Big Little Time

Saturday, I went to Mandy's house! All by myself, please hold your applause haha. I have much fun with her and it's always good to catch up. I think we're both at a point where we're just kinda living life and not so much nonsense is going on with like drama and whatever else goes on around you in college. I dunno about her but I love that all the nonsense is over. We ate some yummy treats and watched When Marnie Was There, the last in the Studio Ghibli series. A very beautiful movie, as expected. I'm glad we got to finish the collection together, and I had someone be just as confused about the plot as I was haha. We didn't have a lot of time, since I needed to go out with my mommy (made it home three minutes before she did!), but I'm grateful we could enjoy an afternoon together.

Semi Annual Posting

Hello again, strangers! New aesthetic! I got kinda tired of the bubblegum sweet thing and the tiny baby blue font you could barely read. I think this is still positive and colorful, but definitely different. I'm excited! And I also kinda gave up finding a layout that matches the banner (black and blue is kind of limiting) so... it's just gonna be a cute token standout type thing haha. Welp I haven't written in ages so looks like it's time to catch up! Let's see what I remember.

• GALA has been wonderful. I've learned so many new things and met the coolest people. Working in theatre is an all new wonderful experience. I'm taking everything I learned from my old jobs and applying it to something that matters to me. Truly matters. I feel fulfilled, honestly. Like, on my own. No dumb boy building my self esteem. God got me here and I made sure I earned my stay. Some days are busy. Others are so slow. But there's always something to work on and creative people to work with. It's amazing. I've already been here almost 4 whole months and gotten a pretty nice raise. Heeeeeyyyy
• I saw Todrick Hall live. Yo. He's an amazing performer. Like full out costumes and choreography and everything. It's almost unreal. Especially because he sounds JUST like his recordings, adlibs and all. The boy has some pipes. And when you realize how much of that is self made? It's crazy. His work ethic is insane. He's the real deal.
• Superfruit is easily the most fun concert I have ever been to in my life. What a blast. With the nicest crowd, too! And the vocals are so so so good. They sang every single song from their album and we all danced the night away. The opener, Pretty Sister, is also now all over my playlist. I checked him out night before the show and I'm so glad I did 'cause he makes some bops and singing along at the concert was the best.
• Foster the People are pretty dang great but Paramore live was an emotional experience beyond words. Not only are they absolutely as brilliant as you'd expect. Not only are they still the coolest people ever. But my heart felt every single song. It was so special to me I'll never forget it.
• Walk the Moon are such nerds and I love their crazy fun energy. Misterwives are one of the most talented groups I've ever seen. 30 Seconds to Mars put on one hell of a show, even if we all miss Tomo.
• GALA's youth program is immensely talented and seeing them create such amazing art that speaks with their true voices is beautiful. So proud to be part of a place that supports them.
• So much more live theatre! Studio's show was insanely good. I finally saw Heathers live and it was too catchy. Sister Act is a lot of disco nuns and as usual the skill at MC SDT is off the charts. And of course, shows at GALA were incredible. Stories with meaning and heart and passion and the greatest performers. Holy nonsense. Have I mentioned how proud I am of this company?
• I'M ALL CAUGHT UP ON MARVEL. Both Netflix and the films, newest ones included! That's one resolution crossed off the list. Shout out to Alex 'cause he had all the movies. I am grateful to him for being patient with me as I freaked out over lots of attractive nerds. Infinity War wrecked me, no one is surprised.
• I have been seeing Xabiel a lot lately. I'm so grateful for that kid. Watching his growth in his spiritual journey has been beautiful. He really is a whole new person in the best way. I am happy for him and, in the same way he has been a great and supportive friend to me, I want to be a support and guide for him.
• Nestor, Abby, Jaroll, and I helped plan a youth conference at church and it went so well! I poured a lot of myself into those games to make sure the guests had the best time possible, and I think we all left having enjoyed ourselves and having proven that we could pull off an awesome weekend. The services themselves were so good and the guest pastors' sermons hit me very hard in the best way. Pastor was really happy with our work and I got to work with one of my favorite teams.
• Church is now also allowing me to help out with sound and the facebook live recording. I've wanted to serve in this area for ages now so I feel really happy that I've been given the opportunity.
• Evan & Ali have an apartment now! Shared with some college friends. It's very lovely and I think it's a good place for them. They invited me to their housewarming party and I went, which was so so intimidating. But I had a great time and got to chat with lots of good people. I'm glad they have friends like that to look out for them.
• Families Belong Together happened. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of people got together in my favorite city and stood up for what we know is right. We all want these children to be with their families and for this nation to do better. I'm blessed to have shared this day with my own family. We heard Lin-Manuel Miranda sing live (precious baby changed keys but that's okay). Each and every speaker moved me, some to tears, with relevant and powerful stories that I wish I could share with the world. And the signs were all brilliant.
• Puzzles. So many more puzzles.
