Well, Hello!

Pardon my disappearance for the last week or so…I never got to share much about it here on the blog, but I joined Brad’s family in Riviera Maya, Mexico for several days and it. was. amazing. I wanted to write up a little post before I left, but time just flew and before you know it, I’m already back from trip!

There’s so much to share, so much I’m behind on. Recent reads, craft projects, good times with friends, and, of course, a ton of photos and stories about my time in Mexico! It was only my second time out of the country and it was…just fantastic. We actually left at the perfect time, too, missing out on epic snow storms back in our hometowns. Though it was rough saying goodbye, I decided to focus on the positives. I’ve missed painting my nails and working on my Project Life. I’ve missed my family and I’ve missed writing on my blog! It’s freezing, and I miss paradise, but there’s loads to keep me occupied at home and tons of reasons to be happy.

If I sound a little crazy positive, it’s because I am right now! The vacation proved to be rejuvenating and a great reminder of how blessed I am to live the life I do. It’s time to go hard on everything I love.
I hope the motivation lasts…

Look forward to a bunch of posts in the next few days!

FIVE YEARS

Out of curiosity, I double checked my archive to check when my first ever post was.
January 23, 2009.
That means that this blog, this little space of the internet that I rant and ramble on, is five years old today!

I’ve changed several times over since that very first post. It’s a little embarrassing, but I was also 21 years old, still in college, and I had no idea what blogging could mean. In high school, I had a Xanga (we all did) and a LiveJournal. I have always loved journaling…it was something I used to do every night before bed with my headphones in, writing until my hand cramped. When I saw that I could do it online, I couldn’t say no. After falling in love with Rockstar Diaries (now known as Love, Taza…again, how things change and so often for the better!), I settled on starting a Blogger.
I don’t think I knew what I would do, and certainly it’s just been my little online diary. But it’s one of the few things I’ve stuck with over the years with absolutely no intention of stopping soon.

While I attempt to embark on scrapbooking for the first time this year (which will basically be a fancy-fied photo album and journal), I’m so glad I still have some way to look back on times past and remember things that have totally slipped my mind. I haven’t gone too far back in the archives, but I think I might take a gander today, on it’s anniversary, to cringe and laugh and remember the good times.

To those who read my blog, which has gotten a bit more of a bump from some great friends these days, thank you so much! Even though I do it for fun, I love knowing that you guys read and share your stories and inspiration with me.

Some favorite posts:

2009:
1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

2010:
1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20

2011:
1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20/21/22/23/24

2012:
1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20/21/22/23

2013:
1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20/21/22/23

Here’s to many more years of documenting the little, great things in life and growing all of the time!

In the Bag

I’ve always wanted to do a “Look inside my purse” post, but it was my friend’s new blog (check it out!) that gave me the final push. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not super exciting…but it’s a little glimpse to my life.

The bag itself is nothing super special or expensive. I have a tendency to use the same purse over and over until it’s ripped and shredded and completely unusable. I bought this bag about a month or so ago at Ross, because my previous purse had holes inside (I was constantly losing keys) and was chipping on the outside. I fell in love with the soft texture and the multiple pockets and pouches. I immediately imagined throwing in my cameras and film comfortably, along with the regular purse products, and that’s what sealed the deal. So now, a look inside.

These are belongings currently in the front pouches of the purse…

1. My Zune. Maybe you’ll find this odd, but I have never owned an iPod in my life (I do not count the iPhone, because I don’t use it as such). This was given to me for free by my friend’s ex (though he wasn’t her ex at the time). I’m really lucky to have a working MP3 player I didn’t have to pay a cent for.
2. These are the two camera phone lenses I got for Christmas from Photojojo! One is a fisheye, the other is a 2 in 1 wide angle/macro lens. I love them both, but I haven’t used them as much as I’d like. It’s a pain because I have to take my phone case off every time I want to use one.
3. This is a mini composition book I use to write all sorts of things in. Mostly grocery store lists, or things I want to do, or even little blog ideas I have when I’m not by the computer and am afraid I’ll forget.
4. This cloth cleans my eyeglasses. Super boring, but I wear my glasses to work every single day and I’d be lost (or blurry-visioned) without it.

