{February 15 & 16}

Saturday: "The One Where I Asked Mike Seaver For Dating Advice" (also, something I never thought I would say)

Saturday morning I woke up before 8:30. Did I mention it was a SATURDAY?!?! I never even do that during the week. I thought it might have just been nerves with school, because I've had a lot on my mind or just the excitement of meeting Kirk Cameron later on in the day. I wasn't totally sure, but decided to just stay awake and finish reading the book I had started a couple nights before.

I took my time being lazy and getting ready, especially since it was cloudy outside and felt like one of those cozy "stay-at-home" days. I read a little more and then I decided to give my "Beautifully Outspoken" blog some work, which was good for me. Lately, I've been feeling like the more writing I do, the more I am able to really express myself freely and more directly. It's a wonderful feeling and something I have been trying to work on a bit more. I also broke out my Bible, which is something I haven't done in awhile, and took a look at a couple verses and highlighted them. I didn't spend much time with God, but it was just enough to feel His peace wash over me.

I was pretty excited and feeling SO good about life! :)

I finally started to get ready, putting on my makeup, and then my dad came home. Once we were all ready to go, we went to one of our favorite BBQ restaurants in town for lunch. It was tasty, as always. We still had a little time before I had to get to the VIP event for the Kirk Cameron speaking engagement, so we stayed there a little longer, just wondering what to expect and throwing around ideas of what we could do.

We just drove around town, up near one of the community colleges, old neighborhoods where some of my dad's family friends used to live, the "bluffs," which overlooks the city and the oil fields and finally made it to the church. It's actually my grandparents' church, where the event was being held, but we go up there quite often. I used to wonder if I knew more people over there than at my own church. HA! My parents dropped me off, and I stood in line with my ticket in hand. A few minutes later, the team came around swapping out tickets for special wristbands, and it was all becoming more real. My uncle and cousin had come up to the matinee, so I happened to see my uncle and talked to him for a few minutes, and told him I would try to get his book signed. A few minutes later, he said it was no biggie that he could just take it…And then a few minutes later, my cousin came over and said my uncle did want it signed, and we talked for a few minutes, then they started letting our group in, so we said goodbye.

They led us inside the main sanctuary and nerves were starting to hit. Anyone who knows me, just about, knows how much I'm still obsessed with old shows (i.e.-Full House, Boy Meets World, Facts of Life, GROWING PAINS, etc.) and that I am and have always been a big Kirk Cameron fan. Growing Pains has been one of my favorite shows for as long as I can remember. In all honesty, it's one of the first shows I probably "fan girled" over as a kid. At the time, I watched it every evening on Disney Channel with my grandma. So, when I heard Kirk Cameron was coming here, I HAD to go. Yes, it was for a marriage conference, but I had still always wanted to hear him speak and thought it might be good reference for later on. My parents bought me the VIP package for my birthday, and I was so excited! But, it didn't fully hit that I would be meeting THE Mike Seaver and THE Kirk Cameron until it actually arrived. I had been trying to brainstorm what to ask and was a little nervous about what to expect from the event.

I found an aisle seat, that actually had the perfect view and settled in, trying to calm the nerves down. Then, I said hi to a family friend that I ran into and looked at my phone, as the VIP section waited for Kirk to come out for the Q and A session. Finally, Kirk walked in with (who turned out to be) his pastors, and looked like he was showing them around the campus. Our "tour guide" introduced Kirk a few minutes later, and he came on stage. It was very laid back, as anyone could just ask a question, whether it was about Growing Pains, marriage, or theology (though, they tried to warn against that, because it can lead to some pretty lengthy discussions).

Crappy iPhone picture!

I was trying to muster up the courage to ask a question about dating, but being one of the only "20 something's" in the room, I didn't think my question really applied to too many people, so I didn't ask. After the Q and A, they lined us up in the hallway just outside of the sanctuary, while Kirk sat at a table to sign autographs and talk for a few minutes. I could have sworn they said no posed pictures, so I didn't even attempt. With not knowing anyone else around, I felt weird asking if they would take pictures of me chatting with him. Plus, I had a couple items for him to sign and wanted to be able to ask a question, so I didn't want to make things complicated! HAHA. But, I was a bit bummed, because it was kind of a life goal to meet him and I love taking pictures with everyone and everything I do…But, if it didn't work out, then it would be enough just to say I met him.

Finally, it was my turn to go up. This was our conversation. (some of it might not be verbatim, but it'll give you an idea from what I remember)

Kirk Cameron: Hi there!
Me: Hi!
(He starts to sign the items I set on the table)
Me: So, I didn't get a chance to ask a question in there (pointing to the sanctuary), but I was wondering if you had any advice when it comes to 20 something's, like myself, who are just starting to really get into the dating scene and want to settle down?
Girl behind me: I had that question too, actually!
Kirk: Like what? Anything specific?
Me: (since I have no experience when it comes to dating) Not really, just in general.
Kirk: Like what qualities to look for in a guy?
Me: Yeah, something like that.
Kirk: Well, first off, just the fact that you're here…I'll go over a lot of what to look for in detail when it comes to marriage, later on in there.
Me: Right..Okay.
Kirk: My daughters are also reading a couple of books right now…(thinks about it for a minute). I can't remember their names…(thinks a little more) Yeah, I have no idea what they are, so I'm really not helping you at all right now, am I? (laughs a little).
Me: (I laugh) That's totally fine!
Kirk: Well, have you read the book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris?
Me: (totally remember it from my Jr. Hi days) I have heard of it, but I've never gotten around to reading it.
Kirk: Yeah, I would definitely check into that. (I think he might have said a little more about the book, but I don't totally remember it).
Me: Alright, thanks! I'll have to look into it.
Kirk: Thanks so much for coming!
Me: Thank you! (grabbed the books from him and headed back inside)

