Day Two Of Giving Thanks

I am so thankful for my dad! He's always there for me. Everything that he has ever done has been for my mom and I. He is the most hardworking/selfless guy I've ever known, and never complains about any of it. He's the life of the party, knows how to crack a smile on my face, even when I don't want to admit it and he's usually up for whatever crazy thing I'm into at the time (jumping pictures, One Tree Hill, concerts, Taylor Swift music,etc). In fact, sometimes he's the one with the plan. Even though I don't always show him how I appreciate him....I really do, more than he'll ever know. He has given me such an incredible life, and I take it for granted a good portion of the time. I don't know what I'd do without him, and I love him to death! #daddy'sgirl

Day One Of Giving Thanks

Since it's November, I saw this challenge that was called, "The Thirty Days Of Thanksgiving." It's pretty simple, really. All you have to do is say something that you're thankful for each day of November. Challenge accepted!

I am so thankful for my mom! I often take her always being there for granted and just expect all of the incredible things that she does for me. She understands my quirks and annoying habits just about better than anyone else, and I love her to death. I honestly don't know what I'd do without her.

The Weekender

Saturday:
It was a very different weekend than usual! Normally there's a lot of running around involved, but this was pretty chill. I woke up around 11, and was still feeling tired...Go figure! Mom and I watched The X Factor, and my dad joined in when he got home. Somehow, it's just not as entertaining as it was during the auditions, but I still like it. All I have to say is, Britney really messed up with her team. My dad went to a local sandwich place for lunch, while my mom got ready and I sat there like a lazy bum on the couch. We watched a lot of TV, and I did a few things around the house, and just hung out. There was also a very monumental thing that took place...I did my very first ever load of laundry. I've honestly never done many chores around the house, except for washing some dishes and taking out the trash. Other than that, my mom has always done everything for me. That was a VERY big deal for me, and to be honest, I loved it. I felt like it's one big step towards me growing up. It's about time, right?

Later on that night, my dad and I went to Wal-Mart. For some reason, Wal-Mart just always brings out the worst in me, and I get frustrated, usually, for no reason at all. I was trying to find the Taylor Swift CD, and there were none of the deluxe editions to be found. We asked a couple different people that worked at the cash register, and they were no help at all. I was extremely annoyed! We got the few items we needed, then ended up running into Walgreen's really quickly, so I could get an itunes card and picked up food at Panda Express.
We came home, ate dinner, then my dad and I ran out to another Wal-Mart to see if Taylor's CD was there. On the way, I was looking at my FB app, when I saw that one of my friends had seen Josh Duhamel at dinner in our town of BAKERSFIELD. Stuff like that doesn't just happen everyday here. I text her and she filled me in that she saw him and Fergie sit down at dinner, then realized it was them as they were walking out. Apparently, he could have been nicer, we'll just leave it at that, but I was still freaking out! I LOVE Josh Duhamel; he's one of my favorite people, and he's probably the number one person I always hope to run into when we're out and about in LA, so the fact that he was here is mind boggling to me. I guess he was here for his niece's wedding, which was cool.
I also heard that Diane Keaton was at a Starbucks in town here sometime this week. I guess that's when it's pretty cool to be one of those towns that people pass through. Especially when it's people like that.
Wal-Mart had what I wanted, I rejoiced, we payed, then stopped at Tutti Frutti for some yogurt. It was really good, but I felt kinda sick after that.

I headed to my room to call it a night, but decided to do a bit of reading on the election. I read an article in Glamour and was curious about a few other things, so I decided to look them up. I think I'm so into this election, because it's my first time to vote. I wanted to be educated, and I want to make the right choice. Even though I've already voted, I think it's still important to be informed about what other people think and what's going on.