This is the inside of the bag.

1. I threw this camera guide in my purse as soon as I got done putting my baby together. I like having it nearby, even if I don’t always refer to it.
2. A cheap pair of sunglasses from Target. It’s important to always have sunglasses…I hate squinting.
3. This is my iPhone. I don’t always have it inside the purse…it’s kind of always in my hand. The case is from Uncommon. It’s my second case in about half a year…but at least it was the case that broke and not my phone :) .
4. This is a little, simple, dollar store pouch I got years ago. I use it to store all my girly belongings that I don’t want floating around in my purse. The two items inside I use most are on top. I am lost without Clean and Clear Oil Blotters. And, though I still stand by my Rosebud Salve, I recently fell in love with EOS lip balms (So much so that Brad’s V-Day treat for me was an egg carton filled with a variety of them). Cute, small, perfectly contoured, and very soothing. Most lip balms are sticky or waxy…not so with this sucker. Plus, the circular shape is a conversation starter and the scents are fantastic.
5. Diana Mini. The random camera in my purse changes depending on what I currently have loaded with film. And I am also in love with her and can’t wait to get more film developed!
6. Nasal Spray. Sexy, right? Ever since my surgery in October, it’s been a staple. And in the cold, dry, winter weather months, it’s a godsend.
7. Pocketo wallet from Target. As soon as I saw this, I had to have it. Love the colors and the designs. It’s also got tons of slots and pockets so I can fit my cards and check register and money and movie tickets and things I like to keep.
8. Random mustache from a coin machine. I have yet to open it, but I can’t get myself to take it out of the purse, even though it’s been in there since before Christmas. You never know when you’ll need a fake ‘stache.
9. Burt’s Bees Beeswax and Banana hand cream. This is heavy duty. I got it because regular lotion doesn’t work on my hands this time of year. It leaves the skin greasy for a tiny bit, but the yummy smell and softness afterwards are totally worth it, plus it still lasts after a good hand wash or two.
10. A little crank flashlight I got from work. You never know when you’ll need it, so you have to be prepared!!!

2nd Blogiversary

Today is my 2 year blogiversary! I don’t have a ton of followers and I don’t even know if many people read this thing, but I am particularly proud of myself. I am all about starting things and rarely about finishing them. But here I am, two years later, still writing on my Crazy Crazy Crazy blog.

{One of pictures from my first roll of Diana Mini film}

Looking back, I’m not 100% sure why I decided to start one. In high school, I did the Xanga thing. I even had a Live Journal for a while. But nothing ever stuck… I even used to keep journals in high school. I would put on my headphones and write forever about my day. I don’t think I could look back at those even now. So painful and probably extremely embarrassing.

When I started this blog, I was 21 years old, growing out a just recently dyed black pixie cut. I was starting my last semester of college. I had no idea what I was going to do with my life. I had no idea where I would be in six months, let alone by the end of the year, or now. Hell, I still don’t know. But this blog has changed and grown with me.

I started with a crappy, 9 times out of 10 wouldn’t work digital camera and super short hair. Now my hair is past my shoulders. Now I have 7 cameras to call my own and I love them all dearly. I work full-time, but I’m ready to start something new. I fell in love, when I never thought that would be possible again.

Back then, I’d never believe I’d still be writing, and as frequently as I do, on Blogger. But here I am.

I love this blog so much. It is my personal journal, documenting my favorite pictures and places and people and things and the good parts of life. The stuff I want to look back on and remember. The things that inspire me. It keeps me positive when the rest of the day would have me otherwise. I may not have a ton of readers, but I’m happy to be doing this for me.

I hope to have a 3 year blogiversary. I would love to see it change and grow as I continue to do so. Who knows where I will be when that time rolls around…I just hope I still have this space to document it.

 

If you do read, thanks so much!

There are so many blogs I find inspiring out there…you can find them on the side of my page.

Blog Crush

It’s not hard to find new, wonderful, interesting, fantastic blogs to read and bookmark for daily upkeep, but thanks to this blog (also a good one, you must check out the amazing photos from Africa), I have found one of my tops.

