It's Out With The Old…And In With The New!

2013, I think it’s time that we go our separate ways. I know we’ve had some wonderful times together, but I don’t think that’s any reason for both of us to just keep hanging onto what we had or what we could have had. In all honesty, I was a bit more attached to 2012 and didn’t want to see it go, because it was like that book you wish to write your entire life, and it becomes a bestseller and now you’re trying to write something that is just as good, if not better and it kind of haunts you when if it doesn’t quite live up…You did a pretty fine job, I must say, but I must say, it’s time to say farewell.

I’m not a fan of goodbyes, and I think I’m in good company with that. Amy Poehler hates them a lot, and I’m sure many others of you who are reading this feel the same way. I don’t like finishing good books or saying goodbye to fictional characters on TV, when visiting relatives go back home to South Carolina or Utah, when certain seasons of life fade away, or when friends or family move to a different city. To me, it always just feels really awkward and uncomfortable to finalize words and feelings, like I might never see or hear from them again and that’s tough to carry around.

But, you know what I do love? Beginnings. I love the possibilities of what could happen, even if it doesn’t, to be able to set goals and dreams…To start over. And I realize that in order to get a new beginning, you have to say goodbye to another, so I’ve learned to accept that and enjoy it.

And now, it is that time of year again when we can reflect on everything we’ve accomplished, things we regret, things we wish we would have done or said, some of the hard times we’re glad are over, some moments we wish would have gone on forever, the lessons we learned about ourselves and just all of the experiences we’ve lived over the past 12 months.

This year, I started off in a really weird funk. Honestly, I was bitter that 2012 was ending. I was extremely attached to it, and thought 2013 isn’t going to live up to it, so I don’t know why we were bothering (which was the worst possible mindset to have). I left 2012 on a sour note and that carried over. I was a little depressed, which came from not spending much time with God, it seemed like all of my friends were starting to move on again and I didn’t feel like I would be seeing much of them, I had a lot of fear, doubt and uncertainty for the future and I was questioning a lot about myself. I only had one online class that I was finishing up with my community college and still hadn’t been accepted into the university yet, and I was extremely anxious about everything..And it gave me a lot of time to think, which I didn’t always care for. I felt like I was just wasting time and felt completely stuck with where I was at. I was also pretty (literally) sick off and on, for what felt like the first 2-3 months of the year, which had me feeling lazy and sluggish, and not feeling up for much of anything.

But, looking back, I think that “time off” was one of the best things that could have happened to me. If anything, it gave me a chance to do a little self reflection. It gave me a chance to reevaluate my life without a lot of distractions around me; to just be alone with my heart and to hear what God has been trying to tell me. It gave me a chance to look at some of my past journals to remember what I had come from and a chance to dream for the future and to hear what God was wanting me to with the dreams and passions that have always been on my heart.

This year, I had a lot of big moments and I had to overcome a lot, and even if I was terrified, I tackled them head on..Most of them were really exciting and big reminders that I am an adult now:

• I was published in one of our city’s local magazines and got my very first official paycheck
• I got involved with the youth band at our church, to help out as a leader. And even though it might not have been the direction for me, in the long run, it was a great opportunity. It gave me a chance to make connections I might not have made otherwise, made some new friends,  and by taking that first step and doing SOMETHING, God was able to show me the areas that I do want to help out in and that has opened other doors, which I’m excited about.
• I turned 21, which is one of the BEST birthdays I have ever had (and I still haven’t had a sip of alcohol, and don’t really plan to anytime soon)…I am really getting old now!
• I graduated from the Taft College and was accepted into CSUB! Woo!
• Worked as a “staff writer” on the CSUB paper, and I’m going back in just a couple of weeks.
• Finally got my license (yes, it has taken me this long…But, I finally did it; It’s a long story).
• Passed my classes with 4 A’s and 1 B in my first quarter, which I was extremely paranoid about, and I made the Dean’s List.
• Even though I’ve told myself that I don’t need a boyfriend after all of these years (and praying for that special someone since I was 13), it has been a process of truly believing that and not driving myself crazy with the fact that I am still single. There were times I tried to speed along the process and it didn’t work the way I wanted, because I wasn’t being patient and I wasn’t waiting on God’s timing. I also thought that if you were praying faithfully about it, that meant someone would just appear like *that.* I started seeing it as a bad thing, like there was something wrong with me, but I’m starting to see it as a HUGE blessing in disguise that I’m single. So many people have been getting married really early on in their 20s, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. But, I do hope they know what kind of commitment they’re getting into and it’s something they’ve really thought out. And for the first time in my life, I’m really starting to come to peace with that. God has been working on my heart a lot in that department, and as I get older, my prayers have shifted a bit and my perspective has changed also. I really don’t need a guy right now and I don’t think I even want one right now, anyway. I want to focus on school, get a steady job and be able to become more independent/responsible on my own, before I start relying on someone else to determine my happiness. I’ve been there before, and I need to focus on God and my relationship with Him first and foremost. The right person will come along when he is supposed to, and maybe it won’t be until I’m in Nashville…And that’s okay. In fact, I’d prefer that…But, who really knows? I’ve learned that there is no “one” person out there for everyone, like we tend to think there is sometimes, and being able to see that with a new perspective helped take the load off of me, because I don’t feel like there’s a time frame or any routine that I need to be following. I just need to keep doing what I’m doing, and a relationship with someone will happen naturally, not because I forced it or tried to plan it out my way. Right now, I’m honestly just taking the time to enjoy my 20s, with my friends and family, making experiences, growing, maturing, figuring out what I want, and trying my best not to rush things. I seriously have the rest of my life to find someone and have a family of my own.
• I’ve met a lot of wonderful people at school, after I was a bit worried that I might not really get to know anybody that well, depending on how classes were and how much time I’d be spending on campus.
• Became a staff writer for the entertainment site “PopWrapped,” which has helped me get more familiar with the style of writing I want to do and to meet some cool people from all over the world, who are into the same things that I am.
• Made some reconnections with close friendships that I hadn’t been able to spend much time with.
• I’ve learned to accept things for what they are, instead of dwelling on things, wishing that they were different. You just accept it and move on, hoping for the best along the way and letting God take care of the rest.

