So far, 2016 has yet to disappoint me. While leaving year of the goat/sheep, we entered year of the monkey in 2016's Chinese lunar new year astrology forecast. Basically, this sign helps us in many ways and for me in particular, it is a year of learning and beneficial change, etc. But enough about astrology - I have a sure fire list of things I've really enjoyed this summer and a list of what I look forward to in the next month to come! What an exciting year as we are midway through. I'm so excited to continue to learn and grow and I hope you are, too. Whether battling issues or striving for otherworldly good, I have a feeling you'll find what you're looking for and exactly what you need when you set out to find it. Don't just wait for dreams to become a reality but fight to make them happen and good karma will come your way, so long as you stay positive, fierce, yet patient. So, let's get started.

My 5 Favorite Things That Happened So Far This Summer of 2016:

1. I made new and amazing friends through work and learning to branch out. Don't be shy!

2. I somehow, after 3 years of being single and not interested in dating whatsoever, found my soulmate, thankfully met him through my good new friend who I mentioned above. I swear it wasn't expected at all and already we have been dating about a month. I guess what people say is true: Love happens and is found when you least expect it. At least for me, that happens more often than not, I just didn't think I would seriously date again until after college; yet - here I am.

3. I was granted more scholarship money to stay at Wilson College - along with working hard to finish 260 hours of community service for a second year. So, in total, I have accomplished 500+ community service hours in two years alone, for both my community and Chambersburg's. I am immensely grateful.

4. I became a member of the Odyssey writing team through Kema, our assistant manager of Odyssey, and was able to write for a partial internship, which I love and makes me happy that I can put my creative writing and thinking to good use. Thank you, everyone! This past month writing for Odyssey has given me nothing but glee.

5. I've been to a few concerts such as Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas's World Tour (Honda Civic World Tour - The Future is Now) but I missed Warped Tour and was a bit devastated because the set list was phenomenal, but there is always next year!

6. (Bonus): I turned 21 along with my triplet siblings two weeks ago and I am so happy to say I'm learning to "adult" better and about to learn to drive after FINALLY getting my learner's permit and state ID. Wooh~.

My 5 Favorite Things That Are To Come and End Summer 2016:

1. I payed for my sister and I to go see Shawn Mendes in the front row of Hershey Park's stadium and I'm still freaking out internally and flailing. I love him so much. I met him a year ago while attending Taylor Swift's 1989 World Tour and literally am so grateful my friends invited me to that - I will forever be grateful because I love Taylor Swift and now I'm obsessed with Shawn Mendes and have been for over a year now! How crazy how time flies when it feels like that was all yesterday.

2. I plan to study abroad to South Africa in January of 2017 for an upper level biology course. I also got into all of my waitlisted classes, so that's a plus! Next goal: to travel abroad to South Korea, Seoul, in mid-summer of 2017. Thank you Wilson College; you have given me such great and fond memories and I only plan and hope to make more - as well as I build as many fond connections as I possibly can!

3. I was recently (a week ago exactly) interviewed to become an assistant supervisor for Seaworld Parks ad Entertainment - Sesame Place in their culinary operations department. I've worked there now for over 5 years and I think it's safe to say that I fit the position; it's only a matter of time before I'm hired. If not this year there is always next summer/season. So excited to work my way up with this company so I can easily transfer to being a zoologist in Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Florida.

4. I'm going back to college as a Junior and I cannot believe it! I'll be working hard this year towards my goals as I want to raise my GPA and I'm determined to do just that; along with socialize, work out, enjoy my therapy (ESA) dog's company and my hamster, too. Thank the heavens I'm able to bring pets to my college dorm. They help me more than you know.

5. I'm going to Florida in a few days for a 10 day trip to enjoy my mom's side of the family. We just got a condo down there by the gulf of Mexico and St. Petersburg/Tampa, residing right by my grandparents and their condo. They officially moved there about 2 years ago and ever since, my parents have strived to be there to help them as they age. My Grandma turned 84 the 30th of July and I'm so happy for her and my grandpa for making it this far. They have been married 61+ years as high school lovers. How beautiful. My family and I plan to relax on beaches and attend Busch Gardens there. So excited. Ohh, what a summer.

Bless the summer of 2016 + beyond. I hope you all are having a wonderful summer, as well! Stay hydrated and active. I'll see you in a week when I write my next entry. Peace ~ ☮ ✌