Friday, December 30, 2016

A Fresh Start: year in review 2016

Another year has gone by and so many things have happened. So since another year has passed I wanted to make a year in review post and it is very fitting because this will be by 100th post on this blog. It is crazy that I have written so much on this little blog and that people actually read it, it's kinda really cool. It has been a long 12 months of ups and downs and spins and circles. I will not lie that 2016 was a shitty year. I got cancer and I lost most of my ability to adventure and explore this year.

My senior year was torn to shreds and my physical and mental being was slowly deteriorating, but I couldn't do anything about it. I really do not want this post to be sad and depressing because not every part of 2016 was bad. Once my treatments were over a lot of good things happened such as; my sister got married, I met shane dawson, I went off to school, I turned 18, and I graduated high school. I did have good things happen to me, but all in all 2016 was a crazy year.

Enough about that. Last year I posted a year in review and made a list of resolutions and I am here to reflect to see if I succeed....

#1 resolution was to learn how to control my temper. Honestly I think I failed. Once I got sick I kinda couldn't help my emotions so I am keeping this as a resolution for 2017. Were gonna give it another shot.

#2 resolution was to write more and with that I think I succeed. I wrote down almost everyday so I could express my emotions and feelings. I even have a journal that has a prompt for everyday so you can write to that prompt, it has been nice. I am going to keep writing in 2017 and possibly try to create a new thing of my own. My friend Anna and I are trying to come up with a way we can have our own magazine and that will be my writing outlook this year and I can't wait to write more on this blog as well as other things.

#3 resolution was to give back and I think other people did better at it than I did because I was so sick. All of the people in my life stopped theirs to give back to me when I needed it so now it's time to return the favor in 2017.

#4 resolution was to stress less and I think I failed at this one the most. Honestly, since I started college stress has been my middle name from living on my own to not knowing what the hell I wanna do in the future, school has been crazy. This goal will be pursued again and again until I can be better at controlling it.

And lastly #5 resolution was to live a little more and I think I'm deciding to officially make this an ongoing goal, it will never end and probably never be reached. Every year I will try to live a little more by being spontaneous and more outgoing and to always be up for an adventure. I will never not have this as a new goal for my life. You should do this too.

Even though my 2016 wasn't the best year I hope that it was for you. I remember in my 2015 post I said every year should be your best year and I think that's still true. 2016 for me ended on a higher note than it started and I'm okay with that. I am over what happened to me, it happened and now I am moving on. Yes it will affect me from years to come, but my life will get better, YOUR life will get better. I promise you and I'm promising myself.

2016 was kind of a shitty year for the world and that's okay because that is what a new year is for, starting over and getting a fresh start. I hope that is what you all try to do in 2017, I know that is what I'll be doing.

So for 2017 I am only adding one new resolution to my ongoing ones and it is KEEP THE FAITH. I need to believe in myself and my abilities and to always have hope in the new year. I am going in with a new light and I am so excited.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.. I love you all and I hope you find what you are looking for in the new year. 2017 is gonna be a good one I can feel it. xoxo

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Book Nook

Hey guys whats up. It is almost a new year so I am trying to read as much as I can before this years reading challenge is over and 2017s begins!So today's book is "The New Guy (and other senior year distractions)" by Amy Spalding.

I have to say this book was the definition of cheesy, possibly too cheesy. I'm not saying I did not enjoy the plot or the book in general, but it wasn't the best book I've read this year. The plot is basically about a girl named Jules who is a overachiever that cares about grades, her school newspaper, and getting into Brown. However, it all gets screwed up when a new "famous" boy comes into town, Alex Powell. Also a rival to her schools newspaper and editor position means war so it is crazy hs drama book.

Honestly, I hated the main character Jules. She was whiny, annoying, and never believed in herself. She cared too much about the wrong things and she is one of those people in high school that needs everything to be perfect and to go her way. She also overthink-ed EVERYTHING about her life which drove me nuts. I however loved her Alex and I liked thatcher and carlos who are also working in the school's newspaper. I don't know I feel like the less the author talked about the character the more I liked you cause I could make up my own personality for them.

One thing I really did like about this book is that is was about senior year which is ironic cause I just graduated because I felt the same way Jules did about college. Jules really wanted to get into Brown and i really wanted to get into OU. I worked my ass of to get where I am today and in that way I related entirely.

I don't know if it was the way the author wrote the book or what but it seemed like some chapters were dumbed down for young people to understand. It definitely was not one of my favorites and for the first time in awhile I don't know if i would ever recommend it. Honestly, you truly aren't missing out on much with this one just because it is so cheesy.

It just sucks because I saw so much potential I just think it is for a younger audience. However, didn't stop me from liking some quotes from the book :)

Favorite Quotes: "Just that if within the span of days you can feel so honest with someone, you can see how bigger things might be possible too."

"I'm excited about college and I'm excited about my future, but only recently did I start thinking about how all of that means my present has to end."

"When someone breaks your heart, something about that person physically should be required to change."

"When you hear about war heroes, they don't emerge victorious from easily won battles."

"High school is a crazy time to age us so much."

"Who would leave someone they loved?"

"Boys should disappear when they hurt you."


Thursday, December 15, 2016

Book Nook

NEW BOOK ALERT. This one is a comedy. It is comedian, actress, and all around good human Mindy Kaling's book "Why Not Me?" This is her second novel, but I have not read the first one.