And of course, there were just a lot of really fun moments, like:

• Staying up until 3 a.m (or later) finishing a good book or starting a new TV series or just because I could…
• Went to 3 tapings of American Idol, including the finale, becoming “friends” with some of the Idol contestants, Keith Urban signed my ticket and he said “Well, hi there,” when I turned around to wave and smile at him…One of these days we will get a picture together.
• Meeting Lauren Graham at her very first book signing, and she couldn’t have been more awesome! One of the COOLEST people I’ve ever met. I met Maria Menunos while she was filming Extra at The Grove, and told her I was a journalism major and how much I liked her book. Oh, and then there was running into Austin Nichols in the parking garage on our way out! Then, he tweeted me back the next morning *MAJOR FREAKOUT DAY*

• Dodger games throughout the season with my aunt and Viviyan, and just going with my parents!
• Seeing where The Office was filmed and eating at The Smokehouse, where Jim and Pam’s rehearsal dinner was filmed!
• Seeing McKinley High from Glee, which is actually a performing arts high school!
• Heart to hearts over coffee with Viviyan
• Dinner and The Office with Marissa on Thursday nights!
• Meeting Chris Colfer with Viviyan at his book signing
• My 21st birthday (Going to Disneyland, Vegas, SHAKING TIM MCGRAW’S HAND, running into BEN
• SAVAGE in the Long Beach airport, getting to see the Kardashian Khaos store, while Kourtney Kardashian
• Seeing Shania Twain for the first time ever live at Caesar’s Palace, and the show was phenomenal!
• Monica Potter, LeAnn Rimes, Janelle Arthur, Paul Jolley, Burnell Taylor, and Lazaro Arbos follow me on Twitter, which gave me a chance to talk to them more 
• Going to a lot of fun concerts (Shania, Tim&Faith, Keith Urban, Amy Grant, Taylor Swift, Vince Gill, LeAnn Rimes,etc.)
• Being able to read a lot, which I LOVE
• Clive Davis Grammy Party (No, I didn’t get to go in..But, they let you hang outside and watch everyone come in, which is really exciting. I was able to meet Jordin Sparks, Scott Borchetta, and Karen from Little Big Town and we saw a ton of other artists come in like Miley, Katy Perry, John Mayer, Ellie Goulding, Sting, Dave Grohl, and many others) 
• Spending Valentine’s Day with my best friend (Watching The Office, eating Chinese food)
• Getting to sing at church for the youth
• Days exploring downtown with one of my best friends!
• Taping of Conan with a big group of friends!
• Helped out in the children’s ministry at church; I was Mary in the skit for Easter!
• A LOT of good music came out this year (Kacey Musgraves, The Band Perry, Katy Perry, Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, etc)
• Catalyst Convention with Febe (and we got to see KID PRESIDENT AND RAINN WILSON…AHHH! Everyone was laughing at how much I was screaming hahahaha) I was also able to meet Caitlyn Crosby, creator of The Giving Keys and talked with her for a few minutes about the organization, which I loved. And I really started to understand the concept of what it means to be a leader. 
• Finally got to bowl at Pinz in LA! So fun!
• Went to Griffith Park at night  So beautiful!
• Went to Nashville (Met Kacey Musgraves, Chuck Wicks, Kellie Pickler and Two Story Road; Jason Aldean walked by me on the street; went to Carrie Underwood’s #1 party for Two Black Cadillacs, which fans are never really invited to; went to Hunter Hayes’ listening party, finally tried Frothy Monkey, and went to three Opry shows!!!!!)
• My cousin and one of my really good friends got married this year!!!
• I baked a lot more than I ever have before…
• Toured WB studios
• Random trip to Santa Barbara with family friends
• Random trip to the beach to celebrate my parents’ anniversary and got to hang out with my cousin for a bit.
• Rewatch of Glee, although it will never not break my heart with Cory Monteith passing away this year :((( 
• Taylor Swift’s concert from the pit (!!!!!) (although, my mom passed out…So, that wasn’t so fun)
• NSYNC REUNION ON THE VMA’s!!!!!!!!
• Trip to Bass Lake with family friends, and I drove a jet ski for the very first time! We bbq’d, made s’mores, and I spent a lot of time outside on the deck, which was perfect..I really am more of an outdoorsy girl.
• I got to see the Friends fountain at the Warner Brothers Ranch lot, even though it’s closed to the public!
• Went to the Hollywood Bowl for the first time ever to see Keith Urban, Dustin Lynch and Little Big Town
• Went to the beach and spent the weekend with family friends, my aunt, uncle and cousin.
• THE DODGERS WERE SO CLOSE TO THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!!!
• Went to Disneyland with one of my best friends for her 21st birthday, and we had the time of our lives!
• Got really crafty for the holiday season (decorating the tables, making pinecones, baking)
• I started getting back into making and editing videos, which is one of my hobbies that I had kind of neglected for awhile
• I made time for more writing and being creative, and some blog reading and YouTubing…That inspires me!

