One womans journey to find herself and make the most out of life






Sunday, December 27, 2015

The Holidays

As I sit here and reflect on the past few days Ive realized some things:

Im getting older. No way around that one. This time of year has and always will hold that special feeling, almost like magic. I hope all adults feel this way. That magic wasnt lost on me this year, but I felt some of it was missing. I felt the mood I was in to be lackluster. The realities of finances rear its ugly head, as you try to find the right gift at the right price while not taking away from the love you have for the person you are buying said gift for. I can say that I proudly bought what I bought and thought about each gift and spread out my shopping, as to not drop a couple hundred in one paycheck. Im getting older in looking at my grandparents who are 90 and the drastic change one year can make. Both have been blessed with great health, but their age is playing more into their overall fraility. The fear they wont be around forever reminds me that I wont either and I better start making this life worth it.

I also realized that I love my family dearly, but consistent days in a row with them, make me appreciate that we dont live so close.

Even though I was with friends and family I love, I still felt lonely. A part of my heart was missing. For the past couple of years, Ive had someone to share the holidays with or at least be in my life and it makes the time all that more enjoyable. I miss making memories with a significant other. I also think to the future, and how one day I want to share these memories with them, plus future children. I want to be able to create traditions with them, like my parents did with me.

Peace&Love
-l

Monday, December 7, 2015

Words

Words. We use them and see them in everyday life. Something so simple can mean so much. Do we realize how much weight they carry? How these little things can be so beautiful but yet painful and full of deceit. Words can be so easily twisted. Things you say may not come out the way you meant them too. Im trying to be better at what i say and how I say it. Ive been hurt by people in my life and the last thing I want to do is hurt someone else. I know Im not perfect and I still say things I regret. But no matter words are so profound and something as simple as I love you means so incredibly much. I stumbled upon this quote and felt it fitting for all of this

"Four things you cant recover
The stone after the throw, the word after its said, the occasion after its missed and the time after its gone."

How true for all of these but especially the word after its said. You cant get it back, no matter how much you wish to. Whats said is said and you cant go back and take it back. We are harsh people and we say cruel things all the time, but maybe we should start saying kinder words to each other.

Ive said things to some people who mean the world to me that i wish I could eat back up and never have said it, but time wont take me back and the words will still fall out of my mouth. For anyone I have hurt with my words Im sorry.

Peace&Love
-l

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Taking Stock December Edition

I cannot believe that it is December already. As I write this, there are big white snowflakes falling down and although it is not the first time this season, it is still magical. I also write this with lots on my mind that Im trying to sort all out. So here it goes...

Making: Christmas lists for friends and family

Cooking: does salad count?

Drinking: anything warm

Reading: Commencement

Wanting: answers to everything in life

Looking: for the perfect gifts

Playing: Christmas music

Remembering: where I was at this point last year

Watching: Arrow and The Flash

Deciding: on what to do with the thoughts swirling in my head

Hoping: for peace and joy and happiness in the coming weeks

Planning: activities for my sister and I during Christmas week

Enjoying: the quite and sudden snow

Waiting: for the new year to make new resolutions

Liking: hot showers

Needing: someone to help me figure out things

Wearing: gym clothes

Noticing: how many days are left in 2015

Smelling: I wish I could

Buying: Christmas gifts

Craving: salty foods

Peace&Love
-l

Friday, November 27, 2015

Thanksgiving

Things to be thankful for:

-A job: as much as I hate it on nearly a daily basis, I have a place to work and earn money to support myself

-A house: it is not mine, and I lack some independence here, but I have shelter, warmth, belongings that are protected

-Money: it's not a lot, and I'm concerned at times I won't have enough to make ends meet, but it's more than I could ask for and more than most people have

-Friends: I can honestly count on one hand those that are closest to me, and who I have the deepest connections with and that I trust with anything

-Food: I may be picky, pickier than most, but I know that I will always come home to a fridge and pantry full of food, or at least enough to keep my belly full

-Opportunities: I've been given the chance to be able to do so many things, go back to school, find a new job, travel, etc.

-Family: There is impeccable distance between me and most of my family and I don't get to see many of them that often. It's also hard to get together under the same roof for holidays without getting a little dysfunctional, but I don't think I would pick a crazier bunch to be dysfunctional with. Although at times I feel the support is lacking and the communication as well, I know that love abounds.

I know there are times where I don't appreciate everything that I have, actually most times. I get jealous of people who seem to have more, or easier lives, or normal families. But looking back on life, I appreciate what I have more because I didn't have everything I wanted. My life isn't easy, but the struggle has made me stronger and better. The time spent with those I haven't seen in months or years yesterday was short and a little stressful, but worth it. I'm thankful for it all and for where God has put me at this moment in life.


