Things I'm Loving Friday XXX

And we’re back with another Things I’m Loving Friday! But how is it already Friday? Work weeks with a missed Monday always seem both a little bit chaotic and stressful, but it also seems to fly by. I think I am actually mostly caught up with everything that I missed, though, so I am breathing a sigh of relief on that front. I can go into the weekend with my usual workload. Which isn’t that much, before you start feeling sorry for me. So, without further ado, here is what I’m loving this week.

The Happy Goose Shop

I’m not entirely sure how I happened upon this little shop. I started following Lindsay, aka The Happy Goose, who lives in Dallas, on Instagram. I think I found her blog and really liked it, so I decided to follow her posts. Anyway, she just recently opened a most successful online shop, and everything she posts is so incredibly cute. I think I expected the prices to be higher than they are, so I didn’t order anything right away. I quickly learned that the prices are extremely reasonable, though you have to act fast before items go out of stock. A couple of weeks ago I ordered two dresses, a simple white shirt that can be worn with anything, and a lace-bottomed slip to wear under the dresses that I bought. I wore the red dress and lace slip to school the next day and got endless compliments on it. If you are in the market for cute, simple, affordable clothes, this would be the place to go. While nothing will ever replace Anthropologie in my heart, this is certainly a more wallet-friendly option.

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32 Pictures That Will Give You Intense Elementary School Flashbacks

This BuzzFeed article is probably the most accurate depiction of my elementary school career. Mad Minutes, scooters, the school Book Fair, KidPix, and of course, heads down, thumbs up. Of all the throwback articles I've read, this one definitely takes the cake. The only thing that I believe to be missing? Oregon Trail. The best computer game of all time. 

GoPro

I entertained the idea of asking for a GoPro as my graduation present. I am a big-time picture taker, and I felt like all of the photos that I saw that had been taken via GoPro were just really cool, for lack of a better word. I was talked out of the GoPro (and talked into a KitchenAid, which was admittedly a more practical choice), but over spring break I bit the bullet and ordered myself a GoPro Hero 3. So, it’s not the most up-to-date edition, but for what I was going to be using it, I didn’t feel as though I needed it. I just knew that I had a couple of trips coming up, and I felt as though a GoPro would be something that I would appreciate having. We certainly appreciated having it in San Francisco, because it allowed us to get pictures with the five of us in them, but without having to be those girls who annoyingly ask people to take our picture. Selfie stick for the win, ya know? And once I really get the hang of it, I’m expecting some truly dynamite pictures to come out of it.

Homegrown

I know this isn’t a new song, but the more I listen to it, the more obsessed with it I become. I’ve always been impressed with Zac Brown Band, yet I can never seem to go see them at the rodeo, but this song is one of their best. I know I’m far from living in a small town, but my Stratford America community feels like a small town. And I couldn’t help but think of this song over Easter while I was catching up with some of my high school friends at the crawfish boil I attended. While I will eventually leave, I couldn’t help but take a moment to appreciate where I came from and all that I have around me. I got everything I need, and nothing that I don’t, after all.

Trader Joes Inner Bean

I found these on a surprise trip to Trader Joes. And by surprise I mean that I discovered the Montrose Trader Joes by complete accident while visiting the American Apparel over there. I always love a good Trader Joes trip, so I popped in for a quick visit. I had only a couple of items in my cart, and was pretty proud of myself for that. But then I went down the chip aisle. Typically I avoid that aisle, because I don't even really like chips that much. But Trader Joes-type stores often have some interesting chip alternatives. And I was not disappointed. I was intrigued by the Trader Joes Inner Bean, which claimed to use whole black beans from Canada, so they must be healthy, right? My mom and I both loved them, finishing the entire bag in one sitting - whoops! They're light, crunchy, and have a very light salt finish. We both recommend, and they're practically guilt-free!

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Dancing With the Stars

Stay with me for a second, here. I used to watch this show pretty regularly, but who has time to watch two hours of television? Especially on a Monday night. That being said, I do catch a dance here and there, because my mom absolutely loves the show. I may or may not have mentioned this on the blog before, but I have a gymnastics obsession. I follow Olympic gymnastics religiously, and I still haven't quite forgiven my mom for telling me that Shawn won a gold medal on her last event. The point I'm getting at here is that I'm obviously rooting for Nastia, as she is competing this season. But I'm so inspired by veteran Noah Galloway, who lost both an arm and a leg in the year 2005. As predicted, dark times followed this life-changing injury. But once he accepted his injury and changed his attitude, he got back out there and became an inspiration to so many. He used a horrible situation and turned it into something good. If you haven't seen this dance, you have to take a couple of minutes to watch it.

