Six Months Later

Hey y'all!

Well, its been a few minutes since I've visited blogtopia. I missed it. Loads. I have months of catch up to play reading up on all my favorite blogs; but I also wanted to update anyone who is curious about my life as of the past 6 months. We will do a little month by month break down:

August
1. I moved to Texas!
2. I started my first real-life job. And I love it. A LOT.
3. I turned 22!
4. I got my first car!

September
1. I taught my first class at school!
2. Made lots of friends at work.
3. Played Maid of Honor at my best friend's wedding.
4. Went tailgating for the first time.

October
1. Went to my first college homecoming (No, it wasn't my school. awks)
2. Batman for Halloween.
3. State Fair of Texas.
4. 1989 by Taylor Swift was released

November
1. Texas Thanksgiving
2. Mockingjay part 2

December
1. Matching tattoos with my best friend.
2. Colorado road/ski trip
3. Visited Wisconsin for the first time since graduating
4. I first saw gas for under $2
5. New Years with my girls and Trampled by Turtles!

January
1. Second semester teaching
2. Road trip back to Texas
3. Got serious about working out (and have lost 6 lbs to date!)
4. Paid to get my hair done for the first time ever!
5. Colorado Bend State Park camping trip

February
1. Its been 6 days so I've got nothing for you yet!
2. Accepted the position to go back to Camp for a third summer!

It's been a crazy half year since I last blogged, and I have been so incredibly grateful for everything I've done! But of course, I have some goals for 2015

1. Keep up with this weight loss. I've felt better in the past month than I have in the past year.
2. Save up and really start paying off my student loans.
3. Allow myself to be happy without a significant other.

Before I leave, I have one last thing to do. An obvious photo dump. Obviously.

Road trips with the boys!

Colorado Bend State Park

New Years Eve with the bestestes

Best friend tattoos

The Wisconsin Crew

Continental Divide ski time selfie

A perk of the job.

My very first ever tailgate!

The day I fulfilled a promise made 9 years prior.

Astros-Rangers game. (possibly the worst baseball game in history)

Day in the life.

State Fair of Texas!

Put a Smile On Your Face

And make the world a better place!

Earlier this year I decided to join the world in completing the #100happydays challenge! I began this journey back in March and completed it in June. So here I am, more than 100 days later, and honestly, I don't know if I could say I'm a happier person or if I fell in love during the challenge, but I can tell you this: it wasn't easy.

I try to be an optimistic and upbeat person; and generally, I am. But when you're having a crappy day, it can be hard sometimes to find the good or the happy in it. But I did it. So here it is, I searched and investigated through my instagram and pulled up all my pictures. If you already follow me, sorry you will see reapeats, if not 1. you should follow me, 2. here they are!

After these 100 days, I learned a few things.
1. There's at least one thing that makes you smile every day.
2. I take a lot of selfies
3. often, happiness is the little things.

The Accent Challenge

Now that I am back in civilization, I am slowly beginning to fully catch up on everything in blog world, and number one on my agenda was to do the accent challenge. I watched so many videos including Allie's and Amanda's and decided I had to jump on the bandwagon.

So here it is, my addition to the Accent Vlog Challenge. Please excuse my seemingly uninterested demeanor and awkwardness.

Also, thank you YouTube for the incredibly flattering thumbnail!

22 to 22

In celebration and countdown to my 22nd birthday, I am giving a list of 22 things I've learned in my 22 years on this beautiful planet. (side note - 22 feels really really old)

22 Things I've Learned In 22 Years:

1. Always trust your heart. Your head tends to get in the way a lot.
2. You will have days where you just can't deal with people, and it's okay.
3. Your best friends will stay no matter what.
4. You are never too old to act like a kid. Jump in that puddle, make a friendship bracelet, color a picture. Stay young.
5. NEVER cut off a friendship bracelet.
6. It's never too late to repair damaged relationships.
7. Forgive.
8. Apologize.
9. Laugh at least 5 minutes every day.
10. Crying is okay.
11. You may think you know someone, but until you stay up all night together, you don't truly know them.
12. Country music is good.
13. Smile.
14. If you're going to be judgmental, keep it to yourself.
15. Be honest. With yourself and others.
16. Exercise.
17. If you borrow someone's care, leave more gas in the tank than you used.
18. If you're sober cab, don't drink.
19. Just because there is an open bar, doesn't mean its all you can drink. Same goes for buffets.
20. Go all out for birthdays.
21. Use your savings account for savings.
22. Treat yourself every once in a while.