• My channel is on hiatus. This was initially unplanned. Grid kinda fell apart on me, so I had to switch over to Argon. She's been working great but she doesn't have my editing software. To get it onto Argon, I need to buy it for $60. Can't afford that right now SO I'm on hiatus. Once I get the software, it'll be back up. In the meantime, I have a bit more time to myself. I also want to revamp the channel. More about me. Because I put a lot of work into it and I want to reflect what it's really become about. No tea, no shade. I'm not trying to be petty. But I want the channel to be my safe space where I can express and create and just be. It's my channel. And I want everyone to know it right away. I'm working with an old classmate on something and I really hope it works out.
• I bought Years & Years tickets! After being in love with them for 3 years. There's finally a North American tour and I'm going! I'm SO EXCITED. And their album Palo Santo is everything.
• Speaking of music, as we always do, I'm gonna go to hell for how many times I've blasted God is a Woman. The 1975 has come back with new music. Almost Love is so catchy. Panic! is still perfect. Hadestown has such a good soundtrack. Will Jay's Broke is my new anthem.
• Spent 4th of July with Mariah. I was brave and drove to Virginia and made it there and back safe. I was super careful, and I'm proud of myself for keeping my cool. Fireworks were pretty and the weather was so good - God waited until I got home for rain to happen. I met lots of cute puppies INCLUDING A LITTLE 9 WEEK OLD HUSKY. And we watched The Incredibles 2. So fab. It was my first time in an Alamo Drafthouse. I get it now. I see what all the hype is about. I want one.
• DJ turned 2 and Cristina turned 5. I am a proud Tia and I love celebrating with these babies.
• Oceans 8 made me so happy y'all. I walked out of there feeling like I could do anything.
• Lin-Manuel Miranda is releasing a book of his good morning/good night tweets. Better believe I will buy it as soon as I can.
• I'm basic and I keep buying myself clothes INCLUDING that Maryland flag bandeau I've wanted for ages. I love that thing so much.
• I am not ashamed to admit how OBSESSED I am with Queer Eye. I could watch the Fab 5 file their taxes and be entertained.
• Church has taken over my life because I have goals and aspirations for this congregation and I am willing to work to see them happen. I think Pastor knows that. As a result, I've been a better teacher and I've been active in evangelizing. I miss having the free time but I'm so happy this is a part of my life now.
• Since starting at GALA, I'm in DC a lot more. I love it. It's such a thriving city and being in the sun in this area fills me with the best kind of life.
• RED VS BLUE SEASON 16 STARTED OUT WEIRD BUT THEN GOT SO DANG GOOD.
• Blind Wave reactions are killing it, they pick such good shows
• THE WORLD CUP HAPPENED. I wanted Croatia to take it not gonna lie. Still, lots of good games all around. I knew my Brazilian boys wouldn't win but props to them for being the final Latin Americans before it became a European Cup. And again, don't even care who won because I watched some really good futbol!
• Visiting Karla's church brings me joy. Especially when the lesson is on exactly what I need. Glad she has good people in the faith over there.
• DJ loves Moana and it's the cutest
• GENLOCK IS A THING! Rooster Teeth is killing the game, and they hired an all-star cast. I'm so proud??!?
• Visited McDaniel for The Bakkhai, Harveys, and graduation. Each time made me so damn proud of my babies (even if a scare was involved). Each time also made me realize how happy I am to be where I am and not where I was/they are. Remember how badly I missed it? Yeah bump that my life is great and I'm no longer living in the past haha. I will always love that place and support it with all I have. But it really doesn't even need to be mine anymore. They can have it. I took care of it for as long as I could and now I have a new job.
• Went to Westminster for a separate thing. Dinner with my mentees. Specifically Sarah, Torreke, and Ben. I wanted to treat them as a graduation present. And since only 3 came, it was SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than I budgeted for. They're all such good kids. I enjoy their company a lot. And I made it a point not to be the nosy source of stress that asks all about their future plans or whatever. I am not worried. They've got it handled, and I will be there to cheet them on.
• OH RIGHT. GALA won 9 Helen Hayes Awards - most wins of any company OR production in Helen Hayes history. It was a big effing deal guys. And that night was so fun. I saw so many old friends there. What a blessing we all get to LIVE in this great field and this hectic city
• Campamento happened. It was rainy and kind of gloomy but I love the Mendozas for hosting me and I love my dear friends so very much. I laughed a lot and am so happy for all the fun we have together. I'm grateful to get away for a bit.
• Our choir at church is working on new hymns and one of them is my favorite we've ever done. It's so pretty and I hope we do it justice.
• Attack on Titan is back and so is Fan Service! Which hopefully means I'll be getting back into anime soon. Between Fan Service and SSAnime (Storm's channel), I've got lots of good recommendations.
• My pillars broke. The 4 people I relied on the most proved not to be reliable anymore. And instead of breaking with them, I just built myself a new house. I didn't let it destroy me. It wasn't the easiest transition. Still isn't. But the people around me now are the people that love me and support me through anything, without me needing to compromise myself and put them on pedestals. I do not ever want to be that dependent on others again. I'm doing bad all by myself and, as much as I want these people, I now know I don't NEED them. My relationships are healthier and I honestly feel invincible.