Peace&Love
~l

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Personal Pity Party

I dont like to talk about myself in a pitying manner. You know how you have those days where you hate the world and the world seems to hate you right back? Im having one of those days or mini phases of life. I cant complain because most everything in my life is good. Days are going to suck and that I know. But recently I feel that Im being attacked by those I call my friends and those that I thought were there for me. I feel overly cautious these days about who I can trust. Its very hard for me as it is to trust anyone and I dont just divulge all this information about myself to anyone. Im having issues with people at work and the attitudes they are showing me and at times being their boss I have to choose my words wisely and try to make sure Im doing the right thing. I also am having trouble with my living situation. Both of the girls are nice people, but I feel my friend is slowly pushing me away and she has this attitude where she can do no wrong and that is starting to wear on me. I dont like people who behave that way. Then she is very good at personally attacking me in front of others or completely ignoring me. She has never acted this way prior to the other girl moving in and Im not entirely sure where it is coming from. Her and the new girl are constantly doing stuff together and forgetting about me. Either that or I feel obligated to always do stuff with them. I need that alone time and down time without being questioned. I also dont want to bring something up because I dont want to start drama or confrontation. I know things wont get better if I dont say something. Its just a rough patch that hopefully will sort itself out soon.

Peace&Love
-l

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Realities of Being Sick and Other Things

I feel like I have been terminally sick for the past nearly 2 months, with something. As soon as I get rid of one illness, I'm carrying another. Sad face. #itsthetimeoftheyear. On top of just general colds and asthma attacks, I've also been dealing with serious pain in/around my uterus. Which could be a variety of things and of course I've jumped to a lot of conclusions on what they all could be. Luckily, I have a doctor's appointment coming up next week, that hopefully will start to give me some answers. But in the mean time, when I'm not working crazy hours, I'm trying to make sure I'm resting. On top of all of that, I live in a house, where the girl who owns it, is doing some remodeling, taking down walls and putting in hardwood floors, you know typical stuff. However, with my current health situation, it is probably not the most ideal. Besides that, I feel that my life is kind of turned upside down and will be for the next month or two. Obviously something I can clearly handle, but something I really just don't want too, with the weather being colder and having nothing to do to get out of the house. I also just don't like having my established routine upset because it takes me awhile to adjust accordingly. With that being said, and not the only reason either, I have begun looking for another place to live. Not that I don't like Kelly or Caitlin, but there comes a point where it is too much and I do need that independence back. I like being able to come and go as I please, to where I please without having to tell anyone. I'm glad people care enough to know, but sometimes I just want to go, or I just want to be alone. I just need to make sure my financial affairs are in order. The old job hunt hasn't stopped either and because I'm currently not finding anything, I'm thinking of just doing a part time job for now and hopefully that will open new doors for me. If not going back to school to get my Master's has been in serious thought. 

Peace&Love
~L

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Taking Stock November Edition

Making: calendar plans
Cooking: nothing
Drinking: water and lots of it
Reading: Womens Health
Wanting: answers to life
Looking: for winter sweaters
Playing: Hello by Adele
Remembering: my trip to the west coast
Trying: to keep smiling
Watching: Arrow and Flash
Deciding: on my outfit for work
Wishing: the weather we had today would last all winter
Planning: my next vacation
Enjoying: my cozy bed
Waiting: for a new job
Liking: being content
Needing: to stop spending so much money
Wearing: pjs
Noticing: how we have already made it to November
Smelling: air
Buying: nothing, keeping that in check
Craving: water

Peace &love
-l

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Sitting In the Car on the way Back to Seattle

Its been a long, crazy, fun, adventurous, intense, and at some points draining week. I know I have been absent from blogging lately and there is so much I would like to write about, but there just isnt enough time anymore. Im currently on my way to Seattle from the Portland area and Oregon coast. I have always wanted to come here and finally have and enjoyed almost every minute of it. The coast was beyond words and Portland I may have fallen in love with a little bit. The Columbia River Gorge was a whole other level of beauty. It always seemed that I saw something and that nothing could top it, then I was realized how wrong I was. Tomorrow I fly out and I couldnt be happier, but yet at the same time I keep wondering if I focused on being here in the moment. Will this vacation have changed me or got my mind thinking? Pictures and more details to come when I arrive home!

