Happy Valentine's Day

Ah, what a Valentine's Day it was! I had classes as usual (and it's unfortunate that they didn't cancel them seeing as it's such a special occasion...HA); those were interesting. Geography is getting harder and harder to go to because it's so boring. We just sit there, listen to lectures, and if we're lucky we get to watch a video. On the plus side, yesterday he gave us 10 bonus points for staying through the entire class, since quite a few people had left. Then, it was time for my first quiz in sociology; I think it went pretty well for the most part.

Cute little thing I found online and immediately posted to Instagram!

After school, I ran some errands with my mom! We picked up cookies my mom had ordered and a ring from the mall my mom was getting sized.

The beautiful scenery on the way home from class!

I entered a contest to win a trip to London

We came home and had to watch Valentine's Day, because what other day is going to be more appropriate? It's a great movie and will probably be a tradition for many years to come! :)

Last night, I got together with the Young Adults group from church for a potluck! There was a ton of food, a lot of awesome people, Wii (Just Dance), and board games! It was great getting to spend time with the people I've grown the closest to over the last few months and who I have grown to love SO much. It was a really great time. I'd never done the Just Dance thing before, and I NEVER thought I would do it in front of a big group of people because I so don't do that. I was really proud of myself, and the fact that I actually had a lot of fun doing it. It's a great workout!

We played Cranium after we mingled and did some dancing, which was interesting. The group wasn't kidding when they said they could get competitive haha. I had never played before, and let's just say it was...interesting. There were a lot of weird challenges involved like humming, puppeteering, sculpting, scrambling letters, and a whole bunch of other random things that I was trying to figure out. By the end of the game, our group had pretty much given up on even trying. We were having fun amongst ourselves, though, and that counts! ;)

I photoshopped this on my computer....LOL. 

It was getting a little later, and Ceci and I were starting to get tired...so we decided to head out, and a few others followed behind us. By the end of the night, I'm not gonna lie I was discouraged about the whole idea of "falling in love" and I was so over Valentine's Day. I'll be sure to post a separate blog about all of that! 

The ride home with Ceci was entertaining that's for sure! I won't go into detail, but I got something accomplished that I've been putting it off. Sometimes you just need a friend to help you put things into perspective. Big things are in store, I feel...I'm not exactly sure where they're headed, and maybe right now, I'm not meant to know. I'm just gonna enjoy the journey until then! 

After I got home, I opened a Valentine's Day gift from my parents and talked with them for a little while...mainly about Whitney Houston for whatever reason LOL. I have no idea what even brought it up! Finally, I was getting tired so I went to bed. All in all, it was a good day. The most important thing for me to remember is that I am loved; surrounded by incredible family and friends, and a God that will never leave me! That's a comforting thought. 

My Valentine outfit and gifts from my parents (candy and Dodger blue converse)

That's all for now,

Shelby

Hope you all had a fantastic Valentine's Day! Any stories to share?

Valentine's Day Survey #2

1) An image that most closely symbolizes love for you; why?
This is the most powerful love we will ever know. This right here is everything that love is!

2) An image or description of your favorite Valentine's Day cards when you were younger.
Usually just any of the little typical Valentines you'd get at Wal-Mart. They usually had the latest cartoon or popular movie on them.

3) The first person you wanted to ask to be your valentine. Did you ask?
Hmm...probably the boy I liked in like 1st or 2nd grade. It was kind of an unspoken way of asking, but I'm pretty sure he knew...

4) The first celebrity you wanted to ask to be your valentine.
It was a tie between Leonardo DiCaprio and Justin Timberlake.

5) How was your first kiss? What do you remember about it?
I'll let you know when it happens! ;)

6) The first Valentine's Day gift you remember receiving. Was it a good one?
I remember getting a little heart shaped basket with some candy and Mary-Kate and Ashley books! LOL. It was a great one :)

7) The Valentine's Day gift that would earn the gifter a kiss?
Something sentimental like a scrapbook, a video montage, or a book of letters/notes/emails/texts, etc.

