Party Season!

I'm pretty sure I had the greatest night of my life last night. It was my cousin's engagement party and it was spectacular. I can't even imagine how incredible the wedding will be. Surprisingly I stayed happy the entire night. I didn't even mind not knowing half the people there and having to stand in front of them all to perform with my other cousins. Of course, they ridiculously strong screwdrivers helped with all of that. I have also tasted the best beer ever. It's called Timmerman's and it's a raspberry beer. Yes, it's girly, but delicious! Usually I hate dancing, but I love my family and having my kind of music helped a ton (thanks to my brother). The photographer even told me she loved our family and that it was the best party she'd ever photographed. The bar also called my cousin to tell her that our family was so much fun and to come back whenever! I am so lucky to have these incredible people surrounding me and I am thankful for it everyday.

A strange DC weekend

Just had a great weekend in DC with two of my cousins. And there's a great story to go along with it. We went out touring around 10am on Saturday. We got on a pretty full metro car with only two individual seats open so I stood. There was a guy that had his bag on a seat and he ended up moving it for me. He was writing something in a small notebook. Of course as soon as I sat down I got a text from one of my cousins saying "he's hot" and then "give him ur number or mine". So great. He put his notebook away and said that it was too hard to write. We started talking and he was really nice and normal. Of course, I hate sitting next to people and I was sweating and so nervous. We got off the metro and my other cousin invited him to go touring with us because his friend abandoned him. He ended up joining us the whole day and now knows all about our family. He even started doing excellent imitations of us. We went out later that night and had invited him to come, but he didn't get back to us until later claiming his phone had died. Well, today I was stalking people per my usual and came to find out he lied about his age. What's even funnier is that I had hypothesized that last night!! I couldn't stop laughing and still can't. So basically the reason he didn't come out was because he wouldn't have been able to get into the bars! But, hey a three year difference is nothing ;) These are the things I wish would happen to me at least once a week. I just want my life to be like a movie!!

Whole 30 Program

It's been so nice to have a job. We had staff day yesterday and it was really nice to be a part of something awesome. So many amazing new possibilities for libraries. The only part that was bad for me was the lunch. I have been doing this Whole 30 program, which basically means no wheat, dairy or added sugar or preservatives. Mostly no processed foods. They had sandwiches for lunch, a salad with way too much dressing and cookies and candy everywhere. I had been doing well for 2 weeks :(

The goal of the program is to cut out all foods other than fruits, vegetables and meat. After 30 days you can start adding stuff back in. It apparently helps you find out how certain foods affect you. Whether it's allergies, break outs, or digestion. It's perfect for me, but now I have to start over. Right now there's no way I could do it because Halloween is coming soon an then it's Thanksgiving and Christmas. It will just have to wait until January or February. It seems like a long time. At least it has helped me to start eating a lot healthier. I am going to continue with having no fried food and I will try my hardest not to eat wheat and dairy. Sugar is the hard part. Life is hard without chocolate.

Finally joining the world

I think it's time I start writing again. It finally feels like I am getting my life together. I got a part-time job at my public library and started this week. Which means I can pay for my own gas and phone bill! Yes, I am still living at home with my parents taking care of most (all) of my expenses. However, with my mom on business trips a lot and my dad working at Lowe's it feels like I'm on my own a little more than before. Don't get me wrong though, if there was any way having my own apartment would be cheaper I would do it. Saving money is my number one priority now as is finishing my master's degree.

I'm also realizing that I never wrote anything about my trip to Europe over the summer! I'm not going to go over every detail. I will say:
The people in the program were amazing! London was by far the best because I was really on my own for the first time in my life. This meaning no immediate contact to my parents or anyone I knew. It was also amazing being with my cousin in Edinburgh. I loved just enjoying the hostel and relaxing. Paris was more tourism packed and thus more tiring. It's also where I got my phone stolen by gypsies. Not the best day, but it certainly was an experience. The pastries from Kayser helped a lot. Mmmm the raspberry tart was excellent! Lastly, Nice was beautiful. I'm glad I got to hangout on the beach eating french food and people watching while listening to music. Shopping was also a highlight there. The walking was not to my liking though; way too many hills.

Back to the present. Europe was definitely a life changing experience. I know everyone says that, but I am so much more open to trying new things now; not just food. Even though I don't feel exceptionally confident, I'd say I have improved considerably. The energy from my new liking of coffee may be helping with that :|  I guess I should mention that there's a guy I'm interested in. It feels a little complicated right now, but I'm hoping to get some clarity soon. I think I just have to take initiative.

Wish me luck :D

In addition --- In your face New Year's Resolution!!! That's a first.

Review of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

I figured I'd attempt a book review as practice for the future. I'm sure mastering the art will take a while, but it will absolutely be an asset.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith is the first book I have read for my new book club. It was an extremely quick read, which disappoints me because I did not want it to end. I cried, but mostly I laughed. The protagonist with a fear of mayonaise, Hadley, is reluctantly off to her father's wedding in London. She ends up missing her plane and is put on the next one out. As fate would have it she meets a lanky brit, Oliver, who helps with her suitcase at the airport and they end up sitting next to each other on the 7 hour flight. Of course the book was not just about falling in love. Hadley's parents have gotten a divorce and it deals with the much complicated issue of moving on. Smith does a great job of hitting on all of the emotions that come with the issue. The flashbacks are also expertly weaved in. It was a different experience for me, reading a book in third person present tense. It is definitely something I'd like to do more often.

I tend to find links to my own life in books and imagine myself as the main character. I'm sure I'm not the only- I mean, reading is mainly to escape one's own life, isn't it? Anyway, I am taking my first trip by myself to London in 2 weeks, and oh how I would like it to pan out like this book. If I meet someone as witty as Oliver over there I probably won't come back.

