Lessons I Learned in 2014

I've been reflecting a lot on what I've learned over the last year.  2013 was a tough year for me and I promised myself that in 2014 I would change a lot.  And I learned many important lessons:

• There is no occasion that doesn't call for red lipstick
• You can live without Diet Coke (I know....I know)
• Sometimes you just need to spend an entire day watching terrible movies on Hallmark
• You will not laugh as much with anyone as you do with your family
• It's important to be thrifty and save money...but never buy cheap foundation, sheets, or razors.
• Don't invest time in people who won't do the same for you
• Take a selfie.  Post it.  Who cares what anyone else thinks.
• Window seats and rainy days are the beginnings of a perfect day
• Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures
• People will always make assumptions about you and most of them will be wrong but you don't have to defend yourself to anyone

I think the biggest lesson I learned and change I made was learning to invest in myself.  I'm a firm believer in the fact that we can't really ever be happy until we love ourselves and accept ourselves for who we are.  I don't think we should be complacent because I think we should always be improving ourselves.  This does not mean we will be perfect.  We have flaws....I certainly do.  I love things too much.  I let things hurt me too deeply.  I sing to Taylor Swift songs way too loud.  I look at pictures of sloths too much.
Just to name a few.
But our flaws are what make us who we are.  Because I love things too much I am able to accept other people's flaws, I might get hurt deeply but at least it means I'm sensitive and I care, and if listening to a Taylor Swift song too loud is the worst thing I do...then I think I'm doing ok.
I embraced my flaws this year and changed the things I wanted to change.  I became more confident and comfortable with who I am and mostly....I learned to love myself.  I started becoming a person that I'm proud of.  A person I would want to be friends with.
That is what I would challenge everyone to do.  Get to know yourself.  Embrace who you are.  Change the things you aren't proud of.  Surprisingly.....life becomes so much more beautiful when you do this...I promise.
As for the sloths....I can't defend it...but I probably also won't stop it.
Haters gonna hate.
xoxo
V

He Is The Gift

I've been trying to think of what I want to express about Christmas.
I've experienced a different Christmas season than I have in the past.  I'm not a genius by any means but I know the reason why.  This season I put much more of a focus on why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.  It's easy for people who work in retail or business to get jaded about Christmas.  Christmas music starts sprinkling into our sound systems the day after Halloween.  The hours are longer, the stress higher, and the customers grumpier (which is sad). We reduce Christmas to a bottom line, something we just have to get through.
I really didn't want to fall into that trap this year.  So I started searching for ways to make the "spirit of Christmas" a focus for me.  I started with a 45 Day scripture study of the life of Christ.  I studied His birth, I studied His life, I studied the atonement, I studied His death.  I felt myself growing closer to my Savior and that in and of itself softens a heart to Christmas. It reminded me of a quote by Thomas S. Monson
"....may we ever reflect our gratitude for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ....He taught us how to pray.  He taught us how to live.  He taught us how to die.  His life is a legacy of love.  The sick He healed, the downtrodden He lifted, the sinner He saved.  Ultimately, He stood alone.  Some Apostles doubted; one betrayed Him.  The Roman soldiers pierced His side.  The angry mob took His life.  There yet rings from Golgotha's hill His compassionate words: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."  Who was this 'man of sorrows' acquainted with grief?  Who is this King of glory, this Lord of lords?  He is our Master.  He is our Savior.  He is the Son of God.  He is the Author of our Salvation.  He beckons, 'Follow me.' He instructs 'Go, and do thou likewise.' He pleads 'Keep my commandments.'  Let us follow Him.  Let us emulate His example.  Let us obey His words.  By doing so, we give Him the divine gift of gratitude."
Christmas hymns have also always been a spiritual experience for me.  "O Come All Ye Faithful" literally makes me come undone.  Every time I hear those words "O come let us adore him Christ the Lord" I just lose it.  I have a vision of us all in heaven, waiting for the moment for our Savior to be born because we knew what that meant.  We knew that with Him on the Earth we could be saved.  That we could return to live with our families and we could have eternal life.  Oh how joyful we must have been.
I love Christmas.  I love everything about it but this year I especially loved the experience of celebrating the birth of my Savior.
Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Merry Merry Merry Christmas
xoxo
V

