2011: A Year In Review

I got on Chelsea Kane's blog today, and saw that she had posted a survey about New Year's, so I thought I would try it. Here it is!

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Joined the worship team at church, put myself out there more to meet new people, started going to Bible study, and I started working past a lot of garbage in my life.

2. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
My license! I keep saying I'm going to get it, and then I just never do.

3. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Passing speech with an A, and finally feeling comfortable with public speaking. I never would've imagined that.

4. Biggest failure?
Probably getting mad over stupid things, or arguing with my parents over something that didn't matter anyway.

5. Best thing someone bought you?
Anything that my friends would pick up for me on trips, and my MAC desktop that my parents got me for Christmas!!!!!

6. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going to the American Idol finale, finally seeing the Jonas Brothers in concert, the Taylor Swift Speak Now tour, and meeting Ashley Tisdale and Corbin Bleu from High School Musical (that was a Jr Hi dream come true).

7.What songs will always remind you of 2011?
I Love You This Big, Firework, Skyscraper, and Baby...I'm sure there are more though.

8. What do you wish you had done more?
I wish I had been more diligent with practicing the guitar.

9. What do you wish you had done less?
I wish I wouldn't have spent so much time on Facebook and Twitter I guess, and would have just lived in the moment a little more.

10. How do you plan to spend New Year's Eve?
I still don't have any definite plans at the moment, but it will either be spent with friends or family, and that's all I need to know :)

11. Favorite TV program?
That easily became One Tree Hill. I also really like The New Girl.

12. Greatest musical discovery?
Everly and Eden's Edge.

13. What did you want and get?
I wanted to go to the Idol Finale and a Mac...I got both of those wishes. I also wanted to meet new people/make new friends, and I definitely got that :)

14.What did you want and not get?
A boyfriend....Hahahah. I did not get that, but that's more than alright.

15. What did you do on your birthday?
Turning 19 was such a weird age; it's your last year to be a teen, so it was exciting in that aspect. However, it's not really one of those birthdays that you do anything for. I pretty much just hung out with my mom that day and went to dinner at Outback with my parents that night.

16. What would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
I'm not really sure that I have a specific "style", as much as I wish I did. I guess I'd call it "College Girl Chic". I also really like to find celebrity outfits and put my own spin on them!

17. What kept you sane?
God; I did a lot more talking to God this year. And also my best friends! They'd listen to my rants and frustrations, and I love them so much for that.

18. What was the best thing you ate?
I've had a lot of good food this year, so it's hard to narrow it down. I'd have to say Biscoff peanut butter takes the cake, though. It's delicious!


19. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011?
I've learned that you can't please everyone, and not everyone is going to like you. You just have to be yourself, and the ones that matter most to you will always be by your side. I also learned that you can't always rely on people, but God will be there for you no matter what. I was able to forgive and to accept who I am now and to be comfortable in my own skin. Also, be careful of who you give your heart too, because you never know what they'll do with it.  (Not just my experiences with that, but others I've seen around me as well).

20. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
There's always a song that fits a different mood, so I could think of plenty, but these are the two that come to mind at the moment.
"I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately..." -Gavin DeGraw (Not just because of getting into One Tree Hill either. It's always been a favorite song of mine).
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller, doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone."
-Kelly Clarkson-

"Sophistication isn't what you wear or who you know. Or pushing people down to get you where you want to go."~Taylor Swift~

Dear bullies of the world,

What makes you think you are better than the rest of us? That you're entitled to whatever it is you want, and that if someone else gets what you want, they aren't deserving, and that you are above everyone else? Because news flash: the world owes you nothing, and people owe you nothing. We all have the same opportunities to make what we want happen... It doesn't mean you should take others down to make yourself feel better.

Can you answer something for me? Good. What happened in your life that makes you cause people so much agony, pain, or even death threats? Is your life really that bad that it has come to that? Haven't you heard of all the suicides this year thanks to cyber bullying and bullying at schools? Words are a powerful thing; they can be a best friend or a worst enemy. The choice is yours.

