on turning twenty-eight

It seems my blogging patterns are as follows: New Year's, anniversary, birthday; repeat cycle. I suppose that's okay, although I wish it were more. I'm glad to have captured these three important, more reflective times, at the very least...

Last Thursday I turned twenty-eight years old. I think this was the first year I didn't dread turning older, even in the slightest. I've come to a place in life where I have accepted the fact that aging is a good thing. After all, if I wasn't aging, I wouldn't be alive. There's a perspective shift if I've ever seen one! I told some friends of mine recently that twenty-eight is an age I've been looking forward to since I was younger. Twenty-eight has always stood out to me, I think because it's the age my mom had me, so I've had some sort of connection to it. I always thought, "when I'm twenty-eight, I'm going to be a mature, responsible adult, who has everything together and in order!" Wow, younger self, way to put some hefty expectations on me! 

Now that I've reached this milestone of an age, I don't know that I can necessarily claim to have met all of my expectations, but I can confidently say that I am happy, and I have joy in my life. I recently read a blog post that inspired me to reflect on the areas in my life where I find genuine happiness and wholeness. I love that so much. The older I get, the more I realize how important it is to be happy. It's such a simple concept, but we live in a world that is full of negativity and it can be so easy to just slip into that. Sometimes we just have to fight to be happy, and I fully support that. 

I reflected on the last few "birthday posts" I've done, and a common trend in my writing I noticed was having expectations for what the next year of my life should look like. I think I am going to give myself a break this time. No expectations - just be happy, be whole, be you. I believe if I can cling to this simple, yet impacting truth, I think I'll be just fine.

Simply put: I'm grateful for aging; I'm grateful to be alive.

>>>>>

& what's a birthday post without some birthday celebratory photos? 

I'm indebted to these lovely souls for making my life so full.

[poor quality photo, but such an amazing evening with my husband!
He surprised me by taking me to a speakeasy in LA called The Edison]

:The Edison

girlfriends are so important. love these ladies! :PerchLA

he loves me so well.:PerchLA 

long-time friends & current neighbors :Angel City Brewery

never stop exploring

Never Stop Exploring: The PNW Escapades

We recently returned from spending a week in the Pacific Northwest (two nights in Portland, OR, 5 nights in Seattle, WA) celebrating our 2nd anniversary. I can't even believe that it has been (almost) two years since we've been married. We have been so excited for this trip, for many reasons. The first half of 2015 has been a roller coaster; a good ride, but nonetheless, a crazy one. We moved from Fullerton to Long Beach which has brought upon many great changes, but has forced us to learn how to transition to a new city, new commute and a new atmosphere. It has been all for the better, but it took a lot more energy than I anticipated. Another great transition that 2015 has brought upon for us is that Jamey was promoted to Supervisor last month! This came at the best time, and it is really a blessing. But again, transitions often cause exhaustion. As you can imagine, we were really looking forward to this vacation because, let's face it, we need it!!

I've never spent significant time in the PNW (I've gone for work, but that doesn't really count). Jamey has always been drawn to this area, because he spent many times traveling through it when he was on tour with his band. We were both really excited to visit for vacation, and especially experience it together!

We didn't plan much for Portland, since we were only there two nights. We had a great time roaming the city on our own, hopping on the bus, and seeing what we could find! Portland sure is different, and I definitely understand why their city motto is "keep Portland weird", because... it is very weird. But, I still enjoyed it! I was able to catch up with family members that I hadn't seen in 10+ years, see an old friend I knew from LiNK, and experience using AirBnB for the first time (definitely recommend it!). 

Then, we took the Bolt Bus (also highly recommend it!) to Seattle where we spent 5 nights. Can I just say how grateful I am for friends who suggest things? Seriously if it weren't for them, we would have probably missed out on some of the neatest spots in the city! When Jamey and I travel, we tend to want to spend most of our time "living like the locals"; you really get to see a neat perspective on places when you do that! Of course, you have to make time for the touristy stuff, too. 

For the sake of not making my first blog post in 6 months drag on for too long, I'll wrap it up by saying: Seattle is awesome. I have a new appreciation for seeing things on foot rather than vehicle. I wish I could drink a latte in a mug at a beautiful coffee shop more often. Seattle has so much history. Vacations and traveling are incredibly vital.

