Things I've Learned in My 20's

 I am halfway through my twenties. I've learned some pretty important things in these five years that I feel the rest of the twenty something population might agree with.

Buy the Things that Make You Happy.

 Even if this means you have to save up for months, do it. Save the money. Buy the things. If you can't stop thinking about it get it. Your happiness is important.

Sometimes People Don't Know that They are Hurting You Unless You Tell Them.

 This one was actually shocking to me when I first found out. How could people not know that they are causing you pain!?! 

Well...it's a thing. Not everyone is raised exactly the same way you were. They haven't been with you for every bruised knee, hurtful joke, or broken heart. Let people know they're hurting you. If they continue to do it, punch them in the face.

Let Go of Relationships that are One-Sided.

If you are the one putting in all the effort let them go. It's not worth it. If they were truly "In it to win it." they will feel the need to fill the void and start doing their part.

Dating is Hard.

Period. End of Statement. 

Find a T.V. Show You Love and Buy the DVDs.

 Despite what you may think internet will not always be available. It goes out sometimes. Having DVDs of your favorite show is like having a security blanket. It's nice to hear a familiar voice when you're home alone.

Spend Time with Your Family.

The older you get, the older they get. Think about it. 

Do Things that Scare You.

 I can't name one life changing experience I've had that didn't scare me first. As long as it doesn't kill you go do it. Meet new people. Go to exciting events. Get that haircut. 

It's Okay to Love Your Job AND Want a Completely Different Career.

 I LOVE my job, and I don't use that word lightly. I enjoy it even on my bad days. This doesn't mean that I don't constantly fantasize about becoming a helicopter pilot. Having dreams pushes you to do your best and gives you hope on bad days.

Hold On to Friends Who Ask for Nothing but Time.

 Your time is more valuable than any material possession you could ever own. If you have friends that know this and cherish your time accordingly. Hold on to them.

Couch Surf as Often as Possible.

 It's a rite of passage. Just do it.

Panicking is Totally Normal.

 ABSOLUTELY no one knows exactly what they are doing. Panic attacks are the brain's reminder that you're still learning.

And most importantly...

 

You can Absolutely Fix Anything.

 Forget what anyone else says. Anything is fixable.

 

See the World from the Woods

My summers are always jam packed with adventures. This summer I've spent a grand total of ten days at home. 

This was a big year for me. I finished my first year at my big girl job and I got a house. What all this means is that my budget was MUCH smaller than usual. So in an effort to be adaptable I decided to stay in North America and see the world like I never have before....by hiking it. The trip plan was to start in Vancouver then hike all the national parks along our route. We started in Garibaldi Provincial Park, then Deception Pass State Park, Seattle (to be touristy), Olympic National Park, and finished off with Mount Rainier. 

After 10 days of miles, mountains, and ocean shores I've learned a few things.

1. Take a chance and go off the beaten path. My favorite part of the entire trip wasn't even supposed to happen. We got into town a little early on that day so we did some exploring and stumbled upon some of the most beautiful bays I've ever seen.

2. Dont under estimate what you can accomplish. Climbing mountains is something I thought I'd never do. With the help of my companions and lots of bribery I made it up two mountains!

This is what it felt like.

3. You need to "wing-it" at least once in your life. Except for our first two nights, hotels came when and where we could find them. There was panic definitely more than once, but it all worked out.

4. Stop and look at the trees. You can take this metaphorically or literally. Either way, I promise you won't be disappointed.

5. Always appreciate the little things. They're what you remember the most.

P.s. Excuse all the different picture sizes. This post is brought to you from my iPad.

Dear World: I've Been Busy

I know, I know. I've been slacking. This isn't the first time and we both know it. Whenever my life gets hectic the blog takes a bit of a back seat, and that's okay.

Because my blog is a form of relaxation and a way to keep anxiety at bay, it does exactly what I need when I need it. So between finishing up school for the year, moving into my house, throwing a house warming party, hosting a week's worth of house guests, and traveling all over the United States I think it's forgiven if I take a short break.

I'm coming back though...