8) The Valentine's Day gift that would earn the gifter more than a kiss?
A wedding ring...because then you would be married! haha.

9) Chocolate vs Flowers; which do you prefer and why?
Flowers. I think they're more personal.

10) Talk about a Valentine's Day during which you were single.
So, which one should I start with? Because that would be all of them. LOL. Last Valentine's Day was probably the best! I spent it with Mandy and another friend; we watched The Bachelor, pigged out and just talked.

11) Talk about a Valentine's Day disappointment.
Not having a Valentine?

12) Love vs lust; what's the difference?
Love rules. Lust is shallow. The end.

13) Describe your ideal Valentine.
My ideal Valentine looks a lot like Nick Jonas...HAHA.

14) Describe your ideal Valentine's Day date.
Going to Santa Monica for the day, having dinner at a small little place close to the beach and just walking along the pier at night eating ice cream. I'm not even that crazy about ice cream, it just seems like the thing to do! Or going up to the Griffith Observatory at night to look at the stars and just talk.

15) Your favorite flowers and why?
Daisies. They're so bright and cheerful.

16) Your top five favorite candies?
Skittles, Starbursts, Butterfinger, Snickers, 3 Musketeers

17) Lingerie; yes or no? Why?
Nope....

18) Most romantic song? Why?
Your Everything-Keith Urban. Listen to it, and you'll know exactly why. It's the sweetest song on the entire planet.

19) Most romantic place on earth?
Disneyland? I have no idea...But, probably somewhere in Southern California. There are a lot of great places there (we're on the border of it).

20) Most romantic movie you've ever seen? What made it romantic instead of just cheesy?
The Notebook. I think it's romantic, because it's so real; it shows them arguing and disagreeing, but working through all of that because they loved each other.

21) Most romantic book scene ever written?
Anything from a Nicholas Sparks novel...is there anything else??

22) Worst thing someone can do on a date and why?
Pull out their phone every five minutes

23) Best thing someone can do on a date and why?
Do the small things like hold open a door, be intrigued in conversation and just really show that they're interested in YOU.

24) Which is the best: getting asked out in person, via telephone, via text/messenger, or via Twitter/Tumblr/Facebook? Why?
I think it depends on how "official" it is. If it's an official, "will you go out with me? (dinner/movie sort of thing)" then I think it should be done in person. If it's a little more casual and wanting to hang out at the in between phase of being friends/more than friends, a phone call or text will do just fine.

25) Which is the worst (see the above)?
The worst would probably be through a text or a social networking site.

26) Five words that describe your Valentine's Day this year?
Games, Wii, food, Young Adults, Friends.

27) Five words that describe your Valentine this year.
Casper, invisible, non-existant, imaginary, imperceptible

28) Would you rather remember this Valentine's Day forever, or forget it as soon as you're able? Why?
Well...it hasn't happened yet so I can't really say for sure. But, I'm gonna have to go with I'm going to want to remember it forever, because I have a feeling it will be pretty special! Every time I hang out with this group it's an unforgettable time. I can't wait!

It's Almost That Time Again...

Valentine's Day. The day where couples try to act more lovey dovey than usual, and the single become more aware of the fact that they are indeed single. People spend more money than they have to, only to impress people they probably haven't been seeing all that long, and usually with some overpriced candy, flowers or stuffed bear. And ya know what? I love it. I think it's supposed to be an over-the top, tongue in cheek kind of holiday. I don't think we should focus more on love that day than any other day, but I think you can make it a really sweet idea. There are so many sweet little gestures

I used to want to be bitter about it, because I thought that automatically that was the way single people were supposed to act towards it. Now, I choose to think it as sweet no matter what your status is. Whether it's with friends, family, or a significant other you're spending the day...Love is the main thing to focus on. For me personally, I don't care about grand gestures. Sure, they're nice...But I like more sentimental things like a scrapbook, letters, pictures, etc. I'd like just a simple night at home watching movies or talking all night. One of these days, I'll get my special Valentine...but until then, I'm enjoying it with my girls! That's the best company anyway, right?

