Tuesday Ten - Compliments Girls Love

10. I enjoy talking with you. - This compliments a lady's intelligence as well as her communication skills. She will be flattered that a guy loves talking with her and wants to listen to her opinions.

9. I like the way you think. - This is way better than "you're smart," which only compliments a female's capability of remembering factual knowledge. "I like the way you think" notices the lady as an interesting person rather than a clever person.

8. You're optimistic and charismatic. - This compliments how happy and relaxed a woman is while she is around a certain guy. All girls love to be seen as having a positive personality.

7. What do you think? - No, this does not appear to be a compliment on the surface, but look deeper. Asking a girl's opinion is a great way to compliment her because the question shows that she is valued for her thoughts rather than just her looks.

6. You carry yourself well. - While this compliment could be from anyone, it shows that a man pays attention to the small details about how a lady behaves when he is (or isn't) around. This compliments a girl's maturity level as well as her confidence.

5. I wish we had met sooner. - This is a great way to put a woman at ease by letting her know that the past is in the past, and now only the best lies ahead.

4. Your smile brightens my day. - Yes, this is very cliche, but it works every time. I'm not sure why, but any guy who compliments a lady in this way will have her blushing in 0.2 seconds flat.

3. Nobody makes me happier than you. - With this compliment, the man compares the woman to his previous girlfriends and places her way above them all. Women are naturally competitive, and this compliment will surely boost her confidence.

2. I'm lucky to have you. - This is the perfect compliment; it basically says that no one else out there will do. It's the greatest way to tell a girl that she is one of a kind and very special. The guy who says this shows true appreciation for his lady.

1. You're beautiful. - Simple and eloquent. Whether it is the very first date or the fiftieth wedding anniversary, every woman wants to be told she is beautiful. So long as one man says she is beautiful to him - well, that's all that counts.

BONUS TIP! - Compliment her with chivalry. If you want to compliment a lady, then behave like a gentleman. Simple acts such as holding doors open and helping her take off her coat show that a man believes a girl is a true lady, and that she deserves respect for that alone.

Tuesday Ten - My Favorite Songs (Released in 2015)

10. The Hills - The Weeknd 

I'm just tryna get you out the friend zone / Cause you look even better than the photos 

9. Marvin Gaye - Charlie Puth ft. Meghan Trainor 

Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on / You got the healing that I want

8. Stitches - Shawn Mendes 

I thought that I've been hurt before / But no one's ever left me quite this sore / Your words cut deeper than a knife / Now I need someone to breathe me back to life 

7. Break Up With Him - Old Dominion 

Rip it off just like a band-aid / The way you look at me, girl, you can't pretend / I know you ain't in love with him, break up with him 

6. Hello - Adele

They say time's supposed to heal ya / But I ain't done much healing 

5. Loving You Easy - Zac Brown Band 

Come slow this down and make it last / The best things fly by so fast 

4. Sorry - Justin Bieber

Yeah I know that I let you down / Is it too late to say I'm sorry now 

3. I'm Comin' Over - Chris Young 

So I'm comin' over, running every red light / To hell with the closure, save it for another time / Try not to think about you, but it ain't workin' / Why put out a fire when it's still burnin' 

2. Stressed Out - Twenty One Pilots 

I was told when I get older all my fears would shrink / But now I'm insecure and I care what people think 

1. John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16 - Keith Urban 

Just another rebel in the great wide open / On the boulevard of broken dreams / And I learned everything I needed to know from John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16


*All of these songs can be found in a playlist here: My Favorite Songs (Released in 2015). 

A Letter To My High School Teachers

To All Of My High School Teachers - Mrs. Ward, Mrs. Regan, Deacon Giard, Mrs. Poirier, Ms. Coan, Ms. Moros, Mr. Brudz, Ms. Stoyles, Mrs. Reilly, Ms. Mannion, Mrs. Janecko, Ms. Casey, Mrs. Shattuck, Mr. Healey, Mrs. Hicks, Ms. Milas, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Amidon, Mr. Menner, Ms. Raffles, Mrs. Jacobs, Mr. Hammer, Ms. Ridel, Mrs. Gilbert, Coach Calande, Mrs. Heaney, Mr. McConville, and Mrs. Marcucio: 

Let me start off by saying thank you. I was very lucky to have people in my life so dedicated to their jobs. I was fortunate to learn from each of you. There is something I took away from each class - some good and some bad. Most of you taught me lessons that I will carry on throughout the rest of my life. I graduated with more than grades on my report card. I left with values and life lessons that could never be graded. 