My house is almost ready for the world to take an inside tour with me. I mean...I HAVE A SOFA! I almost celebrated an entire day over this until my air conditioning judiciously died on me.

So while my house and I mentally psych up for a home tour I hope you will accept this peace offering of a life update and know that I am completely okay. Just a little busy living my life in the two months of off time I get.

Can't wait to get back into the swing of things. Feel free to tell me about your wonderful lives!

How to Help Someone Who Won't Be Helped

We all have that person, right? That person in our lives who begs for help, but at the first sign of total honesty runs in the opposite direction. How do you help someone who won't be helped?

You can't.

You can love them and give them advice all day long, but if it's not what they want to hear they won't listen.

Whether it's the girl chasing after a boy who is completely wrong for her, or it's your best guy friend pursuing a potentially disastrous life path. Whatever the situation the response is always the same...

They say: "Please help me I'm lost."  

Translation: Please only tell me things I want to hear. If you're going to be completely honest about how bad this is for me, I won't listen.

Sometimes I just want to scream WHY!? WHY DO YOU KEEP ASKING FOR HELP IF YOU WON'T TAKE IT! (Then slap them back into making right choices.)

I understand that everyone becomes the person their mistakes make them into. I just wish I could hand out "Go Back" cards. Playing cards that would allow people to see their mistakes and go back and fix them after.

Until the day those cards exist I will continue to love, listen, and provide advice to those who need me. I will also be mentally screaming, and visualizing shaking them all into submission.

How do you help someone who won't be helped? I'm sure we could all use some advice on this. any and all advice welcome!

Life Update

Hello everyone!

The other day I was going through my old posts and came across my New Year's Goals. To my surprise I've already accomplished a couple of things on my list. So it's definitely time I give the blog a little life update.

House

I have one! It's true, I am now a homeowner. What's even better is my house is finally finished being made liveable! I will now start the tedious process of moving my limited belongings in and trying to decorate on an almost non-existent budget. Fun things will be coming soon.

Job

I am *almost* done with my first full year of teaching in the same place. I've been teaching for a couple of years now, but mostly going where I was needed while I worked my way through my gap year. This year I accepted a big girl position that required me to make a full commitment (something I've never been good at.) I've definitely had a lot of ups and downs, but I'm glad I've stuck it out. There's about one more month until I will have officially made it and then there is the process of finding out if I'll be asked to come back next year. No matter what, this has been an amazing experience.

Pet

No pets yet. I know I said I'd be getting either a puppy or a kitten once I moved into my house, but it's been put on hold. The reason why is I will be traveling quite a bit this summer. So instead of getting a pet just in time to leave it for weeks a time, I will be putting it on hold until the beginning of the next school year when I can love and prepare for it properly.

Love

Still no updates in this area. Shocking right? I'm honestly just trying to survive day to day so this will be more of a focus during the summer. I actually downloaded the app Tinder to my old iPhone in an attempt to woman up and control my own destiny. Believe me, I know it's not the classiest of apps but I thought it was a good place to start. It turns out I'm too much of a pansy to turn it on. I'm truly terrified someone I know will find my profile and then tell everyone I work with. This area of my life is a constant work in process.

You

I hope this update is finding you well. How are your goals for 2015 coming along? I really want to hear how everyone is doing. We're a family here and it's definitely okay to over share.

He Rides Polar Bears, and Sometimes Brings me Flowers When it's Snowing.

We all have a list. 

A list of the qualities we want in a significant other. Lucky for you I found my list from college today! I have decided to share it here for you. Along with the list I will be adding some side notes to try and explain my self a little bit. I hope you enjoy!

1) A rather luxurious afro of glorious red hair.

(I have a small obsession with gingers. I love everything about them and find male gingers insanely attractive. There's also just something about an afro... I can't explain it.)

2) Non smoker

(I personally am allergic to smoke. I don't see a cohesive relationship happening if I can't even be in the same room as you for extended periods of time.)

3) Not an alcoholic. 

(Self explanatory)

4) Knows what music is...really. None of this I want to impress you so I'm going to pretend that everything I hear on the radio is great. 

