November 10, 2012

"Shake up the happiness...It's Christmastime!"

Well, not exactly, seeing as we haven't even made it to Thanksgiving yet. However, Thursday night was our first practice for the Christmas choir at church, which has become a tradition of mine for the past five Christmases now. It has been so cool to get to know more and more people, as well as just seeing it grow into the production that it has this year. Viviyan was right alongside me this time to join in the festivities again, which is so cool, because it gives us more time to hang out.

We both ended up getting to church at the same time, so we walked in together, as they were going over a few details and getting ready to hand out music. We grabbed our music, immediately glancing through the pages, seeing which songs we would be singing this time around and looking for other familiar faces, as we gathered in the worship center. Viv and I grabbed a seat up front, as others filed in and we mingled with some regular church members. Apparently, I've been missed, since I haven't been singing with the worship team much lately. I was saying I need to get back into it, because things have just been out of the normal, which is rare around our house. But, they thought that maybe it was a good time to take a break, if that's what I felt like I needed to do. I'll really be ready to get back into it after the holidays, as well! I have missed singing and being with everyone.

After a few minutes, we started. We ended up going over three songs, including: Shake Up Christmas, War Is Over, and The Messiah Came (which is an original that our pastor wrote). The more you do these songs each year, the more memories that come along with them. A couple that we went over, I just remember Viviyan and I laughing A LOT over them, which brought a smile to my face and made me remind her of it this year. The songs also get a little easier, because you've already practiced it a gazillion times before, so it clicks faster. As for War Is Over, I was having a bit of a struggle, because it's so low or it goes high. And you sing it the same the entire time, but I really do love the song! And my favorite moments are the ones where the guys are messing around and come up with the craziest things to say, and everyone is just laughing. That's what this is all about...Forming relationships to be stronger in our walks with God, and to tell others about Him, through this ministry.

We practiced about an hour and a half, which I thought was pretty good, considering how much we accomplished. Viviyan showed me her classroom, then we headed to Starbucks. In the car ride, heading towards my house, I filled her in on my graduation process and a few other little things that I'm going through right now, and I felt lifted up with possibility, rather than disappointed. I also told her about some of the changes I'd been trying to make as far as becoming more independent goes, and helping out around the house, and she was encouraging about it, as she listened. We grabbed Starbucks, and that made everything perfect. It was my first white chocolate mocha drink in one of their fancy Christmas cups, for the season. Phew! That was a long one!
We came back to my house for a few minutes, so I could show her my new room and give her her birthday present (which was in September...Yes, it has been THAT long since we've really seen each other).



I'm excited about this Christmas season, and everything coming up at church, as well as in my friend's lives and mine. It's going to be GOOD. Really good!

That's all for now,
Shelby

The Weekly Rundown

It has been a busy week, but not in the usual way. Normally, it's from running around, but this time it was more about doing stuff at the house. I'm not a girl who is used to housework ....Like, at all. Now, that my mom has been down a bit for the last week or so, I've been trying to do more, like dishes and laundry. It has been really good for me. Even in these little steps, I can see my independence breaking out a bit. I also have a newfound appreciation for everything my mom does on a regular basis. I had no idea of how much energy it really takes to make sure everything is on track, and remembering to do all the little details is quite a stretch too. I also never realized how much I depended on my mom to do everything, until she wasn't always there with me to keep informed or tell me what I needed to do in a certain situation. I have come to the conclusion that I don't mind laundry, sweeping, washing dishes or most things like that...But, I don't care for doing things in the kitchen when it comes to cooking or using things like the oven.
There were a lot more grown up moments for me this week, as I start planning for the future of transferring to the local university in town, and just learning that I'm going to have to start taking up more responsibilities as I go. It's exciting and a little intimidating, all at once.
There were also moments of great joy as we prepare for the Christmas season at church, and reconnecting with friends around there. Anyway, here was my week:

Monday:
It was a pretty chill day around the house, until later in the afternoon when my aunt came over. She picked me up and we went to Sam's Club to get my mom's prescription. There was a bit of a mix up at the pharmacy, so it took a little longer and was frustrating, but the problem was fixed. Hallelujah!





