365/365

Well, we made it. I can't believe that I've written on here everyday this year... even when I didn't want to or when I had bad days. When I started the blog, a friend told me that it would help me to get in the groove of writing everyday -- what she didn't tell me was that it would help me develop as a person. I feel so happy with myself as 2015 comes to a close. Maybe it's because 2016 holds something wonderful that I cannot wait for and maybe it's because I've accomplished a lot this year... Either way, I do feel that writing here everyday, coming back to tell you what goes on in my tiny mind each day has helped me so much.

This year I've traveled a ton, seen so many friends -- lost a few and gained a few --, been sad, been happy, felt like I didn't know what I was doing at all, and knew that I was where the Lord needed me to be... I've done things I never thought I would be able to, and next year I will too. I've fulfilled some of my dreams this year and have stabilized some roots to continue fulfilling them next year as well. And every day I've been able to come back here, in a grounding way, to chat with you for 200 words or less. 

Thank you for letting me write this, even if you didn't realize you were. Coming back to read this and  encouraging me silently has helped me so much. I love each and everyone of you very dearly and I wish you a magnificent 2016, a year of which you can be very proud. 

catch you later,

Karleigh

"It’s been a year of intense grow." //  unknown.

364/365

So, I wanted to be deep today and talk to you about like the lessons I learned in 2015 but I don't really feel like you can talk about lessons you've learned until something is truly over... Does that make sense? I won't even process the end of 2015 until about April 2016... since that's when I'll start dating everything correctly finally. 

And since I don't really want to talk about lessons, we can chat about something that I've started watching that is amazing. Jane the Virgin is a television show about a woman who is accidentally artificially inseminated before she's ever had sex -- which is hilarious because she's catholic and her mother immediately refers to her as the Virgencita. I'll tell you why I freaking love this show:

1. I get to practice my Spanish, which is often put out of use. And from what I can tell/hear/read, the Spanish is real and not slightly faked on the show. I feel like in my Spanish IV class, we could have watched this and I would have learned Spanish better than in Destinos, which nearly ruined my life the show was so bad. Well, not bad but this is like a newer, more dramatic version and it's more fun to watch and easier to relate to, so it would have been better in the classroom. 
2. And I love it because I have a slight knowledge of the history of women in Spanish culture. I did a lot of research on female historical characters in relation to a book that I read for school and it was interesting. It's like watching a historical drama -- you know the time period a bit but now you get to see good looking people living in it. 

Either way, I would give the show a watch if you have Netflix. It's really fun and I spend a lot of time laughing and gasping at whatever ridiculous is happening.

catch you later,
Karleigh

"I'm like, 'OK, all right grandma. I won’t give it out willy nilly." // Gina Rodriguez

363/365

I don't really like to make New Year's Resolutions. Well, I didn't before this blog -- now, I kinda feel like I can do the things that I plan at the end of December. So here are a few of my New Year's Resolutions for 2016:

1. Realize that you don't just wake up happy one day and that's it -- happiness is a journey, one that you and I both are on right now. The choices I make in what I say, how I react and how I feel all lead to my own happiness. Some days we aren't happy and some days we are. Work on perfecting the journey of, and not to, happiness this year.
2. Make more art. I know I did a lot of writing this year and that's great, but this year we can do more. We, as in 2015 me and 2016 me, can write more for fun and for class. We can draw and paint and take pictures for Instagram and also call it art. Remember that you are a work of art and sometimes stuff gets smudged or there are wrong word choices but they can always blend into something nicer. When you wake up and live, you make art so make it good.
3. Let it go. Everything that holds me back, that keeps me from enjoying my day or myself -- let go of it. When I get upset, I want to find a way to expel the negative energy -- exercise, make some of the art we just spoke about -- and let go of those bad things. Bad things generate more bad things. Turn bad into good and let go of the things -- feelings, thoughts, etc -- that keep me from having a good time. 
4. And finally, love myself more. I am pretty in love with myself in a lot of ways but this year I want to love myself more. I want to enjoy my own company, to look into my mirror and smile because I look completely different and still exactly the same as yesterday. 

catch you later,
Karleigh

"You want a revolution? Start loving yourself." // Akif Kichloo, The Real Commitment 

362/365

When I was in ninth grade, I had a panic attack one night because I realized that my friends didn't like me. I don't... I can't sugarcoat that any other way for you because at the end of the night, I cried in my mom's lap about it. It was a crappy time for me. They would all have parties or sleepovers and they didn't invite me. I can remember looking through the pictures on Facebook and just feeling low. Do you know what I mean?

This is really hard to relate to if you haven't dealt with it, I guess. And it wasn't, like a one time thing. I remember this happening a lot -- I was friends with them for like three years. I remember ranking our bodies based on who was most attractive, which I was usually last... for obvious reasons at the time. And at one point this boy asked me to a thing at school and one of the girls pulled me aside and said he was only taking me because he couldn't get anyone else.

I don't want... This isn't a pity party. I got away from those girls eventually and, while I still deal with a few issues left over from it, I want you to know that I'm okay now. It was hard for me to deal with all of that and I was talking to my mom about it yesterday, about how mean people can be when you can't take a hint. Me, I'm the one that can't take a hint. So I want you to be able to.

Please notice if people don't treat you right. Be around people who want to be with you, who are happy to see you, who want you to be included. Don't waste your time with people who don't want to be your friend because in six years you'll realize that being their friend kept you away from a lot of fun that you could have been having -- the fun that you did have once you got away from them.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"When people treat you like they don’t care, believe them." //  unknown

361/365

I kinda love antiques, ya know? My mother has always loved to look at antiques and my grandmother used to drive around with her best friend and gather old stuff to decorate their homes. I guess it runs in my family. Anyway, last night I watched four hours of this show about the longest yard sale. The thing about yard sales is that... they are either full of amazing finds or awful old smelly clothes and dish sets. 

