March 31, 2015- Natural Disaster

If you had to evacuate your home because of a natural disaster, what three things would you take with you?

We actually live in a high fire area and have had close calls where we have almost had to evacuate. When we were teenagers, my parents often had conversations with us about what we need to get if we were ever home alone and there was an evacuation. There is one item in our house that my parents have always told us we need to take because it carries important info. So, if I was home alone, I would take that first.

However, if I was not home alone there are 3 things I know for sure I would take. The first thing would be my dog Tyson. He would be the first thing I would pick up and put in the car. The next thing I would grab would be my computer. Not only would it help in communicating with people, but it has a lot of old pictures and important info on it. The last thing I would grab would be some food and water because who knows when I would get some again. Other than that, everything else I could buy again. I know a lot of people say they "can't live without…" but that's not true. As long as my family and my dog were safe, that's all I really need.

March 30, 2015- Dream Job

What is your dream job?

If I could have any job I would like to be a music producer on a television talk show. For example, I would love to work on Jimmy Kimmel Live and be in charge of all the musical guests. Make sure they have everything they need, get all their PR and marketing info for the host to say, have on the website, and any other place it's needed. I would even like to try and find new musical guests to come on the show. If I couldn't do that, I would love to work on a television show and choose the music that is played on the show. Basically, my dream job would involve music.

March 29, 2015- Try

What is one thing you have always wanted to try and do? What is holding you back from doing it?

One thing I have always wanted to try is skydiving. I don't know why, but it seems so fun. It's weird though, cause I have no desire nor would I ever bungee jump. I have a fear of the bungee breaking or me getting caught in it. With skydiving I don't have any fear like that. I think because I know I will be with someone who knows what they are doing. I'll just be there and along for the ride.

The reason I haven't is because with all my health issues I'm not sure it's really safe. I'm not sure if the jerking up when the parachute opens will be too aggressive on my back, and I'm not sure if the adrenaline will be too much for my heart. I've never looked into it, but the skydiving itch is getting stronger. I'll have to look into it soon so that I will know if my health issues will be the deciding factor.

March 28, 2015- Anywhere In The World

If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be?

FIJI

I would love to lay out on that dock, jump in the water when it gets too warm, and repeat  that ALL DAY LONG.

March 27, 2015- Scars

Do you have any scars? What are their stories?

I think a better question is where don't I have any scars. I'll try and list them all.

I have a scar on my left shin from when I fell off a wall as a kid.

I have a scar on my left knee from falling while walking Tyson one afternoon. 

I have a scar on my right knee when I fell off my bike as a kid.

I have a scar on my stomach from my stomach surgery.

I have a scar on my chest from my heart surgeries.

I have a scar on my right elbow from when I fell off skateboard as a kid.

I have a scar on the middle of my back from my scoliosis surgery.

I have a scar under my chin from falling while playing hopscotch as a kid.

Needless to say, I have a lot of scars. I know I have even more but I either don't remember how I got them, or they are so faded from time that I don't realize they are there anymore. I don't always like them, but I DEFINITELY earned them all.

March 26, 2015- Fear

What is one fear that is holding you back? What is it holding you back from?

One fear that is holding me back is my fear of the past. I feel like I am in a very good place and have been for awhile. My doctor and I have been talking for awhile about the idea of coming off my medication. My fear is falling back into the place I once was. I know I'm different than I was. I know myself better and have overcome a lot of the things I was struggling with. However, it was such a miserable time that I do not wish to ever revisit.

I discussed with my doctor today about weaning off. We came up with a plan that I was comfortable with so I will be starting the process shortly. I know I can always start the medication again if I need to. I just feel like when I'm able to no longer take the medication, use the things I have learned the last few years, and be alright I will fully have moved on from that time in my life.Being afraid is holding me back from fully moving on. I'm hopeful though this will go well and I will get passed this fear well like I did all the others.

March 25, 2015- One Week

One week from tonight I will be writing my last blog post. I haven't been as diligent this year as I was last year, but I still did pretty well. For me, it is just time to try something new. I have become tired of it and need a change of pace. I will still write when I feel the need to, but I will be doing it because it will help me work through something, or it will be simply because I want to. I probably won't be putting it on a platform like this. I'll be doing it more for myself in either a private blog or in a notebook.

I do have a plan as to what I plan on doing. This writing started as something to help me work things out. More importantly it was making a point of doing something every day for myself. I did something that was positive and gave me a chance to be creative. There are 3 things I have been really wanting to try and do. I want to read more, I want to get back to working out regularly, and I want to start doing more crafts. So throughout the week I'm going to rotate doing these things.

One night I will read a chapter in my current book read. Another night I will workout by walking and trying some different workouts I have found that will help me strengthen my core (which will help with my often back pain). Another night I will figure out a craft to do like coloring, painting, writing, etc. Then I'll repeat it during the week. That way I am trying something new, accomplishing goals, and doing something for me each day. I figure if this doesn't keep me on the positive direction, I know writing works for me and that it will always be there for me.

March 24, 2015- Memory

A memory I will never forget...