• Shepperd - Geronimo
• Aerosmith - Dream On
• Lights - Don't Go Home Without Me (probably will be played at my wedding)
• +44 - Make You Smile
• Bleachers - Shadow
• Eminem - Rap God
• Ella Henderson - Ghost
• Bea Miller - Young Blood
• Damien Rice - I Don't Want To Change You
• Walk The Moon - Shut Up and Dance
• Kate Voegele - Caught Up In You
• Taylor Swift - Blank Space
• Karmin - Sugar
• Lights - Ice
• OMD - If You Leave
• Fine Young Cannibals - She Drives Me Crazy
• Bleachers - I Wanna Get Better 
• Lights - Running With The Boys
• Taylor Swift - I Know Places 

I know this playlist is kind of long and there's some repeat artists but......it's been awhile and I have a few artists I'm currently obsessed with.  Lights, Bleachers, and of course Taylor Swift.  I recommend the full albums of all 3 of these artists.  If you have any other great music you've been listening to lately....let me know!!! 

xoxo

V

Faith vs. Fear

 

I know that people probably get tired with me talking about anxiety...but.....I don't care. 

I saw this little "storyline" about anxiety and I thought...."yes.  yes this is me".  Anxiety, as I've mentioned before, is something I've struggled with since I was about 13.  That was when I had my first panic attack and I thought I was dying.  As I've gotten older I've started trying to figure out the "whys".  The thing is that most of those "whys" can never be answered.  So instead of figuring out the "whys" I decided to learn how to overcome it.  Experiences in my life have made my relationship with my Heavenly Father a strained one.  I would talk to him and then I would think...."ok I have this under control...I don't think we need to talk anymore".  As work got busier, church attendance became harder.  I started living my life with the thoughts that I didn't need to go to church.  I didn't need to read my scriptures or say my prayers.  I was fine.

I was not fine.  

I mean I wasn't going off the deep end or anything but I was apathetic.  And apathy is not living any type of fulfilling life. I was not fulfilled.  And dare I say....I was not happy.  In fact I was experiencing more consistent panic attacks than I'd ever experienced before. And it left me feeling empty. 

 So I did what every twenty-something does and I analyzed my life.  I took inventory of where I was at and where I wanted to go.  And I made a list. A list of things I wanted.  They included: love, contentment, peace, marriage and a family, healthy mind and body, and of course Beyonce fierceness.

So then I needed to figure out how to get there and I knew the answers.  I knew the answers all along.  They are what we call "primary answers".  Scriptures.  Prayer. Church.  

Why are the easiest things sometimes the hardest.  

*BEWARE.....PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND FEELINGS COMING AHEAD.  IF THESE MAKE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE READ NO FURTHER.  GO WATCH TAYLOR SWIFTS NEW MUSIC VIDEO AND PRETEND THIS NEVER HAPPENED.  IT'S OK I UNDERSTAND.*

The first conversation I had with my Heavenly Father was a big one.  And yes...there were tears.  As I continued these "small and simple things" I continually felt more peace and contentment in my life (check two off the list).  Because of this contentment I felt empowered to make other changes. I started changing my lifestyle and getting a healthier body (check), I started talking to a counselor to help with my mind (check).  That left love, marriage, and a family.  Well....marriage and a family involve another person so that made things trickier (turns out you can't make someone fall in love with you like in "Practical Magic"...sorry to ruin that for you).  But what about love? (the first person who can sing the next line of the song I just thought of receives 35 points to Griffyndor)

Love.  Love is often mistaken for romance and relationships.  If you only associate love with these two things I can promise you that you will never feel love or notice it in your life.  Trust me on this.  

The reason I know this is because it's exactly what I was doing.  I would have conversations with Heavenly Father asking "why?....why am I not worth being loved?  Am I not pretty enough?  Smart enough?  Why not me?"

