Friday Confessions

FRIDAY!

Took you long enough to come around this week! Sheesh.

 

I'm linking up with Leslie on this lovely Confessional Friday. Have anything to confess? Scroll on over to her blog, A Blonde Ambition, link up and spill the beans!

 

 

 

These are my confessions...

 

1) I confess that, I signed up for a 12 week boot camp with 5 classes per week, beginning next week! It seemed like a good idea at the time...

 

2) I confess that, K, his brother, and their close friend ventured out and are now business owners. I'm so very proud and absolutely supportive, but downright terrified at the same time. This is unknown territory, and that's what has me a little scared.

 

3) I confess that, Kaylee had her school awards ceremony yesterday, and I totally had a moment of sadness. She's about to be seven and her first grade year has come to an end. Where has the time gone?

 

4) I confess that, my boss made homemade Oreo mini cheesecakes for the office today, and I ate one. I couldn't resist! I have absolutely no self control when it comes to cheesecake of any kind.

 

5) I confess that, I took advantage of getting paid three times this month, and splurged on myself with a small shopping spree.

 

Have a fabulous weekend! I'll be watching my cousin graduate, on the lake fishing with family, and having a movie date with my mini. 

Growing Up Sucks Sometimes

I remember when I couldn't wait to get out of high school. Live on my own, make my own rules, and do what I wanted when I wanted. My parents would always say things like "Don't wish your life away", "It's not all that it's cracked up to be", or "You're going to miss school and being young". They were right! Not one single statement was a lie. Just like the Trace Adkins song, You're Gonna Miss This.

 

I do! I miss it; like really miss it. All of it. Especially the first of every month when all of the bills are due. Paying your own car payment, insurance, and cell phone bill now. Also, getting a job and waking up at the crack of dawn every morning for work. Let's not forget to add being a responsible adult to that list. Bill suck. Working sucks. Waking up early sucks. Being responsible and held accountable for all of your actions pretty much suck too.

 

I miss my parents paying for my car, insurance, and cell phone. I miss not having to have a job and just asking my Daddy for money when I needed it. I miss going out with my friends and having not a care in the world; coming home late, and sleeping until noon the next day.

 

Being a grown up sucks.

 

However, I've found that I do appreciate everything paid for by myself much more than it being given to me. I enjoy making and having my own money, not having to ask for it from either of my parents. I've gained more knowledge with being responsible, and it isn't always so bad. The bills, and paying those still suck, and will always suck! Growing up has meant becoming a Mommy, and that, without a doubt, has been the very best part of it! I have to be responsible for my daughter.

 

I do look back on my high school and after graduation days, and I do catch myself missing it. Missing being carefree mostly. There are definitely negatives to growing up, but there are just as many positives too. Today is one of those negatives for me. I didn't want to wake up this morning, I didn't want to come in to work, I didn't want to pay my phone bill... Didn't want to be responsible. BUT I did. Which in return provides you with this random post.

 

You're welcome.

 

It's been a looong 4 day week. I'm over it. 

 

See you all on the flip side. 

Thirty Things Before Turning 30 Bucket List

Welcome to the adventures of a twenty-something approaching 30; trying to accomplish my "Thirty Things Before Turning 30 Bucket List".

 

In anticipation of climbing the ladder to the big 3-0, I've been contemplating a broad range of things that I wish to TRY achieving, before said age. I would love nothing more than to complete my list of thirty in its entirety, but my realistic goal will be to finish twenty of the thirty listed. If I happen to fall short it won't be because I didn't try my hardest.
 
Here is my list of thirty in no particular order...

