Faded dreams or a chance to refuel?

It's kind of strange how our perspective of something can change in such a short amount of time-the beginning of a school semester, the "new year" as it unfolds, a new relationship while you're in the blissful state of love and adoration. The list goes on and on.

But, then the newness fades and now you just have broken dreams and fragments of the vision you had. At least that's my experience with these things. You go in with such high hopes and expectations, but the script isn't quite following what you had planned, and it can really break your heart.

I've been going to school and I keep waiting for that epiphany or "light bulb" moment to go off in my mind, and for everything to feel like it's really falling into place. Like, this is what I'm meant to be doing. Am I grateful for this opportunity? Absolutely. I remember sitting in the classroom the first couple weeks of school (and even though I might have been dreading the work to some degree) and wanting to pinch myself over the fact that I'm going to school for one of my passions and dreams, when so many people would love to be in the position I'm in. But, I'd also be lying if I said that I've been enjoying every second of it. Because I haven't.

I've done a lot of questioning and wondering when things are going to get more interesting or when I'm going to feel like...Yup, this is it. This is the moment I've been waiting for. I guess it takes time and this is all part of that journey. But, I sure wish the journey would speed up a little, you know?

That's all for now,
Shelby

All We Have Is This Moment...Tomorrow's Unspoken, Yesterday is History!

Last Monday, one of my best friends and I went to Disneyland with my mom and another family friend, Tammy for Marissa's birthday. It really was a magical day and just what I needed for a short break.

We went down on Sunday night, so we wouldn't have to wake up incredibly early the next morning to drive to Anaheim. We had a lot of deep conversation in the car ride down there, and many laughs, then checked into our hotel. After we got settled in, we headed over to Downtown Disney, which we really enjoyed exploring for a little while.

We went to the World of Disney store, walked around, following all of the bright signs that were all lit up and the twinkly lights in the trees...Looking at everything with wonder and enchantment. It's always fun to pretend that you're a kid again, and everything is simple, when the reality is adulthood is creeping up on us more and more. Frankly, we find it a little unsettling. There was a certain festiveness in the air, and getting to share everything with my best friend was really wonderful. Because of schedules, we haven't been able to hang out as much as during the summer, so it was great to just hang out at the Happiest Place on Earth.
ALSO, SIDENOTE: I was looking through my instagram feed just before we got to Downtown Disney and saw that one of my friends from high school met Gerard Butler in our hometown! HOW RANDOM...and I'm so jealous. She was his barista at Starbucks, and he took a picture with all of the girls that were working. SO COOL!

After awhile, it was starting to get late and we were getting sleepy, so we took the tram back to the parking lot and went back to the room to get ready for bed. I was getting a little loopy and laughing about the most nonsensical things, which is always entertaining. Finally, I crashed...And the next thing I know, it's six-something in the morning. My mom, Marissa and Tammy were already up and getting ready for the day, while I was still in bed. It doesn't take me long to get ready, so I had a few extra minutes to sleep in, which I will always take when I can.

Our Buzz and Woody hats, because it's totally us!! :)

We had breakfast at the hotel, then decided to make our way over to the parking lot to take the tram over to...Wait for it...DISNEYLAND!!!! Marissa and I were so excited that our dream of being able to go to the park again (other than Grad Night) was finally coming true. We made it to the entrance and had to wait for another family friend, then went inside. We were geeking out over everything...The decorations, the giant Mickey pumpkin in the center of Main Street square, a couple of the characters that were out, the castle...AH! It was our first time going for Halloween, and it was almost like visiting the park for the very first time again.

Our relationship in a nutshell! 

After taking our picture in front of the giant pumpkin, Marissa and I split up from the rest of the group to do our own thing! We wandered through Adventureland, hitting Indiana Jones first, then Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. We rode Space Mountain, did a lot of shopping, had clam chowder in bread bowls for lunch, then continued shopping and hit a few more rides, like, the tea cups, Matterhorn, and wandered around the park a little more. There's seriously so much to see, we didn't want to miss any of it. Although, several attractions were closed because they're starting to decorate for Christmas. And if you looked close enough, you could see several decorations starting to be put up in New Orleans Square and several other scattered places. We were starting to crash later in the afternoon, so we decided to stop and grab a warm beverage in New Orleans Square, then sat in front of the Haunted Mansion, while the ghouls sang festive songs on the balcony! I'd never seen them do that before, so we found that really exciting.

Drinking our hot beverages; feeling festive for the occasion! 

A bit later, we ended up going over to California Adventures to meet up with my mom and other friends, which was especially exciting since Marissa hadn't seen all of the changes! She was really amazed by everything they had done with Buena Vista street. We said goodbye to one of our family friends, then made our way over to Toy Story Mania, and oh my gosh...Best. Ride. Ever! We had gone on it before, but I don't remember it being quite that fun. You wear 3D glasses and take the little cart around to different shooting galleries in the building to earn points. I lost miserably...but, it

Us with Snow White...She's my favorite!! :)

was all in good fun! After that, I went with Tammy to ride Tower of Terror, while Marissa and my mom rode Screamin'. Tower of Terror really does describe it all in the title. It's one of my absolute favorite rides, but the anxiety still builds every time just before I step onto the elevator. You fly up to the very top, only to drop about 13 stories, shoot back up to the top and then it's all over. It took me a bit to catch my breath again, when we met up with my mom and Marissa at Carsland. We were able to ride the Cars racers ride as "single riders". We all got separated, but it meant practically no wait, so we were all for it.


Shortly after the ride, we all decided to look at a few of the shops as the lights were starting to turn on everywhere you looked. We walked around, noticing the little details on the shops and attractions, then Marissa and I decided to have a "Red's Apple Freeze," because they are delicious. We took last minute pictures, went to a couple stores on the way out, then decided it was time to head home, because we still had quite a drive.

On the tram back to the parking lot! 

I started not feeling so great on the car ride home (because it seems like I'm ALWAYS sick), but we had a blast talking and sharing stories from the day, among other things. We stopped at Chipotle when we were almost home, and I was so hungry by that point. We took it to go, then headed home, and I was so glad to be home after an amazing day. Tammy and Marissa left, and Mom and I greeted my dad; telling him stories about our day and all of the excitement in between.

Couldn't leave the park without one of these!

I went to bed that day, feeling so blessed and a little more relaxed about school than I had the week before. I think I was just stressing myself out for no reason at all, like I often do, so it was good to take a trip to daydream and be a kid again with my best friend. I am so thankful to have her in my life through all of the ups and downs that life brings, and I'm glad she had such a wonderful birthday.

Song of the Day:
This Moment-Katy Perry

That's all for now,
Shelby :)