Making My Day

In a stressful and exhausting week, I want to give some shoutouts to the things that made me feel infinitely better.

• To Cheesecake Factory! To time with two of my favorite boys, good food, and the delicious new Cinnabon flavor
• To happy engagements! To the most adorable couple of all time. To receiving my Save the Date card from Evan & Ali
• To empowering women! To the amazing, informative, and soul healing Women in Theatre Conference at HCC and all the incredible ladies I met. To seeing people I love in such an important setting. To making the drive there and back
• To Mamma Mia 2! To seeing family, laughing, and singing together
• To accepting Christ. To watching your family heal and support one another in their walks of faith. To the beautiful lives that are sure to come

July 15-20

I really don't write in here enough

I've been kinda worried about the month of July. I knew I'd be busy. I didn't think I'd be busy enough to distract myself from the fact that July 17th would be one year since the crappiest homecoming and the crappiest phone call ever. And yeah. It was on my mind. But I was wrong. I was very very busy. And it's going to be blogged about in parts. And on different days because I'm lazy.

The first part is the easy one. Long story short, mommy wasn't feeling well so she decided to go to the hospital and get some meds. Turned out to be a minor skin infection and at no point was it terrifyingly serious, but she did have a ten minute surgery and she was given lots of antibiotics that kept her in the hospital a total of three nights. We knew she would be okay. But I'll admit, sleeping in an empty house is a lot less fun when the reason is because your mom is in pain. It was a tough time for her. But I'm grateful.

I'm glad we found the infection when we did, and that a quick surgery was all it took for my mom to feel some relief. I'm glad my mom was actually willing to go in the first place, since usually it's a big argument. I'm glad that Nestor stepped up as my knight in shining armor and drove all the way to my house just so he could give me a ride to the hospital so I could drop blankets and toiletries off to my mom - even though it was close to midnight. I'm glad that her coworkers, our family, family friends, church members, and even my friends who didn't know her gave an outpouring of support - it warmed her heart and actually really got me through the icky, lonely period. I'm mostly glad that when I felt alone and scared and stressed, Karla knew that her mom needed her and that she would be of more help than someone stressed about missing work could hope to be. Karla, along with her whole family, drove up from North Carolina and stayed with us for the week. It was probably the best surprise my mother could have asked for. And the immediate relief I felt once I had my big sister there was beyond expression. It was the part of the movie where the music changes and you hear the theater audience collectively breathe because the tension is gone and things are definitely going to be okay now. I can't thank the Bowens enough for being willing to make the trip.

Mommy is feeling a million times better now and life resumes as normal. We are a very blessed family to have a God and a community looking out for us at all times.

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.

"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

The One Year Mark

On Tuesday, my little nephew turned one year old. I remember last April very vividly. It was a hectic time to say the least. I enjoyed the projects I was a part of when they didn't stress me out, but overall, it was a pretty hard point. A lot changed and I felt rather defeated most of the time. I guess April in general is a transition period for me. But on April 18, 2016, my adorable little David Jonathan was born. Thank God. I don't know what would've happened to me if he didn't arrive at that perfect time. My niece and nephew, despite all the insanity and chaos they bring, are little angels that God sent to save me. Of that I am convinced.

He's finally warming up to me. Maybe it's because he's sick haha. But he actually asks to go with me now. He's playing with me and chatting with me a lot more. Hopefully I'll be able to help him walk or talk some more before he and the gang move. I'm so happy to spend these last few months with them right by my side. And hopefully he doesn't get me sick before my show haha.

Eric is here for the weekend! On Saturday, we will have a huge celebration for the itty bitty. The theme is Charlie Brown, of course! It'll be a treat for everyone. I know being away from his family is not easy for Eric, and Karla misses him every day. I'm grateful that they're able to have moments like this weekend where they can be happy together. As much as I want desperately to keep them, God has a plan for my big sister. She has her own family now and that's where she needs to go: wherever is best for them. No matter how far, she's still there for me. So I've got to make sure to do the same. For her and for the kiddos.

