A "Kimmie-Life" Update!

Hi internet peoples! Just wanted to update you all on the crazy changes that have been happening recently in my life.

So as you may know I was attending a 4-year private university and paying for it basically on my own. However, it got to the point where I couldn't afford $400/a month payments with out a job or a car to get to a job. So, I made the decision to transfer back to my local community college because I can go to school for a fraction of the cost ($43,000/a year vs. aprox $1,000/a semester!) and I had a stable job at Northrop Grumman that I love and can put money away towards transferring back to a four year. 

Honestly, the hardest part about making this decision, despite everything weighing in the favor of moving home, was that so many people I know got caught in the "community college trap" and personally my sister has been at this college for 5 years! Also, for so long I have been wanting to get away from my home life and basically start over and be able to control my own life on my own, and I was clinging to that like crazy because I felt like I had finally gotten out and I desperately didn't want to go back. I had this whole plan in my head of what was going to happen in my life and what I was going to do and from the moment I started having to transition into college believe me that NOTHING went according to that plan. But I learned something very important through all of this: sometimes what is best for us isn't always what we want and we have to learn to accept this and "roll with the punches" and curves thrown at us in life. More times that not in life you are going to have to do something you may not neccessarily want to or is not what you want to do in order to do what is best for you and best for your future. And whether we like it or not life doesn't follow the plan we make for ourselves, it is our job to make the best out of what we are given and work our tails off in order to make a life worth living. Remember make every day worth living! Sending big hugs from my computer screen to yours!

Thanksgiving Summary

Hey all! I am sorry I haven't been updating recently, what with finals and essays galore I have barely had any time what so ever! I hope you all had amazing Thanksgiving breaks and yummy food comas!

For this Thanksgiving I was fortunate enough to get to go up to Nor Cal to spend Thanksgiving with my dad. The bus ride up to there was really long and boring (9 hours!!!) but the week itself was so much fun. They have 3 dogs: Saki, Mika and Max and they are so hyper and loving and always there to play with. And on top of that my dad's girlfriend's kids are really awesome and I got along great with them. (However, I didn't get to meet the two boys until the day after Thanksgiving because they were with their dad).

On Thanksgiving day we ate dinner rather early and had more of a Thanksgiving lunch so that way we could celebrate with my "somewhat step sister" before she went to Thanksgiving dinner with her boyfriend's family. We spent the rest of that day enjoying each other's company and watching funny movies and YouTube videos(and I was able to call Johnny that evening because he was back at home!)

But what most people forget is that Thanksgiving and Christmas are about more than eating a lot and getting presents. It is about being with those you love and being able to be thankful for everything around you. If you truly look at your life how thankful are you on a daily basis? Most don't want to admit that we really aren't that thankful. So especially around this time of year make sure to be super grateful for everything in your life because you always have to remember that their is someone out there who doesn't have what you do and could be wishing they did right this moment. So be thankful for everything you have and make sure to let your family know how much you love them because the Holidays only come once a year! Happy Holidays and big hugs from my computer screen to yours!

Rest In Peace, My Dear Friends

I realized that yesterday marked the anniversary of loosing my "Fairy God Mother" Diane L. Jonasson. I will never forget being woken up to hear my mom crying because we had gotten the news that Diane had passed away. She had been my mom's best friend for longer than I could remember. She has survived ovarian cancer only to be taken down by a brain aneurysm. 

Then less than two years afterwards, I remember breaking down and crying in front of everyone at SCJ Kickball because my God Brother Erick Jonasson also left this earth. According to the doctors he died of clogged arteries, but anyone who knew him better would tell you that he died from a broken heart. He and his mom were like two peas in a pod and I know that he was hurting and struggling. 

(Yes, He was a bad a$$ pirate!)

They were both amazing and talented people who didn't deserve the hardships they were handed throughout life. They were kind and caring souls who I am proud to have been able to call family. They taught me so many things in life and was always there with a smile and words of encouragement. Every time I think of the times we spent together I still can't help but want to cry because they aren't here with me. I am truly thankful to have been able to be a part of both their memorial services. I know that they are in a better place watching over all of us and you will always stay in my heart. Rest In Peace and I love and miss you both dearly.

Dear High School Seniors..

Dear High School Seniors,

          Here are a couple of tips and tricks about surviving your senior year and the college application process. Tip number one: always remember to get stuff done ON TIME! I know its common place to wait to the last minute to get stuff done, but all this does is increase the stress on you and make your life unnecessarily more difficult. Especially when it comes down to college and scholarship deadlines YOU CANNOT PROCRASTINATE!!! Take it from someone who suffers from procrastination, colleges will not accept late applications and neither will scholarship boards. Plus, it makes you look sloppy and lazy!