I am writing this letter now because I did not realize the impact you had on my life until you were all gone. Let this be a reminder to all of your current students: you are spoiled, just like I was. High school teachers were adults in my life that cared about me and wanted the best for not only me, but all of their students. 

I want to thank you for being difficult teachers. I now appreciate all of your challenges because it prepared me for the level of college work. At the time, I hated when I had a paper and two tests due on the same day, but now I am grateful for those sleepless nights. It was conditioning for my higher education. 

This letter is addressed to all of my teachers, even the ones I did not particularly "like" in class. You helped me focus on the content of the class and not the teacher; it is impossible to like everyone. Not every professor is going to be my favorite, and the same goes for the subject. I may not be interested in the course content, but that does not excuse me from not doing well or trying in the class, and I learned that thanks to you. 

For the teachers who truly loved their job, thank you. It was noticeable that you cared about the subject matter and that you wanted each of your students to care as well. You respected your students, and in return, you gained respect from them. I never wanted to let you down. You helped me try very hard in every aspect of your classes, and you expected nothing less than my best efforts. Thank you for motivating me to try my hardest with all parts of school. You all helped me become a better student in the quick four years I spent in high school. 

Thank you for guiding me in the right direction, for helping me find what I love, and for teaching what you love. All of your students have benefited and will continue to benefit. I wish you the best of luck with the rest of this school year. Try not to miss me as much as I miss all of you. 

Thank you for everything. 

Love and Blessings, 
Your High School Graduate 

Dear Future Husband (No. 1)

Dear Future Husband, 

I'm sorry. I'm scared. And I'm excited. 

I'm sorry for my past. For giving my heart away too easily. For having a twisted perception of men. For not having trust. I'm also sorry for my present. For constantly searching for you instead of being patient. For forgetting to pray for you. I'm even sorry for my future. For the mistakes I will make. For letting my emotions drive me at times. For not following through on things I may promise. 

I'm sorry for you. For the temptations you deal with everyday. For the girls who show a little too much. For the lie that being a man means being physically strong and hiding emotions. For the expectations I already have - the ones you feel like you have to meet, but know you won't always be able to. I'm sorry for your past hurt, whatever that may look like. 

More than sorry, I'm scared. I'm scared for the bad times. For not living up to your expectations. For being a bad wife or mother. For fighting. For potential financial stresses, even though I know that ultimately doesn't matter. 

But even more than sorry and scared, I'm excited. I'm excited to meet you. I'm excited for you to experience my awkwardness. I'm excited for the mountains. For the jokes and the laughs. For the happy tears. For our future children. For serving the Lord together. For dancing and singing in the kitchen. For worship and fellowship in the family room. For deep conversations. For working in the mission field. I'm excited for the valleys. For the hardships and the tears. For the trials that will shape our relationship. For the times when we know the only thing pulling us through is our love for the Lord. I'm excited for all of the moments we will share.

I'm sorry and scared and excited. I don't know when I will meet you, but I pray that temptations are small and that the Lord prepares you for my craziness and sensitivity. I pray that He softens your heart, opens your eyes, and prepares you for everything that may come. But most of all, I pray that you lean on Him and love Him more and more each day, more than you will ever love me. 

Love, 
Your Future Wife 

A Letter To My Best Friend

Dear Lauren, 

Did I actually just use your real name??? 

I really cannot find words that are strong enough to express how much you mean to me and how much I thank you for all the things you have done for me and all the times that you were there. I just wanted to let you know how much I need you, and how much you mean to me. 

You're my dearest friend - the person I always turn to with my heart and soul. You're always there for me, ready to offer an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, or a heart to feel. You've been there through both the good times and the bad times. You were my light and warmth when the road got tough. You encouraged me whenever I hesitated. Not all friends stand by you through your joys and sorrows, but you've always been there for me. Thank you.

