Finish eating, light a cigarette.
Get in your car, light a cigarette.
Get on the expressway, light a cigarette.
Have a drink, light a cigarette.
Take a shot, light a cigarette.
A smoker friend comes over, light a cigarette.
Start getting ready for a night out, light a cigarette.
Haven’t had one in awhile, light a cigarette.
On break at work, light a cigarette.
Walking somewhere, light a cigarette.
Start a new blog post, light a cigarette.
Editing photos, light a cigarette.
Doing homework, light a cigarette.
Going to bed, light a cigarette.
Everyone else is going outside for one, light a cigarette.
On a long phone call, light a cigarette.
Around your crazy family, light a cigarette.
Because everyone tells you should stop smoking, light a cigarette.
You smell someone else’s cigarette, light a cigarette
Stressful day at work, light a cigarette.
Bored, light a cigarette.
Enjoying an accomplishment, light a cigarette.
Reading, light a cigarette.
Coffee, light a cigarette.
Watching TV/Movie, light a cigarette.
Sex, light a cigarette.
Leaving the movie theater, light a cigarette.
Leaving a social event, light a cigarette.
Critical thinking, light a cigarette.
Waiting on someone, light a cigarette.
Waiting for a bus/train, light a cigarette.

So for all of you non-smokers who can’t understand why
we just won’t quit…Screw you.
This is one of the most difficult things a smoker will ever do in
their lifetime, if they can actually do it.
You need to be more understanding and supportive of your friends/family
who want to quit smoking. Don’t bombard them with your
judgments and criticism. Help them find ways to curb
the cravings and to stay motivated.
Click here for tips on how to help your loved ones
get through the rough first couple weeks.
Chances are, that whatever you think you should be doing, is WRONG.
Ha! “click here for tips….” Wow, I went there.

Back to how much quitting sucks….
I’m disgusted with how many triggers are in my everyday life.
I didn’t feel like I smoked that much, but I realize now that I did.
I’ve been keeping track of how often a trigger comes up
and it’s just sick.
E V E R Y T H I N G makes me want a cigarette.

The only downside I’m experiencing so far is horrible dreams.
Last night I dreamt that I was forced to swim on some random
swim-team, but that in my heat I had to swim through killer bees.
I kept telling them that I was allergic but no one listened.
I woke up before I jumped in the water.

I hope the nightmares subside.
I think about them all day. And sometimes if they’re bad enough,
they can completely ruin my day entirely.

Day 2 is under my belt.
They say after the 3rd day it gets easier.
That’s B.S.
While the nicotine is out of your system after 3 days,
that’s nothing compared to the habit itself.
It’s all those things I listed above that can easily get
a person to quit quitting.

I’m excited for a smoke free life.
I’m sick of smelling like crap…you just can’t hide it under perfume.
We just think that we do because we’re so used to the stench.
I don’t ever want Cammi or Roman to associate me with smoking.
And honestly, I just feel like garbage.
I have been saying for two years (probably more) that I
never wake up feeling great.
Something is sore.
Something hurts.
It sucks. It really really sucks to never wake up feeling your best.
Maybe it’s not because I smoke, but this is the first step to
taking better care of myself.

If only I could find something to channel my cravings through….
something that doesn’t involve eating of any kind.
Quitting smoking puts you in the fast lane to weight gain.
I don’t want to start that vicious cycle.
And I hate gum.
Have you ever noticed how ridiculous people look when they
chew gum and are off in La La Land?
It’s kinda gross.
…And I’m always in La La Land so it’s best I resist.

Why don’t they make SA (smokers anonymous) for us?

Real Quick,
during an engagement session this weekend, there was a man
just sitting around in Depot Town.
Had I been my age in the 60′s, we’d probably have gotten married.
I asked him politely if I could take his photograph.
I’m always afraid that people’s feelings will be hurt because they
assume I’m making fun of them when I ask…
I’m not.
I genuinely loved his hat & iconic purple sunglasses.
I told him these things, but I’m sure he just thought I was
blowing smoke up his you-know-what.
He agreed.
So I took the photo.
This will be the first photo that gets framed in the house we buy someday….