          To go along with this, get a planner and in general GET ORGANIZED. Start writing everything down and set deadlines for yourself. This will help you get organized and you can avoid falling behind. Do some research on study and organization skills. Developing important organizational skills will set you leagues ahead in college if you start now! Remember to prioritize and keep everything orderly, I don't know anyone who can be organized when they are surrounded by piles of clutter. Here is a link to a powerpoint on organization put out by my school: click here! I have tried several organization methods in the past and I like this one the best because of its simplicity, but if the more complex ones work for you then have at it!

          Number three: utilize your english teacher. I can't tell you how many times I went to my English teacher and asked him to read over my application essays, and numerous times he saved my essays from being utter disasters! Ask your teachers to help you, that is what they are there for! Also, when it comes to writing application essays: often times you will come across a lot of the same questions each worded differently. So if you write a couple generic essays then you can spend a few minutes tweaking it to fit the specific essay rather than a half hour completely re-writing.

          Always remember, take a deep breath and remember why you are working so hard. Is it because you want to make something out of your life? Achieve a goal? Make yourself and those around you proud? Or is it 'All of the above'? Never give up. It will all be worth it in the end.

Sincerely,

Someone who has been in your shoes!

Fall is Finally Here!

There are a couple very key ways to know when fall has arrived:

1. the leaves start to change

2. the air is crisp and cool 

3. people are starting to wear scarves and jeans more than shorts and tank tops 

4. you can get pumpkin spice coffee at Starbucks (and for those of you over 21: Oktoberfest has arrived as well as Sam Adams Octoberfest lager.) 

5. Decorations are starting to be put up! Here are some pictures of the decorations we put up for my suite: (fun fact, we won the decorating contest!)

6. Halloween movies on TV! (I personally LOVE watching the movies that come on Disney Channel that I grew up with like Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, and the Little Vampire!)

How many of you are excited for fall? I really love fall because its so relaxing and the crispness in the air and playing with the leaves! Also for us students, fall symbolizes the end of midterms! 

So now going into the second half of the first semester I feel more comfortable with my system and am settling more into the college life.

Reaction Essay to the Documentary: The Business of Being Born

For my Intro to Psychology class we had to watch a documentary created by Ricki Lake. It is a very interesting perspective on home birth and midwives. (If you want to watch the documentary it is on YouTube and Netflix, but be warned it has very mature content.) So I just thought I would share with you the reaction paper I wrote. Don't worry its not 10 pages long! Ha ha ha!

           Like all documentaries, The Business of Being Born represented a situation or standpoint.  This documentary argued for home birth and the use of midwives in contrast to in-hospital birth.  The documentary presented a very interesting and compelling argument, however that I feel as though was based largely on emotional appeal by showing actual births and a history on birth.  The prospective of at home birth does scare me a little bit and while watching the documentary I couldn’t help but play devil’s advocate and think about all that could go wrong and not having the luxury of being at a hospital.  Although, on the flip side the prospect they presented of the interventions “like a domino effect” was also slightly disturbing and I found myself thinking that if I gave birth in a hospital I would be saying “don’t bring that needle near me!”  The documentary absolutely achieved it’s goal and succeeded in getting an emotional response from me.

            The argument did have a lot of strong factual evidence to support the emotional side.  When they brought up the idea of planning your birth via cesarean, I personally found it appalling.  It was as though birth was being thought of as some sort of fashion statement or convenient thing to fit into your schedule.  I do agree with the documentary that birth should be this natural and beautiful thing that changes your life and being given drugs and other instances can take away from that experience and make some women feel “robbed” of that experience.  All over, having not yet gone through the experience of having a baby I can’t even imagine what these women go through or the work it is do decide how to bring your baby into this world.  The documentary is open about the fact that pregnancy and labor can be very difficult and painful and that there is a lot that can go wrong. 

            It was intriguing that the documentary showed the history of birth as well as how midwives work.  How difficult it can be to be a midwife in today’s society, working with the insurance companies and being in a world, and job market, run by hospitals is something I never would have thought about.  It reminds the audience that making a living today is very hard, especially when you don’t follow the typical cookie-cutter mold.

            After watching this documentary I certainly have a new prospective on births and the different ways to bring a child into the world.  I would like to do more research on this topic to see the pros and cons about home birth vs. hospital birth and I feel like this may be an option for when I have a child of my own.  Ricki Lake was definitely passionate about her subject and I feel over all the documentary was very powerful and meaningful to see a side that no one ever thinks about or have even heard about.  It was fascinating to get to see this because it definitely opened my eyes a bit more.