On this show, there are three teams who each go on a couple of challenges and have to find a wonderfully old something worth more money than they spent on it. Some of the stuff was amazing, like police motorcycle bags worth five hundred dollars, and then others were really crap like a scooter modeled to look very old but was really made in the 1980s. If it was made before the '80s, it's antique. Anything after isn't worth it. I wish I could remember the name of the show; I think it was just The Longest Yard Sale.

Anyway, I was up way late watching that show because it was so interesting. I would love to go to the longest yard sale. Anyone up for a road trip in 2016?

catch you later,

Karleigh

“I've always had a keen sense of history. My father was an antiques dealer and he used to bring home boxes full of treasures, and each item always had a tale attached.” // Sara Sheridan

360/365

me: Did you notice that our number today is the same as yesterday? 

you: Why yes, Karleigh, I did.

me: Oh, well you'll never guess what I did...

you: What's that, Karleigh?

me: Well I was counting the days for the rest of the year and making sure that all of my ducks were in a row and I realized that the number of days left in the year versus the posts left on my blog were off. I looked through posts and lo and behold, I had fudged my numbers. 

you: Seriously?

me: Don't act too surprised. You and I both knew I was on too much of a roll. I renumbered them all last night so that everything will be sorted out for the rest of the year. So it's the 360th day today again.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"What's the matter, haven't you ever seen a man take off a dress before?" // Barney Fife, The Andy Griffith Show

359/365

Hello! I hope you have had a beautiful Christmas day. I think this is my favorite Christmas since I've gotten older. Presents and food are nice but spending time with people you love is nicer. It's what the holidays are meant for. I'm sad to say goodbye to Christmas this year because I've enjoyed it so thoroughly. 

Also, have you noticed that one of the best parts of Christmas are the specials on television? I watched Elf, which I realize isn't a television special, but I haven't seen it in so long that it was like new. My mother and I also enjoyed the Andy Griffith Christmas Special, which was aired in color and really gorgeous. But anyway, Christmas specials -- Call the Midwife had a lovely special. My mother watches it more than I do but the show is really wonderful.

Anyway, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and I'm looking forward to the last few days of the year. Hope you are drafting your resolutions because we'll be putting them into action fairly soon.

catch you later,

Karleigh

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. // Luke 2:11

358/365

Christmas Eve is almost better than Christmas when you get older. It's all about the anticipation, the gathering and, my favorite part, the eating. I woke up this morning to get ready for a get-together with some family friends and I made macaroni salad and sweet potato casserole. I never thought I liked macaroni salad, but it was so good -- not to toot my own horn or anything. 

Then I went to my church's candlelight service. It's my favorite service of the year, all about the birth of our Savior. It's the most beautiful and festive part of my Christmas Eve. Now I'm tucked up on the sofa with It's A Wonderful Life on. Now I hope Santa brings you everything you wanted... It won't be long until he's here.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings." // It's A Wonderful Life

357/365

I love Christmas specials and movies. I always feel so festive after watching them, and they always serve to make us feel warm and happy inside. They're really lovely. My favorite Christmas movie is Meet Me in St. Louis, which may not seem like a Christmas film but it is. Judy Garland sings "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in the movie and it is my favorite secular holiday song. 

So anyway tonight when my friend texted me about the I Love Lucy Christmas Special, I had to watch. And I definitely scheduled the Andy Griffith Special airing on Christmas day into my phone. Now, I'm watching Christmas with the Kranks while my sweet potatoes boils. Tonight it really feels like this is best time of the year.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"You're skipping Christmas! Isn't that against the law?" // Spike Frohmeyer, Christmas with the Kranks

356/365

I had this friend when I was growing up and she never had a lot of stuff. Her parents made their living by moving around, so they always had to be ready to move at any time. They always had a lot of pets and I remember the things she did have were very nice -- she had goose down comforter that was amazing. I remember really loving spending the night because that was so cosy.

The point that I want to make is that, as far as I know, she had a good childhood. She had the things she needed -- shelter, food, clothes -- but she didn't have too much. She had a small amount of items that belonged to her and, even though I don't really talk to her much now, I wonder how that affected her as she got older.

I was always given more than enough. If I didn't like dinner, my grandmother would make something else. If I couldn't pick between two dolls at the store, I got both. It's worth saying that my mother made plenty of money when I was small... It didn't spoil me in a lifelong way but I was a gross child, demanding and like. I ended up okay. When my mother retired from work, we didn't have the same income and our lifestyle changed. I had more of the things I needed and less that I just wanted. 

I am very curious to the ways in which we change as we get older based on how we are treated as children. If we are spoilt as children, do we always stay spoilt? If we are taught to be frugal, do we continue to be like that? Or are we free to adapt and understand all sides of life... or just the portions we are allowed to be?

catch you later,

Karleigh

"Being happy is a very personal thing—and it really has nothing to do with anyone else." // Abraham-Hicks, Getting Into the Vortex

355/365

Enjoying a night with my buddies. Chat tomorrow?

catch you later,

Karleigh

"Hakuna Matata. It means no worries." // The Lion King

354/365

I don't mind talking about politics with people usually. I'm pretty open with some people about who I plan to and have voted for and I don't feel shame in it at all. Politics are a topic that a lot of people feel they have to approach with care, and that's true. Often politics tie into how we feel about and treat certain people and what we believe to be valuable to the country. 

And just because you and a person identify as the same group -- republican, democrat, or other -- that doesn't guarantee that you have the exact same views about everything. And I am not super fond of labeling myself as one or the other. I feel like the republican party or the democratic party of 1984 is so very different than the parties of today. They are constantly changing, just like mine and your views are.

But I do want to make this declaration about the upcoming 2016 election: you should not vote for Donald Trump. It's not about disliking Donald Trump; it's about understanding that he is using fear tactics in order to gain votes. He does not believe in the equal rights of women. He dislikes all immigrants, people who still believe America to be a land of dreams. Do you know how ISIS is gaining new members? By going home to home and showing people that Americans, supporters of Donald Trump and Trump himself, hate Middle Eastern people and Muslims so much that they wish to ban them from the country. Donald Trump, inadvertently or not, is supporting ISIS in a roundabout way. 