Kendi Everyday is a style blog. Kendi shares her daily outfit choices and has done more than one 30 for 30 challenges (remixing and re-wearing 30 items in her closet for 30 days = genius/money-saving/seemingly difficult and fun). Yes, her style is amazing (and the items she showcases are usually affordable and find-able) and the pictures are fantastic. But I think what really gets to me is her sense of humor.

Do not get me wrong…I love style blogs. They’re pretty much my favorite kind. BUT…it’s really nice and refreshing to actually want to READ one, not just look at the pictures. Kendi is hysterical…I’ve laughed out loud (LOLed) so many times. And it’s one of the few blogs where, once I keep clicking, I can’t stop. On the way back from NYC, while everyone else was dozing off on the bus, I just kept reading her blog and giggling to myself.

I am a sucker for wit and humor and self-deprecation. Mix that in with pretty pictures and pretty clothes and I am sold. I am just bummed I didn’t find this site sooner. Check it out, if you haven’t already (though I’m probably one of the few not in the know).

(Obviously, the pictures above are from her blog).

Blahg

I love blogs. Adore them. I check the same few everyday. I’m always looking for new ones to read.

Is that strange? I don’t know why we take part in the Blogosphere, what makes us do it, why we take joy in it.

Let’s face it, this is a little site that I just use to document the little things in my life, share moments, my pictures, some thoughts and opinions. It’s for me to record. If people read it, then that’s excellent, even if it’s just people who know me already. Or no one at all.

I know some people make fun of blogs and things like this because most people think, “Why is your life or what you have to say so important? Who cares?” SO MANY PEOPLE DO. I look at all these blogs and see what the people who write them are doing because of it, and I’m in awe.

At first, you do it for yourself. And then who knows what can happen? That’s what I love about them. The possibilities. And I don’t know, it’s nice to get inspiration and relate to people, even if you don’t know them or ever talk to them.

If you want to check out some great, inspiring blogs, look to the left. I follow those everyday, and I promise you’ll find something to be inspired about!

blogcrazy

I have decided to start a Tumblr account. You, here, are my number one blog. But I wanted to start showcasing photos I take of people and places and things that maybe have nothing to do with my life. This is my space to write and reflect and journal my experiences and friendships and journeys.

The tumblr will be a place to simply post pictures, my sudden need to perfect taking photos of beautiful and simple things, lovely people, the places I get to go, and probably repost things that serve as inspiration for me. You’ll still get to see that here. And who knows if this journey will even work out.

It’s worth a shot though.

Tag!

I’ve been tagged by Sarah over at Love You in the Fall, which is an adorable mix of fashion, music, inspiration, and humor.

I feel lucky, I am an obscure tiny blog and am convinced no one really reads this so…

1) Thank the person who gave this to me: Thanks, Sarah! I feel special.

2) Copy and insert award into post and on blog.

3) Name three things you love about yourself.

1. My personality/sense of humor/POV. If everything else seems to be crumbling, I always seem to amuse myself with things that I think are funny/cool. I think it’s so important to have your personality and all that it entails define who you are more than anything else. You use that as fuel to get through your life. And it will always be there for you, because it is you!

2. My body. No, it isn’t super fit or super thin or anything. In fact, I’m surprised that I’m at my weight considering the horrible foods I eat/booze I like to drink. However, this body is what carries me everywhere. It hasn’t really let me down. I want to take care of it more, exercise, and treat it well. But otherwise, my body isn’t something I stress over, and I’m pretty pleased with it.

3. My sense of style. This defines me. What you see is what you get. I like to mix and match and do different things and be a different person any day of the week. But it’s always me. I can be a very insecure person, but honestly, the clothes I wear/buy/are into have helped me open in up in someway. A lot of people remember me for bright magenta/gold leggings (and sometimes they are scared) but once they meet me, they get it.

4) Post a photo that you love.

 

This was hard to choose. But this is from my first color roll of Holga 120 film, what I would call the beginning of my photography hobby/camera obsession (which, as you know, is still alive and well). I took this at LBI in New Jersey, where I went last year with people who I hardly ever talk to anymore. If I were to do that now, I don’t know if it would be as fun as it was last year, or comfortable.

Regardless, this is one of the first double exposures I took. It makes me happy every time, because the beach is always a great place to be, the weather looks perfect, and it reminds me of my fun sort-of college days.