XO

Brenda

dear twenty-fourteen

Celebrating the final night of twenty-fourteen
My year would not have been so amazing if it weren't for him

As twenty-fourteen comes to an end, I sit here in my tiny living room, with the candles lit, and a death cab for cutie vinyl playing in the background. As sparse as my blog posts are, I always look forward to my "end of the year wrap up" post. It's always interesting to reflect back each year to see what season I was in, and see what type of perspective I had on the year to come.

Twenty-fourteen was a great year for me. We entered into our second year of marriage, which has been so much fun. The first year was amazing, new and exciting. But, the start of the second year has proven to be more comfortable, familiar and settled. This year, we also went back to college (6th time for me), and I am proud to say I completed two classes, and passed them both! We traveled a lot this year. Mostly little weekend getaways, but we made it a point to pursue adventures every chance we got. Catalina, Santa Barbara/Solvang, San Diego (twice), San Francisco (anniversary trip!), Big Bear (twice), Palm Springs and Indio. We started (and stopped) working out at a local bootcamp. This was a great addition to our day to day routine, but sadly had to end due to finances and also just having way too much on our plate with starting school again. 

A few major highlights but so many more simple things that brought me joy. I feel like I am in the best place I can be in life. There are days I feel like I am getting so old, and then I quickly snap out of it and realize I have SO much life ahead of me, and it's time to start pursuing the things that I feel called to; that bring me joy. 

Twenty-fifteen is starting to look like it might be one of the biggest years for me yet. Lots of plans in the making, and that brings me so much excitement! I'm not necessarily a person who creates "resolutions" for the new year, but I definitely have some goals and hopes for this season. A few dreams of mine are:

(In no particular order...)

Move into a larger apartment

Get a dog

Find a church to call home

Continue taking classes

Pay off our car

Find a healthy regiment/lifestyle that works well for me

Keeping it simple, or at least that's the goal. I'm finding that simplicity is such a beautiful way to live life, and truly enjoy the things in front of you. 

XO

Brenda

short update: college

How cute is my husband with his backpack & skateboard!?
(we live close enough to walk, or for him - skate, to school)

This is the fifth week of my first semester back in college. So far school has been good. I'm starting to find a balance between work, class, homework, life and then just finding time to rest. It has been a struggle to find the right balance, and I'm not sure that I'll ever fully find it. But, I'm doing the best that I can with what I have. 

I'm really enjoying my two classes: American Government and Child Psychology. I have always been that person to quickly say, "I hate politics", but this class has opened my eyes to the importance of politics and the effects our government has on our country. It's pretty intriguing, and also slightly frightening. The professor is pretty entertaining and slightly edgy with his vocabulary, which actually makes me like him more. My Child Psych class is really fascinating. The professor is a bit quirky and boring, but the material we are covering is interesting to me, so I enjoy it.

I am so glad that Jamey and I are both taking classes. It would be difficult to only have one of us doing this. We are able to share an understanding that we have to carve out time to study and do homework. I also love that we are taking a class together (Government). It's so nice looking over and seeing him sitting there, taking in what I am taking in, too. 

I know graduating is so far away from now, but I am realizing that it is going to taste incredibly sweet when that day comes. 

XO

Brenda

adult decisions, part one: brenda goes to college

One thing that I've noticed since entering into my late twenties is, you start to think about things years in advance. You begin to weigh out the effects that your decisions will have, far more than you did when you were in your early twenties. You realize that you're closer to 30 than you are 20, and that hits like a swift punch to the stomach. It's a good thing, though. I like the reality check, and I like how it makes me think twice about all of my decisions. 

This fall, Jamey and I are going back to school. I just signed up for my first class, and I am experiencing lots of emotions. It's hard to think and plan so far into the future. At this point, I probably won't finish college until I am 34 or 35. I think I am okay with that. 

[source unknown]

When I was in my early twenties, I came to conclusion that college was not for me. I knew I would just have to work much harder than everyone else to build a career for myself (not having a degree can be a real set-back). Now, here I am at 27 and I am starting college for the... honestly, I've lost count of how many times I've attempted this. But, that is okay! 

I'm doing this for me. 

I am doing this for our family's future. 

I am doing this to prove to myself that I am capable of pushing through, even when I want to quit. 

I am doing this so that when our children grow up, they can be confident in knowing that you really can do anything you put your mind to. 

Everything you do now will effect your future, and for me that means our family's future, too. That is enough motivation to get me through this journey.

Excuse me, while I get a bit cheesy for a minute...