My 30 Before 30:
 

• Feed the adrenaline junkie in me and go skydiving

• Spend a weekend touring the "Windy City", Chicago

• Marry my soul mate and best friend

• Travel somewhere by train

• Give Kaylee a sibling

• Buy our first house

• Travel to a destination by plane

• Enroll and go back to school for my Bachelor's in English Literature

• Lose 40 pounds and maintain a healthy lifestyle (halfway there - down 20lbs)

• Spend New Year's Eve at Times Square in New York City

• Try a Crossfit class

• Run in a 5K Color Run

• Party the weekend away in Vegas for my 30th Birthday

• Visit family in California that I haven't seen since age 5

• Road trip up and down the East Coast for a week with just my Mom and I

• Take a photography class

• Ride in a hot air balloon

• Go skiing and see the snow in Colorado

• Start a lifestyle blog

• Learn how to use Photoshop or any photo editing software

• Plant a garden and grow our own foods

• Begin writing a book to have published as an eBook

• Attend a summer music festival for a weekend (Coachella, Lollapalooza, New Orleans Music Fest, etc.)

• Have English Tea and Crumpets in London

• Take a family vacation to Disney World in Orlando

• Feel comfortable wearing a bikini in public

• Experience a New York Yankees game at Yankee Stadium

• Volunteer for a cause

• Be spontaneous and go to the airport taking the next flight out with K

• Host Thanksgiving dinner for our families at our house

 

... and there you have it; my big list of 30 before 30!

 

What's on your list of thirty, or bucket list in general? I can't wait to see what all I can accomplish within the next four years.

 

Bring it on 30!  

A Sweet Surprise From a New Friend

Tuesday afternoon while K and I were lounging on the couch, I grabbed my phone to sift through and delete the 83 emails received within the last hour. I hate when my email icon displays that little number of “junk” mail. So, you could imagine my delight when I came across this...

 

How exciting and so sweet of Lindsay, over at The Newlywed Notebook, to nominate this little ol' blog of mine for the Sunshine Award! Thank you so very much and I gladly accept it. I'm so happy to have stumbled upon your blog when I did, and enjoy reading it daily.

 

 

Rules of the Award are as follows:

 

1) Post 11 random facts about yourself

2) Answer 11 questions for the blogger who nominated you

3) Nominate 11 bloggers to receive the award

4) Write your own 11 questions for them to answer

5) Notify them that you have nominated them

 

Random Facts About Myself

 

1) I was a cheerleader for 10 years; beginning in elementary and through high school.

2) I've lived in the same small town in Florida my entire life.

3) I live in Florida, and hate the beach.

4) My fiancé proposed after us dating for over ten years.

5) I was a natural blonde until my sophomore year of high school when it slowly began getting darker, and is now a chocolate brown. How does that even happen?

6) I was sixteen the first time I ever traveled outside of Florida.

7) I'm deathly afraid of the dark... and I'm about to be 26 year's old!

8) I debated starting a blog for almost two years before finally taking that leap.

9) Public speaking gives me anxiety. I panic just thinking about it. I can't do it.

10) I've never been on a plane and flown before.

11) I want to live in Chicago some kind of bad even though I've never been to the city.

 

The Questions

 

1) What has been your favorite vacation so far?

 My favorite vacation would have to be our family trip to Tennessee staying in a log cabin on the top of a mountain for a week.

 

2) How many siblings do you have?

 I only have one sibling, a younger brother of 2 years.

 

3) Heels or flats?

 Heels of course. I'm only 5'2, so I take any bit of extra height I can get!

 

4) If you could own one exotic animal (not a typical pet) what would it be?

 I would have to go with a pet Koala. They're so cute, and soft looking.

 

5) What is your favorite blog post you have written?

 A favorite blog post of mine would have to be any of my Wedding Wednesday posts. My life revolves around wedding anything these days :)

 

6) What's your favorite type of music to listen to when you're rocking out in the car?

My all time favorite music anytime, any place is Indie Rock. Although, I must admit, I really love 80's rock as well.

 

7) What's one guilty pleasure?

 Romance novels - Nicholas Sparks. I'm a sucker for a happily ever after ending.

 

8) Why did you start your blog?

