Wednesday Morning Ritual

"Life is a beach, and I'm just playing in the sand"

Every Wednesday morning, my roommate, Maddie, and I have a tradition of waking up at 7, getting ready, and taking our morning cups of coffee to the beach for a little relaxation, playtime, and meditation before our classes.

I cannot even begin to describe how much pleasure we get out of this; the wind blowing wisps of hair around our face and neck, the taste of that perfectly dark and bold coffee, the feel of cold sand and water brushing up against your feet and ankles...

We journal sometimes, or take a walk along the shore and talk about anything--from lighthearted joking to the deep stuff we only let out when we need to.

We (mostly I) chase the birds.

We take (a lot--as usual) of pictures.

We instagram.

We vine.

We (mostly Maddie on my behalf) do our hair.

We drink our wonderful coffee.

We laugh.

Then 9:00/9:15 rolls around, ending the free parking (during specific seasons), and beckoning me back to campus for my first class.

It's so therapeutic, it hurts.

Maddie's photography, my editing.

And again

And again

and again

and again

... and finally again.

Our attempt at being witty.

Okay, so this one was a weekend trip... so sue me!

"A friend can make you smile when no one else can; a good friend can make you laugh when you're about to cry; but a best friend, yes she can teach you to laugh at yourself."

I honestly don't think there is anything better for me in the world. I'm making my own little life in this beautiful town, and I couldn't be more pleased that I'm even attempting this.
Where will it take me?!


xxox,
lizzie

Summer 2013

Woah!

This summer went by SO. FAST.
As some of you know, I just had to get back to Wisconsin to see my "people" aka fellow Cheeseheads (and partly because I had a job selling tickets for the Wisconsin Dells Boats and Ducks!).
Work occupied most of my time, and the rest was spent boating with my grandparents and mom.

Here are some things I learned this summer:

1) How to count change back to customers. I know this sounds stupid, but not a lot of people can do this anymore!

2) How not to die when your car stops working (twice) while you're driving it on a busy road. I'll post pictures of my beauty--I named her Daisy--near the end of this post.

3) How to change a dog's diaper. Oh, Gus.

4) That all it takes to move my things from one apartment to another is four women and 3 or 4 car loads back and forth.

5) I have an affinity for making popcorn. I think I've had some everyday since about June. And I'm also a self-proclaimed "adventurous" pinterest chef.

6) I really, really, really, really abhor the drive back and forth from Wisconsin to North Carolina.

7) How to make a TON of bracelets to pass the slow time at work.

8) How to drive a truck in the longest continuous parade in America.

Now, for the things that I learned so far this fall:

1) I love Bollywood film. It's incredibly enchanting and mesmerizing.

2) It's funny how a good roommate can make all the difference in your life.

3) Patience is a virtue

4) How to order a salted-caramel mocha COFFEE (not latte) when the barista is a beginner
[your coffee roast + toffee nut syrup + mocha syrup + salt sprinkles]

or

That everyone needs to try a pumpkin spice coffee
[your coffee roast + pumpkin spice syrup] (p.s.. these are fantastic iced too!!)

5) Cleaning once a week and making your bed every morning is a great way to stay involved in the nesting of your college apartment.

6) There should always be one day a week when you treat yourself to a little spa time. Mine involves a bath with salts, hair mask, nail painting, and facial.


Now for the pictures!

"Daisy" my car for Summer 2013

Gus the Yorkie! (My grandparent's dog)

With my sister and cousin at a family wedding.

Last night out in the Dells with my good friend/coworker, Amanda.

One of the first nights of fun with Amanda.

Driving the truck in the parade!

I probably made about 40 of these in two weeks.

"Rosie the Riveter ---> Lizzie the Mover"
Moving my things into my new apartment!

Boating with my sister and my grandparent's neighbors.

My Dad is so funny.

Now for this fall!

Downtown Wilmington with Maddie

With Olivia and Maddie

With my wonderful roommate, Maddie, again.

Point proven that we're girls: mirror picture.

Is she sniffing me? Do I stink?!

A birthday present from my mom in my new apartment. Can anyone name what this quote is from?!

Point proven again that we're girls... Starbucks Selfies... Trying out the pumpkin spice coffee!

More to come tomorrow!

I have TWO midterms tomorrow... MIDTERMS ALREADY?!

xxox,

lizzie

Internet Technology

Good morning again! :)

I have another question based blog today...

When was the last time Internet technology played a crucial role in a lesson learned? Tell us about it, and explain why it was an important and memorable moment for you.

The last time that Internet technology played a crucial role in a lesson I learned was probably this weekend. I learned how to use Final Cut Pro! I know that it isn't exactly internet based, but I will soon be (hopefully) publishing the final outcome of the lesson to my youtube page (as long as I don't get in any trouble with my production class).

I came to the editing lab totally unaware of how to use/do ANYTHING in Final Cut Pro. The only help I had was the cheat sheet given to everyone in my class about how to transcode raw footage, how to properly name your project, and how to export your project.
Transcoding raw footage just means making footage that you've filmed readable by Final Cut Pro, so that it can playback the film you have.
To name the project, we had to have our class and last name, along with what type of project the film was.
Exporting it was long and boring and I don't even remember it, so I won't try to explain it. :)

I had some help from the people in my group, but I was basically on my own to figure out how Final Cut Pro works. When I had trouble with the sound, my group partner, Justin, helped me figure out what to do. I watched over his shoulder as he googled how to convert a certain file. It was actually really very easy--you just had to rename the file to a WAV file! That's all!

I figured out how to add text/subtitles/templates, cut, add music, fix volumes, etc. I also learned how to do things like speed up the film (although I didn't use it--ha! Just imagine...).