Gilmore Girls. I think it's time to do another re-watch of the series SOON! 
Tuesday:
My alarm went off as usual at 7:45. I always ignore it the first time anymore, and finally get up at 8, when I really have to get up. Normally, I'll click it over, and just take a few minutes to process that it's morning, and start getting ready. This time, I apparently turned back over and fell asleep. The next thing I knew it was 9:15, when my ride to Taft gets here at 9. I immediately jumped up and started panicking. I couldn't believe I had done that. I never have that hard of a time waking up. I checked my phone and saw that my friend, Michele, had been texting and calling me from out in front of my house, making sure everything was okay. I threw whatever was clean, scrambled to put my shoes on, and I grabbed the makeup off my counter, so I could do it in the car. My head was all over the place. My friend has a class at 9:40, and was a few minutes late, but she was totally fine with everything.
I went to the library, per my normal routine, and hung out with Amanda and some others, while trying to get work done. At 11, it was off to creative writing to listen to critiques.
The rest of the day, I still could not wake up. Something about waking up late, can really throw a person's day off. I was just completely out of it; my mind wandering in 1,000 different directions. I decided to go on a bike ride, to clear my mind and get some ideas running for a story I wanted to work on. There's nothing like a fall day and some music to focus your energy, let me tell you. I also spent some time on my front porch, writing and just taking in the beauty of the day.
It was also election day! AH! It was my first time voting; I'm sad I had to do it by mail, but it was still a big deal. I watched some of the coverage, and of course, Twitter and Facebook were enough to keep me posted. Whether or not I'm happy with the results, I think it's important that we just rely on God in this time, as a nation. We need to pull together; we're all Americans, and instead of choosing sides because of parties, let's just focus on how we can be better!!!

Now, that is the face of a president ;)
We had to be festive!! 
Wednesday:
I just love Wednesday's. I slept in, wrote for a bit, and tried to get some homework done, though with being so close to graduating, I feel that spring fever coming already. I keep wanting to delay, and there is NO time for that. I finally went out for a bike ride, later on in the day, then got a little more done. All in all, it was a good day!
New story I'm working on!! :)

Colton Dixon's girlfriend like one of my pictures on Instagram!! 

Thursday:
Since I had class again, I made sure that I didn't oversleep this time. I set almost four alarms, to make sure I'd get up. I was a little paranoid after Tuesday's unfortunate occurrence, and it worked. I had plenty of time to get ready, start my devotional, and do a few things online. I love not having to rush!

Michele came a few minutes later, and we headed to Taft. We always have some great conversations on the way out there, which I truly enjoy! I told her some pretty heavy things that were on my mind, and she shared some feedback, which was helpful. We made it to campus, and went in our separate directions. I always love going to the library, because you can do a lot of people watching in there. I sat with Amanda and her friends, and there was really no point in even trying to get work done there that day, because I didn't. Most of the time we were laughing at the guys with their in depth video game talk or YouTube videos. One of the guys wanted to show me a Jenna Marbles video. Normally, I'm not into her, but I thought I'd give it a shot. She's definitely very original when it comes to ideas for videos LOL. By the time all of this happened, it was time for creative writing.
This time, I was up for critique. I wasn't very nervous, considering most of the feedback had been pretty positive, and I was really happy about that. When my turn came for critique, I felt pretty at ease with it. I really loved hearing the comments, because I feel like this is a story I can continue and want to give my best at, so the questions they had were great. My teacher even made a comment like, "I love how she even put this disclaimer like 'oh, it's not going to be everyone's cup of tea and it's a pretty rough draft, so I'm sure there will plenty of things I can change' and then she comes out kicking @*&!" I would say that's a pretty high compliment, haha.
After class, I met up with Michele at the car and she dropped me off at home. It was a pretty chill afternoon. Later on that night, my aunt came over for a little while. It was her birthday, and since my mom's down, we weren't able to go out to dinner. She opened her presents, we chatted a bit about an upcoming trip she's taking, and then she dropped me off at choir practice for the Christmas concert that's coming up at church (which will have its own post).
The rest of the night consisted of me making Manwiches and us watching TV. Good times!