I started my blog as sort of an online journal. A lifestyle blog. The purpose being to document the life of my family. I want this to be something that we can sit down together and look back on the memories we've had; big or small and the love we've shared along the way. I love sitting down with my Mom and going through old photo albums, and her telling me the stories that go with each. I wanted to create something similar for our daughter to look back on, as well as K and I.

 

9) If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

 One food for the rest of my life... I'm going to go with Tijuana Flats fully loaded whole wheat chicken soft tacos. Best. Things. Ever. It's whole wheat loaded with veggies, and protein. I could totally survive off of that!

 

10) Are you an introvert or extrovert at heart?

An introvert at heart. I'm outgoing to an extent, but I'm definitely okay with being alone. I rarely get much alone time since having Kaylee, and that's perfectly fine too. There is a part of me that likes sitting and thinking. I'm definitely a thinker before they speaking type, so to say.

 

11) What's one irrational fear you have?

K ever deciding to leave me for some reason. He's been by my side through so much for eleven year's now. Life without him in it is unimaginable. I hear these stories of couples divorcing or separating after 20+ years together, and wonder, How? Why? I know this will never happen, but then I get to thinking... I'm sure those people said the same thing. It just scares me. I have faith that we will grow old together, I truly believe that, and trust in God with our soon to be marriage. K is my very best friend, my soul mate, we were destined to spend the rest of our lives together. I don't see us ever parting ways, but that doesn't mean that I don't still fear it deep in the back of my mind.

 

I Nominate...

Pillowthought

Thekinchlife

ClassicandBubbly

FamilymeansEVERYTHING

BlondeEpisodes

BogsandBows 

Fabulousbutevil

Marshallsabroad

RusticLiving

TakingNotesCoasttoCoast

SawdustandEmbryos

I enjoy and look forward to reading each of your blogs daily, and have been following along for quite sometime now. I'd love for you to join in and spread this Sunshine Award to some of your favorite bloggers.

 

My Questions for You

 

1) If you could go anywhere in the world, all expenses paid for one week, where would you go?

 

2) Tea or coffee?

 

3) What is your favorite childhood memory?

 

4) What would you do if you won the lottery?

 

5) If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

 

6) Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?

 

7) What's the most unusual conversation you've ever had?

 

8) If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?

 

9) If you could go back in time, what historical period would you like to live in?

 

10) What is the scariest thing you've ever done?

 

11) What's the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

 

I've had a lot of fun answering these questions, and giving you little tid bits of insight into my life. I hope you all will join in with this little award, and have fun with it just as I have. It's different, and entertaining. Thanks again to Lindsay at TheNewlywedNotebook for sending the Sunshine Award my way. You're awesome!

 

Have a fabulous day, and enjoy your holiday weekend!

Wedding Wednesday!

Groomsmen and suspenders.

I've always loved the vintage era (I was born during the wrong time). I knew that I wanted the groomsmen to wear suspenders, a tie/bowtie, and a newsboy cap for our wedding. Of course, I had to run this by K, and get his thoughts... since these are his guys. Needless to say, I was slightly euphoric when K agreed and was keen on going with this style for the guys. This look is so dapper and takes me back into an urbane period. For me, this is not a thing of the past.

Now, that we've decided to go with tan for the guys as opposed to the gray, I'm really smitten on this look with the suspenders. Not to mention, these groomsmen are quite charming. Don't tell my fiancé I said that though. Ha!

Source: Vintage Cali Barn Wedding

This is one of my absolute favorite weddings that I've stumbled across to date. I love everything about this look, but would want K in something a bit dressier like slacks. Love the newsboy cap. Love the suspenders.
 

Source: Three Nails Photography

 Source: Danielle and Brian's Wedding


Source: Weddingomania

Of course, we can't forget about our "Ring Security". He will be in something similar to the groomsmen, more along these lines...

How darling is that? I die every time I think about his little outfit! What do you think of this style? I think it couldn't be more perfect for the style we're envisioning for our wedding.

Slowly but surely things are falling into place, and decisions are being made. I can not wait to see these sixteen months of planning come together on the day of.