(As someone who has dedicated their life to this fine art, it's definitely important to me that you at least understand a little about my passion.)

5) BE LITERATE! Read a book. Heck read several.

 (Knowledge is power my friend.)


6) Have a good grasp on grammar please. 

(I can't handle people who can't construct a basic sentence.)

7) A bit taller than me would be nice, anyone shorter would be worryingly short. 

8) Someone who talks to me during football games.

(To me, this is a sign of true love.)

9) Be funny, unintentionally. If you work at it you could get tired and I would get bored.

10) Hey be available. I hate being ignored when people are busy. HATE IT!

11) Be nice to everyone, especially my friends

( If they don't like you I'm taking it as a sign to run far far away.)

12) Be a safe driver, with a hot car. One of my favorite things to do is just ride in the car looking out the window.

13) Dress weather appropriate. I know it's random but there are shorts for summer and pants for winter. None of this I am a MAN I wear shorts year round then catch pneumonia, but it doesn't matter because I'm a MAN!

14) No sexism. I can do whatever you do, just sometimes I may not want to.

15) Teach me something. I like to learn unless it wasn't evident by the fact that I've spent about 99% of my life in school.

16) Make me pay attention. We all know I have attention difficulties. I'm looking for someone that can make me focus. I have big plans, you won't be in them unless I want you to.

17) Come travel with me. You and me kid....we're going to go places.

Why I Say "We" When it's Just Me

I've been reading/watching back a lot of my old posts on here. You've probably noticed by now that I say we a lot. You've also probably noticed that I'm terrifically single as well. So why do I say we? Let me introduce you to the three most important people in my life.

My Dad - 

I'll start off by saying that he hates this picture, so that's why I used it. My dad is the glue that holds us all together. If anything is broken he can and will fix it. I don't do anything without asking his advice first. Chances are if I want to do it he's already done it and knows how to do it better.

My Mom -

Our resident creative genius, and hopeless optimist. My mom can make anything beautiful. Whenever I was in school I would have her write my name on all my things because her handwriting is beautiful. (Okay...I actually still do this.) She's the reason I travel. I grew up listening to her stories of amazing far off places.

 

My Little Brother -

My little brother "the surprise." He's ten years younger than I am, almost to the day. He's more often than not confused for my son instead of my sibling. My goal in life is to make him the very best person he can be. Even though that means that I'm harder on him than anyone else. A special bonus to my life is that he's actually also a student of mine.

 

I hope you enjoyed this brief introduction and quick glimpse into my life. Now the next time I say we you'll know I'm not hiding some elicit affair from everyone.

...or am I?

The House

I've been a little absent on the blog lately. At first it was intentional and then completely by accident. You see...I bought a house. I'm really quite proud of it actually. It's an adorable little white house that's the perfect size and shape for me. 

If you're a home owner you know the buying process is exceptionally stressful and time consuming, so you will forgive me for my absence. 

This major step in life is usually paired with other life events like marriage, or moving across the country for "big" jobs. I have accomplished neither but this was the needed next step in my life.

What this means now is that you'll get to look forward to lots of decorating, DIY, and emotionally overwhelmed homeowner posts.

I'm very excited! I hope you enjoy some of the very first pictures of the inside. Consider these the before photos.

7 Reasons Why I'm a Catch and You Probably are Too

I personally cannot stomach online dating. I believe it's a great way to meet people, and loads of friends of mine have met the loves of their life online. I can't do it though, and meeting people in real life is challenging at best. It's almost to the point where you need a business card to advertise your availability and why you are in fact an excellent catch. Which leads me to today's post.

7 Reasons Why I'm a Catch and You Probably are Too

1. I can recognize when I'm being irrational and will eventually fix it. - Note: I did not say "I'm never irrational." There will definitely be irrational moments. I'm a human being with human emotions. There will be moments where I will be angry, or sad, or so happy I literally jump up and down with joy. If any of these emotions don't fit what you find to be the socially accepted norm at the time, give it a minute. I will see the light and apologize for the irrationality.

