I’m Alive! What I’ve Learned this Summer

Pic Credit: Tumblr

It has been quite a while since I have blogged. This summer has been so busy being filled with an intense summer class and intense hours at work. However, I am back and better than ever! Despite the fact that nothing truly exciting happened to me this summer other than lunching at Ray’s Boathouse with my mom and filling my library full of books, there have been much learned by me this summer.

1. Cooking is enjoyable: There is something about cooking your own meal that leaves not only a satisfaction, but a relief of knowing what went into it! From friends, ideas on Tumblr (I’m not a Pinterest girl), and watching my own mother and her clean eating ways — I’ve developed some great recipes that are incredible and very healthy It took me a while to want to cook and to start cooking. I used to do quick pasta and eggs, but now I’ve ventured into various meals. It’s been an exciting adventure for me!

2. Houseplants are dangerous: Throughout this summer, my mom and I have been working on the decor and finishing up various projects for my apartment. Her open summer schedule allowed her to come down and help me with decorating, polishing up, and finding better furniture for my apartment. This includes encouraging me to buy my first house plant. I am hooked! I love having the plant in my home and already plan on adding contained vines, miniature trees, succulents, etc. They make the apartment more homey and more mine.

3. Time makes being single easier: This summer marked a full year of being single. Since my ex and I broke up in July 2013, I’ve had flings here and there along with an on and off situation that has lasted for years, but nothing official and nothing with commitment. At first it was difficult, but throughout the summer I grew to truly enjoy being alone. I don’t like to share my couch, I enjoy my alone time after work, I use my entire bed and hate sharing. I am allowed to take off for the country when I want, able to go out with my friends at last minute, and figure out that not talking to someone after a tiring day at work is wonderful. It sounds cliche and boring, but for an introvert like myself — it is really a relief.

4. A clean apartment is essential: When I first moved in, my apartment was a mess. Nothing was organized correctly, everything was in piles, things were just thrown into drawers, onto the floor and into the sink. Now, I cannot deal with too many dishes piling up in the sink, the carpets are vacuumed once a week, everything is dusted every other week, and clothes are picked up off of the floor. I have found that I am able to enjoy my space far much more when everything is put in its proper place and organized in a way that makes room for potential.

5. The right people enter your life at the right time: Before the summer, I was in a place where I preferred being alone, didn’t go out, and had issues with friendships fading in and out of my life. However, the right people who are supposed to be in your life come in when you least expect it. Over the summer, I have found incredible friends at work. Some I have grown closer to, some have been working just for the summer — but when I needed people to have fun with and who enjoyed doing what I did, they entered my life. There is no need to force people to stay in your life when they exhaust you. Friendships are to be work, but at the same time, the best friendships are a breath of fresh air.

6. You can’t please everyone: How cliche is this? Sadly, it is but it is very true! I am not the kind of person who is willing to please everyone. I will go above and beyond for people who treat me well and who mean a lot to me, but there are also those who I will probably not get along with because of various reasons. I have found this out about myself: I will treat you well if you treat me well, if you do not treat me well — I will not go that extra step. I thought something was wrong with me because there are people I was not getting along with, but instead it was simply the way I was wired because of how they were treating me first.

It’s so nice to be back, readers! Expect more this fall!

Debriefing My Summer Bucket List

Pic Credit: Tumblr

 Right before classes ended, I wrote a summer bucket list last spring. Now that summer is basically over, despite the fact that I don’t start classes until the 25th, it is time to go over the summer bucket list and figure out what I did and did not do, and maybe I should put onto my Fall bucket list.

 

1. Paint a Chevron Print : Sadly, this is not happen. I never got around to painting, especially with my busy schedule. However, this is still on my fall bucket list.

 

2. Lose ten pounds in the month of May: I did not lose ten pounds in May, HOWEVER I did lose 12 pounds by the beginning of August. With that saying, I lost weight – that’s all that matters.

 

3. Meet new friends at Clipper this summer: This DEFINITELY happened. I met some of the greatest friends I have to this day at Clipper this summer. Some of whom I am planning on moving in with too!

 

4. Go to a UW party: This did not happen, instead I went to a lot of Clipper parties with my friends.

 

5. Go completely local and organic: For the most part I’ve done that, but this didn’t happen this summer. Food is hard to buy when you’re really poor.