I flew to California this past weekend and was lucky enough to
land a seat next to a remarkable 3rd grader named Lauren.
She & her family were on their way to Mexico.
I popped in my ear buds and began to let music soothe my anxiety…

As soon as the seat belt sign turned off, I got a tap on the shoulder.
I opened my eyes and saw Lauren handing me a note and a colored
pencil to write back with….

{click images to enlarge}

We wrote each other from Chicago to Texas, and by the time we landed
I had completely forgotten that we were 30,000 feet in the air.
So to those who wondered how I managed to fly without having any
anxiety…the answer is simple. Her name is Lauren.

The world needs more people like her.
Sometimes I fear for the future of the world, our country and the future generations.
But knowing that there are kids like Lauren out there, let me know that while
the world can be a scary place, everything is going to be just fine.
Lauren also made me rethink this whole i-don’t-want-to-have-kids idea too.
I loved answering her curious questions, and I found myself hoping that
someday down the road she will reflect on this silent but not so silent conversation.
Maybe something…anything, from this conversation will change her.
It changed me.
Perhaps one day, she’ll have two of her very own goats or maybe she’ll
develop an old soul from listening to Paul McCartney.

I love the idea of being part of shaping a person’s life, even on a minuscule level.
I love the randomness that comes with life.
We wake up everyday with similar expectations for the day, but
we really have no idea what’s ahead. We may walk the same path,
but we don’t know what’s around every corner.
We can be changed in an instant.
It’s really a beautiful thing.

To Lauren,
Thank you for unknowingly distracting me from my fear of flying.
I’ll never forget that plane ride, or you.
You will be a wonderful teacher someday and I hope we stay pen pals
so I can continue to know someone who is part of making the world
a better place.

This is is my first mobile post.
I’m currently at the San Diego airport awaiting my flight. There is a couple sitting near me…he has been staring at me (non-stop) since his girlfriend went to the bathroom. It’s uncomfortable. You know that feeling when you can feel someone’s eyes on you and you can’t help but look to see if they stopped? He hasn’t stopped. I can feel his stare/glare in my peripherals. If my bag wasn’t so heavy, I’d move.

I guess I’m the creep now for taking their photo. Oh well. I think his body language says enough about his creepiness.

Anyways, I’m heading back to Chicago. What I’m really trying to say is that I’m leaving the beautiful state of California where the air is so amazing, and the Vitamin D cures my wintery blues and I am returning to the freezing, snowy, gloomy Chicago. I want to cry when I think about it. If Marty were with me on this trip, mark my words that we wouldn’t have been coming back. I’d pay someone to pack our stuff and ship it here. I’d sublet our apartment quicker than you can say sublet.

I think I needed to come here alone to realize that my want to be in California is more than just loving vacation and hating it when it ends. I belong here. Marty belongs here. I have zero doubt. Marty will hike and backpack his heart out. I will create. And we will live happily ever after in our own west coast life.

Two more winters, summers, springs & falls….and we’ll be packing up a U-Haul and heading west until our toes reach the mighty pacific.

Even my new hair is California approved.

Until then, I’ll be c a l i f o r n i a dreaming.

I hope I eat something other than cupcakes for dinner tonight…

I’m no stranger to outgrowing friends.
I realized this early in life, and learned to just go with it.
You meet people that change your direction & perspective.
Not every friend you make is forever.
Some people come into your life to change you, and then you both move on.
I’ve had plenty of friends that at some point we just go our own
ways and that’s just it.
Lo is the only one, where we have gone in different directions
but I’m not okay with just letting it go.
I’m okay with us being different, growing up, having our own
adult lives, but I’m not okay with the lack of time we spend together.
I’m not okay with roles we now play in each others lives.
I miss her.