Anxiety leaves you feeling unloved a lot of the time.  Not because you are but because that's what the thoughts in your mind tell you.  I was constantly searching for love.  It was all I wanted.  

I was having a particularly hard time with these thoughts and because Heavenly Father is much smarter than most of us give him credit for....He gave me something....He is amazing.

That something was a scripture.  

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

And I was blown away.  That is a lot of love.  The greatest kind of love.  A love that will never be matched.  In addition to that....think of the love that then, in turn, Jesus Christ has.  That he would then lay down his life, suffer unspeakable pain.  All for love.  Love of us.  Love of me.  ME.  Also in the book of John, Christ prays the most beautiful prayer to our Heavenly Father in our behalf (Chapter 17....it will change you).  Telling Heavenly Father over and over how much He loves us.  

He knows us.  Better than anyone knows us.  He knows our fears.  He knows our pains.  He knows the loneliness we feel.  He knows the feeling of being unloved but there He is.  There He is with a never ending, never failing, powerful love.  The kind of love we all dream about.  We already have it.  We just have to realize it.  

Since coming to this realization I can honestly say that my anxiety has been greatly reduced.  I haven't had a serious panic attack in months.  I life a full life, trying desperately to seize every moment.  I feel like the first twenty-something years of my life I was sleeping.  Now I am awake.  I am awake and happy living the best life I can imagine.  Love: check.

I am still learning a lot.  Every day.  I am learning new ways to make my life better.  I am still working towards goals.  Marriage and a family...they will come when it's time.  In the meantime I will continue to magnify this love that I have and share it with anyone and everyone.  Because it's the best!

And as for the Beyonce fierceness....I've got that covered.

xoxo

V

P.S.  Here is a video that will make you feel even more of that love.  I know....it's a thing.

28 years

I've been on this earth for 28 years.
                         Weird.
For some reason this birthday made me reflect more than my others.  I'm not entirely sure why.  Maybe it's because I'm closer to 30 than I've ever been before (I'm choking back tears as I type that) and because that makes you think....what have I done with my life and what do I want to accomplish with the rest of my life.  As I reflected I decided to make a list of 28 of the most important lessons I've learned.
1. Your job does not define you
2. Your marital status does not define you

3. Some people are just jerks
4. But some people are just misunderstood
5. Enjoy your time with your parents/family

6. Call your grandparents
7. Listen to them

8. You are the only one who decides how you feel about your body
9. Laughing so hard you can't breathe is still one of the best feelings

10. Your friends will occasionally be the worst...but so will you
11. Forgive always....forgive others, forgive yourself
12. People are not usually secretly in love with you
13. Don't watch "Footloose" just because everyone thinks it's weird you haven't
14. Always take your make up off before bed
15. A strong red lip can make you feel invincible

16. Dance as much as possible
17. Tell people what they mean to you.  Even if it's uncomfortable...you will never regret it.
18. Don't spend your time and energy on people who don't return the gesture
19. If he doesn't text you back....life goes on
20. When you experience loss...it will feel like you are suffocating.  You will not be able to breathe and you will feel like the world is literally caving in.  It is not.  And one day you will wake up and you will be breathing a bit easier.  You will be stronger even if you can't fathom that in the moment.  You will be ok.
21. If it makes you happy and it's not hurting others...do it.
22. Your siblings will always be your best friends

23. Drink water.
24. Don't be afraid to fail
 
25. Wear comfortable shoes
26. The ocean is the most healing place on the earth

27. Go outside and experience the beauty of the earth as much as possible
28. Above everything else....love yourself fiercely.

So here's to 28 years and more to come!  I plan to continue to fill each day with joy and as much adventure as possible.  Life is short.
And sometimes birthdays are hard.

Weekend Collage

weekend collage by vanessanelson featuring lips makeup

A weekend collage update!!! 