I implore you to look at all candidates, republican and democrat. Educate yourself on the state of our nation. Know that you are not required to feel the same as your parents about all of these issues. Understand that the future of our country does, in a way, rest on your shoulders. Vote responsibly.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting." // Franklin D. Roosevelt

353/365

Tonight I was looking through some cook books and I came across a recipe for Taco Soup -- and I obviously decided I needed to make it tonight. I drove over to Walmart and gathered the following ingredients:

• 1 lb of ground chuck
• 1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
• 2 pkgs. Taco mix
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes
• 1 can stewed tomatoes
• 1 can hot pinto beans (chili beans)
• 1 can red kidney beans
• 1 can black beans
• 2 cans shoe peg corn (drained)

I chose to leave out one of the packages of taco mix because one gave it enough taste. I also left out the stewed tomatoes, substituting it for half a can of the Rotel tomatoes, and the black beans because I don't like them. I used mild pinto beans instead of hot as well and only one can of the corn. It definitely made plenty for me and it tasted just as well so feel free to alter the recipe.

I browned the meat while I mixed all of the other ingredients. Then I added the cooked meat to the soup and left that to simmer for 30-40 minutes so all of the food could soak up the flavor.

And it turned out pretty good. Let me know if you decided to try it!

catch you later,
Karleigh

“Always start out with a larger pot than what you think you need.” // Julia Child

352/365

You know those videos that always pop on your FaceBook feed, the ones from Buzzfeed on how to make those weird foods? Sometimes they can be really good, like garlic parmesan chicken balls or they can be really bad like cheeseburger stuffed tater tots; anywho, I was scrolling through and saw the recipe or how-to video on making peppermint bark. I am a huge fan of peppermint bark; it's one of my favorite holiday treats. I usually get a bag for Christmas -- that's how much I love it.

So, obviously when I saw that video, I had to watch it. And then I had to do it because it was way too easy. All you need is milk chocolate almond bark, white chocolate almond bark and peppermints. Three ingredients -- again, so easy. You melt the milk chocolate first and lay it over some wax paper in a baking sheet. Leave it to cool for thirty minutes in the fridge while you smash your candy canes or peppermints. Melt your white chocolate while the milk chocolate cools. After thirty-ish minutes, you pour the white chocolate over the milk chocolate. Be careful during this step. You have to be quick, because the melted white chocolate will melt the milk chocolate and they might merge. Try to avoid that -- I wasn't super lucky with this. And then spread your smashed peppermints over the top and leave it in the fridge for a few hours to cool. 

Super easy and a great gift idea -- ahem. It's something I would love to give/get. 

catch you later,

Karleigh

“I’m going to read what I want, and listen to what I want, and I’m going to look at paintings and watch French films, and I’m gonna talk to people who know lots about lots." // Jenny, An Education

351/365

My favorite thing that I've learned as I've gotten older is that no one really washes their clothes. Washing your clothes after every wear just ruins them; they fade, stretch/shrink. They wear out before you've even been able to wear them enough. We pay a lot of money for clothes, for example I have dresses that cost about $40 bucks a piece and that's considered cheap. Okay. We play a lot of money for clothes. 

And do you know what that means? That I should be able to wear that dress a ton, basically until I grow out of it. Now, obviously every now and then you have to wash your clothes.  There are a few rules for when you should wash your clothes: if you do strenuous activity in it, if you spill your food on it, if you've worn it more than five times. 

Basically, your jeans can be put in the freezer to get the gross germs off of them if you're worried about that. Your nice clothes don't need to be washed that much anyway. Use your judgement -- think twice before you throw something in the wash. 

Know that you should always wash: your pajamas and your underwear. Know also that you should hardly ever wash sweaters.

Be kind to your clothes, be kind to yourself.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"Clothes aren't going to change the world, the women who wear them will." // Anne Klein

350/365

The problem with Christmas, and holidays in general, is that they lose their grandeur as we age. It's not this amazing time full of excitement and joy like it was when we were children. It just feels like a flurry of buying presents, putting up decorations, seeing your friends, and trying to feel like you're in the spirit. The Christmas spirit is really a myth... We all feel a bit more hostile during the holidays, unless you're Buddy the Elf -- especially if you go to the mall anywhere from 11am to 3pm.

It just feels very chaotic and messy.

What I'm trying to say is that Christmas isn't about presents or anything fleeting -- and children know this, that's why kids often have more spirit at this time, like we used to. They feel the excitement of miracles, like that of Santa Claus. They get excited for the family and the lights -- it's a time of wonder. Everything changes in the flicker of light on a Christmas tree. And if we could only find a way to be awed by the lights and the miracles of Christmas, like children are, then we could have the spirit again.

catch you later,

Karleigh

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.” // Laura Ingalls Wilder

349/365

You know, we never really die. Physically, our bodies decay and eventually, we pass beyond this world, but the memories surrounding us never truly die. There will always be parts of your life that others carry with them, that they will pass on. 

We live forever, through our impacts on other.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"From my rotting body, flowers shall grow and I am in them and that is eternity." // Edvard Munch

348/365

I don't have too much to say today, because I didn't actually do very much. I did make a nice meal today though. I find that I really enjoy cooking, which I never thought I would really like. I made a chicken, carrot and red potato thing with some brown sugar and ranch seasoning... I know that those together don't sound very good but it was really delicious.

Also, I've been very obsessed with deviled eggs recently. I just really love food. 

Perhaps that's a problem, but I'm going to keep cooking and then eating.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"I don't want to spend my life not having good food going into my pie hole. That hole was made for pies." // Paula Deen

347/365

I find that as I get older, I'm quite a bit weepier. I never thought myself to be someone that cried often; in high school, I usually only cried about once or twice a month. Now, I cry often and at just about everything. I'll cry over commercials, cute animals, elderly people. I can't help it. 