Peace &love
~l

Monday, October 5, 2015

Here With Me by Susie Suh

We all have that song, that gets us every time we hear it. (I admittedly have more than one song like that, this is one of them.) Here are the lyrics: 

Caught in the riptide
I was searching for the truth
There was a reason
I collided into you

Calling your name in the midnight hour
Reaching for you from the endless dream
So many miles between us now
But you are always here with me

Nobody knows why
Nobody knows how and 
This feeling begins just like a spark
Tossing and turning inside of your heart
Exploding in the dark

Calling your name in the midnight hour
Reaching for you from the endless dream
So many miles between us now
But you are always here with me

Oh inside me
I find my way
Back to you
Back to you

Calling your name in the midnight hour
Reaching for you from the endless dream
So many miles between us now
But you are always here with me

Two words
In your hands
In your hearts
It's whole universe

You are always here with me


Peace&Love
~L

Friday, October 2, 2015

Taking Stock October Edition

Making: ideas for fall activities
Cooking: always nothing
Drinking: lots of water
Reading: job descriptions
Wanting: so badly to talk and see someone who means a lot to me
Looking: for fall decor
Playing: songs on repeat
Remembering: inside jokes with my family
Trying: to create a decorated bedroom
Watching: the Blacklist
Deciding: what dress to wear to awl wedding tomorrow
Wishing: for a few more warm summer like days
Planning: fall hikes
Enjoying: the crispness of fall by snuggling under my blankets
Waiting: for tomorrow
Liking: hand lotion for my increasingly dry hands
Needing: a good run
Wearing: flannel
Noticing: how fast the year has gone
Smelling: nothing, as my nose is plugged up
Buying: wedding presents and birthday gifts
Craving: a fresh donut :)

Peace&Love
-l

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Summer in Pictures

This summer has been everything I have wanted. In some ways I didnt feel like I had much of a summer with all my weekends being booked with weddings, birthdays, and baby showers. It flew by and I look back on the past couple of months and wonder if it all really happened. In smapshots, here is what Ive done this summer...

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Dear You

I have contemplated this for months. Since the last time I saw you. The last time we had a real conversation. I've replayed it all in my head, still trying to understand what I did wrong. Every time I put pen to paper, I break down emotionally. People say time heals all wounds, but I don't agree. I think time just makes it more manageable. It allows every hurt you feel to dig deeper into your soul and you truly are never the same again.

What feels like ages ago, I met you. You were the best thing to come into my life. You were this breath of fresh air. This person that lit a fire within me. You made me laugh. You made me cry. You made me someone else. But I fell for you and I fell hard. You had this way about you that I will never be able to describe. You made me feel safe and comfortable. You were my best friend. I trusted you.

Then things began to change and every question I had and every doubt I had about us was correct. My life changed in an instant. In one simple night we were not the same. I fought for you. I forgave you. But yet it wasn't enough. I respected you and the time you needed. But months later, you walked back into my life like a roaring fire. It seemed as if we never skipped a beat. But there it was months later, something was off. You took on another job and I began to see you less and less. I thought I was the crazy one, telling you not to do it. Demanding to see you. To spend time with you. Begging you to stick around. We were 2 people on 2 different paths. Seeing this thing in 2 completely different ways. I thought things were beginning to turn around and we were beginning to work on us. You didn't. Eventually, the inevitable came again. But yet you kept coming back. You kept me hoping. You kept me clinging on to some ridiculous idea that we would ever get back together. You toyed with my emotions. Over and over again we were in each others lives and just as quickly out of them. It was the endless carousel ride. I wish you could see and understand what you put me through last year. I wanted to hate you, but I couldn't. I kept hoping you would stop by and say hello, or that I'd run into you at the store. That maybe we could figure it all out. But maybe I was just being naive waiting for something that wasn't ever going to happen. There were times I felt that glimmer of hope only to be snuffed out. What was it going to take? What did I need to do?

You moved in. Everything changed. Nothing was easy. Everything was confusing. I was scared. Confused. Upset. Surprised. Happy. Every emotion you could think of. It was everything that I had wanted for the past 2.5 years, but it wasn't the way I had envisioned it to happen. I wanted it to be when we were at a good place in our relationship, not because you were just exiting one with someone else. I told you that I wanted to be with you countless times over. I told you I love you. I meant it with all that I had. But everything was off. I was just beginning to understand myself again. I was beginning to live life without you. I was sure 'us' was never going to happen again. I needed to start moving on as you would like to say. I was peeling away all my layers. Hurt. Confusion. Anger. Misguided. You were this drug to me. I wanted you more than anything else. Maybe that was wrong. I gave up so much of myself and lost myself in you. Whenever you weren't there I drowned my sorrows in my own self pity and that is no way to live. Whenever you came around, I didn't want you to leave, fearing that you would just never show up again. It was selfish of me to think that way. You clearly wanted to live your life. I should have let you. I don't regret fighting for you or trying to make things work. I would do it all over again a thousand times if I had to.