So this is me, doing what I think we should have done a long time ago…

Dear LoLo,

I miss you.
I want our friendship to go back to the way it was.
I want to call you everyday.
Okay, maybe not everyday…but at least once a week?
I want us to grow old together.
Remember those vacations with our kids we’re supposed to take?
Marty & Sean are supposed to be buds so that they can keep each
other going when we drive them absolutely crazy in 15 years.
I want us to go on dates.
& double dates.
I want their to be anything BUT an elephant in the room when we’re together.
I want us to remember that we can talk to each other about
everything.
I want us to trust that no matter what happens, we know
we’ll always forgive & love each other.
I want us to remember that we’ve grown into our
own person, but that we’re still a huge chunk of who that is.
I need you in my life.
There is no question about it. In fact, it’s one of the few
things that I have ZERO doubt about.
I want to celebrate all of our accomplishments together.
I want to get back to the new version of the old us.
I still want us to go to New York together, because I still haven’t been.
I’m sorry for my part of where we went wrong.
I overstepped. I just wanted you to be happy, and it was not my place
to decide what would do that for you…and it turns out, I was wrong!
{you know I hate being wrong!}
But I’m glad I was, because that night we had dinner
this summer (where we got tortured by children outside!) I realized
how wrong I was. You are happy, and that’s all that ever mattered to me.
I take my job as someone’s best friend very seriously,
and sometimes I get caught up in moments.
I still love you like a sister,
I always will.

I rummaged through some accessible boxes of photos today
looking for some pictures of us from when we were little…
I think its to our benefit that those were not as accessible as
these bad boys….

No one wants to see pictures of us with braces & pimples, right?

Do you remember that awesome photobooth
in the McDonald’s at Oakbrook Mall?

My first time on Raging Bull @ Six Flags.
You’ve always had way more guts than me.

One of our first legally 21 nights out together!

We have to keep making these memories.
Life just won’t be right if we aren’t
headbanging our way at formal weddings in parking lots.
Or eating so much Fontano’s we explode.

Or RECORDING THIS ONTO A VHS TAPE so we could watch it
a thousand times at all of our sleepovers!

I love you to pieces, Lo.
Let’s have dinner next week and put it all out on
the table so we can move on, once & for all
and go back to being Britt & Lo.
<3

Happy 14th Anniversary to us!

I chose “Life in a Day” which was collaboration between
Ridley Scott and Kevin Macdonald.

I was in noway prepared for this completely
inspirational 90 minute experience.
They requested the world to participate.
They asked that people make a video of their life on the same
day…July 24, 2010.
They then combined all of the video clips they received to create
this mind-blowing documentary.
Some of the clips were of everyday ordinary moments
in a person’s life, and others were of a more profound level.
Each clip leading into another was perfection.
The transitions were flawless.

Pick a 90 minute window of your day to watch this movie.
You’ll find yourself realizing how precious life really is.
And how these little moments we have, are everything.
It all adds up.

Click here to watch.
Enjoy.

One of my first goals is to book a wedding that will require me
to fly over the Pacific or the Atlantic.
As of last night, it seems as though this will be achieved! Hooray!
More on this at a later date…

Second goal is simple and is already in the works!
Concerts.
I used to attend about 10 concerts a year. It was my
escape. But over the past couple years that luxury as suffered a bit.
There is nothing like hearing your favorite bands live.
To be acoustically serenaded with songs that literally change you is such a gift
that most take for granted.
When you find bands that really resonate with you, it’s truly magical
to be in a small place full of people that share the same energy.
I can’t wait!

Third goal is simple to say, but much more difficult to do.
I would like to be more aware of my blessings on a daily basis.
I always preach that people should spend more time reveling
in moments, but I have not followed my own advice 100%.
Every waking day is a gift.
Can’t let the little things pass by without taking notice…

…………………………….

Fourth goal is honing in on the fact that a simple great life
is all I want or need.
Too many times do I feel envious of people who just seem to get
everything they want without actually having to work for it.
Dumb.
Why is there time in my life for something like that?
There isn’t. But sometimes it finds it’s way into my mentality.
I know and love the moments where months and months of saving
pay off. Where I set a goal, work my behind off for it and then the day
comes when I can buy a new camera, printer, and book a vacation.
If we were able to have whatever we want whenever we want it,
those things would become meaningless.
Not to mention that it adds a new dynamic to your career.
With every job, I see myself inching closer to something on my list.
It’s a beautiful balancing act.
So for now, I will cherish Ramen Noodles & my nearly non-existant
social life because there is something bigger waiting on the other side.
Our 20′s aren’t meant to be luxurious.
They’re hard, complicated, and scary.
Embrace the times when you aren’t sure how you’re going to
pay rent, because they become the stories that you tell about your journey
when  you’re in your 40′s+.
……………………………..