After many long, grueling hours in the editing lab, I am happy to say that I made it out alive! I showed my project in class, and it appears that my hard work of learning how Final Cut Pro works paid off; they liked it! Even more, they said that I really knew my audience well. That is a true complement to me! Maybe they were just being nice... ;)

Now is the time that I share it with everyone. It is a documentary on the Catholic Newman Center on campus called "CCM" (Catholic Campus Ministry). I sat down with the woman in charge, Sister Rose, and we discussed CCM's history since she's been there, what CCM offers, and theology and science. It all relates back to what a college kid thinks/questions and ponders over.
I had a 3 minute limit, though, so it's very short. Buuuuut, I think CCM could potentially be proud of it; I believe it gives great insight to who we are as a community at CCM, and what we are about/do.

Another internet technology that is helping me learn something is the app called "Candy Crush". Although it is typically used as a form of entertainment, I feel as though I am learning strategy and problem-solving skills as well.
The point is to connect any three, four, or (if you're lucky) five matching pieces of candy. Connect three and they just disappear; connect four and they create one charged candy piece, that explodes a row the next time it matches with at least two other pieces of it's original nature; connect five and you get a donut, which you connect to another surrounding piece, and all of the pieces like that explode and disappear. You try to earn points, or get little fruit pieces to the bottom of the screen, or break through barriers, or a combination of any/all of these "missions". You can help your friends through Facebook by giving them lives (you accumulate a life every 20ish minutes until you have five lives...they disappear one with every failed attempt of a level), or helping them unlock the next episode. Shout out to my regular helpers, consisting of my mom, my brother, my cousin, and my ex-co-worker! :)
It's so addicting. I've only been playing for about two weeks now, and I'm already on level 50-something. Oops. No regrets.
But can you see how it is a huge brain exercise? It's almost like tetris (but way better).
It's gotten to the point where I see little pieces of candy lighting up behind closed eyelids before I drift off to sleep.... :)

The point of both of these stories is that the Internet can teach you a variety of new things! Either something specific that you need for your future job (Final Cut Pro), or something a little more lax that you could still use in every day life (Candy Crush). I know I've said it before in my life--and probably my blog--but I will say it again! I don't know what I'd do without the internet! I'm so excited to see how my future children and grandchildren learn--will they use the internet too? Without a doubt!

Until later,

xx
lizzie

What Do You Plan to do After College?

Good Morning!

This blog post will be dedicated to answering these specific questions for a potential scholarship:

What do you plan to do after college? How would you use the internet to help you excel in your occupation?

As many of you know, I have a travel list that I'd like to complete before I die. If you don't know, here is the link: 
My Not-So-Short List of Travel Destinations

But, after college I plan on working in the Film Industry. So, my dream job would be one where I'd need to travel to different locations of the world to film, and then come back to the U.S. for a few months until I finish editing that project and can begin my next. Or, I would also like to be hired by an international company, and create videos for their website(s) or youtube. 

A company I am specifically interested in working with is EF Tours--I've had a few experiences with them, and they appear to have a safe, fun, and diverse work atmosphere. EF stands for "Education First" and they are a touring company for high schoolers or college level kids, but both times that I have traveled with them there have been kids of all ages, and many adults along to "chaperone". I also have a friend, Maddie, who went on these trips when she was younger with her family, even though they were not affiliated with the school they traveled with. Typically on their trips, the group tours something historically significant in  the morning, and then break for lunch. While on lunch, you can go anywhere you'd like (they just ask that you stick with a buddy or two), and then explore the city you happen to be in all afternoon until the meeting time--usually around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. They travel all over to many different countries in Asia, Europe, South America, North America, Africa, and the South Pacific. The group leaders I had were both very fun and knowledgeable people, and they kept us safe and informed as we traveled. They will even relax with you when the day is done, or at meals, and talk about anything and everything--and both of my leaders loved to take pictures with all of us! Hmm. Maybe they need a multimedia filmmaker to accompany several groups per year on their trips... :).

The internet would help me excel in my occupation because I am very interested in multimedia on the web. I would love to be the multimedia manager for a company someday as well; maybe to ease my way into the world of filmmaking, and to use my Film Studies and cultural reference knowledge there.
The internet would also help me as I search for a job, or if I were to do research for a company on recent news happenings. The internet would also help me in my job field if I were to travel somewhere, and I needed to find out things about the culture, weather, language, modes of transportation, etc. of that country.
The internet is such a powerful tool for research and communication that I don't know what I'd do without it. I am constantly on my computer, or phone, throughout the day. Trying to find out a certain piece of information, or talking to a family member or friend from back home. I can't even imagine how other people lived from day to day without it (that would be an interesting experimental documentary...?)!

Anyways, I'm off to finish a project for my Intro to Film Production class. Final countdown begins. Only three weeks left (WISH ME LUCK! AHH FREAKING OUT).


I'll write soon... I promise this time! ;)
xx, 
lizzie

Long Time Gone

Hello!

It is spring break for UNCW, so I figured I'd blog because this morning I had a revelation.

My ideal day--like, ever--would be:

1) Waking up in a european city (specifically Rome or Paris) and getting a small breakfast/coffee beverage at a bar

2) Shopping in said city in all of the market places, squares, small shops, etc. in the morning and early afternoon

3) Going to a cafe and splurging on outdoor seating to people watch for the rest of the afternoon (specifically calling out to gorgeous men), while drinking wine and talking/laughing.

4) Walk around a little more

5) Go on a small boat/vespa ride or do some type of activity relevant to the surroundings (hiking, biking, painting, cooking class, perhaps?) around 2:30/3:00 until about 4:30/5:00

6) Go back to place of stay and get ready for dinner

7) Go to a fun restaurant and drink more wine

8) Go dancing

All of this would be with my mom and sister and our family friends. I think the key ingredient to any good day is wine.

What would your ideal day be?

Until Later,
xx

This One's for You.

Hello!

I would like to dedicate this post to anyone who has supported me this past year.

Especially to my family; they have supported my decision to graduate school as a junior, go on to college, and start somewhere new. They support my decision as a major, my plans for traveling, and my passions of creativity.
My family and friends have done a lot for me, especially these past two and a half months. I really want to emphasize my thanks for having patience with me as I deal with my emotions during this particularly stressful fall. I don't know what I would have done without you guys.

