A Sentimental Nature

Y'all. This week has been Stressful. With a capital "S." Balancing work as the largest event of the year draws ever nearer while making sure to keep up with all other responsibilities has lead to me to wake up in a panic at 3 am more than once. I'm terrified of forgetting to do something. Or making a huge mistake the effects the efforts of others. When I woke up at 3 am this morning, the relief that came from knowing I didn't have to wake up for reals in a few hours allowed for some time to gather my thoughts.  I started to look around my room and noticed that all of my favorite pieces of decoration were gifts. My Deer Lodge blanket was a going away gift from my supervisor in Montana. The beautiful green hand-knitted blanket hanging off my headboard was a graduation present from a dear friend. My walls are covered with pictures, paintings, and cross-stitches from people I am lucky enough to call friends and family. Just taking in that thought, and remembering all the other pieces around my apartment with similar origins suddenly calmed me and reminded me that even though times have been stressful in the past there have always been people willing and able to help in some way.  Through action or simply encouragement. And if a mistake was made there was always a way to recover or be forgiven. And then I went back to sleep. 

If you're feeling weighed down by the many things you need to accomplish, personally or professionally, take a minute to look around you and think of all the different people of which your surrounding remind you. Think of how they helped you along the way and how, maybe, hopefully, you helped them as well. Allow it to make you smile. Take a deep breath and remember I'm rooting for you! Just thought I would share that in case someone else has been waking up before the sun :)

Sheila

Life Day 2014!

Do you know what today is? Today is the second anniversary of my car accident. Last year on this day, I retold the story of the car rolling off the interstate and me walking out (through the windshield) with little more than bruises and scrapes, with lots of pictures and details, and declared August 5th to be Life Day. It seems unnecessary to relive those details this time around but very important to hold on to the ultimate feeling of blessing, joy, and love. Life Day is a reminder to celebrate all the little things around us that make life special that can be so easy to forget and take for granted. It's especially impactful after having spent last weekend with four of my closest friends in the world for our annual Girls Weekend trip.



We just got back yesterday from our long weekend trip in St. Augustine, FL. We had an amazing weekend full of lots of delicious food, amazing adventures, and plenty of laughs. There was one moment in particular that hit me; all four of us were back in the hotel room eating junk food and playing Cards Against Humanity and suddenly we were all laughing uncontrollably. It just got out of control. I laughed until my sides literally ached. What about you ask? Nothing in particular. Just a series of words that all of a sudden were the funniest thing we'd ever heard. At that moment in all the laugher I was crying. Part of it was because of laughing so hard, the other part was because I just felt so incredibly complete around these women and thankful to be there to share it with them. Of course, I said nothing at the time or I would have totally ruined an otherwise hysterical moment with my excessively emotional ramblings.

Since my last Life Day I've moved to Greenville and have become happily settled. I've found a job that I love and created career happiness. I've learned to deal with a lot of the feelings that we were still causing trouble last year. I adopted the sweetest, cutest kitten ever (even if she is nipping at my toe at the moment because she wants me to stop typing and cuddle).  I've met some lovely new people and grown even closer to some already in my life. One bestie is about to have her first baby! Another just got engaged! My family continues to be loving, wonderful, and close even from hundreds of miles away. Big things are happening and I'm so grateful, especially on Life Day, to have the opportunity to take it in. And also, I'm grateful to be able to share it with a group of small but loyal readers and internet friends. Update: Smudge has compromised by cuddling on my shoulder and still letting me type with one hand.

I hope you have your own life day but under much happier circumstances! Anything you're particularly grateful for when you take a minute to think about it? I'd love to know!

Sheila

The Skinny (and Smudge!)

It's been a very busy two weeks! I say 2 weeks because that's how long it's been since I've posted... Sorry... A few big things happened though and I'd love to fill you in.

First, on Friday the 6th I went to an Etsy craft party at Due South Coffee hosted by Jessica of TinOiseux  and Brooke of Juxtaposition. These two lovely ladies know how to throw a craft party! I had so much fun meeting other crafty people and making a personalized Sharpie mug.



Next, I randomly picked the USA out of a bag as my World Cup team in the office contest. And we beat Ghana! I have never cared so much as about any sport as much as this World Cup. That last second goal by Portugal on Sunday almost gave me an aneurysm.