It isn't uncommon. In my Sunday School Class, a lot of people confessed that they cry a bit more as they get older. I'm just not sure if it's because I'm so tired that I can't control my emotions or if I'm older and more aware of negativity in the world... Or maybe I just am a very teary person now.

Either way, this is a nice way to say that I was overcome with emotion in the shower just now and had a little cry while sat on the edge of the bath. And, like most other times that I cry, it was over absolutely nothing.

catch you later,

Karleigh

“Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before--more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.” // Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

 346/365

I kept getting suggestions from iTunes to try the Apple Music thing and I honestly have to say it is the best invention ever -- definitely worth ten bucks a month. However, if you are like me and don't have the dough to spare, then there is a three month trial that's just as amazing. 

On Apple Music, I suppose the entire point is to listen to albums without having to actually pay for them. I know... It's like Jesus just came down and whispered the meaning of life into your ear, right?

Since I downloaded it, I've listened to so many different albums and I now really want to go out and buy most of them. So far I've listened to:

• If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears // The Mamas and The Papas
• Holy crap this album is amazing. I think music from the 60s and 70s is so sexy and I really dig this one. My favorite is probably "I Call Your Name" or "Hey Girl."
• Revival // Selena Gomez
• This album is really packed with some great songs, not all of them are worth a ton but some of them are. I think this is really worth a listen, but I'm not sure if I'd buy the whole album. My favorite is probably "Nobody" or "Perfect." 
• My Everything // Ariana Grande
• Holy cow. I love Ariana Grande. I think she's super amazing. Her music is sorta hit or miss, but as an individual, I dig her. My favorite off her album is either "Just A Little Bit of Your Heart," "Hands on Me," or "Be My Baby."

I also listened to all of Lana Del Rey's albums, which I recommend to all of you. So basically, I think you should try Apple Music because it's a great way to try out artists full albums, because let's be honest, most of the time their singles are the worst songs off the album.

catch you later,
Karleigh

"I'm not gonna make it. I'm not that kinda man" // The Mamas and The Papas, "I Call Your Name"

345/365

Today, I had my very first car accident. I'm quite upset about it, to be honest. Let's chat tomorrow. 

catch you later,

Karleigh

"I got hit by a deer." // Rory Gilmore, Gilmore Girls

344/365

Now I am quite partial to movies set in the south or movies based on people's lives -- so Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors was right up my alley. It was such a wonderful film about Dolly's childhood, about learning to deal with loss and love. 

I honestly think this was one of the best movies about a country music star that I've seen since maybe Coal Miner's Daughter, and that is honestly one of my most favorite films. 

Do yourself a favor and plan to watch it. 

catch you later, 

Karleigh

"Love never fails." // Mama Parton

343/365

I cannot believe that I am done with my first semester at a four year university. When did I get so old? I swear yesterday I was being told to go to sleep on a mat because coloring time was over and now I'm getting ready to start the second semester of my junior year in college. I'm sad. 

Anywho, I am so thankful for this semester because I've learned a ton -- like I do not like social sciences very much, but I really love Southern Drama -- and I've grown a ton --- outwards not upwards, sadly. 

For the rest of the year, it's just me and this blog and whatever else I wanna do. How nice is that?

catch you later,

Karleigh

"I can go from zero to studying in less than 60 seconds." // Rory Gilmore, Gilmore Girls

342/365

This guy has some great study tips and this video is super helpful for this week/next week depending on where you go to school. 

But please make sure that while you are studying so, so hard for all of your exams, you take time to do something for yourself. Take a walk, eat out at your favorite restaurant or just watch a funny movie so you can relax your brain.

And remember, a bad grade does not a bad person make.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"CONJUGATE THIS: I cut class, you cut class, he, she, it cuts class. We cut class, they cut class. We all cut class. I cannot say this in Spanish because I did not go to Spanish today. Gracias a dios. Hasta luego." // Laurie Halse Anderson, Speak

341/365

It's not even seven pm and I'm already contemplating going to bed. It's been a long day and tomorrow I have to study for my tests on Wednesday. Whew. I'm so, so sleepy. I can't wait til finals are over because I have some plans for us once this week is done. Hopefully this week will go by quickly for all of us.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."// Ralph Waldo Emerson

340/365

Today I deleted all of my apps off my phone in an effort to keep myself away from social media so that I could work a good bit on my 15 page paper that is due at 5pm tomorrow. I can say that I did get a good deal of work done (I'm on page 12 but half of it is just outline still) but I still feel like there is so much left to do!

So far I have 

• Honors Anthropology Exam
• Gender Studies Exam
• Critical Writing Portfolio + Final Paper
• Southern Drama Exam
• Social Inequality Exam

That's a good bit but I'm excited to start ticking them off tomorrow. Good luck to me tomorrow morning -- and to you, whenever your next final is.

catch you later,
Karleigh

"And I feel alright cause I know tonight I'll be with you baby."// The Mamas and the Papas, You Baby

339/365

If you listen carefully, you can hear me doing three things:

1. Crying about my finals

2. Typing frantically to finish my 15 page paper (which is due Monday!!!)

3. Praying for Wednesday afternoon, which is when my finals will be over.

Good luck to you if you are completing your finals this week. I pray we all do well.

catch you later,

Karleigh

“Well, tests ain't fair. Those that study have an unfair advantage. It's always been that way.” // Allan Dare Pearce, Paris in April 

338/365

Can you remember the first time that you heard a song and it was like... a really prevalent moment for you? I remember the first time I ever heard Simon and Garfunkel. It was at the end of the movie about Bobby Kennedy; they played "The Sounds of Silence." I listened to that song for so long. I was in love with it and with their voices. And then when I found out they sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water," I was so obsessed.

I still think Paul Simon is such a magnificent talent...  

catch you later,

Karleigh

"Sail on, silver girl." // Simon and Garfunkel, "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

337/365

I am 112 flashcards into studying for my anthropology final. My reading days, or days in the week with no mandatory classes or assignments, started today and I'm trying to take full advantage of them because my exams start on Monday at 8am. Finals season is the craziest time of the year but it's also the most exciting. 

