We are ingenious.

What a model. Free time at Snow College led to some....creativity. It's an interesting idea, eh?

Maybe I just have the permanent giggles but...

So do they! I have so many pictures of people laughing. They are just my favorite!There is something so honest about a person when they laugh, really laugh. It's like they are letting go of everything, and in that moment being completely who they are. Sometimes while looking at the pictures it's as though you can feel the positive energy reverberating from them.
It makes me laugh and remember the moment more clearly than before.

I also believe in the power of a smile. I can't even count how many people I've become friends with because when we first locked eyes they smiled.

There is something so inviting about a smile that instills confidence in others, even when we don't realize it.

I know because it happens to me every day.

Dear Homework,

It's been about a year now and I have to tell you: I can't stop thinking about you. You are an addiction I cannot shake, but must push through day after day, night after night. You are the last thing I think about before I sleep, and the first thought that enters my mind in the morning. The days pass so slowly in your absence. Without you my life is a blank page; open to endless possibilities, but I just can't think of any. Do you remember staying up so late together? I've never thought about so much to forget it so quickly, but those hours were worthwhile I'm sure. And when I grew too tired to stand, I'll never forget the way you let me sleep across your scratchy pages, and stiff bindings. The neck pain in the morning was unforgettable too. Finals are now becoming a dim glimmer of light on the path ahead of me. It fills me with hope to know that our separation grows inevitable. Know that I WILL gather the strength to slam your memories into a box-and feel nothing but pure elation. I will always remember the way you cruelly denied me my own sanity. I will try to forget but...

I could never forget you.

Yours, Paige

The end and the beginning.

Volleyball open gym has officially started, and I am outside blatantly running on the track.
While I will miss volleyball, I finally had the chance to discuss my choice with Coach Dondero and feel much more at peace with my descision. I know it's the best way to balance my upcoming rigorous class schedule, and stay dedicated to violin. I plan on keeping in shape with Track and XC! Here are some action shots from my last season of volleyball. Can't wait to fill up a blog with running pictures!

I have it so good.

A look at diverse people's weekly diets that my Nana sent to me. I think it's so interesting! Look at all of the processed foods the family from Germany, and especially the family from the U.S. consumes. The family at the bottom from Chad survives on an amount of food that looks like it could be eaten in one day- with room for dessert.
Germany: The Melander family of Bargteheide. Food expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07

United States: The Revis family of North Carolina. Food expenditure for one week: $341.98

Italy: The Manzo family of Sicily. Food expenditure for one week: 214.36 Euros or $260.11 Mexico: The Casales family of Cuernavaca. Food expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09

Poland: The Sobczynscy family of Konstancin-Jeziorna. Food expenditure for one week: 582.48 Zlotys or $151.27
Egypt: The Ahmed family of Cairo. Food expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53

Ecuador: The Ayme family of Tingo. Food expenditure for one week: $31.55
Bhutan: The Namgay family of Shingkhey Village. Food expenditure for one week: 224.93 ngultrum or $5.03

Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."

-- Charlotte Bronte

Cheerful Reality

These past few months I've come to see what a great difference a bit of encouragement and understanding can create in my own life as well as in others.
One thing I absolutely love in people is when they will not criticize, but be honest with me. One example is my dear friend Sierra. Sometimes she tells me things I do not want to hear, but I always know she is being honest and sincere. I never feel like she is doing anything less than building me up, yet she is not constantly complimentary. I find a dose of reality dealt with a cheerful spirit to be so refreshing. You find your true friends in the people that are looking out for you and not just trying to get in with you through transparent compliments. You find this kind of friend in the person who will sit and listen without smirking, interrupting, and picking up the cell phone. Sometimes it's the person that teases you endlessly but when it comes down to it will back you up. Striving for this kind of understanding relationship with my friends has really been a blessing to me in difficult times.