Things I loved this weekend.....

for me it was all about cats and polka dots for some reason and I went for it.  I'm also obsessing over this Michael Kors handbag (are you dying right now???)  Flowerbomb perfume is my signature scent and so when I'm needing a boost of confidence or I know my outfit is on point and I want to add to my (ahem) allure it's definitely my go to.  I talked about Too Faced "Better Than Sex" mascara in my September Favorites video (which I'm sure you all watched) and it's definitely become a make up staple of mine.  And FINALLY Autumn is upon us which means I'm breaking out the dark nail polish like this Nars one and the burgundy lipsticks like my all time favorite Rouge Volupte #12 by YSL.
I've also decided that my wedding song will probably be "Tenerife Sea" by Ed Sheeran.  Have a listen.  It's lovely.

October is the best month of the year and I'm looking forward to this one!
How was your weekend?  Any new discoveries?  Did you see a rainbow, bask in the beautiful mountains, contemplate life by the sea, fall in love, make a wish....
share your amazing weekend adventures in the comments!
xoxo
V

A Letter to my Someday

Here's the thing: 
I think I could love you 
really hard. I truly do. 

I used to pinch my skin, 
rub it raw, 
hoping that my exterior would fade.

You see, I know I'm not much. 

My fingers are too bony, my thighs rub together when I walk, and my lip always quivers 
even when it’s the middle of summer. 

I talk too loud in movie theaters and too quiet in front of microphones. 

I have a thick skin, and terrible feet 
and my hands tremble when I cry.
I wander, 
I never seem to stay in one place
 but most of the time I never quite know
 where I'm heading.

I know I'm not much to look at 
but I've been told that I've got a heart 
almost as deep as the Pacific Ocean and 
I'll love you with every inch of it,
 if you’ll let me.

Here's the thing:
 when I love, I love hard 
because I have never believed in 
doing things half-heartedly.

I'm going to love you with every corner of me. 

So here, 
this is my heart.

I know it’s not much but
 it’s all I've got.

Back With A Bang!

Why hello there everyone!!!

Yes blogging has kind of taken a backseat to "real life" but I'm back and kicking it off with.......

A NEW VIDEO!!!

I know right???

Go ahead and just click HERE to take a peek! I talk about all my favorite things for the month of September so obviously....it's very important. You can even subscribe and give it a thumbs up if you want.

Hope you're ready to hear from me again!

xoxo
V

To live would be an awfully big adventure....

"You know that place between sleep and awake?  That place where you still remember dreaming?  That's where I'll always love you Peter Pan.  That's where I'll be waiting"

-Hook 

I've never been to Neverland but Robin Williams took me there.  I've never been trapped in a board game but Robin Williams made me feel like I had.  I've never been a genius or a prodigy but Robin Williams taught me there is more to life.  I've never found a magic lamp but I wanted a friend like Genie.  I've never been to Vietnam but I've said Good Morning to it.  I've never written poetry but I have felt the emotions in "O Captain My Captain".  I've never had a nanny but I've learned the importance of doing anything for your family.  I could go on and on.  I know he didn't write the words he spoke but he delivered both comedic and dramatic roles completely relatable.  You know someone was special when the world mourns as if they lost a member of their family.

Robin Williams....you will be greatly missed.

• Maroon 5 : It Was Always You
• Stu Larsen: San Francisco
• Matt Wertz : Old Flame
• Jason Mraz : Hello You Beautiful Thing
• Angus & Julia Stone : A Heartbreak
• Troye Sivan : Happy Little Pill
• Blink 182 : Pretty Little Girl
• Iggy Azalea (feat Rita Ora) : Black Widow
• KONGOS: Come With Me Now
• Hilary Duff : Chasing The Sun
• Sam Smith : I'm Not The Only One 
• Birdy : Wings
• Rixton : Wait On Me
• Laura Welsh : Break The Fall

Isn't That Something?