10 Ways to Cheer Yourself Up and Deal With Anxiety

Hey guys! So I wanted to do this post because I have been suffering from depression and sever anxiety as well as bi-polar for quite a while. But the biggest key is to just find things that cheer you up and make you feel relaxed.

1. Watch a Disney Movie (or really any "kid movie"). Nothing brings back that childhood enthusiasm and innocence like Disney. When you watch a Disney movie you can just feel like a little kid again, when everything was simple. Some of my favorite "kid" movies are Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, Tangled and Treasure Planet.

2. Fluffy animals: Petting or cuddling with your pet is actually very therapeutic. A good alternative, Googling pictures of cute, baby, fluffy animals or watching YouTube videos (escaping panda!)

3. Get Comfy. Curling up with a stuffed animal, a cup of hot chocolate and reading a good book. This pulls you out of the real world and into a world of adventure or mystery or the supernatural, wherever the story takes you, it gives you an escape.

4. Meditate. Meditation is a very useful way to relieve stress and anxiety. Through meditation you basically are removing yourself from everything that is happening, removing yourself from your thoughts and just relaxing and allowing your mind to take a break amd sort through everything.

5. Take a bubble bath (or if you prefer a hot shower)! I know this sounds cheesy but bubble baths/showers will relax your muscles and allow you to ease back and take time for yourself. Remember, don't get caught up in thoughts about what made you upset, but try to clear your mind. And people actually do most of there thinking in the shower. 

6. Build a Fort! When is the last time you built a fort out of couch cushions and random stuff around the house? Remember how fun it is to just be a little kid again and be silly and care free. Maybe even invite a friend to join you and have a paper airplane fight or pretend that you are warring kingdoms. Just have fun. (Building a fort blog post: click here!)

7. Watch Funny Videos. Three words: America's Funniest Videos! Or just go to YouTube. They say that laughter is the best medicine and I most certainly agree. After all, who can be sad after you just made your sides hurt from laughing? Laugh until you can feel six-pack abs coming in!

8. Ice Cream. I seriously, who can resist ice cream? Cuz I know I can't! Ice cream has to be 

one of my favorite things in the world. Plus, chocolate releases endorphins in your brain,  basically a "happy signal." 

9. Non-depressing Music! One of the worst things to do when you are down is to listen to music that continues that trend! Put on some funny or silly music. Or even listen to kids music. My happy music is stuff like "If I didn't have you" from Quest for Camelot and the sho-be-do song from Tarzan. 

10. Blowing Bubbles. One thing I tend to do is go to the park nezt to my house and sit on oneof the swinfs and just vlow bubbles. It's a lot of fun and you can just relax and then race around popping the bubbles! Ha ha.

So the moral of this post is that when you are down or upset, do something that makes you happy, find something that makes you laugh. Don't let it get you down! You havepeople who care about you and think that you are an amazing person. Don't be afraid to shine and when things seem at their lowest,  just remember to smile! 

"Regrets are the past crippling you in the present" - Under the Tuscan Sun

My First $80 Date!

This past Saturday my boyfriend Johnny and I went out to Black Angus Steakhouse. First off, the food was insanely delicious. Second,  the got the dinner for two deal on the menu and got a three course meal for sixty dollars! I have never had filet mignon in my life and it fell apart when I cut it with my fork. Can you say YUM! (Sufficed to say we couldn't eat it all!) 

Here is a picture of the aftermath of an appetizer, two entrees: filet mignon and New York style steak,  with two sides each and a mud pie cake for desert!

So I just thought I would share this because it was something that made me really happy to be able to feel all fancy. Also, it's not something I get to experience much, especially coming from a poverty line standpoint, high class and fancy to us is usually getting to go to Red Robin or Cold Stones for desert. It's nice to break away from that. 

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

My aunt, boyfriend Johnny and I went to the see Cloudy with a Chance 2 after they picked me up from college to come home for the weekend. I absolutely loved the movie! It was entertaining, funny, and also it had a really good moral behind it. I thought it was really awesome how they referenced other movies like King Kong and Jurassic Park.

The movie picks up directly where the first one ends and is about the machine creating food animals. However, we probably all know that by now. The movie's main message is about doing the right thing and staying true to who you are. I feel like today kids don't get that message enough so I loved that it had such a positive message all while making you laugh!

On another note,  I thought the food animals were adorable and I totally want a taking animated strawberry now! Ha ha ha!

In case, by some mysterious cause, you haven't seen the trailer, here ya go:

My "Fab-Five" YouTube Channels I am Subscribed To

So I got bored and just decided to do the top five (well six) favorite YouTube Channels. They aren't in a particular order. So enjoy!