2. I make great hot tea. - This may seem like a small thing, but what it really means is I know how to relax. There are times in life that call for Netflix, hot tea, and a pizza. I LOVE those times and will embrace them to the fullest with you. Plus I have a special Earl Grey recipe that I save for only special people. *Insert winky face*

3. I'm not high maintenance. - Do you need to leave in five minutes? Great! Give me seven... I said I wasn't high maintenance not zero maintenance. I take care of myself. I have a few nice clothes and I splurge on over priced organic beauty products. I can also get ready in less than 15 minutes if need be. I'm well maintained when I want to be and couch potato when called for.

4. I'm not afraid to get dirty (in a clean way.) - I grew up on a farm. If something requires all hands on deck, you've got me. If what you need means you might get dirty, count me in. I can fix a lot of every day things, and I have a vast knowledge of how to maintain pretty much anything. I'm actually really handy to have around.

5. I love myself. - It's hard to love someone who doesn't love themselves. No one can be expected to love someone else enough for the both of them. I'm not a Narcissist by any means but I have a healthy love for the person that I am. My self worth isn't attached to what others think of me.

6. I'm independent. - Somewhere along the way I learned that some people actually enjoy clingy significant others. I hate to disappoint you, but if that's the case I'm not the one for you. I can take care of myself and I don't need others to do it. I don't want someone in my life to take care of me, (that's what my family is for) I want to meet someone who compliments and completes my life not controls it.

7. I can pack really really fast. - This is a great skill I've picked up from years of traveling. I have a wanderlusting heart and the luggage to match. If you want to be spontaneous I won't slow you down. In fact you'd be hard pressed to beat me out the door.

You are a catch. Whether your list looks exactly like mine or 100% opposite, you are a catch too. Everyone is different for a reason, and there is someone out there for all of us. Maybe you've already found them, maybe you'll meet them tomorrow, or maybe they're just waiting for you to hand them a business card saying you're available.

Let's Talk About Passion

Do you ever look at someone and think, "I wish I loved anything as much as they love what they're doing right now."

I use to be one of those people. Well both of those people actually. When I was a music major in college I was completely absorbed in music. It was 24/7 of performing, analyzing, studying, and practicing music. I loved every minute of it, even when I hated it.

Yet I had days where I would be the other person too. I'd watch how other majors would get to spend their days and instantly get jealous. I mean have you ever seen a Computer Engineer correctly code something they've been working on for months? It's like witnessing a shooting star, rare and brillant.

I didn't always want music to be my life. Believe it or not I almost quit when I was 13. I was convinced that I was going to be an astronaut, but somewhere along the way music won me over.

They say if it's the first thing you think about in the morning and the last thing you think about before you fall asleep then you're in love. That was me and music. It's all I talked about, all I learned about, and all I wanted to do (besides sleep.) I was obsessed, and it was 100% just a honey moon phase.

My decision to make music my life wasn't taken lightly by any means. In fact if I wanted to make my life infinitely easier I'd just become an astronaut like I originally planned. I had to fight to study music at every turn. It wasn't just my parents I was fighting either, it was school counselors, professors trying to make sure it was the right decision, barrier exams that were nearly impossible to pass, and so much more.

To say it was a hard road is a bit of an understatement. Where I went to school you have to know it's what you want or you won't stay. My class started off with 75 bright eyed and bushy tailed freshman. It graduated seven. You read that right seven. A typical day was three plus hours of daily practice on top of 6:00am daily quartet rehearsals, along with several hours of required ensembles, all while being a full time student. If you weren't going to succeed they were going to make sure you'd fail. 

Fast forward four years. It's my last year of music school and I no longer eat, sleep, and breathe just music, it's now music education. I sleep more than I eat and I teach more than I play. I was no longer in the honey moon phase and now into the Dear God what am I doing with my life phase. (Enter Gap Year)

Forward three more years. I'm happy to announce that we are nearly seven years from the beginning of my journey into making music the rest of my life. I'm still madly in love with what I do. I'm no longer in a honey moon phase or a panicked I made the wrong choice phase, but in a comfortable this is what I love phase. I teach music and I can't tell you how great it is to talk about what you love all day.

