Looking back on my time living in Britain, I realize that while it came with its fair share of quirks and challenges, I miss every bit of that endearing weirdness more than I ever expected.
A few years ago, I realized I had a little habit. Okay, fine. A big habit. I was constantly shopping. Buying cute things that caught my eye, only to have them sit unworn in my closet, silently judging me. I’d swing between impulse purchases and aesthetic aspirations, always hoping the next item would be the missing piece that made me feel put-together. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
I don’t know how else to say this, so I’ll just come right out with it.
I was very uncomfortable in my own skin.
Oh, New England. The land of icy roads and even icier social scenes. I swore I’d never return after college, when my Midwestern self was met with a chilly reception colder than a Nor’easter. Back then, I was bombarded with snide comments about my home state — flyover state jokes, condescending remarks about my friendliness, and the general air of superiority. Apparently, being nice was a crime, and the Midwest was a punchline.
Let’s get something clear: being a picky eater is neither a moral failing nor an invitation for constant critique.
It’s a new year and maybe it’s the Sagittarius in me, or maybe I was just born with it, but that’s the perfect excuse to reinvent myself, yet again. 😏😏 And for me, that means a whole slew of new fixations that will become my entire personality for an extended period of time. I’ve seen the trend going around online of people making their ins and outs list, and while I feel like that’s a bit played out, I have been thinking about my current ins a lot lately; so much so that some of my current obsessions are legit keeping me awake at night.
Hiya friends,
I hope you’re all getting in the festive spirit right about now. I know that if I weren’t such a Scrooge, I would be.
I’ve been in quite the pensive mood lately; I won’t lie. My mind just won’t shut up - I guess that’s why I’m here. This little corner of the internet has always been my space to talk to me, and anyone else who cares listen, about my internal goings-on and this post is no different.
For the first time in along time, I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be. It's the strangest feeling to try and describe to someone who doesn't know what you're talking about, but those who get it, get it.
We all have them. Those relics of our younger years that stick with us forever. It’s almost as if something tells us that while we might not understand or relate to those things then, someday we’ll find their place or meaning in or lives, so we store them away in our cherished memories until that time comes.
Day 13 of hiding from COVID-19 is coming to a close and I never thought social distancing would feel so strange.
Hello, my friends, it’s been a minute. Life has a tendency to get away from us sometimes, doesn’t it?
A sense of belonging - one of mankind's most-basic and innate desires as people go through life. Being a part of something and having connections with other people gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling that you can't find anywhere else. Some people find it within their role at work, others seek it out within a church or political setting. It can be found in dozens of obvious places, but one place you might unexpectedly find your group is in the motoring world. Enthusiast groups exist across the whole spectrum of the automotive world - no matter what brand you drive, you'll probably find a group of like-minded driving fans to bond with.
Four years ago, I was beginning to make decisions that would change my life forever. Four years ago, today seemed like an eternity away. Four years ago, I had wide eyes and ambitions as great as the day is long. Four years ago, was my senior year in high school.
Read MoreSome people seem to have their family histories all figured out. We all know those people, the ones who can trace their ancestry lines back to the Mayflower and beyond. They're all so full of pride for their family and possibly for their heritage. Unfortunately, coming from a small town in the Midwest - without any significant ethnic diversity or any obvious settlement pockets in the area - I have never had the privilege of knowing where I was from beyond my own address.
Read MoreIreland and I have a weird history together. The first time I visited, I came away insisting that I felt little desire to return. That sentiment didn't last, obviously. Not even a year later and I threw caution to the wind and back to the Emerald Isle I ventured. I was already abroad in Scotland for the holidays, so the travel there was a hop and a skip, literally. So, I threw some spare cash together and embarked on my second time across the Irish Sea.
Read MoreIt's been some time since I last posted. For that matter, it's been a long time since I had something to post about. But now that I'm back in the country I love, let the travel blogging commence.
Read MoreYou know that feeling you get when something just isn’t right? The hairs on the back of neck stand up and you get a cold chill down your spine… you should always listen to that intuitive voice inside your head that warns you of the unknown because you’ll find that often-times, without explanation, that voice is on to something.
Read More"Long distance doesn't work," they say. "Long distance relationships won't last," they say. "There's no way to make sure they're being faithful and honest when you're so far away," they say. "It's like being single, but lonelier," they say. Well, I don't know who this they is, but they can take their false information and shove it.
