianna and our friend Eva. It was such a wonderful time! We did all the touristy things, like go to the Atlanta aquarium, and the Coca cola Factory. We ate fantastic food. We climbed Stone Mountain. But I think my favorite part of the trip was a late night excursion to a drive-in movie theater. We went to this theater in the middle of nowhere and watched the movie 'Need for Speed'. (Side note: great movie!) it was wonderful to laugh and cuddle with my friends whilst watching a great movie. Needless to say, that trip was full of great memories.

I recently participated in Relay for Life at FSU. I was part of the FSU Wesley team. It was such a great time. The event actually ended up raising over $200,000! My sister,  Hayley and Jenna were on the team as well. We had a blast staying up all night. We got henna tattoos and danced and played corn hole.

The next night Wesley hosted their senior prom. This year's theme was Dayglow! It was a wonderful time to spend with my friends celebrating our time at Wesley. I truly have met so many incredible people through Wesley. I met one of my best friends through Wesley and one of my mentors! Anyways, Dayglow was a blast. Driving home with Jenna, we were trying to not get any paint on the car since we were literally covered head to toe in paint.

Let's see, I also had a last shenanigans fort night at my apartment with all my friends. It was one of the last times we will all be able to get together before the craziness that is the end hits. Looking around that night at all the wonderful people I have met brought a tear to my eye. These ladies have encouraged me through my darkest days and have celebrated with me through life's triumphs.

Can I just say that coming to FSU I had no idea how much these people would change my life?!
And I know that these friendships are not merely ones of convenience too. Which makes them that much more awesome. These are people I get to do life with!!

As I write this, I have 11 days until I walk across that stage. I picked up my cap and gown today. I'm completely happy and terribly sad all at the same time. Saying goodbye to this chapter in my life will be very emotional. Yes, I have gone through a lot of difficult things throughout my college career, but I have grown into the person I am today because of it. The people here will be very difficult to leave. Tallahassee has truly become my home, which is something I never thought I would be able to say. What a blessing. I'm tearing up just thinking of saying goodbye to these people. Oh boy.

So if you are going through transitions like I am. Please know it's completely normal to be both incredibly happy and terribly sad at the same time. Here's to the next challenging adventure and all that it will entail.

Much love,
Makenna

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!

Hello my chickadees,
Happy New Year! 2014 is already turning out to be a big year!
As many of you are aware, the BCS National Championship game was on Monday night pitting the Florida State Seminoles (yay!) against the Auburn Tigers (boo!).
The game turned out to be one of the most intense games of football I've ever witnessed.  My roommates and I started watching the game at a friend's house. There were about thirty people watching it and needless to say, emotions were running high. The first half was super disappointing with the Seminoles going into halftime trailing the Tigers by 18 points. My roommates and I decided we should return to our apartment, since that was where we had watched all the other games. (Superstitions ran rampant that night all over Tallahassee. )
Cue second half, which consisted of a back and forth fight to score. Tigers were up and Whitfield, #7 ran the kickoff back to score. We were finally in the lead!!! My roommates and I were jumping up and down and yelling at the tv! It was awesome. But we knew there was still a lot of time left on the clock. A little over four minutes to go, Auburn got the ball. Our defense was tired and we could tell. The tigers pounded them and got a touchdown. They were up by 3 points with 1:19 left on the clock. I have never wanted to pass out during a game as much as I did at that moment. I knew we could score, but we hadn't been played our best the entire game. I saw Jameis giving the boys a pep talk and knew this might be the moment. FSU came back and scored a touchdown with 13 seconds left. We freaked out! Crying, jumping, screaming! We were winning! As the final seconds drained off the clock, the realization that we were National champions hit me. It was such a beautiful moment. I am so proud to be a Seminole!

After the game, Jenna and I went to drive to campus. The entire city was celebrating! Cars were honking, people were doing the war chant up and down the street! It was incredible. Jenna and I made our way to the Unconquered Statue, it's tradition at Florida State for the statue to be lit after big accomplishments by the University. We ran in 28 degree weather to the statue to take a picture! The atmosphere was incredible! So much pride and joy!

This was such an incredible accomplishment, I will forever get to claim that my Seminoles won the championship game my senior year of college!

Go Noles!
Makenna