After that, we headed to Atlanta for the National Conference of Volunteering and Service. Y'all. It was inspiring, exhilarating, educational, and most definitely exhausting. It was WAY bigger than anticipated. My favorite session was a "fireside" chat with women with several women with highly successful careers discussing the lessons they've learned and mistakes they've made. It was incredible. I fangirled shamelessly.



Lastly, and most excitingly, I GOT A KITTEN. Her name is Smudge and she's 2.4 pounds of sweetness. A bit skittish, more than a little silly, but definitely the sweetest. Her favorite place to cuddle is on face. It's cool. I've already gone a little crazy with toy buying but the next step is obviously toy-making. I'll be the first to admit I haven't historically been a cat person but Smudge really picked me, and who am I to argue with that face? When I was at the Humane Society for another event I just happened to look in on the animals available. All the other kittens were going nuts from the excitement of the dogs and people outside. All except a little puff butt in the corner cage facing away. She looked over her kitten shoulder at me, got up, and walked over to lay down as close to me as possible. My heart melted and I knew if she was still there after I got back from the conference in Atlanta that it was meant to be.



What I didn't expect to happen is that I was actually really worried she wasn't going to be there when I got back. I called the Humane Society multiple times to check. I didn't even go home first when I got back into town, I went right there and picked her up. Now we've had a nice long weekend of quality time to play and bond. #BFFL

That's it! Lots of new things but all good. Now we're up to speed and ready for the next round of fun, creative posts. Who are you routing for in the World Cup? Any advice for this first time kitten mom? I'd love to know!

Sheila

Happy (slightly early) Birthday to Me!

Tomorrow is my Birthday and I couldn't possibly be more excited. I have amazing plans for an adventure with some of my favorite people. I CAN'T WAIT.  Last night I was reflecting on my first 25 years and thought I would do something a little different and fun. It's a gif list because I'm a millennial after all. Without further ado: 25 things I've learned in 25 years.

1. 25 is still young enough that being carded is annoying.

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2. Sometimes I still think boys have cooties. Other times sometime I know they do.

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3. Calories are sneaky, sneaky bullies.

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4. I have become worse at over-estimating my own abilities as I get older. Or just more stubborn. Same dif.

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5. I don't know how to respond to recommendations for anti-aging or wrinkle creams. Apparently now is the time for that stuff. Already.

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7. In the past few years I've found all sorts of new ways and reasons to be confident.

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8. I no longer feel the need to pretend I'm enjoying things I have no interest in.

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9. I've learned to prioritize, and the importance of saying no.

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10.  I have a different level of appreciation for caffeine.

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11. I have to admit that some of the best conversations ever will never remembered.

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12. I don't need to apologize for just being myself. Or to inanimate objects..

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13. We are all emotional about different things that don't seem important to other people. That doesn't mean it's not a valid emotion.

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14. The more money I have to spend, the more likely I am to waste it. 

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15. It's funny to think of the things that are funny now, but were NOT funny at the time.

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16. What other people think about me is not my business. 

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17. Even after years of being away from things, like singing and theater, I still see glimpses of them everywhere and love to support it. You never outgrow the things that are part of who you are. 

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18.  The only long term plan I can count on is that plans will change. 

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19. Failure is just a part of life. Avoiding that creates mediocrity.

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20.  Saying something silly is also, unfortunately, a part of life. Learning to apologize and try again is a continual lesson.

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21. I used to take time with family for granted. Now it seems like the most precious thing in the world.

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22. Friends are the best investment one could make.

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23.  It's okay to show happiness and joy even if no one else is. That's when everyone needs it the most.

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24. Occasionally I'm stricken with a panic that I've wasted my youth by not being "exciting enough" or not going on enough adventures, and them I remember how young I still am.

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25. Sometimes even we introverts need a night out.

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I'm posting this today instead of tomorrow because I won't want to spend one minute away from the action even if the action is just sitting and talking. Thanks so much for being a part of what made 24 a special year :) What would make your list? I'd love to know!

Sheila

P.S. HAPPY SPRING! 

Do you write down recipes anymore?

How long has it been since you've written down a recipe, instead of just bookmarking or 'pinning' it?



Every few months I pull out this recipe book and add in my favorites. Not just anything that looks interesting, but a recipe that's been tested and enjoyed multiple times. If it makes it into the recipe book, there is something special about it that deserves to be recorded the old-fashioned way.



