Euro Trip: The Domestic

I've been putting off posting about my travels from this past summer mainly because I am lazy.  But I figured it was time to neglect school work and finally do it.

My European vacation started off with a few quick trips to some American destinations, the first being Seattle.

Now, I love Washington.  If I had to live in any other state besides California it would be the ol' Evergreen State.  It had been too long since the last time I had been there, 2010 to be exact, so I though it time to revisit since I had the time and means.

I stayed in Belltown near Pike Place.  I was made very aware of how awfully I packed when I had to haul my luggage uphill for roughly 30 minutes in the scorching heat.  The hostel that I stayed at was all right, nothing too bad considering it was a hostel which my dad warned me about even though I have stayed in several before this one.  I didn't spend much time there though before I headed out to Pike Place.

My first stop was to see an old friend of mine, Rachel.  We hadn't seen each other in while but the years had been good to the both of us.

2008

2009

2010

2015 (dayyyum  my hair looks good)

Then I just wandered around the market and made my way over to the Seattle Art Museum. I felt awkward paying since they had a "suggested price" for all visitors.  But what am I supposed to do with that??  I feel judged paying anything less than that price so in reality that should just be the actual price, right? Maybe most people aren't as paranoid as me and can live with themselves paying less.  Anyways, the museum had a pretty decent collection of works including some of my favorites such as Chagall and Lichtenstein.

Afterwards, I scurried on over to catch a boat out to Bremerton.  Mainly, I just wanted to sail the sound and catch the city at sunset even if that meant getting off the boat and getting right back on.

But I mean, look at this beaut!

By the end of all that I was starving so I stopped and grabbed a bite to eat at some pizza place and walked back to the hostel.

The next day, I was going to be heading off to my next destination so I woke up early to see my main reason for stopping in Seattle: The Fremont Troll.  Now, it seems silly, I know, but for all the times I've been to Seattle, I have never seen this dang troll!!  So of course I made it my mission this time. It also gave me an opportunity to experience public transportation for the first time in a long time. Let's just say, I was entertained.

Then there was this:

Mission accomplished.

I had Danny DeVito's voice in my head the entire time. Props if you know what I'm referring to.

After that little thrill, I took a bus over to the Space Needle, since no trip to Seattle is complete without it.

I was sweating like no other walking around that area. Literally, buckets.

Thus, my day was complete and I went to the hostel, grabbed my stuff, and headed out (and realized I had lost my key to my luggage so I had to find a locksmith to cut it off for me).  While on my way, I met a lovely man at the bus stop who engaged me in a nice conversation about how he was homeless  and on his way to a job interview.  I treated him to lunch in exchange for directions to the airport via bus.

All in all, it was a short, sweet, CliffsNotes version of Seattle but I'm glad I went all the same.

Next Stop: Chick A Go.

Mossmonster

An Indefinite Ranking of Jane Austen's Menfolk

It's that time of year again.  My annual (in actuality, bi-monthly) period drama marathon.  This time of year, I devour whatever period drama I can get my hands on, mainly sticking within the British/Jane Austen variety with a few others sneaking into the mix.  As one may be able to infer, I am well versed in the men of these dramas, both through numerous reads and rereads of the novels and countless viewings of the miniseries and films.  From viewing to viewing, and as I age, I find my ranking of the Austen men change.  So I thought I would write a post about my most recent ranking, from good to best, for your enjoyment and whimsy.

8. Mr. Edmund Bertram

I begin with the dear dunce Edmund.  For all intents and purposes, Edmund is charming, sweet, and an all-around good guy.  He cares for Fanny deeply but allows himself to be swayed by the insufferable Mary Crawford.  Edmund is just kind of stupid, am I right?  He ranks last for just how ridiculously ignorant he is to Mary's facade and Fanny's feelings.  Leaving Fanny in the friend-zone, he gets caught up with the conniving and manipulative Crawfords who just completely stink things up for every one of the Bertrams.  After much heartache, a couple proposals, and one big realization, Edmund finally figures out that Fanny is in love with him and he is in love with her.  And there was much rejoicing.