On one hand, we are all stressed to the max, trying to make it through our exams with only one or two breakdowns. On the other hand, we are excited for the fresh start that follows finals. To be honest, being able to change classes every semester is probably the best part of college.

catch you later,

Karleigh

“And yet not a dream, but a mighty reality- a glimpse of the higher life, the broader possibilities of humanity, which is granted to the man who, amid the rush and roar of living, pauses four short years to learn what living means." // W.E.B. Du Bois

336/365

I have a love/hate relationship with Christmas parties. On one hand, I love them because there always fun and get you in the festive spirit. On the other hand, I always get so nervous over my Dirty/Secret Santa gifts and over whatever food I bring. It seems silly, I know because it does to me too, but they make me equally excited and nervous. 

So, basically I hope whoever gets my present likes it and whoever eats my peanut clusters likes them. Also I pray no one has a nut allergy -- because yes, I have been worried about that all day.

catch you later,

Karleigh

“Christmas doesn't come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more....” // Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

335/365

How come bloopers are sometimes more fun to watch than any other part of a movie or tv show? Sometimes it's so funny to see people get cracked up and I think it's even funnier to see comedic television shows where the best cuts involve bloopers. This is one of my favorites from the Carol Burnett Show:

catch you later,

Karleigh

"Are you sure that little assholes through?" // Mama

334/365

One time when I was a little girl, I was playing in our dining room. It was just me and my grandmother in the house since my mother was working then. She was asleep in the living room and I had set my Barbies up on the floor. I remember hearing a scratch or something on the window and, being probably seven or so, I was scared and went to wake my grandmother. I told her that I'd heard a noise and thought maybe somebody was outside. She was slow to get up, probably knew there was no one outside but was going to check anyway. 

She walked over to the window. I remember the lights were out and I thought she'd probably need the light to see so I flipped them on. She whipped around faster than I had ever seen before, turning her dark eyes on me and saying: "Turn the damn light off. They'll see us in here." 

I remember that like it was yesterday... I wish I was seven again instead of trying to write an eight page paper in one night. Whoo.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"Mostly it is loss which teaches us about the worth of things." // unknown

333/365

You know, I really enjoy reading people's work. It's my job in a a group on campus and it's always fun to see what everyone thinks is worth writing/reading. I have to read a lot of that tonight...

I wish I was writing more here for you, but right now I'm kinda feeling stagnant. I'm tying up the loose ends of this semester, as I'm sure you are, and I'm a bit overwhelmed with the amount of work that I've put off completing. The next 48 hours are going to be pretty intense.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together." // Elizabeth Taylor

332/365

I should write all about how much homework I've done today and how I get to relax now, because everything is done and ready to be turned in. Unfortunately, I cannot because that is a lie. 

In truth, I just ate a lot and watched All in the Family and took a few naps. I'm bad bad bad. 

Now, I'm praying for a turn around on this game I'm watching and then I'm going to bed. I cannot wait for Christmas holidays.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"Everyone I like stays the hell away from me." // Archie Bunker

331/365

It is officially time for the Christmas holidays. I'm always on the fence about when to put up Christmas decorations, but I feel like Christmas music is really for the entire year. Anywho, now that Thanksgiving is over, we can all bring out our wreaths, trees and fat pants. It's time to celebrate Christmas for real.

Can you believe some places are already getting their holiday snow? How amazing. Even the world knows that it is time to put on our hats and scarves and buy Christmas presents. 

Maybe I should stop watching old Christmas movies, they may be giving me too big of hopes for this holdiay season.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"There's no place like home for the holidays." // Perry Como

330/365

When I was a little girl, I said one phrase more than any other -- "I can do it." I was a very independent little girl at home, not so much in public but I always thought that I could do anything and everything by myself and it wasn't really until I reached eighteen that I realized that wasn't working very well for me.

There comes a time when most of us realize that, to live joyfully and to our full potential, we have to start with Jesus. And since I feel like I've tried to live dependently on Jesus, I want to thank Him for the things that I haven't always thought to thank Him for.

I'm thankful for the ten years I had with my grandmother. She taught me more than just how to make scrambled eggs or to make food for those in need, but that you can show love for people in many different ways. 

I'm thankful for my mother because she shows me what it means to be patient, to love unconditionally. Her work ethic inspires me daily.

I'm thankful for my friendships that have encouraged my growth in the Lord.

I'm thankful for the teachers that encouraged me to do what I love, to study English. I'm thankful for Itawamba Community College and Mississippi State University, because they've become like home to me. I'm thankful for the endless and awesome opportunities that I've had in school.

I'm thankful for my church, because my mother and I have made a home there. I get to spread the love of Jesus with the children in the nursery, which is sometimes the most rewarding part of my week.

And last, but certainly not least, I'm thankful for Jesus because with Him, I don't have to do it by myself.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest." // William Blake

329/365

So, I am cooking Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow and I'm pretty excited about it. I've done all of the pre-turkey day necessary things and now I'm getting excited to finish it all tomorrow. I'll let you know how it all goes.

catch you later,

Karleigh

“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” // W.T. Purkiser

328/365

I'm going to be a bridesmaid in one of my best friends' weddings. I'm so excited!

catch you later,

Karleigh

“Every bride is beautiful. It’s like newborn babies or puppies. They can’t help it.” // Emme Rollins, Dear Rockstar

327/365

I went to Pilates class today, because it may be my new favorite way to exercise. I've done hip hop videos and classes and I like them. I've done yoga and I like it too. However, I always feel the most impact after my Pilates class. So it's quickly becoming my favorite. It's really nice too, to feel like I'm accomplishing something big at the start of the week. I'm sad that I won't get to go at all over Christmas, but I look forward to being really committed to it next semester.

Aren't you so so happy that it's nearly Thanksgiving? Just one 8 o'clock tomorrow and I am home free. Thank you, Jesus.


catch you later,
Karleigh


"A new booty for Christmas." // My Pilates teacher.

