Four Year Recaps & New Year Caps-off!

The last time I wrote a blog was January 7, 2013: over four years ago. Honestly, I'm not sure what is more alarming: the fact I'm picking up this hobby again after four years, or that 2013 WAS FOUR YEARS AGO!?!

So, I decided to start writing blogs again. I wanted to do this back in April, after Andrew and I got married, like a whole newlywed-year-of-marriage-all-the-cute-things-blog. But, I never did, and then I forgot about the whole idea and HGTV was way too addicting and new jobs and homesickness and 2016 was just a really hard, emotional year. But here's a breakdown of some highlights that have happened in the past four years since I've been a non-blogger.

•    I flew on an airplane for the first time to Portland for Spring Break. Now, a frequent flyer. 

•    Graduated college 

•    Left my job, became a nanny, moved to PA, renovated an over-hundred year old house

•    Moved into said house, became an assistant manager at rue21, lived in snow for the first time, missed my family too much and moved back to Florida

•    Became a Behavior Therapist, worked at Florida Autism Center and impacted the lives of the most amazing, adorable, and perfect children I've ever had the privilege of knowing.

•    Expanded my horizons and decided to start making cosplays, went to lots of cons. 

•    Got engaged in Chicago! Did the Single Ladies Dance with Matt Smith at Comic Con 

•    Planned wedding, planned wedding, planned wedding 

•    Made new friends, lost friends, was a Disney Passholder, and still made more cosplays 

•    Met David Tennant, Nathan Fillion, Alex Kingston, Karen Gillan, Oliver and James Phelps, Emilie de Ravin, and Adam Baldwin 

•    Realized my hidden talent and passion for up-cycling furniture 

•    Got married, moved to New Jersey, made a home out of a Bachelor Pad, and learned to Wife.

•    Honeymooned in Saint Martin

•    Became addicted to HGTV

•    Bought new bikes, got said bikes stolen, replaced said bikes, and had lots of adorable bike rides 

•    Adopted a kitten named Sebastian, spent lots of money on kitty toys and lots of time recording Kitty Antics 

•    Missed my family

•    Missed my family

•    Missed my family

•    Became Basic.

•    Got an amazing job as nanny for a beautiful family!  

•    Went to NYC a bunch of times and saw Justin Bieber at MSG, The Rockettes, met Santa at Macy's, and stayed at The Plaza.

•    And besides an amazing Christmas then deciding to do a Bullet Journal and doing round 2 of Whole30, we're up to date! 

Everyone always tries to make goals and resolutions and themes for the new year, and I've finally decided my words that are going to describe my year. 2017 is going to be the year of New, Productivity, and Positivity! I have so many goals for this year, like completing 3 rounds of Whole30 in a row, completing a bullet journal, reading 26 books, making every second of every day worth something, and becoming super rooted in my bible and growing closer to Christ. I really want to try and make the most out of every day.

When you're little and your parents say, "enjoy being a kid, you'll miss it when you're older," you always thought "Psh.. no way! Being a grown up is awesome! You don't have to eat vegetables if you don't want to and you don't have to take naps and you can stay up late and you can buy whatever you want without your parents telling you 'no.'" Well, let me tell you, 8-year-young-me, being an adult: I have to force myself to eat vegetables because I want to take pride in the body God has given me: I want it to be healthy and strong. I wish every day I could take a darn nap just so I could feel like the second half of the day isn't creeping by. I strive to be asleep by 9:30 every night because I have to start my day at 5:30 to get ready for work. That's right, 8-year-young-me, not school where you were so upset about long devision and IOU school lunches, but work. Every day. For 40+ hours a week. And oh! Let me talk about the whole "buy-whatever-you-want" thing. Yeah, I can buy whatever I want. But then, I have to have money to eat and money to put gas in my car money to pay for a roof over my head. And apparently you can't just put everything on a credit card. Apparently, you actually have to pay for that at some point.

I guess I'm learning that Adult-ing is hard, but Wife-ing makes Adult-ing a lot better, because without my husband, I couldn't do any of those Adult things. So, I digress. This year, I'm getting rid of the "bleh, I want to grow up so fast, I want to rush through life and be older" 8-year-old-me mentality, and I'm going to go slow and grow slow. I just want to enjoy so many little things and expand on my talents and passions and loves, and work on myself spiritually, physically, and creatively. I'm super excited about what this year has in store: the past few years have been really hard on my family and I'm praying that God brings so many blessings, happy moments, and endless love for 2017!

