Where's the empathy?

I'm lacking empathy these past few weeks. It's hard for me to take in so many people's issues. I've even found myself literally walking away or changing the subject when someone is talking about something that is going on in their life if it isn't something postive. I just can't take it. Maybe it's because I don't know the right words to say? It just seems like if it's not one thing it's another. Things are going okay in my life, so maybe I'm just trying to avoid letting other people's problems take a toll on me. 

Whirlwind

That's exactly what life has been the past...six or so months. I'm not really sure what has and hasn't happened. I just know that I'm here and I'm okay. There's been a roller coaster of events that go from good to bad to ugly to amazing and the only thing I can do is sit back and wait for it to settle. My heart has been torn into a million pieces and handed back out in smaller doses. I have found myself easily overwhelmed lately. I have had so many amazing opportunities and it's hard to believe that I am where I am in my life right now. My coworkers, boss, family and friends constantly tell me how talented I am. I still don't believe them. I have an amazing job & coworkers. I have amazing parents who have supported me throughout every step of my life. I have a couple of good friends who keep me from becoming the recluse that I try so hard to be. My eyes are focused on the future and what I want. Its a bit blurry but it's all I can do at this point. Dream. My goal of becoming a hair stylist has been achieved and now I need a new long term goal... platform artist? traveling gypsy hairstylist? I'm sure I'll find it soon enough.

Monogamy Smomogamy

I just read that only 3-5% of mammals are monogamous. Pretty crazy, right? I was looking for inspiration for a future tattoo when I came across an article that made me question our actions as humans. Are we even meant to be with the same person forever? I know that it is obviously our tradition to do so, but is it natural? Maybe I'm just trying to make excuses and find reasoning for my disbelief in long-term commitments? Relationships just aren't working for me so I'm trying my best to be happy single and alone. Alone. That's a hard word to swallow.

For now I'll just live in my little dream world of traveling the world and being amazing at doing whatever the hell I want to because I have nobody to ask permission anymore. It's kinda nice feeling free but it gets a bit lonely sometimes.

Busy Bee!

School has been quite a whirlwind for me. I'm reliving everything I learned about 6 years ago the first time I was in cosmetology school. It's nice to relearn the proper ways to do things because I've forgotten a lot over the years. I was still cutting hair every once and a while and I definitely wasn't always using the techniques I had learned from school - I just cut and it worked - but it's nice to be refreshed on  "rules" behind how to cut and style hair so you have a successful cut/color/style every time.

Being in class all day and then working 3-4 nights a week until midnight is really testing me. I've never been okay with only getting 7-8 hours of sleep. 10 hours has always been the minimum for that next day to be considered decent for me. Even without my regular amount of sleep I feel GOOD! I've been taking Airborne chewable tablets to avoid getting sick since there are a few sick people still coming to school plus I work at a grocery store. So far, so good.

I've been put in charge of planning my brother and his girlfriend's baby shower. We're having it in March and I already have the invitations made. I'm really excited because I love love love decorating and planning stuff like that. Hopefully it will turn out as cute and successful as I imagine in my head!

Recipe Adventures

I gathered up a few Pinterest recipes last week to try out. I thought that making full recipe sizes would be okay since I could just pack up leftovers and take them to school or work with me. I've never liked leftovers and will usually throw away food or give it away before I let it sit in my fridge - the only exception is pizza, I love some left over pizza! Here are the four recipes that I tried:

1. Mexican Dorito Casserole - 

This is definitely not a healthy food choice but man, comfort food is the best. I really loved this fresh out of the over but when I took it to school and reheated, the doritos get kind of soggy but it was still yummy! Next time I'll use less cheese because mine was a bit too greasy. Overall I'd give this an A for it's quick and easy prep!

via Jam Hands

2. Buffalo Chicken Bites - 

These were really yummy and quick to grab and go! Super tasty with ranch. They'd be better reheated by oven but all we have at school is a microwave. The mixture for these would be great to make taquitos with! Overall, I'd give these a B+!

via Sweet Pea's Kitchen

3. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars - 

These are definitely delicious! A little more work goes into them than regular cheesecake but, man, it was totally worth it! Tip: let them cool all the way before cutting! Overall, these deserve an A for how yummy they are, but don't forget the caramel!

via The Girl Who Ate Everything

4. Corn Chowder - 

I ate sooooo much of this while living in Okinawa and loved it so I wanted to try making it at home. This recipe made for some awesome corn chowder and allowed me to have extra to freeze! I don't add bacon to me because I don't care for bacon (I know, I know, southern taboo!) much in my soup. This recipe deserves a B+, a hint more of flavor would probably make this an A!

via Smoky Mountain Cafe

So do any of you have any recent recipe adventures you'd like to share with us? I'd love to be linked up to some more new recipes that would be great for leftovers!

Ten Things Tuesday!

Hey guys! You might notice that I've changed my comment system. I switched over because this new application will allow me to respond to you a bit easier! I really love getting comments, so please keep letting me know what you think! In my little world it's still Tuesday, so here is Ten Things Tuesday...enjoy! 

1. I just love this show, it's hilarious and I swear that Kat Dennings (who plays Max) and I are the same person.

via

2. I really want to try this for Paco, he's starting to get those rough little nose things since it's gotten cold out. 

via

3. I keep telling myself this about school!

via

4. This is cute and affordable!

via Etsy

5. This is on clearance on Oldnavy.com!

via OldNavy.com

6. I haven't bought a dress in a while & really need to start adding to my collection again. If only I had time to wear them.

via Forever21

7. I really really really want this necklace but Forever 21 doesn't sell it anymore. :[

via

8. Gotta love cute faces on objects. This made me smile. 

via

9. Seriously gotta give my sweet Madi credit for her amazingly cute "doodles", as she calls them - go get on this girl about selling her stuff, it's awesome! 

10. I'd love to add another Audrey Kawasaki print to my collection. 

via Audrey-Kawasaki.com

I'm Still Here!

Hang tight guys! I have a few upcoming posts for you but my schedule tonight isn't giving me much time for blogging! Check back later this week!