I Need People to Take Me Seriously

So it comes as no surprise that I like to have fun. I think laughing is one of the ultimate cures to any blues you may be experiencing. For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed joking around and making people laugh.

However, recently it seems as if I am the butt of all the jokes. Sometimes people take my sense of humor too literally. They think that this characteristic is the only thing that I am. This could not be further from the truth.

Believe it or not, there are other sides to me. There is a very affectionate side that is always there when a friend is going through a hard time or I simply want to show someone how much I appreciate them. There is the studious side, where I kick it into gear and really crank out a lot of work. Why else would I elect to be in school for so long? There is also a very calm, serious side where I do a lot of thinking and reflecting.

But most people don't know any of this. Why? Because even if I am having an awful day, it comes naturally to throw on a big smile and pretend nothing is wrong. So here lies the dilemma... How do I get people to take me seriously when I'm so used to goofing off?

While most people wear many different masks, I seem to be too attached to this silly one where I can't stop goofing off. Maybe it's time to exchange it for a more serious one...

Wishful Thinking

Lately I have just been feeling, blah. It's another year in the same town where teeny boppers are flowing in from all corners of the state. I guess this would be fun, if you are in fact a teeny bopper yourself. But let's face it; I am not. Being 23 isn't the tough part.. The tough part is being in a college town when you technically aren't in college anymore. I think I can say I have gotten everything out of this ride.

I don't know if it's the being "old" part that I am having trouble with. After spending years bidding farwell to friends, I have sort of gotten used to losing people I care about. I am lucky to still have those rare moments when I can let loose with friends. Whether it be a weekend trip home, or a much anticipated visit from college friends, I treasure the times when I am around people I truly feel at ease with.

This realization has left me feeling a bit out of sorts. Usually I am a happy-go-lucky kind of gal, but lately during this transition period, I am lost. I know this is all a part of growing up and finding out who you are, but I have never been good with transitions. I absolutely, positively hate change. I get comfortable and snuggle into something and never, ever want to leave. Obviously this isn't the healthiest thing, but ignorance is bliss.

It just makes me wonder why we can't just be babied all of our lives? Can't I just move back home and earn my keep babysitting my baby brother, or my dog? I wonder what my Mom would say if I proposed this idea to her.. I'm sure I know the answer. But man, does this girl look happy! Just living the dream....

But more importantly, I just want to know if it will be acceptable to drink Four Lokos when I am 30. I'm approaching that checkpoint faster than I ever thought was possible, and I want a reward when I cross that finish line.

My Dreamboat.....

Kitties Fuuuuuurever! 

Meow.

Everyone Has a Passion

So after taking a night off from work, I was left with many options to occupy my time. Naturally, I chose to do some decorating and unpacking since I have become so boring lately. The old me would have definitely chosen something along the lines of drinking and dancing, the new me not so much. This led me to question what are some of the things I still really enjoy, despite my age.

1. I love laughing. There is nothing better than smiling. It is always better to find the good in something rather than letting the little things get to you. And if you even know me a little bit, you know that I can make a joke out of anything and enjoy making others laugh. It is the best exercise afterall.

2. I love dancing. Whether it is in the shower or in the car, dancing is something that will never get old. Although my dancing styles have changed over the years (going from dancing with my lower body to now strictly using my upper body), the dancing has ceased to stop.

3. I love music. Duh, how else could you dance without the stuff? I guess you could dance to the music in your head but it wouldn't be nearly as fun. Music can appeal to any emotion. Whether you're feeling sad, happy, mad, or funky, there is always something out there that can tickle your fancy.

4. This one probably goes without saying, but I love my little boy Georgie. He brings so much entertainment into my life and he gives me unconditional affection. He plays hard to get at times, but that's what I like about him. He makes you fight for his attention; he truly takes after his mother.

5. Speaking of mother, I love mine. After years of my teenage angst, we have finally reached such a peaceful and happy point in our relationship. There is absolutely nothing like a mother's love and guidance. I can only hope to be as strong and supporting as she has been.

6. I love rainy days. Most people would prefer a beautiful day outdoors. I am the complete opposite. Give me a rainy day off of work and the possibilities are endless. Finish up a book you haven't had time to read, light some candles and put on a good playlist, find time to finish a project you've been meaning to complete. Rainy days like these are few and far between.

7. I love a good book. I have always enjoyed reading (for fun only, school is a completely different story). There is nothing better than finding a book that you simply cannot put down. Does this make me sound like an old fart? Oh well. My author of choice is Jodi Picoult. I don't think she has ever written a book that I didn't like.

8. I love being self-sufficient. As much as I hate working recently, I really enjoy being able to make my own money. Given my online shopping habit, it is essential that I am able to balance the budget... Could this be a calling? Jamie Duncan, the next Republican presidential candidate? Not this year folks, but keep an eye out.

9. I love good friends. Being able to keep in touch with close friends is something I value deeply. I am fortunate enough to have close relationships with best friends from high school as well as college. Maintaining a good friendship requires effort, and if your friends are true friends, the effort is well worth it.

10. I love being passionate about life. I do everything big; I laugh big, I cry big, I love big, and I get mad... BIG. I have noticed lately how emotional I become about things. Luckily, due to the guidance of my mother, I am able to put things into perspective. I am truly blessed in this life and constantly feel the need to celebrate in a BIG way.

To sum it all up, I guess you could say I have somewhat settled into my skin and have become very content with life in general. Don't get me wrong, I will never get tired of having a good time. I just think my definition of a 'good time' has changed over the years. And I am perfectly, undoubtedly content with that.

Jumping on the Bandwagon...