Have a fabulous day, loves!

If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away...

Have You a dog in Heaven, Lord?
Is there room for just one more?
Cause our little dog died today;
He'll be waiting at Your door.
Please take him into Heaven, Lord.
And keep him there for us.
Just feed him, pet him, love him, Lord.
That's all he'll ask of Thee.

 

Today is such a heartbreakingly depressed day in the Turner home. Our morning started out tragic, as we heard a knock on our door. It was my Mom telling me there had been an accident. I assumed a car accident or something. Not prepared at all for the words that would follow the "accident" statement. Gizmo has been hit. Gizmo? NO! No. No, No!

 

I walked outside in a fog, not fully coherent and grasping the situation. That is, until I saw his little fluffy body lying by our mailbox on the side of the road. Someone had hit him. Intentionally swerved at him standing in our driveway, and succeeded in hitting him. How could someone be so cruel? What a heartless human being! How could you just swerve and hit a little girl's dog? Her very best friend for the past four years. Our family pet. Gone in the blink of an eye due to the maliciousness of an individual.

 

I've never been much of an animal lover. We really didn't have animals around the house when I grew up. Gizmo drove me crazy at times, but I loved and still love him. This has hit me much harder than I could have ever imagined possible. I've cried most of the day, and it's only 11:00am. My heart is broken. Crushed. Shattered in a million pieces. I can't believe he's gone. Just like that. I'm going to miss playing fetch, his furry little self, running up the driveway to greet me when I get home from work, treat time at night following dinner, my jogging partner, but most of all the joy, laughter and love he's brought to our family. His family. 

 

A few years ago, Kaylee started asking heavily for a baby brother. At the time, K and I weren't ready, and had really decided on her being an only child. So, in hopes of putting an end to the baby talk, we did what any smart parent would do, of course, we bought her a puppy! I remember the day I brought him home for K and I to surprise her with. He cried and yelped the entire hour ride home. I seriously debated on turning around and taking him back. What were we getting ourselves into? The closer we got to home, I took him out of his crate and he laid in my lap, perfectly calm, no whining, the rest of the ride home. He was so loving from the very beginning. Kaylee was so surprised when we brought him inside. She called him her brother. He was family now. It worked for us. We ceased the baby talk; she now had a little brother. It was the sweetest thing ever! I can remember it as if it were yesterday. She was attached to him, the two done everything together. He's her best friend. Her little brother.

 

I don't know how we're going to break the news to Kaylee. My first thought this morning, was her. What do we say? How do we tell her? She's going to be devastated. Absolutely crushed. How will she handle heartbreak at such a young age? This is going to be one of the hardest things to do, but she has to be told. K and I will be there for her to cry on our shoulders, hold us tight, and answer the why's as best we can. My heart breaks for her more than anything. I yearn to take away her pain, to put it all on myself so she doesn't have to feel an ounce of sadness.

 

K and I didn't tell Kaylee this morning because we didn't want her going to school sad and upset the entire day. The plan is to tell her tonight, let her choose a spot, and we will bury him, saying our goodbyes as a family.

 

Gizmo (Mo),

I'm so sorry that this has happened. I wish I could have been there to pull you away from the road. From getting hit by that asshole. I don't know what we're going to do without you. It's going to be tough moving on without you. Just know that we will never fully move on, and that's absolutely okay. You were a very big part of our lives; part of our family for years. I just want you to know that we loved you so very much! You made an impact on this family; brought so much joy and happiness to our lives. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. I'm truly sorry that your life ended so short and abruptly. I hope there was no suffering before you went to Heaven. Jesus has bigger plans for your life, and needed you home with him. We understand that, but it doesn't take away the pain, the sadness, and the love we have for you. We're going to miss the hell out of you buddy. Watch over us, and have fun in Heaven until we're together again. We will see you soon.

 

RIP Angel. We love you to the moon and back!    