WOW! I just couldn't believe I had actually had a conversation with him. Obviously, there was plenty more I was dying to ask, but until I'm cool enough to actually have a press pass to events, one question here and there will have to do. I wanted to ask about his relationship with his sister Candace and/or what it was like to work with Leonardo DiCaprio before he took off with his career? How often does he talk to the cast of Growing Pains, etc. But, I was glad I was able to ask this one, as well.

I went back to my seat and had awhile to wait before the conference actually started. I glanced at the autographs I'd gotten and realized Kirk had written John 12: 31-32. I glanced at the girls next to me, who'd had several things signed and I didn't notice a verse on theirs, but it definitely could have been there. For the moment I felt special with it! HA! I looked up the verse and it said:

Jesus said, "The Voice didn't come for me but for you. At this moment the world is in crisis. 

Now Satan, the ruler of the world, will be thrown out. And I, as I am lifted up from the earth, will attract everyone to me and gather them around me.

Already hanging on my bulletin board! :)

I kind of sat there thinking about it for a minute, thinking it might be something prophetic over my life, maybe, or what we had talked about…But, it wasn't. It's a great verse. And now, I'm starting to wonder whether it's going to be something that hits me later on…Or maybe it's just a verse he likes and writes down on autographs every once in awhile. I have no idea. But, it has been on my mind. 

A few minutes later, I called my mom to let her know I was done and was curious to find out where they were, since it was closer to "showtime" now. They were still in line and a few minutes after hanging up with her, the doors opened and people came rushing in, filling in the center sections wherever they could find seats. I talked to the girls next to me, who had also been behind me in line, and we talked about our love for Growing Pains. That was a cool moment. My parents weren't too far behind everyone else who had just come in, and sat just a row behind me on the opposite side. I walked over to talk to them, told them about the meet and greet, what we talked about, and that I still hadn't gotten a picture with him. Which became my next goal for the evening.

I eventually went back to my seat and the event got started. First up was Warren Barfield, who is a Christian singer that had a song in Kirk's movie, Fireproof. He was SO good and hilarious. His humor reminded me a lot of Harry Conick Jr., with his dry jokes and sarcasm. He had everyone laughing all night, but his songwriting was also unbelievable. I had only listened to a couple of songs of his the night before, but I will definitely be listening to more, after seeing him live. He dedicated a song to his wife that he had written for her about being her "red bird," which had beautiful symbolism of never leaving and always being there when his family needs him, even when it gets tough. He dedicated a song to his mom, to those who love 70s music (a James Taylor cover mixed with "You've Got A Friend In Me") and finally, he dedicated a song to Kirk Cameron. He said, "I don't care if you don't like it. It's not for you. It's for Kirk Cameron," then turned his microphone to directly where Kirk was standing, which was right next to my parents. Pretty cool! I think he had been there the entire time.

Whaddya know? It was the Growing Pains theme song (which has been in my head since about Friday afternoon)! Warren and his "box player" also did the "oooh oooh's" part, which was pretty fantastic and had everyone laughing. Kirk walked up on stage and joked for a few minutes, introduced himself, then came one of the highlights of my night. To deal with the women from 35-? who had "Seaver Fever" growing up, Kirk did a "60 Seconds of the life of Mike Seaver" and it was one of the greatest things EVER. He wanted to get it out of the way, so we would be able to move onto more important things…You know, like marriage. He ran backstage and told all the ladies to sing the theme song, which totally flopped. So, he said, "Why don't we try that again?" from backstage. Through the speakers, the ACTUAL theme song rang out, and Kirk took that as his cue to run back out. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, along with his pants (circa 1980s), he turned around to the audience with his striking "Mike Seaver" pose and smile, then launched into delivering some of the lines from the show. I was trying to get it all on video, but then my camera died…Boo! I was laughing so hard, remembering all of the episodes throughout the years, reminiscing on special times with my grandparents, and remembering what a cool thing it was when I was about five years old to hear that Kirk Cameron was a Christian, too. I think that was one of the earliest memories I have of someone who had the same beliefs as I did that was on TV and was in the media, but loved Jesus. How awesome is that?

After he finished, he dove right into the message.

It really was directed more at married couples specifically, but you better believe I was writing notes, just in the event that I will actually be married and need them someday ;) LOL.

Here are a few points I got out of it:

• "The heart of the problem is a problem of the heart." 
• Jeremiah 9:17
• 1 Peter 3:7
• Dwell, means actually spending time together, just the two of you. It's when other things get in the way that you lose that touch and spark.
• He also covered a few roles that Christian men ought to have in the relationship. Yes, a relationship is both putting in the effort. But, there are things that the man has to lead and be an example of, for his wife and family. They are responsible for the condition of the marriage.
• When it comes down to it, the relationship that a man has with God, reflects in his marriage. God answers a man's prayers based on the way he is treating his wife. This one really caught my attention! 

