FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS // 2018

Saturday, March 3, 2018
YAY IT'S FINALLY MARCH! To me, February always feels like an in-between month where nothing happens. I think it's the fact that spring is just around the corner, and yet... it's really not. *sniff* Is warm weather too much to ask for?! :P

Even though it feels like that, I found myself surprised by how many highlights and noteworthy things took place this month! So let's get into them.

• Like I said above: it's definitely not spring yet. Seven inches of snow decided to dump on our heads one night, and I don't think the roads have ever been more scary and slippery to drive on. Even though I dislike snow, it is peaceful watching it fall. After I got off work that night I stepped outside and the world was completely quiet. I didn't hear any cars, or anyone talking, or any other city noises. It was just me staring out at the snow, and that beautiful moment almost made the cold worth it. 

• I found this thread on Twitter of "the top 100 Marvel quotes." (I think my top ten favorites are #10, #11, #13, #32, #47, #49, #63, #67, #83, and #100. (and of course all the rest that I didn't mention, heh. :P)

• ALSO. UPDATE: INFINITY WARS IS COMING OUT A WEEK EARLY. APRIL 27th. MARK YOUR CALENDARS.

• Guys, I'm so awkward. Actual interaction I had at work:

me: [is making a drink when I hear the drivethru ding] Welcome to Starbucks, how are you?
customer: [with a low voice that sounds like one of our regulars] good!
me: [assumes it's the regular I think it is] Oh, is this Jason?
customer: ......no.
me: [goes to the drivethru screen and realizes my mistake] ....... Well, this is awkward.
customer: [orders]
me: [slowly dying inside as he comes to the drivethru window] I'm so sorry, I thought you were one of our regulars!
customer: .... I am a regular.
me: ........ oh. [dies forever]

So it was fun trying to dig myself out of that hole. .-. :P


• On a more positive note, I GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL. I'm done. Forever. People keep asking me how it feels and it's a mixture of it-feels-so-nice-to-be-done and oh-no-what-comes-next?!

• My parents and sister went out of town for the night since she had a gymnastics meet, so I took advantage of this and watched Rogue One at full volume while eating a pizza all to myself. It was a fabulous night and I would 1000% recommend the experience.

• Other movies I watched this month: Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange, Spider-Man Homecoming, Rogue One, Les Mis, Breathe, Black Panther. (as you can see, I'm still going strong on the Marvel Movie Marathon. xD)


• Princess Academy [4/5] - THIS IS SUCH A CUTE BOOK. It's probably my fourth or fifth time reading it since I've grown up with this story... but I still enjoy it just as much. A quick, fluffy, cozy read. <3

• In 27 Days [5/5] - Um. Wow. THIS BOOK. I've seen bloggers rave over this one, but I didn't know it would be this well-deserved of the good reviews. I walked into Barnes and Nobles, picked it up, sat down, and didn't move until I finished it. Then I promptly ordered it from Amazon so it's now sitting comfortably on my bookshelf, hehe. The characters were amazing, the story was amazing, the writing was amazing. It was full of amazingness. <3 <3

• A Wrinkle in Time [3/5] - Another story from my childhood! Our copy (which smells delightfully like old books) is so "well-loved" that the spine is almost completely broken in half, oops. I read this in anticipation of the movie coming out in a few days! It'll be interesting to see what they do with it since this book is so weird. I hope it's good. :/

I also bought three books this month since they were all on sale! I don't have a picture of them since the lighting was being bothersome, but they are: In 27 Days, The Warden and the Wolf King, and Midnight at the Electric. I haven't read The Warden and the Wolf King yet... I want to reread the rest of the series and refresh my memory before I jump in. But the other two books are two of my favorites that I couldn't not have on my shelf. <3

Also... I'm just going to drop this picture here. #bookwormproblems #whywontyoufit


I'm still working on third-draft edits, but I'm getting SO CLOSE to completing it! I should be finished by the end of this month so then I can start fixing all my critique partner's comments. (so many comments. pages and pages filled with stuff to fix, eek.) 

Also, it's time to freak out and panic because Camp NaNoWriMo is in less than a month. I'm participating (duh, how could I not??), but I have no idea what I'll be working on. I don't have the time (or an idea) to prepare for writing a first draft, so I'll probably just keep editing? But what should I set as a goal? Ack, all things to think about.

(and if you're not sure if you should participate in Camp NaNo or not... read this post I wrote last year and be convinced, hehe.)