Fifth and last goal is something I’ve brought along from 2012…
Saving.
I’m seriously addicted to my savings account.
Nothing brings me more joy than adding to it and seeing
it grow. It keeps me in check.
If I want or need something, I ask myself if it would be
worth dipping into my savings for, and if it’s not then I know that
I don’t need or want whatever it is bad enough to actually buy.
Admittedly, sometimes this doesn’t work.
And those things are usually food or film related.
I justify it with “A girl’s got to eat, right?” or “I’m an artist, I need this.”
It’s a load of crap.
This year I will resist my food temptations.
I will more than likely lose the fight with film.
…………………………..

Make some goals, lovely people.
It’s amazing when you reach them.

Surround yourself with people who share similar goals.
My friends and family seriously inspire me.
When you’re surrounded by people who work hard,
you work hard.
I’m so blessed to have such driven people in my life.
Just this past year  3 of my close friends became big time managers,
doctors & lawyers and one who just recently got accepted into Flight School.
And the others work hard every single day working or
finishing school, determined to figure it all out.
Be each other’s inspiration.
It’s built in motivation.
Embrace it.
……………………………..

I will end with a video from Jack’s Mannequin.
I bought tix to his concert today, and I cannot wait.
If you aren’t listening to this guy yet, you are truly
missing out.

Jack’s Mannequin
Musical genius.
Lyrical genius.
Perfection.
If you’re in need of a new perspective,
look no further. This is life changing music, my friends.

So brace yourself.
We went to Ann Arbor for Christmas this year, and one of the nights we were
there we had a Christmas gathering with our best friends. We invited Marty’s brother,
Andrew and his girlfriend Jess (who also happens to be one of my close friends) to come along.
It was a perfect night.
It had been so long since we’d all been together (minus Susie, who had to go and mess up this plan!)
and it was just great. Eating, drinking & presents. Great, right?

We went back to Marty’s parents house later that night and continued the drinking and fun…
Well, this is what happens when you have booze + brothers mixed together.

They thought it would be a great idea to put each other in sleeper holds.
I’m looking (and yelling!) at them that I’ve seen this on 20/20.
That we are going to be the next episode of fun turned tragic.
But of course, no one listens to me and everyone just laughs and goes along
with this. I can feel something changing in me, but I had no idea what it was
until I look over and I see Marty’s face turning purple and a spit/foam substance coming
out of his mouth while his brother’s arms are wrapped around his neck.

I instantly saw red. And I mean that in the most literal sense.
I was in full blown fight or flight mode. I didn’t see Andrew as Marty’s
brother any longer, I saw him as a person who was harming the love
of my life. I didn’t feel human. I felt like lightning bolts were running
through my arms. I had no conscious control over my body. I started
hitting Andrew as hard as I could, and only when I punched him in the
face and pushed his head backwards did he let go enough for me to move his
arms away from Marty’s neck. The only reason I was able to stop hitting
him was because Marty popped up barely conscious. I felt completely capable
of doing some serious bodily harm to Andrew. That feeling did not subside until
the next evening. How their parents didn’t wake up to me screaming at the top
of my lungs, I’ll never know. I was screaming bloody murder.

Immediately following this, I am shaking and crying hysterically.
Marty & Andrew think the best thing to do to calm me down is to tell me
that this was a horrible prank they just played on me and how sorry they were.
News Flash: I’m not an idiot.
If that was a prank, well then they both deserve an Emmy Award for their
impeccable acting skills. But as my gut suspected, this was miscalculated
brotherly rough-housing gone awry.