And then there were some of those tough moments that I had to work through:

• Starting at a new school and realizing that things are very different at a university than at a community college, which took major adjusting. It was kind of miserable for a little while. More work, different people, and a much bigger campus.
• A lot of sleepless nights during the summer; driving myself crazy thinking (and worrying about the future)
• Comparing myself to others; the path they’re taking, the way they write, the experiences they’ve had…I just need to focus on what I’m doing and who I am. God has a different plan for everyone. We don’t need to be like everyone else. We each have a unique story to tell.
• Getting my license was terrifying! I’m not a big fan of driving, which is why I’ve waited SO long to get it, so having to take the test where someone is critiquing my every move was one of my greatest fears, but I passed and made it out alive 
• Doubt, uncertainty, fear, depression, etc. were all things that I had to shake off…Ain’t nobody got time for that! It was quite a process.

So, it was quite a year with moments I will never forget, and even though I am TOTALLY looking forward to 2014, I’m sad to see this chapter close. I feel like I’ve gotten to know myself better than I ever have before and I think that’s important for moving forward and seeing what else God has up His sleeve. And…Thank you to everyone who made this such a great year, whether it was a tweet or simply taking a picture with me (and you’re someone I’ve admired on TV for quite some time), giving me advice, laughing until we cried, crying because our hearts were broken, taking road trips together, watching marathons of our favorite shows, getting to know one another at school or church, giving me feedback on my writing, or maybe it was just a “like” on Instagram or Facebook. However our paths have crossed, I’m thankful for that memory, whether it left a scar or changed me for the better.

That’s all for now,

Shelby 

It's A Different Kind Of Christmas

As we get older, things start to change. That goes for all things in life. There are different seasons for everything. we graduate, we move on, we close one chapter and open a new one, friendships fade out like a candle that burns out (without warning, but slowly dies the longer it’s on), people move away, and sometimes it’s just our perspective and everything that has happened around us that changes the way we see people and our world. Christmas is one of the biggest changes I’ve noticed now that I’m an adult, and I see that I’m not the only one, judging by conversations on Twitter and Facebook or even just talking to my own friends and family about it. Sometimes Christmas tends to lose that magic and you have to find it again.

Christmas has always been my absolute favorite time of the year and my absolute favorite holiday, even more than my birthday. I loved being able to celebrate Christ’s birth and being reminded that we always have hope, because that little baby changed EVERYTHING about our world. He brought light. I’ve also just really loved the decorations, the music, and the warm and fuzzy feelings that having all of my family together used to bring and all of the cliches that would come with the season. And let’s not forget those classic Christmas episodes of shows, like Growing Pains and Full House. Ah, those never get old.

As a little girl, it seemed like every part of the season was filled with magic. Our days at school were kept busy with plenty of Christmas themed activities to do or Christmas plays to get ready for (which usually meant lines or songs for me to memorize, which I loved), and Christmas vacation to look forward to. I’d count down the days leading up to the occasion with Christmas movies, helping decorate, watching Dad put up the lights, spending time with my grandparents, going around to look at houses, or making my own projects at home to pass the time.

Then, on Christmas Eve, my mom’s side of the family (my grandparents, aunts and uncle, cousins, my parents and I) would all gather at my aunt’s house, which usually had Subway deli trays for dinner, olives, and other treats to munch on. We’d open presents, then visit for awhile, as my cousins and I anticipated Santa’s visit to our houses; my stomach filled with butterflies, with each passing moment. We’d also have to find the pickle in the tree, and whoever found it first won a prize. That was always the real highlight to us, haha!