Finish this sentence.

A memory I will never forget is when I was 15 years-old. I was getting ready to have scoliosis surgery. I had to do a bunch of tests to make sure I was healthy enough to have surgery. One of the tests I had to  do was check my lung capacity. They wanted to see how much capacity the scoliosis caused me to loose. They also wanted to make sure that if they were to remove my two lower ribs to use as the bones for the fusion instead of donor bones that I would not be left without enough lung capacity, and that I wouldn't have breathing issues. Ultimately they found out that I only had about 60% lung capacity left and that I would need to use donor bones.

That is not the memory I will never forget nor is the actual test. It was the ride home. I has been given a nose plug during the test. Somehow I ended up bringing it home. In an effort to make light of the situation, and to occupy myself while we sat in traffic going home, I started putting the nose plug on and was making funny faces at my mom. She thought it was funny, so I decided to try and get the attention of other people in their cars while doing this. It wasn't working to well. We then come up next to a school bus. A younger boy looked out his window right at me and started laughing. You could tell he is was not expecting it. I waved to him and he waved back. 

I can't remember if I got anyone else's attention, but I do remember making him laugh. It was a nice little break from all the was going on as I prepared for back surgery. I'm not sure if he remembers it. He probably doesn't. For me,15 years later, I still do and I still think about it from time to time. When I do, it always gives me a little chuckle and puts a little smile on my face.

March 23, 2015- Smile

What makes you smile? Are you able to recognize the positive things in life? 

I use to be so negative. It was always glass half empty. I always saw the bad that could happen before the good. I don't know when the change occurred, but now I have been told on multiple occasions that I'm one of the most positive people. I have even been told by others they wish they could be as positive as me and ask me how I do it.That is something I never thought would happen.

It could be because I have a lot that makes me smile. Things like: my family, my friends, my dog, having a job, liking the people I work with, living in a nice house in a nice area, being able to experience the beach, watching people be kind to each other, etc. By learning to be grateful for things, I have learned to smile more. Even if I have a bad day, I force myself to smile. That way the smile on my face will trick my brain into a smile as well.

March 22, 2015- Lifestyle

In one word how would you describe your lifestyle? Do you approach your lifestyle holistically?

I would describe my life style as a trendy lifestyle. I am up on whats going on currently in the news, media, social, fashion, and music. I have understood latest health and wellness trends (even if I haven't tried them). I tend to dress based on what is considered the trend. I listen to top 40 wether it's pop, country, or rock. I also watch television, not too much though, and I have read all the books people have been talking about. 

However, even though I tend to think my lifestyle is trendy, I don't let it rule everything in my life. I am pretty good with my money and always have very little to no debt. I don't stress if I don't have the latest "it" thing, and don't feel like I'm missing out if I don't have "it." I try and live stress free and go at my own pace. I like the popular and trendy things most people like, it just doesn't make or break me.

March 21, 2015- Safe Space

Where is your safe space?

For me, my safe space is my home. Anytime I get stressed out, tired, and just need to decompress from the world, I go home. Some of my favorite places at my home are my room and my backyard. Those are the places I go to feel safe. I always seem to relax there and just feel like nothing and no one can hurt me.

March 19, 2015- First Notice

What do you first notice about a person when you meet them? What do you think this says about you? Be honest, there’s no wrong answer.

The first thing I notice about people is always their clothes and their teeth. 

I usually look at their clothes since I really like clothes, and I want to see if I could get any ideas of what I could put together with my own clothes. I'm the stereotypical girl. I like clothes. That's what it says about me.

In regards to teeth, I have always been obsessed. I think because I had terrible teeth as a child, I am always interested in them. I still am not completely happy with my teeth ( I wish they were whiter), but they are much better than when I was a kid. Me noising teeth first reflects something that is important to me.

March 18, 2015- Impossible

What do you think is impossible?

I think it is impossible for us as humans to not change and grow and evolve. I use to think that people don't change. Now I think people can change, but only if they want to and if they put in the effort to do so. I'm not the same person I was when I was 5 years-old, 15 years-old, even 25 years-old. I've grown up and learned things about yourself, others, and the world. I have become a different person through my life experiences. I believe I have become a better person. So for someone to not change throughout their life…. that is impossible.

March 17, 2015- That's What Makes You Beautiful

What makes a person beautiful?

For me, the thing I find most beautiful is kindness, compassion, and a willingness to help others. Whenever I see people being kind to others, it warms my heart. Especially when those others are children, elderly, the needy, or animals. I think a person who does these things, is beautiful where it matters. Sure outer beauty doesn't hurt, but it is the inside that truly determines a person.

March 16, 2015- Outfit Today

What did you wear today? Your last stylish outfit to be documented for the week. Stick in your polaroid or sketch out your clothes.

Blue and White Striped 3/4 Sleeve Shirt

Blue Skinny Jeans With A Hole In The Knee

White Lace Up Flats

March 15, 2015- Today's Outfit

What was your outfit today? 