Friday:
I woke up pretty early, though I wasn't sure I really wanted to. I decided to get up and get ready, because I wasn't about to stay home and miss out on something. I went with my mom and aunt to run some errands; we went to my mom's doctor's appointment, since she can't drive right now. My aunt and I grabbed hot chocolate in the cafe downstairs, then headed up to the doctor's office a few levels up, then kept ourselves entertained with our phones and watching The Today Show in the waiting room. The appointment wasn't too long, so we were out pretty quickly.
It's finally fall!! Look at the leaves!!

Mom was feeling pretty good and the doctor said everything was looking good, so we had breakfast at Denny's to make up for not being able to go to dinner with my aunt, then went to Wal-Mart and Kohl's to pick up a few things! I found some really cool clothes at Kohl's, but most of them were nicer, if you have somewhere to go on New Year's Eve, which as of now, I don't. I really hope something changes by the end of this year! I don't want to be the single cat lady that is forever alone. And as you can tell, I'd really like to go somewhere special. *SIGH* Moving on...There's still time, right?
We came back to our house for a little while, then my aunt had to go. The rest of the afternoon, I worked on homework, actually got quite a bit done, then worked on my application for the university, since it's due by the end of the month. I had no idea what a long process the application deal is. Now that I'm really filling out the paperwork and all this stuff is coming up, it's beginning to feel more real...Cue freak out! This is big! And since I was in the mood for making changes, I decided to clean my room and bathroom, along with starting to make a game plan on how to clean my closet. I'm ready to get organized; apparently it's supposed to clear out your mind, and I could use some of that right about now.


Last night, we ended up eating Chipotle for dinner, watching TV and setting up our new electric fireplace! It's a little bit smaller than we realized, but it's still nice to cozy up next to, and is perfect for decoration with winter here now. It does warm up the room a little more too, which is nice.


It was a really great week! I'm starting to come to some realizations and BIG things are still in store for me...I have to just keep telling myself that, no matter what things may look like at this point in time. I have to just have faith in God that things will work out in time the way HE wants them to, not the way I want them to.

That's all for now,
Shelby

Day 7 Of Thanks


One year ago on November 7, 2011, I met these ladies at a church Bible study. The way we all connected was something that only God himself could have planned out. They have changed my life in so many ways, each of them touching my heart in an individual way. They have inspired my daily walk with God, as well as just who I am as a person. I love them all dearly, and I know that no matter where life takes us, they'll always be there. No matter how much time has passed in between, I know their friendship is always there, and we're all still connected by that one night. It's just like the bond in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

November 9, 2012

The Holiday Blues

If I wrote a book at this point in time, it would be called : Confessions of a consistently single girl. That is in fact my life. I had thought of starting a blog about that awhile back, but then I figured it would be too depressing and would make me look desperate, which I'm really not. I just like to make blogs for any possible thing that I can. So, I decided against it. Maybe it's the holiday cheer that's messing with my heart and mind this week, but is too much to ask for that someone special this year? I've been faithfully praying about for years, as cheesy as it sounds. I think it's one of the most important decisions you'll make in your life, so I figured, why not start early? I'm not the girl who has ever needed a guy. I've always been much more focused on my friends, family, and career that even this year, I haven't given it too much serious thought, just thinking about the prospect of it all. Sure, I've been open to it, if it happens, but I don't think I've been out there dwelling on it. This season is another story, and I guess a lot of people are like that.

I'd rather be alone than with the wrong one, like so many others my age, but I feel like if the right one was to come along, I would be ready. Heck, I just want to go on a date, seeing as I've never officially been on one. It sounds nice; getting dressed up, butterflies in your stomach, thinking about seeing that crush of yours, and just jumping into something new.  I've never been one to put my heart on the line as far as guys go or one who has really cared much for the dating scene. I guess I get caught up more in the idea of a person, rather than actually getting attached or putting myself out there, trying to get to know someone. I think of them as characters in my mind, rather than getting too close, because it's probably not going to work out for me anyway. It's easier to fall for an idea, so I don't get hurt and if it doesn't work out in the end, it's a lot easier to move on (from what I've seen and heard). Plus, you can get great material out of it. Just ask most of the songwriters today! I want to believe in the best, but when that's all you've ever known, it's a habit hard to break.