Brenda, 

You are about to embark on a journey that you never thought you were capable of doing. It's going to be really tough. You're going to have to create time for school, and homework, and studying (oh Lord, studying...). But, you can do this. You're going to have to find a good balance between your marriage, work, school, family, friends and everything in between. It will seem defeating at times, and I'm sure you will want to quit in those moments. Just remember that you're doing this for so many reasons that are important to you. Remember that these years are going to pass anyway. So, you will either be just 35, or you will be 35 with a degree. You've got this.

[source]

I would love to hear any advice and tips on getting through college. I am practically starting from scratch, so I can use all the help I can get! 

XO

Brenda

my life, as of late

I was looking for something to write about, when I came across my friend Chelsea's recent blog post. Thanks for the inspiration, Chels! 

this photo makes me so happy
// OC Fair 2014 //

>>>   >>>   >>>

Eating - I have a morning breakfast routine: Jenny-O turkey bacon, one over-medium egg & one piece of jalapeño cheddar toast from Sprouts. I never get sick of it!!

Drinking - WATER. Ever since starting Bootcamp (in April), I have been sticking to mostly water. Now, if we are talking drinking, then I would have to say I've had a thing for margaritas lately. I blame it on the heat.

Practicing - Saying "no". I know that sounds completely bizarre. But, it's the truth. I've been a "yes woman" for a large portion of my life, and I'm beginning to see the negative effects it has on me. Especially being married, I want to be cautious of what or who I commit to. 

Mastering - My health. I'm far from being an athlete, but I'd say I'm the healthiest I've ever been. I've been consistently working out four times a week for the last 4 months & making better decision about what I put in my body. I feel great! I'm 2% away from body fat goal, and that, my friends, feels incredible. I'm seeing myself push through when normally I would quit. 

Learning - To love myself in spite of what I consider to be my flaws. I've been stretching myself in vast ways this year, and with that, comes a learning curve. I'm learning to give myself grace within this process.

Listening - My go-to artists lately have been: Vacationer, The Mowgli's & Smallpools

Playing - Lots of games this weekend. My family is a game-playing family, and it's my niece's birthday. Whatever she wants, she will get! Love her for keeping me young. :)

Reading - My go-to blogs: Sometimes Sweet, A Beautiful Mess, & A Teacup of Sass

Watching - About two months ago, we bought the entire Friends series, and we just started Season 10. It's literally the only thing Jamey & I watch.

Walking - I want more of this in my life. Visiting cities like San Fran this summer, reminded me how much I enjoy walking. Not the aimless kind of walking around the neighborhood (I mean, that is cool & all), but I mean the kind of walking where you see the world in a much slower pace than when you drive. I live in a downtown area, and I need to take advantage of walking it more often!

Wearing - Ehhh. This is the area I need some work on. I'm in desperate need of a style/fashion change up! I'm 27, and I don't know where to shop. There, I said it. But seriously, I feel too old if I go to Forever 21 or H&M. And, I feel too young to go to the women's section of Target. Where's the happy medium, people?!

Cooking - Lots of chicken & ground turkey (tacos, burgers). We've kind of hit a wall with creative meal planning. I am determined to change this soon!

Working - Last week I "celebrated" my two-year work anniversary at Biola! I didn't actually do anything to celebrate, but it felt awesome to recognize that it's been two years. I'm proud of myself, because it's officially the longest (consecutive) job I've ever had!

Traveling - This weekend we are meeting up with my family in Indio, Ca (near Palm Springs). We will be staying at one of my Grandma's timeshares to celebrate my niece's 12th birthday. I can't wait to spend the entire weekend in the lazy river. Also, this is our last vacation for the summer. Womp, womp.

Wanting - To move. Jamey and I have been searching for a new home for a month now. We have a few areas in mind that we would like to live in. Now, we just have to keep searching & waiting. 

Feel free to fill out your own list & link it in the comments below! 