I've met a lot of people in my life, but I've never met anyone else quite like you. I knew from the start that there was something special about you. You touched my life and wouldn't let go. You brought me unimaginable joy, and you have made me feel like a better person who is able to take on the world. I think we were destined to become friends, and I'm grateful for God who brought us together. True friends are hard to find; that's why I'm glad I've got you. 

You are so special to me, and you cannot be replaced. You are always willing to help no matter what the situation holds. You always support me in everything I do. I hope one day you can lean on me as much as I've leaned on you. Your friendship helps me realize how blessed I truly am. I thank God for bringing you into my life, because I would not be the way I am today without you.

All you have to do is say the word, and I'll be there to lend a hand - day or night, sunny or snowy, happy or sad. I don't know if many people in this world would understand, but to have a friend like you is finding a silver heart in a bag of sand. You are the only one I can tell my soul to, who can relate to me like no other, who I can laugh with to no extent, and who can help me with all the problems I have to face of my life. Never have you turned your back on me, let me down, or told me I wasn't good enough. You crack me up with laughter and touch my heart with your kindness. I love you more than words can say, and I will no matter what happens. 

I look up to you because you are strong, caring, and beautiful (among other things!). I hope you know that I will always be there to listen to you, laugh with you, cry with you, and help you in all the ways that I possibly can. Through smiles and tears, laughter and heartache, you've been a part of my life. Going through this time of not hearing your voice or seeing your smile is rough. I look forward to the time we share, and I cherish all the memories we have already made. 

You always put other people first. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated. You have impacted so many lives, and I would not be the person I am today without you. In times of trouble and in times of thanks, you stood by my side and held me up.You supported me when I was in tears from sadness and from joy. I've never needed anyone in my life as much as I need you now. 

Nobody will ever find another person more special than you are. I would fall apart if anything ever happened to our friendship. Everyday it just grows stronger and stronger. You are worth more than real gold. I could never imagine life without you, because that would be like an overused pencil - extremely dull. You play a major part in my life, and I hold you incredibly close to my heart. I treasure your soul like no other. You've helped me so much during the time I've known you, and I only hope that I can return the favor. 

I love you so so so so much, and I can't wait to see you again soon so we can sing and watch movies and drive around aimlessly together. I miss being the DJ of our car rides... But until then, keep making memories, and call me whenever you need me. Don't miss me too much! 

"Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart." 

All My Love and Lots of Prayers, 

Lindsay (Your BFF 5ever, because 5 is greater than 4.)

Dragon Tales

Well the poll has closed, and the results show that Dragon Tales was many people's favorite childhood show. For those of you who haven't seen Dragon Tales, it is basically about two children, Emmy and Max, who wish upon a dragon scale and then go to Dragon Land to hang out with their dragon friends. This seems rather innocent and simple, but looking back on Dragon Tales, the show had a few not-so-childlike aspects to it.

1. Dragon Land is a horrible place. In one episode, Max and Emmy are stuck in a castle with their dragon friends. They are not allowed to leave for reasons never made clear. In another episode, they had to run to a treehouse before the purple sticky goo started coming down from a cloud. There are furies in flowers and scary sleeping giants who can be woken up with just a short argument. Dragon Land is a hair-raising and unsafe place for little children to be.

2. The dragons aren't even likable! On the surface, they're just dragons who little kids love. But when you actually look at their characters, they all have flaws.

• Cassie: small, reserved, anxious, insecure, wimpy.
• Ord: overweight and greedy lunkhead who is only concerned with the growling of his stomach.
• Zak and Weezie: two-headed dragon, one of which is pitiful and the other of which is a troublemaker. 
• Quetzal: the elderly father figure who is magical, but if you look at him more closely, he's actually a complete piece of crap, leading me to my third and final point. 

3. The magic in Dragon Land is hoarded by Quetzal! Zak and Weezy constantly irritate each other because they literally share a body, and in one episode, Quetzal pulls out two magical stones and tells them to recite a simple poem while holding them. After a flash of light, they are magically separated. THOSE TWO DRAGONS WERE CONJOINED FROM BIRTH AND YOU'RE JUST SEPARATING THEM NOW?!?! Quetzal could've given them two separate bodies from the start with no pain or danger involved. What kind of misanthrope keeps this miracle to himself???

I guess when we were kids, we enjoyed the pleasant mythical creatures and watching them go on adventures. We never saw the true horror lying beneath the surface of Dragon Tales. 