For as long as I can remember, I have always been adamant that I would never get married. It seems as if everyone my age is in some big rush to tie the knot and start their 'happily ever-after'. Not that I don't wish all of these love-sick puppies well, I just think it's silly personally.

Having a girlfriend who writes for a bridal magazine doesn't help much either. It's like everywhere I turn, I come face to face with the dreaded 'M' word. Being confronted with happy people makes me re-evaluate my feelings on the marriage topic. Lately, I have begun to think of what my life will be like years from now. Although I have goals that consist of being financially stable and happy in my career, I would also like to be happy in my personal life. And my current mood is telling me that I would be happy with a husband and a family.

Don't get me wrong, George is clearly a lifelong companion. However, the likelihood of him raising a family is slim to none. He poops in a box for goodness sake!

My recent change of heart on the marriage idea has led me to fret over a new problem: WHERE AM I GOING TO FIND A HUSBAND? Don't get me wrong, I am by no means out on the prowl interviewing potential candidates, but the idea has crossed my mind a time or two. I have just started to wonder how people meet each other outside of the college experience. If you think about it, in college you meet people of the opposite sex at bars (usually when you are under the influence). My friend, alcohol, is the perfect ice-breaker. Once you're out of college it isn't very appropriate to dance on the fireplace of Klondike (not that I have ever done that Mom).

But in all seriousness, fretting over my imaginary wedding has become an everyday issue. For those of you who know me, you know that I have never been very good with relationships, per se. I seem to jump into things without thinking and only once I'm in a situation do I begin to think things through (ME? NO WAY)! I suppose this is yet another hurdle to overcome in life. Growing up. I guess I will just have to sit back and let nature run it's course. Cross the 'marriage' bridge when I get to it (if I ever do). Maybe I am destined to be a cat lady, which would mean I need to start stacking up on my collection.....

In all honesty, I just want to be able to think of someone when I hear a sappy love song. And the song I simply can't get enough of during my 'wanttobeinloveandgetmarried' phase is 'Never Gonna Leave This Bed' by Maroon 5 (love). Until I find you Mr. Right, I'll be listening to this song on repeat.

Some Things Never Change

Howdy folks! Coming at you live from my brand new home in beautiful Boone-town. It's 1 in the morning (a little late for this grandma) and I'm a little loopy. After finally getting settled in after a short-lived trip to The City, my apartment is finally starting to come together. After getting everything unpacked and put away (because everything has a home), I needed a new project. You know, something new that I can buy. Big surprise. The focus of this new obsession became my bed.

Now for all of you who don't know, Anthropologie happens to be one of my favorite stores. I'm fairly certain that if my pocketbook allowed it, I would own one of everything from the store. However, this is real life and I am still a college student (sort-of). It is essential that I find a cute, yet sophisticated bedding set that still allows me to care for my tiny child. Anyway, back to the issue at hand here, I started perusing the internet to get some good mix-n-match ideas. Needless to say, I didn't even have to look far for bedroom style inspiration, I have a mother who has impeccable taste. Honestly, she needs to be an interior decorator. Her styling tips have been much needed, and this 'vision' is slowly but surely coming together.

After snagging a great duvet from Pottery Barn, I realized I would need a new sheet set to add on to this new look. What came to my mind? Monogramming. Duh. And unlike the sheet set I have now (with a dinky little monogram on the edge of the pillow), I plan to go all out on this new sheet set. If I could monogram everything I would. I have even seen a small child's dresser on display that I contemplated buying, for the sole reason that it was monogrammed. If I could get a hold of George for more than 2 seconds, I would probably try to monogram his initials into his fur. 

CWG. Curious George Washington, duh.

A classic monogram is something that will never go out of style. And as long as I have something that can be stamped with my initials, let me at it. Too much is never enough. 

Moooovin' on up

For as many years as I have lived in Boone, I have lived in a different location each year. At first this concept seemed like a fun idea; I get to redecorate every year, buy new things for the apartment, and simply get a change of scenery. However, now the idea has lost it's luster to me. For the sixth year in a row, and unfortunately not the last, I am in the process of moving. I used to like a little physical labor every now and then, but I am to the point now where I just want to hire a professional crew to do the dirty work for me. Although I wouldn't necessarily say my brother and his friend qualify as a "professional crew", their help was much appreciated nonetheless. 

George has also been traumatized by the moving experience (it is his first move after all)! Every time I go to take a new load to the new apartment, George runs to the door and "meows" as if to say, "Why are you leeeeaving meeee?" As if this little guy couldn't get any cuter, right? But his cuteness has recently been outshined by the fact that he has destroyed this once brand new apartment. He can't help the fact that he likes to dig up the carpet or scratch holes in the window screen. And certainly I cannot get mad at the tiny infant for doing what he was born to do. But phew, he is going to have to get a second job to pay for these expenses (and if you're wondering what his first job is, it's providing me with entertainment, which he never fails to do).

The only thing that is pushing me to keep on keepin' on is the fact that my closet at the new apartment is atleast twice the size of my current closet. This is essential due to the fact that I have a new obsession with buying practically anything that is on sale, but also comes with dire consequences. Extra room means extra space for extra clothes/shoes/whatever. Uh oh! But my motto has always been out with the old and in with the new. Haha, yeah right, this is my mother's motto that I have recently been referring to. Due to the fact that I have a mild hoarding obsession, I have accumulated a lot of, well, junk. After throwing away bag after bag of who knows what, and taking numerous bags of clothing to Goodwill, I feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that I am a little less cluttered.

I am simply looking forward to getting settled in to the new place and giving George his first change of scenery. And knowing me, this definitely won't be his last change of scenery. Really wishing I could take him to New York with me next week, but he will have to suffice with Turtle Creek.