 

6. Buy a new Coach purse: Instead of a Coach, I bought a Longchamp.

 

7. Buy a pair of Tory Burch Flats: Yeah…. Didn’t happen.

 

8. Completely redo my wardrobe: Now, I did a decent start of a wardrobe, but mine needs a lot of work after being in Pullman for two years. So fall is the perfect chance to get a start on that. Especially with all of the cute boutiques in the Seattle area.

 

9. Find the perfect skin regiment: I did do this! I found great cleanser, exfoliator, and a fantastic moisturizer that makes my skin look even better!

 

10. Meet someone unexpected: I met my unexpected people. The greatest thing that happened this summer was not by meeting someone, but knowing someone and allowing the unexpected to happen.

 

11. Learn something new about myself: I learned many new things about myself this summer, but the mot memorable was to trust my instincts – those gut instincts tend to be right and I need to listen to them.

 

12. Tan naturally: Obviously

 

13. Become best friends with one of my new roommates: Sadly, this did not happen, but I did become best friends and made myself some future roommates!

 

14. Go to Portland: I haven’t done this yet, but I am within the next couple weeks!

 

15. Find the perfect bathing suit: I’ve been so busy focusing on work and building up my closet and so forth that I haven’t found one! This is on my spring bucket list for sure!

 

16. Start bike riding: Yeah, didn’t do this.

 

17. Go to a yoga class: Ditto as above.

 

18. Read the New Yorker regularly: This I was able to do! I love this magazine, definitely a good bucket list item to have!

 

19. Go to a local concert: Not enough hours in the summer, but going on my fall bucket list for sure!

 

20. Find the perfect breakfast place in Seattle: This one I did without even thinking about the bucket list. For my mom’s birthday, we tried Oddfellows on Capitol Hill, near Eliot Bay Books. It is INCREDIBLE. Definitely my favorite breakfast spot.

 

21. Read “Ten Little Indians” by Sherman Alexie: It is in my nightstand and being read lately! I’ll make sure to tell ya how I like it!

 

22. Find the perfect desk for school: I am on the hunt as we speak!

 

23. Order all of the Batman the Animated Series on DVD: Yeah….not enough money for this.

 

24. Fall in love with grapefruit: This easily happened within the weeks of summer beginning.

 

25. Get comfortable with my personality and my body: This happened. I got comfortable with who I am as a person, realizing my strengths and weaknesses. With that, losing weight as helped my really become happy with my body, but also realizing that I have work to do yet.

 

26. Fall in love with healthy food: I haven’t eaten fast food in months – I win.

 

27. Start cooking: As much as I wanted this one to start, it didn’t. I have a great kitchen, I’m just never home. So with this fall coming up, I’m hoping to really be able to cook.

 

28. Begin living holistically: Meh. I really need to be better about taking vitamins.

 

29. Finish Grey’s Anatomy: I’m lame and didn’t even do this.

 

30. See more independent films: Thanks to one of my really good friends who loves independent films, this was made possible this summer.

 

So this was my summer! Keep an eye out for Fall’s Bucket List!

 

My Summer Must Haves

 

During the summer, I exchange my big sweaters, good boots, scarves, and textbooks for a few good favorite items I always have nearby or on hand. Without them, it wouldn’t quite be summer!

1. Yoga Shorts: While jean shorts and tailored shorts are perfect for those days at the beach, with those cute tank tops, or with that perfect casual out on the town look — yoga shorts do the job when I want to run errands without looking too fantastic. 

2. Magazines: I still read normal books during the summer, but I seem to stack up my magazine collection more during the summer than during the winter. The New Yorker, Elle, Glamour, Vanity Fair, and Vogue are my go to magazines for beach reading or even just an afternoon on the deck.

3. The Perfect Girl Show: Sex and the City is the ultimate girl show, however, there are several that completely steal my heart. Summer is the perfect time of the year to pop in one of those seasons, pour champagne, and have a girls nights with your best girls. My favorites include New Girl and HBO’s Girls.

4. The Portable Dorothy Parker: If you haven’t read any of her writing — I am disappointed in you. She’s a must have.

5. Aviators: My favorite kind of summer sunglasses. While patterns are cute and big shades are great – I prefer the lighter and easier aviator sunglasses. They give an edgy look to every outfit.

6. Maxi Dresses/Skirts: The perfect outfit for any summer party or outing. You can make these casual enough for a backyard BBQ or dress it up for a cocktail party. These are lightweight and perfect even for lounging around or traveling.

7. Sam Edelman sandals: These are the must have sandals for the summer. Not too expensive, they are the perfect grownup sandal that goes with anything. Much like the maxi dress, dress them up or down. They are so comfortable, easily my favorite shoes.