I guess what I'm trying to say is...it's worth it. Fight for your passion. Do what you love. The people/things that are making it a hard road are just there to help you. Think of it this way.

If this is as hard as it gets, you are going to OWN it.

My partner in crime affectionately named The Phoenix. My major instrument, the saxophone.

I Think God is Trying to Speak to Me Through my Remote

To be honest I've been a normal passenger on the Struggle-bus lately. I'm about one heart break away from collecting my first cat and naming it Nibbles. Some days are far worse than others. Yesterday was one of those days.

I had just had an incredibly long day at school and was trying to relax at home. (Home for me being... my parent's house.) When I got into an argument with my father over puppies* and decided to end the evening early. Very early, about 8pm to be exact.

Having been emotionally and physically exhausted I climbed into bed, turned on my t.v., and proceeded to fall asleep almost immediately. Before succumbing to the inevitable unconsciousness I told God that I was tired. I was feeling forgotten and tired and I needed a sign. Just a little sign that I wasn't working so hard for nothing. That He did indeed have a plan for me. Twelve hours later and we bring you to today's story.

This morning after waking up I decided to try and see if my new favorite show Sex and the City was on. There was just one problem. You can't change the t.v. without the remote.

It had been missing since the previous morning, and I looked everywhere for that thing. I searched in my blankets, under my bed, inside my recliner, the refrigerator, my parent's closet, everywhere. That's when I got my dad involved. I walked into the living room despairing over the fact that I could be missing punny narrative by Carrie Bradshaw. So he decided to help. He too looked everywhere.

After a few minutes we'd each given up and both left my room to search elsewhere, and upon returning to my room I decided to try looking inside my recliner again. As soon as I reached to move my laptop I spotted it.....the remote. It was just sitting there on the recliner arm....taunting me. I screamed for my dad asking if he had found it. When he replied with a no I asked him to come to my room immediately to confirm that I was indeed staring at my remote.

I was.

According to my father it must have been there the whole time and I'd just missed it. But when I say I looked everywhere... I. Looked. Everywhere. There's no way I would have just looked past the remote when it was in the exact place it normally is every morning.

So I get it God. You sent me my remote to tell me you have my back. I appreciate the sign. Although, now that I think about it. I can't capitalize on it because this story is undoubtedly not as exciting as a white light after a near death experience.

Still appreciate it!

*note - It was much more eventful than the argument I had with my mother over butter about a month ago. These are all signs that I need to move out ASAP.

Right Now...

I'm Reading: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Actually I'm re-reading this one. It's not a book you'd expect for the title it has. The story is unique to say the least. It's the only book I've read from a dog's perspective. It follows the life of a young man through his career, family, and unexpected loss and it's all from his dog Enzo's perspective. It's amazingly touching and full of incredible quotes about how we as humans take for granted all of the possibilities we have in front of us.

I'm Doing: Poorly things

Yep...I'm sick again. It's a cold this time. I keep waking up in the middle of the night only to dose myself back into unconsciousness with the correct dosage of NyQuil. I'll be right as rain in time for school on Monday, but I'm using this "poorly" time to catch up on blogging!

I'm Working on: Building Credit

Currently I'm sitting on the one piece of furniture I bought for myself while watching a t.v. that my parents bought. All the while living in a warm cozy home that they also pay for. So while I'm slowly building my own credit, I'm also losing any and all independence I had from The Man. Being an adult is such a double edged sword sometimes.

I'm Watching: Criminal Minds marathon with Lord of the Rings (on commercial breaks)

I have ADD when it comes to television. To me, watching t.v. is more of a security blanket than a form of entertainment. I use it for background noise more than anything. When I actually do sit down just to watch a show I have to be doing something else simultaneously or I feel like I've just wasted valuable time and energy.

I'm Loving: The Season

I'm going all out this year. Everything I do or touch is going to be seasonally appropriate. There are pumpkins everywhere, and I'm starting to get patterns for new scarves to knit. GOSHDARNIT I'm getting into the seasons! (also...side note) Welcome back Pumpkin everything, I've missed you.