A Solid Day Off

Days off are for marathoning! I finished all of Defenders. I did it. My New Years Resolution is met. I'm gonna try to start Punisher before bed but I'M SO HAPPY. I did the thing. Wow I cried, it was good. But mostly I'm proud of me haha. Thank God for do nothing days.

I spoke with Michael today after not doing so for a long time. Without talking too much about that, it made me feel a lot better. I'm glad we got the chance to call today. And the end result is we're gonna see Thirty Seconds to Mars together in June, so there's that. I'M GONNA SEE THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS IN JUNE. AHHH. Also Walk the Moon, who are awesome, and a handful of other bands I'll have to check out. But AHH HUSBAND.

2/17/18

I spent today with the lovely Jess Mies. I love her a lot. Anytime I see her it's always so refreshing. That's the great thing about best friends. I'm so blessed to have her. We exchanged gifts and ate some delicious sushi and I bought a concert ticket. And she made it home safe in the snow. Twas a successful day.

Oh yeah I BOUGHT A TICKET I'M GOING TO SEE TODRICK HALL AT THE FILLMORE IN DTSS IN APRIL I'M SO EXCITED

I went to see La Foto at GALA theatre. It was a brilliant show. Seeing shows about Latinos written by Latinos makes so much of a difference. 'Cause they just GET IT. And then having them perform it and seeing what is essentially your family on stage, ugh, it feels so great. Like you've never met these people but they're just like the people you know. And they play it so well because they have people they know who are just like that. It was great. And easily accessible. And a wonderful time. And I got to go with Jake - sort of an unintentional birthday present. I like seeing theatre with him because we get to actually talk about it and expand on it. I like seeing him in general honestly, he's always so great to talk to and he gets so passionate about whatever it is that comes up. I've always really enjoyed his energy and just getting to spend time with him. Merp. I'm a mess. Tonight was great.

Did I Forget To Mention?

• I got my AncestryDNA test back, and it kind of gave the result everyone expected. I'm real white haha
• My mom went to El Salvador by herself and I got to survive on my own for two weeks, which was actually rather fun
• I saw Coco again and I loved it the third time and I'm probably gonna cry about it for the rest of my days
• I have enjoyed lots of time with my church family. Those kids are insane.
• I set some resolutions for 2018, which will be posted in a video rather soon. I'm off to a good start!
• Driving in ice is awful but hey I did it and I'm alive
• I went to El Salvador for a week and enjoyed time with my family in a country so special to my heart - it was far more emotional than I expected
• Finesse by Bruno Mars is E V E R Y T H I N G
• Steven Universe released a new episode!
• RWBY Volume 5 is ending and I'm obsessed
• There's more. There has to be more

I didn't write here for a while. That's okay. Maybe I'll stop forgetting about this blog. It's supposed to be our home, so I should do a better job of keeping up with it.

