New AND Improved!

My crazy awesome idea to completely change up my look to start a new year :).

My Hair Stylist, whom I ABSOLUTELY ADORE! (Who can guess the movie this quote is from?!?!) insisted on taking before and after pictures :) Which obviously made me feel even better about chopping my hair off.  

A little montage of the haircutting process. I was smart enough to bring a friend with me so I had someone to document the event and boy was I glad I did!

Starting the process!! EEeeeekkk 

Chopped off! and wrapped up so nicely for me to send out!

I decided to donate my locks to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, mostly because recently there was an article I read that clarified where hair donations actually go and who they benefit. After reading said article, I then went to all the websites that were mentioned and looked specifically who my hair would go to and how the organization really worked. I was really happy to do this kind of research :)

My final look and if I may compliment myself a little Taylor Swift esque 

After my hair cut, my friend Sarah and I had to return her Mom's car and pick up her boyfriend. We all headed back up to Portland because Sarah and I had planned to have my nose pierce, her monroe pierced, and we both wanted our second hole in our ears. Yep we had a plan! Below is the finished result after Hair cut, Nose pierced, and Second holes in place. Sarah called me Queen of Snapchat  and I will not lie, I was slightly excited to show off the nose ring and fresh cut! It's just so nice to get so much chopped off at once, scary, but nice.

Pretty sure this was to a friend so she could see all the changes I made in just one day :)

*Oh and I may have asked Sarah's boyfriend if a nose piercing made one's nose look thinner, haha it's ok though Sarah has one too so I was bound to get the correct response*

How You Get Conned

Dear Parents,


I get it. I get how you get coaxed into giving kids what they want. Sometimes, just so they'll shut up be quiet.

I experienced this in FULL FORCE the other night while babysitting some of my regular little ladies. One of the girls was VERY itching, to put it simply, (to be fair she had clearly broken out from something) and as sympathetic as I can be, I can physical only do so much and if you choose to continue to scratch away (like I would :D ) then I really can't help.

We attempted a bath, which allowed the rash to go down and the itching to subside for a while. Later while reading books we attempted some coconut oil, which really just made her oil-ey and smell delicious haha. Needless to say it didn't help for long.

Then came time to say goodnight.... or not. I went to tuck in her sister when she went all ballistic on me and insert full on fit mode. Screamed bloody murder and incoherent words of another language and possible worship of something. WOW, I'm so sorry parents... I'm so fortunate to say goodbye to these lovely "angels" at the end of the day/night.

 I am willing to admit that for this family I generally do some extra housework while I sit and was in the middle of laundry, so I may have closed the laundry room door and folded some clothes while she screamed outside. Parents will understand... I went back to check on her and how she had stripped out of her footie pjs. I asked if we could talk and not have screaming any more and she finally told me she was STILL itchy    -_- . Insert Benadryl cream that finally allowed her to pass out, although not before she laid on the couch trying to talk to me while I cleaned the dishes and asked me "before you leave, will you please give me a kiss?" I get it parents, I get it. Those little words after an awful 3hrs of complaining, itching, and screaming completely melted my heart. So of course after she fell asleep in her bed (after I carried her upstairs and rubbed her back for 20mins) I snuck in a kiss on her forehead.


Wanna hear the best part of my story? I got paid shortly after AND I got to leave and go to sleep in my own bed :). As much as I can complain about not having everything I thought I would by 25, I am grateful to have my own space and have these moments to laugh about.

After Christmas Party (Long over due)

Every year my Dad's side of the family gets together after Christmas because it really is a crazy time before hand, so it's always been more convenient to gather after the hype of the Holidays. Well we pushed it this year by not getting together the week after Christmas, but 2weeks after the fact.

This year was kinda extra special for me, because it was the same day I chose to chop off about 8inches of my hair and pierce my nose, cuz why not? (You can read about that in a follow up post). This year was also different because my family usually hosts at our home, but this time we traveled to my Sister's new home where they hosted the craziness :).