Scenes from Fireproof were also used throughout as examples for what he was talking about, and I had forgotten just how powerful that movie is. 

After about two hours, Warren came back to talk/play a little more, and that's when I decided to walk out a little earlier. I had heard Kirk might be in the foyer, just hanging out, so I thought that might be the perfect shot to get a picture with him. I walked around, glancing at the tables, and trying to focus on faces to see if he was around, but I didn't see him. I decided to use the restroom, then sat on one of the couches in front of a TV screen to keep up with what was going on. There was a lot of action going on, with the team still setting things up and walking back and forth. There had been so much information in the first half, I was starting to go a little dizzy like I do at school after a long day. I was also starting to get hungry. And then my phone kept dying. So, I was really hoping I didn't see Kirk walking around at that point. 

After Warren finished speaking, they released everybody for a 25-minute break. I talked with my parents for a few minutes, then I took my mom's phone to take a picture with in case I saw him. I wandered out in the lobby again for a bit, talked with my dad, then it was time for everyone else to go back inside. I had debated on just going back in, but decided to wait on the couch. I thought he might be in one of the rooms I was close to. Sure enough, as soon as everyone was back inside the sanctuary, I saw Kirk walk out of the "dressing room" and he had his hand on the sanctuary door, when he happened to glance my way. I started walking towards him and put my finger up, saying, "wait!" quietly. He let go of the door and stopped, then I asked him for a picture. He said sure, and I tried to adjust my camera, when he said, "We're going to do a selfie?" I just chuckled and said, "yeah," then thanked him and let him go, because I knew he had to get back on stage soon. For some reason, I always feel weird about taking a picture with a "celebrity" in church. I mean, is there some sort of protocol for those types of things? If so, I need to learn them, because I always feel so awkward, like maybe I shouldn't. 

Anyway, I ducked into the sanctuary again and found my seat, as Kirk was getting ready to take the stage again. He got a little more personal in the second half, really diving into issues that affect marriages the most. We also watched the trailer for his new movie, Mercy Rules, which he actually filmed some of the baseball scenes here in Bakersfield…WHO KNEW?! I would have gladly been an extra! haha. 

As the conference came to a close, Kirk asked the men in the room to be bold enough to make a change, and to come to the front, where there was no music playing, everyone was watching and the lights were still on. It was so touching to see couples walking down together, starting fresh and really trying to change, while many were in tears. It was heartbreaking at the same time. 

After the event ended, we walked to our car and stopped at Subway to get dinner on the way home. We came back to our house, watched the Olympics, and I tried to work on my article about the Lucy Hale show. Finally around 12:30 or so, I really started pooping out and decided to call it a night. I finished reading my book and fell asleep.

Sunday:

Yesterday was pretty low-key and I loved every second of it. Normally, I have to jump from one place to the other, and this time around, I didn't have to.  I woke up much later than I should have, but it doesn't take me long to get ready, so I'm never too concerned anymore. I put on my makeup, quickly grabbed a purple sweater, scarf and jeans, slid on my boots, straightened my hair…And I was good to go. 

We made it to church and found seats just in time for worship. The message was also about marriage, seeing as it was Valentine's Day weekend. It was good to hear my pastors give the message, as they never hold back when it comes to honesty and I appreciate that so much. They tell it like it is, but also how God helped them work through it and has made them stronger because of it.

When church ended, we talked to one of our family friends, and I talked with one of my friends, Alex, for a little while. When we finished talking, we had lunch at Outback. It was just one of those afternoons that I was starting to stress about every little thing, like a mini meltdown. I still had some homework to do and was just starting to stress about so many details about next quarter already. I was also not feeling very well. I decided to call into the paper, which is the first time I've missed an editing session since I've been an assistant editor. I was kind of bummed about it, but I just felt like I needed a break, if I want to keep my energy up for the rest of the quarter. 

After we got home, the rest of the afternoon was perfect. I read some, I enjoyed my family's witty banter on Skype, and I was able to enjoy the nice weather, while talking with my dad about life and opportunities on our front porch. 

Around dinner time, we decided to go out, but none of us could think of somewhere to go, so we just kept driving around. We ended up right down the street from our house, picking up pizza and taking it home. We ate, watched the Olympics, I read a little, and I turned in for the night a bit earlier than I usually do. It was nice, I must say, but I'm not sure how much of a habit I can start making it. I did finally pull out my Bible and devotional book and spent probably close to an hour, reading and praying. It felt so good to release all the toxic garbage that has been eating away at me again. I don't have to do this thing alone, and that's comforting.

*******

It was such a wonderful weekend of rest. I felt like I was able to take some time out from school and get my priorities in line again of spending time with God and to think about the direction I'm heading in. Good week, good weekend, and here's to hoping that this week is even better than the last. Now, it's time to start on that homework. YUCK! 

{February 14}

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!

Today was not half bad! Fridays are always sort of weird, since I only have one class, but I still just dread it. At that point, I'm ready for the week to be over,. But, once I get there, it's not usually as bad as I imagine and always makes me wonder why I dread it so much in the first place.

