I thought about it all night last night and all morning at the gym today.
One photo.
An entire year in one photo.
First I thought about cheating. Hello, collage or 9+ photos!
Then I thought about using a quote picture to sum up the year. Turns out that was equally as difficult to decide.
Finally, I went back to the same photo that first popped into my head when I thought about summing up the year in one photo.
This was our first day in Florida in June.
New Smyrna Beach. Our spot.
The same exact spot we've been going since I was 6.
It was the first time I had been back in a really, really long time.
After we came back I wrote a post about what vacation taught me. I remember so vividly how I felt while I was writing that post. One of the many reasons I'm glad I have this blog, because I can read those words and I remember the thought and the feelings behind them. I've read that post a hundred times since June. I don't know why.
I'm trying hard not to get sappy or ridiculous, because Lord knows I could make that happen right now, but that photo first popped into my head for a reason. I read that post all the time for a reason. I think that reason sums up the year. The photo just represents that.
I can't tell you how good it felt to sit down after my 5am workout and open up Blogger today.
So, let's point out the obvious - I took a mini vacation from Blogland. Whoops. Unplanned, but necessary. I barely opened my laptop the last weekish. SO fantastic.
So, here's what's NOT gonna happen today..
I'm NOT giving you a recap of my Christmas vacation adventures. Those will come, but they're coming in the form of different posts for different reasons. If you follow me on Twitter (you could do so here if you wanted, although i don't post anything interesting, just a heads up) then you know I've experienced a smidge bit of crap luck. Also I'd hate to overload you with photos of my crazy family. They must be taken in small doses so you don't run away from your computer, screaming in terror.
I'm NOT going to discuss how sad I am that I can no longer listen to Christmas music without getting evil glances and side eyes. I could jam to Christmas music all day, every day. And I'm probably the only person you know who says that and actually means it. Just for shits and gigs..
I'm NOT going to give you a photo of every single Christmas present I received. One, that sort of gets on my nerves a little bit. I understand when it's some huge gift, but every single one? Who are you bragging to and why? Just please, don't. Two, I didn't take a photo of any of them. The only way you're going to know what I was given for Christmas is if they come up in some other way. For instance if I wear the mustard colored sweater my parents got me because they read my blog and rock my socks off. Speaking of, I did not get any socks this year. #disappointed
Now that we've established what isn't going to be happening today, let's move on to what is going to happen..
Err.. Um.. Okay, so nothing.
This is it!
I actually have my last family Christmas this afternoon, so I'm going to be leaving work early and I've noticed lots of bloggers aren't back into the groove yet either, so probably this post is going to get ignored. Which is a shame since I added such adorable photos of myself (sarcasm) and I included a Monday jam (christmas music, duh) to get you through the day.
I'm hilarious.
Before I go, I want to give a little shout out to my best friend. My minion, my partner in crime, my call when
I'm freaking out, my uncomplicated relationship, my blonde to my
brunette, my "we got each other the same Christmas present", my "we have the same name", my person,
and my forever friend. From bangs and braces to greys and dentures. Happy Birthday!
Let's not beat around the bush here...
I spent multiple, multiple years in show choir.
Yea, a real life Glee experience.
Singing and dancing and competing.
At my high school and jr. high it was THE thing to do. The stars of the basketball team, the football team, the baseball team, etc. they all were in show choir too.
Well not all of them, because some of them sucked.
Like I said, real life Glee. Except no one threw slushies on us, we were probably throwing slushies on others. Just kidding, I swear.
I'm telling you that to tell you this...
Every year in December we had a Christmas concert/musical/production called Tis The Season. It was a 2 night production and it was a huge deal in our community. People not associated with our school or the students would buy tickets and come to this thing. Big. Deal. Well I spent many-a-years a part of this production. I wiiiish I could find some YouTube videos of it to show you, I know they exist, I just can't find them. Hopefully my mom will read this and find some to send me. Those could be a doozy.
However, there are pictures!
Enjoy, my friends, enjoy.
>>I'm on the far left.
>>I'm not in this photo because I wasn't allowed to be a toy solider because I was too short. Not far.
>>Sitting on the stage extension on the left.
>>We were the "gossip elves".. HAHAH
>>You can see right up my hoop dress at my black shorts.. Which is the reason we were required to wear shorts underneath. Le duh.
>>My cliiiiick.. We used to call each other "Santa's Sluts"... We're so classy. I'm still BFF with 2 of those 4 girls, crazyness.
>>I'm pretty sure my MOM called these the slutty Santa dresses. HAHAH, kills me.
>>Co-presidents, holla. We ran shit... No seriously.
>>We were so adorbs. Totes adorbs.
>>The gospel dance number. I worked so hard to be front and center on the stage extension, so this was my shining moment.