What are your Words for the new year?

Books read: 0

A Whole Lot of Newness of Epic Proportions

Looking back over some of my posts from last year, I realize I was probably in a darker place than I would have liked to have been. It appears that the majority of my 2012 blogs is about some sort of inspiring, let's-appreciate-life-kinda-deal, all whilst crying over the Family Size bag of chips and cheese spread and my keyboard. I feel as though with each crumb that lies between the cracks of my keyboard, links a sad memory of some kind. It's bad. 

That being said, I will be posting with the hopes of being a BRAND SPANKIN' NEW person. I just seriously want to live every day to my fullest potential and freakin' rock the crap out of this semester. (Man. I just love it when my rhetoric flows so intelligently.) I'm guessing I fall into the self-proclaimed category of "The Resolutioners," the people who want to lose weight and get fit and blabla. (Currently, the fridge at the office only consists of Tupperware salads, fiber bars, slim fast, and Weight Watchers frozen lunches. We'll see what it looks like by February 1st.) 

So yeah, I'm on this "new" kick right now. I found a new TV series I'm in love with, Misfits. The show's actually been on since 2009, so I can't pull the hipster card and say I've been a fan since the beginning. But it's, get this, a British sci-fi series. Basically, I could pretty much kick myself for being such a die-hard fan of Doctor Who and never finding this show beforehand. I'm also fairly certain that the series is just a compilation of webisodes on Hulu, considering I've never come across it on BBC. Which, this is of the utmost surprise, due to my many-spent hours of dedication to the British Broadcasting Network. (WARNING: The next half of this paragraph may, and most likely will, contain spoilers. So skip ahead if you don't want to be spoiled or whatever.) So, this show is about a group of 5 teens/young adults that all get community service; and on the first day of their service, a freak storm happens and they all get super powers. Powers like, turning back time, hearing others' thoughts, immortality, turning invisible, and of course, who could forget the power to make anyone have sex with them with a mere touch. And basically, all of this crazy stuff happens to them while they're on probation and it's gory and crude and just fantastic. I got a little angry with the show for a teensy bit when I got wind that my favourite character wasn't returning. But, I had to get over it because I'm just too addicted to the show. I'm almost fully caught up with the series now and I could not be a happier nerdfighter.

Second new thing: NEW BOOK SERIES! I finally finished the last book in the Percy Jackson series. (Yeah, I know I started that like, last year.) I just couldn't get into the last book. BUT, I swallowed my pride and of course, it helped that I was on bedrest with a fever, forcing myself to read and finish a book I started 6 months prior. And I started The Mortal Instruments series last night. My friend Sarah told me about this series about a year ago, but the library never had the first book. But I guess Santa thought I was good this year, because he brought me the series and OHMAHGURDITSSOGOOD. I'm only about 30 pages in, but for me to be hooked so early in the book is a very, VERY good sign. I also got a few Agatha Christie books, which I've been dying to start ever since the Doctor Who episode where they meet Agatha Christie. And if The Doctor likes her, then I shall, too. I have to obey my Doctor's orders. (Yes, time to end this paragraph with a really bad Doctor Who pun. Apologies.)

And other various new things that I want to try like foods and learn new card games and play new board games and possibly find a new movie that I actually enjoy and whatever else. I'm also back on Herbalife and exercising daily and I feel fantastic. I have so much energy and I feel great about myself. I'm also writing inspiring quotes on my bathroom mirror because apparently, that's the thing you're supposed to do when you're looking to change your fitness/food lifestyle. 

Well, that's about all folks. Classes start Wednesday, but my main class load is Tuesday and Thursday. I cannot wait for this semester to kick off and weave in all of this newness for the new year. Hope everyone had a fantastic holiday! I definitely did! Snow, baking, sledding, family, and permission to fly to Portland for Spring Break with the love of my life. 

Peace and chicken grease. 