The next morning, I’d crawl out of bed with anticipation to see what was under the tree, being able to differentiate which packages were from Santa and the ones that had already been there. A lot of people have been saying that they don’t think they’re going to tell their kids about Santa, because it just messes with them and blah, blah, blah…But, honestly, I don’t consider it lying. I feel like it’s just part of the tradition of Christmas, and it’s a fun little game to play. I think it helps kids use their imagination a little more, and just reminds them to believe in the excitement and magic. I don’t think it scars them or messes with them, it’s just intended to be fun. Don’t read so much into it, people. But, I digress. Then,  I’d tear open the packages, wondering what was inside and not being able to wait to play with my toys. Then, we’d hurry and get ready to go to my aunt and uncle’s for dinner, while I was usually sad I had to leave all of my gifts and only choose my most favorite one to bring with me, where my other cousin and I would compare presents or play with each others gifts. Later on that night, my mom’s parents would come over to see what “Santa” and my parents had gotten for me, and I remember one Christmas specifically where I serenaded everyone with “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin, thanks to my awesome new Karaoke machine. Man, those really were the days.

Christmases over the years have drastically changed. My mom’s parents passed away about 11 years ago, which left a big hole in the family, especially around Christmas, because their house always felt a lot like what I imagined Santa’s Workshop probably looked like. My grandma loved Christmas so much, and especially baking around that time…So, not having her around to do that stuff with was kind of depressing, looking back on it all now, and I wonder how things would be different now, A LOT. Then, in 2009, my dad’s mom passed away and that was also just really hard. She was always around, especially during the holiday get togethers. She was always the first one there, and suddenly she just wasn’t anymore. I never realized how much grandparents are the glue of the family, and when they’re gone, it’s tough to keep things going, almost like there’s no obligation in a way. Finding a groove without them will never be the same, but you can make it work. I was a little bitter about Christmas for the last few years. Not because I hated it or anything, it was just hard coping without all of them.

When we moved into a new house, we started doing Christmas Eve and Christmas day at our house, so my dad’s mom was able to spend one or two Christmases with us here, and it was a fun change. My aunts and uncle came over with my cousins and their boyfriends, and now my cousins and other aunt just come, and we go out to dinner. Or we’ve gone to Christmas Eve service at our church. It’s usually pretty “up in the air” as to what we do, but as long as we’re getting together, that’s what really matters. It doesn’t need to be a tradition to be Christmas. As for the morning of, my parents and I open gifts still, then the family comes over in the afternoon, which usually consists of my dad’s brother and his wife, my mom’s sister, and my dad’s dad and my other grandma. Sometimes my cousins make it over, and other times they don’t. That’s life, you know? As you get older, you start to branch out a little more.

This year was one of the best I’ve had in awhile. It might have had something to do with having gotten out of school back in November, so I’ve had all this time to watch movies, listen to music and to reflect on what Christmas is really about. My mom and I have watched just about every Lifetime/Hallmark movie out there, we baked a lot, we decorated and put up the lights, I listened to all of my favorite music, we looked at lights around one of the neighborhoods in town, went to our Christmas program/service at church, and I had Secret Santa with my friends. So, I’ve done just about everything there is to do, and the most important thing is that this year, I really didn’t get distracted by all of the things that I wanted and I missed the reason that we even celebrate altogether. I was reminded of God’s hope for my life and how He is the ONLY thing I need. Period. It’s relying on people and material things that ends up making me feel disappointed when my expectations are too high and they can’t fill the needs where I need Jesus.

Our Christmas gatherings were a bit smaller than usual, but still just as good. My mom and I baked just about all day long on Christmas Eve and set the table for dinner on Christmas. Later, we went to dinner with my aunt on Christmas Eve, then opened presents with her and watched The Santa Clause. One of my cousins came over with her boyfriend, and we all talked and hung out for a bit. 

My new squirrel pjs that I opened on Christmas Eve!

Christmas morning, my parents and I opened gifts, after my mom and I prepared a breakfast casserole (Monica Potter’s recipe), then watched the Disney Christmas parade. We all got ready, finished getting the house together, then my grandparents and aunt came over for lunch/dinner. We had prime rib, cheesy potatoes, zucchini casserole, green jello and rolls, which was absolutely delicious. My grandma, aunt, mom and I watched a Lifetime movie, while my grandpa and dad talked with some of our other family in Utah, then my grandparents fell asleep for a bit. We had cake and ice cream, and visited with one another for awhile, while watching Family Feud and the news (and I almost fell asleep). After everyone left, my parents and I watched Jeopardy and the I Love Lucy Christmas special, and I kept eating just about everything in sight. You’ve gotta love the holidays, right? I was cherishing every second of it, because like I said…Life is a series of changes. Sometimes it takes a long time, and sometimes things change in the blink of an eye. I am very content with the way everything happened this year, and I’m so thankful for my family and friends that are always there and love me unconditionally. 