When we lived together for the first 5 months of this year, I felt a lot of things. I know you did too. I know you wanted me to tell you I love you. I couldn't. I hope you understand why. I was afraid that if I did, and we started to get close again, that you would leave me all over again. And honestly, I don't think I would have been able to handle that again. Yes, I admit, I pushed you away. In some way I wanted you to feel what I felt and the hurt you put me through. I'm not a malicious person and I hope you know that about me. I was afraid that you would start tearing down those walls I started to build and you would find a way to hurt me again. But I keep looking back to those months together in that tiny apartment. I feel like we fought more than we should have, but we stuck through it. We found ways to get over the shit. I don't think either of us were in a good place to forgive each other for EVERYTHING! I believe we were both going through transitions in our lives and looking for answers to it all. I honestly needed time to think. I needed time to be single and alone. You were always the one saying I needed to find someone else or move on or get over us. That was one thing I never could do. A part of me is and will always be yours. You are still in my mind and heart. Pieces of you are left all around.

Then one day you just stopped talking to me. I'm still not sure what I did. How I hurt you or offended you. I may not even be entitled to those answers. Do you know how people say there is that one thing you have done that forever changes the outcome of your life? Or if you would have done one thing differently how drastically different your life would be? Sometimes I wish I could have that with you. Just to go back to the beginning of it all and change it just a bit, so we wouldn't end up here. You and I will always be unfinished business. You know I don't blame you for anything that has happened and I never have. I know at times you think I should and maybe you are right. But it takes two people to make it work. Yeah, I felt like I was fighting harder than you and loved you more at times, but that wasn't always the case. We are both at fault for everything. I never meant to push you away or make you feel that I didn't care or love you. We both changed and we both needed to grow. We were right for each other and wrong for each other. I have always known you were meant for me. I don't know where this life will lead either of us, but I believe our paths will cross again someday. I hope that I find you happy in whatever you are doing. I hope you are living your life to the fullest. I'm sorry for not saying goodbye. I'm sorry for whatever it is that made you stop talking to me. I'm sorry that I needed some space and time to grow and understand myself as a person. And maybe someday soon we will both be in better places in our lives and much gentler creatures. For what it is worth, you have and always will be my person.

Always and Forever,
L

Cross off #164



Yes I got a tattoo! I've been wanting one for awhile and just haven't had the courage to go in and do it. I actually want a few tattoos, but this is one I've been wanting. I know it is blurry, but it says, "vivre sans regrets" which means live without regrets. This is my life motto. For me this year has been about taking risks and this was another risk that I'm so glad I took. What a great reminder on a daily basis to see that and remember to live each day to the fullest and not care about what has happened in the past. Our choices and decisions make us who we are today and we can't live thinking those choices were the wrong ones. 

I got this tattoo on my rib cage, which I had heard was one of the more painful spots to get one, but honestly, only a few times while the guy was tattooing did I feel some pain. I also wouldn't call it pain, it was more of a pinch or a prick of the skin. But it was NOT at all what I thought it would be and I do believe that gives me more confidence for whenever I get my next one. 

Vivre sans regrets friends!

Peace&Love
~l

Sunday, September 6, 2015

#2 Off my List

Unfortunately, I have no pictures to document this. Yesterday, my roommate and I decided to go rent some paddleboards and go stand up paddle boarding. We went on a local lake, which was nice and calm. (No pictures, because its hard to carry a phone while on said device, not to mention the chance of falling in.) Luckily, I didn't fall in. I had good balance the entire time. It was a little tricky standing up but I've got some strong legs and a solid core. Kelly, however did fall in once and decided at that point she hated it. I didn't mind the experience, but I would prefer kayaking over paddleboarding.

We also spent the later half of the day riding motorcycles with one of her guy friends, and his friends. Right now there is bike week going on in MKE and there are bikes EVERYWHERE! We went to a few local Harley places and checked out the scene. It was quite interesting and definitely great for people watching. I really enjoyed listening to all the bands and dancing with the Harley riders from across the country.

Not what I originally had planned for Labor Day weekend, but hey it's been fun so far!