5) Tag 5 people you wish to pass this award on to:

Unfortunately I don’t know many people with blogs…and I’m super shy about tagging people I don’t really know (even if I’m a follower of their blogs). So if you read this, go ahead and do it!

Favorites For Now…

I saw this on one of the cute blogs I follow and I felt the need to do it as well. Who doesn’t like to talk about the things they truly enjoy?

My favorite letter is M.
My favorite number is 19.
My favorite color is every color.
My favorite flowers are lilies.
My favorite place is wherever I am when the sun is shining and I’m surrounded by people I love and everything feels right.
My favorite animals are elephants.
My favorite smells are cinnamon and baked goods.
My favorite season is summer.
My favorite food is mostly from the Chinese buffet.
My favorite shows are Lost, Sex and the City, Scrubs, Coupling, and so much more. TV shows on DVD are one of my favorite things.
My favorite candies are usually a mixture of chocolate, peanut butter, and pretzels. Also, Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish. 
My favorite movie is hard to choose. I love so many.
My favorite time is 5:19.
My favorite bands are Radiohead and Kings of Leon.
My favorite drink is water.
My favorite book is hard to choose, because I haven’t read in a long time. I want to start again.
My favorite word is rendezvous.
My favorite thing is sunsets.

Check out this blog! It is one of my favorites, as well!

Upcoming Changes and Updates

I hate when I don’t blog regularly. My last post was on Wednesday. Maybe not that long ago, and maybe it doesn’t actually matter. But I get frustrated personally because not a day goes by that I don’t plan a post in my head. I suppose I’ve been busy and/or running around a lot these last few days.

Anyway, I was attempting to figure out how I could fix up and change my blog around. I have a friend who is pretty knowledgeable in graphic design and stuff. I wish I could do it on my own. I would just love a layout that looks less like a template and more personal. I want to make this blog a fun place to come.

Hopefully, I will be working on some things and you’ll see some changes around here soon. A banner will most definitely be the first change. But we shall see. I’ll be posting about my weekend (which was pretty good and, as always, way too quick) later tonight!

My Bad.

I suck at blogging these days. I love doing it, I love reading others. But I feel like mine are lacking, and I can honestly say a large part of it is my lack of personal pictures to keep it interesting. I do a lot and see a lot (we won 2nd place at Pub Stumpers last night, saw Christmas lights, and even exchanged some small presents), but you can’t see what is going on in my life. Soon though…really soon.

I passed up an opportunity to make this weekend a 3-day weekend before Thanksgiving and I’m regretting that. I just want to sleep in and relax and enjoy the holidays. But I’ll be working tomorrow and Saturday. Both days until 1, so that’s a half day and not so bad. Still, I relish the ability to stay in my pajamas for a long time and not rush to go somewhere or do something.

Though I love going somewhere and doing something.

I can’t stop going these days. It really does feel like my life is crazy crazy crazy. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I may be grumpily exhausted, but I’ll sleep when I’m dead. Whether I’m somewhere with friends or even running errands by myself, I like doing something, anything. Because that’s what being young is about. I pride myself on the fact that I keep work separate. I don’t take it home with me, and a lot of people make that mistake (I am pretty early in though, so this could change. It took me almost 2 years to get sick of my previous job.). I’m not working my dream career. And yeah, sometimes the job, the people, the work can be stressful, infuriating, or annoying. There have been times I’ve wanted to cry (but never beyond the situation itself). But I’m making money and I have health insurance and in times like this, I’m very blessed to have both of these. It might not be what I always thought I would do, but I have time after work and on the weekends to work on those goals and dreams. I feel like too many people get all caught up in how they aren’t doing what they want instead of appreciating what they have right now. We all do that, though, in all different aspects of our life. But I’m happy that once I’m home, I’m home.

Speaking of, I will be relaxing the next few days, for the holidays. I plan on watching a couple movies tonight  (I’m thinkin’ Extract and All About Steve) and staying warm in comfy clothes because I am freezing. I’m worried that I won’t be able to stay settled for long. I already have plans for the movie theater lined up. And I don’t plan on stopping there.

