Thursday, December 31, 2015

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.

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

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

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

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:

    cruelings:

//
  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 

    Monday, December 28, 2015

    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?

    breathe.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

    Sunday, December 27, 2015

    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

    Saturday, December 26, 2015

    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

    Friday, December 25, 2015

    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

    Thursday, December 24, 2015

    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

    Wednesday, December 23, 2015

    357/365

    I Love Lucy - Christmas: 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

    Tuesday, December 22, 2015

    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

    Monday, December 21, 2015

    355/365
    Enjoying a night with my buddies. Chat tomorrow?

    catch you later,
    Karleigh

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

    Sunday, December 20, 2015

    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

    Saturday, December 19, 2015

    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

    Friday, December 18, 2015

    352/365

    Peppermint Bark Recipe on sallysbakingaddiction.com --it's SO simple to make at home!: 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

    Thursday, December 17, 2015

    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. 
    https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/26/bc/60/26bc6096a2138ebdbb9d0b891623f6e0.jpg

    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

    Wednesday, December 16, 2015

    350/365

    Image Via: Britta Nickel: 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

    Tuesday, December 15, 2015

    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

    Monday, December 14, 2015

    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

    Sunday, December 13, 2015

    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

    Saturday, December 12, 2015


     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"

    Friday, December 11, 2015

    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

    Thursday, December 10, 2015

    344/365

    https://cmgajcradiotvtalk.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/coat-of-many-colors.jpgNow 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

    Wednesday, December 9, 2015

    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

    Tuesday, December 8, 2015

    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

    Monday, December 7, 2015

    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

    Sunday, December 6, 2015

    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

    Saturday, December 5, 2015

    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 

    Friday, December 4, 2015

    338/365

    http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/06/18/article-1287687-006F87CE00000258-770_468x558.jpgCan 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."

    Thursday, December 3, 2015

    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

    Wednesday, December 2, 2015

    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!

    Tuesday, December 1, 2015

    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