You mean the world to me, and I realize today that I would have very little indeed without you all by my side.

-----To my grandparents:
Thank you for being like second parents to me, and helping me grow into the family name. I am thankful for the stories and facts about our family that you have shared with me, and I thank you for accepting me and my faults as a part of the family anyways. Thank you for spoiling me rotten! Love you always <3 xxox


-----To my brother:
Thank you for being the constant rock; I know you are always there for me, even if we fight and tease each other. I know you will always stick up for me, like I would for you. Love you very much, and I know you are growing so much and I can't wait for you to cut my hair for me for free ;) you better be practicing at barber school first, though! xxox


-----To my little sister:
Thank you for being you!
You are such a goober. You are my truest and bestest friend in the entire world. I know we weren't very nice to each other as we were kids, but I'm glad we grew out of that stage, because you're not too bad of a sister. Thank you for your humor and snide little remarks that make me laugh. Thank you for coming to NC this year with me... I like coming home and seeing you and dad and the dogs! I can't wait for mom to be able to move here too.
Thank you for all of the late night Walmart runs! We might have to change it to Target now, though, because I don't want to drive on highway 70 all the time, and we know that shortcut to Target that's closer. Plus, we're like Kristen Wiig of SNL's Target lady anyways.
Oh, and thanks for putting up with my One Direction obsession. True Sista.
xxox



-----To my mom and dad:
You are my biggest rocks and the greatest gravity; You pull me back when I feel out of orbit.
Thank you for helping me grow as a person and as a young woman.
Thank you for all of the pep talks through daily life, and all of the advice when I've asked for it.
Thank you for helping me through school.
Thank you for feeding and clothing me as a child and still today.
Thank you for being the parents that every kid deserves.
Thank you for believing in me.
I love you both very much and I'm thankful I can call you my parents. I hope to someday be half the parent that you have been for me, and I hope someday I can pay you back with pride on what I have become and done with my life.
infinite x's and o's

My mom and grandma made the BEST thanksgiving meal for me today. They made sweet potato patties with brown sugar and spices, roasted lemon garlic brussel sprouts, field peas (courtesy of dad), cranberry orange salad, and green bean casserole (my mom's is the best--I don't care WHAT you have to say against that!).
Then my grandpa and grandma's best friends from Atlanta came to join us for thanksgiving, and they made two homemade pies! Cranberry-apple and pumpkin! I had a sample of both and they are AMAZING.
Be jealous.

My grandparents friends-- Terri and Sandy-- are the coolest. Sandy tells the best stories from their travels all around the world, and they usually involve mayhem and chaos. She is a great story teller! :)
Terri knows so much about photography and cameras and stuff like that! We could go on talking about that for hours. I know a little bit about it from my intro to film course, but I can't wait to learn more so I can keep up with him better!

Please pray for the health of my aunt, who happens to have to be in the hospital today :(
Please also pray for Charlie and his family. It has been 11 weeks today, and I'm sure they need good vibes coming their way.

Love you, go out and be thankful and happy today! Christmas is creeping around the corner (today officially starts my favorite time of year!).

xxox,
lizzie

Out on the Town. Die Young

Hey,

I added two new songs to the playlist that I have been kind of obsessed about.

"Die Young" is a new song by Ke$ha. I actually kind of like this one.. except for some of the verses. The chorus is pretty catchy, though.

"Out On the Town" is by Fun. and I am really in love with the whole song. Just press play and listen :)

xoxx,
lizzie

Fall Break

Heyyyooo,

I really wish I was in my slippers or in my bed snuggling up and watching a movie right now. Break was too good to be true.

I went to my friend Olivia's house for a little bit of break and that was a lot of fun; her family is so goofy! In the best way possible, though :)

But now I'm back in the library getting studying done. Last night I typed a paper and that felt kind of cool, not gonna lie. Even though it might be the easiest paper I've ever had to write.

Lately:
-The latte machine in the library's coffee shop is broken. First world probs.
-The temperature here has dropped about 15 degrees. Everyone is pulling out the uggs and I'm over here in my flip flops like "Whattup".
-My productivity level seems to be going up a bit.
-I still don't have a job :(
-I miss my dogs and family like crazy.
-School is pretty much the same.
-I am in desperate need of a massage.

Pumpkin is the greatest thing to happen to autumn. So are sweaters. And movies and apple cider.
Fall is just the greatest season.

Gonna go study.
xxox,
lizzie

Finding

Good Afteroon,

It appears that this fall is my season of finding things. I have found a cell phone, a student One Card ID, and a coach wallet (amongst other things).
People are awful trusting of me! :) Just kidding, I could never steal. Most likely I would be the one to lose something and need someone to return it. Actually, now that I think about it, last fall was my year of losing things... Yet they returned one way or another usually.

Funny how the world works. Everyday I find new ways that life becomes more random, yet connected and with purpose. Does that make sense?

I'm currently sitting in the library sipping on a pumpkin latte and searching for a good place in Wilmington to get my hair cut.

I love the autumn season!

xoxx,
lizzie

Classes

Hey,

Classes are really pissing me off right now. I don't understand why professors make us buy books that are too difficult to read. Or even yet, when they make us buy books and we NEVER open them. What the heck?!

My math lab is really pissing me off. Why are some assignments due several days before class? that makes no sense; I should have the full time between classes to do my homework. To educators out there: BLACKBOARD/ECOLLEGE TYPE ONLINE PORTIONS OF CLASSES ARE STUPID AND EVERY STUDENT HATES THEM!

I'm really good at math! But I guess I have to find a new schedule for doing my homework (like right after class) just to make sure I get all the credit for the work.

With everything going on, and not being able to find a job, yet paying rent monthly, I guess you could say I'm a little stressed and angry right now.

I really hope my mood changes.

xxox,
lizzie

Intuition

Hey Hey,

Since about three weeks ago, I've been a strong believer in gut feelings and intuition. In a way, I guess I really believe in fate too.

