weekend things + a Q&A

kickin' it solo poolside // a pretty dried flower // reading material for the pool: the spartans

vanilla lavender scented candle // apples & cinnamon oatmeal // my new fur baby, Acho :)

So Erin, from Living in Yellow, posted these and I thought it'd be fun to get a little more personal and answer some deeper questions. It's a personal interview sesh! Here we go...

1. If you could do one thing differently in your life, what would it be?

To be honest, there's so many! Everyone says you should have no regrets, and sure that would be awesome if it were possible, but is it really possible? No way. That's a load of crap if you ask me. Of course everyone has something in their life that, if given the chance, they would absolutely do differently. You can't tell me otherwise. I'm not sure I would change all of my "regrets," because some of those things made me the person I am today. I'm thankful for some of the mistakes I've made because they were learning experiences that I'll have for a lifetime. That being said though, if I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self: "don't sweat the small stuff, kid." Seriously. Life's too short. Be more, do more. And, I wish I would have made up my mind about what to study in college a long time ago... well I thought I knew what I wanted to do (Radiation Therapy), but as it turns out, I'm super wonky. Politics is my thang! It took me 3 years to figure out that that's where my heart is and it's sorta what I want to do with my life!

2. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Oh man. That's a toughie. Physically, I have no idea where I want to be. I know I want a career in politics and I wouldn't mind living in D.C. (where there's actually 4 seasons!), but the field is so broad, so I'm not sure what direction I'm headed in just yet. I've considered things like working for political campaigns, nonprofits, or a lobby firm to things like being an ambassador or a foreign diplomat or working for the CIA. I'm still a work-in-progress on that one. However, if I somehow find out how to become a travel blogger... I'd do that! Anyway, while I'm not sure physically where I'll be in five years, mentally I just want to be content with my life. No complaints, no real worries, nothing bogging my creative side down. Just at peace and happy.

3. Do you honestly want kids?

As of right now, no. I don't want kids. I used to really want them... I wanted three, actually. I wanted 2 boys and one girl, with the boys being older and the girl the youngest. (As if you could order them that way, haha!) But as I've gotten older... I've realized that maybe having kids just isn't for me. There's so much I want to do with my life -- so many places to see, people to meet, adventures to go on. I just don't think I want the responsibilities of raising another human being, let alone three for that matter! Maybe it's selfish, but hey I guess I'm selfish. Is that really such a bad thing, though? If I were to ever change my mind though, I think I might adopt a baby/kid. There's so many children in the world already that don't have a safe place to call home. 

4. What has been the best moment of your life so far?

There have been a lot of great moments in my life so it's hard to pick just one, but I would say nothing beats the summer I went to Garmisch (2011) and went hiking/bike riding in Austria. I was with my parents and sister (wish you were there brother!) and we were up in the mountains at this lake called Sebensee. It was a gorgeously sunny day and as we were hauling butt down (I'm talking flying on our bikes) we could see big dark clouds rolling in on us -- and then I felt it. Cold rain drops piercing my skin as I flew down the trail. My dad and I were going so fast it was almost scary if you thought too much about crashing, but we were laughing the entire time! We were literally laughing out loud. It was an exhilarating experience and one that I'll never forget! I felt so free in that moment.

5. What is your life theme song?

Hands down, has to be the song Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi. I love that song and it never gets old hearing it. I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I knowww, everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold, heyyyyyy, I'll be fine once I get it, I'll be gooooo-ooood. This song just speaks to me. (Minus the  'driving drunk' part.) Life's about doing what you want, living to the fullest and finding your own happiness.

6. What is one thing that you have yet to accomplish that you want to do before you die?
I want to take off to see the world and circumnavigate the globe on a tall ship (anyone ever seen Tall Ship Chronicles?).  7. If you could choose one thing to be known for, what would it be?
I want to be known for having an infectious smile and the willingness to be adventurous.  8. If you could do anything right this very moment (no consequences, no fear, etc.), what would it be?
Oh goodness! I'd take my family somewhere, to a beautiful island in the South Pacific, perhaps. And bust out my sailing skills that I learned from sailing on a tall ship on 'em! Ka-pow! :) I'd love to be able to just take at least a year off and go on an adventure!

9. What has been the most challenging moment in your life?
Honestly, I've had a lot of really challenging moments and I haven't decided how much detail I want to reveal about them on this blog. But for now, I think Erin said it best on this one -- death. My grandpa, a friend, a best friend's husband. Every one of those situations has been challenging in different ways but yet they all share a common denominator that bothers me to no end -- I had no control over offering a different solution. 

10. Summarize yourself in one word.
Wanderlust-ing. I realize that's not a word, but it is now. And there you have it, folks. A more personal interview with yours truly. Took way longer than I thought it would. And I think this may be the longest, in-depth post I've ever written. I think it's time for a drink and a dvr'd episode of RHOOC!