Currently...

So I actually already wrote this entire post, and then my computer decided it hated me and deleted it. So here goes round two. I miss doing a Currently post, and want to try to get back into the habit of doing them again! Also, Emmy from Emmy Coletti does a weekly happy list post that I love, and would like to start doing something similar!

If you follow me on Instagram you have seen that we are finally getting back out there and adventuring! Something about buying a house and moving to a different city seems to eat up ALL your time. It has felt so good going on hikes, and wandering around our new city.

WATCHING: There has been a whole lot of re watching over at our place. Zac and I decided to start Parks and Rec over (one of my all time favorites), and when Zac isn't here I am watching Criminal Minds. We did watch Stranger Things in like a day, and thought it was UNREAL. Like for real, all about the hype on that one!

PLAYING: Now that we actually live someplace that has room for my record player, we have been listening to more vinyl! There is the raddest used (and some new) record store here in Ogden called Lavender Vinyl, and we went and got some new records on a date night a couple of weeks ago.

DREAMING: Honestly, all I want to do is get on a plane and go somewhere! Not that things are finally slowing down with house renovations  I am feeling a major travel bug coming on!

EATING: But for real you guys, have you ever had those Belvita breakfast bisquit whatevers?! I got some from Costco yesterday, and it is taking ALL THE WILL POWER to not just constantly be eating them!

WORKING ON: Still some things here and there to do with the house, but other than that I am working on making more time for creative things. I am following a daily sketching prompt on Instagram that a girl I used to go to church with started, and also just trying to take more pictures. Moving kind of knocked the wind out of me, so I am trying to rebuild that creative habit back into my life.

3.31.15

I got this post idea from the wonderful and lovely Kayla.  I thought it was such a fun way to get all the things going on in life currently down in one post! So here I am trying it out!

I went to Moab this weekend with Zac and my best friend Emily. Zac had to go down for a week of work, so Em and I decided to tag along for the weekend. It was so nice being someplace so warm, and just spending all day outside. It was a much needed mini adventure, and I already want to go back!

loving: being able to wear shorts! I don't know what is happening with Utah weather right now, but I am all about it. It has seriously been so nice outside, and I spend all the time I can sitting outside on the hammock enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.

working: on getting through this current semester without completely going crazy. I only have 15 credits left until I graduate, and I am just so beyond ready to be done!

obsessed with: the new sheets I convinced Zac in letting me get for his (soon to be our) apartment. We recently made a quick stop at Ikea, and the sheets I have been eyeing for like a year now were on the most perfect bed looking so pretty, and I decided they finally had to be mine! They have yellow flowers on them, so obviously I am all sorts of happy!

cooking: lots of annie's mac and cheese. For some reason Smith's has decided to have like a super sale on them for like a month now, so Zac and I are all sorts of happy about it!

reading: Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler. I actually just finished this yesterday. I listened to the audio book in my car, and I have to be completely honest... I wasn't really a fan of it. I didn't hate it and at times actually enjoyed it, but it isn't a book I would recommend to a friend. I was pretty bummed, because I really wanted to like it! Oh well, you can't have everything.

listening to: Hozier's album. Zac bought it a couple of weeks ago, and I just barely downloaded it onto my phone to listen to while exploring Moab. Zac and I have family sharing on iTunes, and it is pretty wonderful. Thank  you family sharing!

a little sad at: Zac being in Moab for the entire week. I swear it is even harder knowing he is only a four hour car ride away! Like anytime I have ANY free time I think about just driving down just because I can. It is terrible you guys!

wasting time: on Instagram as always. I swear, I am always checking it! Mostly looking for new places to add to my list of places to explore. I probably need to stop seeing as the list is getting a little long. Anyone want to help me get cracking on all these hikes I have piled up?!

laughing at: Scrubs, Scrubs, and SCRUBS! Zac has gotten me hooked, and with him out of town (and our watching of Friends being put on hold until he gets home) I have been watching ALL OF THE EPISODES!

looking forward to: spending my REI dividend! New camping stove, and sports bras anyone?!

appreciating: best friends who take a break from homework to go search TJ Maxx for rompers even though all the ones they have are horrible, and instead having wonderful conversations on the car drive home.

excited: that the wedding date continues to get closer, and we are now down to 163 more days!! It finally feels like it is getting close you guys! Save-the-dates are currently being made, and it is like totally real now!

experiencing: horrible stomach shenanigans caused by dairy, and pretending that it isn't caused by dairy because cheesecake.

grateful for: a weekend spent with my best friend hiking around Moab, and Zac being able to sneak over and camp with us the one night we stayed. Also for my family (mostly mama) who took such good care of our plants and kitten while we were gone. I seriously have the most incredible humans in my life you guys.

Breakdowns

I swear one day I am feeling on top of the world, and that I have my life all figured out, and then the next day I am on the verge of a mental breakdown. This was my day yesterday. Does this happen to anyone else but me?