Now that I'm graduated, I have all morning to write and it's the most glorious thing. I've been forcing myself to wake up earlier, sit down with a cup of coffee, and then get allll the things done. You better believe I'm going to take advantage of this extra time while I can. xD


Clicking on the pictures will lead you to the posts in a new tab! I'm really happy with how all of these posts turned out for the month. Especially the first novel ones. xD 


(Oh and -- usually bloggers have a little section linking to their favorite posts people have written throughout the month and I think that is the coolest thing. At the start of every month I tell myself I'm going to gather and keep track of posts, but I  always forget. -.- BUT I'M GOING TO TRY THIS MONTH because all these wonderful bloggers deserve allll the recognition. I'll have to write a giant sticky-note reminder on my computer or something so I don't forget. xD)

I've been really bad at thinking about posts ideas lately. They're usually very last minute which gets rather stressful. So I'm not exactly sure what's to come! xD I'll probably end up doing some nostalgic birthday post since I'm turning eighteen on March 19th. Ack. I'M GOING TO BE AN ADULT. *mind explodes* I'm not going to spend too much time thinking about that. :P


I hope your March is fabulous and filled with minimal stressing about Camp NaNoWriMo approaching! xD

<3,
katie grace

any fun plans for march?
are you going to participate in camp nano?

56 comments :

  1. GIVE ME ALLLLL THE WINTER FEELS. I'm so not ready for summer...not just yet. ;)

    I want to do Camp NaNo soooo badly, but I just don't know if I'll have time. April is gonna be crazy for me, so we'll have to wait and see if I can squeeze NaNo in.

    I'm actually on a blogging/phone/electronics hiatus right now (which, HAHA, I'm totally breaking just by reading and commenting on this post). So I've been reading and writing a lot more. I'M READING STEELHEART BY BRANDON SANDERSON AND IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!! <3

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    1. NOOO I WANT THE SUMMER FEELS. I WANT SPRING. YOU CAN HAVE ALL THE WINTER. xD

      Eep I really hope that you're able to! Camp NaNoWriMo is always so much fun. But... sometimes life just gets in the way. :/

      STEELHEART. AHHH. YESS. *flails* You'll have to let me all your thoughts once you finish it. And I feel very honored, haha. But a technology hiatus is such a great idea. I should take breaks more often than I do.

      Delete
    2. *THROWS THE ONCOMING SPRING TO YOU AND HOARDS ALLLLL THE WINTER FEELS*

      Same...I really want to, but like...idk.

      *flails with you* Yes, I will comment about ALLLLL THE STEELHEART FEELINGS as soon as I finish it.

      Delete
  2. AAH so many different things. I just love hearing about your month. <3

    While it might be cold where you are IT CERTAINLY ISN'T ON THIS SIDE OF THE WORLD. o-o But summer is now over officially so I'm hoping for cooler weather asap. :P

    I so want to have a Rogue One + Pizza Night now. It sounds wonderfuuuul. <3 <3 *packages family away to somewhere else for the night* xD

    Yay for graduating!!!! I'm so proud of youuuu. *throws confetti* And you're going to be OLD soon. I can't believe it. (shush though of course we can still be twins even if you're older XD)

    Can I just say how much I love the aesthetic-y look of your blog post headers??? I love themmm. SO pretty.

    I do have some fun plans for March!! My editing went waay faster than I planned so I'm writing a first draft THIS MONTH (of a fantasy novel called PRINCE ^-^) and yeeet. I've been doing some planning and I'm so hyped. It actually looks like it might be a fairly long novel?? Maybe twice as long as most of my others which will make it around 100k which is cool but daunting. We'll have to wait and see though. SO BASICALLY I'M SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THAT THOUGH. *happy bounce*

    I HAD planned to write the first draft during camp, but since editing happened as it did, I decided to move it forward, so now for camp I will be editing again. BUT ON AN ACTUAL PRINTED OUT BOOK. <3 <3 I took your idea and I've ordered a copy from lulu, double spaced and spiral bound and I'm soo excited because this is going to be a ton of fun to edit like that. I might have to quiz you on exactly how you did it later on. :P But yeeees. *flailing*

    So yep. That's me pretty much. xD Oh and also a lot of different life things (helping with a church plant, school work, critiquing, being an older sister, etc.) and I guess I'm kinda busy, but it's a good sort of busy and I really enjoy it. :D

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    1. Okay we'll swap weather, deal? We're supposed to get 11 inches of snow tomorrow apparently so PLEASE TAKE ALL OF THE NONSENSE, FREEZING FLUFF.