*face palm*

7. Mr. Charles Bingley

Oh, you sweet spirit.

Dear, dear Charles.  The good-humored, lovely man.  He is so sweet and cares for Jane so attentively.  Except for the fact that he let himself be persuaded by his friends that she did not care for him.  But all the while, as they are separated, he pines.  How he pines!  If only he were more assertive.  I mean, come on, man.  Grow a pair!  He's kind of the champ throughout the whole novel though.  From the beginning, he remained unfazed by the ridiculousness of Mrs. Bennet and the younger Bennet sisters.  Probably the most "agreeable" of all the Jane Austen men considering no one dislikes him in the slightest (although I'm sure the entire Bennet family had a few choice words for him when he left Netherfield without giving any word of when he would be returning).

6. Mr. Henry Tilney

I rank Mr. Tilney lower as we are only afforded a short time with him as Northanger Abbey is the shortest of all Jane's novels.  The poor second son has to get by on his wit and cleverness and eventually flirts his way into our hearts.  He even defies his father and proposes to Catherine.  And, of course, he's handsome.

5. Mr. Edward Ferrars

Mr. F.  A man who honors his word and keeps the promises he makes.  I admire this quality in him but also kind of want to hit him upside the head.  He lied to everyone about his secret engagement to Lucy Steele and allowed himself to become attached to another woman.  Well, maybe I can't blame him for that.  But, I love that Edward cared for the Dashwood girls and showed them the kindness that his sister refused to even consider.  He is a man of honor and though he did truly love Elinor, he did make a promise to Lucy and kept it despite losing everything... until, of course, Lucy ran off with his older brother with the bigger fortune leaving Edward free to pursue Elinor.

Yes, Edward, we can.

4. Colonel Christopher Brandon

As a girl, when I was first introduced to Jane Austen and Sense & Sensibility I was never really fond of the Colonel.  He was old and kind of boring.  But as I woman, I've come to appreciate the reservedness of the Colonel and, upon further inspection, how truly and deeply he feels.  Upon first glance, he's not the man every person dreams about but behind the stoic, unflappable exterior we find a sensitive, loving, passionate man.  He makes for the perfect antithesis to Willoughby who feels outwards and expresses freely in an attempt to cover his own vain inclinations.  The Colonel still mourns the loss of his beloved and even cares for her child!  His love for Marianne is so endearing and sweet and finally she comes to see the man underneath and consents to marry him.  Likewise, the Colonel has made his way up through the ranks and into my heart.

Still waters do in fact run deep.

3. Captain Frederick Wentworth

"O Captain! My Captain!"  Indeed.  Besides his amiable qualities and exemplary military rank, he also pens probably the greatest letter ever written in both fiction and real life.  He remains devoted to the same woman for 8 years even after she refused him because of her family and his lack of wealth.  When he finally sees her again, after all that time, he tries to resent her but he can't because he loves her so much and cares for her well-being.  That letter though!!!  "You pierce my soul.  I am half agony, half hope."

I am just all agony really.

2. Mr. George Knightley

I'll admit it.  I am an Emma.  I am spoiled, fiercely independent, optimistic, and a bit headstrong.  So of course I would be drawn to Mr. Knightley.  He's exactly what Emma wants and needs.  He compliments Emma so well and never tries to alter her or her character.  He checks her and tells her when she's crossed a line but she's able to hold her own against him.  And they fight!  I love it when they fight. Their relationship is a special one as we get to enjoy watching it evolve over the course of the novel.  Mr. Knightley is grumpy and a bit disapproving but he has a good heart and supports Emma.  He even goes to her to comfort her after hearing of Frank Churchill's engagement because he believed her to be in love with him.  He does this even though the whole point of his being away was to try and get over her!  Also, he's kind of a Baldwin.

Don't think I'd forget you, Paul.