<3

~Shelby

A Valentine's Day Quiz

• 
  A: Who do you like and Why?
• Right, like I'd post that on here? LOL. ;)
• B: Have you ever been in love? If yes, how many times, and how do you know it was love?
• No, I don't think so. I think if you're unsure that you were ever in love...then it probably wasn't. When it happens, you'll just know. If it was "love" I think it was a young/naive idea of love. 
• C: Longest relationship you've ever been in, and why did it end?
• About 3 months...That's not important.
• D: Have you ever changed for someone, if yes, how?
• I think I have maybe a little; not intentionally, but just shifting my schedule around to fit theirs and what they wanted and basing my happiness off of that person. 
• E: Pretend I'm your ex, what do you want to say to me?
• It happened over two years ago, so I honestly don't know what I would say. We don't talk anymore. I guess I'm just sad we weren't able to keep a friendship after it all ended. I was hurt and I take things to heart way too much; it shouldn't have been a big deal, and I held onto it for too long. But, I've moved onto other things and everyday I'm starting to see why it didn't work out. 
• F: Have you ever been cheated on?
• No.
• G: Have you ever cheated?
• No.
• H: Would you date someone who's know for cheating, if yes why?
• Nope, probably not. "Once a cheater, always a cheater!" I know people change, but if you really know that this person is no good in that department, I just wouldn't even go down that road. Unless they can really prove to you that it's not true or they have changed.
• I: What's the most important part of a relationship?
• Being friends first and being able to trust one another no matter what!
• J: Do you like to be in serious relationships or just flings?
• Relationships. Flings would never work from what I've seen; people get too attached and hearts are broken. It ends up way too messy, for something that is supposed to be "casual."
• K: When you are dating someone do you believe in going on "breaks"?
• As long as both people know the understanding of a "break" (refer to Ross and Rachel, Rory and Logan)....
• L: How many people have you ever hooked up with? 
• No one. I don't do that stuff, nor have I ever! 
• M: What's one thing you regret saying or not saying, doing or not doing in a previous relationship?
• Absolutely nothing. I think I've always said everything I've needed to say when I needed to say it whether it was actually to their face or in a letter. Are there things I could've said in better ways? absolutely. But, in the end, I'm glad I just put it all out there on the table when I needed to.
• N: What age do you think is appropriate for kids to start having sex?
• When you're married...Yeah, that's a great time!
• O: Do you believe in the phrase, "Age is just a number?" Why or why not?
• To some degree. However, I think as you do get older, you learn from the younger days and realize the error of your ways and how you've matured from the way you used to think.
• P: What about "Love at first sight"? Why or why not?
• Yeah, I do. It might not necessarily be "love" right away because that would be a little crazy. But, I do believe in seeing someone and just instantly knowing you want to get to know them more, and knowing that they're going to play an important part of your life, no matter what happens in the end. 
• Q: Turn on's?
• Guys that love God, musicians, writers, wear their hearts on their sleeve but aren't overly sensitive, and guys that are great with kids. 
• R: Turn off's?
• Entitlement, cockiness, partyers, smokers, the typical "jock", and try to act cooler than they really are/that they have the answer to everything .....Those are the main ones. 
• S: What do you consider a deal breaker?
• Someone not having the same values/beliefs as I do (I don't mean that harsh or snotty like, that's just how I feel. I think both people need to be on the same page when it comes to that sort of thing).  
• T: How do you know it's time to end a relationship?
• I think that's different for everyone. But, I guess I'd have to say when you both just start wanting different things or don't have the same beliefs/values that you once did. 
• U: Are you currently in a relationship? If yes, for how long? If no, how long have you been single?
• Nope. Too long? LOL. JK.
• V: Do you think people who have dated can stay friends?
• I think it's really rare when that happens, but yes I think you can if you had a bond that was that strong. 
• W: Do you think people should date their friends?
• Yeah! I think that's where every great relationship starts. I've actually been talking to my friend about this quite a bit lately. It's so important to start off as being friends, so you know you're comfortable and can trust one another before you move into anything else more serious.
• X: How many relationships have you had?
• Only one serious (ish) relationship. 
• Y: Do you think love can last forever?
• Absolutely it can. People just give up too easily these days.
• Z: Do you believe love can conquer all things?
• Absolutely. Will it always be easy? No. But, it can be done.
• 1: Would you break up with someone your parents didn't approve of?
• It depends on the reasoning, I guess. I don't think they would say anything unless it was obviously a really bad idea, and of course, I'd listen to their side of it. If it was something minor that just bugged them, I don't think so. 
• 2: If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice about dating what would it be?
• Don't assume you're lame, because you're not really dating in high school. Waiting really will make it all the more special. Some people rush into things that they aren't ready for. Enjoy right now and see what God has planned for you after this....You'll be pretty amazed! 
• 3: Do you think long distance relationships can work? Why or why not?
• Yeah, people do it all the time. I'm sure it's probably harder, but you fight for the things that are worth it.
• 4: What do you notice first about another person? 
• First of all, their attitudes and just how they're interacting with other people. And physically, eyes! Always the eyes. 
• 5: Do gay, lesbians, bisexuals or transgender people bother you?
• No. I don't agree with the lifestyle, but I have nothing against the people themselves. 