I think we've all dealt with bullies in our lives at some point or another. How we respond to that says a lot about us. I've been "bullied" by people, and for some time I became a bully. Not in the same sense, necessarily, but I've used my words in harsh ways, because of what people had done to me. Hurt people hurt people; it's a vicious cycle. I have forgiven those people, and I've learned to move on from it. Why let them have the power now, so many years later?

I understand there are going to be people that you don't get along with or don't like, but setting out to sabotage someone because of appearance, material things, opportunities, or whatever it is that YOU don't like is not a good enough reason.

It's sad that all we hear in the media today is all the hate and bitterness in the world. You see how crazy this world has really become. So much so, that we forget about how beauty is still out there; how there are still good people in this world that love and show kindness with the smallest of gestures. It's important that we remember the good things, instead of focusing on the bad. We get enough of that. Why not encourage more and throw out positive language rather than negative?

If you're being bullied, I encourage you to talk to someone about it, so that extra measures can be taken, or you will at least feel like you're not alone. Most importantly, remember, you are loved and you are important. I don't care what the people at school or online are telling you, you are worthy of life and becoming something really great! I know it's hard right now, and this may sound cliche, but things get better. Some of the most successful people today, like Taylor Swift, were bullied. Look at where she is today! You can use your life and experiences to help others around you. If you are a bully, then my advice to you is just stop...for the sake of others, and yourself!

Don't let other people control your happiness. Know who you are and stand up for what you believe in. Remember that you have family and friends who love you and will be there for you during the hard times. Oh, and listen to "Mean" by Taylor Swift. That'll put things into perspective!

Also, another thing Taylor Swift has to say about this matter, "Never believe anyone who says you don't deserve what you want."

With love,
Shelby <3
Xoxox

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

2011 was the year of no regrets. I feel like I said everything I needed to say, when it needed to be said, and I feel like I did everything I wanted to or needed to. I stepped out of my comfort zone a lot more and God helped me find the confidence in myself that I needed. I'm finding my voice and I feel like I was finally able to start speaking up for myself without feeling like a total weasel or you know what.

I dealt with a lot of skeletons in my closet of past hurts, mistakes, and I finally let go of them. None of us are perfect, and I shouldn't beat myself up over things for the rest of my life. Acknowledge the mistake, learn from it, and move on is my new motto.

I'm praying that someone special comes along very soon (because there was no one like that this year), but I'm learning not to rush it. When the right one comes along, I've learned that I won't feel so much stress...it'll just work out and make sense. I'm finally maturing and figuring out who I need to be. God knows my desires and what my heart wants, and He knows the best timing. Until then I need to just chill and let the master do His thing.

This year, I tried new things. I tried some new food, had new experiences, and it was wonderful. It gave me a sense of accomplishment, rather than sitting around feeling mopey and wondering what could have been.

There were a lot of people that faded out of my life this year, or I just started realizing that things just aren't what they used to be, and instead of holding onto those memories; I let them go. But, as these people were fading out, God sent some wonderful new people into my life. Now, they will never replace the others, and I wouldn't want them to. But, He saw that I needed friends in my own way, and I feel like that has also brought me closer to Him in the long run. In the couple months that I have known them now (and I've talked about them quite a bit on here), we've been having an absolute blast. Relationships are a very precious thing to me and aren't something I take lightly. I think I've taken them for granted in the past at times, and how blessed I've been with the people that love and support me. Relationships with God and people are the most important things in the world, and I hope that this coming year I will learn to love deeply and passionately, more than I ever before. That instead of "talking" about doing it, I would show people in the way I act.

I'm finding that dreams change; don't limit yourself, because God can bring up all sorts of crazy scenarios that you never thought possible. It's okay if things don't turn out exactly the way you've always dreamed of. Maybe I'll never see my name in lights, but maybe I'll make an impact on this world in other ways. As long as I'm following God's plan, that's all I need. That's what I consider successful.

I've learned to be okay with who I am and how I look. My appearance doesn't define me. The world might judge me on that, but God, my family and friends (the ones that matter) don't. I'm probably never gonna be a size two, though I've honestly never tried. But honestly, I like having a little meat on my bones. It makes me REAL. I'm finding out what true beauty is everyday. This world is extremely fickle and the one thing I can always count on is God. He never leaves me, always believes in me, and always pulls me through whatever situation I'm faced with, even when I'm doubting Him. But, that has taught me not to do just that. He knows what He's doing.