>>First soprano girl on the left, front row, next to the boys. Oh Come All Ye Faithful.
You're welcome.
This will be all for today, unless my mom finds videos.
Then I'll post those and be semi-embarrassed for the rest of the year.
My brain is all over the place today and I have lots of ideas and thoughts and interesting links floating around, so I'm going to attempt to get all of these things into one blog post. Beware...
I was browsing Instagram over the weekend and I noticed 2 posts from 2 of the stars of Pretty Little Liars and I loved it so much that I wanted to share it with everyone.
I can absolutely get behind two beautiful, famous actresses who publicly wish the TV show they both work on wouldn't touch up their photos so much. That is the right kind of message they need to be sending young girls. I approve, I approve!
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This morning I posted this on Twitter..
5am gym time.. It doesn't get easier and it doesn't get more fun.. But I'm here. 🏃💪
— Kay (@MissKayStoll) December 17, 2013
My workout partner got a new job and that has forced us to move our workouts to 5am. Due to my crazy work schedule working out in the evening and making it a consistent thing just isn't possible. Besides, we both prefer going in the morning when no one is there and we can have "our" treadmills or "our" machines. #creaturesofhabit
The kicker is that to get there by 5am, I have to wake up at 4:15am to hit snooze at least once, get dressed, start my car, eat a banana or something, tie my shoes, and it's about a 15 minute drive right now because I have to take the long way because of the snowy/icey roads. Ugh.
But once I'm there? Once we walk inside? I'm good to go. I'm usually damn near perky and ready to run or whatever we're doing that day (except ab day, i loathe ab day) and I always, always leave thinking "now that wasn't so hard".
My biggest, hardest challenge is just getting there. It's truly all a mind game. I'm probably never going to "like" getting up at 4:15am and I'm probably never going to "like" my drive to the gym. I just hope that I keep doing it anyway.
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I frequently click on articles that random people post on Facebook and this is an article I actually LOVED, unlike the many, many, many that I think are stupid/ridiculous. It's called 12 Stupid Things People Care Way Too Much About. It's awesome. Actually there are only 11 things, because the 9th thing on the list is "The Fact That I Skipped Number 7 On This List". The article is fabulous in my opinion, but my favorite part was reading the comment section below. Oh my lanta, I laughed so hard!! Sometimes it amuses me to no end that people can just completely miss the point.. It also makes me want to crawl in a hole and cry for our society, but what's new?
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I am currently in major love with The Fray's new single - Love Don't Die.
Check out the music video, all of my fellow TVD viewers will recognize a familiar face!
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While we're on the subject of YouTube videos, have you guys seen this?! I tweeted it a while ago, but I stumbled across it again yesterday and I wanted to make sure you all saw it because I think it is awesome.
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In the most important news of the day, Chad Michael Murray is auctioning his show-worn blue Ravens jersey from One Tree Hill..
Ladies & gents I'm clearing some items. They belong in fans hands. Here's my personal Lucas Scott jersey. Take a peak http://t.co/ZlTg98Dem8
— Chad Michael Murray (@ChadMMurray) December 16, 2013
“@bjax35: @ChadMMurray does the "SCOTT" patch come off? Like it did on One Tree Hill” yes it does. It's the original.
— Chad Michael Murray (@ChadMMurray) December 16, 2013
The jersey is the Blue Ravens jersey I wore. We'll ship anywhere & I'll sign to the buyers preference. Read the description for details.
— Chad Michael Murray (@ChadMMurray) December 16, 2013
So, here's the deal. We all need to start a fund so that I can purchase this. I need it. NEED. Family, you still need Christmas/Birthday ideas? Here you go. You have until Wednesday. Make it happen.
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Now I have some questions for everyone - AKA I'm asking for help/advice!
Does anyone know of any really good posts about food prep? If so, can you send them my way?
Has anyone read the Sue Grafton novels? It's a series starting with "A is for Alibi" and now it's at "W is for Wasted"? Recommend?
Is anyone else a closet One Direction fan or just me? They're becoming my guilty pleasure and I'm not all that guilty about it.
Anyone know of a Netflix documentary that I NEED to see? Send them my way!
Anyone know of a blogger that I absolutely can't start 2014 without reading?
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Thanks in advance for all of the help!
You are the best of the best of the best!
Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas!
This was my last non-stressful weekend until after the New Year, so you better believe I enjoyed it!
>> Friday I went to Indy to a hockey game!
>> V and I at the hockey game!
>> Hockey is quickly becoming incredibly interesting to me..
>> Saturday morning I received this snapchat from my Mom. We joked about it making the blog and I sort of think my stepdad thought I wouldn't post it.. Jokes on him! #hecantstop #hewontstop #somebodygethimawreckingball
>> I watched the IU basketball game at my grandparents' house!
