Quirks

Today's Blogtember prompt asks me to give you all a self-portrait. However, I think that you all have heard quite enough about "who I am". You all know the basics. If you're new here, check out the About Me page! As for today's post, I think I can give you guys a little bit of a different kind of insight and tell you the silly little details about myself. The interesting thing is, a lot of us share those same little quirks, but we rarely talk about them! After reading this, you may find that we have quite a bit in common.

*I love Twizzlers. Like, probably too much.
*I sing loudly and obnoxiously in the car, mostly to Lady Gaga, whom I adore.
*I like peanut butter in my yogurt, and applesauce with my grilled cheese.
*I like to sing people's names when I see them.
*If I'm in a foreign place, I go to the local Disney store to alleviate homesickness.



*I snort occasionally when I laugh.
*Bridal magazines are my guilty pleasure.
*I wear the same watch every single day.
*I think my toes look like little maggots.
*I can grab things with my maggot-like toes.
*I like (real) Belgian waffles wayyy too much.



*I enjoy leaping down the hallways in my house and at school.
*I don't put butter on my bread.
*I debate downloading Candy Crush because I'm afraid I'll get addicted.
*I'm very particular about how my groceries are bagged at the store.
*I was afraid of Chipotle burritos until I was a senior in high school.

I think that's enough crazy for one day! What are your quirks?

For The Love Of Writing

I have a post on this blog about my Blogging Story. All about how I started blogging and where it has taken me. I suppose for some, blogging has had a very tangible impact on their lives. For example, the big bloggers out there have made a name for themselves in the blogsphere and have an income off their blog. For me, it's a little bit more internal than that (although one day I hope to be in their league). For me, it's about writing.

The thing is that I'm in theatre. For those of you who don't do theatre, here's something you need to know: it consumes you. When I'm not doing homework, out with friends, or on this blog, I am thinking, living, and breathing theatre, and I love it! Actually now that I think about it, I mostly go out with theatre friends, so maybe it even has a hold on me when I'm out on the town. The point is, I don't have much opportunity to get away and just chill. I don't have as much time as I'd like to read, sew, craft, cook, write, or shoot photos. This blog almost forces me to sit down for just a few minutes a day and gather my thoughts. It's therapeutic and gives me a moment of calm every day. It also helps my creativity!

My blog was especially important to me when I was in Belgium (if you'd like to read some of those stories, click here). I blogged just about every day and I recounted every little detail of my days. Since I rarely talked to people back home, it gave me a real way to connect with them. Everyone back in the States, and around the world, really, knew what was going on with me and was able to be a part of my experience. Plus, having that catharsis every day was extremely helpful for my mental sanity. Looking back, some of my posts were incredibly sad, some depressing, some hysterical, and some beautifully poetic. Even looking back at the journaling or poetry that I was writing while I was there makes me long for the days of train rides and quiet afternoons where I could take the time to dig deep into my soul and write something lovely. Maybe I will post some of those poems here one day.

Yes, I hope that one day my blog will become popular and yes, I love getting comments on my posts and yes, my heart jumps a little when I get a new follower. But it's not just about that. It's about taking the time to go to a calm place and write.

Broadway Bound

It's still Blogtember, but I think I'm going to start shying away from actually detracting from my posts with that fact (after this time, I promise). I'll continue to insert the button at the bottoms of my posts and you should all still check it out, but I think I'm just going to write on the prompts instead.

Day 6 Prompt: Describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn.

I mulled over this for a while, thinking about the times when I literally felt my life take a shift. There have been a couple, but I think the biggest one happened when I was in sixth grade. I touched on this lightly in my "Where I Come From" post, but I want to delve into it a tad more.

When I was in sixth grade, the big girls at my dance studio were opening the summer recital with "One" from A Chorus Line, complete with the amazing original choreography. It also just so happened that this particular musical was playing at the Carousel Dinner Theater in Akron, which no longer exists (the theater, not the city). After some persuasion, my best friend and I managed to convince our parents to take us to see it. It was me, my bestie, my mom, her mom, and my cousin. Looking back, it probably wasn't the most appropriate musical for two sixth graders and a fourth grader...