1.  Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy

It is a truth universally acknowledged.  Were you expecting someone else?  Honestly, anyone who says that Darcy isn't their number one is lying and probably weird.  I love all these men but not one of them, at any stage in my life, will be able to shine a light to this man.  Darcy was my first Austen man and will always have a special place in my heart.  Never mind the fact that every version of him on the screen is utter perfection.  From the beginning, Darcy forms an attachment to Elizabeth and she doesn't even have to try to win his affection.  In fact, she loathes him.  And then, after the first proposal and subsequent rejection, he works on all the character faults Lizzie called him out on.  Did you see how cordial he was to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner?  He changed, for her.  Isn't that sexy?  A guy who strives to be better for the person he loves?  I always thought that Darcy made the first proposal thinking that Elizabeth couldn't possibly reject because of his fortune and her family situation and then when she does object he's forced to examine himself.  He realized he couldn't win her with money and most certainly not by insulting her.  So instead he strives to deserve her and that is definitely what we want in our men.  He's also handsome and rich.  Ridiculously rich.  I mean, Pemberley?  Come the freak on.

Yeah boy.

Disclaimer: I do not include other period drama men as that list will be too cumbersome and take years to arrange and rank.  The Austen men are a bit easier to handle.

Fall Premieres got me like...

'Tis the season.  The weather is changing, the children are all back in school, pumpkin spice is EVERYWHERE.  And the most important thing of the season is FALL PREMIERES.  Now, every fall I make a list and record all the shows I think show potential.  That list slowly grows shorter as the season progresses but it starts with optimism and promise.  This time 'round, it seems as though the networks are spicing it up a bit with new takes on old things and tapping into the overflowing, nerd trough.  I am excited about this potential season for both new and returning television shows despite the fact that most of my time is spent reading and studying these days.  But I will make time for my shows.  Below I have listed the potentials and returners in order of premiere date.

September 16th

New Girl
Our beloved gang returns and...attends a wedding!  This new season is starting off strong with some pretty great lines coming from all four corners.  The episode rang true to my own fridge-invitation life and I could empathize wholly with them.  This season is already starting to look better than the last.

The Mindy Project
Mindy and Danny.  Finally.  I don't think I really need to say anymore than that.  Those last five minutes.  Perfection.  Looking forward to this week's episode.  Thanks, Mindy.

September 17th

Red Band Society
I watched the pilot to this a couple weeks ago and was impressed with the issues it tackled.  Although I believe it's highly unlikely that these kids would be living in a hospital.  Didn't make sense to me but whatever.  It's kind of like Degrassi meets Scrubs.  We'll see how it continues.

The Mysteries of Laura
Wasn't too sure about this one but then I saw Debra Messing was in it so of course I had to try it.  Of course Debra Messing is pure gold, from her stress eating to her power over gay men.  She's fab and I think I'll continue to watch.

September 22nd

Gotham
A new potential and one of the most promising.  Considering every billboard in LA has ads for this show plastered across it, I would say I would be a dunce not to try and watch it.  Plus, nerd.

Sleepy Hollow
This show.  It is the perfect mixing of history, literature, fantasy, theology, and men with accents.  Abbie and Crane are one of my favorite duos on television right now.  And I am still reeling from that season finale blow to my head.  Like, woah.  I am anxious to see what's in store for this season.

September 23rd

Marvel's Agents of Shield
Well.  I began watching this show when it first premiered and I was unimpressed but continued to watch.  Eventually I stopped watching and have only recently, at my mother's behest, finally caught up.  I have to say, it was worth it.  Those last episodes were pretty awesome.  Unfortunate that it took the fallout of Captain America 2 to get the story rolling but I think it gave it that exciting, nail-biting drama and action that was so lacking in the beginning of last season.

September 24th

Black-ish
I don't know.  I'm white.  I feel like I should watch this show for like, education or something.  Plus, it looks like it will be funny.