Peace&Love
~l

Friday, September 4, 2015

Taking Stock- September Edition

Making: lists for my trip to Oregon
Cooking: Nothing
Drinking: lots of green tea
Reading: lots of job descriptions
Wanting: someone to cuddle with
Looking: at old pictures
Playing: Trivia crack
Remembering: how amazing this summer has been
Trying: to eat healthier again
Watching: Graceland
Deciding: what my next life move is
Wishing: I had more hours in a day
Enjoying: the idea of a 4 day weekend
Planning: my trip to Oregon
Waiting: for Tuesday and another bucket list item to cross off
Liking: the cooler, crisp fall air that is in store next week
Needing: a massage
Wearing: pj's
Noticing: my self confidence take a dip
Smelling: nothing
Buying: currently nothing as my debit card has been lost
Craving: sweater weather and pumpkin spice lattes

Peace&Love
~L

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Carrying The Weight

It's been a LONG time since I've had a solid good cry. Not too long ago it felt like a daily occurrence. I'm glad that it isn't anymore. But today, just now I broke down. I'm not even sure where it all came from. Having recently turned 27, reality has set in. I was ok with turning 27. I was the happiest I've been in a long time. Don't get me wrong, tomorrow I will wake up and things will go back to normal. I suppose every once in awhile a person just needs to cry out the bad things. I've kept a lot of emotions and things inside over the past few months as well. I haven't fully faced my demons.

What am I dealing with?

This dead end job I'm in. The constant pressure to be something I'm not when I'm there. To show that I'm passionate for something I'm clearly not interested in. The amount of times I have come this close to putting my keys on the desk and walking out is becoming too many to count. I have applied for at least 3-4 jobs a week for the past 2 months and have had no bites and I'm beginning to doubt myself in every sort of way. I have no experience in anything else other than my current career choice and I just don't know what to do anymore. I want to go to a job that I'm absolutely in love with and that doesn't feel like work.

Being single. Don't get me wrong, I've needed this for awhile. You all know my ups and downs with the ex boy. He was my life and everything. But fighting for him was exhausting and wore me down. He was this drug to me. He was completely hard to give up. There are still days that I think about him and wonder if we did things differently if we could have ended up in a different situation. I've really enjoyed being able to be on my own and find myself again. I don't feel like I need to answer to anybody. But honestly, having someone to share your day with and kiss your wounds and hold your head up is really great to have. I also thought that at this point in my life, I would be married, or at least headed that direction. I also see 30 not too far off in the distance and I just being to question every choice I have made regarding relationships in the past. I think about any guy I've just hung out with or dated and how come it didn't work. Was it me? Was it something I did or didn't do? Where did I go wrong? Typically, guys just stop talking to me without so much as a "hey you seem cool and all but I just don't feel a connection or I'm not interested." Is that really too much to ask? I don't need this long drawn out explanation, but a simple I don't want to hang would be nice. Do I really scare men away? How do they suck me in with their sweet talking, good looks, romantic gestures and then leave me by the wayside after a few weeks/months/years? Does that make me gullible? I certainly feel used and that I've wasted way too much time in relationships that were clearly going nowhere. Can any guy out there tell me why you just don't respond? Are you afraid of offending me? Am I really that boring? Am I really that uncool? I'm trying to understand and see it from a guys perspective. I don't play hard to get. If I like you, you will know. Maybe for some it's too much too soon. I'm also excessively trusting of people when I first meet them. Maybe that's a flaw of mine. But as I've been continuously let down or blown off, I've been building this ever higher brick wall around me that will take someone a long time to take down. I digress... I'm not even seriously looking for anyone to be with. It doesn't seem to matter what route I take...online, through friends, at a bar, etc. Nothing works. I know people say you don't go looking for love, because then you are forcing it, you let it find you. When it comes you will just know. I had that once though and maybe nothing will ever be as good as that was.

My own place. My own home. A place to call mine. I can't say I'm desperate for a house. I'm not even 100% sure this is where I want to live/stay. All my friends are here and bits of my family, but I feel if I buy a house I'm tying myself down and thats it. I love living with my friend in her house, but it is still her house. I don't want to stay too long. I want to have every bit of independence I possibly can. I appreciate her letting me live with her. But at times it feels too much. I want to be on my own, doing my own thing. I've had such a blast living life with her this summer and I don't regret any of it. I've met some amazing people and some not so amazing people who have ripped my soul out. But you guys, I'm a gypsy soul. A free spirit. I don't last too long in one place. This heart of mine is wild and it beckons to be out and about in the world. I could spend every last penny and every last breath travelling the world and I would be happy.

Sorry for the sadness dump. But I just needed to get things off my chest!

Peace&Love
~L

Monday, August 31, 2015

Birthday Weekend Recap

My birthday was a weekend ago, but I've been terribly busy to even share with you all what I did for my birthday so here we go...

Friday: I had the day off. I hung out with a friend of mine in the morning. I did some shopping. I laid out in the sunshine and drank a pina colada. My roommate and I and a few friends of mine met up at World of Beer and tasted some delicious beers. I highly recommend this place if you are a beer drinker. The night was filled with lots of laughter and great memories. After, we headed downtown Tosa and went to Left's Lucky which was insanely busy, but we had fun none the less.