"Canda"

Cousin Dates

Yesterday I saw my cousin Stephanie, and we went to see Wonder Woman. Sidenote, wow what a film I'm obsessed and have so many feelings. Today, my cousin Cindy who is back from living in Arizona for three years, invited me out to Cheesecake Factory. My favorite restaurant and, as expected, everything was delicious.

This was so super refreshing. How do I phrase this? I love spending time with my friends and seeing them always makes me happy. But one on one time with family is so rare and so beautiful and I was in MUCH NEED of this happy time. I love these ladies. I admire them so much. It was great to talk about deep conversations and silly stuff, and even catch up on what's going on with our lives and careers in a way that is so much more than small talk. The best thing is, as family, these people know your morals and values and upbringing and they know YOU. I genuinely wish more people had this connection with their extended family. I know it isn't common. I know that most people see relatives on the holidays and are content with just that. But I am so blessed to have my family by me at all times. And even though I don't get to see these two as often as I'd like, I love them with my whole heart. Days like these remind me how comfortable and open I can be with them, and the crazy amounts of laughing and fun we have together.

I think a lot of people dread having a significant other meet extended family. Family is always crazy. I know mine can certainly be a lot for some people. But honestly? My family is an absolute delight. And if whoever I end up with in the future can't hang? They can walk. Family first and foremost. These are the people who are there for you no matter where you go. And I know plenty of people don't have a good relationship with their blood relatives and will form those strong bonds somewhere else. I am SOOOO beyond blessed to have both. If I could, I'd share with everyone. It's a beautiful thing.

What Best Friends Are For

I spent the day with Lieder for the first time in a while. Wow how I've missed that boy. He heals my soul haha. I really enjoyed finally getting to hear about his girlfriend, Beth. He's happy. Genuinely happy and, for the first time in ages, actually committed to this girl. I'm thrilled to see him growing up. And in the process of growing up, he's working on starting his own business! At the same, he's going to start school again. How crazy is that? He's even getting more involved at his church and helping with their VBS. I wish him well. And I'm really happy I had the chance to fill him in on my disaster of a life. His input is always helpful, and certainly amusing.

Yesterday, Cristina had a little party with her friends for her birthday, so we crashed it. After not seeing Karla and Eric since playing at their wedding, Jonathan finally got to meet Karla's two beautiful children, one of which he shares a name with. I can't explain to you how much that meant to me. Like, that was so very important to me, and it finally happened. I enjoyed watching him chat with Karla and Eric, and hearing all the Dad jokes back and forth. Jonathan said his goodbyes to the Bowens before they leave for North Carolina this Thursday. He knows I'm going to need a lot of emotional support. He's already offered to let me tag along as he works on his studio, and maybe even travel with him towards NC if he ever heads south for a weekend. He's a good egg. My number one, that boy. I've been stressing a lot about certain things. But Jonathan gets me and he's not afraid to tell me what I need. It was a great way to spend the day.

"You Better Blog About Me"

It's been a minute since I've written here. Let's play Catch Up. I'll keep this as close to chronological as I can, and we will see how that goes.

• No rehearsal feels weird, but it's nice to have some time to myself again
• Mother's Day plans went swimmingly and my mommy mostly seemed happy to have her grandkids in the house hehe
• I always love watching Eric come to our house. He misses his family lots
• Spending a full day with Michael was a ridiculous adventure. I am grateful for his friendship. I am also grateful for mediocre cheesecakes. And I'm glad I could fulfill my purpose and introduce one more person to the perfection of The Princess & the Frog
• Cristina had a cute little picnic at her school which was a lot of fun, and I was greatly amused by the folksy band they had playing there
• I hit the one year mark. I honestly was surprisingly okay? The day of the kid's graduation was a lot harder than the one year "anniversary" or whatever you want to call it. Either way. It happened. The "experts" tell me the hard part is over now. Thank God, I'm over this nonsense haha
• I went to a Burlesque show with Charlotte. We were there to support Emma & Dale. It was a fun time and we got sushi and I enjoyed the evening with a cool person
• I went to McDaniel graduation. I won't go into details 'cause I'm enough of an emotional mess about this school and these people every other day. It was nice. Goodbyes are hard
• I went on a date. And it was mediocre. But I was glad I tried. And then we saw Everything Everything which I absolutely adored and thought was so well done and it reminded me that I cannot settle for who I date because WOW do I need someone who gets me and puts butterflies in my tummy and helps me see the world in a new light. Like. This movie was so good. And I don't expect my life to be a movie. But I'm allowed some expectations
• My Tio Jhonny was here from El Salvador and we got to have dinner with him one evening. He finally met my nephew, and we had a good time catching up
• Michael & Lindsay Jones had their baby. Her name is Iris and she's a little nugget and the internet exploded and Michael is already THAT dad. He's going to drive some people freaking insane. I love it
• I had dinner with my old friend Alex yesterday. I got to meet his girlfriend, catch up with his wonderful mommy, and see his pup again! I literally love that dog so much. I also saw his brother, and was slightly amused by how much he liked my flower crown (shout out to Mandy, I got compliments all day). We got to really talk about our lives for the first time in ages, which was awesome. And he was a gem and paid for me. He made me feel really special, especially because he made it a point to tell me that he seriously felt sorry that we weren't in contact too much during college, and he missed me. It's always nice to hear that, after being the one who constantly hung onto other people and begged them to stay in her life, other people want to make the effort to keep me around. When he dropped me off at home, he yelled the title of this post out his window
• A little over two months until Canada. I'm beyond ready

