Monday, October 25, 2010

Inspiration

New albums from my favorite artists always inspire me to pick up a pen and my guitar and start writing. Kate Voegele was the inspiration that led to me writing my first song. She has continued to be a wonderful influence the music world.

And today, I thank the lovely Taylor Swift for releasing yet another wonderful album to give me that extra push I needed to write again. The powerful words she sings and the fact that she isn't scared to say everything she's kept bottled up inside is an inspiration to me to do the same. I have a lot to say that I never thought I'd get a chance to, but I am realizing now that it's time. School is stressful. Music is fun. If I'm going to help others find their outlet, maybe I should make use of my own.

Music heals <3

Off to write.

P.S. Check out Taylor Swift's "Speak Now," out today. You won't regret it.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Detoxifying

"With a taste of poison paradise
I'm addicted to you, don't you know that you're toxic?
And I love what you do
Don't you know that you're toxic?"
-"Toxic" by Britney Spears

Have you ever listened to this song and actually thought about what it was saying? The person our dear Britney is referring to in this song sounds like a romantic interest who is no good for her--yet she can't stay away. How unhealthy is that? It seems like common sense that if a person is "toxic" to us, we should stay away, right? It's not that simple.

Lately I have been examining my own life and the people in it. I have some awesome friends and I will tell anyone any day how blessed I am to have such incredible people in my life. However, I also think about old relationships, romantic or otherwise, and realize how bad they really were for me. Does everyone know what I'm talking about? These people may bring drama to your life, say things specifically meant to hurt you or make you feel bad about yourself, or just make you unhappy in general. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that these are bad people, just that maybe it's best that we don't have a relationship with them at all. That isn't to say that they shouldn't have any friends or any romantic relationships, just that maybe their personalities and our personalities don't mesh well together.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately and have come to terms with some lost friendships and further examined what happened. I had some good times with these people. We laughed, we made memories, they made me happy at times, but there is a reason why these people are no longer in my life. In most instances, a friendship ends because someone was unhappy and hurt. I am not saying that I was the one wronged in all of my lost friendships, because I think it takes two people for something like that to happen. However, my reactions to those people and things that they said to me were not good and not typical of me. I want to surround myself with people who bring out the best in me--not the worst. I feel like I'm not making sense, but hopefully I am!

I guess what I am trying to say is that I am happier now. I do my best not to dwell on lost friendships anymore and am thankful for the good times we had. I don't need people in my life who are going to bring drama to it (who likes that?!) or who are going to take away from my happiness. I think it's easy to get wrapped up in wanting to save a friendship or a relationship that is just plain bad for you because it is what is comfortable or because somehow that person has you convinced that you need them in your life. Don't fall for it. Maybe it's easier said than done and I know I still have work to do on this, but my life is so much happier and carefree without having to worry about people that are going to bring me down. Try it and you will be amazed by what it can do for you!

It's okay to walk away from relationships. It doesn't mean the person you are walking away from is a terrible human being. Both of you deserve to be happy and a relationship filled with drama and toxicity isn't the way to get there!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Okay, not really. I'm leaving in a van. Tomorrow. To go visit my sister in Virginia. I'm excited.

So my parents, family friends and I are leaving tomorrow afternoon to drive down to Falls Church, VA where my lovely big sister lives. The 6+ hour drive will probably not be too exciting, but I will be well-prepared with study materials for comps and hopefully a good DVD or two. Hopefully it will at least be productive.

Saturday will be a busy day that will involve a trip into DC, a trip into Georgetown (which will, of course, include some delicious Georgetown Cupcakes! I'm pumped!), and possibly a trip to the National Harbor. Lots to do. Many ridiculous pictures to take. I hope my sister (and my camera!) are prepared. Shopping will also occur. Hopefully my bank account is prepared for that! The Brady sisters+shopping=a very dangerous situation. Hopefully I'll find some good deals!

The only thing I'm sad about is not spending Sweetest Day with the "sweetest" guy I know. Corny, right? I know, I know, it's just a made-up holiday created for card companies to make money, right? Well, then call me a fool for spending money, but any excuse to let my wonderful boyfriend know how much I care about him and how thankful I am to have him around is fine by me! He should expect a card in the mail =)

I think that's about all I have to say for now. Just ready to get through this day at work, have fun tonight, and pack for my trip TOMORROW! Haven't been to visit my sister since July 4th (and boy, wasn't THAT an experience!), so I'm excited to explore NOVA with her, once again. Pictures to come, I'm sure!

Friday, October 8, 2010

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Can it Get ANY Better?

This weekend was amazing. Spent Saturday outside enjoying the fall weather with Christopher and my parents at Stan Hywet in Akron. This is a family tradition I love. Ended the day cooking a nice chicken sausage and rice dinner. Sunday was spent at the Browns game with Christopher--my first ever AND they finally won! On top of that, we got to see the Ohio State marching band perform too! Talk about an awesome game! Got a pre-cooked chicken and some sweet potato fries for a nice fall football meal. Now on to homework and preparing for another week. I love friends, family, and my amazing boyfriend. Can't wait for more awesome fall weekends!


Stan Hywet with Christopher


Gorgeous flowers at Stan Hywet



Script Ohio!



Go Browns!