>> My grandma and I (mostly her) made Cherry Delight. The Jim is the back was for my dad and his friend.
The above picture and the below picture are from a Christmas concert called 'Tis The Season at my high school. It's a huge community thing and actually this week you'll be learning more about this concert.. Since I spent MANY years participating in it.
This will conclude today's post.
Big 'ol good plans for the rest of the week!
Yay December!
Before we get around to my actual post today, I just wanted let everyone know that I not only got up incredibly early this morning to go to the gym, I also popped out of bed right away.
I did not press snooze.
I did not sit at the end of my bed and stare at the floor.
I did not sit at my dining room table willing a banana to open itself.
I also did not forget to go outside early to start my car and get it warmed up.
Then I got to the gym and worked my booty off. Well not yet, not technically, but you know what I mean, right? Anyway, I'm amazed at myself.
So, back to business!
It's Friday and it's December, guess what that means-
Today let's begin with one of my Grandma's favorites! Pretty Paper by Willie Nelson
It's a sweet little song and my Grandma loves it, so I love it too.
Next we're gonna go with one of my favoritest favorites. You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.
This is the ORIGINAL version! I love all versions, but this is the one that started my love, so here you go!
For my 3rd choice this morning, I'm going to choose... Happy Christmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon!
To be totally 100% honest, on my personal Christmas playlist I have the version of this song by Maroon 5. I just felt a little bad about using that version, especially when this version is just as good!
Oh next we have The Christmas Waltz by Frank Sinatra
Again, lots of versions of this song (all christmas songs for that matter) but this is the only one you need to hear! Frank is the best! The. Best. Don't argue!
"It's the time of year when the world falls in love. Every song you hear seems to say, Merry Christmas, may your new year dreams come true!"
To finish off for today I choose Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Michael Buble!
I actually love, love, LOVE a version of this song that's done a cappella and really slow and I can't find it anywhere! Seriously, I can't find that version anywhere and it's THE BEST! So if you find it PLEASE let me know!
That's all we're going to have for today because I have lots and lots of weekend plans and I need to get started on all of them right this minute!!
Be suuuuuuure you link up with Whitney for #backthatazzup
And while you're over there, grab one of her shirts.
Basically, Whitney is the super star of blogging.
This post is brought to you by a wine-induced debate with my best friend. It wasn't a debate, exactly.. More of a discussion that turned heated due to the wine. Pesky wine.
Anyway, this discussion was about British guys. While I'm definitely not going to get into the actual debate (not PG) it did spark a post idea!
1.Tom Hardy. This hunk is from London, England. I actually first saw him in This Means War, which is super adorable! But he's most known for being Bane in The Dark Knight Rises. Hot.
2.Daniel Craig. This guy is from Cheshire, England. I mean, really? Swoon. Oh, he's most, MOST known for being none other than James Bond from Casino Royale to Skyfall. Guys, he is JAMES BOND! What more do you want?
3. Alex Pettyfer. Alex is from Hertfordshire, England. He first became "known" in I Am Number Four, but let's be honest.. Everyone remembers him from Magic Mike. I mean, don't lie.
4.Max Irons. This perfect jawline is from London, England. He first really came on the scene in Red Riding Hood, but I know him as the super cutie in The Host. Which you should give a chance if you haven't already, because it's nothing like Twilight for all you Twilight haters.
5.Joseph Morgan. Wales. He's from Wales. I just die. Anyway, he's been in a couple things, but if you want to see his best work, you need to watch him portray Klaus on The Vampire Diaries and now The Originals. He's just too good!
6.Tom Felton.Draco Tom is from Surrey, England. If you tell me you don't know what role he's most famous for, then you need to re-evaluate your life. Harry Potter, all of em. Watch them, now. And drool over the bad boy, Draco.
7.Ed Westwick. Eddy (can i call ya eddy?) is from Hertfordshire, England. Honestly, I only truly know him as Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl. That's almost enough, because he kills that role! But he's recently filmed a remake of Romeo and Juliet as Tybalt and I'm dying to see it!
8. Wentworth Miller. This adorable guy is from Oxfordshire, England. Obviously he's most known as the main character from Prison Break. If we haven't seen that show, Netflix that ish. It's good stuff and he's not half bad to look at.
9. James McAvoy. Okay, he's technically from Scotland, but eh.. semantics. I personally fell in love with him in Penelope! However, he's a little more well known for being in X-Men! Either way, he's adorably, dorky, hot. I don't know, just go with it.
10.Josh Bowman. Josh and his v-neck are from Berkshire, England. He's Daniel Grayson on Revenge and you need to see it and see him. Oh, and he can rock a suit.. Like rock it.