The election is Tuesday! I voted by mail already, but if you haven't done it...I encourage you to do so! Our country depends on it, literally! Use your voice, because every vote counts! Stand up for what you believe in and vote for the candidate that reflects your beliefs best! #Americanpride

Sunday:

Yesterday was really good! My dad and I went to church, as usual. The service was amazing! Our pastor has been in Israel, with some of the other church family, so we were all glad to have him back. He spoke on faith, which has been something I've really been dealing with this year. The actual sermon was called "How To Walk On Water," and it was all about trusting God when storms come up, rather than focusing on the problem itself. There were so many incredible points, that I was jotting all around the page, and not just in the small blanks they give us. These are the ways that we can walk on water with God:

• Examine and confess my fear
• Examine the risk
• Expect the fear to return
• Encounter the presence of God
• Express the praise to God

I haven't been spending time with God at all lately, other than a few prayers here and there, and I can really tell a difference in my attitude and the way I think. My priorities have been all mixed up and I've been more worried, because I'm focusing on all of my problems rather than God. The line Pastor James said that stuck out to me the most was, "If you want to walk on water, you've gotta get out of the boat." We can't live in fear; we have to faith that God is going to come through in the areas that we need Him. Fear can either drive us to God or from Him. It's a matter of letting go, really. When we sink, God doesn't. He won't let us down the way people and things and circumstances do. When we rely on Him, all of those little things disappear. It doesn't mean the problem goes away, but the fear that we face does. 

"I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears."

Psalms 34:1-4

When church ended, I said hi to Hillary and filled her in on my college process and told her how my mom was feeling. We also talked about how our one year anniversary is coming up, so we'll need to hang out SOON! I said hi to a couple other friends who came up, then decided to catch up with my dad. 

My dad and I had lunch at Olive Garden, which was nice. I don't think we've ever really gone out to a nice meal much like that with just the two of us. It was good dad/daughter time. I had the Seafood Alfredo, and of course, there were plenty of breadsticks and salad. I was so full afterwards! 

We spent the afternoon at home, not doing much. I a couple loads of laundry and scrapbooked! Crazy, right? Then, as darkness fell upon us, my dad and I decided to go to Wal-Mart to do the grocery shopping for the week. Again, it's something about Wal-Mart, I'm telling you! We grabbed a few frozen meals and a couple other things, which didn't take too long, then grabbed food from Del Taco. We were laughing at some of the things we bought, and came to the conclusion that whatever we bought will just have to do and we'll learn to like it! LOL. 

We ate dinner, and mom and I watched some holiday movies on Hallmark. It still feels way too soon, but there wasn't much else on...and as soon as you watch one, you're hooked. Plus, it gives us a head start on all the ones I'm sure we'll want to see later on. For some reason, I always get into a really creative mood while watching them. Maybe it's something about the holidays? Or settings? I have no idea, but I was in the mood to write! 

I hopped in bed and grabbed my laptop to work on a couple story ideas, which was really great. I love it when my creative juices are flowing :)

All in all, I'd say it was a pretty productive weekend. I think I'm making progress with some things of my own, as well. 

That's all for now,

Shelby

Thursday/Friday

What an extremely long and emotional day! In some ways, it almost feels like I was in an episode of one of my favorite TV shows or something, because it didn't really feel like my life. I woke up around 6:45 to go to the hospital with my mom for her surgery. I watched KTLA, put on my makeup, and that felt like any other morning for the most part. But, then we headed to San Joaquin hospital downtown so she could check in. We sat in the waiting room a few minutes, and my grandma showed up. My dad had to go to work, so he left, and the three of us headed upstairs.

Mom and I split up from grandma to head to the pre-op area, where she ended up staying for a couple hours. I know she was extremely nervous about everything, but she stayed incredibly strong. If it had been me, I would've been freaking out, yelling at everyone, I'm sure. My aunt came in for a little while, as did my grandparents to pray for her. And let's just say, hospitals are the best places to listen to conversations. Actually, we hadn't planned on listening in, the people in the cubical next to us were just loud and we could hear every word. It was pretty easy to figure out what kind of surgery he was having, if you know what I mean.

After a couple hours, mom went in to surgery, and I met up with my grandparents and aunt in the waiting room. They had redone it since the last time I'd been in there, and there was plenty more room now, which was nice. We talked for a few minutes, then decided to grab something to eat at the cafeteria downstairs. That smell is nauseating, so we got out of there as quickly as possible with our muffins and soda, before heading back up to the waiting room. We were there for quite some time; I stayed occupied with my iPad, watching one of the screens in the waiting room, texting family to update them, and waiting to hear on mom's progress. Finally, after a couple hours, when she made it to the recovery room, my aunt and I said goodbye to my grandma, then headed to a diner downtown for lunch.