Have you ever felt like you were walking somewhere and your feet just lead you there, and you have no clue what your reasons for walking that route or driving that street was? And then something happens--you meet someone, you find something, you help someone, etc.
This has been happening so much to me since I've moved to Wilmington! I think about how weird it would be if I hadn't moved here. Would my experiences have gone to someone else? Yet, I know that Wilmington is where I am meant to be, and I couldn't really imagine not being here right now.
To me, this is what fate truly is.

Things that happen just can't be for any random reason; there has to be reason behind it in the long run. That's the cool part of being a human; we get to discover what we were put on earth for. Fate creates a reason for us to exist, and some things that happen are just too unusual and unreal to be without meaning.

The best part about living is believing that if it's meant to happen, it will, and if it isn't, then something better will come along. Even if we don't realize what it is right away or if it takes a little time to get here.

Just some deep thoughts while I procrastinate doing homework :)

xxox,
lizzie

Don't Wake Me Up

Morning!

I really cannot get over how much I love UNCW. I remember last year I loved St. Kate's for about two or three weeks... but I still love it here and I've been here over a month now!

I found someone's phone outside of the library on Tuesday and just texted the last person they texted so they could get their phone back. So basically I'm a saint now, I guess.

Then only a few minutes later, a guy who was skateboarding came over and we started talking because there was a "Reverend" on campus in the amphitheater near the library. I use quotations because we was not sharing God's word in his sermon; he was putting down homosexuals using the terms "homos" and "lezzies" and then telling them they'd go to hell.
I later saw a video when someone came over and found a banana costume with a sign that said "This Shit is Bananas!" and then was attacked by a guy in a gorilla costume, who was then defeated by a guy in a Mario costume. I'll link the video below:

Click Here to Watch the Video!

I encourage you to watch some of the related videos on the side if you want to watch a bit of his sermons.

I feel like I'm making really good friends here too who I care about and look out for and who do the same for me.
We have a little family in the apartment complex and we eat do a bunch of stuff together like homework or watch movies, or more recently, go get preordered video games at the mall, eat dinner together once a week, or help each other pack when they're visiting App State for the weekend :)

I really want to learn how to skateboard, but when my friend told me to try yesterday before class on his longboard, I was scared. So instead of standing up and probably falling, I sat down on it like when I was little and pushed myself around using my hands to propel myself forward.
You should have seen the looks on peoples faces--they all expected to see some tall guy or girl maneuver around them, but instead they got me squatting down and trying to steer around them.
I made quite a few people smile.
Then I went down a hill and that was AMAZING. I felt like I was flying. I'm pretty sure I head someone call me a freshman though, and I was like, "Excuse me, kind sir, but I am a fully matured SOPHOMORE" (inside my head).

Better get ready for class...
xxox
lizzie

Lizzie Lately

Hello,
I know I haven't written in a few weeks, but I have a serious reason this time.

Almost three weeks ago, I was walking home from the grocery store one night when I found a young man's body hanging in a tree. I will ask all of you to please pray for him and his family. If you don't pray, please send positive energy and thoughts their way.

But I am not going to blog about that; it is too private and intense and not a situation for you to know everything.... Just know the jist of it and pray for healing.


A lot has happened, though! I have met a few more friends who live near me. Shout out to the "best friend forever"/magic dancer/fellow blogger, OLIVIA! :)

follow her here... she's hilarious and deserves to be heard! [ Olivia's Blog ]

School is going along decently. I have been having trouble focusing, though! So I am catching up on everything now (I have a few minutes to spare before class to write to you guys-- or "ya'll").

Speaking of, my mom thinks I have been developing a southern accent a little because of the way I say "Hello" whenever she calls. Yet, people tell me they can tell I'm not from around here. Apparently I have a really noticeable accent... If only they could visit Wisconsin and hear everyone else!

I really love Wilmington. I have never been tanner! It's so crazy; my sister has always been the tan one, but now I'm much, much tanner than her. My dad and sister visited this past weekend and it was great! I've missed them (and Little Dog/Beau).
I really want to learn how to skateboard and/or surf, though! That is my goal by graduation :)
I suppose it would be too much to ask that I wouldn't hurt myself, though.

Go check out this song that one of my neighbors showed me. I'm obsessed with it!

"Happy Ending" (Official Music Video) by Mike Stud

I better go read before class... I'll write later, lovaaas.

xxox,
lizzie

p.s... This is me being tanner than Megan! :)

Whoaaah.

I haven't written in about a month!

Let's catch up...
I'm all moved into college, and I'm starting my third week now. My roommates are awesome and so kind!But they left for labor day weekend.
My dad and sister and little dog came to visit me Saturday and some of Sunday. It was so great to see them! I had a lot of fun with them; we went to Carolina Beach and downtown Wilmington for most of the time they were here. I hope they visit soon.

I'm really enjoying my classes so far... Marine Biology, Archaeology, Tai Chi, Film Studies, and a Math course.
Film Studies will be very strenuous this year... They only accept about half of the students in the class into the major. So, I need to get an A this semester and show that it's what I want to do!
Fingers crossed for me? C:

I don't think I'm going to tell everyone when I write out a blog. It's up to you to check whenever you want. c:
But, I promise there will be a lot more happening on here now! I just needed my adjustment time to get used to living here.

I like to go to the beach a lot (obviously), and one night as I was body surfing the waves in, I got tumbled around quite a bit. I laugh so hard thinking about it, because I suppose it was a funny sight--I was basically doing a shoulder stand/rug burn along the sand with my calves sticking out of the water...
too funny!
Anyways, I got a nasty rug burn looking mark on my shoulder the next day, which progressed to get worse, and now it just looks like a scar on my left shoulder. My dad was so sweet to have noticed it and asked about it, though, this weekend!
Haha, always looking out for me.

I'll post pictures and stuff of what's been happening later.

xoxx,
lizzie

Patiently Waiting

Heyy,
I'm patiently waiting for school to begin. I'm excited, but I've enjoyed not having work or homework lately; I've had a lot of guitar practicing time! c:

My sister moved down here two weeks ago. It's been so nice having her here for company! But she started school this week, so I'm alone again. But at least this time I have my pup, Beau!