I was studying last night, when I saw this article on the side of a web page (can you believe it was Spark Notes?!) that said "Why Crushes Can Be Better Than Boyfriends." Here's what they said:
  • Crushes basically require you to geek out with your friends
  • Your free time is yours...All yours!
  • It's never as good as you think it's going to be
  • You can focus on your friendships
  • If you're in a relationship, you no longer get to crush on eeeeeveryone
They make some good points, but I'm not looking for something perfect anymore, just because someone can make it sound like a movie line or it seems "magical". I'm tried of living in that dream world that I've been in for so long. I want something real; where I'm annoyed and so in love with a person at the same time. Someone who will challenge me. Someone who doesn't really put up with my crap, when it's something completely irrational. Someone who will just be there to listen. I don't want someone that's going to change my everything and I have to be with 24/7 or someone that is going to consume my every minute; I need my space. I just want someone who is going to be the finishing touches on the amazing life I already have. I want to know at the end of the day I still have that person to confide in.  Isn't that what everyone wants?

I sound like a broken record when I say, "I'm trying to be patient and know that God has a plan," but it's true. I really am content in knowing that if nothing works out soon, like I'd hope for it to...I'm going to be okay. I know that He has someone incredibly special in mind, who is out there in this world somewhere as we speak, and I just have to keep holding onto that. My main focus should be my relationship with God, then transferring out to the university here in town, and just getting some things done for me, and then we'll see. I have plenty to keep me busy in the meantime, and that person will always be out there, when the time is right. I've been seeing that with plenty of other aspects in my life with friends and school lately. God is just telling me to slow down. I've been trying to rush through all of these phases in my life for quite some time

"I wanna be that girl, when she falls in love it's like a big deal and it's a rare thing." ♥ Taylor Swift
That's what I want most. I've never been in love, and when I finally do...I want it to be everything that all of those ridiculous songs on the radio talk about, even if the relationship breaks my heart. I want every moment to be worth the wait. I'm excited to see where God takes me in this department. 

And I'll be sure to keep you guys updated every step of the way,

Shelby

Winter Is Coming!

Winter Is Coming!

Ugg australia
shopbop.com

Studded handbag
topshop.com

Sunglasses
$175 - vintage-brillen-shop.de

First Date

November 8, 2012

Day 6 Of Thanks


I am so thankful for Taylor Swift. I know that sounds lame and shallow once again, but honestly, she has inspired me like I don't think anyone else ever has. She has been around since I was in about 8th grade (14 years old), and she reminded me of the beauty of dreams. When I saw that she was writing and playing her own songs on the guitar, it made me think, 'Hey, I can do that too!" And so I started taking a stab more at writing songs, which was something I was new to. She wrote the songs of things I was thinking in my head, but didn't quite know how to put into metaphors and fancier terminology.

But, it's more than that...She has reminded me of how to treat people; she treats everyone the same, and she gets almost as excited about seeing a fan as she would her best friend. The times I've met her, I felt like I was talking to a friend; with about fifty million hugs, and just a constant ease and warmth, as soon as she walks into the room! She's right when she said she would never put up the barrier between an artist and a fan, and because of that millions of people all around the world feel like they can call her 'friend'. She's still so easily accessible to some degree, even though it's harder to meet her, because of her schedule and popularity.

When she releases an album, it becomes my soundtrack for that point in my life. I can still listen to a song off of her first record, and think back to how I was at that moment in time, and who I was thinking about. Her songs are the soundtrack to my life. Red is currently the album I can't stop playing, obviously, and even though I might not quite identify with all of the songs, because I've never been in that situation, Taylor's ability to write, allows you to picture and feel all of those emotions, which is quite rare.

There's so much I could say about her, but basically she inspires me, plain and simple. There are so many ways that I feel we're alike, as far as how our minds work. She's the number one person I would love to interview when I become a journalist, because I just find her so fascinating. We could talk about cats, the TV show Friends, the structure of writing, and most importantly, music. I have already had so many incredible memories with her and because of her, which has allowed me to meet some pretty cool people all around the world. Her music brings people together, and I can honestly say, she really brought me back into what feels so special about country music, and that's the storytelling. I can't wait to see what the future holds for her, and that I can say I've been there from the very beginning.