Photo by Paul Kolnik

Those actors mesmerized me. I was entranced by how they moved, the words they spoke, how they embraced the characters, and how they drew me in. Then there was the dancing. I about died, I was so enthralled with the whole thing. It was in that moment that I knew that I had to be one of them some day. I had to get on that stage and perform and be an actress. The rest is history (in the making)! From that point on, I was obsessed. I got serious about my dancing, I did way more acting, saw more shows, did my research, signed up for master classes and eventually started vocal lessons. I participated in my high school drama club, community theatre, and continued to advance in my dancing. Now, ten years later, I'm attending Cleveland State University for theatre performance and I'm a talent scholarship student. We work closely with many acting companies in Cleveland and we are in residence with The Cleveland Playhouse and Groundworks Dance Theatre, not to mention we have state-of-the-art facilities for rehearsal and performance at Playhouse Square. I am so blessed and amazed at these opportunities.

The best part is, I know I'm headed for greatness. That one moment when I was only eleven, and I knew that I was going to make something awesome from my life on the stage. This is only the beginning, that's the best part.

Blogtember, Day 5: Personality Test

It's already week two of Blogtember! I have a feeling this month is going to fly by. Although I'm enjoying writing in response to prompts and such, I miss doing style posts, so while I share with you all the results of my personality test, enjoy my latest outfit photos!

Day 5 Prompt: Take this short personality test and respond to your results.

I've taken a number of personality quizzes and assessments since I was in middle school. Everyone was always trying to figure out what kind of person they were so that they could see which types of people with whom they would best get along or choose a successful career path. In the seventh grade. However, I tend to think these tests are nothing more than glorified Cosmo quizzes. You don't need a formula to figure out who you are, you just need to be honest with yourself and take a look inside. We all know if we're extroverts or introverts, aggressive or passive. These tests never tell me things I don't already know. This one was the just the same.





My results were as follows:

Extravert(78%) iNtuitive(50%) Feeling(62%) Perceiving(22)%
You have strong preference of Extraversion over Introversion (78%)
You have moderate preference of Intuition over Sensing (50%)
You have distinctive preference of Feeling over Thinking (62%)
You have slight preference of Perceiving over Judging (22%)

Did any of this surprise me? Not a bit. Do I know who I am? I have a pretty good idea.





That being said, I think we can all benefit from a little self-analysis. I'm not saying you all need to go out and take this test right now, but maybe sometime this week, take a moment to delve deep inside and be honest. What kind of person are you? We are all constantly learning about ourselves. Every time we experience something new, we learn a little bit about what kind of person we are. There's something really beautiful in that. We are so deep and complex and you can never know everything about another person, let alone yourself.

Yesterday, I talked about the key to a healthy and happy life being to stay positive. Well, maybe the door has a couple of different locks, because I think this little piece of knowledge should have a place on your key ring as well: You need to know yourself to be happy. Once you know who you are, you can accept that about yourself and then decide if there's something you would like to improve upon. For example, if you're an introvert and you are just dying to get out there and be outgoing and extroverted, nothing is saying you can't! However, you won't be happy until you recognize that you're, by nature, an introverted person, and just be ok with that. Then you can help yourself to be that outgoing person once in a while!

We're all wonderful, beautifully designed human beings, and we get a say in what we become. Isn't that awesome?



Ok, let's take a break from the deep talk. Can we just talk about this outfit for a second? I love it, and for a few reasons. For one thing, I just love Audrey Hepburn. I can't get into that right now, but I could write pages about how much I love her. Secondly, I'm so excited about this denim shirt! It's a hand-me-down from my sister, so it's big but it's so worn in and comfy. I'm sure I'll find a million ways to wear it this fall. Third, the brass buttons on this skirt rock. Details, people! To finish off the outfit, I had to add some color with my necklace and shoes. On top of it all, my mane was going nuts! Another great thing about this outfit is how I barely spent any money on these pieces. Each one was either given to me, thrifted, or I got it on super sale. Those are the best kinds!



I think it's appropriate to combine a style and personality post because our style is such a reflection of our personalities. That's the beauty of fashion and personal style. Again, that is a whole other post to be done! What does your style say about you?

Blogtember Day 2: Three Months Off

It's Day 2 of Blogtember! I'm totally all about this challenge. If you don't what I'm talking about, take a peak over at Story of My Life and Jenni can explain.

Day 2 Prompt: If you could take three months off from your current life and do anything in the world, what would you do?





I had a rough time answering this one because there are a million things I would want to do! I think the top one on my list, though, would be to travel across Europe and spend the time studying dance and acting techniques from the masters. I have always wanted to take intensive courses all over the world, but of course time and money get in the way constantly, as with most things. If they were no option, then I think that is what I would want to do most. Of course, I would also take those opportunities to live luxuriously and eat decadently. And shop. Lots and lots of vintage shopping. I mean, I would be in Europe after all! It would be sinful not to take advantage of all that. If money is no option, then I would have no excuse not to take advantage of everything I could.