 

I loved capturing this moment - She loves him so

 

What's In My Makeup Bag?

I'm slowly transforming into this makeup fanatic. I never really cared too much about the stuff in the past; I would wear it here and there, but very bare, and only bought my products from Wal-Mart or any drug store. Never really understood how girls could spend so much money on the stuff. I always thought it was just the name they were paying for. It really couldn't be that much different from the drug store brands. Right? Wrong, wrong, wrong!

 

My skin is super oily, and I could never find a good foundation that would last much longer than a few hours before wearing off. Come lunch time, it was always time to reapply. Such a pain, and not to mention how quickly I went through my foundation when using it multiple times a day.

 

My sister-in-law had told me about this foundation she had been using and loved. So, to Sephora I went, just to give this expensive stuff a shot. I sat down at the booth to have my skin tested and matched. What do you know? One of the foundations that I was a match for, just so happened to be the one she had been telling me about. I bought the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H full coverage foundation, and haven't used anything else since buying and using this! I don't have to touch up or reapply throughout the day, it really does last, and that's a miracle for my oily skin.

 

I've researched, went to YouTube, and scoured some of my favorite fashion and makeup blogs to find the most popular products being used. I've found you definitely get what you pay for when it comes to good makeup. I also want to set the record straight by letting you know, the only thing I will pay out of pocket for is the foundation. Sephora and Ulta are my favorite go to stores for makeup. In order to get the makeup I want, I always ask for gift cards to each place for any major holiday along with my birthday. As much as I love this stuff, I still can't justify and make myself pay hundreds of dollars for it. I just can't. I've taught myself how to make each product last me down to the very last drop. It works for me, and this way, I can use my money on others things that I actually need instead of want.

 

 Today, I want to share with you, What's in my Makeup Bag at all times, and the products I use on a daily basis.

 



1.  LancômeTeint Idole Ultra 24H

2. Lancôme Dual Finish Powder

3. Smashbox High Definition Concealer

 4. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Eye Cream

5. Nars Blush in Orgasm

6. Milani Bronzer XL

7. Benefit They're Real! Mascara

8. Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eye Palette

 

The Too Faced Chocolate Bar is AH-MAZING! I went into Sephora with the intentions of buying the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette, and they just so happened to be Sold Out on that particular day. One of the girls helped me out by showing me the Chocolate Bar Palette. Very similar color tones to the Naked 2 Palette. The best part? It's made with actual cocoa extract, so it smells JUST like a chocolate candy bar. How awesome is that? I've played around with it, and have found many different color combos I like. It was without a doubt a great addition to my eye collection. Worth the money spent, AND it's cheaper than the Naked Palettes! Score.

 

If you too have very oily skin, I would highly suggest giving the Lancôme 24H full coverage foundation a try. It has been a lifesaver for my face. It is a bit expensive, but it will last you for months. The full coverage allows for a little to go a very long way.

 

What are some of your favorite products? Do share. I love receiving reviews on things I have yet to try out.

 

Have a fabulous day loves!

Children and Manners

Over the weekend, Kaylee had her End of the Year Spring Showcase for dance. As usual, her entourage of family and friends made it out to watch her performance Saturday morning. My very best friend came out and brought her daughter, of which is two years old, to watch and cheer Kaylee on. This was a kid friendly event, as there were many younger siblings there to watch the show, including infants, and kid’s tickets were sold with adult tickets in order to see the show.

This year’s showcase lasted a total of two hours in length, including the two intermission breaks. My friend’s daughter done so great through the show; much better than any two year old normally would. There were a couple of times that she got out of her seat to stand, but nothing more than that. For ninety percent of the show she sat with her Mom and watched the girls dance, and when the lights went out for the next group of dancers to walk on stage, she would ask "Where'd the girls go?"