The first person who saw your face was delighted by you. Isn’t that something? You managed to bring joy only by breathing. 
Your mother will occasionally peek through the cracks of your door when you are sleeping, even now, to make sure that she can see the movements of your chest. 
The boy who kissed you in the park last night isn’t in love with you, he won’t even stay, but he meant every second of those minutes. 
You’ll walk a city street that your feet have never touched before and you’ll be terrified of getting lost and that feeling is what’ll help you find the way home. 
You’ll give your money to a homeless man and he will hold your hand firmly between his and he will say ‘thank you so, so much’ and isn’t that something?
There’s a piece of music that makes your heart feel like it’s bleeding. Listen to it. Listen to it again. 
When was the last time you paused to stare at night time? 
Did you know that there is at least one person in your life who will jump in front of a hail of bullets for you, without your asking. 
Your entire body is made of nerves. Feel things. 
Take walks in places you’ve never been. 
Take photographs of people not everyone considers beautiful. Find loveliness in them. 
Let go of the things that are killing you from the inside out. 
One day you’re going to be part of the sky, you’re going to be that beautiful and that necessary but not today. Not today.

New Home Shopping

I both love and hate moving.  Hate for the obvious reasons....packing, cleaning, hauling things (basically labor in general)
BUT I LOVE shopping for a new home.  Deciding the new set up of your bedroom.....new ideas to decorate....pinning things to your Pinterest board....
Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, Ikea, Pottery Barn....all these catalogs are like pornography for me. My heart literally starts racing faster as I thumb through the pages and ideas start jumping at me.
My hands are sweating just typing this.

I thought I would share some ideas and things that I'm currently loving.

Bathroom  

                                    L to R:  Owl Container - ModCloth {here}

                                                 Owl Bath Mat - ModCloth {here}

                                                 Shower Caddy - ModCloth {here}

                                                 Owl Toothbrush Tree - ModCloth {here}

                                                 Falling Petals Shower Curtain - Macy's {here}

                                                Acrylic Lipstick Organizer - The Container Store {here}

Some of these I have actually already bought....and yes I clearly have an obsession with owls.  I just love quirky little things to make your bathroom fun and organized. 

Pillows

         L to R:    Loving Room Pillow - ModCloth {here}

                                                      Hello Pillow - ModCloth {here}

                                                      Sloth Pillow - ModCloth {here}

                                                      Inspired Pillow - ModCloth {here}

                                                      Wandering Star Pillow - Anthropologie {here}

                                                      Feline Pillow - ModCloth {here}

I'm a sucker for a decorative pillow.  Pretty ones, funny ones....you name it.  Love.

Bedroom

 L to R:     Memorable Style Frame - ModCloth {here}

                                                Beach Radio - Anthropologie {here}

                                                Touching Memories Frame - ModCloth {here}

                                                Pomdelion Bouquet - Anthropologie {here}

I love little accents in the bedroom.  Fun kitschy things.  I like the idea of a vintage radio on a vanity next to fun little pom pom flowers.  Unique.  Things people notice that make your bedroom different. 

Lighting/Candles

                                     L to R:   Sweet Almond and Macaroon Candle - Jo Malone {here}

                                                  Peony and Blush Suede Candle - Jo Malone {here}

                                                  Just Picked Candle Tins - Anthropologie {here}

                                                  Peach Cilantro Twist Candle - Bath and Body Works {here}

                                                  Capri Blue Swirled Jar Candle - Anthropologie {here}

                                                  Rosette Glow String Lights - Target {here}

                                                  PS Maskros Light - Ikea {here}

                                                  Kristaller Light - Ikea {here}

I love candles.  They are so relaxing.  I have about a billion candles at any one time and I'll just turn off the lights and watch a movie with the candles and it's seriously like heaven.  Also.....chandeliers.....I mean...is there anything more cozy or romantic?

I'm also pinning ideas like crazy on Pinterest.  If you're a Pinterest lover....you can follow me and share all your amazing decorating ideas with me....I need them!

xxx

V

guess who's back....

100 points to the person who knows what song inspired the title of this post.

I thought to get back into it I would do a little life update courtesy of Instagram.

Summer is such a fun time.  Celebrations, laughter, fun.
July however always seems to be a sad month for me every year.  This year was especially sad.  Our little puppy Pippin was hit by a car and didn't make it.  This was a devastating blow for our family and one that we will not be over any time soon.  Strange the way animals get into our hearts isn't it?  Losing a pet becomes just as tragic as losing a human family member.  Many tears have been shed and I'm ready for a new start come August.
New job, new home...new.  I like starting new.