Honorable mentions:
The Middle
Modern Family
The Goldbergs

September 25th

How to Get Away With Murder
Being a 1L, I feel obligated to watch this show to compare and contrast the actual experience with this tv version.  Plus, Viola Davis is in it and I think she'll be a ball-buster.  We shall see.

September 28th

Once Upon A Time
Holy moly ravioli.  One of my favorite shows for countless reasons.  It's returning people.  After that Hook/Swan kiss and the baby and the Elsa and the Marian and Outlaw Queen.  Gah!!!!  Throws me into a frenzy.  I'll just stop while I'm ahead.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Glad it's back.  One of the top comedies coming out of last year.  Eager to see Peralta working undercover.

September 30th

Selfie
I really want this show to succeed.  Not just because it's a take on Pygmalion/My Fair Lady (one of my favorite plays/musicals) but because Karen Gillan and John Cho!  Great pairing.  The pilot episode had me laughing and sympathizing and self-reflecting (it was a weird night).  But I am hopeful that this will take off and that people will love it and that it will maintain a good quality throughout.

Manhattan Love Story
I am still unsure of this one.  I haven't really seen any ads for this and I've only watched one trailer.  I'll watch the whole pilot before I make any further judgments.

October 2nd

Gracepoint
David Tennant and Anna Gunn.  Goodbye.

A to Z
Watched the pilot.  Has a little bit of a 500 Days of Summer vibe to it.  Looking forward to the letter 'B'.

October 5th

Bob's Burgers
If you don't watch this show, you need to because it is pure gold.

Mulaney
Not too sure about this show.  Looks like it's trying too hard to be Seinfeld.  I mean, I can just go watch Seinfeld.

October 7th

The Flash
Flash.  Ah ah!  Have to watch it.  For reasons.

October 12th

The Walking Dead
No explanation or intro needed.

October 14th

Marry Me
I hope this is my replacement for Happy Endings.  Please please please.

October 24th

Grimm
Okay.  I think the writers of this show know exactly what they're doing because every single season has ended on a cliffhanger.  So now I need to watch to find out what happens next!  It's so frustrating.  But a great show all the same.

Constantine
Also watching this for reasons.  Nerd reasons.


God bless my DVR.

"I think I'll go to law school today!"

The day approaches. In just under a month I will be returning to school to pursue a law degree.  Crazy, right?  People keep telling me I'm crazy and saying things like, "there are too many lawyers in this world" or "the job market's looking pretty slim for lawyers as of late."  All things I'm grateful to hear after spending countless hours studying for the LSAT and applying to schools.  Wasted effort, right?  Because I just woke up one day and decided I was going to go to law school...

Anywho, I will be making my way up the coastline and moving to the sunny and crowded Los Angeles.  I'm both excited and a bit nervous, as should be expected.  Law school is a pretty big deal and living in a big city and going to law school is a really big deal.  Making my way up the coast from San Diego, then to Orange County and now onto Los Angeles seems a bit backwards.  I feel as if I should be going the other way round.

I will definitely miss my undergraduate experience in San Diego but I'm glad to be going somewhere I've never lived before as to make new friends (hopefully) and have new experiences (that don't include Netflix).  And I'm getting all prepped for school by checking my schedule every day, harassing the financial aid office on a fairly regular basis, and looking for a place to live that hopefully isn't crime-ridden or sketchy.  Also, binge watching any shows I am currently watching as to not be distracted by them come fall.  All very important tasks.

I'm nervous and ready and scared and fearless.  A walking contradiction.  I guess the thought of law school can do that to a person.  Make them perhaps a little insane.

Well, see you in three years!

Hopefully.

Chicks and Flicks

WARNING: Extremely Girly

I am not going to deny that I love romantic movies.  I mean, I love action movies and thrillers and comedies, etc.  But there's something about these movies that is very comforting and familiar.  Behind this intimidating and headstrong exterior (words that have been so lovingly said of me) is a girl who loves love.  And I am in love with movies where love reigns supreme.  Given a Friday night alone, I would pick any one of these movies.  Here I have ranked my top 12 romantic movies.  Why I picked 12, I do not know (Buzzfeed is slowly infiltrating every aspect of my life).  Some may agree, some may disagree.  But this is my blog and my ranking... so there.