December Catch-up

Wow. Have I really not written on here in almost a month? Yeah, I've been busy. But that's unacceptable. Let's get so some smiles

• It's Christmas. Like I know it's not yet, but it's Christmas. And there's pretty lights everywhere and all these fun decorations and outfits and the radio has Christmas music and people are in such a cheerful mood. Yay holidays!
• We keep getting all this amazing food brought to the office. Blessings galore.
• I miss McDaniel and Dog Party and Holiday Cabaret and all those fun things. But it's nice to see everyone else enjoy them and have a whole new generation take part. Plus, Torreke and Veronica danced to Howl's Moving Castle score and I'm still not over it.
• I had my last therapy session on the 9th. I was told that I could always count on my therapist as a resource if I ever needed it, but that I'd gotten to a good place and made a lot of progress in a short time, so I don't need regularly scheduled appointments anymore. I've gotten my anxiety to a manageable place.
• I had a birthday! With lots of fun gifts! And delicious foods. But mostly, with my favorite people. Cutting a cake with my immediate family was honestly so nice. My niece always manages to put a big smile on my face. She even prayed for our dinner and for my birthday. I was a very happy aunt. And the next week, I had a bigger dinner with some close friends. Seeing them was such a treat, but seeing them all get along and become fast friends is truly the greatest gift I ever could have asked for.
• I had a lovely brunch with Jim Dyson, only my favorite alumn ever! We caught up and talked life after McDaniel and RWBY fan theories. He's such a good person and I had a blast. Can't go wrong with Silver Diner!
• I've been able to talk to Nick a lot more. The kid has a life, and finals affect everyone differently, so I am still sad that I didn't get to see him for my birthday, but I refuse to hold a grudge or let that get to my energy. I'm just glad we're talking somewhat regularly again. I'm very happy to have him in my life.
• Michael is such a great friend. He's just so supportive and kind and understanding. I am glad that we've always gotten along so well.
• Hairspray Live happened. It may not have been the greatest thing ever but I had fun and it brought back some sweet memories.
• Pentatonix had their own Christmas special oh my goodness I am way too proud of them.
• I got to see Eric! We had a mini-birthday celebration for the both of us. I need that boy in my life more, seriously, he's a gem and I miss him.
• Brookside Gardens twice. I never ever ever get tired of that place. It's so beautiful and magical and happy. It reminds me of childhood, and it's so fun to walk through, even if it is cold haha.
• Ugly sweater party at church! Even if I didn't win, everyone looked so cute and it's nice to be silly with the youth group every once in a while.
• Christmas party at work was awesome. Exhausting and kinda expensive on my end, haha. But awesome. People are still telling me how much they enjoyed the games, which is always nice to hear. And I just enjoyed some delicious food with people I am proud to call my co-workers. Everyone looked so good. And I got the most beautiful ornament from my boss' wife. There's no way on earth she knew how much I love angels. That's God at work right there.
• Have I mentioned how happy I am that you're here? I hope I have. Because I really am. I almost feel spoiled compared to the 8 years without you right by my side. I have no idea what I'll do when you leave. But I know it's not forever. And until then, I'm loving the mess out of having you in the states.
• There's more. There has to be more. It's been such a good time. I am so very blessed. Bad days happen and bumps get in the way but overall, I am grateful. I pray that the rest of the world be able to feel the love this holiday season. It's a scary time for so many out there, but none of us are alone. And there's always someone, somewhere willing to help in whatever way they can. So I'll do what I can to keep spreading that cheer. And to keep it going all the way into 2017!