326/365

Tonight, I will watch the AMAs and eat the last of my coffee ice cream. I'm so sad that I have school for the two days before Thanksgiving. I'm praying these last three weeks go by quickly for all of us.

catch you later,

Karleigh

“School should be the best party in town” // Peter Kline

325/365

I have to write something for church tomorrow and it's not going so well so far. I'll type it up for you tomorrow maybe.

catch you later,

Karleigh

“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” // Anaïs Nin

324/365

You cannot beat time with family. Same time tomorrow, okay guys?

catch you later,

Karleigh

"After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations." // Oscar Wilde, A Woman of No Importance

323/365

catch you later,

Karleigh

"Now we've wasted each other's time." // Olan's Mom

322/365

Last installment of our Made in the AM review! Let's kick it!

Temporary Fix

Such a cool, rocky song. The first of the four deluxe tracks and I can really dig it. It's about... booty calls/one night stands and usually those really make for fun sing-in-the-car songs, if I'm being honest. Also, Harry moaning behind Louis's solo is a really... weird but nice feature. Favorite lyric: Feel you on my neck while I'm callin' a taxi, climbin' over me while I climb in the backseat

 Walking in the Wind

Not gonna lie, didn't love this one at first. However, the more I listen to it, the more I love it more and more. It's a really lovely... song that seems to be about maybe a person that's passed away. I can't think of better words to describe it that really really really lovely. It really is. Favorite lyric: If you're lost, just look for me; you'll find me in the region of the summer stars.

Wolves

A mega fun song to sing along to. I also didn't love this one at first listen, but I really think it's a cute song. It's apparently about "being at the club and seeing people eye up your girl and making sure they don't hit on her" -- I'm paraphrasing from what Liam said in the album review on their YouTube channel. Anyway, it's a cute little song, a fun one to sing along to in the car. The beginning sounds like "Build Me Up Buttercup" which I love. Favorite lyric: Your beauty could start a war, as you walk in the door. 

AM

The final song of the album and the album namesake, so I expected a lot from this song. And I wasn't disappointed. The lyrics are seriously so nice and it's also One Direction's first song to include a curse word... It's just "ass" but that's a pretty big change for them. I really love this song a lot; I think it is the best of the deluxe tracks and I think it is something that everyone in their 20s can relate to. We often feel deepest in the late night/early morning. I love it. Favorite lyric: Cause we don't know what we're saying
we're just swimming round in our glasses, and talking out of our asses, like we're all gonna make it or Feels like this could be forever tonight, break these clocks, forget about time

Home

Home was released on the Perfect EP and it's a gorgeous song. I wanted to include it because I feel like it is a companion to If I Could Fly. This song is so so so pretty and I really hate that it didn't make the album. It's a gorgeous one. Listen to it after If I Could Fly and tell me if you think they go together. Favorite lyric: Baby, we could be enough.  

catch you later,
Karleigh

"We would be nowhere without our incredible fans; we owe it all to you." // Louis Tomlinson

321/365

Another day, another One Direction review? Are you bored of these now? Well, there is only today and tomorrow. 

Never Enough

Definitely one of the most fun songs on the album, including a few funny noises and a great dance beat. It sounds very... 80s, I guess. I really enjoy this song, especially Liam's squealing at the back at the end. Snapping in music is also something I can get really into because it helps me keep the beat. I like this song a lot; I usually like to listen to it first. Favorite lyric: I don't need my love; you can take, you can take it. 

Olivia

Another really great song! I love the Willy Wonka dedication in the middle and I feel like the word play with Olive/I love ya is really fun to play with. Harry said the song could be about anything, a place, a person, etc. And I feel that. I really love this song. Favorite lyric: This isn't the stain of red wine, I'm bleedin' love or The summertime, the butterflies all belong to your creation; I love you, it's all I do, I love you.

What a Feeling

Oh my Lord, Louis and Liam both said this song was inspired by Fleetwood Mac and if that doesn't call out to me then I am not myself anymore. The song is so neat and I still haven't learned all of the lyrics. I really love it though, definitely something that I feel is very neat and unique idea. I love 70s music so I'm totally digging this song a lot. Favorite lyric:Whatever chains are holding you back, holding you back, don't let them tie you down.

Love You Goodbye

A very neat, almost country sounding tune that I can dig. I really like this, even though the tune of it is very odd. I don't think it is really about breaking up so much as I feel like it's about leaving for a while. I know the lyrics are always up for interpretation and I feel that even in what seem like break up songs, you can read between the lyrics and find new meaning. It could even be about seeing an ex out and about and knowing it would be the last time. Never been in the situation myself, but I really like the song. And of course, Louis sounds amazing on this song as well. Favorite lyric: My heart's already breaking, baby, go on and twist the knife.

I Want to Write You a Song

The purest freaking song ever. Literally. I have nothing to say about this song. I love it; it's gorgeous and simple. Favorite lyric: Everything I need I get from you, giving back is all I wanna do.

History

A declared song for the fans before their hiatus. I really like the song. It's fun to sing along to and it's a nice beat. I really dig it. Favorite lyric: This isn't the end.

catch you later,
Karleigh

"We can live forever." // One Direction, History
 

 

320/365

I have somewhere to be in just a moment, so I'm only going to talk about two of the songs off of Made in the AM today. 

If I Could Fly

Inarguably, the best song off the album.  I really feel like this song is so so lovely and pretty. It makes you want to be in love and I feel like there is a tenderness in letting people see parts of you that you don't let other people see, like how you cry at certain commercials or get mad at people that hold up the line in the supermarket. Obviously, more emotional stuff. We aren't very readily handing out our opinions on politics, religion or civil rights, but we do when we care about people. We want to share our thoughts about things and how we feel. And this song is really lovely in talking about all of that. My favorite for sure. Favorite lyric: I think I might give up everything, just ask me to

Long Way Down

Another really beautiful song, with some really cool verse lyrics. My mom and I listened to this one a lot and I think it is really nice. Not a lot to say about it but I really loved it. Favorite lyric: We had a mountain, but took it for granted // We had a spaceship, but we couldn't land it

catch you later,
Karleigh

"So many years of education yet nobody ever taught us how to love ourselves and why its so important." // unknown

319/365

So for roughly seven hours Friday, I listened to One Direction's new album, Made in the A.M. To be honest, and I know I've said it before, this is hands down One Direction's best album yet. I was constantly floored by the amazing vocals, thrilling lyrics and old school sound. So obviously, we should take it song by song. I'm gonna break it in a couple of parts as well, since the album is quite long.