      I knowww so old. o.o Eh but you'll be there soon enough. We'll always be twins. xD

      WAIT WHAT YOU'RE WRITING A FIRST DRAFT? AHHH. THAT'S SO COOL. I NEED TO MESSAGE YOU FOR SOME MORE INFORMATION. O.O *flails wildly*

      Oh my goodness you did?!? AH. I NEED PICTURES. Okay I'm going to send you a message after this comment with allll the things. xD

      Yeah, it's surprising how busy just the mundane "life" things can make us. -.-

      Delete
  3. WINGFEATHER SAGA! YAY! All these books that I didn't know you like, and it makes me so happy! <3

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  4. Wow! So much snow! Congratulations on graduating high school; that's so exciting. More time for reading and writing and all the stuff that, if you're like me, fell by the wayside a little during high school! Also that photo of your bookcase is SO me 😂 Ugh, such a struggle.

    Hailey
    www.thehardworkingcreative.com

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    1. Yes! It's super exciting. :D

      And ughh. I feel like it's an underrated bookworm problem. xD

      Delete
  5. Love the pic of your bookshelf agony! I totally get it, as a book lover myself... and, I still love the real thing. No e-books for me, as long as they keep making the real thing!

    Happy graduation, as well! The world awaits what you create!
    Blessings, Net

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    1. I'm the same way. I'd MUCH rather read a real book than an e-book! It almost feels like a completely different experience. <3

      Thank you so much, Net. <3

      Delete
  6. Your bookshelf makes me cry - all the pretty covers! Mine isn’t half as pretty, but I try to remind myself that I love old books and this is what happens....they just aren’t as pretty on the outside. XD

    But tWatWK...I love it!! (The whole saga, actually...) Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it!

    And happy early birthday! Don’t worry...being an adult isn’t so bad. I do just the same things as before, only I have less time. Somehow.

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    1. HEY AND THAT'S OKAY. But I get what you mean. I become sad when good books have ugly covers. :P

      Eep, thank you! And wahh. I already feel like I have too little time. I don't want to have even less! xD

      Delete
  7. AHHHH!! I had NO idea that Infinity Wars was releasing early! THANK YOU!!!

    I love these highlight posts - it's so fun to read of what other bloggers face in their real, everyday lives. It sounds like you had a busy, yet good February. :] Welcome to March!! I am SO with you on awaiting warmer weather, though each season (in their times) are peaceful and fun.

    I've yet to read The Warden & the Wolf King. But I love the series! Th first book will probably reign forever as a favorite, the others seemed to get darker and darker as the series progressed - still good, but not nearly as whimsical and fun as the first. Wow. I literally JUST added In 27 Days to my TBR list. Never heard of it before! Usually those types of novels don't call out to me, but this one seems so intriguing. Definitely need to get my hands on it.

    Congrats on your graduation!! So happy for you! It's a huge step in the chapters of life, and I wish you the best! And also, happy early birthday!! Welcome to the world of adulting, it has it's perks, that's for sure. ;D

    Great post, Katie!

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    1. AH YES THE EXCITEMENT BUILDS!

      And eeep, Sarah! Congratulations on your announcement! ^.^ I haven't commented on your post yet but I'm absolutely thrilled for you. :D

      Ooh you'll have to let me know what you think of that book. I thought it was so good. (well... obviously. But still. xD)

      Thank you so much. <3

      Delete
  8. O.K. Especially after the last two episodes, I decided Rogue One is better than the whole other eight movies. I actually am not really a sci-fi person at all. (Please hand me LOTR, thank you). Congratulations!!! I'm turning 17 in less than a week, so I'm deciding I've got to savor the last of my non-adult life. (Tears!)
    astoryspinner.blogspot.com

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    1. YES ROGUE ONE IS SO GOOD. And ahh, I get that. I used to be that way! But for some reason I've become more interested in the sci-fi world? I think I read and watched so much medieval fantasy that I got too tired of it. :P

      Yikes. o.o The years pass by so quickly.

      Delete
  9. It sounds like you had a really good February! I'm happy for you!

    Let me know what you think of Warden and the Wolf King, 'cause I think it's amazing but yeah.

    Also, I am 100% participating in Camp NaNoWriMo and I need to get stuff set up for that, but d'you want to cabin with me when that happens?