11.Andrew Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln is from London, England. Yes, he's decent as Rick on The Walking Dead. But he's a shining freaking star in Love Actually! Obviously that's my favorite role of his, it's just golden. I've even going to include my favorite scene..
12.Gerard Butler. Again, he's technically from Scotland, but eh semantics! I love him in so many movies! The Ugly Truth to The Bounty Hunter. Girls absolutely fall for him in P.S. I Love You(the book is way better, by the way). His abs made a wonderful, wonderful appearance in 300. But I think I love him most in The Phantom Of The Opera. My best friend and I used to watch that movie constantly!
13 - 17. One Direction. I couldn't not put them on this list.
(L-R) Zayn Malik, West Yorkshire, England. Louis Tomlinson, South Yorkshire, England. Liam Payne, West Midlands, England. Harry Styles, Cheshire, England. Niall Horan, Mullingar, Ireland. (semantics)
Obviously they've had some big hits. I'm a big fan of Story Of My Life and Little Things right now. I'm listening to those 2 songs far too much. You should seriously watch those 2 music videos too, because I totally cried at the end of Story Of My Life. #sap They've also recently released their movie One Direction: This Is Us. I haven't seen it, but I've only heard good things!
So there you have it!
A list of my British (mostly. semantics.) boyfriends!
Also, after I finished this I thought of 3 more people I should've added, SOOO, how about if you know someone, who is British (semantics) and they didn't make the cut, but they should've, comment below and maybe they'll make Part 2! Boom.
Also, these are some of my favorite blog posts.
I mean, it's such a huge and awful chore to find the perfect picture of each guy, but worth it, ya know?
HAHAHAHHAH...
My sister stayed at my apartment while she was home for Thanksgiving and while she was snoopingstealing my things getting ready in my bathroom she made a comment about something and I said "hey, I could blog about that!"
And uh, not to ruin the punchline, but that's what I'm going to blog about today.
Ya see, right around this time in 2005 I was gifted something that I still own and still use.
Yep, this straightener.
I got this straightener when I was 15 and a sophomore in high school.
It's not fancy, it's brownish and pinkish, and it's huge.
It probably cost my mom $40 max.. and I've had it for 8 years.
It's gone with me to..
Chicago, IL, Branson, MO, and my parent's house.
It's been with me through..
Senior pictures, 6 girls traveling alone to Chicago, IL, and surprise Christmas parties.
That straightener has seen me through..
Douche, to sweetheart (closet douche), to douche (closet sweetheart).
It got me through my troubled teens, to my early college years, and then finally..
To bar night, after bar night, after bar night..
Lots of people, all of my friends, my sister, my mom, lots of people have gone through 2, 3, maybe even 5+ straighteners in the time I've had mine.
Through the years could I have purchased a new straightener?
Yes, of course. I just have trouble justifying that purchase when the straightener I have gets the job done.
Also, when that straightener went with me to the dorms and then to apartment after apartment and on trips and vacations, I'll have you know that everyone always wants to use my straightener.
"Kay, leave your straightener on."
"Don't forget to pack your straightener."
"Hey, will your bring your straightener to my room?"
"Kay, where's your straightener?"
So even though my straightener is huge and has sort of dirty plates..
..I refuse to replace it until it dies.
Then I'll probably mourn its loss, honestly.
Also, I almost never straighten my hair anymore because it kind of refuses to stay straight. So this 'ol girl rarely gets used. My curling irons on the other hand...
Do you ever have a weekend that you don't want to recap because it's a little embarrassing?
Welcome to my weekend.
Embarrassment #1, also known as FRIDAY
As I mentioned on Friday, it was a snow day! Picture on the left is Thursday night and picture on the right is Friday night. We got about 10 inches. Well, depending on who you ask it's between 8-12 inches. It snowed ALL day on Friday. The whole entire day it was snowing. So... I did this..
Yea, uh.. I sat on my couch all day long and watched all of these movies. All. Of. Them. In that order. I know, weird selection. Newsflash, I'm weird. Embarrassment #2, also known as SATURDAY
I listened to Christmas music all day (including all of these favorites!) and then had to dig my car out of the snow. Which took 45 minutes. Then I showered and went to campus and worked the IU basketball game. I guess Saturday was a little productive. Slightly.
Embarrassment #3, also known as SUNDAY
I got my booty up early and went to the gym! Which was a good plan on my part because then I spent the rest of the day in a Christmas coma..
I honestly wish I was joking.. However, I'm not. Darn you ABC Family and your 25 days of Christmas movie marathons! I got sucked in.
Who's been keeping track?
That means this weekend I watched 12 movies.
Ugh, my life is so embarrassing.. and slightly pathetic.
See you guysgirls people tomorrow for some more of my embarrassingly pathetic life. Or maybe it's pathetically embarrassing?
Hip Hip Hooray!