Week of Elections & Gratitude

I'm grateful for Saturday, and all the fun people it brought. I got to spend the day with the lovely Jess Mies and WOW had I missed her. It's always good to see her and share life with her. Her presence brings me joy. And then you joined the fun! It's such a good feeling to have my two best friends in the whole world together. There was a whole lot of love surrounding me that afternoon and it felt great. Add in good food and I'm set! And that evening was the Bad Suns concert which was amazing. They're so good live. Jess is such a great concert buddy cause she and I can just jam to literally anything. It was also cool seeing Kimberly & Camillo! Talk about all the best friends haha. Catching up with her is always so lovely, and I'm glad to see her brother is doing well, too! Especially since I hadn't seen him since I was like 10 and still a baby.

I'm grateful for Tuesday. I got to vote in my very first election. It may not have turned out how I wanted, but I still voted! I did my part. It was really cool actually. I feel grateful for the chance to do it. Plus it was nice to see Weller Road in its new form. I hadn't been in there since I graduated in 2005! And now I'm a voting adult. Crazy.

I'm grateful for Wednesday and the spur of the moment concert. The 1975 never ceases to amaze me. On top of amazing music, the aesthetic is absolutely to die for. It was a much welcomed distraction from the insanity of the day. I cannot thank you enough for persuading me to go. I'm glad we could jam together haha. I think Matty Healy's words will be held close to my heart for a very long time. I expected him to talk about the election, and I know that he can be a smartass so I was ready for some jokes and big talk. But he took it so seriously. I honestly believed what he said. To hear those words from someone who isn't even from here, RIGHT after the fact, and IN the DMV. I can't tell you what it means to me.

I'm grateful for Thursday, and for McDaniel Madrigals. Our beautiful little choir group performed at the Kennedy Center last night. They did so so well and they looked so good. And IT'S THE KENNEDY CENTER. I'm endlessly proud of them, especially of all my Alpha Psi babies. Seeing them on my newsfeed and watching all the alumn comment on the stream was the highlight of my day.

6-24-16

For one spectacular night, the laughing trio was reunited! Seriously. THESE GIRLS. I dunno how we manage to literally fall apart when all three of us are together, but it's my favorite thing. I'm glad I have Margie & Charlotte for the rest of my life. We have each other for whining about stupid roommates, reading cheesy letters from the ex, playing with puppy, comparing crush lists, and failing at ordering ice cream. And SUSHI! Cheesy girly things are not usually our MO but hey we had a time and I wouldn't change a moment of it. It's also kind of amazing to be there for them when they're struggling with people in their lives, and to finally have someone to talk to about the chaotic year I had with Jonathan and just in general. They get me in a way no one else in this world ever will. Also. HOWLING laughing for hours on end is a flawless way to spend any night.

Day 24 (late): Adventure

Always and a time and a half with these beauties.

The Best Reunions

Are with the people who keep you grounded. After work today, I went to dinner with my dear friend Eric. It's been WAY too long. He chopped his hair off ages ago and I still was so surprised to see his hair short. He looks good! And he seems to be doing rather well for himself. It was so great to catch up and see how we've changed and how we haven't and talk about really important stuff, because Eric is always willing to listen and it means the world to me. We also had sushi which was FAAAAAAB (it had Mango on it holy nonsense I was in heaven) and I ran into Margie and our friend Kristina having dinner! It was kinda crazy but very pleasant, and I look forward to later reunions!

Day 1: Smiles

The signature smiley face of John Wontrop. 

One of the many things that graces my walls now :)

Date with Bae

I am finally hanging out with miss Jess Mies. And it's wonderful. To talk about everything and to catch up on all these fun stories and all the sad and hard times and just all of it. Like, there aren't words for how much I needed this. We should've cried together earlier haha <3

My Stress Relief

6. The best friend who is your opposite, but feels like home.
This is a best friend you’ve grown up with, someone who has known you from the start.
Her presence grounds you. Though you two may have developed opposite interests and become different individuals over the years, having her in your life roots you to something fundamental within yourself.
Seeing her or even just talking to her is a comfort. She feels like coming home, and you’d be lost without her as an anchor.