After staying up until 4 from watching the Valentine's Day episodes of Glee and reading one of my favorite books, I woke up really late and had to hurry to get ready, but still made it in time for class . Luckily, we also don't start right at 10, especially on Fridays, because some people straggle in a few minutes late. I talked with one of my friends who sits next to me, then class started.

We spent the next hour and 25 minutes pitching our story ideas based on the query letters we were turning in that day. I didn't realize we would actually be doing this assignment and turning it into our in-depth feature story, which is due next Friday. YIKES! Other than that, it was really interesting to hear the stories that everyone is going to be working. You can tell so much about a person based on the topics they picked. 

After class ended, my mom picked me up and we had lunch at El Pollo Loco. We hadn't been there in awhile, and since they've been showing the commercials on TV lately, the food has looked really tasty! I had a chicken bowl, which was pretty good, but I always tend to remember why I don't eat there very often… The flavors are a little different; too strong.

We still had some time before I had to go back to class, so we looked at the Hallmark store just around the corner. Normally, I love to look in the cards section, but because it was Valentine's Day, it was packed and you could hardly move. I have a very big thing about needing space and not liking people to get too close to me, so I tried to avoid that area after a few minutes. They have so many other cool trinkets, though, I must say. I really loved Sarah Jessica Parker's line of stationary! So many adorable cards and notebooks! If I ever have an office, because I'm of some importance or high status at a corporation, I definitely want to go all out with the stationary like that.

After Hallmark, we decided to go to Target to look for some of the Sweethearts candy, which to me, is what Valentine's Day is really all about…Hellloooo? We made our way to the holiday section and there was basically nothing on the shelves. Normally, the back of the store is a complete wonderland of whatever holiday, whether it's Christmas, Halloween or like now, Valentine's Day, but this was one aisle. Everything else had been picked over. We looked for the Sweethearts candy, but there was none. I was heartbroken! WAHHHH! However, I did find some other goodies that my mom said would be my gift for later on that night. Woo!

Finally, it was time for me to go back to school for my editor's meeting. I actually like Fridays in the paper for this reason…It's so laid back for the editor's to really have a chance to meet and talk about the direction of the paper, discuss story ideas for the next week and so on. This time around, it certainly opened my eyes up about getting even more serious about what we're at the paper to do, which is to be editors. That means showing up to the meetings, editing papers, handing out good stories, and writing the best stories that we possibly can. It's not about winning the awards, but it is about putting in actual time and effort to the best of our ability. I also filled them in on my experience with Lucy Hale and how I was going to still try to write my review for the paper.

When my meeting was finished, my mom picked me up again and we stopped by Starbucks, because it gives me something to look forward to after school! Ha. I tried an iced green tea latte, since my best friend told me about it and said it was really good. To my surprise, it actually was! It was very refreshing, especially since we're having warmish/summery weather out here in California.

We came home and I decided to watch a few "love" themed episodes of Growing Pains in honor of going to the "Love Worth Fighting For" event tomorrow, while also keeping with Valentine's Day. Our DVD player stopped working, otherwise I was going to watch the movie, Valentine's Day. After all, there's no better occasion, right? I read InStyle, sipped my latte and just surfed the web and wrote a bit. Creativity was flowing through me, and I was loving every second of it. It was a good afternoon. I was also able to watch a lot of the recorded shows of Ellen DeGeneres' show I haven't been able to watch, since school has been in session again. A little later on, I took a shower and got cozy. It kept getting later and later, and my dad still hadn't gotten home yet, because he'd had a busy day at work. My parents didn't really have any plans, and I obviously didn't, so I thought we would just grab something quick to eat and stay home. That sounded like the perfect night to me.

Cupcakes my mom picked up!

My gift :)

I know so many people don't like Valentine's Day, because you're supposed to tell people all year that you love them or they're just bitter that they're alone on Valentine's Day, and I just think all of that is silly. I'll admit, when I was a teen, I was bitter about a few of them, because I just thought that's how you were supposed to act towards it after you hit a certain age. I was very wrong. I just really love the cheesy factor, the idea of getting sweet cards and just dressing up or having a special evening. I like the idea of getting together with friends or possibly just telling someone you really like them with a card or rose, or the idea that cupid might have a mind all of his own. But, then again, this is all during the day when nothing special is really happening.

The end of the night! 

Well, my dad gets home and my parents decided they were going to go out. By that time, I was starving  and figured I would just let them have a night out, and was starting to get a little of that bitterness of going out with my parents, while most couples would be out all lovey dovey. Ain't nobody got time for that. I mean, c'mon. Ultimately, I just decided to just tag along…What's another Valentine's Day of crashing the party, right?

We had dinner at Mexicali, which is always dressed for whatever occasion with a table display of decorations. They even had red and "white" chips and placed a heart shaped chip on our food, which was so festive, and of course, I had to take a picture. We had some interesting conversation, especially as my dad tried to make up his own lyrics for a song. Entertaining, to say the least. After we were incredibly full and finished with our meals, we took a drive out to my dad's job, so he could check on something, then came home.

I read a little bit, watched the Olympics, enjoyed my pretty cupcake (after dropping it twice) and turned in for the night around 3 a.m. Just another night for me!

In the end, I really do love Valentine's Day. It's just another fun themed holiday to remind you of those you're closest to or to be creative and just enjoy some treats. I've never had a Valentine, and I have really come to terms with being okay with not having a "special someone." One of these days I will, but right now, there's no need to rush it. Heck, there's not even anybody I'd go out with right now if I could…So, it's all good.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day! And if not, well, there's always next year.