I would spend my days dancing, learning, and knocking elbows with some amazing people in the business. Networking! My afternoons would be spent in museums, parks, local shops and wandering through the villages and cities of Europe while photographing it all. I would spend my evenings in dark and cozy restaurants, maybe a piano bar here and there, and occasionally going out to a club or concert. It would be wonderful. I would be doing what I love in beautiful places and enjoying every moment of it. I would be free.



What about you? What would you do?

*All photos are of me, taken in Italy during my study abroad year*

Blogtember, Day 1: Where I Come From

One of my really good friends, Amy (at Remended) linked me up to this awesome blogger challenge called Blogtember over at Story of My Life. Jenni put together a whole month's worth of blog prompts for us to use every weekday in September, starting today! I decided to participate because I used to be a very avid blogger back when I was keeping my Belgium blog. This sounded like a great way to "get back to the basics" as Jenni calls it, and to share a little bit more about myself with all of you! I am still going to continue to do style posts and travel posts as I have been doing, but this is also really convenient as I kick off the school year, cause Lord knows it's been busy for the past week and it's only going to get busier!



Anyways, today's prompt reads: Describe where or what you come from. The people, the places, and/or the factors that make up who you are.

I love this prompt because I think that knowing a person's background can tell you amazing things about the person that you see today. I truly believe that our past experiences, relationships, even acquaintances, mold us into who we are. It kind of goes along with my whole "everything happens for a reason" mantra. That being said, I really think that everything that I've been through, happy or sad, exciting or boring, fun or dreadful, is a part of me and I wouldn't be who I am without every single one of those things.



I come from an extremely close and nurturing family. My parents are amazing, hardworking, dedicated people who taught me how to be a strong, independent woman who can chase dreams and be just as extraordinary as I want to be. I thank God every day for giving me the most loving parents I could have. They taught me how to be ambitious and how to work for the things that I see in my future. They taught me to help others and to be generous. They taught me how to be a true, compassionate, as well as encouraging, friend. They exposed me to art and music and culture from the moment I was born. They showed me how to be a well-rounded, smart person with a passion to learn about life. Not to mention my rockin' sister.

Of course, nobody's story is perfect. In my life, my parents have both had career changes. Once by choice, the other by lack of choices. This obviously led to difficult times where we were struggling, and we still deal with that daily. However, through it all, my brave and amazing mother worked for and received her Masters degree, showing me again that anything can be accomplished, even when it all seems like it's headed downhill. I also come from a background of anxiety disorders and depression, but I know that working through that also makes me stronger. Positivity is the key to a healthy and happy life!



Right now I'm in a happy relationship with a guy named Steve Martin (yes, his name is actually Steve Martin. No, I'm not talking about the celebrity), but like most of us, I've had not-so-happy ones in the past. I even had a long-distance relationship for about eight months. Even though those didn't work out, I know I wouldn't be where I am now without them, and they each taught me something about life and about myself. Even the friendships that I've had in the past that faded taught me things. Everyone you meet, everyone who comes into contact with you, they all affect and help shape you. I have amazing friends and I love them all.



I feel most at home, and always have, on the stage. I come from performing and the spotlight. I've danced nearly my whole life and got involved in theatre when I was very young. Performance has always been a huge part of my life and ultimately, it will be where I spend the majority of the rest of it! Seeing shows as a child (again, thank you parents for exposing me to culture at a young age) and being involved in the performing arts so young helped me to choose a career path early in life and I couldn't be happier with it! The first musical I ever saw was A Chorus Line. I was in sixth grade, and I knew immediately that that was what I needed to do with my life. I've been dancing and acting and singing ever since and I'm not slowing down now!

Other random facts: Walt Disney World and the Walt Disney Company as a whole have both played major roles in my life and continue to do so to this day. Writing has often been my saving grace. Attending Cleveland State University was one of the best decisions I ever made, even though I fought it for a long time. Although it hasn't always been, fashion has become a really important part of me. If I wasn't going into theatre, I think I would have to do something with weddings. I've lived in the same house my whole life, except for the year I spent in Belgium and the six months I lived in Florida. Being average has never satisfied me, and I don't think it ever will. I couldn't do anything that I've done and I wouldn't be able to do any of the things I plan to do without the love of God (I didn't want to get too religious in this post, but my religion is a HUGE part of me).

This is a very abbreviated version of "where I come from". There are a million factors that go into the making of me and I could go on and on. I think this is enough for now, though! Keep checking back for more Blogtember posts this month! Where do you come from?