Orientation/Registration is next Wednesday, move-in is next Saturday, and classes start the following Wednesday (?).. So the end of summer is near. It's always one of the most anxious, melancholy, and yet exciting times of the year.

Sorry I'm so boring right now. I'm going to go swim in the pool...

laterrrz :p

xoxx,
lizzie

Adjusting and Birthday

Hey!

I haven't written in about a week and a half... so sorry! I've just been busy adjusting to life in the south.
Friday was my 18th birthday! C:
So, I went to the gas station first thing in the morning and bought a scratch off lottery ticket, a power ball lottery ticket, a cigarillo (and obviously a lighter), and celebrated my first freedoms of being an adult. I think I'll save the strip club for some other time C; (that's a wink face).

Friday night I went to Asheville with my dad and we went to a minor league ("Asheville Tourists") game and ate at a restaurant called The Jerusalem Garden Cafe where some lady belly danced while two guys played a drum and a mandolin/lute (played them very well, too!) and she kept dancing and stuff for people while we were all eating. Then she passed around a tip basket. She was good, but really? We didn't ask for the dancing, nor was there any notice of it...
The food was pretty good, and I might eat there again, but I think there are more things to try while in Asheville instead, so I probably won't eat there for a while.

Saturday we went to Greenville, South Carolina... Can I just say that it is the most BEAUTIFUL city I've ever been in?! There are tiny waterfalls DOWNTOWN and you can walk along them because of city trails that are safe, clean, and open. There's also a bridge that seems similar to the Millennium Bridge in London--but a good distance shorter. There are also tons and tons of really good and different places to eat, too! Just so much to choose from! We ate at a Cuban/Mexican fusion place that had a really good selection on vegetarian and vegan options... actually, most of the restaurants in Greenville seemed to have good options on almost any menu for vegetarians! I highly recommend visiting Greenville if you ever get the chance.

Then, today I met up with a woman who used to teach at Wayland (my high school), Heidi ("Ms. E"). We ate lunch at "Fresh Pizza and Pasta" in Black Mountain (about an hour away... had to drive through the mountains today for the first time and by myself! So scary!). They had wonderful salads and Fire Oven pizzas that could be gluten-free if needed! So I tried the "Fun Guy" Pizza (Mushrooms, Risotto Cheese, Feta Cheese, Basil, with a red sauce base) gluten free, and it was AMAZING! Definitely going to be visiting that place again sometime soon....
But anyways, Heidi has an aunt who lives about 20-30 minutes from Asheville, and together, the three of us went to the Pisgah National Forest. While there, we went down "Sliding Rock" three times, and then swam in the "Looking Waterfall" for a little while. The water there is very cold... anywhere from 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit, but it's so hot outside that it feels refreshing. Then it just gets cold. Then you can't really feel anything.
But I loved it! I can't wait to take my mom and sister and hopefully my cousins and aunt someday if they ever visit us in the summer! The only downside is that it's about an hour and forty five minutes away from my house... but I'm sure the car ride wouldn't be so bad if there were others in the car as well!

It was such a great day! But now tomorrow I'll be back to my boring days at home. At least I have my guitar and netflix! C:

xxox,
lizzie

p.s..

Sliding Rock (The drop from rock to water is about a foot and the water is about 8 ft deep. The admission price was only $1, and worth it because the Pisgah National Forest is so beautiful and clean and fun! By the way, these are not my photos):

Moved!

Hello,
So, after 14 hours and 7 states, phase one of my move was complete and pretty successful.

Before I moved though, I had a little road trip adventure with some coworkers from the deli! Sheena, Taylor, Miranda and I all decided to get one last beach type day while I was still in Wisconsin. So, after my car was packed up and everything was mostly set, we hit the road.... unfortunately it was about 4:30 at that time. We figured we'd still be able to get a few hours of fun in--we were going to Spring Lake, which was near Kingston (only about a half an hour to 45 minutes away).
This area is beautiful--I kid you not--eat your heart out rolling hills and farming countryside. It was especially beautiful because of the fading sunlight which casted a summertime orange-ish glow on everything. Plus, there is a pretty large Amish community in the area who are pretty friendly most of the time and will wave whenever you pass them (and they have an excellent bakery!).
Eventually, though, we took one wrong turn which lead us out of cell phone service (and GPS service on our cell phones!) It took us probably an extra 15-25 minutes, but we were in actuality only about 10 minutes from where we wanted to be... hahaha.
After swimming for about 30 minutes, we left to go back home and meet another coworker, Maria, for ice cream at Dairy Queen. We sat and talked for about an hour and it was honestly one of the best nights I've ever had! I'm really going to miss (and I already do!) these great friends I gained over the last 6 months.

Moving day/Saturday:

We got up at 3 a.m. and left the house by 3:30, and after fueling up, we hit the road at about 3:45. I fell asleep from about 4:15 until 6, and then at like 7:30 again. The night before I only got about an hour and a half of sleep, so I slept about half the trip... hahaha. But anyways, the trip was fun at times because of just talking to my dad and sharing random stories.
We finally got home at about 6:15, but we had to pick up his car from work, and since he works less than 10 minutes from the film site of District 12 in the Hunger Games movie, we stopped there just to peek.
Then we were home.

Sunday:

My dad and I went up to Asheville to watch a baseball game in their minor league stadium (The Asheville Tourists). It was about 101 degrees, so we only stayed for about an hour and a half and then went downtown to look around and eat a late lunch/early dinner at a great place called Mayfel's.
This place is great for my family because it serves really good vegetarian food, and really good meat food (or so I've heard from my family). All burgers can be changed to black bean burgers! So I had a "Zeus Burger" which had spinach, feta cheese, crushed olive salad, tomato, and a red pepper spread with a black bean burger on a ciabatta bun. SO good, but I think my favorite is still the barbecue tofu, but you can only get that after 4, and we were there just a bit too early for that.