1. The Hillywood Show - The Hillywood Show is run by two sisters: Hilly and Hannah Hindi and they make musical parodies of movies. I think they are really funny and cute and they make me smile.

2. Kandee Johnson - Kandee is an amazing make up artist. She is just so bubbly and funny and positive. I love watching her videos because of her personality, it just makes me feel more positive and like I know her and could be friends with her. I really wish I knew her in real life.

3. Very Mary Kate - Very Mary Kate is a hilarious YouTube series that works with College Humor. The videos are usually only about two minutes but they make you laugh and a fun interpretation of the life of the Olsen twins.

4. Blogilaties (and XHIT Daily) - Blogilaties and XHIT are really fun workout channels and they have workouts for all different styles and they are just fun and they get your blood circulating. What I love about Blogilaties is that Cassey is so down to earth and she makes workout calendars that you can follow along, so its like having a personal trainer for free! Who doesn't love free! Plus, its just more convenient than going to a gym and paying a lot of money, where as you can just work out from where ever you want.

5. Michelle Phan - I love Michelle Phan. She doesn't just post make up tutorials but other fun videos that just keep you smiling and makes you feel like you know her. She is so very kind and I just love watching her videos and she is like another virtual friend. Plus she just came out of her new make up line so I got to see that!

10 College and Dorm Necessities

#1. A Laptop - This is essential for any college student! Not only do you use it to take notes and do homework on, but it is your source for research, Netflix, music and just EVERYTHING!!! I cannot tell you how much I am on my laptop (usually typing up homework.)

#2. Lounge Pillow - I love my lounge pillow because if you're tired of sitting at your hard wooden desk, it turns your bed into a comfy chaise. I've even fallen asleep on my lounge pillow a couple of times. Its super comfortable and if you are spending most of your time in your dorm doing homework and studying, why not make it comfortable?

#3. Hot Pot - My aunt bought me the Sunburst Hot Pot at Target and it is a heaven sent! This thing boils water in no time at all. But wait, there's more! Not only does it boil water like your typical electric kettle, but it can be used to heat up soups, ramen, Chef Boyarde, you name it. It is so incredibly useful if you want tea or the cafeteria is closed and you get hungry or just don't want cafeteria food.

#4. Personality/Touch of Home - Whether its memorable pictures, string lights or a stuffed animal that you have had forever, make sure to bring something that reminds you of home and makes you feel comforted when you look at it. Homesickness is the most common affliction that ingoing freshman face. Not only are you adjusting to college life, but you have to do it while living away from home for the first time. So when you are feeling homesick just cuddle up with that stuffed animal or look at your familiar thing and remember that your family is just a phone call away!

#5. Command Hooks - These little buggers are probably the most clever invention ever! They come in all different sizes to hang everything from your keys to your backpack and everything in between!

#6. Planner/Schedule - I cannot stress enough how important it is to stay organized in college. Whether you are using the calendar on your phone or laptop or going old school and writing everything down in a planner, you need to manage your time so that you can balance studying/homework with fun and personal time. Remember, work hard to play hard.

#7. Shower Caddy - Shower caddies are extremely useful because you can keep all your shower stuff in one place. If you have a suit and share a shower with just three other people like I do, I got a shower caddy that hangs on the shower head, this particular one was fairly cheap at Target (about $12.) The alternative, if you have to use public showers (ugh! Shudder!) you can grab a simple caddy that you can put your stuff in and carry to and from the showers. These are usually just small crates with holes to drain water and a handle to carry, there are even caddies that can hang on hand rails.

#8. EmergenC - If you are like me than getting sick is not an option! I hate being sick and when you are in college paying money for every class missing just one class is you loosing money. Seriously! Take five minutes and figure out how much each class costs. You won't want t o be sick either. EmergenC along with daily vitamins will help boost your immunity. EmergenC is basically concentrated vitamins that you just mix with water and drink. Don't worry there are a lot of flavors to pick from!

#9. Fan/Heater - No matter where you go to college you are either going to have to face it being hot or cold. I attend college in Irvine and it gets HOT!!! (The dorms don't have AC) Lately it has been averaging about 85-95 degrees. So a fan was definitely a necessity! I just went to Target and picked up a typical standing fan for about $20 and it makes a world of difference. However, if you are at a college where it snows and you are freezing your butt off, then pick up a heater. There are a lot of different types of heaters and fans so you can pick your poison and make it fit your needs.

