Sesame Chicken and Skittles

STNP. Stay the night party. It might be the girl in me who loved spending the night with friends, staying up all night, and talking about everything. There's just something special about going to sleep and waking up with the party still going.

So, this past weekend Rex and I hosted one for a few of our friends (separate rooms... Don't worry mom). Matt, Zach, and Stephanie all took a break from their own summer shenanigans to join ours for the weekend.

I was a little tardy to the party the first night. Caroline was in town too, so I spent the night with her, some poetry, and a few brews. Solid choice, but the STNP was going strong when I got home. It was simply great to see each of them and hear about their summer so far.

The second day was the true adventure. Muffins. Puppies. Cake. Swimming. Laughter. All before dinner. It was simply great to experience life together again. We decided to go to the drive-in that night. Steph and Matt had never had take-out, so Chinese take-out was now a necessity. And, what's a movie without candy? A candy stop was made (tresfortres), and the phrase sesame chicken and skittles was born. It was perfect.

From there the night includes a stuffed bear, a hockey mask, more movies, even more laughter, a sunrise, a noise complaint, memories, and finally sleep.

Breakfast and Popsicles followed that next day before everyone went their separate ways. Rex left for home. Zach went back to camp. Matt's job was calling his name.

Steph and I were left to hold the fort down. Needless to say, we were extremely tired. But, the night lead to a great conversation about life and just how blessed we are by these friendships, these people we chose to do life with, these memories. We are lucky without a doubt.

Well, I'm off to Nashville for a few days. I'm sure stories will be told.

Here's to STNPs and all they bring.

Sweet Summertime

You know that feeling that only comes with summer? It is that little extra something that turns ordinary activities into adventures during sweet summer time. Well, this weekend was packed with some of those magic summer moments:

*old friends

*summer rain

*blueberries

*laughter

*peaceful times with my Abba

*games

*new friends

*popsicles

*meaningful conversations

*fountain diet coke

*a lazy Sunday afternoon

*joy

It was one for the record books.

Here’s to the magic of summer. 

Simply Living

Living. In its simplest form is the act of life, and that is exactly what I have been doing. I am working, cooking for myself, exploring this city, and building new friendships. It feels like an actual life; the past year was full of out of body experiences that almost seem so unreal to be my own. Who gets to simply discover the countryside of London one weekend and find themselves amongst the waters of Venice the next? Not many. Those experiences will forever hold a distinct place in life, but I know that realistically I cannot have those constant grand adventures on a day to day life.

I can have different adventures. Instead of spending the weekend in Paris, I discovered the local French restaurant. I spend my afternoons exploring in the local discovery center, instead of surrounded by the impressionists in the National Gallery. They are simply new adventures, and I am still learning so much about myself through them.

Okay, so let’s catch up... shall we? We shall. I have started working, and that means I now find myself at swim lessons, searching for that missing sock, or pretending to be a princess all afternoon. I am blessed. Children have always found their way into my heart, and these kids are doing just the same. It is something about that pure joy of a child that brings me my own joy.

The apartment is simply great, and I am getting to know my roommates more and more each day. I did not know either of them on a close basis before we moved in, but that is changing. Whether it be through Monday night Bachelorette discussions to craft days covered in paint real friendships are being built.

The restaurant adventure has continued and many more have been crossed of the list. The highlights for me have been Chez Fon Fon, Do Di Yos, and The Brick and Tin. All three bring such different foods to the table (literally) while offering unique atmospheres. Each experience is unique in its own. The people I am with, the actual food we eat, the day’s events, and so many other elements change each time, but the laughing of friends, the learning of new things, and the discovering of the city are all interwoven into each experience. It is so much more than food.

Work is calling my name, and Caroline is coming to visit this weekend!! I must go get ready for both.

Here’s to living in the now. 

New Things

Ramen has been eaten (sorry Mom, I am going grocery shopping tomorrow... promise). A mattress has been bought. Checks have been written. Ahhhh! And, it’s only day two. I am constantly excited about this little place that will be home; it takes the smell of a candle (completely forbidden in the dorms of course... I mean fire... satan? We get it) to make my heart simply full of excitement. 