This one though it is super funny and lovely. She is truly a funny person. I watched her play Kelly on the office and thought nothing of it until I started reading and fell in love. THE OFFICE SPOILER ALERT: Did you know she wrote the episode where Jim and Pam got married? I was so surprised in a good way. I thought that episode was so good and i loved that i could find out she wrote it by reading her book. That is one thing I adored about her novel, that she gave BTS about the show and other projects she has done.

Me personally my favorite chapters were the ones about Will. Will is a guy who worked with the president and I thought the way she talked about him was funny and sweet at the same time. Also my other favorite part is when she had a section of just emails of her being a latin teacher throwing a party, those were HILARIOUS.

Overall, her book made me like her more as a writer, comedian, and overall human being. She taught me many things whilst reading and I will carry them with me and I loved that.

I recommend this book for all you funny people who think you're comedy is actually funny when reality Mindy's is probably way better. Just wait... go read it.

Favorite Quotes: "What's so wrong with effort, anyway? It means you care."

"Haters are just more people paying attention to you."

"And as everyone knows, the best kind of laughter is laughter born of a shared memory."

"It was heartbreaking to be loved and left."

"but sometimes you like the idea of someone so much, you just want to do whatever it takes to make it work."

"What I'm asking for is not that much. I just want a boyfriend who is sweet and trustworthy. That's it."

"It is sad when your hopes and your abilities do not line up."

"If you've got it, flaunt it. And if you don't got it? Flaunt it. 'Cause what are we even doing here if we're not flaunting it?"

"What if I have nothing to say?"

"Because confidence is like respect; you have to earn it."

P.S Mindy if you read this if you want to come speak at my OU commencement ceremony in 2020 I'll put in a good word for you. :)




Saturday, December 3, 2016

An Open Letter to my Best Friend

Dear best friend,

As I sit here and write this I keep wondering how I got so lucky to get you as my best friend. There has been a lot of people in my life that haven't stayed around but you always have. You don't understand how much I appreciate you and your friendship.

You are filled with so much joy and love that it immediately is spread to everyone you meet. You have a smile that lights up a room & a heart too big for your tiny little body. You are a child of God that was brought to this earth to only do good things. You give strength to so many people including me. I'd be so lucky to become half the person you are.

You have stayed by me for some time now. 14 years is a really long time. You have seen me at my worst and been with me at my best. From early middle school days, to hospital beds, to cheering on the sidelines, you were always there. You believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. You loved me even when it was difficult. You held me when I cried and you listened to me when I just needed a friend. But most importantly, you never stopped being my best friend. You never gave up on me even when I was stubborn or being an idiot. You stuck around for 14 years.

You know me like the back of a hand. You know what I like and what I hate. You know how to make me feel better and put a smile on my face. You know when I need a shoulder to cry on or a friend to laugh with. You know my terrible sense of humor with hints of sarcasm and sass. You laugh at my stupid jokes and my idiotic side bars. You know me better than I know myself.

You have filled my last 14 years with complete and utter joy and beauty. You have given me memories I will never forget and will tell to my children one day. You have given me more love and care than any other friend I've ever come across. I know that as life goes on I won't see you as often but I know when I see you it'll be like nothing has changed. We will just pick things up where they were left.

No one can replace a person like you. You are a one of a kind human being that is a beautifully special woman and I'm just the lucky gal that got you as a friend. You will always be my best friend. I love you.

xoxo

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Book Nook

Hey guys this next book that I'm gonna talk about is moving up on my favorites list. Honest to God, I could not put it down. I really loved it. It is called "Everland" by Wendy Spinale. The best way to describe it would be a twisted version of Peter Pan.

It is about a destructive captain named HOOK who bombs London and destroys what is left of it called "Everland." This virus called Hologia has spread and Hook stays in everland with his soldiers to try to find the cure because everyone is dying from it. So there are 3 kids: Gwen, Johanna, and Mikey and how they need to survive. Johanna gets kidnapped by the soldiers and HOOK and so Gwen needs to save her. So Pete and Bella find Gwen and help her out by giving them a place to live, The Lost City and help her try to save her sister.

I know that summary may have been sloppy but you need to trust me that the book is sooooo good. It has suspense, adventure, and beautiful relationships. I could not put the book down, I swear I read about 100+ pages in one sitting. Everyone needs to go to their local bookstore and pick it up.

The funny thing is that I probably would have never filtered toward this type of book in barnes and noble on my own, but I got this in a package for my birthday called OwlCrate. My friend signed me up for me and it is a monthly themed book package. The theme I got was dystopian and I thought I was screwed because they're not my favorite types, but I WAS WRONG. This book was amazing and has slowly moved up to my top 10 list. And that is not something to ignore.

Favorite Character: It is a tie between Gwen and Pete. Not only are they intertwined but they both have personality characteristics that I love. Gwen because she is brave and courageous and strong. Pete because he is sarcastic and loving and caring and also brave. These are qualities I hope to have one day and carry throughout my whole life.

Favorite Quotes: "The truth is much too painful."

"Survival becomes instinct and they lose what makes them, I don't know -- kids."

"A beauty that lies deeper than her appearance."

"Some things are worth risking everything for."

"It takes heart and strength, overcoming tragedy..."

"You don't have to see someone to know they're pretty. She could be uglier than a croc and still be pretty. She's nice, she smells of vanilla, and her voice is soothing. I think she's beautiful."

"I always thought the world couldn't hurt me if I was a machine."

"To die will be an awfully big adventure."