XO

Brenda

bucket list: updates & progress

It's been a year since I wrote a blog post about my Bucket List. I thought it would be fun & motivating if I revisited it. I was surprised that although I may not have accomplished a lot of these things, I have started the process of several of them! I figured it would be good to edit my Bucket List with my progress!

bucket list #14

bucket list #17

bucket list #31

1. Write a Bucket List   7/26/2013
2. Bungee jump
3. Skydive
4. Visit every state in the USA
5. See Death Cab For Cutie live 7/12/2015
6. Publish a book, &/or a piece of my writing
7. Have complete tattoo sleeves on both arms & have both of my thighs done
8. Go in a hot air balloon
9. Learn to sew
10. Travel the country in an RV with my husband (& kids, if applicable)
11. Eat pizza in Italy
12. Drink Framboise in Belgium
13. Get over my fear of the ocean
14. Take up photography as a hobby 12/25/2013 Jamey bought me a Diana Camera. I've been taking it with me on our trips to capture photos unique way. I want to make it more of a hobby though!
15. Spin a globe, point my finger & travel to the place I've landed on
16. Have a pen pal  I can't remember when we exactly became pen-pals, but my beautiful friend Leah & I starting writing each other last year. We worked very closely together at LiNK, and now she lives in NY. I love being able to write each other and keep in touch!
17. Go to a shooting range 11/30/2013 We visited Jamey's family in Little Rock, Arkansas for Thanksgiving. His Uncle Jim took us all to a shooting range, and we shot clay pigeons!
18. Hang glide
19. Spend New Year's Eve in Times Square
20. Raise a family 
21. Climb Half Dome (Yosemite)
22. Be a professional Blogger
23. Go on a cruise 1/14/2016
24. Go to Israel, and walk where Jesus walked
25. Live in another state
26. Go sailing
27. Climb up the Statue of Liberty
28. Graduate from College I'm very far from taking this off of my bucket list, but I am going back to school this fall & I am very excited about it!
29. Learn to make candles &/or soap
30. Learn to garden
31. Eat a meal & talk about life with my favorite author, Shauna Niequist 11/23/2013 This didn't "technically" happen, but I did attend a women's event where we had a meal, and Shauna spoke. Afterwards, I got her to sign my Bread & Wine book, and we chatted for a few minutes. I'm pretty sure that's the closest I'll ever get to scratching this off of my bucket list.
32. Retire comfortably 7/31/2013 On my one year anniversary at Biola, I was able to sign up for a 403b (equivalent to 401k). I committed to putting away 5% of each paycheck into my 403b. The best blessing is that Biola matches 8% of my 5%. One of the best decisions I've made!
33. Have an all-natural, at home (or birth center) delivery
34. Have a home with a wrap around porch
35. See the Northern Lights in Iceland
36. See one of my favorite bands from backstage/side stage
37. Have a White Christmas
38. Go to Ireland for St. Patrick's Day
39. Be fluent in American Sign Language
40. Visit where my ancestors are from in Romania
41. Plant an Avocado Tree

summer getaways: palm springs

p a l m  s p r i n g s  ;  "the people are the city"

My best friend, Becky, and I have been wanting to plan a get-away for a while; just the two of us. We knew we wanted it to be close enough to drive to, but far enough away where we felt like it was an actual vacation. Living in Orange County, we have the best of most worlds. The city, the beach, the mountains and the desert. We chose the desert, and started planning a two night/three day trip to Palm Springs. 

If you know me, then you know I always look for a deal. I use Travelzoo as a good tool to find the cheapest hotels. I found the cutest little boutique hotel called Alcazar. It had great reviews, good rates and it was right downtown. I was especially sold once I saw that "townie bikes" came with our room purchase. Yes, please! 

You know how there are so many different types of vacations? There are the ones where you plan out every detail, and there are ones where you do lots of excursions and touristy things. And, then there are also the ones where you go with zero plans, except to swim, relax and have fun. That was the getaway we both wanted. 

On our way out to Palm Springs, we made a stop at an awesome brewery called Hangar 24. I recommend the Orange Wheat! We went once before for my bachelorette, so we wanted to go again. It was nice to make a pit stop to get our vacation started off on the right foot!

Hangar 24 - Orange Wheat

We got to Palm Springs on Sunday afternoon, and scoped out our hotel. It was the perfect place for a relaxing trip. The property is quaint and has only 30-something rooms, with one pool and one jacuzzi. I would definitely recommend it, and especially going on a Sunday-Tuesday. Better rates and less people! The hotel is very modern, and the landscaping was beautiful. On the hotel property, there are two other really neat places: Cheeky's & Birba. Cheeky's is a famous breakfast/lunch spot in Palm Springs, so we knew we needed to go there! Birba is this bar and lounge, with really neat cocktails and an urban atmosphere. I loved that we didn't have to go very far for anything. We could walk or bike everywhere. That's my kind of vacation! 