What are you doing right now?

I'm genuinely interested to see how everyone else is fairing this inevitably gloomy time of year.

10 Things You Don't Know About Me

 I'll start this by saying that I love when I get to know people better. I always feel closer to people when they tell you random facts that don't really matter but can tell you a whole lot about the person. Here are 10 random facts that no one knew before. Enjoy!

 

1. The voice in my head has a British accent.

I blame this on the fact that I spend more time watching British YouTubers than any normal person should.

2. I snap my fingers when I get nervous.

  I can't actually explain this one. It's just something I picked up while studying music. I snap rhythms that are in my head when I'm anxious.

3. I get pink/orange and green/grey confused sometimes.

I'm a little color weak.

4. I can only drive well with my left hand.

I'm a pretty dominant right handed person but for some reason my driving is sporadic when I try to use my right hand. I actually have callouses on my left hand from driving.

5. I have occasional extreme anxiety.

My stress likes to build up and become panic attacks that come out of nowhere.

6. I eat raw pasta like potato chips.

I'm going to add that I only eat maybe a handful in one sitting. 

I really like crunchy foods, but I'm not a fan of potato chips. One day while cooking I tried raw pasta and the rest was history.

7. I once won $1.46 in a settlement for a lawsuit.

This was when certain e-Books were being sued for price gouging and I had unknowingly bought some of the books. I had a friend who won over $20 in her settlement.

8. I often use office supplies to fix my hair at work.

Just call me MissGyver.

9. My biggest pet peeve with the universe is when two people fall in love and then one of them dies.

HATE, HATE, HATE, HATE, HATE.

Nothing ruins a book/movie faster for me than when this happens. I'm looking at YOU The Fault in Our Stars.

10. When I was younger I had middle child syndrome.

When I was about ten I actually thought I was invisible to everyone I loved. Ahhhhh....child-like minds. Except sometimes I still have my doubts on if my family actually hears me when I speak.

Do you have any interesting facts about yourself you'd like to share? It's really fun to find hidden things out about people. Go ahead....put it in the comments. You know you want to.

Part 6-8: Sharks and Wax People

We're back!

Sorry I didn't have my computer on vacation but I've come back and edited all my videos together just for you.

If you like dangerous animals, creepy objects that resemble real people, and mini hauls you are in luck! I hope you enjoy this video just as much as I enjoyed filming it.

Part 5: LUSH!

Seems like my days lately don't quite go as planned. It's okay though. I've dried my tears with my order confirmation from Lush Cosmetics USA.

Part 3 and 4: Rain Rain, GO AWAY

Part 3 and 4 of my daily vlogging of Fall Break.

There was a lot of rain, but there were also a lot of things to occupy my time.

Part 2: Mini Series Continued....

Yay! Relaxation is taking place.

You can watch here for a little glimpse at my normal Saturdays.

Fall Break: Part 1

I'm starting a new vlog mini series called Life of a Teacher on Break. I hope to make my life way more interesting through the vlogging process and hope you join me for the next week.

Happy Fall Break!!!

It's Been a While

Soooooooooooooo...it's been a while, huh? 

I told myself when I started this blogging adventure that I wouldn't take large amounts of time off. That was before my life took over. Lately it's been one thing right after another. New job, stressing about new job, sleeping as much as humanly possible, stressing about life, death in the family...etc, etc. I just couldn't keep up, and you can forget about getting inspired to write during all of it.

Times they are a changin'...

I'm back baby! And I'm preparing for my return to the UK in just under three weeks! It's so close that my pre-packing stress is starting to sneak in. 

Be prepared for more posts, packing lists, and shorts vlogs/ random diary updates from my trip. Until then thanks for waiting for me. I promise to be much better now.

Here's a picture to apologize for my naughtiness. Happy Summer!

It's a Pizza Burger from Tik Tok Diner in New Jersey. It's a regular hamburger with pizza sauce and mozzarella as toppings. I'd never had one before but you can bet that it'll be the only way I take my burgers from now on.