Books read: 1

Fall Semester: A Reflection

I wish I could say that I'm officially done with this semester, but I still have one more final tomorrow at 8AM.  And, this will be the first time ever, that I studied before play time. The past couple posts haven't necessarily been blogs, but more like lists and surveys and life lessons. So, I'm writing an old-fashioned blog tonight. Tonight's post is all about reflecting on the absolute MAD HOUSE this semester has been and how ever flipping grateful I am that it is over. 

This whole semester has been an ongoing roller coaster of ups and downs. There were a LOT of times where I was seriously considering dropping Air Traffic entirely and go into communications for writing, because if I'm not controlling airplanes, I want to write books and play music and sell wittle crafts, like tiny crochet'd elephants or, I don't know, clay owls. Yes, for the rest of my life. And I kept getting into these weird moods where I was constantly asking myself if ATC was the right choice for me or if I should really do something that will make me happy? It's not that ATC doesn't make me happy; it excites me beyond belief. It's just that the class I was in this semester was dreadfully boring and overly complicated. And the more time I spent around the bandmates, I think we were all going through this "I need to find myself" kind of thing, my feelings heightened. As the semester dragged on, however, and after like, one million breakdowns and self re-evaluations, I think I'm okay with myself again. This still doesn't change the fact that I want to cut my hair off and put red, blue, and purple streaks in it. 

I will say, though, I think I've learned more this semester than I have any other semester my entire life. I had had an amazing bunch of teachers, minus 2, who need to sit in on their own classes. Perhaps they'll understand why there was essentially a mass silent agreement to not participate in, what I refer to as, The PowerPoint Drone Chronicles. My favourite, favourite teacher this semester was Dr. Stotland, my super-hottie-Russian-accent-having World History professor. He was just extremely engaging and I can honestly say that I have never loved history, nor learned more from a history class than I did from Stotland. I also loveeeed my mythology class. The course ended up being exceedingly more difficult than I intended it to be, but I learned some fantastic life lessons in there. Like, that the best people get the worst trials because they keep passing the tests over and over. And we keep getting trials thrown at us because a higher power wants us to grow into the best and strongest people possible; once we've stopped growing from trials, what else is there to live for? 

If everything goes according to plan, I should end up with 4 A's and 2 B's this semester. It's not as good as I was hoping for, but I seriously need to chillax on the whole Capricorn Thing and lay off myself. And as much as I try to not get mad at myself for having 2 B's, I can't help it. I really need to work on being more easy-going. I actually chuckled when I wrote that because I've been trying to do that for years. Yeah-freaking-right. 

Highlights of the semester would definitely consist of the mystery drawings on the whiteboard every morning before history class, the Halloween Party at Dan & Katie's, the music festival I went to with Logan and Ben, arguing with my weather professor until he gave me the extra 3 points that I deserved on my exam, entering a pie eating contest, adding a 4th member to the band and realizing how much we've evolved together as musicians, being referred to as "Sunshine," "Bright Eyes," "My Favourite Hippie," and "Perky" by the Air Traffic Professors, cutting my hair off, being introduced to so many fantastic musicians, and applying for spring graduation.

Normally, this would be the part where I would list the low lights of the semester, but I honestly don't want to relive those. All I can say is that I'm so happy to call myself (one-final-away-from-being) DONE with this fall semester. And I can happily, and proudly say that it will be my LAST fall semester! Counting down the days until I am on the train and on my way to Pennsylvania, where I will spend the holidays and leave the low lights of fall behind me. 

xx 

My Current Life in 90 Questions...

Remember those surveys you used to do ALL the time when MySpace was cool, and you were online until like, three in the morning filling out 150 questions about yourself. Well, I'm bringing it back. This post is all about nostalgia and "My Current Life in 90 Questions."