That's all for now,
Shelby

Hipster

Hipster by nashchick09 showing what to wear with a wide brim fedora

7 For All Mankind longsleeve shirt
farfetch.com

Ralph Lauren Blue Label beige pants
stylebop.com

Brown flat shoes
modcloth.com

Dorothy Perkins tan purse
dorothyperkins.com

Wide brim fedora
amazon.com

{Valentine's Day Playlist}

It is officially Valentine's Day!!!!! I went through my iTunes library and picked some (or a TON) of my favorite love songs. If you know me, you know I love a good ballad, whether it's heartbreaking or all lovey and dove and such. What better way to celebrate all of those emotions than on Valentine's Day?? 

So, here you go.

~Shelby :)

[Shania Twain}
Any man of mine
Forever and for Always
You're still the one
You win my love
Love gets me every time

[Dixie Chicks]
Cowboy take me away
Ready to run
There's your trouble
You can't hurry love 

[Britney Spears]
You drive me crazy
Born to make you happy
Don't let me be the last to know
One kiss from you
I will still love you 

[*Nsync]
The Two of Us
Selfish
Something Like you
For the girl who has everything
Tearin my up my heart
I just wanna be with you
god must have spent a little more time on you
I drive myself crazy
Sailing 

[LeAnn Rimes]
Commitment
This Woman
Some people
Written in the Stars 

[Tim McGraw and Faith Hill]
The way you love me
If my heart had wings
Wild one
She never let's it go to her heart
Just to see you smile
Let's Make Love 

[Train]
Drops of Jupiter 
Marry Me

[Vince Gill]
Don't let our love start slipping
Feels like love
Look at us
When Love finds you 

[Whitney Houston]
I wanna dance somebody
How will I know 

[The Beatles]
I Will (Janelle Arthur-American Idol version)

[U2]
I still haven't found what I'm looking for 

[Taylor Swift]
Love story
You Belong with me
The way I loved you
Jump Then Fall
Mine
Treacherous
Starlight
Begin Again
Come back.. Be here
Sparks fly
Enchanted
Ours
Superman
Sweeter Than Fiction
Today was a fairytale
Fearless
Crazier

[Selena Gomez]
Naturally

[Sara Evans]
A real fine place to start 
I could not ask for more

[Sara Bareilles]
I choose you 

[S Club 7]
Never had a dream come true

[Robyn]
Dancing on my own -- had to throw this in there for all the single girls. It's just very anthem(y)

[Richard Marx]
Right here waiting 

[Reba]
When love gets a hold of you

[Rascal Flatts]
Bless the Broken Road
Why Wait
This Everyday Love
Take Me There

[One Direction]
Diana
You and I
Last First Kiss

[Jonas Brothers]
Who I am
When you look me in the eyes
Love bug

[Celine Dion]
Right in front of you
Have you ever been in love
When the wrong one loves you right
Sorry for love
Taking Chances
Love Is All We Need
Inevitable
One Heart
My Heart Will Go On
It's All Coming Back To Me Now
A New Day Has Come

[Kelly Clarkson]
My Life Would Suck Without You
I Do Not Hook Up (Haha)
You Found Me
Miss Independent (YESSSS!)
The Trouble With Love Is
What's Up Lonely (Well, you know..It happens)
Before Your Love

[Carrie Underwood]
Do You Think About Me
Cupid's Got A Shotgun
Ever Ever After
Quitter
Someday When I Stop Loving You
This Time
Look At Me
Leave Love Alone
Good In Goodbye
Wine After Whiskey

[Martina McBride]
Valentine
I Love You
My Baby Loves Me
Safe In The Arms of Love
Love's The Only House
Summer of Love

[Chris Young]
Lonely Eyes
Who I Am With You
Center of my World
Gettin' You Home
I Can Take It From There
Old Love Feels New
You
When She's On
She's Got This Thing About Her
I'm Gonna Change That

[Keith Urban]
Kiss A Girl
If Ever I Could Love
Sweet Thing
My Heart Is Open
Only You Can Love Me This Way
I'm In
Without You
Somebody Like You
Making Memories of Us
Even the Stars Fall 4 U
She's My 11
Once In A Lifetime

[Brad Paisley]
Wrapped Around
Two People Fell In Love
We Danced
Tin Can On A String
I Can't Change The World
Oh, Love
Remind Me

[Hunter Hayes]
Storm Warning
Somebody's Heartbreak
Cry With You
Everybody's Got Somebody But Me (Basically……But, that's okay)
Love Makes Me
I Want Crazy
Wanted 

{February 13}

First off, a very Happy Galentine's Day to all the ladies out there!

To all of my besties out there, who might be reading this :)

My day started off like all of the others, other than the fact that on Thursdays, I get to sleep in until however late I choose. After having a busy day yesterday and not having much to do today, I was taking advantage of it.

I went out to the living room, taking my time to wake up. My mom made us coffee and I watched White Collar while surfing the web and taking it easy, then had Spaghetti O's for lunch. My mom bought them for me this week, so I could be living on dreams and spaghetti O's, like the line from Martina McBride's "This One's For The Girls." So sweet!