Two of my cousins :)

I may have convinced my Niece that one of my cousins name was Justin because he slightly resembles Justin Bieber hehe. It was slightly hilarious partly because many started calling me Taylor Swift due to the new hairdo and although I took this as a very nice compliment, I then retaliated back. And mine actually stuck :)

All the Cousins

Cousins plus spouses plus my niece :)

It was an all out successful night, but I'm partial to family gatherings!

For the Love of Lexi

I feel like the worst person lately...Maybe feelings of guilt is better, I'm not sure. For the past 7 1/2 years my family has been lucky enough to own a beautiful, playful, charismatic, and yes at times obnoxious and attention seeking Golden Retriever we called Alexis or Lexi for short (A names are a plus in our family).

Lexi's first day at home with us <3

Her first bath after playing with a slug in the yard, so little!

She's a famous dog actually, in 2009 (wow, that's a while ago) my family made a funny video of Lexi chasing a freaking laser beam across the kitchen and eventually jumping over my brother, father, and brother-in-law. There was more to the video than they showed, but obviously was cut due to time. Our video has a few more sprints before jumps and more of our reactions after the....well you should watch to really see what I'm taking about :) oh and skip to 5mins 28seconds for Lexi's debut. After it aired (I kid you not) she refused pictures and snubbed video cameras... what a drama queen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwwcbx5waQw

She's a star, dont ya think??



She truly is a fantastic addition/fourth child to our family and we've had wonderful times spent with her. Sadly a few months ago she was diagnosed with Lymphoma Cancer, where her glands (really all over her body) became swollen and undoubtedly extremely uncomfortable. The poor thing, I'd never wish this upon anyone or creature and it's the absolute worst to watch day in a day out.

A few weeks ago I started writing a blog piece about her and sobbed the entire time I typed. Ugh, It's just the utmost worst feeling in the world knowing her presence around the house is coming to an end.

           I can't even look at my own dog for too long. I immediately begin to tear up and I have to walk away and not think about her never being here again. It's one of those, we have advanced warning of her probable death and yet I can't enjoy her. I know she's probably suffering, she went nearly a week without eating- extremely odd behavior for any animal, but this golden downs her food in seconds and doesn't appreciate anyone messing with her or the food during meal time-my brother will occasionally stick a hand in and bug her on purpose, they've always had a great relationship... I've envied it at times even. She's a beautiful dog with a family that's always been too much on the Go and hardly home to give her what she really deserved. We're really loving, but definitely could have done better by her. And now with her diagnosis of lymphoma cancer, she's getting all and any food (safe) she wants. Even my mother who has had a love but stronger hate relationship with her if giving her food (by throwing it far away) anytime she wants. 

The lil bro and I sent this to the parents while they were away :)

I'm going to miss her so incredibly much, it's unbearable to think about how empty the house is going to feel without her around. I'm going to miss her running to the door when someone comes home, her stealing washcloths off the kitchen counter while the family enjoys a television show, her paw prints on the stairs, barking at the door and having to search which door she's actually at, having to pull her off new people because she loved to socialize and loved people to know she was present.

It's truly one of those; "You don't know what you got till it's gone" situations and utterly blows. To Lexi, I'm sorry we couldn't do more for you! Love you beyond words, you'll be happy not to have your picture taken, and can truly rest in peace <3

Oh, and I'll miss her climbing on me during Thunderstorms. Why did it take me till now to realize she's my Thunder Buddy?!?!? Ugh, I'm now in search of a new one, never to replace only till the storm passes. 

The Adventures of House Sitting

I'll be completely honest; I thought it would be a dream come true house sitting for a family I know, living on my own, cooking/cleaning/maintaining and entertaining all on my own....

AND IT IS!!!

HA! Thought I was going in a different direction didn't ya? I've actually found it somewhat surprising how much I truly enjoy some me time. Between having the tv to myself, making the choice of what to make for dinner, always being able to do my own laundry when I want..yea it's been real nice. 

Whats been the best asset so far you ask?? well...

Sorry, not sorry! 

Can even watch Friends while relaxing!

The only downfall.. it's the company that was already here when I came to stay and their actually (half) the reason I'm staying at the house. 

