A 'Currently' of Sorts...

I had four or five ideas half drawn out, scheduled, drafted, and the such before I got this overwhelming urge to do THIS post. Now, this post isn't about anything new or groundbreaking, but moreso, I  wanted to talk about a couple AWESOME things that have come across my (internet screen? phone screen? occasionally a REAL newspaper article, but let's be honest...) recently. I also just wanted to give you a heads up on what the hell I've been doing lately (spoilers, not a lot. Learning to love a new town. No Complaints.)

First, John Green, Hank Green, and all of Nerfighteria:

I know I talk about this guy all the time. I have loved him for quite a few years, and each year my love grows more and more.  I just think it is amazing how they use their internet fame. Such an AMAZING example. He is funny and smart, and the issues/topics as well as the age ranges that are addressed is just spectacular. Below is the newest video about the philanthropic arm of Nerdfighteria. (BTW, the nerdfighter community in Mr. Green's own words: "The nerdfighter community isn’t even really about our videoblogs (or my books). It’s mostly about celebrating intellectualism and making cool stuff on the Internet and decreasing worldsuck."

Also, I am super stoked for the newest venture where John's Wife Sarah (the Yeti) has partnered with PBS to produce an program on Art. Sarah is the former curator of contemporary art at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. 

Second, Music:

Man, I always think about how My friend Brady is SO UP TO DATE all the time, on music. I am forever behind. Which, doesn't bother me so much, except when i find this amazing band and realize I could have been enjoying them for years already. I have been listening to a really random grouping lately. My usual R&B/Hip-hop (mostly 90s centered, but with splashes of John Legend, The Roots, Raphael Saadiq (NPR tiny desk linked), Jannelle Monae, etc) But what I really wanted to share with you this second was two thoughts. First, Let's talk about pop music. I have no qualms with how much I tend to enjoy pop music. This is especially true in the fact that I try not to listen to the radio much, so it doesn't get overplayed in my mind, and it can retain what makes it fun, longer. Pop get's a lot of shit though, and I just wanted to take a moment and stand up for. I also was reminded, and wanted to remind everyone else, of how great some of the late 90s/early 2000s pop was. I just re-listened to all of 'Celebrity' by Nsync. and loved it. Go ahead, try to shit on how awesome 'Gone' was, or 'Girlfriend'. They are sugary and delicious! The second tidbit to share was about friend's recommending music. THANK GOD for that. A hat tip to Tyler currently for getting me back into (as I have some reference, and always enjoyed, but never delved into at great lengths) Mazzy Star. Currently the 'She Hangs Brightly' album is on a pretty constant rotation. 

Third, Asheville:

Hey guys, I took photos throughout my last few days off. Here is a snippet of my life currently, in Asheville! (spoilers: I have two Jobs. one restaurant, one bakery. I am now working out every day like a healthy person (I also make a point to try a new Asheville beer everyday too, you know, also for health reasons...). I try to walk when I can (one job, groceries, downtown to just poke around, etc). 

A Butcher Shop on the way to my bakery job. I just think it's kinda cool that there is a butcher shop. My not eating meat doesn't effect this. Also, the Highland Brewery and tasting room. It is basically what every tasting room should look like. Open, spacious, twinkle lights, industrial inside and large tables to share with friends. Still working on the 'friends' portion.

I got a library card, and checked out one of the smaller branches that is by my house. Got a few books to start me off. And this is just a little snippet of downtown holiday cheer to come!

I went on my first NC resident hike a little over a week ago! It was at Rainbow falls (didn't actually go all the way to the falls, found this nice little happy place and just enjoyed nature 2/3rds of the way in). This hike was about an hour from my house.Cannot wait to discover so so so many more. 

Four, News:

I am terrible at following news (if it isn't pop culture related. I admit). But I got the 'next Draft' App and man i love it. It allows me to look at the top 10 stories of a day, and click links onto read further. Everything is explained very simply, and you are given resources to look into the headlines further. and it combines all forms of news, so I find it wonderful. I feel KINDA on top of stuff, moreso than I have been in a long, long time.

Currently: Have I moved yet? How about now?