And that's all I've got for you guys. See y'all sometime this weekend!

Things I'm Loving Friday XXIX + Product Review

Happy Friday from the Houston airport! I am just getting ready to board the plane that will take me to San Francisco, but I just couldn't neglect my blog today, because I certainly won't be posting anytime tomorrow.

Frank Body Scrub
I'm not one to impulse buy beauty products. I tend to stick with what I know and what I like and not stray much from them. That's why this Australia-made, coffee-based scrub was a purchase that was a little out of the ordinary for me. And though I just received it in the mail, and have only given it one try, I'm obsessed. I have this cute scar from a rollerblading incident, and I'm hoping that this scrub will do the trick. And hey, clear skin is never a bad perk. While it was a little different for an impatient person for myself to wait ten-ish minutes for it to dry, my skin felt smooth after just the one use. I'm feeling a long-term relationship with this one!

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Life Hacks
This was a total impulse buy a couple of weeks ago during an innocent visit to Paper Source. I am such a sucker for things like this. But this one wasn't such a bad buy. In fact, it offers simple, actually applicable solutions to everyday problems. Tired of banging your thumb while using a hammer? Use a clothespin to alleviate that issue. Want to ensure that you get the best carton of ice cream? Press on the top of the container. If it's solid, it's been properly stored. If it can be pushed down, it's been thawed and refrozen. With thousands of tips just like this one, this book is a fun, easy read that will likely teach you something along the way.

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Love and Sunshine 
I was at Bath and Body Works stocking up on a few of my favorite wallflower scents when I noticed a display at the center of the store that read "Love and Sunshine." A sucker for all things sunshine, I went to check it out. Upon spraying this scent, I knew I was going to be making an additional purchase. It's light and subtle, it's sweet (but not too sweet), and it smells just as you think love and sunshine would smell -  lemony and floral with a hint of strawberry. The perfect scent for these spring and summer months.

Strong and Smart
Texas has already been Strong, but now we're Smart, too. But we already knew that. But all kidding aside, Texas Basketball just hired themselves a new basketball coach - Shaka Smart, the former VCU Basketball coach. And though I'm not so sure about the way Rick Barnes was let go, I am absolutely thrilled about the future of Texas sports. If Charlie Strong can find us a quarterback, we're good to go on the football front. Our basketball team has more than enough talent, and I think Shaka Smart is ready to bring the team to its full potential. Now all we need to do is hire a baseball coach with the last name of Sexy. I promise I didn't make that one up.

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Dr. Praeger's Veggie Burgers
When xxx reached out to me about trying out these veggie burgers, I immediately said yes. I love a good veggie burger, though they're just not something I think to buy and cook up myself. I'm not sure why, as all you really have to do is turn on the oven. I was sent the Super Greens Veggie Burgers, which are both gluten-free and dairy-free, so they were right up my alley. But I didn't stop there. I found a recipe for cauliflower bread, so I whipped that up to use as the buns. Double the veggies, double the fun, right? But seriously, I absolutely recommend these burgers. It's all the healthy ingredients of your favorite salad - quinoa, kale, and collard greens, to name just a few of the trendy super foods found within - thrown together into something that may be a little more exciting to eat. The flavor was fresh, and while I topped my burger with mustard, I think a variety of sauces would work well with it. I've tried a couple of frozen veggie burger brands, and I'm going to have to give the nod to Dr. Praeger's on this one!

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Do You Believe in Magic?
We search high and low for hidden magic - Prince Charming, fairy dust, and a wand that can cast spells just like Harry Potter's. But what we often times forget is that there is beauty and magic all around us, all the time. And this article states this idea perfectly. It's short, sweet, and simple, but so very powerful. It can sometimes be hard to see the beauty in the common, everyday things and events, simply because that's what we see and do every day. Waking up. Catching the sunrise. A lone flower on the side of the road. Reality is just as magical as the imaginary, and every day may not be extraordinary, but there something extraordinary can be found in every day.