The adventures have already started, so let’s get down to business.  Okay, so a major part of the adventures revolve around an idea Rex had to try all new restaurants this summer. I am totally onboard. Birmingham has one of the most diverse food scenes, but the real appeal to me is discovering. The city is extremely divided into unique areas and what better way to experience them all than through their food. So, to kick off the list we started off with a French café and a movie on Friday followed up by a quaint, retro dinner and a whisky bar tonight. I loved them both, but I might say tonight was the winner.

Although the food was delicious, my favorite part has been the conversations, the getting there, the sharing of experiences, the friendships. I am truly blessed to have such a strong group of friends who I can share all this with.  

Well there is so much more to say, but we are about to have our first STNP (stay the night party). What up Stephanie for the visit!

Here’s to trying new things. 

A New Adventure

So, we find ourselves here again... surrounded by boxes, hidden beneath piles, and lacking all motivation to pack. Funny how time repeats itself. Okay, okay I know it has been too long, but you have to give me credit for at least returning. I could have abandoned you. I could have simply left you to fend for yourself like the so many neglected others. But, no here I am with Alabama Shakes playing in the background (look them up... obsessed) and a new story to tell. Are you ready?     

I move in to an apartment on Saturday. That’s right I signed a lease and everything, but wait there’s a catch. It is only for a few months. I am subletting for the summer, so I like to refer to it as temporary adulthood. No matter, I will call 707 home for three months. I will pay an electricity bill. I will have a front door. I will have a stove. So, there you have it the new adventure.

Before it can all begin, I must pack my boxes and leave this town I call home. My heart truly belongs to both these cities (and London... for that matter); I miss the other when not in it. They each offer such vital things; one will always be home where I am surrounded by the love of my mom and the care of those who have known me for years, the other is a sense of independence mixed with the excitement of new friends and growth. I love them both, but Birmingham is simply calling my name this summer.

Can’t wait to keep you all updated on the new things I discover about myself, Birmingham, adulthood, and simply life.

Here’s to a new adventure

None Of Your Business

STEPSING. STEPSING. STEPSING.

That is my life right now.
The music. The dancing. The girls.
IGNATION. Enough said.
Blessed by it all.

Here's to it IGnite. Sweepstakes Bound.

The Final Weeks.

Munich Airport. 

It is raining, and I should be packing. But, you know what? I have absolutely zero motivation to pack, so here I am blogging it up and putting off all the boxes, tape, and mess. Before I go any further I must apologize for the neglect. My time in London went by so fast, and it was hard to even have time to call home. But, what you must know is that it is a good sign. I was exploring the city, deepening relationships, and growing in every way possible. It was the best experience of my life; and my heart has forever been linked to London’s.

Perfect. 

So what did you miss? Thanksgiving was a blast. It was different, but oh so much fun. My birthday came along soon after. It was a great day, but also a sad day. It was our last night all together. There were laughs, tears (most by me), and of course memories being told all night long. It was an absolutely wonderful way to greet 21 and an even better way to say goodbye to the people who became my family.

Thanksgiving. 

LOVE IT. 

We love a self timer.

After that was the great adventure! Two Weeks, Ten Cities, and Oh the memories. It was truly the great adventure. Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain all greeted us with open arms. We did everything from seeing The Alps to renting our own boats in Barcelona. It was the trip of a lifetime. Before I knew it Knoxville was calling my name, and here I am.

Barcelonaa! Barcelonaa!

Check those alps. 

America was calling our name.

Well that is what you missed in a nutshell. Break has been full of quality time with the people I missed most and the city that will always be home. I have been blessed by so many in such a short time, and it was the perfect transition back to life in the states. Now, classes are about to start, and I will be Samford bound on Saturday.

Barcelona Sunshine. 

Now that we are caught up let’s talk about the future (not to far though… that is a little scary especially for this college student whose senior year is quickly approaching). I am keeping the blog. I like sharing with you guys. It will basically be what I am feeling at that time. That may mean the newest Civil War’s song, a random story, or just about anything. So stay tuned for that. I am beyond sure this semester will be amazing, and I cannot wait to share it with you.

Here’s to a new adventure.

Home. Best Friend. Perfect.