DREAMING ABOUT: Moving! You will see this theme throughout this entire update post. It is all about moving. Well, that and some general traveling. I move to Asheville, NC in less than two weeks, and I am STOKED. Hayley and I went up a week ago and scouted out places to live, and narrowed it down to three. We are making final decisions as we speak, and will apply before we head out to Seattle...

Cotton fields on the way home from Asheville, NC. Oh the south.

TRAVELING TO: So, yes. Seattle. Mom, Hayley and I are traveling to Seattle tomorrow for our cousins wedding! I am really excited, because there is no doubt that it will be gorgeous, and love filled. A bunch of our family (cousins and such) are all meeting there (some I haven't seen in 5 years or so) and so it shall be wonderful! I am lucky to have an amazing amazing family, and don't feel shame bragging about it! The wedding is on Saturday, and the rest of the time will just be laughing. all. the. time.

Pictures from the rainy mess that was Mid Town Music Festival in Atlanta back in September.

FIGURING OUT: The above mentioned apartment situation, how to pack all our shit into two cars (we def. will be taking another load of items back with us when we come home for Thanksgiving), I will be leaving Nigel (again, sigh) at home with my parents until Christmas, just to avoid the ridiculous pet deposits ($300 NON REFUNDABLE) in the beginning, so we have more money to get settled in. Also there is that whole, getting an job aspect, but who worries about things like that? PSH.

Floral, combat like boots, and thick pastel socks. I will never leave the 90's. And Also, these are buffalo chicken TOTCHOS. Hayley got them in ATL and I learned that totchos are a thing...

READING: I just finished all the 'Divergent' Series (Yay for more YA literature!)(It's very Hunger Games esque, but in my opinion, better), and am currently reading the sequel to 'The Sparrow' called 'Children of God' which I am really excited about. The Sparrow was a book I would have never picked up on my own, but recommended to me a few years ago, and is an amazing story that deals with humanity, religion, and science fiction aspects. I hope the sequel lives up to it. Otherwise, I have picked up a compilation of poems and short stories curated by Nick Flynn, who I discovered through his collection of poems called 'Blind Huber' which is excellent.

Oh Hey Guys, I've Been Livin' Life

Part One: BONNAROO

I went. It was fun. I saw Nick and Brady. And R. Kelly. Nothing else needs to be said. 

From my work shifts in the Artist Compound and the boys sleeping off late nights at our campsite before the day REALLY begins...

Waffle House Swag

Volunteer Camping Area

Just your everyday attractive model-esque people

Can you spot the healthy items!?

Part Two: ASHEVILLE

I also recently went to Asheville with my friend Zac. I camped. I hiked. I feel in love with a city. I changed my future. You know, just another day.

There were taps and a bar in the bike store. 'Nough said. Also, this was just a VERY SMALL snippet of an installation in the Asheville Art Museum

Every Car that travels for miles should have some car flowers as a thank you!

One of Three Breweries we visited that day, French Broad Brewery. This tasting flight only cost $7. BAM! Also, (you can barely see) they have a disco Ball hanging in their brewery. Look Closely behind Zac's head, I swear it's there.

Random Asheville Street art off of one of my fav. streets there, Wall St. (It was like a Harry Potter alleyway!)

A random residence in an alley way. I want to live there. 

Part Three: RANDOM DAILIES

Mom and Dad celebrated their 30th wedding Anniversary just days before Hayley's 19th birthday

I got this sunflower, and it made my life. It is taller than me. I also took a random selfie, b/c I do that. A lot.

PEOPLE LOVE ME. I also got this badass care package in the mail this week. ALL MY FAVORITES. ESP. Don's Mug.

Oh lord I need a day off

As I write this, I am tired. Like, really deliciously tired. Why am I not sleeping then? No idea. My eyes hurt. I have to work a double tomorrow, and yet, here I am writing. Why? Well, most likely it is because when this tired hits, so do the rambling thoughts. And what better time to write a blog post than when the rambling thoughts are in full force, yes?

Slowly, as I have spoke of, I am converting this space in to a more thoughtful space. Not a fashion, DIY, 'hey look at me!' space, but a fashion, DIY, 'hey look at me being THOUGHTFUL' space. total difference.