This book in particular is special because my Mother gave it to me. My parents celebrated their wedding anniversary this past week, which made me a little nostalgic and sentimental. Mom gave this recipe book to me with a few of our family favorites written in already so anything added has to live up to the standard. Most recently, this recipe for personal-sized baked oatmeal lived up to the bar (I write this as I eat one right now. No joke.)



I also love recipe cards. For some reason, they seem perfect for cookies and baking recipes. There are few simple pleasures I enjoy more than giving someone a recipe written on a cute little card, instead of emailing a boring ol' link.

Do you write down recipes? Do they have a certain standard to live up to before you record them? I'd love to know!

Sheila

New Apartment Tour!

I've now lived in my new place for just shy of a month. It's been an interesting month; I've had electrical problems, plumbing issues, and some other little things that have made me think it might be an interesting year. Aside from those things, I LOVE the location and the lay out. I thought it might be fun to give you a little glimpse of the empty apartment through this little video I recorded for a friend the very first day I was here.

It cut me off a little at the end (let's be honest, I wasn't even really sure I was recording). Since this video was made, I'm happy to say I now have a bed AND a couch. Because those are things grown-ups have. Still working on the rest of it... 

Any suggestions? I'd love to know what you think!

Sheila

"Oooh, You Make Me Live..."

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. I sure did! 

I met up with some of my closest friends from childhood. I met these girls in elementary school when we were all doing children's theater. Now we're all approaching the big 2-5 and I'm the only one who isn't a professional actress! It's amazing to have friends that are inspirations. It's a special friendship that survives across vasts distances and times to create inspiration. The inspiration to create. To risk. To be the best version of myself. To be the friend they deserve. Being able to get all 4 of us in the same place (heck, in the same state!) was nothing short of a miracle. It was pretty much the greatest.





I've come to the realization that I won't have as much free time in the next few months. Many events are on the calendar in my professional and personal life. I've made the decision to enjoy writing the blog but not stress about posting regularly. I may be trying not to stress about it, but I will probably still be posting at least a few times a week. Learning how to balance is a fascinating lesson and so far I need a lot more practice!

Any recommendations on time management? If you write a blog, how did you find your happy medium? Any friends who are inspirations to you!? I'd love to know :)

Sheila

P.S. Aren't we just so stinkin' cute?

Honesty Alert: Uncertainty

My year of service is over in less than a month. A few short weeks actually. And I'll be honest: I have no idea what I'm doing next.

It's terrifying and liberating all at the same time. I'm the kind of person who has always needed a plan. I make a choice and I go with it almost to the point that I become blinded to any other opportunities that might present themselves. It's kinda my thing.

But now, with weeks left until my end of service and many possibilities but no definites I'm forced to face the reality of the situation: I have very little control in this. It's about patience and trust. Honestly, it's a little difficult to write about. It makes me feel irresponsible. Why don't you have you're life together and know all the answers, self? The truth is if I were to have made plans for this coming year, or agreed to the ones that seemed to be shaping earlier, I would have been rushing myself into a choice just to have it made. I wouldn't have given myself time to chose wisely, I would have just made a plan. to have a plan So instead, basically I chose uncertainty. This time, my choice was to slow down, evaluate options, try my best, and wait.

It's hard to do that. All the negative stereotypes about Millennials being lazy or entitled makes me feel like I need to work THAT much harder to proved that is not the case, as least for the majority of Millennials I know. To every risk, every endeavor, every opportunity, there is an element of uncertainty that looms above like a rain cloud over a picnic. Am I qualified? Do I actually know what I want? If I'm in a position to accomplish big things, will I be good enough?

That goes beyond the professional arena as well. Where to live? How do I continue to foster and maintain friendships as we grow older and move along in our lives? Will the choices I make now influence advancement for the rest of my life? AHHH.

Such is the life of a 20-something over-thinker.

Have you ever felt this way? Like you almost needed to accept uncertainty to gain perspective? Or maybe you didn't chose it but it's being forced on you and now you have to make the best of it. Is this what is referred to as a quarter-life crisis? Any advice? I'd love to know.

Sheila

P.S. Is making the world a better place too broad to be a long-term goal? :)

P.S.S. Don't forget about the giveaway! I'm at least certain that's awesome!