'I Love You'

Sounds simple enough, right? I. Love. You. Only three words, yet they have THE most powerful affect on people in good or bad ways. I had been planning on writing something about love, but now as I sit here trying to put it into words, I'm not sure that I can. Love isn't necessarily something you can explain; it's something you experience. And lately, I've been wondering...Do I honestly know how to love? I say I love you all the time to family and friends, but sometimes I wonder if I've had the actions to back up those words. Do I show them just how much I love them? Did I really feel anything in my heart when I uttered those three words out or was I just saying it to fill the silence?

What is love? Well, 1 Corinthians 13 is the definition of that. When I really meditate on the chapter, I think of how wrong I've been about not only loving others but also when it comes to falling in love. Last night, at our Young Adults group gathering at church we talked about this very thing. So many times in our world today we get confused about what love is because of the way it's portrayed in music and movies. We think it's all about buying the material things to express how we feel, and that couldn't be further from the truth. It is in the way we treat people! We have to know how God loves and learn how to love ourselves, before we can fully love others. If we don't love ourselves or see ourselves as something special, that's exactly the way we'll treat others. I know that's how I've been for a really long time!

Love is not a feeling, it is a choice. If we based love on feelings, the divorce rate would be even higher than it already is. There are always days when we don't "feel" like doing something or loving someone...our emotions run so hot and cold, so when you base love on that it's pretty fickle. You have to choose to love them despite whatever annoying thing they might be doing to you or the arguments you might have had. That comes into practice even more when it comes to dealing with difficult people. You know those family members that you usually just see on special occasions or that you just don't get along with. It's not an easy thing to do, and it takes time. 

The highest form of love we will ever know, though, is the love that God has shown us. Human love only goes so deep, but there's a place in our heart that only God can fill. People will disappoint us, no matter how close we are or how much they love us. We're human; we're not perfect and we make mistakes. We break promises, we fall short of who people want us to be, and we get angry over stupid things. But, no matter what we go through in life, or the people we fight with...Love conquers all. I truly believe that!

Another thought, that I had posted of a friends comment on Facebook last night was something like, "If you can't live without that person (significant other), leave them in the dust. If you CAN live without them, marry them..." At first I was wondering how in the world that made sense, and then it clicked as I read it through a couple more times. Christ is the only one we need or desire, technically, we can live without people. When you're married, Christ should still always be your number one; the second you let your spouse on the throne where God should be is when we run into problems. And now it has put things into perspective for me in future relationships :)

That's all for now,

Shelby

xoxox  

A Sneak Peek To Valentine's Day

Haha...well pretty much! 

Took a quiz on Seventeen, and this was what I got! :)

Valentine’s Day: The Survival Guide For the Single Girl 

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

By Deirdre Cusack (http://www.hercampus.com/school/umassamherst/valentine’s-day-survival-guide-single-girl)

Single girls everywhere always feel a little more single on February 14. However, just because you don’t have a significant other to gush over doesn’t necessarily mean Valentines Day has to suck. Here are a few ways to have a great Valentine’s Day even if you’re single.