I told you last night about all the things I have to do. Well church today kinda tripled my list. I've got A LOT too do. And I can do it. I have to. But I needed a moment to panic about it. And then, relax. And who better to help me with that then good ol' Jonathan. I finally hung out with him for the first time since October. It was lovely. We just chilled on the swings and chatted about absolutely everything. And boy did I need it. Just a good time with someone who gets me.

Day 12: Tiny

Me. I'm tiny. So tiny, I had to take this picture THROUGH THE BARS of the bridge because I could not reach over.

My Darling Laughing Trio

A lot of laughing today. Like a lot a LOT of it. And really stupid stuff of course, like "hot puberty" (its a noun) and "deep restrooms" (undecided). And a lot of really serious talking, too. Stories galore. Some scary. Some sad. Some cutesy. Some funny. Some romantic. Some exciting. Some shocking. All so wonderful to hear. I do not think there are words to say how much I missed my girls, Margie & Charlotte. I'd be so lost without them. I was so lost without them. But now we're all back. The laughing trio is back.

Splurge

Money is not a thing I can just get rid of whenever I feel like. BUT the girls & I have a tradition and I allowed myself to splurge on myself this one day. I spent a good bit on charity this weekend. I will spend the next month buying things for my Mom, my Dad, Jess, Cristina, and lots of others people. Today was for me. I bought myself dinner. Jess, Sara, Liz, and I went to Sakura, that Hibachi place. The food was DELICIOUS. And it was so nice to catch up with the other two girls again. I am quite content with how I chose to spend this money.  I work to spoil myself every now and again. Bless :)

August 7th, 2014

Today is a list day! That's always good!

• Met up with Storm for lunch. Always a pleasure to see a friend :)
• We had sushi for lunch and I actually really enjoyed it! Hooray for trying new things with an open mind!
• He brought me my book. After I thought he lost my favorite book ever and I would have to buy it again, he finally returned The Phantom Tollbooth to me. Happiness! Joy! Such satisfaction! I just kinda wish I'd had it before I got on a plane haha
• We headed over to Wheaton and I was able to buy some stuff for our service on Saturday.
• We went to FYE and I GOT TWO AWESOME CDS THAT I'VE BEEN WANTING FOR A WHILE NOW. My collections are almost complete :3
• Found out I actually have a REALLY good chance of seeing Anberlin live in November :DDD
• Ran into Peter & Brian at their work, and caught up with them which was lovely
• Daddy picked us up and, after dropping Storm off, bought me some McDonalds.
• We went to my grandma's grave for the 10th anniversary of her passing. He bought her coffee just the way she liked it. It's the 2nd time in my life I've ever seen my dad cry, the first being at her viewing. It hurt but it was sweet. I'm glad I got to go visit her for the first time in years

Twas an eventful day. The new episode of RWBY comes out tonight, so I will see it after service. I'm grateful for days like these. This is what being home should always be like.

Playing Ketchup!

So I'm back from my trip. And my body is drained. So I will relax today. I already caught up on the new RWBY episode yesterday and about 20 youtube videos. And earlier today I caught up on about 4 Let's Plays from Rooster Teeth. I still need to watch the new episodes for Korra, Girl Meets World, Sword Art Online, Free, and Shippuden. Ah lazy days! <3

Sleepless in McDaniel

I'm not clever. Like really. Sammy, stop.

Poor little Alex couldn't sleep last night. So we were texting for a while and he decided that one solution would be a phone call. So I walked out into our lounge and, from 2AM to 3AM, we just talked on the phone. Maybe not the smartest idea for someone who had class, but considering I don't feel that tired and, if I care to, I can still take a 2 hour nap before class, I'm not that bothered by my decision. It was nice, definitely. Catching up, seeing where he was. We were able to talk about some serious stuff, which is usually me begging for help in my latest heartbreak or some nonsense. But this time it was really a conversation. I felt like I actually had imput, which he noted, asking when I'd gotten so smart haha. Don't know that it's a matter of smart. It's a matter of people skills I suppose. Anyway, it was just nice to know someone missed me. I don't get that from the boys a lot lately. We're all just so busy with our lives, it's hard to go back and talk to everyone that often. So those moments are always so wonderful, even at 2AM.

Completely unrelated: This song has grown on me. Ugh. Cannot resist techno.