Hey Angel

A great song to start off the album. Lyrics are very real, relatable. I was pretty excited for this song when Harry Styles started teasing the lyrics on twitter, but it was unlike anything I expected. With a title like Hey Angel, I expected something slower and more longing/heartfelt but this was very catchy and almost poppy. I really like it. Favorite lyric: Tell me, do you ever cry when we waste away our lives?

Drag Me Down

Drag Me Down was the first single from the album and it truly pumped me up. It was a good single. I don't have too much to say about it, because we've all heard it. I like it but I do find myself skipping it on the actual album whenever I listen to it. Favorite lyric:   I've got a river for a soul, and baby you're a boat

Perfect

Another great single; poppy without being like anything the band has done before. A great single, I think, to bring in people who aren't the typical fan [read: teenage girls]. Music video is not that great to me and I'm not a huge fan of the song in general but it is catchy and fun to sing along to. Favorite lyric: I might never be the hand you put your heart in, or the arms that hold you anytime you want them but that doesn't mean we can't live here in the moment, 'cause I can be the one you love from time to time

Infinity

Great song that I think needs more recognition. It's very catchy and fun to sing to and I think very relatable in places. It's hard to talk about songs that you've listened to for a while, but I really think this is one of the really great songs -- not the best but. Favorite lyric: And now I'm one step closer to being two steps far from you, when everybody wants you

End of the Day

To be honest, I could listen to this forever. This is so lovely and so... it makes you want to be in love I think and I find that quality in songs very nice. Poppy and fun. It sounds like two songs put in one and somehow it works in a way that you wouldn't think it would. I really love it. And truly, if anyone ever said that Louis Tomlinson's voice was the weakest in the band then they were sorely mistaken. Favorite lyric: All I know at the end of the day is you love who you love, there ain't no other way

catch you later,
Karleigh

I might never be the hand you put your heart in
Or the arms that hold you any time you want them
But that don’t mean that we can’t live here in the moment
‘Cause I can be the one you love from time to time

"I live for you / I long for you." // One Direction, Olivia

318/365

I wanted to review the new One Direction album today but I feel like my heart is too heavy for the people of Paris and Lebanon. Both places suffered from terrorist attacks yesterday and they both need our prayers and thoughts.

catch you later,

Karleigh

“For Lebanon to have any future, gotta adopt a resolute policy v/s terrorism. Whoever plots against the land should bear the consequences.” // Ziad K. Abdelnour, Ending Syria's Occupation Of Lebanon: The U.S. Role

317/365

I really don't want to leave Chicago today. I'm quite sad about it. 

But I am excited because One Direction's new album, Made in the AM, is out today.

Go buy it.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"I don't need my love, you can take it." // One Direction, Never Enough

316/365

I made it to Chicago and managed to park my car without any wrecks in the ca-razy traffic. I'm writing today's blog the night before, because I estimate that tomorrow will be pretty busy. I didn't ever tell you, I guess; anyway, I'm in Chicago for a poetry masterclass which is pretty cool.

My class was this morning; I'm sure it went well. I'm praying it does anyway.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"…You have such a February face, // So full of frost, of storm and cloudiness…" // William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing

315/365

I'm off on my Chicago adventure! I'll chat with you guys tomorrow!

catch you later,

Karleigh

"And at once I knew I was not magnificent, hulled far from the highway aisle, jagged vacance, thick with ice, I could see for miles, miles, miles" // Bon Iver, Holocene

314/365

I'm leaving for Chicago tomorrow so I've been doing a ton of life admin slash last minute paper writing the last two days. Not much to tell you today, except that One Direction's new album comes out on Friday and you should buy it so that when I review it, we can chat about it.

Also, not as sore as last week from Pilates -- consider that a personal accomplishment. 

catch you later,

Karleigh

"Baby, let me love you goodbye" // One Direction, Love You Goodbye

313/365

You know how I talk about like... being alone and going to do stuff alone is really cool? I really believe that. I think that you should be assured in yourself enough that you don't have to call a friend for back up so you can go eat your dinner. However, I can admit that it is really hard to sometimes go out and do stuff alone because you don't really know what you're doing or it's an unknown situation. I went to a yoga class alone last week and I was super nervous about it but I was okay.

And I felt awesome after, so don't be afraid to do stuff by yourself even if it seems scary.

This is a peptalk for you but also for me.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"And when the city's sleeping, you and I can stay and keep on dreaming..." // One Direction, End of the Day

312/365

 

"You’re a beautiful combination of stardust and ocean waves, 

you are human and it’s okay to mess up."

catch you later,
Karleigh

"Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” // Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

311/365

I have a huge problem with the quote in that picture. The idea that you don't have to actually put in any effort to make your relationships last is ridiculous. Do you know what happens if you are constantly waiting for people to call you without ever reaching out to them?

They aren't going to call you.

We all get busy. We forget our friends for a few days sometimes because life can get a bit hectic. It's hard to make our relationships last. People care about you even if they don't write two-page texts about how amazing your laugh is or how funny you are. They miss you even when they forget to text for a while. They want you around but sometimes it's hard for us to say stuff without feeling stupid for saying it.

Relationships are not one-sided. It's a mutual decision. And if you miss someone, don't forget that you also have a phone and can call them too.

catch you later,

Karleigh

“When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.” // Donald Miller, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life

310/365

I cannot believe it is so close to Christmas. We are officially in holiday season. 2015 has actually felt like the longest year ever. I've been a lot of places and experienced some really awesome things. I mean... this year has been really good for me and in some ways I'm sad for it to be so close to the end.