I came to a realization, that technically I already knew, but sometimes it is the correct voicing of said realizations that hit the nail on the head. I was talking with a friend the other day, and I spoke of how much travel means to me. Which, FYI, it's a lot. Whenever I get in a funk, or starting dreaming of the future, my thoughts always first go to my next 'move' or adventure. Currently I have thoughts of more volunteering at music festivals this summer, or going to AK for a wedding in July, or moving to Portland/west coast this fall, or going to the Big Island of Hawaii again this winter. This is just the tip of it too. These are the big things. B/c then I move onto smaller thoughts of day trips to go hiking, and weekend camping getaways into the NC mountains, or traveling to Savannah, GA to eat delicious food just for an afternoon.

All these things, these are the things that make me tick. Make me happy. That exploring. And if I had all of these things, I know deep down that a life of working as a barista and server, of thrifting for fun and selling stuff on Etsy just to let me continue thrifting in exchange, of having a small flat, all this.... this would be a perfectly acceptable life. But the key to all this? The partner in crime. All the trips and travels, I want that person that hops into the car with me on a days notice and goes to Wilmington, b/c we never have been and its only 3 hours away.  Who plans Hawaii, AK, and a west coast wedding all in the same 6 months time span. Whose job doesn't define them, or hold them back from living life outside their job.

I knew all this, but it is saying it aloud, that really does the trick. As I get older, and constantly meet new people, I remember how much I really like meeting new people. Man you have to sift through a ton of crappy people to find good ones, but, uhm... WORTH IT.  So how bout I keep meeting new fun people, and one of them fits this mold, mmk? But preferably, can I do this outside of South Carolina? kthanx.

ps. I promise more pictures in blog posts. But when the rants come, you just cant prepare to have 'life decision' photos waiting in the wings.

The Palmetto State So far. A Picture Story.

One of the first days back, the old church on the island was being taken over by high tide flood waters of the marsh...

A little snippet of what I consider one of the cutest beach houses on Pawleys.

My home sweet home for the next four months (and you know all of my formative high school years)

Gorgeous day off at the beach

More beach day. I wanted to say 'how 'bout them apples' but no, I don't mean my boobs, k? Get your head out of the gutter.

Gorgeous Georgetown house I house sat for all last week. Isn't that porch a dream!?

Harbor walk off Front street in Georgetown, two blocks from where I was house sitting.

A favorite bakery in Georgetown. Kudzu. YUM.

Currently, you know, living life.

EATING: Lots of smoothies and breakfast foods! I have recently been working at a breakfast joint, where with my employee discount meals are roughly $3.00. SO yes, lots of breakfast, in all shapes and sizes have been consumed  this and tuna melts. Delicious, grilled rye tuna melts. This is all to come to an end though, as (gasp!) I quit the breakfast joint just a few days ago. 

LISTENING TO: The Features newer stuff (hey guys, the features are awesome. SO UNDERRATED. Check out, and fall in love with their 'The Beginning' EP) 

Thank me later....

THINKING ABOUT: Not a lot. Actually. I am always thinking, and it is REALLY nice to just have a bunch of shit back burner-ed  I know what I need to be thinking about, I have just decided not to, until about.. July? Yeah, that sounds good. I suppose the one thing I am actively thinking about/anticipating is Bonnaroo this year. It will be my third year going (last time in 2009). I have convinced a few Alaskans to join me, and I think we shall all have a grand time. I mean, I get to see Paul McCartney. That means in life I will have seen two Beatles in Concert. BADASS right here. 

MISSING: First and Foremost, NIGEL. I miss my beast so bad. I get pictures all the time, but knowing it will be at least three months until I see him, oh man. My little orange man. 

I mean, look at him, just smiling for the camera! I am currently gritting my teeth in happiness just looking at this picture!