   

I finally decided to start working on my homework assignment for Features Writing, which is to write a query letter to pitch an idea to a magazine publication. I picked the magazine, Nashville Lifestyles, because that's where I hope to end up writing someday. It was actually a really fun thing to do and I just might end up sending it out if it's good enough. 

The rest of the afternoon was just spent being lazy; watching White Collar and Parks & Rec marathons on TV. Yeah, Thursdays are good days. 

I took the quiz: How emotionally unavailable are you?

Got this in the mail! TN guide and a T. Swift card from my cousin. SO MUCH LOVE!!!!!

Nail polish..Pretty! 

I took a shower, surfed the web, worked on my assignment a little more, then watched Pretty Little Liars and painted my nails all festive for Valentine's Day. I'm not so sure why, but I'm just really excited about the holiday. I know a lot of people, especially single girls (which I am), hate it but I still love it. I think it's cheesy and sweet. I really love hearts and love…Also, red and pink. So, a day where I get to have all of those things combined?? It's perfect. Plus, it gives me (even more) of a reason to watch cheesy chick flicks and romantic comedies?? oh, I am totally there.

Pink and silver! :)

When Pretty Little Liars was over, I decided to give Lucy Hale's "Valentine" playlist a listen, then made one of my own, listening to some Celine Dion, because she has an amazing selection of love songs.

By that time, my dad was home and we ate dinner, while watching American Idol. I finished my assignment for feature writing, while talking to some friends, looking things up on the web, and now I am watching YouTube videos.

Nothing too crazy and wild.

Have I mentioned I'm really excited about tomorrow??

:)

That's all for now,
Shelby

{February 12}

Sometimes you have to get the crappiness out of the way in the morning, so you can get to the better moments throughout the rest of the day.

That was definitely the case today. I had set my alarm for 8:30 (to Katy Perry's "Roar"), but I don't believe it went off at all. It was around 9 a.m. when my mom came in to get me. UGH. That usual morning groan came out, with a weird pain feeling in my chest (probably just nerves about the day) and I got out of bed, attending to my usual routine. Then, I remembered that I could officially enroll in my classes for next quarter, so I got online and tried to sign up, when I realized I hadn't made an appointment with my counselor, so I had a "hold" on my account. Just one more thing I would have to deal with, but didn't have time to take care of.

I finished getting my things together, then got in the car. Only to realize I had forgotten my binder for feature writing. A few minutes later, after returning to the car and making our way down the street, I realized I had forgotten my breakfast bar. So, I had to settle for some vanilla bean almonds, even though I was very hungry at the time. My mind was all over the place and I thought I might be a few minutes late to class. It was strange!

I made it to school and once again was dreading it all. Thankfully, I didn't have too much time to kill and went straight to Feature Writing. Today, we discussed our partner presentations, where we will have to present a feature article of our choice to the class and point out the techniques and writing styles used. After the professor told us what we needed to do, she gave us plenty of time to research and get started. Danielle and I decided to do a story that Taylor Swift did with Rolling Stone in 2009, which I'm really excited about. We made a plan of when we can meet up and glanced over the article, then we were free to go. On the way out, Nathan (the sports editor of the paper) asked me what he should Photoshop next. The editor (of the paper) joked and said, "Don't you want him to Photoshop your face in Carrie Underwood's body?" I laughed and agreed that I did. He was like, "You expect me to do that?" I gave him a hard time and said, "Uh, yeah..." and then said I just simply wanted a picture with Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley should be in the picture. I walked out with Danielle, as we talked for a few minutes, then went our separate ways.

We got out of class early enough, so I decided to stop by my adviser/counselor's office to talk about my schedule. I ran into my friend Brittany, so we had a chat for a few minutes, but then I needed to make sure I saw my adviser, before she took off. I walked inside and she told me to have a seat, and I explained my situation. She took the hold off of my account and helped me map out my classes for the next couple quarters. I was right on track. I could then breathe a sigh of relief. I was really starting to sweat it out that I might have to skip the next quarter if I didn't have my classes in time, but it all worked out..Just need to have a little faith and get things done sometimes.

Lunch :) My favorite time of day (at school anyway)

When I was finished in the office, I met up with my friend, Sarah, for lunch again. We sat in our usual spot at one of the tables by the coffee shop. It's shady and there are only a couple of other tables around, so it's quiet enough to have some heart to hearts. I told her all about my plans for next quarter with the classes I'm taking, my doubts that I have with journalism right now, more life plans, guys...The typical stuff that every girl at this age vents about. What I've realized is how good it is to dream together and vent together. It has become an outlet for both of us to just be real with each other, and in this crazy "20-something" world, you need that, let me tell you. We also shared a few secrets about our high school lives that neither one of us ever knew. So weird how that happens,right?