I've Got a Pocket Full of Sunshine [Award!]

My first REAL LIFE NOMINATION! YAY! Thank you so much to the lovely Amanda over at one of my favorite blogs Peaches in Missouri for the nomination! While on my blogging hiatus, Amanda was one of a few bloggers still on my instagram and its been so much fun watching both of us grow as bloggers!

ANYWAYS lets get to the good stuff! So, here are the rules:
1. Post 11 random facts about yourself
2. Answer 11 questions from the blogger that nominated you
3. Nominate 11 bloggers to receive the award
4. Write your own 11 questions for those bloggers
5. Notify them of their award

Easy enough, right?! And lots of fun!

11 Random Facts About Me:
1. I am obsessed with Harry Potter.
2. I Netflix binge like its my job. (Currently watch Grey's Anatomy. HOW DID I NOT WATCH THIS BEFORE?!?!)
3. I still have my baby blanket.
4. I want to be a camp counselor forever.
5. I hate painting my toes.
6. I'm terrified of birds.
7. I compulsively buy hair products.
8. Tan lines are my favorite part of summer.
9. I am the biggest procrastinator in the world.
10. I LOVE people watching.
11. I got my own business cards. I feel old.

Amanda's Questions:
1. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging because my dear friend Kailagh started blogging and she absolutely loved it and I decided I wanted in on this super secret society of awesome people.

2. What's your most favorite post you've ever written?

Oh goodness this is a hard one. (I had to look at my archive for this one.) I have two, is that cheating? The first one would be my post about Tinder. Because, well, we all have our opinions about tinder, and I shared mine. My other favorite one is one of the very first blog posts I ever wrote, so it is very dear to my heart and not seen by very many. It's also on a topic very near and dear to my heart, sex. And society and being a woman.  

 

3. Name three places you think everyone should visit if they get the chance.

Lake Superior. Why? Its the largest freshwater lake in the world (by surface area), its the most beautiful place in the whole wide world and I love it.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Why? It's awesome and beautiful and naturey and one the most beautiful places in the whole wide world and I love it.

Cody, WY. Why? Because its one of my favorite towns in the whole wide world. Do you like mountains, cowboys (real cowboys with large belt buckles), good beer and good food? go to Cody.

 

4. If you are married (If you aren't married would you) did you write your own vows or stick with traditional ones? 

I'm not married, but I would like to write my own vows. I think that traditional ones are good, but its your wedding and your commitment. I think vows mean a lot more when they are your words and what you personally truly vow and commit to instead of what the Bible commits for you.

 

5. What is your go-to recipe/meal for dinner?

Baked chicken with asparagus and mashed potatoes. Its easy, delicious, kicks ass, and is great with beer or wine.

 

6. What is the most random piece or art, decorative item, or piece of furniture you have in your home?

I am crashing at my parents as of currently between school, camp, and finding a job, but right now, something that I had up at school was a piece of wood that I broke. During staff training at camp, we learn how to break a block of wood in half with our hands. Before we broke the wood, we wrote on it what we wanted to break through. On mine I wrote trust, opening up, self assurance, self confidence and love. So now, I have two halves of a piece of wood and I keep it on my desk wherever I am as a reminder.

 

7. How many children do you have/want? Why?

I want a huge family. Well not like the Duggers huge, but I'm thinking 3-6. I'm an only child (more or less) and as nice as it is, I wish I had siblings more than anything in the world. I also just really love children.

 

8. What movie could you watch every day without getting tired of it?

There's a few: Frozen, Pitch Perfect, Bridesmaids, Miracle and How to Train Your Dragon.

 

9. Look around the room you are in now, how many picture frames and/or art pieces are in it? (I have 21 in my living room alone!)

I'm in my childhood bedroom that hasn't been redecorated since I was probably 15 so if we are going to include magazine posters I have 45 art pieces, which also includes some of my own photography!

 

10. What is your favorite workout routine?

I enjoy running intervals. Or doing any sort of circuit with weights. I get bored just doing one thing, so intervals and circuits keep me engaged.

 

11. How do you stay motivated to workout and eat healthy?

I don't really know if I do... I get motivated for a few weeks and then get distracted and completely fall off the bandwagon. But when I'm starting I think just reminding yourself how great it feels. I love sweating and being sore and the energy rush you get from a fresh smoothie. 