They stuck to their story until the following evening which ultimately
left me feeling like a crazy person. What did I really see? Did I imagine it all?
Hell no.
I have my gullible moments, and many jokes go right over my head, but this
was not the case. Very seldom are my instincts incorrect.
So if you’re ever with me, and I say that something isn’t a good idea,
it’s in your best interest to listen to me.

I didn’t sleep a single second all night. I couldn’t get the image
of Marty’s purple face out of my head. It was a living nightmare.
I couldn’t shake it off. And I it was so late that I couldn’t call anyone.
I couldn’t leave. I was scared to leave Marty. While this may have been
fun for everyone else, I was worried that him being unconscious mixed
with booze could have some negative effect. I couldn’t take my eyes
off him all night.

Morning came, and my heart rate must have been doubled.
I could feel my heart beating all over my body. I couldn’t stop
shaking. I was literally in shock. I called Brooke first, I had to know if
I was going crazy. I then called my Dad. Oh, my poor Dad…I could only
get “…and then he was purple and foaming at the mouth” out before I
completely lost it. I could hear the terror in his voice when he said “talk to me, talk to me.”
and only then did I realize that my physical reaction that morning was shock and possibly
the side effects of an adrenaline rush.

I packed a bag and left.
I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be able to come back.
This landed on the day of Smorgasbord.
For those of you who don’t know, this is THE Hueter gathering of
the year. I love it more than Christmas and my birthday, and I
didn’t think I was actually going to be able to go.

I could barely drive because I was shaking so badly.
I went to Brooke’s to sort through everything.
I felt horribly guilty for the feelings that I had for Andrew.
I love him. It’s already as if we’re family, how could I possibly be
able to harm him? Worse, how could I want to harm him?
How could I feel as though I’d have done ANYTHING to stop him?
I was horrified and guilt stricken. It took Brooke & my Dad to make
realize that I did what I had to do to protect Marty by any means, even
in a situation that started innocently and went completely wrong.

Today, I wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t stopped it.
That’s the nightmare I live with. The thing that wakes me up
multiple times a night since it happened.

I’ve always known that Marty was the person I’d spend the rest of my life with,
but that situation made me realize just how deep that feeling really goes.
Sure, I can think of a million other ways that I’d like to have that affirmation,
but this is what I was given.

ADRENALINE is one crazy substance that we produce.
It can be extracted and used for anaphylactic shock.
It’s clinical name is Epinephrine. It’s no joke people.
I used to think that I got adrenaline rushes from photographing
weddings or riding rollercoasters. Wrong.
Maybe on some level you can feel this, but trust me when I tell you
that adrenaline is no joke. The example used often is a mother who
picked up a car by herself to save her child that was trapped.
The YOU that you know, is quickly replaced by The Hulk version of you.
For about 30 seconds I was a weapon of mass destruction.
And that feeling in a life/death situation doesn’t go away once the
initial trauma has passed. Two days later, I had this feeling in my body…
The only way I could describe it was to say that I didn’t feel like my feet
were on Earth. I felt as though I was defying gravity on a physical level.
I couldn’t get my feet planted back on the ground.
6 days later, I can still feel my heart beat in my body.
I’m pretty sure that my heart rate will never be the same.

The morals of this story are this:

1.) Save rough-housing for a sober time, or not at all.
People get hurt, people die. Is it really worth the risk?
It’s not. We were lucky that humans produce such an amazing substance,
or we would have been dealing with two tragedies…one for Marty, and one for
whatever I would done to Andrew. So the next time you think it would be
a good idea to put your friend in a sleeper hold or do something dangerous,
think about what COULD happen. Please.

2.) If you ever think it would be a good idea to mess with anyone that I love,
think again. Even though I felt guilty for hitting Andrew, I would do it again
in a heartbeat if ever put in a situation like that. Don’t mess with this
Mama Bear/Hulk version of myself.

Andrew- I apologize for hitting you, and I love you very much.
If you ever had any doubts about how much I love your brother,
or ever wondered what I’d do for him, I hope this answers those questions.
:)

Although, I did have my first photography related nightmare this morning.
I had a dream that I was photographing a wedding and as it began,
I realized that my camera had been doused in wine.
(that actually happened last Wednesday, it’s obviously still on my mind)
I ran to my camera bags and every single camera I pulled out was one
of these old 35mm cameras from the 90′s.