My dad didn't really like his, though, because he could taste a lot of onion in the olive salad (we both HATE onions), so he ate half and boxed the other half up.
About a half an hour later as we were wondering along the streets of Asheville, this guy stops my dad on the sidewalk and says "Man, can I have that styrofoam because I'm really hungry" (or something in that nature). The guy looked to be in his early or mid 20s, and he didn't look homeless, he just was hungry and either too lazy to go get something, or he had a short lunch break at one of the stores downtown. It kind of reminded me of Wayland, where you bring stuff out from the dining hall like a sandwich or you buy chips from the vending machine, and people ask you if you want the rest of it. Kind of like that.
The best part was as we walked away, I turned behind and watched the guy open the box and his face was priceless. I'm pretty sure he said "Awesome!" when he saw the huge half of a sandwich left in there. I turned to my dad who whispered to me, "I didn't even like it that much! He can have it if he wants!"
I think that will be a story I'll remember for a long time, because if you knew my dad, you would know he makes fun of hippies and certain types of artists who live in a hippie-ish way, so for him to be confronted by one asking him for his food is a pretty great image if you need a laugh.
:)

I'm going to go eat breakfast and get ready now!

xoxx,
lizzie

p.s...
My burger at Mayfel's

Some funny things along the way.. except the mountains, those are just beautiful!

This is the bakery where Peeta lives and works! :) About 20 minutes away from my house.

Caption: "The only Ten-I-See"(driving through Tennessee) 

My new hair color! I just dip dyed some of it in purple and blue.

"The Music Won't Last" and Beauty

hi!

This weekend we showed the house to an interested family (it's not even on the market yet!), so I obviously had to make the finishing touches on gutting out my room. While doing so, I found this wonderful poem that I once had to read with some friends during school mass in elementary school (I went to a Catholic school).
This poem was written by a terminally ill young girl in a New York hospital.

Slow Dance

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the train slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down,
Don't dance so fast,
Time is short,
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask how are you, do you hear the reply?
When the day is over do you lie in you bed,
With the next hundred colors running through your head?
You better slow down,
Don't dance so fast,
Time is short,
The music won't last.

Ever told your child 'we'll do it tomorrow',
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch--let a good friendship die,
Cause you never had time to call and say 'Hi'?
You better slow down,
Don't dance so fast,
Time is short,
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere,
you miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It's like an unopened gift.........just thrown away.
Life is not a race,
So take it slower,
Hear the music,
Before the song is over.


This is a really good poem to take the time to read and remind myself to live in the moment and appreciate where I'm at and how I got to this point in my life. Yet, that is all I can do--the rest is left to fate and chance.

I was thinking while I was in my car today on the way to the Appleton mall with my family.... what is "natural beauty"? To me it doesn't depend solely on makeup or anything like that. To me, it depends on confidence and character. I believe someone can still be naturally beautiful with bright makeup colors on their face, but ONLY if that makeup is something true of their character; not just something they're trying to become, or something someone else wants to see on them. Natural beauty is doing what you want because YOU like it, and then owning up to it.
To me it is confidence in what you like and what you contribute to the world's humanity.

Not someone who thinks that they are cool, but someone who doesn't care if they're "in" or "out", and wouldn't give a damn either way. Does this make sense?

This is what I strive to find in myself. It is my goal for growing up.

Sleep on it or something if it doesn't make sense.

xoxx,
lizzie

p.s... 4 days left in Wisconsin, and 1 day on the road until I'm in North Carolina!

p.p.s...
I've been doing yoga with my sister lately! I'm sure this is what I look like... right?!

Maharaja

Helllloooooo,

I am exhausted! I only got about 5 maybe 6 hours of sleep last night. I've been up since 6 a.m. and it is now nearly 11 p.m. 

I'm getting back into the swing of the workout and eating healthy mode, and my body is feeling great! Oh, how I've missed this feeling!

Breaking news:

I've finally named my dog! [Two years after I got him....]

His new name is now "Beau" because it means loyal male companion. Granted, it also means lover and escort, but I save that for Beau Mirchoff from "Awkward." ;)    [I wish]

He actually reminded me of the name! I had considered it when I got "Little Dog", but now I think I've finally decided that Louis, Scout, Heath(cliff), and Dawson don't fit him.... but I think I will name his buddy Dawson in a few years when I get another pup for him to play with.

In conclusion, I will no longer have to answer the "What is your dog's name?" question with "Little Dog". 

Spent the day cleaning out my mom's car, and then going to Madison with my mom, her friend, my sister, and her friend (who also happens to be my mom's friend's daughter). We ate Indian food for dinner at he Maharaja.... SO delicious! I split the Mutter Mushroom and Vegetable Mix Curry with my mom, and we all shared the vegetarian appetizer sampler. Then just a little bit of mango ice cream to finish off the meal. BEST meal I've had in a while!

Interesting news: Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise are getting a divorce, and Adele is pregnant. To celebrate Katie's new transition I will be watching an episode of Dawson's Creek before bed, and to celebrate Adele's new transition I will... eat some food or something? Tomorrow.

GOOD NIGHT! :*

xoxx,

lizzie

Quickly

Hey,

Time is moving so quickly! I cannot believe that I will be moving in about a week and a half!
I've been having some trouble sleeping lately.... I try several times, but end up staying up until about 3 or 4 in the morning. It's not very fun because I'm exhausted. Yet, my body doesn't think it needs to sleep so much anymore.

I still have to finish packing up my room. I'm really so close to being done, but the procrastinator in me is always brought out during the final stages of a project or task. Except when I make videos... then it never really comes out.
Or with faceinhole.com.
SUCH a great website--you add your face in a hole where someone else's face was when they got their picture taken with a celebrity. So it looks like you were also with the celebrity. It's a great way to waste time and have a little bit of fun along the way :)

I can be the biggest dork sometimes! Don't worry... this isn't the first time I've realized this.