My Nominations:
Kailagh @ Kailagh Anne
Rachel @ Sweet Onions and Pickled Beets
Samantha @ Samantha Skye
Amanda @ Voyage of the MeeMee
Allie @ Allieology
Ady @ When in Doubt, Just add Glitter
Rachael @ Love You. Miss You. Have A Nice Day.

I absolutely love reading all of these girls' blogs and if you haven't started following their blogs, you probably should, because they are awesome! Well here it is, my 11 questions for these ladies:

1. What is your dream job and location?
2. If you were a wizard what school would you go to? (If you choose Hogwarts, what house?) And why?
3. What's your go-to hair style?
4. What is the worst job you ever had?
5. If there was a movie made about your life what genre would it be and who would play you?
6. What is your comfort food?
7. What is your favorite type of shoe?
8. What song could you listen to on repeat for extended periods of time?
9. Have you ever had a successful Pinterest attempt?
10. Do you have a bucket list? what's on it?
11. What is your favorite topic to blog about and why?

Thanks for hanging out with me and happy blogging :)

Sunday Social -- A Link Up

                                                

It's that time of week again! Sunday Social! I absolutely adore this link up and love doing it! So lets get right to it:

1. When do you take time for you?
I've been having a lot of me time since graduating. But when I was still in college, I would get my me time by either going to the gym, binge watching Netflix or Harry Potter, or by my all time favorite me time activity, bubble bath with a bottle of wine. Its been known to happen on more than one occasion, and is definitely the best way to get me feeling great again.

2. What do you find to be your biggest weakness?
I'm a settler. I settle for good even though their may be something better. This especially happened in school. I was content getting decent grades where if I tried I could have done so much better. I've definitely settled for jobs or how much jobs pay me.

3. What is your biggest attribute?
I'm passionate about what I want to do. I am so absolutely in love with my field and my major and I can't wait to get into it.

4. What is your favorite place to shop online?
Honestly, amazon. or etsy. or forever21 mainly because there wasn't a store where I went to school.

5. What is your favorite place to kill time?

But in actuality, this tiny little coffee house in the town where I went to school, Kailagh was a barista there and it was a great place to go and sit for hours on end procrastinating and gossiping.

There it is! This weeks edition of The Sunday Social! happy weekend to all :)

The Picture Post

So I got this idea after referring to Kay's list of things to blog about when you don't know what to blog about. So here it is.


Today I present to you drum roll please the last 10 pictures on my phone.

I have a habit of saving my snapchats. But this was a glorious day.

I don't know if I can tell you why I have a picture of baby Amanda on my phone. But I do, so that's cool. btw, I was a total boss.

bar crawl. nuff said :)

oh hey college graduation.

You know how they take your picture after you walk across the stage? This is mine. I think I'm hilarious, my mother, not so much. It's an empty folder! What do you expect me to do?!

We talk about Frozen. A lot.



My Maid of Honor dress! IT HAS POCKETS!

All road trips call for Starbucks. And obligatory picture of said coffee beverage.

Again with the memes.

doggy selfie.

Well that was exciting. I definitely got a kick out of some of the pictures I had in my phone. Does anyone else have weird pictures on their phone? or an insane amount of selfies?

The Clif Notes Version

I can't believe it has been 2 months since I last blogged! Have no fear, I am back, although I don't know for how long. (all to soon be explained!)

Here is a Clif Notes version of what has happened in the past 2 months and what is going to be happening in the following months. (not going to lie, this took a lot of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram investigating)

April began the start of my lasts from my last ice melt (Snofest party) to my last band concert, the idea of graduation became overwhelming and very imminent.

Then came May. My May was a little different. I spent the weeks working with 6th and 7th graders on 3 day trips called "Island School" AKA a reminder about how much I love children and want to be a teacher.

These are the amazing people I got to teach with for the month of May. They are all incredible and inspiring people and I can't wait to see where they go in the future and as they finish out their college career.

May was also filled with many adventures. Mainly, the annual Bar Crawl! This was my first year being of age, so I finally got to partake in this epic event. Although most pictures aren't exactly appropriate, I got to spend the night with my absolute two best friends.

always classy, forever sassy.

Then came the most epic adventure of all: COLLEGE GRADUATION!
Graduation truly was an adventure. I got back from my last week of Island school on Wednesday to have an email saying I wasn't going to graduate. Long story short, I ran around, got a bunch of signatures, dropped a few more bucks on a summer course, cried in multiple offices and finally received the email saying I was going to be an August Graduate. But don't worry, I still walked, and was able to celebrate accordingly.