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!

It's Thanksgiving Weekend

To make long stories short: Getting out of work early is so very beautiful. Driving in daylight is not fun, but much better than the dark. Christmas music is fun. Food is so good. Family is amazing. My small ones make me happy. Days off from work are much needed. And I'm just blessed in a million ways. My Thanksgiving video is up on my channel. And, as grateful as I am for all the kind messages I received yesterday. I will never ever ever get over these texts from my mentees. It warms my heart to no end.

Family Time

During my Skype call with Nick today, I got to talk to his sister! Not Lily, but Lissy who goes to McDaniel. Funnily enough, we discussed cheesecake. One of my favorite things in the world. She bakes lots of yummy things and she said she'd make me one which brings me SO MUCH JOY. But basically she seems really cool and I look forward to meeting her in person. I just wanna say watching the two of them interact was the cutest flipping thing. Family love is great. Especially in the ways that no one outside can ever understand.

Day 21: Sunset

Not a whole lot of sun during a flood warning.

Spring Break Begins

My final Spring Break is off to a wonderful start. Just in time. I so desperately needed a break, partially 'cause stress and partially 'cause I'm spoiled and the feeling of being on campus for a month straight is slightly overwhelming. Of course visits from my family and friends helped, but it's so good to be in my own home in my own bed.

First night and I got to see my high school's production of Seussical! Adorable production with some very promising performers AND A PROPS DEPARTMENT THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND GOD BLESS (R.I.P lighting crew, I'm so sorry for Smeallie's trippy approach, but it looks GORG). Best of all, I saw it with my girls Margie & Charlotte, who always make me feel safe at home.

And today was my nephew's baby shower! Karla did such a great job with everything. The whole thing looked so great. The kids had lots of fun, the activities were cute, the food was delicious, and it was so beautiful to spend the day with family. We are all very blessed to know and love one another, and today was a great reminder of that. And Baby David will be with us SO VERY SOON <3 I cannot wait to love on this new little gift from God. Hope he's ready to meet Tia Sammy!

My Baby and New Baby

I got a wonderful visit today from Karla and Cristina and my mommy. It was SO. UNBELIEVABLY good to see them. I've missed them way too much for words. Poor mama has a cold and Baby David is not helping, but we're all excited for the Baby Shower in 2 weeks. And even more excited to meet Baby David in April. (Yes April. Please no more May babies).

Also. I got a new phone! Finally! After having problems with Rin for at least 4 months. Karla & Eric got me a new phone as a graduation present. So I better graduate haha. It's a Galaxy Core Prime. His name is Castor (like the club owner in Tron: Legacy, as per my theme). Hooray for being able to communicate with the outside world :D

12-24-15

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

It is Christmas! And my favorite part is just all the love and joy people have. This is such a magical time. Our Lord and Savior was born. The greatest gift the world has ever known was given to this Earth, so of course this is cause for celebration!

Karla, Eric, and Cristina came over for lunch, so we, along with my Tia and Tio, all had an absolutely delicious meal together. Tio Jhonny can make a mean salad. And I'm going to have to start making some of that green bean casserole because WOW that was delish. How lovely to celebrate with good food and good company. With people who remember the reason for the season :)

Time at the Bowens

I think a big concern when I come home for short periods of time is whether or not I will get the chance to see Karla, Eric, and Cristina. It isn't always possible, unfortunately. But today, I spent the vast majority of my day with Karla, and got some lovely hugs from the whole family. It was nice to be helpful and help Karla plan and get organized. And I always get excited when Cristina wants to play with me. It's just a good feeling. I am happy I got the chance :)

Oh Baby!