12. The Little Mermaid

I'm starting my list off with a little classic.  My favorite Disney movie and one of my favorite romances.  A mermaid, ginger no less, dreams of the world above.  Then along comes Prince Eric who just so happens to be a hot piece of dish and human.  Yeah, it's a kid's movie but it's also a kid's movie I grew up on and still obsess over.  Still can't get over the "Part of Your World (Reprise)" scene with Eric splayed out on the beach while Ariel sings to him as the sun shines directly over them.  Kills me.

11. Some Kind of Wonderful

Probably John Hughes' most underrated 80's flick.  Eric Stoltz and Mary Stuart Masterson.  Keith and Watts.  Blessed pairing.  It's a classic "I'm in love with my best friend" movie.  Keith fawns over and asks out Caroline in the City all the while Watts is on the sideline.  She even has to drive them around their little date!  But that last scene always gets me.  Marty McFly's mom needs time to be alone and Keith realizes he is actually in love with Watts and we have that wonderful scene where he chases after Watts and that awesome Celtic version of "Can't Help Falling in Love" plays and it's just amazing.  Plus, Eric Stoltz is a ging and totally attractive. "Well, you're stupid.  I always knew you were stupid."

10. Pretty in Pink

Another John Hughes makes the list.  Most people would go for Sixteen Candles or St. Elmo's Fire but nope.  I pick these two.  Molly Ringwald, another ginger, plays Andie, a girl who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks.  Her best friend is Jon Cryer aka "Duckie" and she works in a record shop.  Pretty awesome.  Duckie's in love with Andie who's in love with Blane.  Another "I'm in love with my best friend" movie but this one is probably a tad more realistic since Duckie doesn't end up with the girl.  But he does end up with Buffy Summers which is pretty awesome.  And Duckie's rendition of "Try a Little Tenderness" is one of my favorite scenes in the movie.  Gotta love Duck.  He tried so hard and still didn't get the girl.  Stupid rewrites.

9. Little Women

Christian Bale as Laurie.  I die.  But whenever I'm in a 90's/period piece mood this one is always my choice. Laurie is in love with Jo but she isn't in love with him.  It seems I have a theme of unrequited love going on with this list but bear with me.  Despite the fact that Jo doesn't end up with Laurie, I do like that she ended up with Mr. Bhaer, the German professor.  A far better relationship, I believe.  And when he delivers her manuscript and Jo goes chasing after him, I can't help but smile like an idiot as they kiss in the rain under an umbrella.  Oh yeah! And Eric Stoltz is in this one too!

8. Notting Hill

"I'm just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her."  I visited the store where this movie was filmed and, although it is now a shoe shop, I can totally imagine it as a site for romance.  Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant make a lovely pair.  I can't really choose one scene that I love because I love them all.  But the scene where those words are uttered have become iconic in my eyes.  And Hugh Grant's race to the press conference is pretty hysterical.  And when she changes her answer to the question of how long she will be staying in London I lose all control of my limbs.

7. Moulin Rouge!

Do I even need to explain?  Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman standing on top of an elephant while singing, quite possibly, the best love song mash-up ever.  Baz is a genius and I refuse to believe otherwise.  This movie is all about love and romance.  I can't help but feel happy inside whenever I watch it... despite the depressing ending.  It's silly and fun and wonderful.

6. Clueless

"I love Josh!"  A modern spin on my third favorite Jane Austen novel, Emma.  When I want a familiar and fun chick flick I choose this one.  Paul Rudd and Alicia Silverstone are a great onscreen couple and I can't help but love them.  I'm not going to lie, I always imagined finding a guy like Josh in college.  It never happened, mind you.  Obviously.  My favorite moment has to be at the very end where Cher catches the bouquet and her and Josh kiss and he plays with her curls while "Tenderness" plays in the background.  Adorable.