I just love diners! And they really are the same way everywhere you go. All of the regulars tend to sit at the counter, while they have conversation about previous matters with the waitress. It's too cool. It has always been a dream of mine to find my "Luke's Diner" and to be a regular, where they know my name, my life story, and what I order. I loved listening in to some of the conversations and how the waitress knew them. Plus, the french dip I had was so good! When we finished eating, we still had a few minutes to kill, so we went to Rite Aid for a few minutes to look at the magazines. I came out with a couple, to keep me busy while in the hospital room.

It was my uncle's bday, and we always joke about Scotty McCreery's song "I love you this big!"

We walked up to mom's room, where she was still sleeping. We tried to wake her up a little bit, but she was still pretty tired. I looked through my magazines, and chatted with my aunt, trying to make plans for the rest of the night. I decided to go home for a little while, because I would come back with my dad later on, and spend the night. 

My aunt dropped me off at home and I scrambled to get things together, shower, and get ready for the night. I thought I'd have a little downtime, but no such luck. I had finished getting ready, listening to Taylor Swift, then turned the CMA's on. I watched a few minutes of the opening monologue, when my dad got home. I was extremely stressed out, and trying to find things I needed to bring to the hospital. I was starting to lose it. My friend, Mandy, asked if I wanted her to stay with us, just so I'd feel more comfortable. I've never done the hospital thing with my mom, because this was her first time staying overnight, so that helped me out a lot. I just always end up feeling like I'm in the way, so at least if I had someone else, it would take the ease off. 

In honor of the night; me and Carrie are twins! ;)

Dad and I stopped by Carl's Jr for something to drink (I wasn't hungry at the time), and headed back downtown. I was filling him in on the CMA's, and my thoughts for how I thought the evening should go as far as nominees. I was also telling him about all of my friends back in Nashville who had met Taylor and some of the others at the red carpet, trying to convince him that we should go next year. It would be so much better than CMA Fest, because there's so much to do, and not quite as busy. So, we'll see :)

Mom, dad and I watched the CMA Awards; nothing can hold us back! HAHA. But, usually when we're at home, I'm going off about this or that, or how so and so didn't deserve this award, and I knew I had to refrain from doing that if that happened. Mandy had to run a few errands before coming back to the hospital, but she brought us McDonald's on the way back. YUM! We finished watching the awards, and let's just say I was disappointed with most, and you can expect another blog on that SOON! But, Brad and Carrie were fantastic hosts together again. 

Could the TV be any smaller?

When the awards ended, my dad headed home, and we started getting ready for bed. I had started not feeling good, though, and it just started getting a little worse. I won't go into detail, but it was around midnight and Mandy and I headed to Wal-Mart to get some medicine and a few other items. It was quite an adventure. She was telling me I need to get into the doctor, because this problem happens all the time, and I'm starting to think she's right, but I avoid the doctor as much as possible. The rest of the night was quite a trip too.

Mandy and I slept in chairs all night. I had dozed off for a little while, but it seemed like most of the night. When I realized the time, it had been around 45 minutes or so that I'd been out. I tried to wiggle around in the chair to find a better position and didn't really sleep much at all after that. I spent most of the time looking at Twitter and finding pictures from the CMA's. It didn't help that the nurses would just come in whenever either, turning on the bright lights. Mandy had planned on waking up around 5:30, but when that came around, she kept hitting the "snooze" button, and it ended up being close to 6 or 6:30. Right there at the end, I started feeling really sick and ended up throwing up right before we left. I was feeling pretty lousy and was just ready to be home. 

I went with Mandy back to her house for awhile, so she could get ready. I tried to perk up a little and played with her dog, Brody. He had a lot of energy, which was fun! I kept myself entertained with my phone, finding updates and whatever else was new on Twitter.

So excited about Nicholas Sparks' upcoming show ideas

The girl is selling records like this for a reason...SHE'S TALENTED! Has anyone else done this lately?!

When Mandy was ready, she dropped me off at home, and I thanked her for everything! She was seriously a lifesaver. It was such a blessing that she ended up staying there. My dad was still home, so I talked with him for quite awhile and filled him in on how mom was doing and how I'd gotten sick the night before. After a few minutes, he had to get to work, and I wanted to try to rest a little before going back to the hospital. I hopped in the shower, took my time getting ready, changed my parents' sheets, and got some things together in my room. I was thinking I'd have a lot more downtime, but mom was pretty close to getting released. Almost as soon as I was ready, my aunt got to our house to pick me up.