8. The Perfect Summer Playlist: My summer playlist includes the Top 40 with Jason DeRulo, Demi Lovato, Daft Punk, Ellie Goulding, but I also have the classic Stone Temple Pilots, a little of The Used, and Luke Bryan. It’s perfect for those drives to the beach, to the coffee stand, or even on the road with friends.

9. That Cheesy Romance Novel: There is nothing like reading at least one Sidney Sheldon romance novel during the summer – mostly because the guys in those books are way better than in real life.

10. Gossip Girl: ‘Nuf said.

Make your own summer must have list to see what your summer favorites are!

You’re Forgetting How to Act Part 16

Pic Credit: Tumblr

1. I will never trust UPS after they screwed up delivering my package on time, especially since it happened to be a top I purchased specifically for a party the day after the scheduled delivery date.

2. Starbucks’ new La Boulange food line is fantastic. If you haven’t tried it, you will be pleasantly surprised.

3. Never be afraid to try new things. New trends, new food, new people, even new movies. Don’t get caught in a rut — keep your life spicy!

4. If you like a girl, tell her. Don’t play games and leave her wondering. You don’t have to date her, just tell her! #guysarestupid #whatever.

5. If you’re not Team Damon, then we have nothing to talk about. #truestory #thevampirediaries #damonishotter

6. Roommates are fantastic to have when you have no idea what to wear to a party.

7. My latest literary obsession is Dorothy Parker. #literature #writer #poet

8. If it is a Saturday, there is no reason to put on real clothes until it is time to go out with friends. Embrace wearing no pants.

9. Summer obsessions should include maxi dresses, tequila, bikinis, braids, books, sunshine, and meeting new friends. #summertime

10. Myths all start from some truth. Always find myths that you love to read, myths that relate to your life. #mythology

You’re Forgetting How to Act Part 13

Pic Credit: Tumblr

1. I never know what to do for the 4th of July because I already celebrated the 3rd of July… #biglakeproblems

2. Just because you are in a rush does not mean you are the most important person in the store, restaurant, plane, boat, world, etc. Be patient and wait your turn. Do not crowd people or ask to go ahead of someone. Remember your manners and remember that everyone has somewhere they need to be. #remembermannerspeople

3. Um, I’m not your girlfriend. I can ignore you and refuse to do what you want me to do. Puh-lease.

4.  I do not care how “classy” you think you are, but the second you mention how high you rank in a rodeo is the second I will have nothing to do with you. #ohplease #no

5. If you are a guy in a Friends with Benefit situation, and the girl does not want anything more from your “relationship” be good to her and treat her well. She’s giving you the best situation.

6. Watch 50 Ways to Look Smart on John Green’s Tumblr page. I do at least 25% of those even when I’m not trying to look smart!

7. Just because you read two Chuck Klosterman books does not make you an intellectual. Just stop and read them for what they are. #intellectualwannabes #juststop #dontruinthatbookforme

8. Just because you are wearing cheap clothes does not mean you have to look cheap.

9. I enjoy playing mentally stimulating puzzle games while watching mindless TV.

10. Keep it classy with a C, not with a K. #alwaysclassynevertrashy

You’re Forgetting How to Act Part 4

1. Certain things that you loved as a child are still just as good as an adult, like Disney movies and Ring Pops.

Pic Credit: Tumblr

2. If you truly love your significant other, do not tell me you have feelings for me. Homie don’t play that.

3. Do not treat me like I’m stupid, frat boy. You are freaking out over an exam in a 101 course. I’m sorry you cannot be nice to me because I haven’t caked on my makeup and acted liked a fake bimbo clone today. Go away.

4. Hemlock Grove is completely brilliant. Despite it being slow and very strange in the beginning, it was well worth finishing. My mouth is still sore from my jaw dropping in shock.

5. All I can think about is having a Chanel bag. Classic black quilted flap front with a chain strap. My priorities are in the correct order.

6. The passing lane is on the LEFT. Get out of the lane so I can go faster than you and get home in less than an hour from Seattle. Thank you.

7. When you hear a noise in the night and think a person is coming in to murder you, you know it’s time to lay off the true crime shows before bed.

8. My hope in humanity is restored now that I know there is an adult coloring book out there.

9. Face it. Drugs aren’t working for you. If you need something to swallow and make you feel better, take vitamins. Those will help in the long run.

10. It’s summer time. It’s all about yoga shorts now.