On the other hand, I'm quite excited for 2016. I'm sure we will all experience a few hardships, a lot of laughs. And we'll be blessed many times. I'm so thankful for this experience, writing this blog I mean.

I feel like you guys have been a really positive part of 2015. It'll be hard to move on without you in 2016.

catch you later,
Karleigh

"You cannot use someone else’s fire; you can only use your own. And in order to do that, you must first be willing to believe you have it." //  Audre Lorde

309/365

Do you wanna know how to make it through college and feel good about it for the majority of the way? Do you wanna know how to pass your classes and make your teachers really like you? Do you wanna know how to prevent crying over a chemistry textbook at three am?

Well, I have the answer for you.

Go to class.

If you go to class, it shows your teachers that you care. It motivates you to do well and it helps you find friends that can help you when you aren't doing so well. It keeps you up to date on assignments. It will help you pass 85-90% of the time.

So, go to class tomorrow and thank me for it later.

catch you later,

Karleigh

“I’m a man of leisure. That’s because I have an English degree and can’t get a job.
” // Jarod Kintz, At even one penny, this book would be overpriced. In fact, free is too expensive, because you'd still waste time by reading it. 

308/365

Tonight, I stumbled across some posts about Essena O'Neill and her Let's Be Game Changers movement. If you haven't heard about O'Neill before, then let me fill you in: she is an "instafamous" nineteen year old girl working to increase knowledge on the damages of social media to young girls' self-esteem and concept of the word "sexy." A good few of O'Neill's photos show her in expensive gowns or bathing suits that make her appear much "older, sexier." O'Neill's platform is geared toward raising awareness of the damages of social media.

A lot of the time, basically whenever you go out, you can see so many people on their mobile phones. 90% of the time, we are just scrolling through Tumblr, Twitter or Instagram to see what everyone is doing while we wait in line at Subway. And what do we end up doing? Wishing that we had that person's life. Don't lie; I'm extremely guilty of this. Everyone is. She's not wrong in her claims to leave behind the idea of "#goals," because your goal should not be to be another person.

Your life goal should be to be the best version of yourself that you can be. Everyday, that is what you wake up to do, to work on. I think that O'Neill's idea is fabulous. I think that drawing attention to the endlessly-traveling, gorgeous-all-the-time, making-bank girls and guys that we see on Instagram and realizing that their job is to be like that... is important. 

Nobody has a flawless life; not even the people with 10k likes on their Instagram pictures.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"Social media, especially how I used it, isn't real." // Essena ONeill

307/365

I was such a huge fan of Harry Potter when I was younger. I remember when the first movie came out and I went to a good few of the midnight movie premiers. It was such a nice series that really focused on friendship, good vs. evil and all that fun stuff. 

I miss Harry Potter a lot now; it was always a nice new thing to look forward to and to plan for. I read them all the way through two summers ago and it was so nice.

Maybe I'll read them again sometime soon.

catch you later,

Karleigh

"It is our choices that show who we truly are, far more than our abilities." // Albus Dumbledore

306/365

Tonight I went to a Pilates class and then a hip hop class and even though my muscles already feel ache-y, it was probably the best thing that I've done in a while. You know how sometimes you get in a funk for a while, and it takes trying new things to get you out of it? Sometimes you have to do new things and even if you don't like them -- and if you do; I loved that exercise class -- you got out and did something new. Doing new things is good for you; so go try new things.

catch you later,

Karleigh

“You know how creative people are, we have to try everything until we find our niche.” // E.A. Bucchianeri, Brushstrokes of a Gadfly

305/365

Your thoughts are very powerful. And the thoughts that you have, that you give power to, control who you are and how you act. So be careful what you think and to which thoughts you give power. And remember that you always can change your thoughts about things -- it's hard, but you can do it.

catch you later,

Karleigh

“The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.” // Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

304/365

Happy Halloween! I spent the majority of it eating ice cream sandwiches and watching The Woman in Black. I hope you had a similarly spooky holiday. And rejoice because now it's completely normal to listen to Christmas music all day. 

catch you later,

Karleigh

"When there's something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!" // some kid singing in Walmart

303/365

Is your local "theatre kid" on Saturday Night Live now?

catch you later,
Karleigh

"Rush, Rush. Stress, Stress" // Saturday Night Live

302/365

So the fire alarm keeps going off in my dorm building. On Tuesday night it went off at eleven fifteen when I was studying and today it went off at five when I was taking a nap. I'm not really understanding why it keeps going off, but I -- and everyone else on my hall -- get really annoyed when I have to come out at the most inopportune times.

Side note: I just checked my email and my eleven o'clock class is canceled tomorrow.

All is right in the world. I don't even think I'll be upset if the fire alarm goes off at three in the morning.

catch you later,

Karleigh

“You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.” // Albert Camus

301/365

I went to my friends' house tonight and made cookies and did half my homework. 

10/10; would recommend.

catch you later,

Karleigh

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you...I could walk through my garden forever.” // Alfred Lord Tennyson

300/365

My feelings change so quickly. I wanted to type out 'lol' there like I was texting you, but I'm not so... Imagine me laughing to myself as I wrote that.

Last night, I was feeling very melodramatic and I was bummed because I literally cannot do well in this one class I'm taking. This morning, I went to a class a level above that hard one and made an A on a paper with far too many structural errors to be given an A. 

And I felt good again. 

Remember that all your bad days have endings; it's nice when this semester feels like it will never end. By the way, is it Friday yet?

catch you later,

Karleigh

Though the mountain may crumble, you will not. // Isaiah 54:10

299/365

This feels like the longest year of my life and the hardest semester that I've ever had. I just... I need a little break I think. But of course, here is when everything speeds up. Five weeks til Christmas break. Can't get here fast enough. And because I need the words of Jesus more than ever right now; you might too. 

catch you later,

Karleigh

When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze. // Isaiah 43:2