Nearing the end of the show, one of the dancers (only seven years old - she dances with my daughter, so I know the age) walked down the aisle and took a seat in the row directly in front of us beside her Mother. Mind you, the Mother had been sitting there this entire time, since the start of the show. It was almost over; we had made it to the last two songs until the showcase was over. My friend’s daughter decided she wanted to stand, and just so happened to grab the back of the seat that the little girl had just sat in, in front of us. My friend reached to pick her daughter up, and told her not to grab the back of the chair that someone was now occupying the seat. Her daughter said "No, no, no" because she didn't want to sit down, she had wanted to stand up. The little girl sitting in front of us turns around giving her the meanest look, and loudly tells her to "SHHHHH". My friend and I just look each other, and then back at her thinking, are you kidding me? Once again, my friend’s daughter goes to stand up, and the little girl turns around and SWATS, I kid you not, rolls up the program that's about 15 pages thick and swats at her. A two year old! Telling her to "SHHHH" yet a second time. We both turn and look at the Mother of this little girl, and she smiles shaking her head up and down agreeing with her daughter telling a two year old to "Shhhh" and then swatting at her. The so-called Mother encouraged this behavior. I was baffled. We both were. Who the hell do you think you are that it’s okay to act this way, and approve that type of behavior? I'm not one to cause a scene, but most definitely planned on doing so, had this little girl or her Mother made one more rude action and/or comment.

This, my friends, is a prime example of what is wrong with our youth these days. They have no manners, most of them probably don't even know what the word "manner" means. They don't get disciplined. Parents are encouraging this type of behavior. Teaching and rewarding their children to act this way. This is not okay!

I would absolutely not tolerate that type of behavior from my daughter. Had she acted that way, I would have apologized to the parent sitting behind me for her actions, excused ourselves from the show, taken a walk to the restroom and spanked her little booty. That was completely unacceptable, and for the parent to have condoned that type of behavior... I'm still shocked by it. Although, I shouldn't be. There aren't a lot of respectful people out there these days.

Please, do yourself and the world a favor; teach your kids some manners, what's right from wrong, how to handle situations with some respect, and discipline them! That way, they will go out into this world as a humble human being, and everyone doesn't have to deal with some inconsiderate little shit.

Rant over.

Aside from the rudeness that took place towards the end of the show, the Dance Company put on a spectacular performance. Kaylee rocked the stage for all three dance numbers she was in, and took home the "Star Performer Award" for the second year in a row in her age division. Proud parents, her Dad and I are. We love watching her on stage, witnessing the love she has for dance, and all the hard work she put in all year long paying off. She is so passionate about dance, and it has given her such great confidence. We truly believe she has found what she's meant to do in life; she was born to be on stage, born to perform.

 

Way to go Sweets! Dad and I wrote a little something for you:
 

Kaylee Bug,

You have blossomed into such a vibrant, confident, and witty little girl. Dad and I thank God daily for choosing us to be your parents, and blessing us with your life; our true meaning of happiness. We are so proud of you, and the accomplishments you’ve made this year. You can do anything you set your mind to; always follow your dreams and truly believe in yourself. We love you to the moon and back!
Love Always,

Mom and Dad

 

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world.” –Harriet Tubman

 

 

 

Big Girl Room Ideas

  Kaylee is fast approaching the ripe old age of seven. Seven years old! When I look at her, I just stare, amazed, and think to myself, where have the past seven years gone to? As we rode home from dinner with family last night, she laid her head in my lap and fell asleep to my fingers running back and forth through her hair, and I savored every second of that car ride home. She's growing up, getting bigger and older, more independent. I know these moments are fleeting, passing by much too quickly right before my very eyes. I need to grasp them, hold on to each and every moment with everything I have. No matter how much I despise and want to stop it, time cannot be stopped. Such a wicked thing, time is. Though regardless of age, my baby she will always be.

With all of that said, turning seven means we’ve officially hit “big girl” status. Thus, the time has come to make the transition from Toddler Bedroom to a Big Girl Bedroom. Kaylee has informed me that she would like to have a light blue (like the sky – her words) and purple (not dark but light – she says).