We headed to the hospital and waited with mom for a little while, then she was ready to be released. We came home, my aunt stayed for a few minutes, then took off. My mom and I ended up sleeping the rest of the day, since neither of us had slept the night before or felt too hot. It was 4:30 before I knew it. I headed out to the living room, made us some soup, and we watched a few recorded shows on our DVR. It was a pretty easy, relaxed day, just making sure mom was feeling okay and had everything she needed. I watched The Vampire Diaries and kept myself entertained; it was nice.

Got our Carrie concert book in the mail! WOO! It came out SO cool! :)

That's all for now,

Shelby

Happy Halloween!

This was quite the interesting Halloween! When I was little, I could always tell something different was in the air, the day of a holiday. As I get older, though, it's getting harder and harder to differentiate what makes that day any more special than the last. I remember all the little classroom parties, harvest festivals or even trick or treating around my neighborhood with my parents. Those were some really carefree, wonderful times that I'll always cherish. I was reminiscing on some of those things early in the morning before really starting the day.

Me as Belle (Beauty and the Beast). This was one of my earliest Halloween memories.

I woke up, had breakfast (bagel with pumpkin cream cheese) and watched The Today Show as they talked about Halloween party ideas and other festive activities to do for the occasion. The Rachel Ray show was just the same, but with better guests like James Van Der Beek. I also decorated some pumpkins that were just sitting around, not getting any use, which was fun. I painted my nails, and also looked for the perfect Halloween attire, since I wasn't getting dressed up to go anywhere. 

It was a nice of afternoon of not doing much. I downloaded some Halloween apps, and was keeping myself entertained with those, while trying to find holiday themed movies that were on. I had started watching The Adams Family movie, but they were just a little too much for me, so I turned it to something happier, yet still festive. I also got my new Taylor Swift "Red" Keds in the mail, so that was super EXCITING! If it had been another holiday, I would've worn them right then, but they weren't the right colors.

A little later on, I met up with my best friend, Marissa at the movie theater to see The Perks Of Being A Wallflower. I have heard nothing but great things for this movie, so I was really excited to see it. It was also so good to see Marissa and catch up with her. We talked for quite awhile inside the theater before it started, which was cool. She always has a lot of stories to inform me of, which I enjoy!

Finally, the movie started. Let's just say, it was a little different than what I was anticipating from the previews and everything I'd heard...but wow! What a screenplay! Honestly, it needs to win "best" something at an award show coming up, because it was really eye opening. It wasn't quite as feel good as I thought it would be, but I think they did an excellent job at portraying all of it. I can't say too much without giving it all away, but there was some really terrific acting from Logan Lerman and Emma Watson in it. There were so many gripping moments and one liners. I'd definitely watch it again, and I think it would actually be easier.

When the movie finished, both Marissa and I were just in shock. It was one of those movies that had you thinking and just really "Whoa"-d out the rest of the night. We were both still a little distraught as we had dinner at Chic-Fil-A. Yes, that is my third time this week, and I didn't even mind. What can I say? I love their food and sweet tea. Marissa and I ate, and continued gabbing about our lives. We always tend to go to Chic-Fil-A when we have lunch, and I honestly think those are some of our best conversations. Never a dull moment, that's for sure! We finished eating, then came back to my house for a little while. 

My house was covered in trick-or-treaters when we showed up, which reminded me that it was Halloween. I was able to pass out candy to an adorable little bumble bee, who was so excited about her candy, and we headed inside. Marissa wasn't planning on staying long, but once again, we got wrapped in conversation in my room. We talked about our families and all kinds of other "girl" things. A couple hours later, she decided to head home, and I finished watching some of The X Factor with my mom. Around midnight, we called it a night, because we had to wake up pretty early the next morning.

I had to finish a creative writing assignment, so I was up until 2 a.m., but I think the beginning of my story turned okay for me feeling like I was about to fall asleep. All in all, it was a very good Halloween, even though it didn't even feel like it was Halloween. Maybe to some degree that's better? We'll go with that.

That's all for now,

Shelby

Tuesday

Yesterday started out like any other day. I woke up, put my make up on, did my devotion and waited for my friend, Michele, to pick me up. Around 9:15 or so, we headed to Taft. We talked about a variety of topics including counselor meetings. She had just had hers the day before, and I was getting ready to have mine. I was nervous that once again I would have all of these classes to add to the next semester, setting me back further than I wanted to be. We arrived on campus; she headed to class, and I went to the front office to wait for my counselor to get me. It took a few minutes before she came, so once again, I just looked at my phone and observed the people that were around.