I've found a courage in myself this year that I never thought I could have. All of a sudden speaking in front of people doesn't seem so bad. Being that I'm a communications/Journalism major, you would think that wouldn't be a problem, but public speaking has never been my forte; I was always the "shy, quiet" one. Over the years, I have come out of my shell a lot. The idea of walking into a room full of strangers doesn't make me as anxious as it used to, and I can speak a lot more confidently off the cuff. This year, speaking actually became something I'm comfortable with and could see myself enjoying as part of my profession. Do I still feel like I'm going to pass out every time I walk to the front of the room? Absolutely. But, it's so worth it after the fact. It's more of a good kind of nervous this time around. You have no idea how excited that makes me.

2011 has been really good to me. I've had a lot of great experiences, some rocky moments. I've felt "depressed." I've been joyful.  I've had moments of hate and bitterness. I've been loving and kind. I've lost people I thought once cared a lot about me and I've gained friends for life. I've hurt and I've healed. I've had a blast and I've been down. I've let things go and I've learned about ME. The older I get, the more I realize who I am and what I want out of life..

I think I'm gonna call 2012 the year of no expectations. The year of mystery, if you will. Sure, I have things I want to change, but as far as predictions and dreams I hope come true? I think I'm just gonna ride the wave on this one and see where I wash up. I'm not in control. If there's anything I've learned this year, it's that God is in the driver's seat, and I'm merely the passenger. So, let the Lord's will be done, and I'll be a happy camper!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! <3 (It's officially New Year's Eve Eve)

With love,
Shelby
xoxox

Lookin Good On New Years Eve

I've always wanted to do something really fun on New Years Eve where you get all dressed up to go somewhere fancy with friends. Well, usually we're a lot more laid back than that, but that hasn't stopped me from trying to look a little nicer, even when just hanging out at home. I'm still not sure of my plans for NYE, but I found some really cute dresses that just inspired the night. Here are some I would wear if I was say...going out to dinner, Las Vegas, etc.

When Brooke Davis wore this to Peyton and Lucas' wedding (It's an OTH thing)

"Another Year Has Gone By..." ~Celine Dion~

2011 has been such an incredible year! I'm going through some of my old journals from this year and realized there were so many wonderful moments that I never could've imagined happening! There were are also a lot of not so great moments, and moments of me trying to work through things, but I think it made me a better person because of it. My life is not always rainbows and bunnies like I tend to post on here, but I also have no reason to complain either; I'm just trying to find a happy medium; to be happy even through the storms. Here are some of my highlights from 2011!

