Change for Thought

I can't live without change. I'm constantly moving, constantly rearranging, constantly looking for something to help me feel renewed. I am not a creature of habit, even though I'd often like to be. My daily routine isn't much of a routine at all. My days are always different and I do well with that. I don't like working a Monday-Friday 8-5 job because I get bored with it. I love my ever changing weekly work schedules. I do things on a whim and often make quick (sometimes irrational) decisions. If I take too long to think about something, I'll never do what I desired in the first place.

• Yesterday, San Francisco was calling my name and all I wanted was to move there. Of course, this isn't very realistic, but a girl can still dream...right?
• The longest I've ever stayed at the same job was a year.
• Today, I took my car to get an oil change and ran into my old Prius. I found myself missing it dearly, enough to consider trading my car back in for it and enough to talk to someone about doing so. Still on my mind.
• The last few weeks I was back and fourth with what to do about school. I finally settled on going to CVCC for the next year to get my Cosmetology license.
• The longest I've ever lived in the same house, other than my childhood home, is two years.

I've never really seen my constant desire for change to be a problem until it was really brought to my attention today. Am I ever going to settle down? Am I ever going to be happy staying in the same place for a long time? Probably not. I can't see myself buying a house, that means commitment to staying in the same area forever.

But this isn't just about where I live and what I do, it's about who I love. I can see how anyone would doubt a relationship with someone who always felt the need for change. I will honestly say that it has been an issue before. I get bored and move on. My track record won't lie about that one. I'm fortunate enough to be with someone who has kept my attention and who has stolen my heart. When he's not with me, I miss him and want him with me. I'm not attracted to anyone else but him. He's got my full attention even when he's not present. This amazes me. I don't doubt the potential our relationship has one bit. I want to have a family with him, one day. That is something that I definitely am committed to and do not expect or want to change at all.

Okinawa, I'm here.

I arrived on this beautiful island on Wednesday. I've been dealing with a lot of emotional stress, so I've not really been my usual self. I'm trying to get things squared away here so I can go on my merry way and enjoy that thing called life.

I keep reminding myself that I have an amazing boyfriend, family, and friends waiting on me back in the states. It's keeping me going and I would like to thank those of you who have reached out and been there for me this week. I love all of you very much and you're all so close to my heart. And I'm going to miss my Okinawa friends dearly, don't think I've forgotten you!

I will tell you guys that this week's Ten Things Tuesday is going to be pretty awesome. I've found so many amazing things that I can't wait to share with you, so get ready!

August is quickly approaching and I couldn't be more excited. I'm starting school again, finally! And I'm turning 24! I can't wait to celebrate and have the cutest little party in the world. Oh, and my sweet little Paco is turning the big O-N-E on July 17th! Maybe he'll stop chewing on everything? I surely hope so! The sweet boyfriend bought us tickets to see Bon Iver at the end of July, so we're super excited for that & all of our other upcoming adventures.

Free Crappy Portraits

So I discovered this website the other week and thought it was hilarious. You have to go check it out!

www.freecrappyportraits.com 

Richard and I decided to send in this photo:

and he also sent along this silly description:

"this is a strip of pictures of me and my girlfriend, in a photobooth...with our clothes on (sorry). in the first two photos i have really cool sun glasses on (risky business cool) and she's obviously really excited about our kiss. in the 3rd photo, i'm looking at the robot god and she's attempting to inform it that we come in peace. in the last photo, our display of peace obviously worked and we're relieved."

and Richard got the email with our photo yesterday!!! I think our crappy photo is pretty awesome! They haven't posted it on the website yet but I expect to see it in the next few days.

Ten Things Tuesday - Guest Post by Richard

I thought it would be fun to see a dude's perspective on Ten Things Tuesday...so I've let the boyfriend take over this week and here's what he came up with! Enjoy! 

1. Gibson Hummingbird

if only i had an extra $3000 laying around...

2. The Appleseed Cast ~ Mare Vitalis Vinyl

This thing is hard to find these days

3. the oatmeal

one of the funniest sites on the internet and one of the funniest books i own

4. Hangover 2

"i wish monkey's could skype"

5. Glassjaw African G shirt

6. Autism Heart Tattoo

This will look more like the traditional heart design when I get it done but this is the image it will be based off of, in honor of my little brother. 

7.  Chicken Pot Pie!

This is the recipe I'm going to try for brianne and i...fingers crossed!

8. Cracker Barrel!

brianne and i have become addicted to their breakfast...partly cause we can get it at 2 in the afternoon

9.  AE shorts

they're a bit pricey but i'm a big fan of them 

10. sea monkey!

isn't she cute?!?

Would anyone else like to guest post for Ten Things Tuesday? If so, send me an email!

girlandastar AT hotmail DOT com

Chucktown, Round...5?

I'm back in Charleston, of course! We're having a great time and have done a lot of fun things.

- Saw Hangover Part 2, which was pretty hilarious.
- Checked out Cypress Gardens, which was nice - but it's way too hot outside for that today.
- Ate at cracker barrel, twice - so far.
- Got some adorable owl pictures from the boy
- Hit the beach with my brother and Beth
- Attended a pool party with Richard's coworkers/friends.

We've been pretty busy, but if you know me - you know I've managed to sneak in more than a few naps.

We're hoping to go thrifting tomorrow, it's been a while since I've browsed through any thrift stores - so I'm excited.

Weekend of Pictures

Madi and I went to see Augustana, isn't Dan gorgeous?! 

We're kinda cute, too! :]

Before the show we ate at Cabo Fish Taco, so delish!!!

I also got a new pair of Toms that I've been wanting. Such comfortable shoes!

I've been house sitting for the past week and this cat is the strangest cat I've ever met, but I think he likes me now.

Jamie and I finally hung out Sunday and she tried on this red lipstick, doesn't she look great in it?!

Next weekend should be full of pictures as well so get ready! Going to spend it in Charleston with the boy & hopefully my brother and his girlfriend will be visiting us for a day at the beach. I hope everyone's week has started out lovely and it continues to stay that way.

That Special Feelin'

(buy this sweet owl postcard here)

I believe my heart has opened up. I feel so much better. I feel so lucky, so loved, so special. I'm still being patient and trying to not get too ahead of myself - but I'm so excited. I have a boy that spoils me with lots of laughs, surprises, and hugs. It's more than I could ever ask for and I'm so thankful to have him in my life. Even though we're 4 hours apart, we're making it work and we're doing great. 

Plus, I like to think we're kinda cute.