I made my way into her office, sat down, and she immediately started looking through my transcript and all of the classes I was taking this semester. She scribbled down numbers and started checking things off on the list, and said, "You're qualified to apply for graduation!" My heart immediately started pumping with excitement. Finally, the words I'd been waiting to hear. She handed me the application to start filling out as she printed off a few things for what I'll need to transfer. I'll still need to take one class in the spring semester in order to transfer, but that won't be bad at all. I'm hoping to take something like creative writing again or just another easy online class, so I won't have to go to the campus very often. I'll be able to graduate May 24 and start classes at the local university in August, if all goes according to plan. But, I feel like I've been in this position before, and then something always comes up to push me back. Like that expression, "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is." This is the farthest I've ever gotten in the process, though, so I choose to believe that it's all going to work out and I'm one step closer to graduation and living out a career I've always dreamed about.
I filled out a form for graduation, receiving my diploma and decided that I would go through with the ceremony. It should be fun! I mean, after all the time and effort I've put into it, I deserve that celebration. I can't wait for it either.

I called my mom as soon as I got out of the appointment to go over a few of the things my counselor had told me, and just because I was way too excited not to share the news! I went into the library to hang out with my friend, Amanda before our creative writing class. We talked about some of the "interesting" stories people in our class had submitted and a few other random things that came up. Then, headed over to the classroom when it was time. We took our seats with our other friend, Toni, at our usual spot and looked over some of our critiques, before class started. You just never know what kinds of things people are going to write, so that's the most nerve-racking part.
My short narrative got some pretty positive feedback, which I was happy about. The professor also gave our row a hard time, when it came to my piece, as well as giving an analogy of what he pictured while reading my poem. Me, in an empty white room looking extremely sad, while Toni and Amanda pass me by in their caps and gowns, earning degrees, while I'm standing in the same position. If I hadn't just found out about graduation, I probably would've been depressed about the mention of that, but this time I laughed it off. Picturing it myself was pretty hilarious!

After class, I met Michele at her car and headed back to town. I filled her in on the news, and she was so excited for me! I felt so good about all of it, like I'm finally on my way. I was reminded of God's goodness and how everything does always work out, so I should just enjoy whatever season I'm in, instead of trying to rush it all. We also talked about my mom's surgery coming up on Thursday, and how I'm really going to have to step up with chores around the house. I'm not used to doing anything, so this is going to be a stretch/learning experience for me. I'm nervous about it, to be honest. But, Michele said if I need any help, to call her, which is comforting.
I made it back to my house, ate lunch quickly, then off to the Bakersfield Art Museum my mom and I went.

I had only been to the museum a couple times for weddings, but I'd never been inside to actually look at the artwork. I couldn't believe how cool everything actually was! The way everyone comes up with such detail and the crazy, off the wall ideas is incredible. There were a lot of pieces made out of books, whether it was a painting or some sort of sculpture. Who knew you could even do such things with them?! It was a fun time. Although, I didn't care for the whispering the entire time. It was so empty in there, but it's so awkward if your conversation echoes HAHA! There's even a beautiful garden in back, complete with a gazebo and a bunch of different flowers. It was so nice just walking around, admiring everything.

Across the street, there were a couple huge antique stores that I wanted to check out. My mom and I never got a chance to do our special "fall day" because it hasn't felt like fall exactly, and now she's going to be down for awhile, so we thought we'd do a little bit yesterday. I just love antique stores, which is funny, because when my grandma used to take me to them all the time when I was younger, I got so tired of them. This one had so many neat treasures! I love guessing who might've owned them or what their story had been, or even where the person who owned the item was from! 

I really want to find a case like this! 

Vintage cameras are the coolest decorations!

My mom and I ran a few more errands, grabbed some tea from Chic-Fil-A, went to Kohl's to pick up a few things and headed home. It was a pretty chill afternoon, then we had to run some errands with my dad that night. The rest of the night we just watched TV, and I did some homework. Nothing too crazy, you know! I worked on homework, and tried to catch up on some things that will be due pretty soon that I've waited until the last minute on. 

That's all for now,

Shelby