All curled up on a snow day!

Meet Mischief and Zoe the kitties I'm charge of. Twice a day feedings,  couple times a week water changes, cleaning out litter boxes, and all around keeping company. That's my job with them in a nutshell.



Sadly, it ends next weekend.

What I've become...

Yea, I'm that happy "do what I want" kind of person with no one to answer too (of course the occasional check in with the rents is executable), until.... a party or couple-ly event comes up. Then it's "Crap...I got no one".

HOW UNBELIEVABLY PATHETIC AND SAD AM I?!?!?! 

Like really though, I've been this way for a while now. Manly because I've been single for quite a while... AWESOME. So everytime I go out with ladies that have significant others I either show up single, bring a guy friend (that I hardly talk to any more), or worse depending how you look at it my cousin... all options, what joy -_- 

Now honestly, props to the guy friend and the cousin who will go with me to these stupid things that I drag them too...but gosh darn it why not someone who wants to go with me and just wants to be with me??? I was texting at the same time as I wrote this and although very supportive and loving, saying "the person will be there and hey, when we go out afterwards you can have the freedom to flirt/dance with whoever at the bars!" Now this cheered me up, cuz if I will share anything personal with you it's this white girl. LOVES. to. DANCE! so uplifting comment I'll take.

Still, sadly I'll sit here by myself, house sitting for a family, and simple wallow in my single misery....

HAHAHAHAHA     Just Kidding!! I'm a dance and sing the heck out of this place! 

My First Comment!

I received my first blog comment the other day!! Yes I've been blogging for like 3years, but I've done a VERY bad job at it :(. But since taking it up again, I've reapplied my efforts and kept it going.


So yes, I've had people comment on my blog before, but to be honest it was my Sister and Sister-in-law...so they count but not in an official way, right??!

Not only was this comment a nice comment, it literally made me smile ear to ear and maybe a little squeal too want to write back immediately! Ah, it is so nice to kind of know that someone might be enjoying my writing, stories, and little life that I live! Besides those that I remind over and over about! I also had 35 visits that day! Maybe that's not a lot in blogging world, but it feels like a lot to me and my little stories over here!


Thank you again reader! and to future readers, I LOVE comments (but please keep them nice, huh?)

2015 changes

So I've had two thoughts for a few months now that 2015 would bring some changes for me. I will admit these ideas (like most best ideas usually do) came about because of my breakup this year where I wanted to change everything I possibly could about myself, without you know going crazy. Since October I've had the idea of chopping quite a bit of my hair off; which I do every couple of years anyway, but the breakup helped me really feel like change was needed!


The hair I would love to donate because I get compliments all the time about how pretty it is. I wish my hair grew longer faster so I was able to chop it off to donate it more often. I'm considering a little Reese Witherspoon/ Taylor Swift esq style

http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6229263/taylor-swifts-shake-it-off-makes-record-start-at-radio

http://www.laineygossip.com/Reese-Witherspoon-at-the-Golden-Globes-2014/29112


Thoughts?? I've recently realized that I probably can't ( insert sad face :( ) cut it off without it being ridiculously short and pretty much useless for a month. Sadly I'll just go and get a trim and some tips on how I can grow it out faster.

My second thought has been to .... umm..... get . my. nose. PIERCED!!! EEeeeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkkk.  I know, I know. I'm 25, I realize I'm having a mid-mid life crisis aka Quarter life crisis. I'm kind of okay with that though.. is that bad?? Now, before you completely judge me, I have thought about this since yearly college years and resisted all those drunken nights out with the local tattoo/piercing being open. But, I've had several people recently tell me what a cute nose I have and have asked if I have considered a nose ring. Just to clarify, I will be getting the tiniest stud I possibly can get because I DON'T want a ring of any kind really hanging off my nose, but a cute little something might be cute. In all seriousness if it doesn't look good or  I don't like it, I will seriously take it out and it'll be like nothing happened. 

I did a little photo shop to see how I would look and this was the result: 

See, just a little something! I could live with or without. We shall see!!