5. Bridget Jones's Diary

A modern retelling of Pride & Prejudice.  We can all relate to Bridget.  She's clumsy, awkward, and doesn't have her life together at all.  And then there's Colin Firth.  Homanuh homanuh homanuh.  Makes for a great kissing scene at the end.  Standing in the snow in her underwear.

"Nice boys don't kiss like that." "Oh, yes, they f-ing do."

4. Casablanca/Gone With the Wind/From Here to Eternity/Seven Brides for Seven Brothers/Breakfast at Tiffany's/Sabrina/Roman Holiday/My Fair Lady....etc.

I rank these altogether because when I'm in a classics mood, I could go for any one of these.  Whether it's the four-hour epic Gone With the Wind or the ridiculously fun Roman Holiday, I soak up the romance.  Oh and that kissing scene in From Here to Eternity...yum.

3. Ever After

"A bird may love a fish, signore, but where would they live?"

Considering I can quote every single line from this movie verbatim I would say I have an affinity for watching this movie repeatedly.  I am a sucker for fairytales in general.  Re-imagined fairytales?  I'm dead.  I could have picked any Drew Barrymore movie since I love her in all of them from Never Been Kissed to The Wedding Singer but I chose this one because it caters to my period-drama fancy.  There are so many romantic scenes in this movie it's hard to choose just one.  When they meet in court or when they get captured by gypsies or when they meet in the ruins or the ball!  Gah!!!  I can't get over it.  It all is just wonderful and magical and completely girly.

2. Say Anything

"Don't be a guy, be a man."

Lloyd Dobler in a trench coat holding a stereo playing "In Your Eyes" outside of Diane Court's window.  Probably one of the most iconic romantic scenes of all time.  If a boy ever wanted to win me over or win me back, this would be the way to do it.  I love how much Lloyd loves Diane.  A pair that seems completely wrong for each other ends up being the greatest couple ever.  And then they fly off to London together.  I have based my entire flight theory off that last scene.  Wait for the ding.

1. Pride and Prejudice (both 1995 & 2003 versions)

As I have said previously, I am a sucker for period dramas.  That being said, my love for Jane Austen novels knows no bounds. While the rest of my tour group was hanging out in a pub in Bath, I was visiting the Jane Austen museum with a bunch of older women.  I was so obsessed with the 2003 version that I watched and rewatched it after school every day for three weeks before my parents finally took the dvd away and hid it from me.  I've gone through three copies of this movie.  I can't get enough.  At one point I had all the lines memorized and could quote any scene on demand.  I have reread the book multiple times and when I say multiple, I mean A LOT.  It is my favorite coupling of all time and my favorite love story.  The sassy and vivacious Elizabeth and handsomely brooding Mr. Darcy set their differences aside to find they're more alike than they originally thought.  My favorite scene has to be the first proposal scene.  This scene varies between the 1995 and 2003 version but the 1995 version remains truest to the book.  But there's no denying that that almost-kiss in the 2003 version is pretty hot.  And all the scenes at Pemberley in both versions.

"Mrs. Darcy."

Disclaimer: I know I have excluded several movies but I found it really difficult to rank even these ones!


-Mossmonster

Wanderluster

In my recent years, my desire to travel has exponentially increased to the point that it stresses me out if I am not traveling somewhere within a six month period.  I simply love to travel.  My last greatest excursion was to the wonderful and illustrious French Riviera where the air is aromatic and the nudists run rampant.  Both beautiful and eye-gouging.  I am currently counting down to the end of May when I will be once again flying off to ye ol' Europe, specifically Scotland.  Probably one of my most favorite places mainly because I actually fit in as a ginger person.  It's also extremely beautiful and the people are simply amazing whether or not you're able to understand anything they are saying.  Now, as my departure time slowly approaches, I have already been thinking on my next travels.  I've had a list going for a while of places I want to visit before I die and if it seems completely scatter-brained, it's because it is.

