November 12, 2013

Today is my favorite day ever.

I woke up this morning with a bit of a knot in my stomach, and kept delaying that initial moment of getting out of bed. It was a little darker than usual, so I was nice and toasty under the covers and didn't want to get up. As soon as I did, I knew it would be closer to having to present on the internet to my Mass Media class, and I was a tad nervous about that. I knew it was going to be a long day, and wasn't sure if I was ready for that.

I got ready, had a breakfast bar and some coffee, and was starting to feel really worried about my presentation. I must have made myself sick, because...Well, it didn't turn out so good. I was just hoping it was only nerves and that I wasn't coming down with a flu bug. I finished getting ready and off to class I went, ready or not, it was time to get it over with.

I made it to the classroom, and only my friend, Tiffany, was sitting in there. We started talking about our presentation and also the next quarter, and discovered that we'll probably have a couple of classes together, which will be a lot of fun! My other friend, Rene, joined us and pretty soon, several others were filing in. My group was trying to get everything together for our presentation, and just started talking to whoever else was around, which helped my nerves settle a little. I really love everyone in there; they make the class so enjoyable, because we can all bounce ideas off of one another and we all come from different walks of life. It was already starting to feel like a different sort of day, but the time just kept passing and there was no sign of our professor, so we all left after about 15-20 minutes later. We checked her office and meetings had been canceled for the day, so we all decided to call it a day and hope she didn't show up for the second class. I can't even begin to tell you how exciting it was.

My friend, Rene, gave me a ride home, where I am now working on homework and watching Parks and Rec. But, really...Why can't more days be like this?! I think it's just what I needed to take my mind off of the presentation so I can refocus and get more work done. Although, I'm not gonna lie; I'm not looking forward to going back to campus to help with the distribution of the newspaper later on tonight, but life goes on. At least I have the afternoon to get a few things done.

Hopefully.

Also, it's overcast outside...Perfect fall weather, and I had some hot chocolate in my Taylor Swift mug >>>> Today is awesome.

That's all for now,
Shelby :)

November 11, 2013

Things I'm Loving...

Every once in awhile, I go through some of my favorite things for the current season or things I've really been into lately…Here are a few of them! 

Hunter Hayes Encore CD

I NEVER get tired of this album! It's all just so good! It was pretty much all I listened to during the summer months, and just started getting into again recently. LOVE! Hunter Hayes is just the greatest. 

Diet coke with cherry and vanilla flavoring from Sonic

So, after school started, this became at tradition for my mom and I to drive through during "happy hour." My favorite drink is Diet Coke with cherry and vanilla flavoring. So tasty and refreshing; just what I need after a hectic day at school. 


Parks and Recreation

Because Amy Poehler...And also Adam Scott. I mean, do I really need to say more? They're adorable! They're the reason I started watching this show…Much like Jim and Pam of The Office. So many parallels between the two. AWWWWW (!!!!!!) I just hope my heart can handle all of it.




Dollar Store Sunglasses

Okay, so I'm extremely rough on sunglasses. I either lose them or toss them into my purse, and they get all kinds of scratched up. Then, I bought a pair of sunglasses at the Dollar Store and they changed my life. They fit perfectly and lasted quite awhile. I was so sad when they broke, but found a new pair a couple weeks ago…I wear them all the time! 




Grand Ole Opry sweatshirt

I bought this sweatshirt at The Opry during CMA Fest week this past year, and couldn't wait until colder weather to wear it. I finally started using it a couple months ago, and love it. It's cozy and it just makes me feel a little closer to Nashville, as crazy as that might sound. 




Yup. That's about it for now. I shall do a "holidays" favorite things pretty soon. It makes me feel like Oprah! :)

That's all for now,
Shelby 

Life as I know it...

Life has been crazy, as I'm finding that is my new normal, while school is in session. It's amazing that I went from having way too much free time to almost none. I guess this is what I've wanted for awhile now, so here it is. Always be careful when you wish for something, because you just might get it.