THANK YOU SCOTT BORCHETTA for discovering her!

Day Five Of Thanks


I'm thankful for the fact that we have the right to choose we elect into office, and we can let our voice be heard, which is so uncommon in so many other countries out there. This was my first election that I was actually able to vote in, and it felt really good knowing that I'm a young woman of only 20 years old, yet it matters what I think. Once again, in other countries that is rare...Women don't have the right to speak, let alone vote in something so important like this, and I don't ever want to take that for granted.


November 5, 2012

Wilmington


I finally found the time to edit a video blog of what I did in Wilmington! It was such a fun trip and I can't wait to hopefully go back someday! :) Check it out and let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Shelby :)

Favorite Fall Items

  1. Sweaters: You can never have too many sweaters, although, in California, it's still warm and I don't get to wear them as often as I'd like to. They are so versatile; you can dress them up with jeans and nice boots or keep them casual with leggings and ballet flats.
  2. Denim shirts: They go with everything. 'Nuff said!
  3. Colored pants: They're such a festive way to dress up the season, while wearing a basic tee and some jewelry! Plus, they're just fun! 
  4. Blazers: These are a staple in my wardrobe! There are so many colors and patterns out there now, that you can stay warm during the winter and look fashionable doing it.
  5. Black combat boots: I really love my combat boots! They make me feel tough, and give that worn look like you've had them forever. 

6. Music: There's something really inspiring about listening to GOOD music during the fall, and Taylor Swift's albums usually just happen to drop during this time. It's the perfect fall soundtrack.
7. Brown boots: I think brown equestrian style boots just make any outfit look really classy and dressed up. Once again, these look great with anything.
8. Saddle bag: Something about these types of bags, just scream fall to me. It goes with a lot of the great autumn colors and a lot of the fall styles. Plus, they have a vintage style and feel to them.
9. Hats: When I was younger, I always felt strange wearing hats, like it drew more attention to me, but as I got older and didn't feel like messing with my hair, I started throwing them on more. I love fedora's and baseball caps, but I'd really love to try one of these out, because they're perfect for fall/winter.
10. Tights: I really love the designs on tights these days. I think they say so much about a personality or the kind of look you're trying to convey with the outfit you're wearing. There are so many different patterns and colors that there is literally a pair of tights to go with just about anything.

What are some of your fall must haves? Tweet me or comment in the section below :)

That's all for now,
Shelby

Day Four Of Giving Thanks


As cheesy as it sounds, I'm so thankful for Carrie Underwood and her music! She has been there for me since 7th grade. I immediately connected with her for being a small town girl with big dreams, who was also majoring in journalism. That was something I'd also always wanted to do. The fact that she was also a little on the quiet/shy side comforted me in knowing that she's the same way, but she's still going after what she wants. I loved that she was so open about her faith and where she came from. Every night, she still proclaims her faith and brings people closer to God, that might not otherwise know Him. She is proof that dreams come true, and if you wait on God's timing, He will bless you beyond anything you could have ever imagined. I am thankful for all of the experiences and how much I've learned because of her. But, more importantly, I have made so close friendships with people that I talk to on such a regular basis, and no matter where they may live, they're still always there for me, sometimes more than the ones who live here. It has been quite a ride the past eight years. Carrie has inspired me in so many ways, and I can't wait to see what the next eight years holds for her career.

Day Three Of Giving Thanks


I am so thankful for my hometown. Alright, so it's not as small as it sounds-it's a pretty good size city, not too far away from Los Angeles, the beach, the mountains, and a lot of other really cool places. It doesn't always have the most exciting things to do, but it's really not that bad. I don't think I honestly started appreciating it until I saw the Bakersfield Sound exhibit at the Country Music Hall Of Fame museum in Nashville. I realized what an impact it has made on the country music industry and how many people respect this town, including Brad Paisley. No matter how much I complain or wish I lived somewhere else, or was from somewhere else...I'm from here and the people, experiences, and landmarks have made me who I am today. Nothing can change that. Carrie Underwood puts it best, "Thank God for hometowns!"