Snapshots & updates.

I have no idea where the summer has gone. I feel like I have been so busy but at the same time, I've done absolutely nothing. This past week has definitely, definitely felt like that.

1. Brendan and I went on a date to Johnny Mango's for the first time and were blown away with how good the food + margaritas were. Definitely going to have to go back again! 2. Before we left for dinner. 3. I have fallen completely, 100% into Fall & Halloween mode. 4. Loving and listening to a lot of wonderful folk tunes lately. 4 A quick paint-fix for an ugly old frame I had. The white paint could still use a top coat, but I love it for now! It adds a perfect touch to my room. 5. Resting in between my jazzercise class (which I LOVE) and a quick run. Definitely motivated to get back in shape...again. 6. Brendan ordered an electronic drum set last week and it finally came! I'm so happy for him; he has been talking forever about getting another set again and I'm proud of him for actually doing it. 

In other news, last night we went to Fat Little Buddies with Brendan's side of the family to celebrate Candace's 21st birthday. It was really great to see everyone and to be able to just hang out. He and I definitely need to make a trip down to Columbus this fall. Hopefully in October or November before the crazy snow comes.

On being content.

"People always think that happiness is a faraway thing," thought Francie, "something complicated and hard to get. Yet, what little things can make it up; a place of shelter when it rains - a cup of strong hot coffee when you're blue; for a man, a cigarette for contentment; a book to read when you're alone - just to be with someone you love. Those things make happiness." -- Betty Smith

Over the past few days, I've been having a lot of ups and downs and a lot of big decisions to make. The perks of growing older, I guess. The source of my anxiety has been whether to move or not.

The decision I ended up making was no; Not right now, at least. After a few heart-to-hearts with my mom (who I owe everything in this world to), I realized that I am too young to be too financially struggled right now. To move out with Brendan and to share a place together that we can both call "home" would be wonderful and amazing, and I can't wait for that day, but that day is not right now. I'd be living paycheck to paycheck and still struggle with money. I'm twenty-two years old, I need to live and not worry about bills.

Living here isn't so bad. I'm able to save a lot of money, have more spending money, and I still have all the freedom in the world. Plus, seeing Charlie on a daily basis isn't so bad, either.

For now, I'm content. I have a roof over my head, a wonderful boy to love, and a pretty great family that is extremely loving and supportive. I think right now is my time to grow.

Currently.

Charlie lounging in the yard last week.

Loving: Brendan. This is nothing new, but I am constantly amazed by him every single day and how selfless he is. Over a pretty hectic weekend where I lost my car keys, he had nothing but patience and love for me and drove me everywhere I needed to be. I'm one lucky lady. 

Reading: The Visible Man by Chuck Klosterman. I'm only about 50 pages into it because of how busy and crazy things have been as of late, but so far it's very interesting. Hopefully I will have more time this week to finish it off. 

Watching: The Olympics. After watching all of these amazing, talented athletes, it has definitely reminded me to get back into my daily fitness schedule. Even if it means doing a quick 1-mile run.

Thinking about: The future. From looking at new apartments, to going on job interviews, to thinking about where my life will take me with Brendan, it's all really exciting but really scary. I wish it were possible to see where I am going to be a year from now but I believe if I keep working hard and working on being a better person, I'll be in the right place. 

Anticipating: Florida! We leave for Panama City Beach in just 38 days! That means I reaaaallly need to pick my running schedule back up. Really. 

Listening to: "Handwritten" by The Gaslight Anthem and a lot of Josh Ritter. 

Working on: Myself. I know losing my car keys was an innocent mistake, everyone has those days, but for me, it kind of made something go off inside. I am a 22 year old woman and I need to take the initiative to be more responsible with my belongings and take care of things more. I am in a constant battle with myself to always try to make myself better and to really be the person I want to be, but I've been setting myself back lately. 

Wishing: We could find the perfect apartment already! We've only looked at two so far, and are looking at another today, but I feel like this is going to be one long, frustrating road ahead of us!

An introduction.

Reading and writing have always been a big part of my life.  As a college graduate, I find myself weaning away from it when instead, I would rather be using this new found free time to do just that-- read & write.

So here will be my daily adventures, inspirations, and thoughts.