We went to a baby shower today! I spent the vast majority of today with my beautiful family. Oh boy did I need that. I laughed and laughed and laughed. And wow that food was delicious. Jessica looks so absolutely happy. And I'm excited to meet Baby Valentina. Also, because family knows they will not be seeing me for my birthday, I got a good handful of gifts! How sweet are they? They will be coming back to McDaniel with me because I will not open them before my birthday. And you already know, finally seeing Karla was literally the highlight of my week. And then of course chatting with Cristina, who is always a trip. I will never get enough of her "I love you"s. Great day.

Also. OHIO STATE 42 MICHIGAN 13

TAKE THAT WOLVERINES

Better When I'm Dancin'

I came home this weekend as scheduled, and it could not have been better timing. I got really sick this morning and it pretty much threw me off for the majority of the day. And then, when it was time to leave McDaniel, I go outside and see my mom, Karla, and Cristina. I stepped outside and that little baby smiled so big! My heart soared. I wasn't ACTUALLY cured at that moment, but just being in the car with them made me feel a whole lot better. I'm still kinda weak now, and am taking things slow. But I feel much much better. And since I felt better, I got to enjoy the Peanuts Movie in theaters. Which of course made me cry and was super duper cute.

9-18-15

My Tia Haydee is home! (I am also home for the weekend). She is visiting from El Salvador for a few weeks and I'm really glad to see her. She hasn't been here since 3 years ago (for Karla's wedding) so it's really cool that she's visiting. It'll be really nice for my mom to have some company. Plus, there is now tons of delicious Salvadorian cheese and semita and all that jazz in our fridge. You already know she brought that big old bag of Pollo Campero. Oooh! I'ma get so sick and I do not even mind.

Cheat Weekend

I had funnel cake yesterday. And ice cream today. Let's be real I will probably have dessert tomorrow either at Jose's birthday party or during my dinner with Fabrizio. Ah well. Good food is good. Gotta work it off when I get back to school. Meanwhile I have not been super productive but have been instead relaxing and catching up with family. Seeing baby today was lovely. I love her so much. She makes my heart super happy. There's a lot of love in that house.

Why Oh Why Oh Why Oh

We are going to Ohio for the weekend! Eric's sister Lisa is having a baby shower and we have been invited. Eric's mommy was super excited about getting our room all nice and pretty for us, which is way too cute. Going elsewhere will be a nice change of pace. Also, a weekend with Karla & Cristina! Always something to look forward to. Sidenote, hella proud because I'm packing ultra light and I honestly don't feel like I'm missing anything. Mommy might be struggling with that a bit more, but I'm sure she will manage okay.

Grid is not going with me on this trip ('cause let me not be rude and on my computer all weekend) and accessing blogger on my phone is a hassle and a half SO I shall see this blog again on Sunday!

4.9.15 - My Happy Place

She told me I could talk about it. If this is too personal for her, then she can tell me and I will remove this post.

A little while ago, my Little started a blog. She made her own version of my Smilation blog. It's really sweet. It has been great to see her find light in every day and work to be more optimistic. I can't tell you how happy she makes me or how much I adore her. thesmallthoughts.blogspot.com is quickly becoming one of my favorite websites. And the post for April 9th, the longer one, just about melted my heart. Because knowing you have made a difference in the life of someone who has also changed you for the better is such a blessing. I think we are both very blessed to have found each other. God knows what He's doing, and sending this girl into my life was a great move. Her post was something I needed to hear. And I won't cry, but I will hold it in my heart always.

4-5-15

I went to Karla's for Easter dinner with my lovely family for some amazing food. Yo, that corn casserole. Ugh. Anyway. Cristina woke up from her nap, so I went upstairs to say hello. She saw me and said my name right away. And then I said hi and she smiled super big. She went with me lots of times today. I am quite happy. Happy Easter!

A Post for The 20th

How long do you think it will take me to remember to write every day?

Cristina came over yesterday! Now that her mommy is working full time, my mommy will be babysitting in the mornings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cristina actually had a lot of fun. It was nice to wake up and hear her giggling with my mom. And when Eric came to pick her up in the afternoon, he stayed for lunch which was really nice. I'm not used to company during the day, but it was a good time.