JOURNALING

When I graduated high school, a family friend (who is very near and dear to my heart) gave me a journal.

I'd tried keeping diaries when I was younger, but they would only last a week and I would lose all motivation. I thought the same would happen with this journal.

I brought it to college with me when I moved and it sat in a drawer. Then, one day, I figured out that I could use it as more of a memorabilia keeper than a journal.





I started collecting random tidbits — thoughts, tickets, special receipts, etc. — and taping them into my journal.


I also became pen pals with my dad when I was a freshman, and knowing he was sick, I thought it would be a good idea to keep the letters he sent me.


I would make little pockets out of notebook paper and tape and write the date received. I'd fold the letter up so it was perfect size, and now that I look back, I'm so glad I kept these little letters.

They are small reminders that I am loved and that my dad was always there for me. I can just imagine him as he was writing these — probably laughing at himself because he thought he was soooo funny (a trait I've acquired) and sending them off.

Note that he spelled "Allie/Ali" two different ways in the same. letter. 

hahahahaha.... 

I kept tickets from sounders games and the little doodles that my roommate, Bridget, would make me. Also, every card I've received in the past three years is in this little notebook. 

Aside from the letters from my dad, my favorite things to keep in here are from the trips I've taken since I moved to college.

Last summer, we embarked on a two-and-a-half week journey to Europe and I kept all of my tiny little memories. My plane tickets, my cruise card, my receipts, business cards.... it's all there.

I did the same for my trip to Milwaukee/Madison, Wisconsin this past December. (I guess I mostly just kept coffee sleeves for this one.)

In the nearly three (!!!!!) years since I've graduated, I've only managed to fill about half of this book and it's full to the brim with memorabilia. There's an occasional sappy or sad note to self in there, but I'll keep those to myself.

I'm happy that I got this journal and started using it to keep all my little memories. It's one of the most thoughtful gifts I've ever received, hands down. Thank you, Alicia! I love this pink, leather-y book more than anything.

xoxo,

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