After we finished lunch, I had newspaper production. I love Wednesdays in that class, because things are more laid back. We read the paper and critique it, have a pitch session for the next issue and just talk about what we can do to make the paper better. We spent the first little while talking and messing around, then the managing editor told the section editors to copy and paste our articles into the website folder, so the staff writers would be able to post them to the paper's blog later on. The managing editor also has an idea for a story he wants me to cover for features next week, which will probably be the the guitar concert series, which could be fun. I also talked to two of the editors about how to keep pressing an issue when people tell you "No" about a story idea....Basically, you bug them and do whatever you have to until they say "Yes"…Well, within reason of course. I might need some work in this department! GULP. When we were finished with planning, we looked the paper over and everyone gathered around to point out some of the things we liked and things that we didn't catch on the first go-around with copy editing. I was very excited when one of the staff writers said she "really, really liked" my review on Jennifer Nettles' "That Girl." Writing reviews and checking out live shows is absolutely something I want to do when I get out of college, so I'm always extremely proud of my reviews and feel so good when someone else likes it or makes them curious of who or what I wrote about. That's the whole point, isn't it?

Courtesy of Nathan! HA! Pretty awesome! 

After our critique, we threw around a few ideas of the events that are coming up or stories that others might want to be covered. The editors are planning on going to Homecoming, but I'm not totally sure that I'm up for that. After high school, I was sort of over the whole getting dressed up/going to a dance thing, but we'll see. It could be fun. We'd had a few other things planned to do, but by that time we were all tired, so our professor said we could wrap it up for the day. Class was officially over, but I still had an hour or so before my next class, so I stayed with a few of the other editors, talking over some of my story ideas that are coming up and other non-sense. I laugh SO hard with everyone in the newsroom. We're all a little crazy and always joking around, so it's not as stuffy as one might think. Robin, the editor-in-chief, asked me if I knew what I was getting myself into with the journalism program. I can honestly say I didn't really know what to expect, but it was very different from this. Our professor/adviser of the paper said that newspapers all over are all really like that, with people talking and joking around. It's great to know that you can still have fun and mess around, as long as you get the work done. It's definitely something to look forward to after I graduate.

Closer to 3, I left the room and walked to my next class. To my surprise, the back row where I usually sit was almost full, except for one seat, so I grabbed it. It's always funny how on midterm days, those who haven't been showing up are suddenly there to take the test...And take the seats of those who are there daily. RUDE! HA! I had tried to look over my notes on the way to the classroom, as well as studying in my seat when I arrived. I felt pretty confident, and then it was time to take the test. Our professor had originally said that we wouldn't be able to leave and would have a few more presentations, but luckily, he was nice enough to let us leave after the test. There were six essay type questions, which wasn't too bad. I felt pretty good, except for one answer, after I left. I have to say, it was also very nice to be leaving school when the sun was still shining. It has definitely been awhile since that happened! I walked around, taking the nice weather in, while I waited for my mom to pick me up. I also got on Twitter, to see whether Lucy Hale had said anything about being in town, since she was here.

My mom picked me up, we came home and I took a shower to start getting ready for the night. We still had a few minutes, so I watched the rest of Hart of Dixie with my mom, and then put on my makeup. I had been crossing my fingers to meet Lucy Hale and hoping that I would be able to ask her a few questions about her new CD/Pretty Little Liars for the school paper, since I wanted to write an article about her show for my college newspaper. I had been brainstorming possible questions or things I wanted to talk to her about...After all, a journalist always has to be prepared, and that I was. I listened to "You Sound Good To Me" to get ready, as I surfed the web, then put on my makeup.

Around 5:15, my mom and I were ready to go. Our reservation wasn't until 6:30 at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, but we thought we might run into Lucy in the parking lot, like we did with Chuck Wicks at one of the last shows we went to. But, we ended up getting there a lot earlier and there wasn't much going on. I saw one of my friends I went to high school with working at the souvenir counter, which was cool! The hostess led us to our seat, which was upstairs on the second balcony, where we were supposed to be at a table, but six other people were already sitting there. Apparently, there was a lot of confusion going on, because they were placing people in different spots than originally planned and not by who called in first. So, the hostess went back downstairs to check on it. It was very weird and chaotic! We waited around for a few minutes, when our hostess came back up and explained that the people sitting our tables reservations had been lost and they had to move us somewhere else. Everything happens for a reason, believe me.

They moved us up to another raised level on the same floor, where a bar was wrapped all around the railing. We sat near the end and started looking at our menus. We had narrowed it down to what we were going to share, when I saw a small group of people walk by us. I started telling my mom, "That's Lucy!" in a really hushed tone and she told me I should go ask for a picture, but she was obviously in a hurry and wasn't stopping. But, no one else had even recognized her...Not even sure if the group of teeny boppers on the end saw her!  Lucy and Steph (the friend she is always referring to on Twitter and Instagram) went into a back room, which turned out to be the restroom...I obviously hadn't been up there in awhile (HA!) and the bodyguard was standing outside. I was freaking out, wondering if she would come back our way, but figured since there was a set of stairs closer to her on the other side, she might just walk down that way. In the meantime, our salads came and my friend, Amanda, who I had creative writing with at the community college a couple quarters ago ended up sitting right next to us, which was awesome! I tried eating my salad, but was telling Amanda that we had just seen Lucy walk by! AH! We caught up for a few minutes about school and how it's...Well, school, so it's just going alright.

Me and Lucy! 