Yesterday was just a bad day for me, and when I sat back and thought about it I realized that it was all on me. I was the one stressing myself out, and for not reason at all. Do you ever have those days where you are either of sick of your job, or school, or anything really, and it is just for that day, but it is like all the sudden your head explodes, and you can't stop your thoughts from running wild? You put so much stress on finding that perfect job, or being this perfect person, and before you know it you are doing all you can not to break into a million tiny pieces? Why do we do this to ourselves?

It is ridiculous you guys. The need for being perfect, and comparing ourselves to everyone. Just days before you were thinking how lucky you are, and what a blessed life you have, and the next thing you know you have completely turned your back on that wonderful life, and instead are wasting your time trying to become someone you are not. I think we sometimes we just need to take a deep breathe, step back, and realize most of us have it pretty good, and there is just no need at all to do all this comparing and perfecting.

I guess the main point I am trying to get across is life is just too hard if your are constantly comparing yourself to others, and my goal from here on out is to change my attitude about that. Instead of being jealous of those who might be more successful than me, to instead be excited and proud for them! We should all be rooting for each other. Life isn't a competition! We should all get to CHOOSE the way we want to live without fear of not being good or glamorous enough.

Well this is the end of my rambling ladies and gentlemen. Here is to a new attitude, and to less breakdowns.

P.s- Pictures are from a Saturday adventure with my love to Bridal Veil Falls. We were driving through the Alpine Loop when we stumbled upon this beauty. It was too gorgeous not to stop and pull over to take pictures. I want to go back some day soon, and explore it a little more!

Currently..

Reading..

The Catcher In the Rye by J.D. Salinger. This might be my all time favorite book. It was my favorite book that I read in high school, and I was lucky enough to snag this copy at a used book store about a month ago. Remember that awesome book club I am a part of? This is our next assignment. Unreal.  

Watching..

(500) Days of Summer. I have basically had this movie on a constant repeat for the past four months. It is one of my absolute favorites, and I just never get sick of it. 

Playing..
The Fellows. So here is how I found out about The Fellows. Emily and I went to a concert in Provo, and these guys played. We actually didn't see them play because we came late, but on our way out one of the band members gave me this free EP. I will be honest, I didn't think they were going to be good. The other bands that had played that night were not fantastic, so we didn't think they would be much better. Boy were we wrong. These guys are awesome! If you have the time check them out on iTunes. You won't regret it!

Dreaming..
Of summer and all the adventures that come with it. I am currently trying to get a job as a camp counselor, so hopefully that goes well! Wish me luck! And of course Europe just seems to be getting closer and CLOSER.. Oh wait, because it is! Freaking out!

Excited About..
This week is spring break, and the sun FINALLY decided to come out. Talk about a miracle! This week is full of all sorts of exciting things including bike rides, hikes, concerts, comedy nites, and much more. I will do my best to take pictures, but I make no promises.

What have you guys been dreaming of lately? Anything you are excited about? I hope to hear all sorts of lovely things!

Currently..

 Reading..
Foam magazine. Last year around this time I was at Barnes and Noble with my grandma. I believe I had gotten a gift card for Christmas, so I was looking for something new to read. I don't usually go for magazines, but this one caught my eye. I have been hooked ever since! It is all about fashion, art, music, and the ocean. This past issue was an issue all about bloggers, so I have been absolutely in love!

Playing..
Karen Peris. Over the break I house sat for some of my favorite humans on the planet. As payment I go an amazing hand made chandelier, and a copy of Karen Peris' album Violet. I have pretty much been listening to it non stop since. It is like the perfect winter music, and it is the best background music. A lot of it is just piano which I of course love. It is just fantastic.

Watching..
Mad Men. I am obsessed and almost caught up. Finally!

Dreaming..
I have been having the biggest itch to go hiking! It is probably due to the nasty smog here in SLC. It is seriously disgusting, and I want so badly to get some fresh air. Unfortunately, it is extremely cold. This makes it difficult to find willing humans to go with me.

Excited About..
Emily comes home this week! I am seriously so stoked. It has been like two weeks, and I am so excited to have my concert buddy back!

Well there is a little taste of what is currently going on in my life. The 49ers just won a football game which means they are going to the Superbowl. There was a lot of jumping up and down by my brother and dad. Like literally, my brother was hitting the ceiling with his hands. Haha So that is exciting! 

So like I said last week, I have decided to do my own spin on a 52 project. Alright, it's not really my own spin. I am sure a million people do self portraits. Well I am behind already because I started late, so here are two. 

This is me channeling my inner Reid.

Happy Sunday!

Currently

Reading..
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. I honestly can't remember the last time a book had an impact on me like this one did. Probably when I read Perks of Being a Wallflower. I just couldn't put it down. A little bit ago I asked people on Facebook for book suggestions, and this was one of the books that was suggested. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It seriously was just so good, and I still can't figure out why. Books don't usually make me cry, but I couldn't help myself. If you haven't read it I would definitely recommend it!

Playing..
I have been on a Mumford & Sons kick lately. I just keeping listening to whole albums on repeat. I know a lot of their songs sound the same, but I just don't get sick of them.

Watching..
It's true. I am a big time Downton Abbey fan, so the start of the third season has been quite the treat for me. I just can't get over this show. It is so good! I usually hate stuff like this, but for some reason I am hooked. I am not complaining. It doesn't help that I kind of have a big time crush on Matthew...