What new things are you looking forward to?  Leave a comment!
xxx
V

P.S. feel free to follow me on instagram! @vanessanelson
I'm happy to have you :)

Falling In Love

I am a girl who always wants things too much.  I get attached.  I fall in love with a hundred things a day.
I was recently described as an "all or nothing kind of girl" which is entirely accurate.  I'm either completely uninterested or completely obsessed.  The "problem" with this is that it sets me up to be heartbroken a hundred times a day.  Does that make sense?  I fall in love with possibilities, I fall in love with ideas, I fall in love with things I want, I fall in love with people.  Then when these things don't happen or don't work out....I crash and become so disappointed.  Does anyone else have this problem?  The thing is I don't think I'll ever stop being that way.  It's who I am.  I found a quote that says

"Get excited about the little things.  About wearing a new outfit for the first time.  About Saturday lunches with your best friends.  About the new cute guy you work with.  About finding an extra dollar in your pocket.  About anything that even remotely makes you happy because as you grow up, passions fade and enthusiasm gets mistaken for foolishness.  Don't let the grays of the world keep you from shining."

So I've just decided to keep living this way.  Even though the downs hurt a little more...it's worth it to live a passionate life.  

A little more context to this post.....I recently grew attached to 3 very big ideas.  

1. A townhouse I've been wanting to live in for 2 years

2. A huge promotion at work

3. A boy

I tediously filled out all the paperwork for the townhouse and we waited and waited and in the end....we did not get it.  I was crushed.  I found another townhouse that we loved and we were told we had gotten it and were getting ready to sign the papers and put down the deposit....20 minutes before we were supposed to leave...the lady called and told us she changed her mind.  I was both crushed AND furious.  So.....it's left me a little lackluster.

The bright spot is that I got the promotion at work I've been wanting!!!!!  It's a huge deal and very exciting and I start Monday! This promotion is definitely a mixed bag as I am so excited to start a new adventure but it means I will be leaving Clinique.  Clinique has been the most amazing company to work for and my co-workers at that counter are my family.  At least I will still work in the same building as them and see them but I do get sad if I think about it too much.

And the boy....well....that's to be continued.

xoxo

V

I'm Sorry

I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that I couldn't follow the 'rules' of being a lady.  I'm sorry that I fell in love with you before you could fall in love with me.  I'm sorry that I didn't know how to play hard to get.  I'm sorry that I wasn't mysterious enough.
I'm sorry that I was nice.  I'm sorry that I was 'kind' that I was unable to playfully hit you.  I'm sorry that I was too honest, that I didn't know how to keep secrets from you.  I'm sorry that I was considerate.  I'm sorry that I cared about your needs more than I did with mine.  I'm sorry for the time when I adjusted my schedule just so I could come out and support you when you asked me to.  I'm sorry that I didn't set many boundaries because I trusted you.  I'm sorry that I loved you as if I'd never been hurt.
I'm sorry that I was so sensitive.  I'm sorry that I had to take a minute or two to digest your sarcasm.  I'm sorry that I cared about you more than I should.  I'm sorry that I cared to the point where I over-analyzed the details just so I knew how to not hurt you.  I'm sorry that I wasn't strong enough to handle my emotions.  I'm sorry that I was willing to take extra steps to love you like I wished you could love me.  I'm sorry I was willing to face my fears for you.
I'm sorry.  I'm sorry that I can't change.  I'm sorry.

.....things I've wanted to say to someone but never did.