I think the point of my blogging today was to say that I hope to make this blog more interesting, or at least as interesting as it was before (if it even was before), as soon as I can get my hands on a digital camera (Um, Friday please?). Regardless, I’ll keep doing it because I love to do it. But I’d like you out there to enjoy it as well.

And um…YAY! I don’t care…I love the show. The first movie is good, though I do feel it paled in comparison to the amazingness of the show. But fabulous friends in fabulous clothes talking about relationships and love and life and fashion…well, I cannot say no to that!!!!!

How the days fly…

Wasn’t I just concerned about my weekend?
And now it’s basically over.

4 years ago, when I started college, I remember thinking that the days flew by so fast at school. I don’t remember them being like this when I was in high school. I guess I thought it would stop.

But it’s been three months since I graduated. Summer is beginning to end. Everyone at King’s is starting class tomorrow. And I’ll just be doing the usual things.

The only thing I really did this weekend was go to work. But I did  go to Wal-Mart around midnight on Friday to buy wings because I was craving them.

I watched Goblet of Fire, Sex and the City, and Good Dick. I’ll probably go off and watch another movie when I’m done with this.

Oh, I also did a bit of a photo shoot by myself. That probably sounds self-centered. But I was bored, so why not? I call it Shower Series. No worries, it isn’t anything racy (though it does, in fact, involve a shower). They actually came out pretty cool…but I won’t be sharing them because I’m embarrassed (Also embarrassing? I am constantly getting corrected by spell check when I try and spell any form of the word “embarrass”).

Maybe one day, when I have a better camera (not if, of course…but when), you will see more. I am dying to do more, especially since I can’t stop looking at this blog. I am in awe of some of her photography (and of course, her fashion!). I love that it’s fun, fresh, and fashionable. Though I basically want to take pictures of any and everything in my life, I also want to be able to take fun photos of my family and friends too. This is the kind of photography I like to see.

I did.

A week or so ago, I complained that I wouldn’t be able to see a couple of films recently released because they didn’t come to my hometown. Well, I got to see 500 Days of Summer last Friday. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I read on someone’s blog that they expected to love it and they didn’t. You’ll have that, of course. But I can’t help but think that the only reason why is because it isn’t your typical Romantic Comedy where everyone is happy in the end and it all makes sense and all the problems are solved. It’s real. And I appreciated that, so very very much.

I was going through old posts and came across this, which I blogged a few days before I complained. And I am so glad I remembered because it reminded me of what might be my favorite part of the film. It is sad…it is heart-wrenching…I couldn’t even watch it again when I found it on YouTube. But…here’s a small taste of it. Please watch it. And please go see the movie if you can. And drop the expectations…as they often lead to…well…you know.

So and So

I have to admit, though I don’t think I have any followers or frequent readers on the blog, there is nothing as satisfying as writing about things that I love or feel, or posting pictures, even if it is just for myself.

Most of the blogs I read have people showcasing their fabulous lives. Perhaps that’s why I love them…I can live vicariously through their pictures and their words. You’d think that, since I live in a rather deadbeat town and I don’t have much money or my own place or the love of my life, these things would upset me. But, they do the opposite. They inspire me.

This blog is here for me to talk about the fun things in my life. Things I like or don’t like. Pictures that I take. Unfortunately, I’ve been in a transition period, and perhaps I’m not conveying it enough. I look at some of the blogs I read, and even when the posts might not be about something mind-blowingly interesting, I am still sucked in by witty writing.

I really want to kick this blog, and my life, into high gear. Just thought I’d let you know.

Stumblin’

 

                     

I love blogs. It’s the reason I wanted to make one myself; I find reading them to be incredibly relaxing, informative, and always entertaining. I use the Stumble Upon toolbar in Mozilla Firefox (check it out, it’s great to have when you’re in the mood to find new things) and I almost always have it set to stumble through the Blogger channel. I’ve found a lot of really great recipe blogs and a few photo and art blogs as well. The photo above is from a really great site, Idiot Box Artwork, that showcases works from all different artists. The art is all pop culture-based, mostly focusing on TV shows, cartoons, and movies from before the new millennium.

I am a huge fan of Freaks and Geeks so when I saw the photo above, I fell in love. The series only lasted about 18 episodes, and I’ve mentioned it in earlier posts, but its a great throwback to the 80s and is a just a good show.