And honestly, I’m pretty sad that I didn’t really take any pictures and no one else took any either…  Oh well, at least my birthday is coming up soon, so we’ll probably all be together again.

That’s all for now,

I hope you all had a fabulous and very merry Christmas!

xoxo,

Shelby 

Secret Santa

Every Christmas since our freshman year of high school, a group of my friends and I have exchanged gifts as “secret Santa,” and it’s something I have really come to enjoy. Now that we’re all getting older, especially, and are starting to move away from our youth, coming into responsibilities, like college, jobs, significant others, moving away, and all of that other “adult like” stuff, it’s so good that even if only one day out of the year, we can all be together, push the rest aside and pretend that we’re “teens” again! HA!

I was able to borrow my dad’s truck today, which was great, and met up with the rest of the gang at Chili’s. We had interesting conversations on just about everything-catching up on the little details of what we’d been up to, cars (the guys brought this one up, of course), TV shows, movies, celebrities, and whatever else seemed to come up. And we did a lot of laughing.

When we finished eating, we went back to Liz’s house to hang out and open presents. We had Christmas music playing and the fireplace was going. It really did feel like a Christmas episode from one of my favorite sitcoms. Probably Friends.

Me and Laurie :)

“Three Amigos” since 7th grade

Me and Liz :)

Our dysfunctional little family…And I wouldn’t have it any other way :)

I was the first to go, and Andrew was my “secret santa” gift giver, and ironically enough, I was his, which gave us all a little laugh. The package was all decked out and creative, as usual, with brown paper stamped with my name and “hope” all around. Inside all of the tissue paper, it ended up being a really pretty, festive scarf and a bracelet, which I’m SO excited about being able to wear for either Christmas or New Year’s Eve. If I haven’t expressed how much I love scarves, I really do. They can dress up any outfit and just add so much.

Everyone else opened their gifts and we started trying to decide what to do next, whether we should watch a movie or play a game, but no one could really think of what to do. Liz also gave me my birthday present from this year, and she seriously outdid herself. She got me an engraved jewelry box, an engraved bracelet that says, “my best friend loves me,” two scarves, a knit wrap for my head, some candy, two cards and a gift card to Target! I was SO happy and totally just feeling the love with everyone there. We took some pictures; silly and normal ones, then just hung out for a bit. We started watching TV, and somehow we ended up getting sucked into Grey’s Anatomy. None of us, except for Tiffany, had any idea what was going on, so we were all just adding our own commentary to it, which was much better anyway. And then Cory made some comment about Patrick Dempsey..I don’t remember exactly what he said, but I remember the girls all started attacking and defending Mr. McDreamy…Who knows? lol.

Pretty soon, half of the group left, because they had stuff to do…So, it was me, Liz, Andrew and Nolan. We weren’t too sure of what to do, so we sat on the couches for awhile and then decided to play games. We played Headbands, which is basically like 20 Questions, only you have a card on your head and you’re being timed. That was rather frustrating for all of us, but I can’t tell you how.stinking.hard. we were laughing. Nolan had “newspaper” on his head, but was stuck on square shapes somehow and kept getting further and further away from it. Liz and I were practically dying on the floor. It was perfect. Then, we ended up playing the Heads Up app that Ellen has and it is the best ever. I’d only seen her do it on the show, but I’d never played, and it’s so much fun. There are several different categories and types that you can choose from. I did the superstar one a couple times, we tried the animals, movies, and icons/legends. But, I think my favorite had to be “Hey Mr. DJ,” where you hum whatever song is on the screen and the other person has to guess. Because even if you have no idea what everyone is humming, it’s still fun to watch them get really into it.

After Andrew left, it was starting to get pretty dark and since I was driving myself this time, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to stay that late. I hardly drive and never at night, so I didn’t know when I was going to go. But, then we started watching videos on YouTube, while laying on the floor, and I was glad to be in good company. Normally, I’m just at home, bored out of my mind and wishing I had a life, so now I finally had that opportunity. I’d missed spending time with them, so I figured I’d stay as late as I could. We ended up going out for pizza and starting a movie, Pain and Gain. I had started thinking of going home, but decided to give it a try. It was a bit rough and I was starting to get a little tired, so I decided to head home.

My gifts tonight! I am so spoiled! ;)

It was such a fun day and I am so blessed that even if I don’t get to see or talk with everyone very much these days, that we’re all still in each others lives. I’m not sure how much longer we’ll be able to keep up the Secret Santa tradition now that we are getting older and things are starting to change and shift in the dynamic of our group. In fact, it was even brought up that this year could be our last with some things that are coming up in the year to come.  That makes me very sentimental to think about, but I guess that’s life. Nothing ever stays the same. But, it also makes me appreciate this year so much more. Instead of wishing or wondering what it would be like if things were different, I’m going to take in everything that’s happening right now as it is. Right now, things are pretty great as they are.

That’s all for now,

Shelby <3 p="">

Life as of lately...