1. What was the highlight of your week?
The Big Ticket! A 12 hour music festival of back-to-back bands consisting of Paper Tongues, Grouplove, Of Monsters and Men, FUN., Rise Against, Anberlin, Silversun Pickups, Flogging Molly, and like, a bajillion others. It was nonstop madness and I had an absolute BLAST! Ahhh, I love music festivals.
2. Whose car were you in last?
Mine!
3. When is the next time you will kiss someone?
On the evening of December 13th when I'm reunited with Andrew! WOOH!
4. What color shirt are you wearing?
Not wearing a shirt. ;) Mmmm. Jk. Totally wearing a yellow dress.
5. How long is your hair?
I guess to my chest.....
6. Are you good looking?
You know it. I be one hawt chicca. Boiis be breakin' der neckks.
7. Last movie you watched?
BRAVE! And it was bloody fantastic. I knew I should've bought it on Black Friday.
8. Who were you with?
The two kiddies I was babysitting.
9. Last thing you ate?
Goldfish, ya'll!
10. Last thing you drank?
Dat Desani.
11. When was the last time you had your heart broken?
I guess like, almost 2 years ago. But I quickly healed! <3
12. Who came over last?
Eric?
13. Are you happy right now?
I'd be happier if I were listening to good music opposed to the droning of my weather professor in the background.
14. What did you say last?
"No, I meant that we have to endure the conflicts in order to achieve greatness later on."
15. Where is your phone?
In front of me, on this desk.
16. What color are your eyes?
Blue/green/gold
17. Are you left-handed?
Nah.
18. Spell your name without vowels:
Shl
19. Do you have any pets?
No. I'd like a tiny turtle though. Or a puppy-sized elephant.
20. Favorite Vacation?
Last Christmas in the Northeast! I love dead trees.
21. What do you dislike currently?
How much CRAP I have to do between this week and next.
22. What are you listening to?
I should be listening to this weather lecture...
23. If you could have one thing right now what would it be?
Andrew. Always.
24. What is your favorite scent?
Italian food and gasoline. Nice combination.
25. Who makes you happiest?
Sigh, Andrew gets this one again.
26. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Skyping with Andrew! Seriously, I need a life.
27. When is your birthday?
January 17, 1992. Ya girl's almost 21.
28. Who has the same phone as you?
Pretty much everyone of my generation that isn't an Apple Hater.
29. Last time you went swimming in a pool?
I don't remember. Sometime in August, I believe.
30. Do you read your horoscope?
I used to everyday, but I'm relying more on my own intuition these days.
31. Where was the last place you bought something?
It's a secret! CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!
32. How do you feel about your hair right now?
It needs more layers and I want blue and purple and red streaks.
33. Do you bite your nails?
Sometimes. I'm more of a pull and rip kinda girl.
34. Do you have any expensive jewelry?
None that I've bought for myself. I don't know what others have paid for my jewelry.
35. Do you have any expensive jewelry?
Typical MySpace survey - duplicating questions. Usually the response is, "Didn't I already answer this question?" lolol
36. Myspace or Facebook?
O-M-G, like, FACEBOOK! TOTES!
37. How fast have you driven a car?
60?
38. Have you ever smoked?
Nope.
39. What was or is your favorite subject in school?
English in high school & Air Traffic Control in college.
40. Do you have Verizon?
Nope - AT&T.
41. What type of boy or girl do you usually fall for?
FUNNY, dark hair, & usually, almost always, my best friend.
42. Do you have any hidden talents?
If they're hidden, I haven't found them yet.
43. Favorite Song?
Currently, "Welcome Home" by Radical Face; the entire Of Monsters and Men album, and "Itching on a Photograph" by Grouplove. Oh, and "North by North" by Faded Paper Figures
44. Do you like to sing at all?
YES. I love it. I lovelovelove making music.
45. Dream Job?
In addition to controlling airplanes? Home daycare with writing novels on the side and selling crafts on Etsy. And acting pretentious with my tea on my front porch listening to indie rock.
46. Where does most of your family live?
Florida!
47. Are you an only child or do you have siblings?
Younger sister, 16 & younger brother, 9.