Fuller House
In the spirit of San Francisco, I revisited this reminiscent Painted Ladies picture, and not much later did I learn that Netflix is allegedly releasing a Full House reunion series, focusing on besties DJ Tanner and Kimmy Gibler. While I know these spin-offs aren't ever as good as the original, I have high hopes for this one. I've said before that I grew up with the Tanner family and the life lessons that Danny sent our way. Heck, I still watch Full House when I get the chance! Though I didn't jump on the Girl Meets World bandwagon, this reunion series seems to have a different feel. I have my fingers crossed that this announcement was no April Fool's joke, and here's to catching a glimpse of Uncle Jesse and the rest of the Tanner crew this time around!

And I'll see YOU guys from San Francisco! Ready or not, the golden girls are coming!

Call Me Pickles

Happy, happy Easter Sunday! I'm just popping in for a quick survey - one that I know I've completed before - but this one has a couple of added categories. Plus, I'm sure some of my answers have changed, at least a little bit. Anyway, I hope you all are enjoying a beautiful Easter, and have enjoyed a friend- and family-filled weekend! I attended a crawfish boil that my family has been going to for years and years and years, and I'm not sure what it was about yesterday, but I had the most fun I think I've ever had. It was an unexpectedly gorgeous day, I got to catch up with quite a few of my high school friends (Spartans forever), and while I told myself I would stay for only an hour, I stayed for almost three.

One great crew

There's just no place like home.

Four names that people call me (other than my real name):

• Kel
• KT
• KTom
• Pickles

Yeah, that last one is probably causing you to scratch your head. At Bellaire, our tutorial time is during lunch, as we are given a 50-minute lunch period. Often times, even if I’m not holding actual tutorials, I’ll have students just come and say hi or sit with me, or I will use that time to catch up on some grading or organizing. That, and the fact that lunch is at 11:35am, I typically wait until my off period to eat my lunch. The teacher that I hang out with in the English department lounge during that time has taken to calling me pickles, as I have pickles in my salad every single day. I now look forward to the daily, “Morning, Pickles,” with which he greets me.

Four jobs I have had:

• Volleyball scorekeeper
• Resident Assistant
• Volleyball coach
• Teacher

Four favorite TV shows:

• Boy Meets World
• Friday Night Lights
• Full House
• The Office (granted, I've only seen episodes here and there, but it's enough to make me want to binge-watch the entire series)

Four places I have lived:

• Houston, TX
• Austin, TX
• Barcelona, Spain
• Golden, MO (for about five weeks – does that count?)

Tibidabo

Four places I have been:

• Maui, Hawaii
• San Francisco, California
• Orlando, Florida
• London, England

The iconic phone booth

Four places I want to go:

• Ireland
• Austria
• Switzerland
• Alaska

… and then some.

Four things I love to do:

• Run, and exercise in general. No better feeling, in my opinion!
• Curl up with a good book – and no interruptions.
• Bake, using my spiffy KitchenAid. It makes baking things from scratch so much easier.
• Travel. I’d gladly live out of my suitcase if it meant I could travel the world. Well, for a couple of years, anyway. Then I’d probably like to settle down with some sort of routine, if I’m being completely honest.

Four things I’m embarrassed to tell you:

• Sometimes I still enjoy watching shows such as Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide and Zoey 101. Those were some of my absolute favorite shows as a teenager, and I’ll admit that I still enjoy watching them from time to time.
• I'm not necessarily embarrassed by this, but in the spirit of March Madness, I'll share this one. In 7th grade, my basketball team was playing for the district championship. We were down by two points, and I was fouled with two seconds left in the game. I had the chance to tie the game and send us into overtime, but I only made of my two free throws. While it certainly wasn't my fault, I was still embarrassed because the boys A & B, and the girls B team were all there to witness that moment. Free throws win ball games! Oh, and did I mention that it was on my 13th birthday?
• Okay, I'll admit that I read the first 50 Shades book. I wanted to see what all the hype was about. If that's what people think love is, count me out. Totally not worth my time, though I have heard that the second and third books are much better.
• I know I majored in English, and I know I'm a high school English teacher, but poetry is still something that makes me uneasy. I don't understand it, I don't know how to analyze it, but I think I've managed to BS my way through it pretty well thus far!

One place I’d rather be right now:

• I mean, I’m pretty content right where I am, but I’m getting pretty excited to be in San Francisco this time next week with my best gals.