1) Go to the movies: Sure it’s going to be packed with couples, holding hands and kissing (insert gag here). If you want to go see a sappy romantic film, why not check out The Vow starring everyone’s favorite heartthrob, Channing Tatum?  Or, if a romantic movie is too cliché for you, try seeing one many dramas that are out like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo or The Descendants, (Clooney should make you forget your singledom). Don’t be afraid to treat yourself to a large popcorn, (with extra butter) and some candy… I know I will.


2) Have a girls night: I know it sounds trite, but last year was one of the best Valentines Days I ever had and it wasn’t because I spent it with a guy. I shared it with my best friends having a girl’s night in. Bake brownies or cookies and buy tons of chocolate so you can stuff your face, sit around with your girls and soak up each other’s awesomeness.


3) Have an “I hate Valentine’s Day party”: Have all your single friends over for a night with no pink, no hearts and NO feelings of loneliness. All your friends who are couples will be out on dates anyway so go ahead and enforce the “single girls only” rule.


4) Treat yourself: Since your not wasting your money on Hallmark cards or store bought chocolates why not buy yourself something YOU actually want. That new watch you’ve been eyeing? Buy it! Spoil yourself for no reason and be free to do whatever your little heart desires.


5) Go on a date with your best friend: Carrie and Miranda do it in Sex and The City! Take a night off Berkshire grub and make a reservation at your favorite restaurant. It’s the best date you can go on; you’ll be with someone you’re 100% comfortable with and able to talk about the Real Housewives of Beverley Hills without an exasperated male sigh and eye-roll. An added bonus…you’ll be enjoying food you didn’t have to wait in line for. 

(I loved this article)

Just a few little ideas to get you in the mood for that special day ;)

Love Is In The Air

1 Corinthians 13

"Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. 

Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head.

Doesn't force itself on others.

Isn't always 'me first'.

Doesn't fly off the handle.

Doesn't keep scores of the sins of others.

Doesn't revel when others grovel.

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth.

Puts up with anything.

Trusts God always.

Always hopes for the best.

Never looks back, 

But keeps going to the end." <3

Ah, love. What a topic! I think we have so many preconceived notions of what love/relationships should be or feel or look like, and the truth is it's different for everyone. We get caught up in this fairytale world that Prince Charming is going to ride in on his white horse and save us from all disasters, but that's not reality. No, reality is far much more interesting than that; you'll meet guys that will break your heart and will mess with it in ways you don't understand, but then you'll meet the one that will put it back together again. He'll make you see things in a way you never thought possible, he'll love you just the way you are, but he'll challenge you and bring you out of your comfort zone more, and he'll see the potential in you that no one else sees. You'll annoy each other, you'll fight over the dumbest of things, and you'll hit rough patches…but true love will conquer all of that. I truly believe it. 

Love doesn't just "fade away" over time, and people don't just grow apart. That's when people have just decided to give up. Relationships and love take work, and our society wants to take the easy way out and to find some way for that instant gratification. But, the things in life that are worth fighting for don't come easy. Love makes the world go 'round; it's universal and one of the most desired things. That's why people become so bitter and cynical towards it, because it's everything it's cracked up to be. It's easy to question when it's ever going to happen or to just give up on the idea of falling in love altogether. I've never been in love before, but I know it's out there. I've been praying for that special someone for awhile, and know that he is out there. When the time is right, he'll show up, and it will make all the waiting I did worth it. Until then, I just have to have patience. They say that good things take time, so I think I can wait a little longer.

I'm actually looking forward to Valentine's Day! It's a little cheesy and is used mainly for marketing purposes at card and flower companies, but it can also be a good reminder of what LOVE is all about. True love for God, ourself, others, family, and friends. It's a day to remember that love is the most important thing in the world! And seeing as it is February...the month of "love", I'm sure I'll be posting similar things to this one periodically. Sorry in advance!

That's all for now,

Shelby 

xoxox