becky // townie bikes // our hotel

french toast breakfast at Cheeky's

While we were in Palm Springs, I told Becky that I wanted to branch out with my choice of drinks. I am a beer girl, and that has always been my go-to. I wanted to try different drinks, and step out of my comfort zone a bit! I even tried a Churrotini (great concept, but I disliked it so much that I sent it back!). Our go-to for this trip turned out to be something I never thought I'd enjoy: margaritas! I've never been a fan of tequila. Maybe it was the fact we were on vacation in the desert, or that it was 100+ degrees, but I was really craving margaritas! I'm a fan now :)

homemade margaritas, thanks to Trader Joe's

Overall, this was one of my favorite little getaways. It was great to spend quality time with my best friend, and to embrace a little R&R. Palm Springs is such a neat little desert town, and I look forward to going back someday.

getting ready for the pool!

riding bikes around town

XO

Brenda

twenty-seven

// my love & i on the 4th of july //
my last few days of being twenty-six

If you would have asked me a few years ago how I felt about getting older, I would have told you that I was dreading it. I used to have this fear of getting older, and all the responsibilities and expectations that came with it. But, each year that I've made it through my 'mid-twenties', I've realized it wasn't as bad as I'd imagined. I've since started to think more positively about aging.

Twenty-six was such a good year for me. I'd go as far as to say it was my best year yet. And, if I remember correctly, I said that about my 25th year, too; so it looks like there's an awesome pattern happening here. This past year was full of so many changes, transitions and memories. I became a wife, moved into my first home with Jamey, and gained new family members. I started my second year at Biola, I became debt-free, set up a budget, and started a retirement plan. I traveled more in my 26th year than any other year (I think I took 8 trips!!). I made the decision to go back to school, and to take it seriously (I start this fall). Twenty-six was also the first time I followed through with my goal to become healthier. I signed up for a fitness bootcamp in April, and have been going an average of four times a week! I celebrated our first wedding anniversary with Jamey, and was able to reflect on our first year of marriage, as well as set goals for our second year.

It's hard to fit my entire twenty-sixth year into one blog post, let alone one paragraph. But, I want to make it a point to reflect on each year of my life. I think it's adorable when new moms do monthly posts about their babies, and write out what they like and dislike, and the changes they are making. So, I suppose I'll mimic that in some adult-like way. ;)

Twenty-seven, I'm ready for you. I am hoping for you to be a year full of more memories, and even more adventures. I want you to be the year that I start school, and actually enjoy it. I want you to be the year that I leave the country with my husband (fingers crossed for Ireland!). I am determined for you to be the year I become the healthiest I've ever been, and the year I find a new sense of confidence. And, I think you'll be the year that I will get a bit more ink on my skin & where I get a puppy. A girl can dream, right?

To everyone who shared in the memories and moments of my twenty-sixth year, I love and value you. It would not have been the year it was, if it weren't for each and everyone of you.

XO

Brenda

one year down, a lifetime to go

photo credit: sarah shreves

A week and a half ago, Jamey and I celebrated ONE year of marriage. We heard a lot of things about the first year of marriage. One thing being that it would fly by, and another that it would be the hardest year. One was true, and the other could not be further from the truth. 

Time most definitely flew by for us. It feels like it was yesterday, that I was sitting in my old living room with my closes ladies, getting ready for our big day. I vividly remember being oddly calm and content, just ready for our special day to take place. One year later, here we are. I love reflecting back on this past year, and all of the memories and sweet moments we've made together, as husband & wife. I'm kicking myself for not posting more blogs about those moments, because I know one day my memory won't be as strong, and those special times will soon fade away. But alas, here I am now, making the effort! 

We were graciously gifted with a week-long stay in San Francisco by my wonderful Grandma. We spent the first week of June roaming the city streets of SF and exploring together. It was a wonderful week of getting away and being on a much needed vacation, but most importantly, celebrating our love together. 