Four things I don’t eat:

• Sushi
• Oysters
• Bologna
• Tuna Fish

To be fair, I’ve actually never tried the first three. But I know myself well enough by now to know that I just wouldn’t like them. And the tuna fish has a funny story. When I went to Wilderness, one of the meals we were expected to eat was tuna fish. And I have never liked tuna fish. But Wilderness has a nutritionist, who strategically plans meals that will give us enough calories, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to help us to hike the 37 miles that our group hiked. We got a little lost, which is why we went so many miles. Anyway, we were at a campsite on the second day and the meal we were served was tuna fish. I am not kidding when I say that I was literally crying when the guides told me I had to finish my tuna fish sandwich before we continued. I offered to eat extra dessert in place of the tuna (fair bargain, I know), but no can do. It was a traumatic experience, to say the least.

The stop where we ate the tuna. Notice my stance.

Four of my favorite foods:

• Frozen yogurt, of course.
• Grilled chicken salads. I cannot get enough of them.
• Dark chocolate.
• Banana-Oatmeal-Almond Butter Muffin dough. Seriously. I have taken to preparing the dough and not cooking it, and I am obsessed. I often eat it during my 1^st period class, and my kids are so curious about it.

Four random facts about me:

• I have never had a cup of coffee. I've never acquired the taste, and I’d rather not become dependent on it, so there you have it!
• I was voted “Best Personality” of my high school class. My crowning achievement, really.
• Instead of, you know, getting ahead on my health and speech credits, I elected to take woodshop in eighth grade. It was one of my favorite classes, and it made Christmas and birthdays so easy that year!
• My second toe is longer than my big toe, which is actually pretty common, but the official name for this is Morton’s Syndrome.

And I'm off to enjoy this day. In the spirit of this special holiday, check out John 11:25-26. The perfect picture of sacrificial love.

Things I'm Loving Friday XXIV

And we made it to Friday. Phew. I feel as though it’s been a longer week than usual because I really laid into my kids about the importance of these next three (now two) school weeks. I made it very clear to my students that if they are going to goof off and distract the rest of the class, they can spend the rest of the class sitting with their assistant principal. There is too much material left to be covered and reiterated for one or two students to be distracting the entire class. And I think some of them took it seriously, considering I wrote up F O U R students in one day. I mean business, and when they won’t listen to me, they will listen to their AP. Or not, but that’s an even bigger issue.

To BRIGHTEN up your Friday

Moving on to more positive things, let’s get this Friday started with another rendition of Things I’m Loving Friday.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

I briefly mentioned that my uncle gifted me this book for my 23^rd birthday, and I just recently started reading it. It is another one of those easy reads, but it is absolutely hilarious. I feel as though it is perfect for someone like me who is in her early 20’s, but bridging the gap between dependent college student and independent young adult. Mindy plays that “Girl Next Door” role well, and she hilariously and honestly takes us with her on a very relatable journey through different stages of her life.

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Full House

I often join my parents as they play one another in Wheel of Fortune, but they often have something else scheduled after that. Grey’s Anatomy, Blue Bloods, or occasionally My 600 Pound Life. Yeah, I take that as my cue to head to the MAC. But one show that I grew up watching, literally, I grew up with MK&A, and one that will never get old, is Full House. Just try and tell me that you didn’t wish you were a part of the Tanner family? Full of valuablelife lessons and unforgettable catchphrases (HOW RUDE!), I love reverting back to my childhood for that little bit of time each evening (or the occasional evening is probably more accurate), and having some “Aww” moments along the way.

 

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Girl Scout Cookie Desserts

You only thought they were a danger to your waistline. That is, until you learned these cookies could be made into a decadent dessert. When I saw this blog, titled “75 Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Recipes,” I knew it was calling my name. I used to be a Girl Scout myself, you know. I even sold the most cookies out of my entire troop one year. But I digress. Our JV volleyball coach has a daughter who is selling cookies, therefore, she is selling cookies. I had resisted buying them for so long, but after reading this article, it was no longer meant to be. So, I created these Mini Caramel DeLite Cheesecakes, according to this recipe. I wanted to share them with my English I team, as stress levels seem to be running a bit high these days. I’m going to go ahead and toot my own horn and say that they were a hit. And as a total sidenote, I have a little bit of animosity towards those who call Caramel DeLites “Samoas,” Peanut Butter Patties “Tagalongs,” and Peanut Butter Sandwiches “Do-Si-Do’s.” I know it has to do with where you live and which cookie comply supplies your region, but still. Houston forever.