48. Would you consider yourself to be spoiled?
I've been given everything I want - but I don't have a spoiled attitude. I know the value of work ethic.
49. What was the first thing you thought when you woke up?
"That was an amazing dream."
50. Do you drink?
Well, I do get a little crazy on the Capri-Sun and cuppa sometimes.
51. Know any other languages?
I took Spanish for two years. Didn't do a lick. Obsessed over Doctor Who: learned British English, Scottish English, Sycorax, Sontaran, and other various alien species.
52. Ever write a coded message?
Oh, yes. My friends and I had our own language and nicknames for people in our notes we passed in middle school. I still code people with nicknames.
53. Have you ever been IN a wedding?
Nah. I caught the bouquet once, though.
54. Do you have any children?
I babysit a lot...
55. Did you take a nap today?
I wish.
56. Who has the same birthday as you?
Jim Carrey and The Guy who Invented the Toilet.
57. Ever met anyone famous before?
Tom Felton, Evanna Lynch, Scarlett Byrnes, and pretty much every supporting character in the Harry Potter series. I think I've met others, but these are the only ones that matter to me.
58. Do you want to be famous one day?
Sometimes I want to our band to get recognized and then other times I just want a career.
59. Any Pet Peeves?
Teachers not posting grades on Blackboard and people who think they know everything.
60. Are you multitasking right now?
I appear that way.
61. Do you like Britany Spears?
That's not how her name is spelled. Her birthday was yesterday and her favourite color is baby blue and her favourite ice cream is cookie dough. I met her twice (OH! Another famous person I met!) and I will forever BE A FAN!!!! DON'T HATE. Jk.
62. What is your least favorite chore?
Laundry!
63. Last place you drove your car?
Where I get dat cashflow.
64. Ever been out of the country?
Unfortunately, no.
65. Where were you born?
Daytona Beach. Ol' 3-8-6.
66. Could you handle being in the military?
I'm not a fan of how this question is worded.
67. What is your average cell phone bill?
No idea.
68. Who are you thinking about right now?
How upset I am that Logan is leaving and how badly I don't want our band to stop playing music because Logan is leaving.
69. When was the last time you laughed REALLY hard?
Yesterday. It was just one massive gigglefest.
70. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Probably only like, 20 pair.
71. Are your toes always painted?
Mmhm. Fire engine red with a green tip for the holiday season! ;D
72. How many piercings do you have?
3 in mah ears.
73. What are you doing today?
Work, school, work, study, eat, musicmusicmusic, Skype, bed.
74. Have you ever been gambling?
Nope. Still a baby.
75. When is the last time you updated your page?
I posted a few pictures on Facebook last night.
76. Do you like roller coasters?
Absolutelyyy.
77. Have you ever been to Disneyland or Disney World?
Disneyland, no. Disney World - YESYESYES. Many times and it never gets old! <3<3<3
78. Do you have a favorite cartoon character?
Not really. Anything from the 90's, though. Doug, Rugrats, AH! Real Monsters. OH, and currently, Rainbow Dash and Pinky Pie from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. :3
79. Last thing you cooked?
Soup!
80. How’s the weather?
Slightly warm, with a too-cold breeze, mostly cloudy.
81. Do you e-mail?
Oh, quite frequently.
82. What’s the stupidest thing you ever did with your cell phone?
Flushed it down the toilet.
83. Last time you were sick?
A couple weeks ago: Strep & then a sinus infection. xP
84. What states have you lived in?
Florida.
85. Do you wish you could move?
I'mmmm still debating. Portland, Oregon is always calling my name.
86. Do you take all the QuizPox.com quizzes?
HA. Probably when I was 14.
87. What is your dream car?
I don't really have one. As long as it's pretty and safe, I'm good.
88. Have you ever wanted someone you cant have?
Everyone, ever, until I met the love of my life. (:<3
89. If you could be anywhere right now where would it be?
I don't really care for where I am as long as the stress of finals would just go away.
90. Are you happy with your life?
I absolutely LOVE my life. Everything in it is perfectly perfect.

