2014: A Year in Review

As we spend our last days in the year of 2014 I am happy to say that this year is truly one for the books.  There are so many things I have to be happy for, to be proud of, to be thankful for, and to smile about.  I truly am blessed and am thankful for another year of good tidings and health.  At the beginning of this year, I was able to meet five other truly amazing girls who have hearts of pure gold and live life to the fullest.  Each one of them inspires me every day.  I was blessed enough to have finished my first year of college and it was through the support of my lovely best friend and my darling roommate who helped me on those nights when the workload was too heavy and the distance was too much.  This year I was also able to experience three wonderful vacations.  My parents, brother and I spent a week in Orlando, Florida exploring the magic that is Disney World.  I then was fortunate enough to go to Hilton Head Island for the first time ever with my boyfriend, Phil, and his dear family.  In July, I went with almost my entire family and my best friend to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee where we lived in a beautiful log cabin for a week.  My summer consisted of these travels as well as working at my dad’s business, which I was lucky enough to have been employed at. 

I began the fall semester of my sophomore year with open eyes and excitement to be reunited with all of my girlfriends and dive into my classes.  This semester I was also employed at our Center for Writing and Oral Communication (CWOC) where I tutor students in writing as well as speeches and group presentations by appointment.  This semester was definitely my favorite as I really was graced with experience in my field of early childhood education.  I was able to make great relationships with my professors, learn a great deal about my field, and tutor first grade and third grade students in reading as well as do weekly classroom observations.  After many hours spent at the library, and many Carmel Macchiatos for motivation, I was able to end the semester with a 4.0.  I am unbelievably proud of the accomplishments I have made in 2014 and in my growth as an individual and adult.  I’m really looking forward to what 2015 will bring me and what God has in store for me. 

I hope everyone spends the last day of 2014 with their close family and friends and has an amazing time ringing in the New Year! Bring it 2015!!

XOXO

25 Fun Facts About the Blogger

1. I'm a coffee addict-it's nearly impossible for me to start my day without a hot cup of joe with my favorite French Vanilla creamer (and a lot of it)
2. I am a Pinterest junkie.  I love to pin things to try and things I just enjoy in general.
3. I can't wait for my future as an elementary school teacher.  I have had this dream since I was a young girl and can't wait for it to come true.
4. I am Disney obsessed. If I'm not in Disney World I am dreaming about being there and if I am there, it's like a fantasyland of magic to me.
5. I have a weird fetish with pickles. I love dill pickles and could eat a whole jar every day if I could.
6. I love spicy food--the hotter the better.
7. If I have no where to be, you can find me lounging in my pajamas. 
8. Me, like most people, enjoy binge watching. Lately it has been Reign, Beauty and the Beast, and Jane the Virgin on the CW.
9. I love writing.  This may not shock you, seeing that I have started this blog, but it truly is my outlet and passion.
10. I love to read, although I have found it extremely difficult to find time lately.  It's one of my resolutions for this new year.
11. I'm Instagram obsessed.  Although it's not something I'm particularly proud of, I do love to share my life through my photos.
12. I have been lucky enough to have a best friend since second grade and we get to experience college together and live down the hall from one another.
13. I enjoy going to concerts.  Next month I will be traveling to Nashville to see my favorite trending artist, Sam Smith.
14. My favorite dinner is Roast Beef.  I could eat this for dinner pretty much every day and never complain.
15. I believe in second chances. Life is too short.
16. I am a devout Catholic and try to live my life as a loving Christian through God's eyes.
17. Fall is my favorite season.  I love everything about it.  The colors, the scents, pumpkins, apples, Halloween, you name it.  
18. I am addicted to making lists.  I have to make a to do list every day and have a plan.  I feel so accomplished when I get to cross something off my list.
19. My favorite past time is watching movies.  I probably know more about movies, story lines, actors, and actresses than I do about anything I learned in school...oops.
20. Family is so important to me.  I would go through hell and back to protect my family or do anything for them.  Nights spent with the ones you love are priceless and they make memories that last a life time. 
21. My all time favorite TV show is Full House.  That was such a quality show.
22. I used to want to be a detective and spent countless hours watching Forensic Files, CSI, and 48 Hours.  That dream changed but I still find forensics extremely interesting.
23. I collect Alex and Ani bracelets in gold.  Each one of them is special and has meaning to me. 
24. I have an amazing boyfriend of two years.
25. I'm from a small suburb of Cleveland, Ohio and I'm extremely proud of where I came from and how I grew up!