Saturday: My friend Becky's son had his first birthday party celebration so we went to that. Afterwards, I met up with my dad and we went down to the zoo for their annual a la carte. Which if you haven't been to, you should. You get to stuff your face full of great food, walk around and see animals and dance to great music.

Sunday: I met up with my dad, grandparents, sister and bro-in-law for brunch at Cafe Hollander. Another wonderful spot in Tosa. I also received free birthday beer instead of cake/ice cream/dessert. I was pretty thrilled about that. After brunch, we went down to the lakefront and walked around and hit up some shops in the third ward (my favorite district).

Monday: I had another day off of work, unfortunately it was rather chilly and I wasn't feeling too hot. I spent most of the day laying on the couch watching seasons of Breaking Bad. And as discovered later in the week, with a visit to the doctor I did not have strep, but mono. :/ So here I sit on and off with fatigue and a sore throat, but I can't let that slow me down.

Peace&Love
~l

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Growing Up by Macklemore

This song has been on repeat for the past week. I can't say more than that the lyrics are AMAZING!

Here are some fav lines of the song:

'Don't try to change the world, find something that you love. And do it every day for the rest of your life and eventually the world will change.'

'I recommend that you read the Alchemist. Listen to your teachers, but cheat in calculus. Tell the truth regardless of the consequence. And every day give your mom a compliment.'

'The quickest way to happiness? Learning to be selfless. Ask more questions talk about yourself less.'

'You're only young once, my loved one, this is your chance. Take risks, because life moves so fast.'


Check it out sometime, because the whole song is great!

Peace&Love
~l

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

As I look ahead to my birthday in a few short days, I always like to reflect back on my past year. What it means to be another year older. Take stock in everything I've done and where I have yet to go.

26 has been a year of growth. Change. Understanding. Learning. Overcoming. Risk.

27 I hope to be a year of steadiness. I welcome change and growth. I will continue to take risks. I want more adventure.

This past year of my life has had its fair share of ups and downs. However, I'm beginning to see the world, my life, in a more positive way. I feel that in 1 year I have managed to learn a lot about myself. As a result of many things that have occurred in the past year I'm stronger than I ever was. I'm more confident. I'm more fearless. I'm learning to move on and let go of things I simply can't have. I'm taking more risks. I'm as brutally honest as they come now. I feel more like a little badass with my new found self. I tore off this flesh that wasn't me. I was almost pretending to be something else to prove myself for someone else. That is the last way you should ever live life. People will always try to change you into something you are not, but you can't let them. Ever. If there is one thing I have learned over the year is that I'm mad at myself for letting people walk over me and take advantage of me. That stopped. The moment that it did, something crazy happened, I stopped caring what people thought of me. I stopped letting people treat me in this manner. It's not that I have this attitude now that I'm better or being snotty than people, but if you talk to me a certain way, treat me a certain way, it will come back. I'm proud of myself and where I've come. I also realize I have so much more growing up to do and so much more I want to do with this life of mine. With this freedom of mine and this person that I lost and that is finally back I plan on doing great things in the next year!

Peace&Love
~L

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

What I Want

I'm not complicated and I don't ask for too much. I'm very simple and like simplicity. I'm more of a free spirit. I don't like being told what to do, where to go, how to live my life, etc. I don't stay in one place for too long before picking up and moving to another destination. What I want is someone to complement my lifestyle. I want someone who has a great personality. Who can make me laugh and smile. Who will be there to lift me up when I'm down. Who understands what I'm going through. Who remains positive through most things. Someone who is a little rough around the edges. I'm not looking for a cookie cutter version of a man. I want him to be able to tolerate my quirks and flaws, but even more than that, love those things about me. I want someone to come home to every night and I know when I walk through that door we are both happy to see each other. I want someone who makes leaving for work difficult. I want someone who will cuddle with me all day. I want someone who understands me and what makes me tick. I am who I am. I don't need someone to change me. I don't need someone to make me feel different or the lesser sex. I want someone who will make me a better person by being with them. I want someone who I'm physically, emotionally, intellectually attracted to. I want someone who will stand up for me. Who will fight for me. Who will make me a priority. I want honesty. I want open communication. No lies. No cheating. No deceit. I want this person to realize I have a past and I'm not perfect. I want them to realize that I've been hurt in prior relationships and that I'm not going to be treated that way ever again. I will not be walked on. Manipulated. Lied to. My guard is up and I will be the most cautious person ever when the time comes to fall in love all over again. For the right person that wall will come down. And so this is me. This is what I want. Did I just make this post seem like I'm on a dating site?! Haha

Peace&Love
~l

Sunday, August 9, 2015

A Whole Bunch of Randomness

As I lay here, just waking up from a semi-peaceful sleep, listening to the subtle sounds of birds and other wildlife create noise outside my window, I feel its time to just write something. Anything.