That was the best waste of my time, ever. Now, go re-post with a new title within the next 15 minutes, or 8 billion tigers will attack you in your sleep at 11:13 tonight!!!!! THIS IS NOT A JOKE! SERIOUSLY. I saw someone get attacked in their sleep by 8 billion tigers at 11:13 PM because they didn't re-post this!!!!! THIS IS FOR REAL!!!!!

FOR REAL

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STOP READING NOW AND GO RE-POST OR BEWARE THE 8 BILLION TIGERS.

Okay, for real, I'm done.



Books read: 26

x

Bandwagon-ing.

So, we're ten days into November, which means that everyone in America makes the decision to abandon all effort for clever statuses for twenty-five or thirty days and simply post one thing that they are thankful for each day. (I'm not entirely sure if these thankful posts are going to end on Thanksgiving or if they last the entire month of November.) Don't get me wrong, I love reading what everyone is thankful for; I love it, really. I just think we should be thankful for these things 365 days rather than 25 or 30 (I'm still unclear on this number). 

That being said, I'm going to completely contradict my last statement and toss my I-Won't-Ever-Jump-On-Bandwagons belief to the wind and make a list of thirty things that I'm thankful for. (Check out that alliteration). 

This way, I can get all thirty things out of the way now and not be bound by the chains of 30 Thankful Statuses on Facebook.

1. Of course, my family. My mom, dad, sister, brother, and grandparents. 
2. The love of my life, my best friend, and soul mate, Andrew! My muffin!<3
3. My education I've been blessed with. I've been given an amazing opportunity to be pursuing a career that I'm in love with. 
4. The Harry Potter universe! The books, movies, video games, board games, theme park, and J.K. Rowling for giving me the best escape and teaching me the power of love.
5. MUSIC. 
6. And of course, Native Tapestries. I love making music with my best friends. I'm so thankful for The Two Logans and Ben and the music we make as a collective. (:
7. The country I live in. I'm blessed to have the freedom to be an individual and express who I am in all aspects.
8. Nail polish, hair bows, feathers, chunky jewelry, and lace-up boots. I'm thankful for my own sense of style. I'm an indie child.
9. Books. 
10. Cool, fall weather! 
11. Doctor Who, Castle, Once Upon a Time, Pan-Am, Food Network, and all my other favourite shows on telly. :3
12. Google. I don't know how I would survive without it. 
13. Disney. My childhood would have never been the same without it. I would have grown up too fast, never known to wait for my Prince Charming, and never realized what a little wishin' can do. ;D
14. Having the blessing of clean water and wholesome food.
15. My sleeping space. I LOVE my bed. It's my haven; the lights, the pillows, the posters...I could live in there. 
16. HOLIDAYS. 
17. I'm thankful for my teachers. I know I went through a "cool phase" in middle school and gave 'em hell. But I'm sorry for that. I'm truly thankful for all of the teachers in my life. Both in the school system and in other areas of my life.
18. For the ability to try ANYTHING I want. Ice skating, dance, cheerleading  piano, basketball, theatre, chorus; I love having the freedom to find what I'm good at and what defines me.
19. Love. I'm thankful that I've found it and I truly feel sorry for the people who don't know love at all.
20. For the shoes on my feet and the clothes on my body. 
21. Hot, sudsy, candle-lit bubble baths, underscored with ambient music and good chocolate. 
22. Pictures and the technology to edit, filter, upload, share and save memories in an instant.
23. POTATOES
24. The beach, mountains, trees, rivers, lakes, grassy fields, and towering clouds. I'm thankful for the beauty of this world. 
25. The vastness of the ocean.
26. A clear, cold night, a full moon, and the sky sprinkled with stars.
27. That my sister considers me as her hero. I hope I can always be the model on the pedestal she displays me on, for both her and my brother. 
28. Warm, sunny days by the pool, slurpin' on a fruit-kabob!
29. Air travel. Everyone should be have the chance to see everything they want to see in their lifetime. Thank God, we upgraded from the Mayflower...
30. And finally, I'm thankful to be ALIVE. I'm thankful for my health, my spirit, my passion, drive, and for every breath I take and beat my heart makes.

What are you thankful for?