A few minutes later, I see Lucy walking out and was afraid she was going to walk downstairs. But, no, she kept walking towards us. It was close quarters, but I stood up and stood on the opposite side of the bar and chairs. Lucy seemed to see us, but it seemed that she was trying not to make eye contact...But, I knew it would really be our only shot to meet her, since she wasn't doing a meet and greet, unless you had won the contest through KUZZ. I wasn't necessarily a fan of hers when she was on American Juniors, but she started growing on me when she started doing some of the Disney spots, like "Wizards." I also gave Pretty Little Liars a chance because of her storyline on the show after my friend encouraged me to watch…And the rest is history. So, there was no way I was going to miss out on this opportunity. I said, "Hi Lucy!" and asked if we could get a picture. She quietly said, "Uh, yeah, sure..." and it seemed like she paused a bit, not really wanting to, but not wanting to say 'no' either. I'm sure it's really annoying getting asked for pictures all the time, so I tried to be as polite. It was incredibly dark in there and everything happened so fast, that I was acting incredibly awkward, I'm sure. Amanda was standing off to the side, then handed off the camera to my mom to take a picture with her in a bit, but Lucy took that as the signal for now, so she put her arm around her, too. My mom took the picture, but I didn't know I was already in the picture. My mom asked me if I had gotten one and I wasn't sure if I was in the other, so I said "No." I was going to try to take a selfie to make it easy, but her friend Steph jumped in with, "It's probably a little dark to take a selfie," and I could tell they were in a hurry, so there was no time for that. It seems like when I'm trying to go fast in a process like this, it never works out. Alrighty, then....Think fast, Shelby...Now is not the time to freeze and act like you don't know what is going on. I tried to figure out what I was doing, then handed the camera off to my mom to take one of us, which wasn't going well, so Amanda said she could take one for me. Steph thanked us really quick and then they were off. I think she might have gotten stopped by the people sitting next to us, but I'm not sure. It all happened so fast, I didn't know what the heck was going on! Haha!

Amanda, Lucy and I :)

After she left, we sat back down and went back to eating, while recalling what had just happened and Amanda sent me the pictures. Everyone has talked about how nice she was, so we probably just caught her off guard or she must have just gotten there. I guess I was just hoping to get a chance to talk to her more.

 Our dinner came pretty soon, which was barbecue chicken pizza! I thought it was very good, but my mom didn't like the sauce as much. The show was supposed to start at 7, but Lucy didn't come on until after 7:30 and only played for about 25 minutes. She kicked things off with "Goodbye Gone," then "From the Backseat," "Kiss You," "Road Between" and "You Sound Good To Me." And that was it. It was pretty obvious that everyone (or most of everyone) was there because they're fans of Pretty Little Liars, especially when the high pitched squeals erupted through the room at the mention of the show's name. Also, when she mentioned one of the songs being about a relationship and bringing up Valentine's Day, someone yelled " Is it about Ezra?"...HAHA! She obviously responded with, "No, not Ezra!" People sure are funny.

I really enjoyed her songs; they're catchy and have some great messages, and I'm definitely interested to hear the rest of the album when it comes out. My personal favorite would have to be "Road Between" right now. It seriously made me tear up the first time I heard it. This whole college thing is tough right now, I'm not going to lie. Sometimes I just want to give it all up and start something else, because it just feels too hard to finish or not worth it at all. I'm still trying to figure out where I want to end up and it's okay to make mistakes, because I'm not at the finish line yet. I have plenty of time to get there. The road between/the journey is where all of the really good and important stuff is.

And I'm still getting to the good part,

The breaking down

Learning how to write my story

And I'm in the middle of the madness

The living loose

Finding who I'm gonna be

From the start til the end

I'm still learning the road between...

*chills*

Courtesy of KUZZ

Courtesy of KUZZ

Lucy walked off stage and so many people on the bottom fled, hoping to meet her by the side stage door or to catch her outside or just left, since she was finished. We waited around for a few minutes and payed our bill, then decided to head out, since nothing else would be happening. As we tried to make our way through the hallway of the palace, there were a lot of girls waiting around the door she had walked through, hoping to meet her, so we had to squeeze past everyone! My mom, Amanda and I walked outside and waited by the side door, where we met Eden's Edge last time and where most of the artists leave from, but after awhile of chatting and "casually" watching the door, nothing happened, so we decided to leave.

My mom and I :)

We said goodbye to Amanda and came home, after a stop at McDonald's for dessert. I had a Shamrock Shake and it was so good! It was minty with a hint of lime. Refreshing! Go figure, a St. Patty's Day treat before Valentine's Day!

In the meantime, while the show had been going on, my Facebook chat had been blowing up about what I missed in Theories of Communication. WOW! It was pretty bad and I am SO glad I skipped for the concert. I also have no idea how I'm going to pass that class. But, I'm crossing my fingers and praying for good things. So far, we've all done pretty badly on the midterm and I've been getting B's and C's on all of my papers, so I'm not too sure what that will get me.

After I got home, I just kept talking with the editors in our group chat, watched American Idol, then somewhat (but not really) watched the Olympics and ate chips. I'm not used to eating earlier, so we were hungry around midnight...What can I say? Oh, and let's not forget the millions of Buzzfeed quizzes that keep circulating around and I always have to take. Yeah, that's very popular with the newspaper group.

I finally decided to get comfy and got in bed, after watching an episode of White Collar. I was seriously wiped out after the long, but wonderful day. I feel like things are changing. Each day just keeps getting better. I'm excited about wherever this road is leading. So far, so good! Change is scary, but I'm finally starting to accept it.

That's all for now,
Shelby :)