Last week was a rough and rowdy week. Being sick all week and working nearly 10 hrs everyday will do that. Also trying to maintain a social life through that, does not allow the body ample time for healing. Therefore this weekend, much of my time has been spent laying around/sleeping. I won't complain. As this work week shows no signs of slowing down and the weekend is filled again.

I long for a mini vacation just for me. To relax and start all over again. I'm planning a mini road trip around Lake Michigan over Labor Day weekend. I want to hit up some parks I haven't been to yet and some small town loving. I've been to Michigan plenty of times and up the Lake on this side in Sconnie over and over. I have a few items on my list, but this trip is more about being spontaneous. I have a destination in mind, with only a handful of days to explore. I intend to just set out and see where I end up.

These days of summer are starting to wind down and pretty soon fall will be upon us. Every weekend from here til the end of September, seem to be filled once again with weddings, birthdays, mini trips, football games, etc. I may be absent for more than a few days as I enjoy these times to the fullest!


Peace&Love
~l

Monday, August 3, 2015

Sick

Somewhere between the heat of the weekend and not doing a damn thing I find myself feeling like absolute shit today. It's that stomach hurting, head spinning, whole body ache type illness. The kind that just wipes you out. I was at work for almost 2 hours before I just couldn't do it. I couldn't hold myself up, couldn't look straight if I tried. I came home and my head hit the pillow and I was out for the next 2.5 hours. As much as my body probably needed that rest, I still feel about the same as prior to napping. I can tell I am hungry, however, which means we are making strides in the right direction. I just don't know what to eat quite yet as I don't have crackers or bread...

So here I write to you fine folk about my current situation. Trying to pass the time, as if I needed more time added to what was a rather slow and unproductive weekend. But hey take what you can get right?


Peace&Love
~l

Sunday, August 2, 2015

My Defense Mechanism

It's what I'm good at. Building up walls. Hiding what actually is wrong. I don't cry often. (But that could be because I don't have lots to cry about.) I don't share my past with others, unless I completely trust you. I don't air my personal problems to just anyone. I'd rather not burden people with my problems. I don't think its that big of a deal. But everyone else is good at sharing. I'm better at listening than speaking.

My biggest defense mechanism is being way too sarcastic. People actually think I'm just mean all the time and hate my life, but honestly, that couldn't be further from the truth. I do enjoy my life and I'm naturally sarcastic. My sarcasm stems from stupid people, but people are right, maybe I do carry that too far. But its my natural defense mechanism. Someone tells me something I don't want to hear, I shoot back with that. It's not meant to be mean, I just don't like being attacked. I feel like I was pushed so hard as a kid to be this certain way and to achieve greatness. I always failed. My parents wanted me to reach this almost unrealistic height. I know my parents simply wanted to see me succeed. So now I use that and my resentment of my own failures towards other people. The pain and hurt that I never fully faced for not becoming what others wanted me to I throw at others indirectly. I'm not proud of this. I realized this as I feel like I'm beginning to push people away and I need to confront this head on. To anyone I've ever hurt or used my sarcasm too much on, I am sorry!


Peace&Love
~l

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Taking Stock

A little something I plan on doing the first day of every month: Taking Stock on my current moods.

Making: plans for the future
Cooking: nothing
Drinking: 7&7's and water
Reading: Travel blogs
Wanting: An ocean breeze and salty hair
Looking: for jobs
Playing: White Buffalo on Pandora
Remembering: Childhood summer days
Trying: to stay awake
Watching: Orange is the New Black
Deciding: on what to have for dinner
Wishing: to be completely and utterly happy
Enjoying: much needed alone time
Planning: my Labor Day weekend Vacay
Waiting: for weddings and birthday celebrations this month
Liking: Lady Vengence Perfume
Needing: a new job and vacation from current job
Wearing: Tank top and shorts
Noticing: my birthday is in 22 days
Smelling: Suntan lotion
Buying: faux leather leggings
Craving: a tropical drink


Peace&Love
~L



Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Hi's and Low's

Sometimes I feel as if I'm bipolar. I know I'm not and I don't take mental illness lightly. But I have been on this streak of being completely and utterly happy with things going on in my life. I'm not stressing about work that much. I've had a pretty rad summer. I've crossed some items off the bucket list. I've been living the high life. But then there are days like today where I absolutely can't stand it. I can't stand fake people at work and drama and everything that comes with it. I have been trying recently not to complain about work. I'm doing my best and have been for quite some time to find a job that I would love. But I guess I don't even know what that is. I would love a job that would allow me to travel, teach about nutrition and health and promote proper exercise. I'm not even sure what that would be. Right now, I'm just looking to get out of my current position. Honestly, who likes going into work when they know they can't sit in the same room as their boss?