I haven't had much time to keep things updated on here as much as I'd like, due to school being pretty intense the last couple months. I'm not going to lie. It was HARD. I had several breakdowns, questioned myself a lot and whether I'm where I want to be. It was also hard not to compare myself to everyone else, when they all seem to have so much experience or had been going to the university longer, and my relationship with God took a bit of a backseat here and there, but it also helped me cling to Him more, if that makes any sense. However, looking back, it was a great experience.

I was able to learn a lot and put into practice things that already have my interest, gave my first presentation and my professor thought it was excellent. I made so many great friendships while I was out there, and I was really starting to wonder at the beginning whether I'd get to know anyone closely. I was also able to step out a little more with writing on the newspaper and proving to myself that I CAN do this. And all while freaking out about the future; in the midst of doubt, confusing and feeling lost, the bottom line is…I PASSED MY CLASSES! I had 4 A's and 1 B. I couldn't have been more excited and proud of myself, and I was so glad that all of the hard work, lack of a social life (okay, who am I kidding? I never have a social life), and lack of really being able to do a lot of the things I love, all payed off. I proved to myself that I really can do it. I can succeed and make it through anything. Now, that my first quarter is out of the way, I'm like, "bring on the other three." I'm not as worried about how long it's going to take or when I'm going to get out of there, but I'm going to savor the moments instead, especially with the great friends I've made. We really had a great support system going, and I couldn't be more thankful that they were there to eat lunch with and vent with when the occasion arose, whether it was about grades or other nonsense, because they were going through it, too.

And then came vacation...

Thanksgiving was lovely! My mom and I made things extra festive this year, by really going all out and decorating the table with fancy centerpieces and baking our first pumpkin pie. I also helped out more with dinner this year- peeling potatoes and seasoning the turkey. You could say I felt very accomplished. I also dressed up a little more for the occasion, which was fun!  We had the family over as always, ate a lot, braved Walmart for the "Black Friday" deals starting on Thursday, and just hung out with one another, which is always a hoot.

The next couple weeks have been pretty uneventful, really. I've been sleeping until noon, staying up WAY too late, watching Christmas movies, reading a lot, writing, brainstorming, editing pictures, and taking advantage of not having anything to do. This time, I know what to expect when school starts back up again and I want to be ready to go again. Straight A's, here I come. I want to be more focused than ever, and maybe a little more willing to put my phone down for awhile. I also would still really like to get a job, so there won't be so much free time…Ah, the joys of growing up.

I have been taking in the sights and sounds of the Christmas season; listening to the music and reminding myself of the joy that comes with this time of year. It is SO easy to get sucked into the commercial side of things, but when I've turned the focus back to Christ, everything in my heart and mind that usually weigh so heavily and bring me down, are lifted up and I feel like I can do anything. I'm trying to see everything with childlike faith, and to remember that this time of year isn't about couples or presents or food or even family, really. It's about Jesus coming to the earth to be our Savior and our Lord, because we all need saving and we need His grace. I'm really learning this time around to appreciate the relationships that are in my life, and to not take them for granted. All of this down here is just temporary, and I want to put my hope in something that is everlasting.

I'm going to get back to reading Debbie Macomber's, "The Gift of Christmas" and might start watching Love Actually.

That's all for now,
Shelby :)

Q&A with Rebecca

Thanks to social media these days, I have been able to get to know so many wonderful people and have made friendships that I know will last a lifetime, like my friend, Rebecca. I randomly started following her one day after my obsession with One Tree Hill had gone to the next level. Some of my followers were always chatting with her, so I decided to, too. We talked only a couple times, then met up at the network rehearsal for Sophia Bush's short lived comedy series, Partners, where we talked for at least a couple hours after the taping of the show in a parking garage at WB Studios. After that, we instantly hit it off and have been good friends since, writing hit country songs together, exchanging celebrity encounters and fangirling over TV shows…You know, the totally normal stuff that everyone does.

Rebecca has been lucky enough to intern at some pretty cool places through her college, and I asked her to share some of the stories that she lived out over the summer in Los Angeles!

First off, how different is California from Boston? Did it take awhile to get used to?

​Los Angeles and Boston are two polar opposite places, as far as big cities go. I’ve lived in four big cities now (born and raised just outside Philadelphia, go to school in Boston and have lived and co-oped in New York City and Los Angeles) and I love them all for different reasons. I love Boston as a college town. Everywhere you look, there’s another college student getting to know the city, just like I did 4 years ago. Boston is also very much a walking city. And when you can’t walk, you take the T, Boston’s age-old form of public transportation. It’s a gorgeous city, swelled by trees in the fall and snow in the winter. And it has such a rich history -- you really can’t help but to fall in love. Then you have Los Angeles, a city completely opposite of Boston. The weather is always gorgeous, the beach is within walking distance of wherever you are, and the atmosphere is laid back. Los Angeles definitely took some getting used to, having only ever lived on the east coast before last year (I was out in LA in the Spring of 2012 doing internships as well). You have to drive everywhere, and the traffic doesn’t always make it easy. But that’s the only downside to the city. Los Angeles just makes me happy, and I know I’ll end up there someday, but I think I’m going to miss Boston more than I realize when I have to leave in December.