Read MoreWell, that’s it then - time to close yet another chapter in the book that is my #studyabroad adventure. My flight leaving Stockholm departs in just under 2 hours and I’m pretty sad to say goodbye - Sweden’s been good to me.
Read MoreI can't believe it’s already over a week into the month of April. Where on earth has the time gone? It’s been quite some time since my last update and so much has happened since then; I’m sure I’ll struggle to fit everything in (or perhaps more accurately just remember it all), but I'll give it a go.
Read MoreIt’s that time of year again, a favorite among students in American Universities. It’s March and that means: #SpringBreak2015. Every student feels a sense of entitlement to have a kick ass spring break. It’s one of the most #basic truths that we students hold to be self-evident - you work your butt off all year and then you take a week off somewhere, anywhere, and have an unforgettable time (or even sometimes un-remember-able time, depending on your plans).
Read MoreI'm just another Millennial taking on life one cup of coffee at a time. My blog Espresso Myself is a place for me to be me, for myself, and for everyone else. Write on!
Looking back on my time living in Britain, I realize that while it came with its fair share of quirks and challenges, I miss every bit of that endearing weirdness more than I ever expected.
A few years ago, I realized I had a little habit. Okay, fine. A big habit. I was constantly shopping. Buying cute things that caught my eye, only to have them sit unworn in my closet, silently judging me. I’d swing between impulse purchases and aesthetic aspirations, always hoping the next item would be the missing piece that made me feel put-together. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
I don’t know how else to say this, so I’ll just come right out with it.
I was very uncomfortable in my own skin.
Whoever said “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey,” has either never flown economy or has seriously low standards. I hate to break it to you — but traveling kinda sucks. Sure, seeing new places is amazing, but the actual getting there part? A parade of stress, discomfort, and disappointment wrapped in a neck pillow.
Oh, New England. The land of icy roads and even icier social scenes. I swore I’d never return after college, when my Midwestern self was met with a chilly reception colder than a Nor’easter. Back then, I was bombarded with snide comments about my home state — flyover state jokes, condescending remarks about my friendliness, and the general air of superiority. Apparently, being nice was a crime, and the Midwest was a punchline.
Let’s get something clear: being a picky eater is neither a moral failing nor an invitation for constant critique.
This year for our two-year wedding anniversary, my husband James and I decided to take a long weekend getaway to Vermont. Known for its stunning fall foliage, quaint towns, and picturesque landscapes, we thought it would be the perfect backdrop for our celebration and we had been planning this trip for pretty much the entirety of our marriage. While some parts of the trip exceeded our expectations, others were a bit of a letdown. But in the end, it was still a perfect anniversary escape and that’s truly all that matters - and it made for a great story…
There are certain trips that stay with you long after your plane touches back down at home.
It only took me 30 years, but I’ve finally come to the realization that I really enjoy watching documentaries and docuseries. With my attention span, who would have seen that one coming?
I’ve been feeling the itch to write lately, but honestly, I haven’t had a whole lot to write about.
Things are slow, but steady in my life. I have zero things to complain about, but I have don’t have anything super exciting to celebrate at the moment either.
But I was doing a little maintenance around my site today and I stumbled back upon and old post I titled “Top 10 Travel Bucket List,” which I had completely forgotten about. I haven’t looked at since I wrote it back in early 2019 - four years ago. Upon reviewing it, I noticed that a few of the places I’d gotten to visit since then! And a few more of them that I’ve lost interest in visiting for one reason or another; so, I thought it might be fun to write out an updated list. If only just to help myself keep track of where I should book next. 😉
It’s a new year and maybe it’s the Sagittarius in me, or maybe I was just born with it, but that’s the perfect excuse to reinvent myself, yet again. 😏😏 And for me, that means a whole slew of new fixations that will become my entire personality for an extended period of time. I’ve seen the trend going around online of people making their ins and outs list, and while I feel like that’s a bit played out, I have been thinking about my current ins a lot lately; so much so that some of my current obsessions are legit keeping me awake at night.
Hiya friends,
I hope you’re all getting in the festive spirit right about now. I know that if I weren’t such a Scrooge, I would be.
I’ve been in quite the pensive mood lately; I won’t lie. My mind just won’t shut up - I guess that’s why I’m here. This little corner of the internet has always been my space to talk to me, and anyone else who cares listen, about my internal goings-on and this post is no different.
For the first time in along time, I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be. It's the strangest feeling to try and describe to someone who doesn't know what you're talking about, but those who get it, get it.
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My heart is shadowed tonight with what-could-have-beens.