Like I said, school has been taking up most of my time..Working on the newspaper, presentations, films to analyze, papers to write, and everything in between. I've also been trying to keep up with my social life, but it's getting a bit harder to just hang out whenever I feel like it.

Monday
My mom bought me Taylor Swift coke cans to help me feel better! Sure did the trick :)
I woke up in the middle of the night REALLY sick, so I watched Parks and Rec for a little while, then fell back to sleep. I was still feeling miserable the next morning (even though I tried to go to class), so I stayed home, which was really nice, other than the throwing up  part. It gave me a chance to get a lot done and even watched a Hallmark movie with my mom and had some cocoa. As sad as it sounds, I wish more Mondays could be like that.









Tuesday
Classes as usual…

Wednesday 
Played Family Feud with my Newspaper Production class for free points…Nothing beats that.
All of my other responsibilities practically went out the window, because the CMA Awards were on, and those are VERY high on my priorities list! All day, I was living vicariously through friends who were in Nashville for the event, wishing with everything in me that I could be there. *Sigh* One of these days…

Thursday
Things were a bit more hectic, as I had a lot of last minute prepping to do with my group for the presentation in our Mass Media class (which is tomorrow..AHH), I was late grabbing lunch from the cafe (which I never do, because I usually bring my lunch..But, of all the days, you know???) We watched films in both of my classes, which were, uh, interesting to say the least. I also had to run around to get a petition for another class next quarter, but haven't heard anything back yet. I also did a lot of homework….

Friday
Twas a good day. I got to sleep in, ran some errands with my mom. We had lunch at a new(er) restaurant, then I went over to the Fox Theater, where a film fest was being held, to interview the guy in charge of the event. I got to meet Lou Gosset Jr.'s son, and the place was hopping with a lot of other important looking people. I came home, worked on homework, got ready, then went back to the Fox Theater for the night! It was fun, getting a little dressed up, listening to the story of how Hollywood came to be, and also got to see the film "Heart of Tango" which was done by Joey Travolta, who is John Travolta's older brother. It was a fun evening; made me feel like a celebrity going out to a fancy event. I even left a little early …*shhh….*

Saturday
I slept in again, but not too late, because I had to do that whole "responsible" thing and get some things started earlier. I made notes for the article I was in the middle of writing for the newspaper, then had a bit of quiet time with God. That really made my heart so full and happy. I haven't done it in awhile and I know I should, but I end up feeling so stressed out that I push it off to the side, because I feel like there isn't time. I need to MAKE time.
A little later on, we went out to lunch with my aunt at Hodel's, which is a buffet of home cooking here in town. I even ran into one of my friends who works out there, and we got to chat for a few minutes. After lunch, we went to Costco, where I got to visit with one of my best friends and look around for awhile. You can tell the holiday rush is already coming because it was packed! When we were done at Costco, we went to Lowe's, because my aunt was still on the search to find dark blue ornaments for her tree, because she's making it "Navy" themed to match her living room.
I needed to get home after that, so I worked on homework for the rest of the night, feeling SO stressed out and ready to either cry or punch a hole in the wall. Still not totally sure. Finally, I took a break and watched a little more of Parks and Rec, which put me in a happy place, and I'm still anticipating the episodes where Adam Scott and Amy Poehler are together. *Sigh*
But, I digress. I finally went to bed, feeling a little something like this:


Sunday:

ignore the messy room ;)


Yesterday was a pretty magical day, I have to say. I woke up, went to church, had lunch with my parents, then spent the afternoon working on homework (what else would I be doing??). Later on in the afternoon, I went to a wedding. It's not everyday that you get invited to a wedding for one of your friends, least I don't. This was a first and I wanted to enjoy every single second of it. My friend, Hillary, from church found herself a man, and is going to spend the rest of her life with him. I feel giddy just thinking about it. She's the first of our group and it's CRAZY! We couldn't stop freaking out over it. I got all gussied up, and met up with Viviyan for the ceremony, which was at the beautiful and historic Kern County Museum. There are old Victorian homes, other old buildings and trees all around. It's very country-esque, and that's exactly what the feel of Hillary's wedding was. The fall weather was perfect, and you could hear the trees rustling in the breeze, just moments before the ceremony started, while some folksy music was played in the background.