Another sad thing about leaving my hometown is that I won't have a library card in Hickory. I don't even know if they have a library or where it is. Maybe I'll get one in two weeks.

One Direction is in Charlotte tonight. I'm literally depressed thinking that I could be there right now watching them.

C'est la vie.

Please keep my friend Erika and her family in your thoughts right now! Her stepdad is fighting cancer... his blog is here if you want to read or show him support through the internet! http://jaysroadbump.blogspot.com

Lots of errands to run tomorrow! I'll blog then.

xoxx,
lizzie

p.s.... my faceinhole.com masterpieces:

Awkward.

Hey,

So yesterday there was a "Awkward." marathon on MTV. "Awkward." is a show on MTV and it may be one of the coolest shows around. It is hilariously down to earth and semi-relatable to how it feels to grow up. Or maybe my childhood was just awkward itself and it's only relatable for me....

But whatever. I flip flop constantly between the characters Jake and Matty! Both are very adorable at times in their own ways. Except I never understood why Matty got mad at Jenna when she was drunk and simply told the truth about their relationship: that Matty was embarrassed to be seen with her.
He tried to say that he was only upset because that was how she saw him... but why did he make it so hard on her? I was screaming at the TV and laughing until my stomach hurt all night long. This is one of the greatest MTV shows ever made. Maybe even made... EVER.
Like "Napoleon Dynamite" but a little more girly. But Napoleon takes Jenna down when it comes to spontaneous outbursts of dorkiness....

Also, I bought the Lana Del Rey album off of iTunes... you should do the same! It's wonderful music to just play while you get ready or type on the computer--it's soothing and relaxing.

Speaking of music, new song on the playlist! It was on the season finale of Awkward. It's called "Starry Eyed" by Ellie Goulding (amazing artist! If you like her song, check out "Lights" and ESPECIALLY her rendition of "Your Song").

I'm even more addicted to Instagram...
But now I have a Tumblr and I don't know how to use it properly.. it's a little overwhelming. I don't know what to do!

If you have some tips for easing my way into the Tumblr world, pleeeease help me out!

XOXX,
lizzie

p.s...
one of my latest Instagram projects.

Instagram = Instaddicted

Hello,

A gentleman named Harry on twitter pointed out to me that my "Instaddicted" pun was bad and that I should say "Instafan" instead. Too bad, Harry!

As you might have noticed from Facebook and Twitter, I am in love with Instagram. Oh! Another one! Instalove!

Here are some of my precious works of today:

"Two Weeks Notice, Then North Carolina Bound!"

"Our Walk"

"Midsummer Night's Song"

"My Pup Trooper"

It is a tremendously fun app for smartphones... the multiple picture requires another app like "Pic Join" or something similar, like Photo Grid. Both are great quality, and all you do is use the app to make the pictures come together, and then upload that to instagram and make further adjustments if necessary.

Try it out! [By the way, my instagram name is lizzie_warfield same as twitter!]

Oh, and as you saw from my first instagram, I move to North Carolina in two weeks! So come say "Goodbye" to me if you'd like!
I had to put in my two weeks notice at work. I was so nervous! I didn't want to make them mad, but at least I'm not leaving them for another job.... so, I hope they aren't mad.

I can't believe I only have two more weeks of living in my hometown! It's kind of bittersweet. As excited as I am to leave it behind me, this is also the place where I grew up. But I guess I'll be growing up even more in other places, too!

XOXX,
lizzie


p.s.. This has to be my favorite instagram found thus far...

Travel Destinations

Hi again!

First off:
I have new songs on my playlist... so press play and enjoy! :) [Three Ed Sheeran songs and one Lana Del Rey song]

Second:
I also want to remind people to send me songs or artwork or poems they would like featured in my blog.

Third:
This is that list I made from one of my calendars of places to visit. The places with a "(check)" after it mean I have been there. There are 68 points... just a heads up :) There are quotes at the bottom and a picture so scroll even if you don't plan on reading every point! I also want to remind people to send me songs or artwork or poems they would like featured in my blog.
Places to go (in random order):

1) Paris & Avignon, France (check... go back? YES)

2) Hoi An, Vietnam.... marketplace sounds interesting. Something different!

3) Australia..... I've wanted to go here since I learned about Ayers Rock in kindergarten Plus the Great Barrier Reef!

4) Christkindlmarkt, Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany.... or basically anywhere in Bavaria... or Berlin... Munich... Cologne [Koln?]

5) Bora Bora, French Polynesia... bungalows directly on top of the beautiful turquoise water! With steps leading down into it!

6) Patagonia, Chile.... looks like some outer space adventure!

7) Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India.... it's a medieval city that still functions complete with castles :)..... Palace of the Winds, Jaipur, India... Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India [The Taj Mahal].

8) Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil.... mountains and baroque architecture!

9) Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica.... I would just love to travel to Costa Rica, period.

10) Kitzbuhel, Austria.... don't forget Vienna [Belvedere Palace].

11) Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

12) Prague, Czech Republic [Charles Bridge!].... or the fairytale-like town of Cesky Krumlov!

13) St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

14) Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia... it seems like a place my mother would like too :)

15) Milan, Italy... Chianti, Tuscany, Italy.... Parma, Emilia-Romagna, Italy.... Florence, Italy.... Venice, Italy.... Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Italy..... Sardinia, Italy..... Positano, Italy.... Veneto, Italy..... Bologna, Italy..... Palermo, Sicily, Italy [The Vucciria Market]..... Pompeii, Italy (check) ..... Rome Italy (check)..... LOVE LOVE LOVE ITALY

16) Easter Island, Chile.... The statue guys creep me out but also intrigue me.

17) Ljubljana, Slovenia... Italian + Austrian culture? Sign me up!

18) Cairo, Egypt [Kahn el-Khalili Bazaar]... Luxor, Egypt.

19) Dolphin Diving in Little Bahama Banks, Bahamas

20) Krakow, Poland [Rynek Glowny]

21) Guatemala... [Lake Atitlan] I have always loved the name Guatemala. I don't know why.

22) Budapest, Hungary.