I can’t wait until I have money to get my own place, and eventually, my own favorite works of art and photography to place around the living space. I’m pretty sure this painting won’t be around when that time comes. But it’s nice to hope…

The Thing About Being Home

1. It's nice to sleep in, because breaks mean that I have nothing to do for most of the day.
2. I missed soft toilet paper. And doing my laundry for free.
3. There is nothing to eat and yet I keep finding unhealthy things to snack on.
4. I have to wait around all day to find out if I got dressed for a reason.
5. I still stress about money, because break means I have to find something to do or go nuts instead.
6. I basically live out of a bag.
   
7. I cannot wait to have my own place.

Aside from getting an MRI today (a checkup on a problem from the summer that will hopefully be nothing big), I have done nothing today. Slept in a little, finished watching Being John Malkovich (I don't know why Charlie Kaufman's movies get put in the Comedy section, as they are almost mostly depressing), and showered up. I'm supposed to go out tonight, but its hard to find things to do when its not as simple as an IM or a cross-campus walk away. Break is already going by too fast and I am still debating whether or not I really want to go to Philadelphia.
Good thing I like to do things on a whim when I'm alone.

It's sunny today...but the snow is still on the ground.
I've been looking at plenty of blogs and sites out of sheer boredom.
Here are some of my favorites.

The Stylish Wanderer
Punky Style
Fashion Fille
Flying a Kite
Cupcakes and Cashmere

Oh. And if you're an occasional computer gamer like my nerdy self, but you also like fashion, you should definitely go to Playfirst or Arcadetown and check out the Jojo's Fashion Show series. It is just about the most fun!

Lazy.

I cannot get outta my bed these days, completely dressed or stripped down to the bone. I am in love with turning off most of the lights and gazing at the computer all day. This is a problem. I pride myself on not watching much TV (Lost and Flight of the Conchords are the only things I make sure to catch every week). However, I've replaced it with hours on the internet, looking at blogs and clothing sites, wishing I had an exciting life. As much as I love it, come the end of spring break I have too get this showboat on the road. No more dillydallying. Good times, good drinks, and loads of memories. TIME IS FLYING.




But how can you resist something as cozy as this?

I am such a wussy.

I am starting to fall absolutely in love with the blogging community.
I am sure someone out there would make fun of me for following blogs, especially those of people that I do not talk to/will never know.
To be honest, I've had this situation happen before. I guess it rolls in and out. With any other pattern in your life, you like something, then you get bored and like something else, but you probably will always like that something anyway.
First, it was LiveJournal. Then Xanga. Then years of nothing until this, right here.
Just as I enjoy reading magazine articles and celebrity gossip blogs, if I can find an interesting blog of your average Joe, I will enjoy reading that too.
Just yesterday I fell in love with Rockstar Diaries. The reasoning for my wussiness? It is the first blog I've decided to follow and I'm doing so anonymously. Despite the fact that this blog isn't private...I just cannot bear anyone reading it. Seeing it and thinking, what a LOSER!
Oh well.
I want to keep this fun, and interesting, in the off chance that someone stumbles upon this too...they might think so too.

In other news, I am obsessed currently with wine, and its ability to make me laugh until I cry and/or it hurts. Last night on a whim, these ingredients created the perfect Thursday night in the apartment:



Throw a snack plate of pepperoni, sharp white cheddar, and Triscuits in the mix and you have yourself one wonderful night.
I need to start documenting these events more. I mean, seriously.
I have a terrible camera though. It's only a few years old, but the thing barely works.
Sad how technology keeps changing, to the point where you can order a product, and as soon as it lands on your doorstep, there's a better, faster model already.

Time to continue the weekend with another Coupling marathon.
Have you ever seen the show?


If not, you should watch! It's an amazing, older British comedy that only had 4 series (their term for "seasons"). They are only around 6 episodes per series. But its better that way, because each episode is gold. 6 friends, 1 pub, and tons of relationship and sex jokes. Like an even better version of Friends. In fact, NBC tried to do an American version and failed miserably. Some things we cannot do like the Brits. I envy the freedom they have on basic BBC channels that we can only achieve on something like HBO.