When Insomnia Strikes…

… or in this case… when my dumb self decides to drink a Diet Coke at 9:00 p.m. and can’t sleep because of caffeine….

Source

What do you do? (And PS. I know Diet Coke is horrible for you… I’m trying to quit!)

Well, tonight, as I tossed and turned wide awake in bed, I started thinking of how old I am and how far I’ve come.

It seems like just a few years ago, I was in high school..

Senior Picture
High school besties!

I remember the highlight of my week was cheering at our high school’s football games..

And going to prom was the biggest excitement of all…

Life was a lot simpler back then. I worried about what I would wear to school the next day, about passing notes with the cute guy in my math class, how late I would need to stay up doing work for AP English..

College is a different world. It’s scary to think that I’m going into my senior year and in just one year I’ll be entering “the real world.” It’s not the best time in the world to be graduating.. jobs are somewhat scarce and the competition is fierce.

While I do miss being younger and having less responsibilities, getting older has its perks, too. I’ve gained a sense of independence from living on my own. I’ve had to make my own decisions, learn from mistakes, and work hard to achieve success.

I’ve also learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned to stand up for myself. I’ve learned not to waste my time on boys that play games… I’m worth more than that. I’ve also learned that I’m not in control of my life. I’ve had to trust in God and His plan, because His plan for my life is better than anything I could have imagined for myself.

The journey isn’t over yet. I have so much more to learn, and I truly believe the best is yet to come! I’m excited for what this year has to bring, for more opportunities for God to mold me into the woman I want to become.

College friends!

I apologize for the long, reflective post! And the embarrassing high school pics… That’s what caffeine will do to you, I guess.

I sincerely hope that everyone else is asleep right now (And not experiencing insomnia, like me!)

Love, Cait

P.S. My hair is no longer blonde – I’m now a caramel babe (the darkest it’s ever been -eek). Pictures coming soon!

Leave a Comment

20 Comments

  1. I get scared about what's to come also. My best guy-friend committed suicide this summer and my best girl-friend isn't coming back to school this year. I'm soo afraid of going back to school as a junior and having to make new friends. It feels like I'm starting over. I have a feeling you're going to have a great senior year though 🙂

    xx Emily @ laughliveandshop.blogspot.com

    8.8.11Reply
  2. I loved this post. Probably because I'm going into my last year of high school…

    Your life will definitely change with what comes after college, but really, you're right-the best IS yet to come!

    8.8.11Reply
  3. I feel the same way! it is crazy how fast time flies, I can't believe I am already finished with my first year of grad school…doesn't feel like it's been 5 years since I graduated (eek halfway to my 10year reunion! haha)
    ooh and I can't wait to see your caramel colored hair, I'm plannin on going a little darker in the fall too!

    8.8.11Reply
  4. I feel the same way, life has moved way to quickly. It is hard for me to believe that I have been out of college now for 2 years, and now I am thinking of going back!! I agree though, the best is yet to come! Even though the future is scary to think about it, I am excited at the same time!

    I cannot wait to see pictures of your hair! I bet it looks great! I want to go to a darker brown for fall/winter, I haven't had dark hair for years! Happy Monday!

    8.8.11Reply
  5. Such a fun post! I'd do the same except a) I was a trainwreck in high school and b) digital cameras were still new and $239840283 dollars back then, haha.

    The "Crazy Sexy Diet" book you asked about is AMAZING, if it's your kinda thing. She's basically been living with terminal cancer for 7 or 7 years and credits it to a vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, caffeine-free, alcohol-free diet, as well as stuff like yoga and meditation. It's full of facts and credible research, but can be a bit overwhelming if your not really into that stuff yourself. Worth a look, if nothing else!

    8.8.11Reply
  6. I can definitely understand how your feeling, I can't believe I've been out of college for three years!! All experiences, even if bad, teach you something though and your right, the best is yet to come! Can't wait to see the new hair color!

    8.8.11Reply
  7. I get nervous about that kind of stuff all the time. It is probably nice to reflect back and document how you are feeling! I just recently graduated college and I have no idea where the time went.. or where all the jobs are hiding for that matter. Good luck on your last year in college, take in every memory, and make it count! It fly by in the blink of an eye and next thing you know you will be living at mom and dads again being asked by everyone that's ever known you how the job hunt is going! Haha sorry this was supposed to be enlightening but I think it turned into me venting on your comments!

    8.8.11Reply
  8. I can't believe how fast time has gone by! I have one year left in university as well and I can't believe I'll be a "grownup" so soon! I'm starting to freak out over grad school applications. I'm a Diet Coke addicted (almost) grownup that is – it may be bad for you, but it's soo good!

    SHF
    thechroniclesofs.blogspot.com

    8.8.11Reply
  9. You are so beautiful. And I love reflecting moments. You sure have come along way. As tough as growing up is, you grow as a person. I constantly have to remind myself God is in control and has so much in store for me. And yes, the best is yet to come! xoxo <3

    8.8.11Reply
  10. Love this post! I've been reflecting on the exact same things lately. However, I will never be brave enough to post pictures from high school!

    8.8.11Reply
  11. Gotta love those long toss and turn kind of nights:-) My mind is constantly running/thinking. Life is an adventure and a journey! xoxo

    8.8.11Reply
  12. Speaking from experience, the best days of your life haven't even 'arrived' yet. College is great and a lot of fun but it's the years after college that are ten times better. Trust me! You're on your own, you're answering only to yourself and you're living your own life. 🙂 You have so much to look forward to!

    8.8.11Reply
  13. I love how open you are about your faith. I can't wait to read where life takes you and how God molds you into an even more beautiful woman. Here's to your senior year! Have a blast and enjoy a few drinks with friends at Top-O during sunset. My favorite.

    8.8.11Reply
  14. Can't wait to see your new hair! I love this post-I'm going into my third year and I can't believe how much has changed since high school and also how much has stayed the same. I've loved being able to grow and be independent but also maintain my friendships with my high school besties! I can't wait to see what happens this year!

    8.8.11Reply
  15. It;s so crazy to think about myself in high school! Theres so many things I know now that I wish I knew back then

    8.8.11Reply
  16. I am in the same position, but like you I continue to remind myself how far I have come and how far I still have to go! Great post!

    8.9.11Reply
  17. I love looking back at high school, but I have definitely changed, too. Can't wait to see your hair!!

    8.9.11Reply
  18. All I can say is each and every year, I look back and am soooo happy to be where I'm at today. Hope your last year goes super well for you.

    8.9.11Reply
  19. Can't WAIT to see pictures!!! I definitely know how you feel girl; I didn't realize how much things would change after college! It's good you are thinking about it now to appreciate everything!

    8.10.11Reply
  20. Ok, I stumbled on your blog and I couldn't help but relate!! This is my last year too and oh I am packing on the nostalgia already! I'm really scared, especially since I'm student teaching this semester and I don't even really have "real college" again until January. But we're going to be fine and do awesome things with this life! At least, that's what I keep telling myself, so I thought I'd pass it on to someone else!

    8.12.11Reply