Otherwise, all my friends around the globe. I have two friends from high school who live here in Pawleys Island, and I have gotten a chance to see both of them once or twice so far this summer, with plans on visiting other South Carolina friends as the summer wears on, but all my Alaskans and those who live in all the other nooks and crannies of the world are being missed DEARLY. Slowly, I am making new friends here in the south for the summer, but nothing like those who are tried and true :D

WORKING ON:  Getting settled in. I have downgraded from two jobs to one job for the summer. I WILL be working doubles at the one job a lot, and its at a small grill right on the beach. I also am finishing up a house sitting gig I had, which was great, but lots of driving around between here and my parents and the two jobs, so it will be nice to get a little more settled and such. There are also talks of July 4th cabin times with m y family and extended family, in the upstate on a lake. That should be wonderful, so all this... all this I am working on, technically, I guess?

My lovely work place for the summer.

READING: Working on that summer reading list I mentioned in my Summer goals. First off is A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. I also picked up Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter so can hopefully add that to the summer list. I also recently came across this list of 65 Books you need to read in your 20s.  I have read only MAYBE a handful of these, so its something to keep in mind...

Currently: Musical Dreams

I shall be leaving feb. 28th for over 2 months, and I am stoked.

All the plans are still coming together but currently I know I will be in mexico for 11 days with family, then 9 days in Austin for SXSW. From there I am planning out two separate options, and shall see which one comes to fruition. Either way, I will be out of Fairbanks until Mid-May and couldn't be more exited.  To come back to Fairbanks in Mid-May is perfect... time for summer, hiking, and all the glory that that summer in Alaska has to offer! As plans come together, I shall, of course, keep you updated!

In the Meantime, check out my Etsy Shop and please pass it along to friends!  I have a bunch of stuff to sell, and the more I sell, the less I have to pack up :D

Currently: I Need A Day Off

(Brunch Wreckage. Gotta love a Pump House Brunch.)

So, Usually come Monday morning I am going to try and do a weekend recap or a currently post. The thing is, most my 'weekends' look the same....WORKING. Yeah, see... I work the typical weekend, so my actually weekend ends up being a Tuesday/Wednesday or something. Maybe I should make Thursday my 'Weekend recap'? Only Time will tell what I decide (mwahahaha). Okay, that definitely didn't require maniacal laughter, but I did it, and that is that. *sticking to my guns*

...OKAY, And with that aside... I am Currently: (Stylized this week after Julie and Elizabeth)

WORKING ON: Updating this Blog. Constantly working on this, but I am trying to streamline the layout and clutter. I just got photoshop back (yay!) So, you may see some design changes over the next few weeks. Finally.

THINKING ABOUT: Spring! Yes, it isn't even winter yet, and Spring is on the mind. Trips are ALWAYS on the mind though, and I am hoping that I can plan a big trip across the water in Spring with some of my favorite people. Big dreams still, but it is nice to think about

ANTICIPATING: The next two days I have off! I have quite the todo list piling up, plus I am on day 6 of working straight, and really, my body is just saying no to serving tables any longer. Also, this weekend at the University of Alaska Fairbanks student PUB they are hosting a Campus couture Fashion show to support the Gay Straight Alliance. I have been asked via Arrogantly Shabby to help style the Runway models using all the donated clothing.

LISTENING TO: I just got done throwing Frank Ocean, D'Angelo, Discovery, Horse Feathers, Ben Sollee and The New Fiona Apple onto my phone for the car. It was time for a change up, let me tell you.

EATING: Well I am like.. 2 months,maybe 1.5 months...not sure, either way I am off caffeine  Yay! so Herbal teas and every once in a while a glorious Decaf Soy latte with Some Coconut. Also, LOTS of Breakfast foods. Basically, breakfast is all I feel I have time for now a days. Otherwise, On the few days off I get I have been making soup,A LOT of soup. I love soup weather it makes me so happy, and having a copy of Moosewood Restaurant soup based Cookbook makes everything just that much more special.

THANKFUL FOR: The fact that I stayed diligent through all the forms, hoops, etc I had to work through this year to get my Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). I finally got accepted, and will receive it later this month. Man, does that help me financially. PHEW.

PLANNING FOR: A winter of learning. SO CORNY, but man, it is totally true! Goals, here I come!
I may have been overzealous at the library the other day

(My ToDo list in book form...)


(A little Nigel time is always a good time) (Recent going away party where we all dressed like our friend Angel, who is moving to Portland. Aren't the masks wonderful!?)