When the ceremony ended, the happy couple rode away on the back of a red, vintage "Navy" pickup truck. It was easily one of the cutest things in the world. 

Viviyan didn't make it to the reception, so Ceci picked me up and off we went. We found our name tag and walked upstairs to our table. Wearing heels and stairs just don't mix, so we hardly moved all night. Ceci and I then couldn't stop freaking out about everything; how beautiful it all looked, and then, of course, the adorable couple. We waited around for awhile, since the wedding party had to take pictures,  but it gave Ceci and I a chance to catch up. I have missed the girls so much! And now, it seems like that chapter of all of us being together again is closed, but all for a very good reason. The DJ played country music all night long, which made all of our hearts swoon as each of the songs came on. There was a lot of George Strait, and of course, some modern hits thrown in there every once in awhile. We had dinner, then Hillary and Zach had their first dance to "Bring It on Home," by Little Big Town, which was so sweet, and Hillary and her dad danced to Gary Allan's "Tough Little Boys"…Each of those brought tears to my eyes.
Why is it that your parents don't warn you about these moments? Life never stops being weird. I don't think these moments will ever stop feeling strange, no matter how old I get, and honestly, I hope it doesn't. Because, I don't want to become so immune to everything around me that I can't appreciate or feel them. I know things will be even weirder once friends start having babies! But, one thing at a time here…Ha! We stuck around for a little while longer, but headed out before the dancing got started. I wish we would've had more time to congratulate Hillary, but I guess weddings are a little crazy and hectic! After seeing hers, though, I am SO excited to plan my own someday when I find the right person and I know the rest will just fall into place. I have to keep believing that, no matter how tough it may seem. There's always hope.

The rest of my evening was once again filled with stress, wanting to pull my hair out, wanting to kick scream and just questioning how much I even really want to be a journalist anymore. But, maybe that's a good thing. Maybe you're supposed to have these "curiosities" of wondering whether that plan you've always wanted is going to happen.

I also had a little time to reminisce on these wonderful days and memories when the girls and I first met.  We were all at such different places in our lives and needed each other to get past them. I'd say it's safe to say, we're well on our way to carrying out who we're meant to be. Love each of them so much! <3 p="">


Congrats to Hillary, and I can't wait to see who's next from the group ;)

And now, it's time to start finishing up the planning for the rest of this week… BLAH! Say a few prayers for me!


That's all for now,
Shelby :)








November 6, 2013

Faded dreams or a chance to refuel?

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

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

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

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

That's all for now,
Shelby


November 5, 2013

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



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

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

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

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

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

Our relationship in a nutshell! 

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

Drinking our hot beverages; feeling festive for the occasion! 


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


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


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

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

Couldn't leave the park without one of these!
I went to bed that day, feeling so blessed and a little more relaxed about school than I had the week before. I think I was just stressing myself out for no reason at all, like I often do, so it was good to take a trip to daydream and be a kid again with my best friend. I am so thankful to have her in my life through all of the ups and downs that life brings, and I'm glad she had such a wonderful birthday.

Song of the Day:
This Moment-Katy Perry

That's all for now,
Shelby :)

October 25, 2013

{Keep chugging along, Keep singing your song}


"Put the plow in the ground till the daylights gone
When you look back over your shoulder
At everything you've done
Put the good times in your pocket
Let the bad ones make you strong
Keep chuggin' along"
 
***

I have been counting down the weeks and days of the quarter since the very first day of classes! And never have I ever been more excited to be done than I am right now. This week was CRAZY! I have had quite a lot of homework, and (like a bad girl) I waited until the last minute. So, here it is Thursday night as I'm trying to finish it all. Technically, it wouldn't be that bad, and I would actually be ahead of the game if it wasn't for an incredibly busy weekend coming up:

  • Vince Gill concert
  • Hillary's engagement shower
  • Church
  • Heading to Anaheim Sunday night
  • Monday...DISNEYLAND!
I honestly haven't even had much time to think about it, because I've been so stressed out. Now, that the load is lessening, I can start getting pumped and being happy again. You do not want to be around me during the school week. (Just ask my mom).