There must have been at least 20 of them.
I was panicking.
I kept digging and digging and I couldn’t find any other kind
of camera!
Before I knew it, I heard “You may now kiss the bride.”
My eyes welled up, I felt nauseous, and then….
I ran.
I ran faster than I ever could in real life, and I ran far enough
to be in the middle of nowhere.
I remember thinking in my dream,
You’d never screw up this bad, wake yourself up. This is a dream.
And then BAM!
I flung up, out of breath in my own bed.
That feeling of relief when you actually wake up and realize
it was all a dream (Biggie’s song is now stuck in my head) is one
of the most incredible senses of relief in the world.
My pillow was soaked from sweating and I had
actual tears to wipe away from eyes.
It was intense.

It made me realize something…
it made me realize that this is everything to me.
My job is everything.
I think it was also a wake up call for me.
My stepmom just got done telling me the other day that I need to
trust my abilities more, to own that I’m great at what I do.
She thinks I’m too hard on myself. Most people probably agree.
I have to be this way though…
If I don’t push myself to be better with every job, then what’s the point?
But I do see what they’re all saying, and I suppose it’s time to start
working on that. New Year’s Resolution?
……………………………………

BAMphoto is heading to San Diego to do a couple’s
engagement photos in January.
This is more exciting than words can even say.
I’m also photographing a wedding in Arizona in May.
This is all part of why my day has been so great!
I’m so utterly grateful to have had the opportunity to
build a business from scratch and be able to watch it blossom.
It’s beyond fulfilling.
2012 is going to be the year that changes my life,
and I’m ready for everything that comes along.

Keep your heart open to dreams. For as long as there’s a dream, there is hope, and as long
as there is hope, there is joy in living.

……………………………….

Last week I was hired by my dad’s company to photograph
two major events for them.
This isn’t my usual line of work, but I decided that it would
be a good learning experience.
And it was, but the best thing that came out of the day was
being able to watch my dad do what he does.
While I’ve always admired him, I saw him in a completely
different light that day.
I’m not even sure that I have words that will do those moments justice.
Simply put, I was a proud daughter.
He has the perfect mixture of finesse, humor & compassion.
It’s truly remarkable.

My favorite part of the day was helping him fix his suspenders.
I’ve seen pictures of him dressed in a tuxedo but can’t recall
ever seeing it with my own eyes, and it was amazing.
He had his suspenders all twisted in the back and it was just
one of those adult parent/child moments that will stay
with you for a lifetime.
……………………………………………..

The semester ended today, and I couldn’t have been more relieved.
I opted to take mostly academic classes rather than studio
classes, and MY GOD was that a mistake.
Not only were the classes difficult, but the fact that I wasn’t
in a constant state of creating, I basically lost my sanity from
August to today.
Lesson learned.
I have a nice month long break to recover and
lounge, eat, relax, and play…Oh wait, those days are over.
I am giving myself 5 days to relax, and then it’s back to work.
I’ve even offered to do a session while we’re at home in Michigan this week.
Me = workaholic.

I do look forward to doing some ice skating in Millennium Park
and getting together with friends and catching up
since I’ve been so MIA.
I long for carefree childhood days…
……………………………….

Oh, before I forget!
So after the events I photographed, my Dad offered up his suite at
The Palmer House, and it was incredible.
In-between events that day, I went to the suite to grab a nap
and some food to kill time…But upon my arrival, I was shocked.
This suite was more like an apartment.
A beautiful, vintage & vibrant apartment.
I didn’t want to touch anything.
Of course, I had to take some photos…
one of how a lady should act while lounging in such a beautiful
room, and one of what I’d do naturally if it were my room…
Music up.
Solo dance party!

If you know me well, you’ll understand why I’d never be able
to live with myself if I didn’t get my air guitar on
in the middle of a Tim Reynolds guitar solo.
Yes, I’m more than capable of keeping myself entertained
as long as I have a music source & a camera.