Loving Study Abroad

Today is Labor Day, yes, but it is also something much more special than that. Today, we sent my sister off to Ireland for her study abroad program! Since I completed mine a little over two years ago (whaaaaat?!) I have been pretty obsessed with getting the word out there and promoting foreign exchange and study abroad programs (by the way, the photos in this post are from my year abroad). I really think that going to a new country to live, learn, and enjoy a new culture is something from which we can all benefit. It is such an eye opening experience and shows you how much there is out there if you just look past your own backyard. The benefits are endless. Obviously, there is the fact of traveling to some place new and seeing all of the beautiful things that the rest of the world has to offer. Of course, there is the chance to hear a new language and participate in a different culture.





But then if you scratch below the surface, there is more. There is a chance to not only see other cultures in action, but to learn them. To learn that language and speak it every day. To eat the local food every day as if it was your daily college Ramen noodles. To make friends and spend time with those people every day as if they were your family. That is where the true magic lies. Pretty soon, you develop not only an appreciation for this new life that you have discovered, but you find a new appreciation for the one you put on the shelf for a while. You begin to realize why your culture is the way it is and why this different way of life works, too. It is an amazing feeling.



As a study abroad student, you immerse yourself. You learn all of the nooks and crannies of your town because you desire nothing more than to be a local. You go to every bar so you can choose your favorite. You get to know the people that work at the sandwich shop down the street. You open a bank account. You have a bus pass. You're not just visiting, you're building a life. And believe it or not, you're making connections that will last a lifetime. You still get to do all those great touristy things, too! Except you get to do them more than once, and you become an expert. Pretty soon, you're the one guiding the tourists!





What may be the coolest thing about it, though, is what you learn about the human race. The fact is that there will be a language barrier at firs, but you'll soon find that it doesn't matter. The humanity in people overrides it and you find yourself laughing with someone and you don't even know why. You have conversation half in broken English, half in broken French, but somehow, you communicate. You pull out every charade, every sound, every strategy you can think of to talk to someone. In the end, it pays off. You have a family, a group of friends, a best friend. Those are the things you never forget.





It's so much more than croissants and pizza. It's so much more than towers and bridges. It's so much more than mountains and beaches. It's experiences and relationships. It's learning about other people and learning about yourself. It's about taking advantage of every opportunity and living life to the fullest. It's about using your mind and your skills to their full potential. It's about becoming the biggest, best version of you.



I'm so proud of my little sister. I hope she has the best time over there and comes home with a suitcase full of memories and stories to share.

If you are interested in following along on her adventure, she has a blog too: USA to UCD. Check it out!

The "About Me" Page is Active!

After reading this article on About Pages, I realized that I never created one. Even my old blog didn't have one. But it's true, it is very important! You should know about me if I expect you to read about my life :)

Since I already wrote the whole page, then I'm not going to rewrite it here, but I hope you all will click over and take a moment to read it! Of course, it doesn't have all the information in the world about me, but it's a good starter. I hope it helps you all to know me a little better. Enjoy!

Things You Should Know

Since my blog seems to be gaining a little bit of attention, I think it's about time that I share the things that my friends know about me, but you, my anonymous readers, don't know. These are all pretty basic things that everybody in my life knows, but I guess I'm kind of late on the introductions, so here we go!

In 2010, I lived in Belgium for a year on foreign exchange. I stayed with host families and went to school there. I actually got a second high school diploma, so I have an American diploma and a Belgian one. Pretty sweet, huh? During that year, I got to travel to eight countries and see some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. I'm pretty obsessed with travel, now, and hope to do much much more of it after graduation.

I'm fluent in French! One of those perks from being abroad. I love speaking French and I wish I got more opportunities to do it. It's a wonderful language and I can't wait to get back to Europe and speak it again. I also study French as part of my double major.

The other half of that double major is theatre. Performing is my first passion and I love it! I'll graduate in two years and then I'm moving to New York. I know there are a million aspiring actresses out there, but it's my dream and I am never letting go of it. My biggest dream is to be a part of an international tour. Combination theatre and travel? Yes please!

I am a cast member at Walt Disney World. I perform in the Electrical Parade as a Finale Dancer. If you're not familiar with that parade, the Finale unit is at the very end (hence the name, "finale") and it is America-themed. The float is absolutely monstrous and looks like a ruffling American flag with a massive bald eagle on the back. It's pretty majestic coming down the street. I also have the privilege of dancing next to it :)

Well that's all for now! Hope you all enjoyed learning a little bit more about me, and I hope to learn about all of you, too! What are your great life adventures?