From freshman year to graduation, I am so lucky to have such amazing best friends

Obviously a quick shotgun on the mall pre-commencement

So glad I am able to call these people my friends.

Especially this guy who for some insane reason still agrees to be my friend through everything.

And most of all, the Outdoor Education class of 2014. These people are going to change lives and do amazing things and I'm so glad that I'm able to call them my friends and colleagues.

So this is kind of a picture post I guess.
That's what my last two months have been, but I am even more excited for my next two months. Returning to camp to work with some of the most amazing people in the world and to be with some of the greatest kids in the world. I'm pretty obsessed with camp, which you can read about in one of my older posts.

 
After camp is when the true adventure begins. I'll have my degree, an epic tan, and I will officially be on the job hunt for a big girl job!

Thanks for reading my "quick" recap while I have been MIA from the blogging world, but boy am I excited to be back!

Patience is a virtue

Over the past 12 hours I have learned that patience is indeed a virtue. Whether it is trying to deal with your computer who rejects every single HTML code you enter, or waiting for your hair to dry in yet another pinterest attempt.

That has been a quick summary of my past day. I finally got the new layout of the blog, there will need to be a few bits and pieces to edit yet, but so far, so good.

Thanks for bearing with me. you are all beautiful and amazing!
Now back to the previously scheduled blogging.

apologies

As I'm sure you can see, my blog is a little bit under construction. I am attempting to give myself a facelift, and things were going fine until something terrible happened. My computer started rejecting every code I have for all the stuff that makes this blog mine.

I am sincerely sorry that this blog is not it's vibrant normal self, and hopefully soon I will be able to make it pretty. but in the mean time, enjoy this gif, because it makes smile.

Bless Your Heart

Say WHAT?! I've been blogging for literally, a week, and I get nominated for a Liebster Award. I'm so lucky to have the best friend who also happens to be an incredible blogger, Kailagh at Kailagh Anne.  

1. If you could be any under the sea animal what would it be?

I would have to say, I would be a narwhal. Those things are pretty incredible. 

2. What is your favorite phone app?

I. Love. Snapchat. I have mastered the cute flirty snap, and the raunchy as hell sending-it-to-my-best-friend snap.  

3. You are in the future, what would you tell your self in 2014?

That I'll survive graduation. And to never forget that I literally have THE best friends in the entire world, and a wonderful support system.

4. What is your favorite holiday?

4th of July. I love America. I love how even though people may not love our country all the time, we unite for a single day. The entire country celebrating together. And nothing says America better than beer, BBQ, and explosives.

5. What is your favorite television show?

Of all time, probably Friday Night Lights or Gossip Girl. As of recently, I've gone on a Netflix binge of Parks and Recreation, which is an absolute RIOT! I am honestly always in stitches watching it. Amy Poehler is a comedic genius. And we all know a Ron Swanson.

6. If you could tell your readers anything, what would it be?

Just two words: thank you! Thank you for reading! I know I'm a new blog and I am still 100% learning and am no where near being the blog I want to be. But thank you for hanging out with me anyways.

7. Favorite song?

This is an impossible question to answer! Right now I think I could narrow it down to like 4: 1. Bottoms Up - Brantley Gilbert 2. Team - Lorde 3. 400 Lux - Lorde 4. Replay - Zendaya 

8. If you had one magical power what would it be?

I would want to be able to teleport. But that makes me nervous, because in Heroes, they guy who teleports dies because he broke the time-space continuum too many times. So I'd have to be careful.

9. Favorite kind of coffee?

Cold Press Ice Coffee with a shot of Vanilla and a splash of soy milk. YUM

10. When getting ready to go out, what is your favorite song to get ready too?

Oh goodness... well, my housemates and I have a song we quite enjoy getting pumped up to: Comin' In Hot - Hollywood Undead

11. If you could tell your best friends one thing, what would it be?

I love you guys! Each and every one of you. (I'm kind of a best friend whore -- I've got lots!) I don't care if we don't talk every day or even see each other more than a few times a year. You are my best friend because no matter the last time we talked, you're always a phone call away, and I love you for that. I don't care what happens in the future, you will always be my best friend. Is that more than one thing? I don't think so...

I unfortunately am so new, that I haven't had the chance to really meet many new bloggers... so if you see this, its a link up at my dear friend, Kailagh Anne's blog. So head that way!