……………………………………

Lastly,
What is up with everyone in my life having babies?
I’m on the slow boat to married w/children, people.
While I support my loved ones during this time in their life,
I just can’t wrap my mind around it personally.
Sometimes I wonder if I’m ever going to warm up to the idea of children.
Sometimes I want them,  sometimes I don’t.
I’ll be 27 in July and I just don’t feel as though we’ve experienced enough
to even foresee children in our future.
College, marriage, career…even if I had it all today, I don’t
think I could do it.
I seem to be moving backwards according to this typical
life plan…Britt = career, marriage, college.
(maybe the second two can be switched
depending on the day, ha!)
I think it’s likely that I’ll be the oldest mother ever.

Can you imagine this?

Or this?

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Oh, heavens.

I’ve said this once, I’ll say it again….
I like being Aunt Bee to my perfect little Peanut & RomanC.
They are completely fulfilling & I’d prefer it to stay that for a little while…
maybe longer if B & Cee have more, hint hint!

Ladies, one day I will join you in the motherhood department,
but will one of you save getting pregnant again for when we’re ready
so that I have someone to suffer with through the sleepless
nights? (Brookey & Ash, that’s to you!)

Congrats to Amanda & Chad on the upcoming
arrival of their first baby :)

………………………………………….

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas & New Year!
2012 is going to be phenomenal!
xoxo

Glee had their Christmas episode tonight, and if you aren’t watching
this show, then I really don’t know what you’re doing with your
Tuesday evenings.
No they aren’t really singing in the show, and yes it is extremely
cheesy at times, but it’s also very inspirational and it
has many uplifting moments that leave me staring at
the television while I sob.
Tonight’s episode made me realize how selfish I have been my entire
life about Christmas.
I make lists for family of all the things I want, and tonight Glee made
me think about kids who won’t get anything for Christmas.
Can you imagine? I can’t.
I never had a disappointing Christmas.
I never woke up the day after Christmas and thought about the things
I didn’t get. So I spent an hour or so looking on the internet
for organizations that adopt families for Christmas.
Next year, I will have one thing on my list, and it will be
donations. I want to adopt a family and give them a Christmas
they’ll never forget.
If I could do this for this year, I would in a heartbeat.
I wish I would have thought of this a month ago.
So my friends & family, in a year I will ask you to open your
hearts…and your wallets, and help me make this happen!

This guilt is overwhelming, seriously. I’m going to have
nightmares tonight, I just know it.

Debbie Downer, signing off.
…………………..

College Finals.
A blog that I love by a girl named Laura in Ann Arbor
shares similar feelings that I do about finals.
And she also found a little bit of joy from the same thing I did
while studying, creating and preparing for this week.
If you don’t browse around Some E-Cards for a good laugh,
then again…I’m not sure what you’re doing with your life.

[Thanks for the great post Laura, and congrats on being Freshly Pressed!]

These are just a few that really vibe with my life as of late:
Click to view slideshow.

Best of luck to you all on the rest of your finals this week!

……………………………………….

My best friends & I are planning a big Christmas Feast for when
we’re all back in Michigan at the same time next week…
We had a pretty wild thread going on today about our gift exchange.
By the end of the conversation, [that probably won't end until the dinner]
I think everyone came to the same conclusion:
We are meant for each other.
Glow in the dark bibles, sex tape scandals and a mockery
of our friend who has officially become a doctor.
I’m glad that we all can be ourselves and know that our quickly passed
judgments has somehow become our way of saying I love you.
………………………………..

I stumbled upon something powerful today:

Look at you. You’re young. And you’re scared. Why are you so scared?
Stop being paralyzed. Stop swallowing your words.
Stop caring what other people think. Wear what you want.
Say what you want. Listen to the music you want to listen to.
Play it loud as fuck and dance to it.
Go out for a drive at midnight and forget that you have school the next day.
Stop waiting for Friday. Live now. Do it now.
Take risks. Tell secrets. This life is yours.
When are you going to realize that you can do whatever you want?

Ponder this for awhile. Copy and paste it. Make it your status.
Write it down.
It’s powerful.
I’ll come back to it next week.