Side Note- I could not stop laughing at Hadley's fear of mayonaise and dentists. That's 100% me. That whole dialog was brilliant.

My LibraryThing if anyone would like to check out books I have read.

End of the Semester!

My last paper of the semester is due Tuesday! I just started and I really just want to relax today and have a movie marathon... or something. It should be an interesting, easy paper because it's supposed to be on what I'm interested in, but I always have a problem starting things. Writing about e-books, the internet and changing libraries would normally be intriguing, but I am so tired of research and I don't want to go back through all of the articles from the semester. I also have an issue of remembering what I've read and end up writing my opinions, which isn't scholarly, is it?

Moving on from school- my trip to Europe is quickly approaching and I really just want to pack now!! My feelings keep fluctuating between extreme nervousness and ecstasy.  London, Edinburgh, Paris! There is too much to do!!! And I'm not even thinking about my classes because I still haven't got my schedule! I have been trying really hard to stay healthy for my trip. I have been taking Whiskey to run in the park and have started to ride my bike again, which is harder than I remember it being. Why are there so many gears!?

Other than that Doctor Who and Game of Thrones have been awesome!!

I'm going to London in May!

Another weekend of procrastination. Why do I do this? I have no idea where to start with my big research paper due in two weeks and instead of trying to figure it out I'm watching Star Trek TNG and debating what to bake for later tonight. I've also recorded a video and scrolled through Tumblr for an hour. I've even cleaned and exercised. EVERYTHING but do research! I feel that something is wrong with me. I really wish my professor would give us more instruction on our paper. I'm just not sure if she actually wants us to conduct studies or if she just wants us to go off past research. I fear it may be too late to start a survey now.

Since last time I have received my passport and have registered for a seminar in London at the end of May!! It is all I can think about and since it's so far in the future I'm forgetting the responsibilities I have now. My passport is awesome by the way (just not my picture)! I am so excited to be going. I get to stay in the Bloomsbury district and visit Cambridge and Oxford as well as get behind the scene tours of the British Library and other museums in the area!!!! I'll definitely try and keep my blog updated for the entire two weeks I'm there.

Happy Valentine's Day

Of course, mine consisted of a lot of chocolate. I can't wait to have an amazing Valentine's one day.
I went to get my passport today! Except, I messed up the one check I had and now I'll have to wait until next week... ugh. Also, why does no one ever smile in government facilities? Don't they know it intimidates people and makes them nervous (maybe that's just me)!? I'm really hoping to go to Europe this summer, which means I NEED a job. Even if it's part time, I'd be happy. Monday I plan to apply to Kohl's and Marshall's since they both have openings.  Hopefully I'll hear back from the library about volunteering and everything will be perfect (crosses fingers).

As for this weekend, I get to spend it with my lovely cousins and brother (and possibly some adorable, yet to be born golden retriever puppies)! In other news, classes are going well. My first paper/powerpoint was due this week and it has made me so much more relaxed now that it's out of the way. I just hope I won't have to redo it. I think I've finally hit the point in my life where I realize I have to do things on my own for myself (it think it took me a little longer than everyone else). It's really hard to do though when you live with your parents. I mean, "Don't burn yourself" and "Use this instead". I think I know what I'm doing!!

Looking back on my New Year's resolution - I think I'm getting there.

Being Sick

Well, a viral bug went around last weekend and got to seven of my family members that went to a dinner party. It managed to make its way to me as well. It was nasty. Let me just say, vomiting for 12 hours has no benefits (okay one benefit- losing 3 lbs).  I couldn't even do anything. I tried sleeping, but I would just wake up every 40 minutes. This happened in the middle of the night on Thursday and I'm almost fully recovered except for little headache and stomachache I still have. Yesterday was horrible, my entire body was sore and I was either freezing cold or burning up. I am so happy it's over. 

My grandmother got it first, which worried all of us because she had just gone to the hospital the week before because she had a small brain bleed. Luckily, she is back on her feet, a little slower, but not without her sense of humor. January has felt never ending and I really hope February turns out to be a lot better for everyone.

A wonderful christmastime with a little pep talk

It feels great to type and get out what I'm thinking. I feel like it has been a while. I'm definitely going through some sort of crisis or something right now. I have no idea what to do. I start class tomorrow, but it's only two nights a week. Granted, it will give we something to do since I've been sitting around like  a lazy slob for seven months. I have a serious problem with procrastinating my job search. I have put in resumes, but the one that got back to me I never responded to. WHAT is my problem!? My parents aren't even pressuring me to get one, but I guess it's more important my dad finds one first. I have promised my cuz a week visit to DC; so after that if I'm not motivated, someone please just punch me.

I have to say it somewhere, it might as well be here. Last year had to be the best of my life, at least so far. I had a wonderful internship, so many amazing times at the beach (including my birthday!), a fun post turkeybowl, an iPhone (at the very bottom of the list), and two spectacular christmas parties. Even though some of the 2nd xmas party is a blur, something definitely changed that night in me. I feel more confident and ready for the world, or at least I did. I think I'm returning to my old self and it's probably because I need to get out of this house! I need life and adventure, sitting at home watching TV and sleeping all day is neither. And I know I won't feel the same in the morning, I'll have reverted to my sluggish self and not do anything about it, plus leaving the house means spending money that I don't have (yea, yea I know, a job would fix all my problems).
Luckily, I have a lot to do tomorrow.

New Year Resolution - Stop being so weak and nervous; just put yourself out there and get a job
(you have nothing to lose and all the guilt will go away)!

Endnote- Doctor Who Xmas special was awesome. I love the new companion already!