Decisions, decisions

          Since my birthday is in Spring (and usually during Spring Break...not as awesome as it sounds), i've gotten to the point where I just ask my family to buy me one nice swimsuit. But since I have the worst commitment issues ever, I always end up having to start my search in early January. This problem is further amplified by the fact that I have always been insanely modest. Mind you, i'm relatively comfortable with my body (i'm even making peace with my wide hips) but for some reason, I have always had issues with wearing skimpy bathing suits. Even when I wear normal sized bikinis I get a little uncomfortable. This time around I was pleasantly surprised because I actually found alot of one-pieces that I liked. I'm not usually a fan because sometimes they come off as something for someone much older than me. I'm slowly narrowing my choices down, and i'm really torn between the one from Modcloth and the floral one from Anthropologie. 

Ireland

It's strange to think that I have been back from Ireland & the U.K. for over two months now.The trip was absolutely life changing, i'm planning to go back as soon as I possibly can. I look at this as a good thing but I ended up not taking that many photos while I was gone(and half of them are slightly out of focus). These are a few of the ones that I took during my time in Ireland & Northern Ireland.

Pure excitement

               Since it is closing in on the one month mark, I guess this is as good a time as any to start talking about my rapidly approaching trip to Ireland and Scotland (!!!!). It struck me only a few days ago that I am really going, that on August I will be hopping on a plane to New York and then to Dublin. That i'm going to be gone for nearly a month, that i'm going to be farther north than I have ever been in my entire life. The idea of my trip has finally taken hold in brain. Up until now it has been nothing more than the occasional "that might be helpful to take" or booking random hostels. I have even watched countless travel shows (probably my most favorite things to watch). But it has only just really hit me, one month!

               Planning this trip has really shown me that i'm not well traveled in the slightest. And that despite the years I have spent looking at travel logs and researching different cities has barely prepared me for my own trip. My travel around the U.S. has been limited to the Southeast; and even then, I have never been past Tennessee. The most exotic places I have been are in the Caribbean.  The Bahamas still hold a large place in my heart but, I don't know if it has something to do with spending so much time there, it never feels like i'm going to some far off land ( possibly because of the close proximity to Florida?). A 3 day weekend cruise doesn't quite prepare you for a whirlwind 3 week trip around the U.K. and Ireland.
               The extent of my travel preparation lately has been throw random clothes(mostly bathing suits and cover-ups), a handful of books, and my camera bag into a small overnight bag and go. I very rarely go anywhere more than one week. Unlike my other trips, I have actually had to plan. I've never had to use an adapter for a power outlet, nor have I even been to a place that can have temperatures in the 60s during summer. Trying to pack 3 weeks of clothes, for a place known for rapidly changing weather, into a small bag is proving to be slightly difficult. And don't even get me started on my plane phobia.

               It seems like all of this might be adding to my excitement. In one month I will be seeing so many new, exciting things. Hopefully, it will be the first of many trips to come!


                 
 (photos belong to Stephen Emerson and Paul Carroll)

The past year( and 9 months) through instagram...

I turned 21( and 20) and celebrated in the Bahamas.

I went to Disney World far too many times...including for One More Disney Day!

I have suffered through many days of stormy weather.

           I ran everyday, ran the funnest race ever, stopped running, and now i'm beginning half marathon training.

      I became a vegan and have eaten an insane amount of wonderful food.

And...graduated from community college, gotten into a University, and have become a history major who does nothing  but read into the early hours.

I have had so many new experiences this year, and i'm sure next year will bring even more. I hope that I will be able to fill this blog with all types of wonderful things!