 

Using this picture because it's much prettier than mine (Source)

Prank With a Twist

Here’s a little something to warm your heart on this chilly Friday. Now, many senior classes pull a prank, as a way of leaving a mark on their school before graduation. Most of them are more funny than dangerous, but this one is a prank with a little bit of a twist. When a student handed the principal at a Kansas high school a bucket and told him to hold it, this principal was rightfully skeptical. However, students surprised him by dropping note after note after note into the bucket. And every single note was a note of encouragement or thanks or praise. They ranged from general to personal, and this principal said these notes are “better than a paycheck.” I would have to agree with him. What a cool way to be rewarded for all of the hard work you have put in over the years. As a reminder more to myself than anyone reading this, it does not go unnoticed.

 

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Honey I'm Good

I may be late to the game on this one, but I love this song. Not only is it extremely catchy, but it has a message that is a breath of fresh air. It is so common for famous people - and normal people, really - to be tempted by their young and good-looking admirers while on the road. They're out there, and there's just no denying it. But to see couples who have been together, anywhere from a few months to 70 years, it reminds you that "there's something really special about staying together." I must warn you - this song will get stuck in your head.

And that’s all I’ve got for you today. Fingers crossed my shin feels good enough to get in a run this weekend. I’ll surely keep you guys posted. Have a great one! 

*Edit - I just realized I've actually been in the real world for SEVEN months. Whoops. See this post. Good thing I added one more for good measure!

The Book of Questions

Happy 2015! Can you believe it's 2015? I turn 23 this year, and apparently nobody likes you when you're 23 so...

Anyway, I hope you all had a fun and safe new years celebration. Mine was pretty low-key, which is just what I needed this year. I had all the intentions in the world to wake up and run the Commitment Day 5K sponsored by LifeTime Athletic in City Centre, but when my alarm went off (and went off and went off and went off), I just could not seem to drag myself out of bed. My dad came in and asked me if I planned on getting up, and I mumbled a convincing "No," and rolled over. I stayed in bed until 11:00am. I'm just soaking it up while I can! But I truly can't remember the last time I stayed in bed that late. It's been a long week!

I got up and immediately exchanged my pair of Happy Socks for some athletic socks and my tennis shoes, and headed out the door for my first run of 2015. It was very cold and started misting a bit, but I've already got 5 miles of mine and Amira's goal of running 2,015 miles down. Not a bad start to the year!

I didn't quite give myself enough time to shower before meeting up with one of my sweet YoungLife girls who happened to be visiting Houston for a couple of days. It's hard to believe that I met those girls when they were in 6th and 7th grade, and now they're sophomores in high school. Time sure does fly, and it was wonderful to share lunch with her at my favorite restaurant (I'll let you guys take a guess at that one), and catch up on how life is going for her back in Austin. We braved the cold and rain and walked around Rice Village a little bit before retreating back to my car where we turned the heater onto full blast.

Selfie game still going strong in 2015

I then popped back home for a quick minute, before heading out once again to run some errands with my friend Gayle. When we get together we can easily talk for hours, and we sat in her car in her driveway fogging up the windows (I know what you're thinking, not like that!) just talking for over an hour and a half. Though it was cold and damp outside, we managed to make the best of the dreary first day of the year.

And now, because you know I love a good survey, I figured there is no better way than to start off the year with one. And because I don't have a lot of other material for you guys today, whoops! I'll try to be more creative tomorrow. But until then, enjoy learning maybe even one new thing about me!

1. Do you have a middle name?
One of the most common middle names in the world - Elizabeth. Out of nine of us who lived in The Clubhouse, four of us had the middle name Elizabeth. 

2. What was your favorite subject in school?
I'm probably shaming myself as an English teacher, but I always had a thing for math.
 

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3. What's your favorite drink?
I'm a water girl through and through. I also love a good glass of champagne, and I'm finally learning how to like wine. I have never in my entire life liked soda, which made birthday parties as a kid pretty strange.

4. What's your favorite song at the moment?

Night Changes by One Direction. I know. Embarrassing. I promise I'm an adult!

5. What would you name your children?
I've got a list going, and I'm holding onto the hope that I have four children - two boys and two girls. Ryan, Ross, Reagan, and Rylie. I'm all about that alliteration.

6. Do you participate in any sports?
I actually just signed myself up for a sand volleyball league. Here goes nothing!

7. What's your favorite book? 
I've got a few, so to be fair to my bookshelf, I'll name my very favorites.

• Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers
• Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger
• Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling
• Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

8. What's your favorite color?
I love pink, but I also love orange, yellow, and red. I really love all colors, to be honest.

9. What's your favorite animal?
It's been a monkey for as long as I can remember. I even wrote a poem about them once -

"Monkeys like swinging from tree to tree.