Today I'm going to see my favorite hockey team, The Anaheim Ducks, play. Naturally I have worn my team t-shirt, I'll be putting on a Ducks sweater, and my favorite jeans. Hopefully it's a good game and they win!!

March 14, 2015- Outfit

Add in your sketch or image of your outfit. What did your day involve today? Was your outfit appropriate?

Today is Saturday which means NO WORK! I was very casual today. My hair was up, no make up on, and the weather was perfect. I ran some errands with my Mom this morning, got a facial this afternoon, and will spend the rest of my day relaxing at home. An easy, casual outfit for an easy, casual day.

Green Cardigan

White and Black Stripped T-Shirt

Blue Skinny Jeans

Black and White Tribal Print Sandals

March 13, 2015- OOTD

What outfit did you wear today? How did you feel in it...comfortable, confident?

Today I wore my army green, 3/4 sleeve, winged top, blue skinny jeans, and my army green gladiator sandals. It was actually warm enough today for sandals.  I felt comfortable in my loose fitting tops, one of my favorite pair of jeans, and my favorite sandals.

March 12, 2015- Outfit Of The Day

What did you wear today? Sketch in your outfit or add a photo. You can detail what each item was or let the picture do the talking.

Headband

Navy Blue Cardigan

Red T-Shirt

Blue Skinny Jeans

White Converse Shoes

March 11, 2015- Planning Outfits

Plan your outfits for the upcoming week. Embrace and brainstorm your stylish options for work and after work commitments. Each day this next week, your journal entry will involve a sketch or polaroid of your chosen outfit.

This is will be fun. Every work night I plan my outfit the night before. Otherwise I would spend too much time each morning and would probably be late every day. In the meantime, enjoy the fashion show I love watching each year. The performers, the backgrounds, and of course the beautiful lingerie. Let's be honest, more girls watch The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show than guys do.

March 10, 2015- Fashion

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening. Coco Chanel.

Write this quote in your journal.

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the 

street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.

-Coco Chanel

March 9, 2015- Style Icon

Whose style did you admire as a teenager? Was it a celebrity, a friend or an older family member? Are they still a source of inspiration for you?

One person's style I admired growing up and who I still admire is Lauren Conrad. She is about the same age as me, but unlike me she has spent a good portion of her teenage years and young adult years on television. She was on the reality shows Laguna Beach and The Hills. Even though those shows at times were kind of ridiculous, her style never was. Her clothes, her accessories, her hair, her make up-everything. I just love her entire look, and I admit I have tried multiple times to copy her style. Sh is classy, trendy, beach, and casual all rolled into one. Below are some of my favorite looks.

March 8, 2015- Favorite Clothes

What is your favorite item of clothing and why? Is it something you wear often or rarely? What does this say about your personality?

My favorite clothing items is jeans. I wear jean pants, jean shorts- I even love wearing my denim tops. I would say I wear jeans 5 out of 7 days a week, if not every day. My favorite are skinny jeans. I like them tight, and long enough that I can roll them at the bottom. My favorite pair I have are my blue denim, William Rast. Even though I have had them for at least 5 years and there are natural holes in the knees, I still wear them all the time and can't part with them. In fact, I'm wearing them tomorrow.

March 6, 2015- New Purchase

Since all the posts have been about fashion and style lately, I thought I would share my new purchase from tonight- Blue denim flats from Old Navy!! Can't wait to wear them!! 

March 5, 2015- Style

Style is primarily a matter of instinct. Bill Blass.

What is your response to this quote? You can write something down or just leave it bold, stylish and simple.

Something that is instinct is something that happens naturally. You don't have to think about it, you just do it. When it comes to style, you should just do what feels natural. You shouldn't think about it, just wear what feels right for you. Who cares if your style is trendy, nerdy, classic, goth, etc. There is the cliche notion that the most important thing you can wear is your confidence. As long as you feel good about yourself, you will be natural, comfortable, and your own kind of stylish- and that's what's most important.

March 4, 2015- Purchase Please

If you could buy any items of clothing or accessories what would they be and why? You can include a photo or image of them too. It could even act as a visual incentive to save up for the most favored item.

I really want a new purse. I'm kind of tired of all the ones I have and would really like a new one. I also don't have any "expensive" purses. So I would like to save up and get one. This Michael Kors one would be nice.

March 3, 2015- My Style

What is your personal style? How would you describe it...edgy, trendy, classic, feminine? Choose three words that best define your style.

Three words to describe my style are: 

Trendy 

Beachy

Casual

March 1, 2015- Smile

What made you smile today? Make a plan to smile more often.

Tyson sleeps in the house with us, my room to be exact. So every morning when we wake up we have to let him out. Since Monday through Friday we all wake up around 6AM for work, Tyson is use to getting up at this time. On the weekends we are lucky if we don't start hearing him whine before 7AM. Today, the whining started at 6:55AM. I got up and told him, " Lets go potty." He was out the bedroom door before I was. When I turned the corner, there was Tyson, standing in the bathroom door, tail wagging, and smile on his face. I had to laugh. He had never done that before. I told him it was potty time, so he went to the bathroom. Not necessarily his bathroom, but he still. He listened.