• Hanging out by the red carpet for the People's Choice Awards 
• Completed the entire series of Friends on DVD
• The Back to December (Taylor Swift) came out on my birthday
• Started my second semester of college
• Had my first job interview
• Got an internship with an entertainment blog (SarahScoop.com)
• Went to Las Vegas for the weekend to see George Strait, Reba, and LeeAnn Womack. Met LeeAnn and got George's set list after the show!
• Got to work on the school magazine last semester
• Spent Valentine's Day with girlfriends watching the Bachelor and eating junk food. It was PERFECT!
• Joined Keith Urban's fan club
• Started watching Pretty Little Liars (I'm always late with shows, but then I'm hardcore after that)
• Crazy weather with everything happening in Japan; our ocean even got it a little
• Started bike riding more and focusing on getting into a healthy lifestyle
• Went to Disneyland for the first time in a good couple years...never thought I'd say that!
• FINALLY SAW THE JONAS BROTHERS AND SELENA GOMEZ IN CONCERT (and also got snowed in that night, and we weren't able to make it home until like 5 or 6 the next morning)
• Went to Soul Surfer premiere; could've gone inside too if we had just waited a few minutes longer
• Went to Jay Leno taping; saw Carrie Underwood and Matthew Morrison
• Went to a TON of Dodger games because of season tickets
• Had a great talk with a former teacher, and was able to get a lot about my life established to start moving forward-something I've had a very hard time doing
• Started singing on the worship team at church
• Saw Chris Young in concert at Crystal Palace
• Stayed up all night to watch The Royal Wedding complete with tea and biscuits
• Went to California Adventures for Mother's Day weekend with family friends; hung out by Pirates of the Caribbean premiere entrance. Met Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, David Cook, Francia Raisa, and saw Adam Sandler in the park
• Scoreboard dedication at my old high school for one of our friends/classmates that passed away our Junior year
• Went to the American Idol finale; one of the coolest experiences of my LIFE. I've waited 10 years for that. 
• Took tour of WB Studios again; got to walk on Pretty Little Liars sets
• Went to Nashville for CMA Fest; got to hang out with friends I've met through the love of Country music
• Won a Brad Paisley autographed guitar and Ipod shuffle
• I started writing to 2 pen pals (one in Arizona, the other in Michigan). They've made my life a lot better!
• Took business class and passed with an A this summer, also took a math class and passed
• Got together with some friends from church we hadn't talked to in awhile
• Went to a mixer with my aunt, and made some connections for an internship with the news station
• Had a skating party at the rink we used to go to every weekend...hasn't changed a bit HAHA
• Went to Universal Studios with Mandy and had a blast!
• Went to Las Vegas and LA for the week during the summer for a short vacation; Saw Donny and Marie in concert
• Went to Taylor Swift concert at the Staples Center; met most of her band; won Pit passes!!!!! Oh, and some kid named Justin Bieber showed up ;)
• Sterling Knight answered one of my questions on his live chat (yes, I am aware of how much of a dork I am)
• Hung out by the premiere of Dolphin Tale; met Vanessa Williams and a couple others! Also got free ice cream from the after party
• Found the Brady Bunch house, the Wonder Years house, and the house from Father of the Bride
• Got into One Tree Hill and completed the series in about a month! Incredible show; I have grown to love the cast and characters so much.
• Got a few tweets from Chad Michael Murray that pretty much made my life
• Spent the day in LA with mom at The Grove; met Hilary Duff at her second book signing.
• Saw Kellie Pickler at our fair and met her again :)
• Helping out at my church's school carnival
• Had a "defining moment" at our first Young Adult service at church
• Started going to Bible study at church where I met some of the greatest friends I could have possibly asked for
• A lot of wonderful moments with my girls (games, movie night, heart to hearts, dinner out, texting conversations, etc.)
• Had a blast with my family this year; I felt closer to them now than I ever have before
• Passed English and Speech with an A!!!!!
• Church Christmas concert at Rabobank theater was such a huge success and so much fun to be part of.
• Having my first "job" of housesitting for a friend's house from church
• Going to the Hollywood Christmas Parade
• White elephant Christmas party at church
• Secret Santa with the high school gang
• Getting a MAC Desktop!!!!!!!!!!!
• Going to the lake with my parents and uncle for Memorial day weekend, and going bowling that night with family friends
• Meeting Eden's Edge
• Starting a blog with my friend Steph
• Seeing Keith Urban in concert (an actual arena show as part of the tour) for the first time
• Meeting Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery
• Took a tour of Paramount Studio 
• Most importantly this year, I grew in my faith and walk with God. I haven't been where I should be, and I'm still far from where I want to be, but I'm getting closer. I've been working on my daily Bible reading the past couple months, and that's what it's really all about. If you're not getting fed spiritually fed, you die inside, and I think I have been that way for too long now. I'm glad to feel like I'm getting back on the right track. Right now, my relationship with God is more important than anything else, and it's time I start acting like it. 

So, here's to you 2011 and thanks for being so good to me :) I can't believe there are only 2 more days left...WHOA! It feels like we were just doing this. I guess as you get older the years really do go by faster.

That's all for now and I hope you all had an amazing year! Feel free to share highlights of your year on here or on Twitter!

Love,
Shelby
xoxox

Webcast #1

Sorry if the volume is really messed up! :/

Christmas Video

Tonight I was messing around on my desktop and decided to get into iMovie. Well, I've made plenty of videos on my laptop with it, and figured it would pretty much be the same. Low and behold, the greatest thing ever....there are so many new features and things to add to the video making process. I am so excited to start using it more. I hope something really exciting happens in the near future, so I can make a video about it.

Here's my first video for the Christmas season. Some of the photos are not the best quality, but it's a start!