Last spring, you worked at Dick Clark Productions/ABC and this summer, you worked at Yahoo! How was your job different? What have you learned from both experiences about the industry?

​I’ve been so lucky over the past four years with all the experiences that Northeastern has allowed me to have. From my first internship in New York City at The Dr. Oz Show up until my final internship this summer at Yahoo!, I couldn’t be more grateful for this university and all they’ve awarded me with. Last spring, I moved out to Los Angeles for the first time to intern at Dick Clark Productions and also ABC for General Hospital, both as production interns. I had had one production experience prior to these two two and I was able to continue learning and growing while I was in LA. At Dick Clark, I did a lot of research and office work. I also got to make decks (PowerPoints used by executives to pitch shows to networks) and production books for new shows. I was able to see a show go from idea into fruition and straight through to the final product, and it was a great experience. ABC was mostly observing on set and doing office tasks to help the producers.

​This summer, I was lucky enough to land a coveted internship with Yahoo! Studios in Santa Monica, CA. After weeks and weeks of searching for an internship in NYC and having no luck, I found this internship last minute and was ecstatic when I got the offer after a long weekend of interviews. I could write a novel about my amazing 12 weeks at Yahoo! but I’ll keep it short. I was the only Studio intern in Santa Monica, and most of my time was spent bettering myself and my production skills. A list of things I did over the summer: attended weekly and monthly production meetings with the studio staff; compiled research packets on various entertainment topics (Emmys, One Direction, etc.); wrote, produced, directed, edited and starred in a video that I presented to over 100 producers at a Studio meeting, and observed and helped on sets for over 15 different programs, both in studio and on location. Phew! I learned so much over the summer and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.

​As far as the entertainment and production industries go, I’ve learned over the past few years to be up for anything. Production is a hard, hard business, both to get into and to succeed in. You really have to be dedicated and motivated to do well, and I’d like to think I’m both. I’m both anxious and excited to see where my future is in this industry.

When you were at Yahoo, you were able to meet some pretty cool people, like Charlie Worsham and Danielle Bradbury! What was that like?

With Danielle Bradbury

​I had so much fun at Yahoo! this summer! Because I’m what I like to call a “professional intern” now, after five internships, I went into my summer knowing two things: I had to make contacts and I had to speak up to get the experience that I wanted. And I did both and have no regrets! One of my best moves at the beginning of the summer was approaching the four women that produce Ram Country, Yahoo!’s country channel. I showed them my interest in country music and from there on out, they invited me on every exciting shoot they were hosting. Whether I was needed to work or not, they definitely took care of me this summer! Through them, I got to attend shoots with Brett Eldredge, Billy Currington, Charlie Worsham, Danielle Bradbury, Amos Lee and The 1975 (I’m probably leaving some of them out). I learned so much from those shoots AND I had so much fun!

On assignment for a shoot with Charlie Worsham! 

​I also helped out and observed a myriad of other shows while at Yahoo!, from cooking shows to variety shows and daily recap shows. Through my networking, I became really close with the Director of Photography, Tommy, who sent me on all the shoots I went on over the summer. Through him, I got to meet all those celebrities (he encouraged me to get pictures with them!). Aside from the country stars, I also got to hang out with Daniella Monet (Victorious), Ray J, Donald Faison (Scrubs), Aida Mollenkamp (Food Network), Nikki Boyer (host of Yahoo!’s Daytime in No Time), Kristen Aldridge (host on OMG! Insider), Theo Von (host of Yahoo! Primetime in No Time), Michael Yo (host of OMG! Insider and Yahoo!’s The Yo Show), Joy Prouty (photographer), and of course, One Direction! It definitely feels pretty cool to be working with the celebrities, rather than just watching them on TV!

There are always fun shows and plenty of things to do in L.A. Did you happen to discover any new groups/artists. What were some of the highlights of your trip/internship?

Rebecca with Amber Carrington

​Last spring when I was out in LA, I had some of the best experiences when I wasn’t working. This time around, I was working a full-time, paying internship, so I was very busy and had less time for fun outside of work. But that didn’t stop me! One of the fun things I did a few times after work this summer was attend The Grove’s summer concert series. In June, I was able to see two of my favorite contestants from The Voice last season, Amber Carrington and Sasha Allen, perform. Then in July, I got VIP passes to see The Backstreet Boys at their 20th Anniversary show at The Grove. That was a childhood dream come true for me!