Peace&Love
~l

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Bucket List Update

Since having restarted this here little gem of a blog I've obviously been busy trying to live life. So much has happened over the past 7 months and yet so much has stayed the same. My big word for this year was risks. I wanted to take more risks. There were plenty of other things that I wanted to do as well that I failed at after about 2 months. Can't say I didn't try. But I have to say I have taken more risks overall. I think my confidence has grown over the past few years and this has allowed me to take those chances. I also wanted to accomplish 5 things on my bucket list. And so far this year I have crossed off 2. I plan on crossing off at least 2 more by the end of summer, but I can't tell you what those are yet. I'd say I'm making good progress. So what were my 2?

Both of them were on my list which means they were something I wanted to do. However, one I didn't think I ever would allow myself to do and wound up doing. Funny how life works isn't it?

I rode a motorcycle. That was quite the thrill ride. I can't exactly describe what it feels like and the adrenaline rush associated with it. If you have never ridden one, find one. Ride it. Love it. Honestly, I was never a huge fan of motorcycles. They were loud. They were driven like maniacs. Just not my thing, but I always wanted to give one a whirl. My viewpoints on them now are completely different. I'm not saying I would go out and purchase one tomorrow or anything, but I definitely would love to keep riding.

Are you ready for this one? Yeah I'm sharing something illegal here. Not 100% proud of myself for this one, but what's done is done. I smoked pot. No other way around that one. It was one of those nights where I was out with some friends, normally I would turn it down, because it's not my thing, but apparently I was feeling the rush and urge that night to just try it. I did. I can't say I felt one way or the other about it. Other than that it let me sleep really well. Haha. I also can't say it's something I will do again...ever. But now I can tell my future children that mommy was a little rebel in her youth, well early adulthood. ;)

And so here I sit 2 down and 3 to go. Those are mighty big risks too. I'm only doing my best to live a little over here.

Peace&Love
~l

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Standing Up

My parents taught me many things, but one thing they really pushed on me was to stand up for yourself. More or less in a round about way. They never sat me down at the kitchen table and said hey the world is tough and people are going to hurt you and test you, but make sure to stand up for yourself. It was more or less a learned lesson as I went.

I don't like confrontation so I rarely spoke up for my beliefs. Even at times when I didn't agree or feel something to be right I always just stood back. Recently, I've been learning how to stand up for myself as well as others. Let me tell you, it hasn't always been easy, especially for someone who would rather walk away. But I've become more confident. I've been able to speak up to my boss and district manager as well as others. I think being in a position of authority has allowed me to do this. Some friends have also encouraged me to be more open and speak up for myself.

Today I learned how much standing up for what you believe in and what is right can cost you. Pushing your limits and testing the waters can open up amazing opportunities or it can get you a warning and a lot of unwanted words from your superior. I can't say it was me this time who pushed the limits, but I was definitely on this other person's side and had her back. She wasn't at fault and I made sure to let me feelings be heard.

Sometimes you have to do what you don't want to do. Sometimes you have to make that leap. Sometimes you have to push limits. Sometimes you to stand up for yourself and others. That's what makes some people so amazing. The ability to risk it all for beliefs.

Peace&Love
~l

Monday, July 20, 2015

I'm Back...

Someone dear to me, not that long ago, told me to revisit this. THIS. The blog. To rethink giving up on this. I can't say I was necessarily giving up, I just needed time and space away from this. I felt like it was the same monotanous crap that I always had been talking about. I wanted people to read and learn and like what I was writing, but maybe I was approaching it all wrong. 

Maybe this time through I will look at it from a different perspective...everything will still be 100% raw and honest and me. I don't plan on changing much of anything, other than taking this to a different platform. But that will take time. I just wanted to let you all know I was coming back. I want this blog to be about my life and everything that is currently happening. I still write with pen and paper and journal about everything going on. I still love that feeling of holding onto something. Maybe someday my children will read it and ask about my crazy life. But I digress...

I owe this comeback to someone and if ever they read this again...you know who you are. I owe you at the very least this. There is a lot I wish and want to say. I plan on some point saying it all. I promise in due time it will come. So for now this is all I have to say. I hope that this next journey is everything that I want it to be and more. I ask simply for patience as I move forward slowly with this blog again. 

As always,

Peace&Love
~l