                        

Andy Grammer :D

Andy who you ask? Andy Grammer, a fantastic artist and musician that I have been so lucky to have seen twice now and counting!!


I first heard of Andy back in oh.. Spring of 2011, doesn't seem that long ago now. I had no idea who he was, my friend introduced his music to me and I listen to a song while he was in town at a local bar for the annual spring music kickoff called the Old Port Fest. I only listened to one song because there were two other bands at another locations that I was desperate to see and meet as well. I sadly have no pictures now because like I said I didn't know who he was; though I liked his music I had heard, I was more interested at the other bands at the time. It really only so happened I was in the right area at the right time to hear him because of another artist at the time, that I also was able to meet... Remember Ryan Star anyone??


Fast forward to Fall 2012, Andy came to my hometown of all places in Maine. I was beyond delighted that he was attended and even more excited to learn the tickets to said show were a measly $5!!!! $5, because it was a charity event benefitting a local city shelter. What a kind thing for him to do. Play an acoustic concert, in a beautiful venue, for a wonderful cause. Could he get any better you ask?? Well yes, because the concert was beyond awesome and I was like 4th row-ish (the venue was an old church converted into a music hall/event place and they had tables and chairs set up, strange I know!)

Andy round 2! (Not a great photo, the lighting was not good considering it being an old church)

Fast forward once again to Fall 2014 and Andy came to visit AGAIN to a bigger city nearby. Again so excited to see him perform, I immediately texted my Andy-going-concert-buddy Brittany and hardly had to beg as she wrote; "I really shouldn't....what the heck, I'm in!!" haha we both don't have to twist each other's arm to go see him. Although he was the opening act for O.A.R so the tickets were a little more this time. 

Brittany and I grabbed some food and drink before the show and arrived somewhat early to end up in the second row..SECOND ROW! I was beyond excited to be so close. Insert BIG happy face!! 

No close up needed, I was this close!! :D

His show was seriously fantastic! He is strictly a one man show, which my Father so kindly stated "what he's too good/cheap to hire bandmates to accompany him?" Um no Dad....He's just that good that he doesn't NEED back up because he CAN play the instruments needed in his songs. PLUS he learned this cool gadgety thing that records a beat or sound and continuously plays said beat or sound while you do another thing. Hard to explain, but so cool to watch in person. AND he learned said tool, right before hitting the road for the tour, I consider that pretty impressive. This means no tracks, just straight up live music.

It's pretty impressive, I thought. 

Then my friend and I went to actually meet Andy in the lobby! Say what?!?!! UM, awesome! What a kind and down to earth guy. Talked with each fan, signed whatever you wanted, and even took a selfie with you haha! He was really good at the selfie, not as great smile when Brittany took our picture, but thats ok! 

And a lovely autograph to finish the night <3 

New Years Resolutions

I know I know, EVERYONE makes New Years resolution and hardly anyone keeps at them and they are usually laughed at weeks following the first week.

Everyone says "I wanna work out" or "finally get into shape" that's my overall goal in life at the moment any way so I want to make a good solid few resolutions to following through throughout the year, not just within the first month or two.

1. Move! I seriously want to move out of my parents house. Move out of my city I grew up in (even though I do love it most of the time). Move out of the state even! It's been a thought for a while, but more recent proposals have come up to make this intriguing idea a reality. 
2. Travel more! I LOVE traveling and wish I could more and more. Katie is in London until next December, so that's really intriguing. 
3. Get healthier! Whether I become better with my eating habits and or exercising more frequently, this needs to happen. Hopefully being able to move out will help aid this goal. 
4. Be just a little bit more social! I have a bad habit of being outgoing and then a hermit crab very easily. I want to try and be more outgoing and better experiences with a pricey price tag attached, especially if I want to travel. 
5. Be a better blogger! I've done alright the last months, but I can definitely do better. 

Hopefully having these ideas and goals not alone written down but published in my blog will help me to keep them in mind and stick with them rather than just having them as thoughts lost somewhere in my busy ADHD mind. 

SO here's to hoping 2015 brings an even better outlook on life than 2014!