xx 

Books read: 26

Outlets, Expression, Babies, and Just a lot of DEEPNESS

          I can't believe it's been seven months since I've blogged, but I really think it's time again. I've got so much going on and I just really need some outlets. Just to get you guys up to date, the band is still together, I'm still blonde (with the exception of the new blue streak!), I'm still an Air Traffic student, and I'm still obsessed with too many fandoms.
           Yes, the band is still together and we're making more music again, FINALLY. I've really missed hanging out with theguys and just having a blast and exhaling the week's baggage through music. I think everyone needs an outlet to purge the bad within ourselves. Sometimes we let the stress of our jobs and schooling define us and we forget the beauty of the little things and who we are as individuals. It's like we become sponges; we take in a little stress here and a little stress there, and we take it to heart when people hurt us. And we absorb all of the bad of the day or week or even month and we lose track of our hearts; we don't squeeze out those things that we've absorbed. I think that's why I get in these moods where all I want to do is listen to music and make music and play music and be with the people I love. I just want to squeeze out the bad and get back to my heart through singing with my best friends and WRITING. We all need outlets to get back in touch with ourselves. Find one, if you haven't. (:
         I've also recently acquired a handful of babysitting jobs. I watch an 18 month old girl, a two year old boy, and a four year old Autistic boy. It really bothers me when adults say, he or she is "just a kid." It's like, just because a person isn't over 18, they can't teach adults anything. I can honestly say that I've learned so much from these kids that haven't even reached Kindergarten-age, yet. It just amazes me how kids' minds are so simple and appreciate everything. They hang on to every single moment. While us adults are almost never satisfied with what we have, constantly upgrading, buying more, and we're rushing all the time, I can put my hands over my eyes and then reappear in a matter of seconds, and to a child, it's the most fascinating thing in the world. The greatest part is that they will never get sick of it. Ever. It's amazing that they fight each other for your attention and if you throw one in the air, you have to throw the other. And it's exhausting and tiring and no, you don't get time for yourself until they're asleep. But it's the most exciting and invigorating experience I could ever ask for. The innocence and simple-mindedness of a child is refreshing; and it too, helps me remember to appreciate the little things. Like peek-a-boo.
          I know this return post is deep; it's kind of more for myself than for you, readers. But I do hope, that if you haven't purged your sponge or done something for YOURSELF to make the light inside of you shine brighter, I encourage you to do it! It's fun! I promise!
          Also, some bands that are awesome for this sort of thing:
The Head and the Heart
The Paper Kites
Of Monsters and Men
Mumford & Sons

xx

Books read: 26

New Developments & Exciting Things

I know you're probably sick of me disappearing for weeks at a time and then coming back to apologize for my extended leave of absence. School for the past month got extremely out of control and that has been my entire focus for the past 30 days. But the semester is OVER and there are so many amazing things that has happened is happening and I'm just so excited to be apart of a lot of awesome projects. This week started off beautifully because I celebrated my one-year anniversary with the love of my life. Despite a one-thousand mile separation, we still celebrate it right: 

A Skype Date Celebration at midnight with my party hat and I came home to a beautiful hand-written letter and gorgeous bouquet of flowers. I seriously have the greatest guy, ever. <3
Other exciting news! I get to see this amazing guy in like, THREE days! It'll be exactly 76 days since our last encounter and I couldn't be more ecstatic to spend nine days with him and his family in Pennsylvania! Cannot WAIT to see the beaches of Jersey, Yankee Stadium, and so many other places! 


I also got a part at Daytona Playhouse in the summer One-Acts show so I'll be working on that for the first half of the summer and I'm so excited! I haven't been on stage since last summer and I need my fixxx. On top of that, it's looking like a full Summer A semester and I'm going to be a lab rat for the Daytona TRACON class, plus working and band-stuff! I was also asked to be a lab rat for the Daytona Tower class for fall, so definitely going to try and do that on top of 18 credits. Ah, so much good happenings happening! 


I guess the most exciting thing in my life at the moment is Native Tapestries. A folky/rocky/indie/bluesy sounding band consisting of myself, and my friends Logan & Ben. 

It's the closest I've been to music since high school and it's truly just, ah, making me the happiest person in the world.  We mostly just jam on Friday nights, but we're trying to get in with some Open Mic Nights. Last night, we played a few songs at Java Jungle and the energy and response was fantastic! Lots and LOTS of new things to come with Native Tapestries, I'm just not going to announce them right now because I want to build suspense like really famous bands do. Also, I think I'm going to start a blog for Native Tapestries and just update everyone with new developments and our progress and things happening. So if you're following this blog, be sure to follow that one, too! I'll post when it's up! Also-also, if you haven't already, make sure you check us out on Facebook! www.facebook.com/NativeTapestries <=== We've had the page for about 5 days now and reached the first 100 likes in less than 24 hours! We're now up to a little over 120 and we couldn't be happier. Make sure you guys check out our music; I promise it'll be worth the 3-4 minutes out of your life! <3


Summer is here and I plan to pick up my reading goal again and be in a play and singsingsing and go to school and do lots of summer projects! Thanks for putting up with my lack of blogging for a month! Pinky promise it won't be this bad over the summer! 


x


Books Read: 9