Independence Day

This July 4th was full of food, friends and fun. All the good stuff. We started the day watching a  hometown parade. It was so wonderful. Then we hung out at my sweet friends house and laughed and played games. Then, obviously, we saw fireworks. I feel like every year I forget how much I love fireworks. Then we lit off our own. I experienced roman candles for the first time this year. It was equal parts awesome and scary.

20 Things

So I'm starting this blogging thing. I'm really doing it. What started as a conversation with a sweet friend has turned into a reality. I have many plans for this and at the same time, I'm totally just along for the ride. I am excited to see what comes from this and what I will learn from and through being a part of this. If nothing else, I long for this blog to be a place where I document the beautiful things and people in my life. 

With all that being said, I'm sure if you are reading this you are a sweet friend who is being supportive (thank you, dear friends!) But I wanted to start this off with a way for y'all to get to know me. So, here are 20 things about my life.

One: I am a middle child with one fabulous older sister and a really funny younger brother.

Taken by: Brittany Reagan

Two: I love Jesus. I am so thankful for His mercy and grace.
Three: When I was in preschool I jumped off the top of a slide and hit my head on a bench. I got a concussion and have a scar right above my eyebrow. But! I have never broken a bone.
Four: I have a really cute niece.

Taken by: Courtney Ramos

Five: I have been to the most south-western point of Africa. The 20 seconds we spent there were really windy and rainy.

Taken by: Brittany Reagan

Six: I was due on Christmas day, thankfully I came 5 days early. Though I might not be an official Christmas baby I still get birthday presents wrapped in Christmas paper.
Seven: I work at Summit Church and I attend The University of Central Florida.
Eight: I drink way too much coffee. I thought about giving it up for Lent once…but then without drinking it I got a headache. That probably should've been a sign.
Nine: When I was in high school, I was on a state championship winning ladies basketball team.

Taken by: Orlando Sentinel

Ten: I get emotionally involved with television show characters. I love my friends in Tree Hill and at Seattle Grace Hospital.
Eleven: I think social media is fantastic. You can find me on Instagram and Twitter!
Twelve: My full name is Carlin Emily Johnson. My mom calls me Carlin Em, hence the name for this blog.
Thirteen: I can not watch scary movies. When I was 15 I watched "When a Stranger Calls" and occasionally I will still have nightmares that I am in the movie.
Fourteen: I am a Young Life leader. It is one of the most humbling experiences of my life and one of the greatest joys.

Taken by: Mallory Spence

Fifteen: On a daily basis I read Kendi Everyday, The Daybook, and A Beautiful Mess.

Sixteen: The main way I receive love is through words of affirmation, the main way I give it is through physical touch. 

Taken by: Mikalea Martin

Seventeen: When I was in high school I was on my school's newspaper staff. I was writing about a John Mayer concert I was attending, on a whim my mom suggested I called the arena and asked if I could get a press pass to shoot photos during the concert. I got the pass and got to be in the pit for the first 3 songs of his set. I still can't believe I got to see him play that close. 

Eighteen: I have a loud laugh. Some people love it and others...not so much.

Nineteen: I have one tattoo and my nose is pierced. 

Twenty: One of my favorite past times is to drive around aimlessly with good friends, blast music, and sing along.

Thanks for reading!