This week was such a blur! I did homework, watched TV, caught up with friends, tweeted, wished for some exciting news on Friday (one step closer with my journalism dreams), freaked out several times-wondering if I'm where I'm supposed to be or whether I could be doing more and whether I'm going to fall flat on my face, started planning for next quarter, wrote for fun a little more (something I've missed A LOT), listened to Katy Perry's new CD (GET IT, if you haven't already...It's so fantastic. I also had a mini dance party), daydreamed, found out the results on my midterms (GULP) and watched a foreign film. 
Also, for my interpersonal communications class, we had to talk to someone we didn't know from our class; get to know them and study their body language, then talk about those things with them. That was, uh, interesting and a little weird...But, a good weird. It made me realize how I need to be when it comes to interviewing and made me more aware of how I act in new situations. Then again, it's always weird when you know you're being watched..I tend to freak out more. Definitely an experience! 
I also keep realizing how grateful I am for right now. I just keep taking deep breaths and remember to be thankful for the people that are in my life at this moment, not the ones that aren't. Right now, I'm learning. I don't know everything, and I'm not going to even try to pretend anymore that I do. I think that takes some of the pressure off. And I'm trying to remember to not procrastinate. It seriously does nothing but freak me out, and that's just good for NO ONE. Also, I need to get rid of distractions... :0




Oh, you know...Just talking to my Twitter besties! ;)

This was such a nice surprise! 
See why I need to move to Nashville SOON?!
Just four more weeks, and I am trying to keep the faith alive to keep pushing on. I'm so excited about this 4 day weekend I have this week for a mini vacation to get finish this quarter off with a bang. I'm so glad I get to spend the next few days with some pretty awesome people that mean a lot to me, too. Should be a freakin' blast! 

Well, I am so tired and I hope this isn't too frazzled or a bunch of rambles....

Song of the Day:
Chuggin' Along--Luke Bryan

That's all for now,
Shelby :)

October 23, 2013

{There's always gonna be another mountain, I'm always gonna wanna make it move...}

I guess there are always going to be people and roadblocks standing in the way between you and your dreams. It's not your job to fix them or to even make them see things the way you or to even remove them from your life completely. Those things are going to help you, whether it's gaining perspective, learning to speak up or figuring out what YOU can do to make the situation better. It's your job to figure out how you can still get to the finish line despite those who might not see your vision and the plans that you might have. It's in your heart for a reason. So, trust your instinct and pray with everything in you that it works out. If not, just keep trying to find a way until you find something that works out.

With the classes I've been taking involving communications (which is all of them), I've been learning a lot about people and the way they work. But, more importantly, I've been learning about how I need to take action and how I can respond to those things. I have been given a voice to speak up about the things that are important to me, whether it's in class or whether it's working on stories for the newspaper. I want to tell the truth and I want to focus on things that are important to me, where I know other people can relate, whether it's with music, TV, or the bigger things in life, like, not giving up when you feel like you have every reason to just throw in the towel or when you're lonely, because friends always seem to forget about you.

I just want to say you are NOT alone and that's one thing that I want to help people with. I've had moments of loneliness, but you can't let those things hold you down for long. Give yourself a few minutes to acknowledge it, listen to Katy Perry's "Roar", and get back on your feet as soon as possible, because there is too much to be done! A lot of little moments from feeling overwhelmed with what classes to take, changes at the paper, and so much homework has made me that more focused on what I want to say and what I want my place to be. Challenges can only make you stronger, right?

Alright, I'll get off my pedestal now and let you all carry on with your day.

That is all,
Shelby :)

Song of the day lyrics: 
The Climb-Miley Cyrus