The Boy Behind the Blog

As you all begin to learn a little more about me every day, I feel it appropriate to introduce you all to one of the most important parts of my life.  He is the boy behind my inspiration and my support system who helped encourage me to start blogging about my life, advice, and the journey in which we embark on every single day.

This here is my boyfriend, Phillip.  Three years ago Phillip and I sat next to each other in our English class in our junior year of high school.  He was extremely introverted and shy.   He didn't say much but was always bashful but polite every time I spoke to him.  That year, I liked to talk and joke around with him because he was such a sweet and innocent kid.  Not many people had much to say about him, but there was something so intriguing.  I knew that he had a lot to say, I could tell.  He just didn't have anyone to say it to.  That year I had been struggling with a series of bad "relationships" and had my fair share of guys who used me and treated me like nothing.  I complained to poor Phillip almost every single day--he must have been really annoyed.  I never really thought much about our small and innocent side comments and conversations we had, but something told me that he did.  

We went on our separate ways and enjoyed the summer before our senior year.  During the summer I had befriended a girl and her boyfriend who's mission was to finally find me a date to our senior homecoming.  I had went to many homecomings dateless in previous years, but I really wanted to end this one with a boy to share it with.  After countless failed attempts, her boyfriend had suggested the shy Phillip.  They were good friends and he knew he was a great guy with good intentions.  I was a bit hesitant because all I knew of him was our English class and that he enjoyed video games.  But, alas, I had nothing to lose.  So then began a series of double dates.  First to iHop, then to Cedar Point's Halloweekends.  This was a big deal because there were haunted houses--terrifying.  Luckily Phillip protected me, and when our hands touched, I knew there was no turning back.   He showed up at my house a week later with a bouquet of roses and asked me to homecoming.  Days after our magical evening, he asked me to be his.

Now, two years later, we are still growing strong in our love.  It has been an adjustment since we started dating during our senior year.  We had to decide if it was worth it to continue our journey or if we should go our separate ways for college.  We'd be three hours apart and neither of us with a car to have on campus.  I was in way too deep.  I couldn't leave him.  I would have rather been miles and hours apart than live one day without him.  It's been quite the journey through the long distance.  We have grown together and as individuals.  We have grown into an adult and mature relationship and have high hopes, plans, and expectations for our future. 

This guy right here is my absolute rock.  Without his love, motivation, and support, I don't know where I would be.  We have our good days and our bad.  It can be a challenge at times but there is no doubt in my mind that it is worth it all.  I'm so thankful to have him as my boyfriend and life's biggest fan. So, here's to the boy behind this blog, behind it all, and the boy who gives me to motivation to be the best possible version of myself I could possibly be.  I love you.

XOXO

Practically Imperfect in Every Way

"Practically perfect in every way" says Mary Poppins. As a Disney character, many can say she's actually pretty perfect. But unfortunately, in today's society, we try too hard to strive for that perfection in every way.  Tummy tucks, breast implants, liposuction, starvation, and hundreds of dollars in makeup.  But, what's it all for?  Is it really going to make you feel that much better about yourself? 

We are taught that if something is broken, fix it.  In our eyes, we are all broken people.  Some have big noses, others have small eyes, some of us (especially me) have acne.  The list of imperfections seems to troll on and on throughout the years.  Every day there's a new article that comes out with how to fix our mistakes.  Hundreds of anti-aging cream and diets are created in order to make ourselves feel better about ourselves in order to fix these flaws. 

Today I woke up with the world's largest zit.  It sits on my chin taunting me as I stare into the bathroom mirror.  I ignore looking at the eyes that have seen the beautiful things that God has created in the world.  Or the ears that have heard a million stories of both young and old.  I refuse to see the mouth that speaks kind words of love or laughter.  I see the pimple sitting on my chin like grater in the earth. 