Letter To My 12 Year Old Self

Dear 12 year old self,
Hey girl.
Before you ask me when you'll look like Britney Spears and get that boy to ask you out....I've got to tell you something important.  Yes....shockingly enough there are more important things than boys asking you out.  I promise.
First: don't worry about looking like Britney Spears ok?  In 2007 she'll be worse off than you have ever been in your life.  The grass always looks greener on the other side (plus she's not even WITH Justin Timberlake anymore...and no you aren't either...but that's some bad news for another day).  You don't have to look like what you think is beautiful to be beautiful.  Don't worry about being blonde and thin and the most gorgeous girl in every room.  That won't happen but I promise you that in the end when you finally learn to love and accept yourself you will always be the most confident girl in the room and that's more important than temporary and shallow beauty anyway....it really is.  Love yourself for what makes you different.  All that time you spend doing things that seem weird to others will someday be what helps you have intelligent conversations with people.  You can be funny but also be smart because you have to be smart to get the joke.
Be kind.  Be loving.  These things don't make you a nerd.  They make you empathetic.  They make you a good friend.
Second: Show gratitude always.  Especially to Mom and Dad.  Yeah they're like sooooo annoying but it's only because they love you and sometimes you're a pain in the you know what (you're 12 so I'm still gonna keep this PG).  No matter how mean you are they will not stop loving you.  They will support you later when you need it.  Someday you'll live far away from them and you'll miss them so much you cry every night.  They will need you to love and support them through some really hard times so show them how grateful you are for everything they've done for you by trying to repay them.
Third: Forgive.  Forgive everyone.  People will hurt you in some very bad ways....you'll get through it.  If you don't forgive them you will become bitter and you'll only end up hurting yourself. So forgive generously.
Last: Don't let people push you around.  Figuring out how to be kind, loving, and forgiving while also not taking crap from anyone will be a balance that you may never figure out but keep trying.
And if all of that fails.....just pretend you're Beyonce and you'll be just fine.
xoxo

California Part Deux

Long over due I know.  I finally have a day off and nothing else going on!!!

The next 2 days were filled with candy and family which are among my very favorite things on earth.  We went to the Jelly Belly factory which was so fun!  I will say I was unimpressed by the tour but the actual factory and ALL THE THINGS YOU CAN BUY were the greatest.

 I was obsessed with the jelly beans hanging everywhere

 Hanging jelly beans AND twinkle lights??? 

Stop.  Is this heaven?

This is the same face I use to get boys

We also got to visit with my Aunt Judi, Uncle Don, cousins, and of course my Oma and Opa.  I've mentioned them before and it was so nice being able to visit with them.  They told some amazing stories and I was constantly amazed by the pure and beautiful love my Opa has for my Oma.  Oh it was so glorious.

Sorry it's taken me so long to update.  I wish I was one of those people who got paid to write my blog but unfortunately I'm not and I have a paying job and friends who need my attention (they're sooo needy) but I have a few things planned coming up......a lot has been on my mind and as I'm sure you're aware....that's always a terrifying thing.  Thanks for reading my little family update!!!

xoxo

V

I Lost My Head and Left My Heart In San Francisco

Hello!
I thought I'd give you an update on the last couple of weeks!  I took a much needed break from life and took a road trip with my family to California.  My Oma and Opa and several of my family members live right outside the San Francisco area and we decided to visit.  It was MARVELOUS.  There's something about the ocean that I could just be lost in forever.  It centers me in some weird way.  My sister was able to come down from Seattle and we had the best time.  I'm so grateful for my family and for the ties that bind me here on this funny place called Earth.

Here's some pictures of all the fun!

Day 1 San Francisco
San Francisco is my favorite city in the world and it did not disappoint! Ok....it kind of did.....I will now present you with the saddest story in the world.
The day was beautiful, sunny, perfect temperatures.  When we went to go see the Golden Gate Bridge it turned cloudy, rainy, and foggy.  You couldn't even see it at all which was so sad.  The End.
We did go to Golden Gate park though and see the Japanese tea garden which was gorgeous!

 Sea Lions on Fisherman's Wharf

 Golden Gate Bridge

 Alcatraz

 Sad Golden Gate Bridge that you can't even see :(

Loved the stairs at the Golden Gate Bridge though.  "Welcome" in all languages.

 Family fun in the Japanese tea garden

I've decided to cut down on how many pictures you have to scroll through at once (I don't want to turn into your grandparents making you watch slides of their vacation) I will separate this trip into 3 different posts.  

That way you have something to look forward too.....you're looking forward to it right?....RIGHT?!

I thought so.

xoxo

V