Silly faces with Tori Kelly

​I also got to see my favorite singer, Tori Kelly, perform a sold-out show at The Troubadour in July. I saw her for the first time in January of 2012 in LA and there I was, at my fourth show, seeing her rock in front of a huge, sold-out crowd. I felt proud, watching her up there on the stage, and in awe of all the millions of fans that she’d gained since that first time I saw her at the Red Room in front of 100 people. Did I mention that Yahoo! happened to livestream her show for her? I was so happy to see her again this summer and I can’t wait until she comes back to Boston in November. Everyone should check her out!

​I also got to attend two dance shows while I was out in LA (if you know me, you know I love my SYTYCD and DWTS!). The first was Nigel Lythgoe’s amazing function for charity, the Dizzyfeet Gala! It was a night filled of stars and phenomenal dancing from stars of So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars. The second dance show was another charity event called Art4Life. It was an intimate dance show and a fantastic night!

At So You Think You Can Dance

​Finally, since I knew it was my last internship ever and therefore my last time to ever miss work without a valid excuse, I took a day and a half off to have some fun (shh! don’t tell my boss). In July, I took the day off to go to a taping of The Voice, which I had been waiting to do for 5 seasons. In August, I took half a day of work off to go to the rehearsals and taping of the first all-star episode of So You Think You Can Dance, which I had been waiting to do for 10 seasons! I’m so happy I got all the opportunities I did in the short time I was in LA!

Do you plan to move out to California after you graduate? If so, what do you hope to do? If not, do you plan to intern out here again?

​I’ve been saying for the past 4 years or so that I have plenty of time to figure out what I want to do after graduation, but it looks like I’m running out of time now! With only a few months to go until graduation, I’m still not sure what I want to do after college. I’ve gotten too comfortable living in my college bubble and interning, that frankly, I’m terrified to see what comes next (as I’m assuming is a natural feeling for graduating seniors).

​I do love California, but I know I have to end up there in the future if I want to work in entertainment production. So am I ready to move out there right now? I’m not so sure. California is a big move, considering that my entire family is on the east coast and it’s all I’ve ever really known. New York is like my second home and I do love it there. There are plenty of opportunities for production in New York, so that’s my other option. I will miss LA, but I think it can wait for a few years! It really depends where my opportunities lie. I’m flexible - I’ll move wherever I can find a job in this economy!

Did you make any new discoveries (restaurants, cafés, shopping) that you didn't last time?

​To be honest, I’m a little boring and I always stick with what I know! With that being said, I frequented my favorite restaurants this summer, including C&O Trattoria (best Italian food in LA) and Lemonade Cafe! I also sought out macaroons wherever I went (I discovered Bouchon Bakery in Beverly Hills, which was amazing!) and stuck with my Intelligentsia coffee whenever I could. I also, once again, made sure to try every food truck I saw! I’m a food truck eficianado, as Parvati Shallow (from Survivor) called me when I ran into her at the food trucks at First Fridays on Abbot Kinney (name dropping while referencing my favorite street, due to another celebrity run-in -- classic!). I tried the Grilled Cheese Truck my first weekend out in LA and it was amazing.

​I was lucky enough to have a fantastic roommate for the summer who also loved food. She took me to experience some firsts, including chicken and waffles at Bru’s Wiffle, cajun shrimp at Boiling Crab and korean barbecue (which I’m now OBSESSED with!).

You were kissed on the cheek by a certain One Direction member...*Cough*  Harry Styles *Cough*, which I'm sure millions of girls all over the world are jealous of! Care to explain?

​I think I played that one up a little too much because I knew it would make my friends jealous (no, I’m not too old to like One Direction! They’re foreign and adorable - what more could you ask for?). Here’s what happened: Over the course of the summer, I spent 7 or 8 weeks working on research and production pieces for the live stream of One Direction’s red carpet movie premiere in August. I spent weeks and weeks putting together a research packet and also helping produce packages for the website we’d be live streaming on. The event was in New York City on Monday, August 26th and I was flying home on Saturday, August 24th. With that in mind, I offered to take the train into NYC and work the event so I could get both live and red carpet experience on one final day with Yahoo!

This Is Us movie premiere red carpet

​I spent the day in NYC doing research and running around the city helping my bosses. When it came time for the show, I was placed on the carpet to act as a talent wrangler (mostly because my boss wanted to get me in on the action). I was standing right at the front of the carpet where the talent got out of their cars and was meant to identify celebrities and also pull them for interviews.

The One Direction guys walking the carpet! 

​When One Directions Escalades pulled up, I saw the boys get out of their cars (and fawned a little obviously - Niall’s just so cute!), and stepped back to get out of their way.                               As they walked toward our stage to be interviewed, Harry stopped in front of myself and my counterpart, Liz, grabbed our hands one at a time, and kissed us on the cheek. I had no idea what was happening and didn’t know what to do, so I just kissed back! He’s quite a womanizer, that Harry! I definitely didn’t mind though :)

So, there you have it! Pretty exciting stuff, right? I can't wait to see what she ends up doing in the business someday :)

If you'd like to see what she's up to, be sure to follow her on Twitter and Instagram!

That's all for now,
Shelby
xoxo