1.  Peru.

I can't really grasp why I want to go to Peru.  I think it mainly has to do with my deep love for Paddington Bear and the role he played in my childhood with his cute little wellies and duffle coat.

But I also want to wear a poncho and scale the mountains to Machu Picchu whilst eating guinea pig.  Maybe not all at once.  That might not be such a good idea for digestion.

2.  Iceland.

Well, Bjork for one.  Ice hotels for another.  I think after Die Another Day I was pretty much sold on the idea because, you know, James Bond.  But seriously! A hotel.  Made of ice.  It's the dream.

Maybe not the dream, but it is one.  My Nordic and Gaelic bloodlines draw me in mainly.  But also James Bond.

3. Russia.

I think this dream travel spot stems from my wanting to reenact the St. Petersburg scene from the animated movie, Anastasia, with my teenage heartthrob, John Cusack.  But I think I'd rather have him reenact it as Lloyd Dobler rather than Demetri.  Another reason why I want to travel to Mother Russia is because one of my favorite books, Anna Karenina, is set here and I would love to just sit in the train station and watch people come and go.  And hopefully not get thrown under any trains.

4. Morocco.

Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, I would most definitely walk into this one.

5.  Greece.

Not saying that I want to sing "Mamma Mia" while running through a hillside island city, but I do.  I definitely want to jump off a huge rock into the clear blue sea and ride a donkey to the top of Santorini.  It's ridiculous how much I want to do this.  And Shipwreck Cove!!!

Goodness.  Athens.  Olympia.  I would love to explore Ancient Greek landmarks such as the Parthenon and brush up on my Greek mythology.  Thanks, Percy Jackson.

6.  Egypt/Jordan

I just want to ride out of Petra with Harrison Ford on a horse having just found and lost a holy relic.

But for reals.  Cairo.  Alexandria.  The pyramids.  The Sphynx.  The Nile.  Khan el-Khalili.  You have chosen... wisely.

I regret that most of the places I want to travel mainly have to do with movies or tv shows but I guess that's how we're exposed to many things we come to love and long for.  My Pinterest board is evidence of that.  I'm just not content with staying stagnant.  I desire motion.  I want to be a world wanderer.  I want to see things and experience things outside of the dome that is Southern California.  I concur that not all who wander are lost.  I believe that those who are wander are made richer and fuller for venturing to step out their front door.

-Mossmonster

Ms. Optimist

In my senior year of high school I was voted "Most Optimistic" and if you knew me my senior year, this was rather hilarious. That last year of high school... well, let's just say that it made college all that more appealing to me. I'm not one to dwell on the past but I am most definitely obsessive (boys be warned). I don't regret my decisions or life choices; I think they have very much made me who I am today and I kind of like me. But, I obsess over the most asinine things like the fact that I didn't tip that server enough money that one time at Johnny Rocket's in LA in 2009 (if that man has fallen on hard times, I blame myself). Getting back on track, for all I know two people voted me for that superlative just to fill in the space and no one actually thought I was that optimistic.  This was high school after all; superficial was pretty much all you got. But for whatever reason, this was something that has definitely resonated with me through college and beyond. I am a fairly optimistic person. Maybe it's my religion, maybe it's just my personality, but I tend to think on the bright side of things and take a half-glass-full stance on most situations. Positivity is key to a long and healthy life after all.*

I'm always the one cheering people up and making them laugh. And I love to do that. I might have done really well in clown college if not for my fear of clowns. I sometimes don't know how to maneuver certain emotional situations because I am awkward but I do my best. And I realize that I have no idea where I was going with this. So I will just say, stay positive and everything will be okay in the end, if it's not okay, it's not the end or some crap like that.**









*Disclaimer: I actually have no idea if this is true.
**I am also a realist and know that if you jump off a cliff and hope everything will be okay you will die. So stay safe and practice safe optimism.