Say a Prayer for the Police

Just realized how long it's been since I posted on here! Anyways, life got really busy this past week/weekend. But I had a lot of fun after getting over being sick!

So this weekend I went with my friends to this park on Saturday night (after watching Les Mis!). As a lot of people know, most public parks close at dusk. This one did too, but we "didn't see the sign." SO anyways, we were listening to music and acting like little kids at the playground when we see a police car pull into the parking lot.

"We aren't supposed to be here." "They're gonna ticket my car." "We're all gonna get in trouble." "Let's just get our stuff and go to the cars." "We won't get in as much trouble if we leave."

So we get our stuff and start walking to the cars. The officer rolls down his window and starts talking to us. But he was the most chill cop I have ever met.

"Yeah technically the park closes at dusk, but as long as you guys aren't doing anything I think I can let you stay, but if we get a call that you're bothering someone, I'm gonna have to come run you out."

"Oh okay." "Thank you officer." "So we can stay?!"

"Yeah, just don't get too loud and be smart."

What actually just happened? We met a guy who knew we were just kids wanting to have clean fun. And you know what? Not all police officers are bad people. Generally, they're just looking out for you and trying to keep you safe.

That reminded me to say a prayer for all of the police officers in our country right now. Many of them are not safe, yet they still get out of bed and go to work. Sure, this guy just had to tell some dumb college kids that the park is closed, but many of them are put in risky situations every single day. Say a prayer for them tonight.

Saint Michael, Patron Saint of Police Officers, pray for us.

Thanks For Being My Friends, Old and New

Hey y'all, first I just wanna thank you guys for reading my blog posts. Never expected 195 page views! This is really cool. But this post is mainly just to talk about how grateful I am for my friends, old and new.

"Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver, and the other's gold."

I miss my friends from back home everyday. It's hard to keep in touch with everyone because we all have so much going on in our lives right now. We're all on different time schedules, and we don't talk everyday like we used to. But I am forever thankful to my friends who do still talk to me when they have the chance, especially LV, Jillybean, Angela, Rissa, and Shannon. I miss all of you so much, but I'm so excited to hear about all of the amazing adventures you are about to experience during these next few months. I am so proud of all of you, and I'm so lucky to call you guys my friends. I can't wait until the day when I can say, "I knew them when..." because God has some great things in store for all of you.

And now for my new friends here at Franciscan. I never expected to make friends so quickly, and even more than that, I definitely did not expect to feel this close to you guys already. I am so thankful for each and every one of you; you make days when I'm missing home easier. I enjoy every minute with you, whether it's movie nights, praying together, study sessions, or just hanging out doing something stupid. Leah, Jim, Kiana, Bailey, Mark, CJ, Pat - you guys are just straight up awesome. I'm so incredibly excited to spend the next four years with you, going on more adventures and rolling down more hills. Thanks be to God for bringing me to all of you wonderful people.

Well it's like 3:30 a.m. and I'm now exhausted, but this post couldn't wait until tomorrow. I've never felt so joyful yet serene in my entire life, and I just wanted to take a minute and thank all of my friends for being my friends. I love you guys, to the moon and back. Goodnight!

Welcome to My Life

Well I never thought I would become a blogger...but here I am, sitting on a bed in a college dorm eating Easy Mac that tastes like mush, writing my first blog post. Welcome to my life as a college student.

Now don't think I'm a junior in college who has done this whole thing before! Yup, I'm a freshman. I haven't even been on campus for a week yet. But memories have been made so quickly it has been hard to keep up with them all. So now I'm writing them down - all of the adventures, funny stories, friendships, everything.

Speaking of adventures, have you ever ridden in a Jeep Wrangler with all of the sides and roof off while going 70 mph on a highway? If you've done that, have you done it while squished in the backseat in between two people? And if you can still say yes to that, have you done it with people whom you just met 4 days before? Yeah. That happened.

And guess what?

It was a blast.

Creating new friendships isn't easy. It never will be. But spontaneously going on adventures with strangers leads to bonding experiences that no one can forget. And thus, friendships are born.

Also, did I mention Mean Girls? Maybe I should save that for another post.....

Talk to y'all again soon!

And thanks for reading. Hope you come to love and enjoy Lindsay Land!