I like monkeys, and monkeys like me."

Profound, right?

10. What's your favorite perfume?

Daisy by Marc Jacobs.

11. What's your favorite holiday?
I'll be honest, I love my birthday. But if we're being real, I love Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July a lot.

12. Have you graduated from High School?
Class of 2010.

Once a Spartan, always a Spartan

13. Have you been out of the country?
I have, and I want nothing more than to explore other countries. I've been bitten by the travel bug!

The Louvre with my cousin

14. Do you speak any other languages?
Once upon a time I was okay at Spanish. I'm not sure that I can make that claim anymore.
 
15. Do you have any siblings?
1 little brother, who attends that school north of the Red River.

16. What's your favorite store?
Anthropologie. I have a serious problem. Either that, or Target. When's the last time you walked out of there with only what you intended to buy? Yeah, that's what I thought.

17. What's your favorite restaurant?
Hungry's. It's my go-to.
 
18. Do you like school? 
I do, and though I am still technically in school (on the other side of things), I miss being a student. A master's program may be in my future, so stay tuned.

AP Physics

Creative destruction (this is ironic because I'm not creative in the least)

19. Who are some of your favorite YouTubers?
I don't follow any YouTubers regularly, and to be honest, it takes a lot for me to watch a YouTube video, for whatever reason.


20. What's your favorite movie? 
Remember the Titans, Mean Girls, She's the Man, The Sandlot, among others.

21. What are some of your favorite TV shows?
Friday Night Lights, Boy Meets World, Full House - classics.

22. PC or Mac?
I use both a PC and a Mac, and though I am certainly partial to my MacBook, I don't hate using a PC quite as much as I thought I would. 
 
23. What phone do you have?
I'm up on the iPhone game and I have an iPhone 6. I know, you all are shocked, because I had an iPhone 4 until right before I traded that one in and got the 6.

Hello 21st Century

24. How tall are you?
5'5"

25. Any pets? 
No, but I came way too close to applying to adopt a puppy, before realizing that I really don't have the time that a puppy deserves.

Nothing too crazy, I figured that would hold you over until I find the time to go through one of my latest purchases - The Book of Questions. That's when things will really start getting interesting! Happy football watching!

Texas Forever

***WARNING: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! So if you don't want any part of the series to be ruined, you may not want to continue reading***

Well, it has finally happened. My Friday Night Lights experience has finally come to an end. It was a great ride, and I don't regret one minute of the almost 54 hours that was spent watching this show. I became far too emotionally invested in the characters lives and relationships, and got way too wrapped up in the football games featuring both the Dillon Panthers and the East Dillon Lions.

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This show is so much more than a "football show," though it certainly has some exciting football moments. There was so much I loved about the show, but I'll try to keep this as short and sweet as possible without going overboard. There is so much that could be said about this show that displays so much heart, so much realism, and so much emotion, and if any of you are looking for a new show, I'm sure you're not surprised to hear that I absolutely recommend this one.

Eric and Tami Taylor

A wonderful (and beautiful) couple, who dealt with and worked through actual problems. Eric Taylor coached the Dillon Panthers to a state championship, and later coaches the East Dillon Lions to a championship as well. More than just coaching football, he molded men. He took those boys under his wing and cared for them in ways they may have never experienced before. And Tami Taylor, his beautiful wife who loves her wine and saying "y'all," stands up for what she believes in and mentors students at both Dillon and East Dillon High. I like to think they will eventually move back to Texas, and I absolutely love their relationship. All I can say is, if I grow up to be like Tami Taylor, I would consider myself to be a success.

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Tim Riggins

The bad boy, rarely without a beer in hand. The long hair doesn't really do it for me, but that hair is Tim Riggins. Incredible football player, devoted best friend and brother, and the character you can't help but grow to love more and more as the show progresses. He loves Texas and coins the famous phrase, "Texas forever."

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Matt and Julie

I am obsessed with Matt Saracen. I love Matt and the relationship he has with his grandma, the way he handles himself, the way he hesitates and is unsure of himself, how scared he is of Coach Taylor, and the way he loves Julie Taylor. They are such a cute, pure couple and Matt proposing to Julie at the Alamo Freeze with his grandmother's ring was one of the best moments in the entire series.

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And lastly, I loved the final tributes to each one of the main characters in the final minutes of the final episode (that was a lot of finals). If the rest of the episode hadn't brought tears, these final moments definitely should.

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Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can't Lose. Texas Forever, y'all.