#10. Organization Supplies - This is a very broad choice, but no matter whether you go to the Container Store or Bed, Bath and Beyond, be sure to peruse the organization isle because you will need it! There are closet organizers, drawers for your supplies or for under the sink or on your desk. When in a dorm space is limited so you want to be sure o make as much out of the space you have as possible.

Tips That Everyone Should Take 5 Minutes to Read

I saw this on my friend Ashley's Tumblr and felt that I should post this on here as well. Please take just a few moments to read through this:

PLEASE Share this!!!

WRITTEN BY A COP: Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or a loved one’s life. In daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation… This is for you, and for you to share with your wife, your children, & everyone you know. After reading these 9 crucial tips, forward them to someone you care about. It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do :The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse,
DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you… Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse.
RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy.. The driver won’t see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.
DON’T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head,
and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR ,
LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE..

If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, Repeat:
DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
A.) Be aware:look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor ,
and in the back seat.
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door.
Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women
are attempting to get into their cars. C.) Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle, and the passenger side.. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN!
The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then,
it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked ‘for help’ into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late
and she thought it was weird.. The police told her ‘Whatever you do, DO NOT
open the door..’ The lady then said that it sounded like the baby
had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, ‘We already have a unit on the way,
whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.’ He told her that they think a serial killer
has a baby’s cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby.. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby’s cries outside their doors when they’re home alone at night.

10. Water scam! If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full blast so that you will go out to investigate and then attack.

Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbors! Please pass this on
This post should probably be taken seriously because the Crying Baby Theory was mentioned on America ‘s Most Wanted when they profiled
the serial killer in Louisiana

I’d like you to forward this to all the women you know.
It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle..
I was going to send this to the ladies only,
but guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, etc.,
you may want to pass it onto them, as well.

Send this to any woman you know that may need
to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it
and it’s better to be safe than sorry..
Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or
a loved one’s life.

I’m putting this to all my followers not just female…

My First Week of College!!!

Hey guys, so I just got done with my first week of college!!! I know, exciting right?

Well it definitely was exciting but it was also very scary. Thankfully I have good teachers and suite mates.

I must admit that I cried A LOT this week. I have been so sad and I miss my boyfriend tons! Every time I am on Skype with him I cry because he is on a screen and not next to me.

People have been telling me that it will pass soon and it helps to get involved on campus. However, to be perfectly honest I have mostly been in my dorm because I have either been on Skype or doing homework haha. And believe me there has been a decent amount of homework. Step aside high school because college is INTENSE.

I have five main classes: public speaking, writing and research, intro to psychology, math and philosophy. As well as three others: core which is basically lectures and such, not 100% sure what it is because it doesn't start until the week after next, Freshman seminar and break out which is basically lecture and lab.

My teachers are very nice and interactive. My writing professor is very out there and I like having teachers that are actually engaging compared to boring teachers who just lecture at you all class long.

The next step along your journey....

In life change is inevitable. You change jobs, schools, you move to a new location, start a relationship or maybe end one. It is an inescapable truth that things are always changing, nothing is ever static.

When embarking on the next leg of your journey, the road ahead is full of uncertainties. You are stepping out of your comfort zone and fearlessly entering the unknown.

This journey for me: college.

I must admit that I am very nervous and not 100% sure what to expect. I’m worried that I will mess up or let my procrastination get the best of me. I’m sad about not seeing my boyfriend or family every day. I have been crying on and off for days, usually on Johnny’s (Boyfriend) shoulder.

When making changes in your life you wind up thinking about things that you never have before, “how will I do on my own,” “what will it be like living on my own?” The prospect of living on your own at first seems like a grand idea, freedom to do whatever you want. Suddenly the quote from Spiderman comes to mind: “With great power comes great responsibility.” Living on your own is a true test of going from a kid to an adult. It takes a tremendous amount of accountability and responsibility. You no longer have your parents there to stand over your shoulder and tell you to “do your homework”, “do your laundry” or “go to bed so you can wake up on time.”

Some days I can’t stop thinking about if I’m gonna be ok on my own. I have never had my own bedroom and I’m scared of the dark. I am bi-polar and not the best at handling stress or anger. All these things, all the little things you maybe don’t show to anyone but the people who live with you or take care of you on a daily basis. You think, “how the heck do I handle this on my own, and what the heck will my room mate think if I slip up?” The prospect of this is embarrassing.  And I am honestly horrified of slipping up.

However, despite everything, I am going forth to the next leg of my journey and the next chapter of my story. So I will brace myself for a bumpy ride, but who knows, maybe the skies will suddenly clear. I have faith that I can push through, that I can find my balance and my place.

Wish me luck.

And to all those facing your own journeys in life, I wish you all the luck and happiness in the world.