So, when does it change?  When will we learn to love ourselves?  It's hard to say.  But I can tell you, as I looked deeper into my imperfections that stared me in the face, the picture got bigger.  I began to see my wide eyes, the smile that lights up my face, and my rosy cheeks that blush when I'm happy.  I realized that these little imperfections make me who I am.  They make me different than everyone else.  I'm going to start owning who I am. Life is too short to count the flaws and fix what you think is "broken".  Enjoy who you are and love the skin you're in.  You are all beautiful people.  

XOXO
 

How I Became a Morning Person

Good Morning fellow readers!

It's a beautiful Sunday morning today in Ohio!  The craziness of Christmas has surpassed and it's a perfect time to relax, with a cup of coffee of course, and snuggle up with that blanket and enjoy the morning!

It's amazing to see how just two short years ago I would start my day by sleeping in past noon and missing half of my day.  Homework would be left to the last possible minute and even considering throwing in that load of laundry was a dying thought.  After taking many early bird classes the past few semesters, I have come to appreciate the art of waking up early.  




My internal alarm clock does not consist of sleeping in anymore.  College has helped shape me into a girl with a routine.  Every morning consists of waking up typically an hour and a half to two hours before class or any other commitments.  This may seem outlandish to those who roll out of bed in last night's clothes and barely run a comb through their hair, but trust me, once you start this routine it really is the best for you.  I begin with the morning cup of joe-if this doesn't happen I cannot function through the day.  I like to take my time in the morning and allow myself to really wake up.  I first brew my coffee and take a few moments to sit down and really enjoy it.  It helps refresh me and wake me up.  Then begins my makeup and hair routine.  I believe there is something to be said about someone who looks put together, which is why I try hard to look my best every day.  It helps me focus in class and throughout the day.  It also helps my professors and others take me seriously.  I pick out all of my outfits the night before.  This way there is no struggle of staring at my closet for a half hour trying to decide what shoes will go with that and does this color scarf match my new sweater.  I give myself plenty of time to choose that the night before, that way I go into the morning with a plan! 

I think that this routine and the planning that consists of my schedule in the morning really keeps me on track.  I have plenty of time to put myself together and prepare for the day.  Those few extra moments I have to enjoy my morning and be with myself is my favorite part of the day.  Now, I look forward to the morning as a fresh start and not something that ruined my night's sleep like I used to before.  

So, I highly suggest creating your own routine that works for you.  Spend some time with yourself in the morning.  Bask in the sunrise and enjoy your tea or cereal.  Before you know it, you might become a morning person too.

Enjoy your Sunday funday!

Winter Break

Winter break is the reward in college.  We spend 15 weeks working tirelessly, pulling all nighters, memorizing things we'll forget the minute we turn in our exam and draining caffeine like an IV in your vain.  Winter break is all we have to look forward to.

Now we're home and the excitement of Christmas has passed.  Presents have been delivered and holiday cheer has been spread.  As post Christmas depression sets in, you start to realize-what now?  

Some work over break in order to feed themselves at school. This year, I didn't take the same approach.  Luckily, I was blessed with an on campus job and decided to actually take a break. There are only so many episodes you can binge watch on Netflix.   There is only so many days you can go without changing out of your pajamas.  And there's only so many times you can go out to eat at your favorite restaurant at home before it becomes...boring. 

I rarely appreciate what is given to me at school.  As I sit home alone all day, feeling like a sluggish bum, I don't know what to do with myself.  I often feel like I have no motivation to do anything and I don't like that.  This break has reminded me of those restless nights, those late night snacks with my roommate, and those nights with your best friends at school where you make lasting memories.  As I sit here, far away from them all, I realize how blessed I am to be receiving the education and experience that college has given me.  

So, as you sit there reading this in your pajamas, flipping between channels, remember how lucky you are to be at college and to be where you are at home.  The memories you create with your family and while you are away makes you one blessed individual!

Have a splendid Saturday!

Welcome to my blog!

Hello everyone! Welcome to my blog!

My name is Kayla and I am sophomore studying Early Childhood Education at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. The past year and a half has been a journey! I moved an hour and a half away to a small university and as you can imagine, it was quite the adjustment. My life drastically changed in so many ways and I look forward to the growth that is to come.  I am so excited and beyond thrilled with what this year has brought me and I look forward to beginning 2015 on an amazing note. I am excited to share my walk through life, college, and growing up with you all and share the wisdom and words that have inspired me!