Got it. Warm colors. Nothing crazy and drastic. Okay, I can totally work with this.

So, I’ve been searching the web for aqua/baby blue and lavender big girl rooms, and surprisingly I’ve come across quite a few ideas, thanks to Google. I thought I’d share with you all what I’ve found to be very age appropriate and really like so far.
This first room is definitely at the top of my favorites list. You can view all room details over at Centsational Girl Blog.

 

 

 This next one is a bit brighter, but I just fell in love with the wall gallery above the bed. I could pull some great inspiration from this one; add more lavender as opposed to so much pink to go with her request. This room was found courtesy of Ginny Phillips Photography .

 

 

The array of colors in this next big girl room, I love. It has everything combined into one room. More pink than the other colors, but we could absolutely work around that. Check out The Lily Pad Cottage for more photos.

 

 

 

This aqua butterfly room is coming in second place on my list of favorites. Although it doesn't have the lavender, it does however, have butterflies. So maybe, just maybe Kaylee could be swayed with keeping the little tad bits of pink for the butterflies? Anything is possible. I'm just truly loving the indie/boho vibe of this room! 

My Little Love Bird has more photos of this darling little room along with a video of the room install.

 

 

I love different things about each room, and have without a doubt pulled an abundance of inspiration from each. I'm stoked to share these rooms with Kaylee and get her input. After all, it is her room, so she should have some say in it.

I will be sure to post before and after pictures in the future.

Sending a very Happy Mother's Day to all of you fabulous Mom's in blog land. Relax, enjoy it, and savor every moment of the day with your child(ren).

Have a lovely weekend. 


NERD Alert

School.

I miss it.

 

 Like really miss it! The feel of sitting in a classroom; listening to a lecture; jotting down my notes; classmates; debates; the entire atmosphere. Go ahead and say it. I know you want to... Nerd. I'm such a nerd.

 

I know this.

I was never able to have that college experience. The summer after graduation, K and I found out we were pregnant with Kaylee. I tried the online class thing after Kaylee was born. Ha. What a joke that was for me. I lasted a semester. One whole semester, and then I quit. It was hard with an infant, and online classes just aren't for me. I'm more of a hands on learner. I have to physically be in a classroom with a teacher to understand the lesson being taught.

I always told myself I would go back when Kaylee started elementary school. Then, I would have that extra time to go to class, and it wouldn't interfere or neglect my time home with my family. Kaylee is currently at the end of her first grade year of school. First grade, and I have yet to enroll myself into our local community college. I've been busy with work and life, and I can now throw planning a wedding into the mix of things. Insert complication here.

These last two months it has really been getting to me. I have really begun to miss it more and more. I want to go back. I need to go back! So, I've decided... I'm going back. Next fall to be precise. I will wait until after the wedding, for life to calm down, and I will go. No excuses. I will do this! Even if it is part-time, it will satisfy this longing that I've been feeling when college comes to mind.

 With school on the mind lately, it's had me thinking what I want to do with my life, and what I would major in. I know that one day I want to write a book. I don't know about trying to make a career out of writing, and becoming an author (who knows if I would be any good at it anyways). I just want to write a book. One book within my lifetime. I've been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. I'm a bit of a bookworm. Getting lost in a novel is both gratifying and entertaining to me. To find a book that really captivates you in to using your imagination and connecting with the characters, is one feeling that I can't even explain. I just love it. Love finding a book that has me up until 4am because I can't stop; can't put it down; I have to know what happens next and how it ends. THAT is what I want to do. If only once in my life, I want to write a book that mesmerizes an audience. Be it a small audience or not. I can say with confidence, this has become a life goal for me.

So, next fall, I will finally be back in a classroom; working towards a degree in English Literature with a minor in Psychology. I'm eager to see what's in store for me, and to learn. Not only do I want to go back because I really miss it, but I want to be a role model for my daughter. School is very important. No matter how old you are, you can always go back. I'm doing it. I'm going back!