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    1. I've heard nothing but amazing things so I'm really excited about reading it. xD

      I actually have already started setting up a cabin! :/ I'm not sure if there will be room, but if there is I can definitely invite you if you don't have a cabin. ^.^

      Delete
  10. I also had no idea that Infinity Wars was releasing early!!! Thank you for keeping all of your readers on track of the new Marvel updates. And I am stuffing that quotes page somewhere to use periodically in my life. (My comment above was deleted because it made no grammarly sense)

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    1. Eheheh, I deleted it so there's no record of the trial comment. xD AND YESS. I'M SO EXCITED. IT'S GOING TO BE FANTASTIC. asjkdjfkl;. <3 <3

      Delete
  11. CONGRATULATIONS ON GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL!!!!! But guess what? I'm finished too!!! *throws confetti* AND SO SAME!!! People keep asking me that question and I keep answering like you.
    Oh, and HAPPY (early) EIGHTEENTH BIRTHDAY!!!!

    maddy || little bit of sunshine

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    1. OH MY GOSH REALLY?! Well congrats, Maddy! It's good to have someone else to celebrate with. *throws confetti in the air*

      Delete
  12. I WANT TO HEAR ALL YOUR THOUGHTS ON SPIDERMAN: HOMECOMING!!!!

    Sounds like you had a good month. (and that is super awkward with Not-Jason. XD)

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    1. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL MOVIE AND MY... THIRD (?) TIME WATCHING IT. IT'S JUST SO GOOD.

      (ugh. so awkward. .-.)

      Delete
  13. THAT DRIVE-THRU CONVERSATION *dies laughing* You need to put it into a story. XD Wow, you graduated high school?? INCONCIEVABLE.

    Ahh yes, why don't books fit like they should?? ESPECIALLY when their fellow-series-members do. That picture is so cool, though. It looks like an invisible hand is pulling it off of the shelf. :D

    I personally do not think that A Wrinkle in Time is going to be good as a movie. I don't like the cast, or the very IDEA of that book being turned into a movie. I don't see how they'd pull it off. :s

    Thanks so much for sharing your months with us!! I always enjoy your re-cap posts. <3

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  14. Congrats on graduating high school - and happy early birthday!! Wait - Camp Nano is next month? Wow . . . summer's coming really fast. I don't know if I'll enter this year, but thank you for the reminder! (And on a slightly random note, your bookshelf is so pretty and so neat! Very aesthetically pleasing took look at.)

    ~True // atruewriter.blogspot.com

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    1. I CAN'T WAIT FOR SUMMER TO COME. I'm pumped for the warm weather. xD

      Aww, thank you! I love my bookshelf. <3 It's becoming packed with books -- pretty soon I'll have to place some on the floor. :P

      Delete
  15. Yay, I'm back in the comments section at A Writer's Faith! Took me long enough. I have been reading along, even though I've been failing to comment. xD

    Congrats again on your graduation! And cheers to more time! Quiet mornings writing are the best.

    Also, I'm starting to really think I should try a Marvel movie. After all, they ONLY come out with like 50 billion each year. *dies* At least, that's what it feels like. :P Where do you suggest I begin?

    I relate so hard to awkward conversations. I have so many a day and wonder way too much about whether the other person thought I was as awkward a I felt. xD Glad to know I'm not alone. :P

    You're working on edits for Where Shadows Lie, right? I hope those go splendidly and that you will be productive with allll the words. Also, happy almost-adulthood! o.o

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    1. YAY EMILY. *hugs* I've missed chatting with you in the comments. *sniff*

      Ooh, you definitely should. Hopefully you enjoy them, but I don't blame you if you don't. When Marvel movies first started coming out they weren't my thing, but now I'm utterly in love with them. :P I'd start with Captain America: The First Avenger. It's a good place to start since it's the beginning of the Marvel timeline. And Captain America's just an awesome superhero.

      Hardly a day goes by where I don't have at least a couple awkward conversations. xD

      YES! It's slowly going -- I've almost made it to the climax!

      How's school going for you, Emily? <3

      Delete
  16. Congratulations on graduating!!!!! *throws confetti and pizza everywhere* *promptly ends up choking on confetti* *wait why am I throwing pizza*
    INFINITY WARS IS COMING OUT EARLY??????? YES!!!!!!!!! Sorry, I’ll get back on track. But seriously, Marvel is awesome! Do you have a favorite movie? (If that’s possible....)
    Good luck with Camp NaNoWriMo! I think I’m doing it this year, but with school and everything I don’t know.....

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    1. *ooh okay you can throw the pizza in the air and I will promptly catch it and eat it* AND EEP YESS. I think my top three favorites are Civil War, CA: The Winter Soldier, and Spider-Man Homecoming. THEY'RE ALL SO GOOD.

      Delete
  17. I know the struggle with having too many books and not enough bookcase. Congrats on graduating!

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    1. I think every bookworm understands that problem. xD Thanks!