[a few snapshots from our trip to san francisco]

On our actual anniversary (June 22nd),  we spent the entire day together, doing some of the things we love. We started the morning off in Long Beach (one of our favorite cities, which holds so many of our first memories together), and got breakfast at our favorite diner, Long Beach Cafe. This is also where we had our first impromptu "date". Oh, and if you ever go there, do yourself a favor and order the Cinnamon Pancakes... to die for! After that, we just drove aimlessly around the city and then started to make our way back home. We spent the afternoon being lazy together  and watching back-to-back episodes of Friends. W

e got all dolled up, and went out to a restaurant called Stubrik's, in Downtown Fullerton. We rarely spend a lot of money on going out to eat, but for this special occasion we definitely knew it was necessary! (Plus, we had a gift card from my best friend, so it was a no-brainer!). The dinner was delicious, and the atmosphere had a really neat vibe. 

anniversary date at stubrik's in fullerton

My favorite part of dinner was that we shared our reflections on our first year of marriage, and then we shared our goals for year two. We kept our goals to a minimum, and then we asked how we could encourage the other person in accomplishing those goals. I loved that. I love that I have the honor of living and sharing this life with Jamey. He is the best gift I could ever ask for, and he is a constant reminder of grace & unconditional love.

The first year of marriage could be described in so many words..."hard" is not one of them. 

Here's to year TWO, and to many, many more after that.

XO

Brenda

journal day: beauty is an opinion, not a fact

Journal Day Prompt from Dani of Sometimes Sweet

How would you say your upbringing or background has shaped your idea of beauty? Were you taught to apply makeup or do you hair by your mother or friends? If not, where did you observe what is now your norm as far as beauty practices? And although most of us have been inundated by different cultural beauty "norms" via the media, would you say that television and magazines have had a strong impact on shaping what you think of as beautiful? This week, write about your idea of beauty- how your background has shaped it and what that means for you today.

Growing up, I would say that I was definitely more of a Tomboy than anything. I played sports, didn't wear makeup and I even wore boy Dickies shorts (I know, I know. Gross). I didn't even start to think about "girly" things until I was in high school. That is when I started to wear makeup for the first time. I didn't really ask for help when it came to makeup, I just did what my mom did. My makeup routine consisted of: Covergirl rose blush on my cheeks, a little bit on my eyelids, Vaseline on my eyelashes - then curl them, and to top it off, Vaseline on my lips with a little bit of blush over it. Even as I'm typing this all out, I'm chuckling to myself. My mom pulled this look off, but me? No way. I looked so funny! I stuck with it anyway, because it was all I knew. 

Come Sophomore year of high school, I decided to throw some black eyeliner into the mix of my makeup routine. I was what you would call a scene kid. Basically, I was really into punk, hardcore and screamo music. Hence, the black eyeliner. I'd go to shows and see all the other girls (and, even some guys) wearing it, so I figured I'd try it out. I would cake that eyeliner on, too. Sigh. I'm sure we could get all psychological and look far more into the reasons behind this (hiding from the world, rebelling, insecurities, etc.), but really, I just liked that look.

Thankfully, just a few years later, I moved in with my best friend, Becky. Most of you know Becky is a hair stylist. As far as I've known her, she has always had an inkling for makeup and hair. In her earlier years of going to Cosmetology school, I became her "guinea pig". I definitely got the better end of that stick. She's a natural when it comes to these types of things. Becky took me under her wing, and showed me the ropes. I will say, I didn't always catch on though. I can remember having SO much trouble when it came to applying eyeshadow. And even now, if you know me at all, you will maybe see me wear eyeshadow once a year (and Becky was probably the one to apply it for me). We both went through this phase, circa 2007, where we'd wear BRIGHT eyeshadow. I'm talking orange and yellow. Becky pulled it off. I, on the other hand, just looked like a David Bowie fanatic. I just couldn't get it. Since then, I've just decided to stick to a very normal and basic routine. I'm totally okay with that. I'm so grateful to have someone like Becky in my life to show me the ropes. She still is that person for me. She still does my hair, and she still gives me tips on makeup. Every girl should have a Becky in their life.

 

orange & yellow
// 2007

keeping it basic & simple
// 2012

Physical beauty truly is about perspective. Each person is so different from the next. I can see my Pinterest feed and think, "how on earth does that person like that?!", and I know others might feel the same when they look at what I pin. But, that is what I think is so great about this world. Beauty is not a fact, it's an opinion. 

As much as I can sit hear a poke fun of my past, I really do appreciate it. I didn't really grow up caring all that much about what other people thought of the way I looked, or didn't look. I was raised to be true to myself, and if that meant being a Tomboy, or wearing David Bowie makeup, then that's what it meant. We all go through different seasons of life, and our appearance tends to reflect those seasons. Who knows, maybe one day I'll start wearing eyeshadow, and I can only wonder what that season of life will bring...

XO

Brenda