23) Salta.... Patagonia..... Buenos Aires, Argentina [Alvear Palace Hotel]

24) Tonga... kayaking?

25) Bran, Transylvania, Romania.... who wouldn't like to visit Count Dracula's Castle?

26) Kyoto, Japan.... Tokyo, Japan.

27) Amsterdam, Netherlands.... I want to book a boat to stay on as my hotel!..... Delft, Netherlands.... Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, Netherlands.

28) I can't tell if I want to go to Ft. St. Catherine Beach in Bermuda, because I don't want to get lost.

29) New Zealand

30) Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada... or Toronto! Or B.C. [Butchart Gardens]! Or Quebec! Or Grand Mayan Island, New Brunswick, Canada! Montreal, Canada! I want to go to CANADA.

31) Copenhagen, Denmark..... "Number the Stars", Tivoli Gardens.... Egeskov Castle, Kvaerndrup, Funen, Denmark.

32) Okavango Delta, Botswana.... It's where the Okavango River meets the Kalahari. And since I love the resort in the Wisconsin Dells, I better explore the real deal.

33) Chicago, Illinois, USA (check).... I haven't been here in a while, even though I live only three hours away from downtown....Mystic, Connecticut, USA [December season].... Frederick Sound, Alaska.... Whale watching!!..... California, USA.... hopefully to get the chance to visit my best friends from high school, Taylor and Kristen!..... Salem, Massachusetts, USA... Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because I love the supernatural.... Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, USA.... Apostle Islands, WI, USA (I live in the state and have never been there. Nor to Door County!)..... Olympic National Park, WA, USA (along with Forks and La Push, of course. I gotta catch me a vampire! ;).... Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, USA.... Savannah, Georgia, USA. supernatural trip pt. 2?..... All five of the Hawaii Islands..... New York City, New York, USA (check).

34) MT. Snowdon, North Whales.... Tintern Abbey, Gwent, Whales.... since I have Welsh Ancestry.

35) Bhaktapur, Nepal.... even though I wouldn't fit in...

36) Monet's Garden, Giverny, France (Monet's work is so beautiful and dream-like. I would love to see his inspiration!) .... Ile De Re, Poitou-Charentes, France.... St.-Emilion, Aquitaine, France (ELEANOR OF AQUITAINE!!!!).... Burgundy, France.... Lyons, France.... Eze, France.... Mont Blanc, Rhone-Alpes, France.

37) Masada Israel..... Jerusalem, Israel... and the Dead Sea. Apparently you float effortlessly due to the Sea having 7 times greater of a salt concentration than the Mediterranean Sea.

38) Peru [esp. Cuzco... ever since I saw that cartoon movie...]...[Machu Picchu].

39) Iceland [Seljalandfoss Waterfall]... [Jokulsarlon Lake]

40) Bushmills, Northern Ireland

41) Drottningholm PAlace, Lake Malaren, Sweden

42) Oia, Greece..... Crete, Greece.... Epidaurus, Pelopeonnese, Greece.... Symi, Dodecanese, Greece.... and I would like to visit Mt. Athos in Greece, but according to tradition, women and certain domestic animals are banned from all of Mt. Athos. Really? We're on domestic animal level?.... Unfortunately whilst visiting Greece, I was unable to get over to Crete. Just Athens, Corinth, and Igoumenitsa!

43) St. Lucia, Lesser Antilles... Morne Trois Pitons National Park.

44) Brussels, Belgium... La Grand Place! S/O to Marine (one of my best friends from high school) who  has lived in Brussels for most of her life!

45) Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Sissinghurst, Kent, England..... London, England.... Manchester, England..... Liverpool, England.... Wells, Somerset, England [Cathedral Church of St. Andrew].

46) Rock of Cashel, Tipperary, Ireland..... The Aran Islands, Galloway, Ireland.... Dublin, Ireland [Trinity College].

47) Lisbon, Portugal [Sintra].... Obidos, Estremadura, Portugal.

48) Toledo, Castile La Mancha, Spain  [El Greco!]..... Madrid, Spain [El Rastro Flea Market].... Avila, Castile and Leon, Spain.... Seville, Spain.... Barcelona, Spain (check).

49) Highland Games somewhere in Scotland. Edinburg too. Maybe Glasgow?

50) Murren, Switzerland.... Zurich, Switzerland (I've been to the airport!).... St. Mortiz to Zermatt, Switzerland by the Glacier Express Railway.

51) Geirangerfjord, Oye, Norway.... Aurland Fjord, Norway.

52) Xi'an, China.... Hong Kong, China... Guangxi, China [The Li River].

53) Koh Phi Phi Le, Tailand.

54) Moscow, Russia.... St. Petersberg, Russia

55) Monte Carlo, Monaco

56) Trakai and the Hill of Crosses, Lithuania.

57) Amazon Rain Forest, Ecuador.... who wouldn't want to go visit it before it's gone?! Sorry that was such a dark humor joke.

58) Dubrovnik, Coatia

59) Stupas and Buddha at Borobudur, Java, Indonesia

60) The Masai Mara in Kenya.

61) Madagascar

62) The Seychelles--supposed to have water so clear, that if you put a book under water, you would be able to read it!

63) Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

64) Istanbul/Constantinople, Turkey.... Lycian Coast in Turkey.

65) Havana, Cuba [all I can think of is the second "Dirty Dancing" that wasn't as popular as the first...]

66) Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

67) Colombo, Sri Lanka.

68) Tallinn, Estonia


"Travel can be one of the most rewarding forms of introspection." -Lawrence Durrell


"At Christmas I no more
desire a rose
Than wish a snow in
May's new-fangled
shows;
But like of each thing
that in season grows"
-Shakespeare (probably one of the most accurate things he's ever said)

XOXX,
Lizzie

p.s.. send me your talents (or anything you really want to share, even if it isn't your work) for my blog! :) videos, artwork, pictures, poems, songs, etc...

p.p.s.. These are both in Patagonia! I thought this place was eerily cool, and you needed to see the pictures on the calendar.