      Delete
  18. YOUR STARBUCKS INCIDENT WOULD BE ME. But mayyyyybe a million times worse (in my mind at least). I can’t wait for Camp NaNoWriMo!! I’m definitely participating! This month, I’m starting a second draft, and getting ready for a play I’m in at the beginning of April.
    ~ riley aline

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    1. YAY! That's so exciting. It sounds like April will be a busy month for you, but you got this. :D

      Delete
  19. CONGRATULATIONS ON GRADUATING!!!!!!!!! That's so freaking amazing, oh my goodness. <3<3<3

    I hope that Camp NaNo goes well for you!!! I'm sure that you will slay it as always. ;)

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  20. The marvel quotes were great!

    And congrats on graduating high school!!!! 🎉

    I'm so excited for camp nano, best of luck to you! ❤

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  21. Congratulations for finishing school, yayyyyy!!!! I enjoyed this post! You know, I don't remember ever watching a movie alone? Although I am sure I did, since I am four years older than my first sister.

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    1. YAY THANK YOU! And I feel the same way! I hardly EVER watch a movie alone since my family is always around, so it feels like a special occasion when I'm able to.

      Delete
  22. YAY YOU GRADUATED GOOD JOB CONGRATS
    Best of luck with Camp NaNo!! Glad your February was so great!
    This is nerd heresy, but I'm actually way more excited about The Incredibles II than Infinity Wars. Also, Black Panther is amazing and you should totally see it.
    Hope your March is amazing!

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    1. YAY THANK YOU.

      Ooh that does hurt me a little bit but I'm also incredibly (ha) excited for The Incredibles 2! The first one is so good and funny -- I hope the second can live up to it.

      YES I SAW BLACK PANTHER and it was so good and unique! I love the different vibe they had going on from the other movies.

      Delete
  23. CAMP NANO, EEP! This is my first time doing a NaNo thing, and I'm so excited!!!

    Yessssss, Midnight at the Electric! THAT. BOOK. <3 <3 <3

    And duuuuuuuude, you're done with high school!! THAT'S SO EXCITING! I hope you treated yourself to some pizza for that major accomplishment, lol. xD

    Lila @ The Red-Hooded Writer

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    1. Waaait THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME? OH MY GOODNESS HOW EXCITING. I wish you all the best! :D

      I haven't had pizza celebrating the occasion yet but IT'S ON MY TO-DO LIST. (not really... but... it should be. xD)

      Delete
  24. Haha that's funny at Starbucks. :D
    It's so awkward and hilarious when those moments happen.
    The other day I was working, and someone was paying with check. They asked me what the date was, so I said "May 5th".
    And she was like "... no it's not.."
    and I was like "yeh uh huh May 5th"
    and she said "not today"
    and I was like "...........OH I MEAN MARCH."

    Like, I was so sure of myself. But it wasn't the number I got wrong, but the MONTH. XD

    Idk, your story kind of reminded me of that.
    Cool post. :)

    -Amaris

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    1. Ooops. XD I hate it when things like that happen -- when you're so sure of yourself but it turns out you weren't thinking right. I've run into that, too. :P

      Delete
  25. Haha your Starbucks stories always have me laughing :D I still remember that other one you posted a while back where you told the customer to have a good date? IT WAS TOO FUNNY XD

    EEEEEE CONGRATS ON GRADUATING!! That's actually so amazing <3 Way to go :) Are you planning on going to college or anything? (literally just asking because I'm trying to figure out what to do after I graduate lol)

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    1. HEHE IT CRACKS ME UP THAT YOU REMEMBER THAT. Ahh, good times. xD

      Ack, I'm not going to college right away (if ever). Right now I'm going to keep working and try to figure out what life holds for me. I don't know what I would go to college for, so I don't want to go just "to go." If that makes sense.

      Good luck figuring out what the next steps in life are for you. :P

      Delete
  26. OKAY BUT I REALLY NEED TO GET STARTED ON MY MARVEL MARATHON BEFORE INFINTIY WAR TO MAXIMIZE THE HEARTBREAKING THAT WILL COMMENCE, DAGUMMIT. and i dunno about you, but i'm totally gonna see it opening day because this is the eND OF AN ERA. low-key dying of both anticipation and dread over here. heh.

    ahhh the warden and the wolf king is so goodddd. i love that series to pieces. and congrats on graduating!! that's such an awesome milestone. definitely looking forward to what you've got in march. :)

    - suzy | galactic daydreams

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    1. YUP YUP YOU TOTALLY NEED TO GET STARTED ON THAT MARATHON BECAUSE THE RELEASE IS GROWING CLOSER EACH DAY. I know. There will be so many tears -- that is guaranteed. xD

      Isn't it awesome? I'm so excited to reread the series!!

      Delete
  27. Congratulations on graduating early and Happy Birthday! I am graduating late, but my birthday is only nine days after yours! :) Also getting the, "so what are you going to do with your life?" question a lot. lol

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