Dreaming..
I am still dreaming of traveling. All I want is to go to the beach at the moment. It doesn't help that we just got like three feet of snow the last couple days. Absolutely ridiculous. I really want to go to Hawaii. I have never been, and I just keep seeing picture from there popping  up all over the place. Nothing sounds better than laying on the beach in the sun right about now.
I also have been trying to think of things I want to photograph. Hopefully my photography class will help with that one.

Excited About..
There is something I am EXTREMELY excited about, but I am not quite ready to share it on this here blog yet. Don't worry, the news will come eventually but for now I am choosing to keep it to myself. Just for a little bit.

I hope everyone has had a fantastic weekend, and an even better Sunday. I have had quite the lazy weekend. Due to the snow, I have been stuck at home. A lot of Criminal Minds watching has been taking place, and hanging out with the family. Today was my daddy's birthday, so it has been a fun day. Pictures will come tomorrow!

Hope everyone has an awesome week, and has some fun things planned. I know I do!

Currently..

Reading...
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. This really is the strangest book, but I can't seem to put it down. The writing is so interesting. I still haven't decided if I want to finish it or not. I will have to let you know.

Watching...
I am HOOKED on Breaking Bad you guys. I seriously can't stop watching it. I have been house sitting for the past two weeks, so I have developed a steady relationship with Netflix. I finished the entire first season of American Horror Story in less than 24 hours, and now I can't stop watching Breaking Bad. I'm not really sure what I am going to do when I go home and have no Netflix!

Playing...
I have been obsessed with the new Luna Lune album. It is brilliant I tell you. BRILLIANT!

Dreaming...
I can't stop thinking about my trip planned for Europe this summer. It is still a while away, but it is finally close enough were it actually seems real. I am going to Europe! What the heck? Not only am I going to Europe, but I get to go with one of my best friends! I am so beyond thrilled if you couldn't tell.

 

Excited About...

First off, this beautiful camera I got for Christmas that will forever be the love of my life. Like for real though. I have so many ideas that I can now capture because of this beauty. Soo beyond stoked. I am also really excited about New Years. I have always really loved New Years, and I have no idea why. This one is going to be a good one. I can just feel it. I am so excited to hang out with friends, and start the new year.

 

I have been catching up on my blog reading, and loving every one's recaps of the year. I have decided to do a little recap of my own. Nothing too detailed. Just some things that this year taught me I guess. This was definitely a learning year, and a year for adjusting to change. Earlier this year something happened in my life that really changed everything. It changed my day-to-day life, and it made me think about what I really wanted in life, and what was really important to me. When it happened I kind of felt like my whole world was ending, and I really had to take some time to figure out myself I guess. As awful as the situation was, I am so grateful it happened. I have never been happier, honestly. I figured out how truly wonderful my friends are. Seriously, I wouldn't be where I am today without them. They helped me get through the summer, and have a freaking blast. Drive- in movies, late night trips to Village Inn, running through sprinklers, going to parties, going to concerts, having that one PERFECT summer night, and of course a butt load of laughing and sore stomachs. I wouldn't trade my friends for anything in the world.

I also learned that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes it takes a VERY long time to figure out that reason, but once you do it is like the universe makes sense. Haha I am a firm believer in things happen for a reason. I have had to many amazing experiences because of it, and so many life realizations.

So although this year was definitely a tough one, a year of having to completely start over and a year of having to figure out how to live life differently, it is a year I will never forget and a year that I really think has shaped me into who I am now. I am so unbelievably grateful for the experiences I had this year, and all those who were there to support me, and help me through it. Even though things sucked for quite a while, this has been the best year and I am so excited for the adventures of 2013.

 

Happy New Year everyone!

Currently

So this is what is currently happening in my life. I got this post idea from here. Of course there is the usually work and school. I have been back in school for two day, and I already feel like I need another break. I am bad at school. Haha Anyway...

 

WATCHING: I have been obsessed with Criminal Minds. I had never seen it until a few weeks ago when my lovely friends from work agreed that we should have a Criminal Minds marathon. I am not hooked. It is bad. I am embarrassed to say how many episodes I have watched since that little marathon. Or how many I watched in just one day (eight). Let's not talk about it. Moving on...

 

PLAYING: I still can't stop listening to Grouplove! Help me. It is taking over my life!

 

DREAMING: I really have been wanting to take a trip to Seattle. I have never been, and it is sad how many times I have talked about going. I think it's time to finally just do it. Now if only I could find people to join me. That would probably be good.

 

EATING: I have been trying to eat better. I kind of lost control a little bit. Haha But some of my favorites lately have been goldfish and carrot cake. Yeah...

 

WORKING ON: Getting brave enough to start my College Street Style posts. I still haven't started. I am not good at just walking up to people, and asking them for a favor. I am not good at talking to people period. I am also working on taking more pictures with an actual camera, and not just my phone. This is a challenge. Especially since I don't have my own camera...

 

Well that was fun! Until next time.

Happy Tuesday!

 

Currently Listening

 



"The Wolves (Act I and II)" by Bon Iver