Learning

Today I was feeling a little restless so I decided to pull out my travel journal from Europe. There's a section titled "Things I learnt along the way." The thing I love about traveling is there is always something that I learn and grow from. I thought I would share some things I learned on my European adventure.

• I have to marry someone who understands traveling
• Live in the moment. Less social media.
• Leaving people always hurts
• "Ghosts" by On An On is my favorite song
• Traveling breaks my heart
• Italian men are pigs
• Naples pizza is amazing
• Everyone thinks the grass is greener on the other side
• Jesus would have made the entire world even if I would have been the only one to see it.
• Tiramisu isn't as good as I thought it was 
• Europeans do it right: espresso and pastries in the morning 
• Naples is dirty
• Learning other languages is important 
• How to spot a male European: shorts higher than the knee, sweater around the neck, smoking, and a half buzzed haircut
• The train time is never on the board
• Americans have common courtesy
• Homemade stuff is the way to go
• Coffee in America isn't strong enough

Real Life

The idea of people reading this blog is a little intimidating if I'm being honest. I am not an eloquent writer, my grammar is laughable, and without spell check some of my posts would be difficult to read. The only reason I began this blog was to keep people up to date on what was happening to my life as I was in California. That season of life is over, but here I am posting. Maybe it's even half conceited to think people even look at this blog, I could just be ranting to myself. Nevertheless I feel the need to write this post because it pertains to what my blog and my life is about.

2014 has been one for the books and it's not even half way done. From January to May I was living the California dream. When I came home I was in Illinois for only two weeks and then I was back on a plane, a plane that was headed to Europe. I was able to adventure through Spain, Italy, and Ireland with my two best friends. (I would blog about it but two and half weeks in Europe would require a lot of posting I'm not willing to do.)

Now I'm officially back in Illinois for awhile. Possibly two years (those two years will have a lot of short trips and adventures in them of course.) As I talk with family and friends something always gets said to me that rubs me the wrong way...

"So it's back to real life now."

Real life? That statement haunts me. Most people don't think about it as they say it. I understand that the past six months have been amazing and it almost seems like a dream. The thing is, it wasn't a dream. Everything I did was "real life". 

Yes, as of now there are no big trips planned. The next two years are mainly me living in Illinois, focusing on getting my degree. I plan on the next two years being as exciting and adventure filled as these past six months were. 

So no, it's not back to real life, it's a continuation of my life. My life I plan on fully enjoying. 

“Living a life fully engaged and full of whimsy and the kind of things that love does is something most people plan to do, but along the way they just kind of forget. Their dreams become one of those "we'll go there next time" deferrals. The sad thing is, for many there is no "next time" because passing on the chance to cross over is an overall attitude toward life rather than a single decision.” 

Grand Canyon

This is beyond over due..

April 17th around 4pm my friend Tori and I set out for the Grand Canyon. We were driving a little over 9 hours just to see the sunrise.

We had only been driving for about two hours when we decided it was time to stop and eat. We were driving through a city when I yelled "That place has burritos!!" Tori changes lanes and whips into the parking lot. The place of choice was called the Donut Palace. It doesn't sound like a place to eat burritos, but we decided to check it out. Turns out the Donut Palace sells donuts, burritos, unidentified cookies, boba, cigs, and other misc stuff. We ordered our burritos and hit the road again. (They were surprisingly delicious and just like that the Donut Palace found a place in our hearts.)

We had a lot of fun on the drive. We bonded over music and shared a moment to "Ghosts" by On An On. As we were driving we saw an exit for Mexico. I really wanted to go, it was torture to be able to see Mexico but not go in. All of a sudden Tori said..

"Should we exit for Mexico?"

Me: "..... Ummm... Ehhh...."

We pass the exit.

Me: "Well I have immediate regret." 

Later on as we were driving, we passed dinosaur statues at the gas station

Tori: "Do you want to see the dinosaur?!"

Me: "YES!!!!"

She has to quick slam on her breaks and turn in.

Me: "No regrets this time."

We had to make a stop in Phoenix to pick up her good friend Grace. As we were exiting we saw a building with glowing purple lights.

Me: "I bet that purple light is something bad." 

It was around 11pm when we picked Grace up. I took over driving around 12 am or so. I learned something very valuable. I cannot drive at night. The roads were so curvy and dark that sometimes I questioned if I was going to drive off the road. Eventually I exited off the interstate and started driving on the backroads. There was a sign for Elk but I didn't think anything of it. All of a sudden there was an elk right by the car. I calmly said "shoot" and drove into the other lane. Tori and Grace shoot up from their sleep and freak out. I explain how an Elk almost destroyed the car. Tori decided to take over driving then. 

We finally arrived at the Grand Canyon around 3-4am. We pull up to the park entrance and no one was there to take our money. So we just drove right in.

"We just got into the Grand Canyon for free."

We started driving around the park trying to figure out the best place to see the sunrise. We picked a spot and decided to take a rest while waiting for the sun. We then heard a ranger telling a car next to us to follow him and he will show them where the best place is to see the sunrise. So we decided to follow him too.

I've never been to the Grand Canyon, but I am so glad that we took what someone might call a wasteful trip to go see it. It took my breath away. 

After enjoying the sunrise and taking my pictures, it was time to make the trek back to San Diego. The rest of the drive can't be summarized. Words wouldn't do it justice. Let's just say there were three slap happy girls who were pretty high on life driving for 9 hours straight (minus some pit stops.) (("How many times did you squat?"))  It's an adventure I will never forget. 

"Always choose the adventure."

Ellen Show

Better late than never..
April 9th, my dream came true. I went to the Ellen show! My sister in law, her mom, best friend, and I headed to Burbank around 7am. We arrived close to 10:30. Check in wasn't until 2. We decided to get lunch at Universal Studio's downtown.

We browsed in a couple shops, one of them was a candy store. My favorite ;)

I decided to walk towards the front of the park. I noticed there was a huge crowd. I wondered what could be going on, so I headed over to check it out. I noticed cameras and a stage. There was a man talking on the stage. I thought to myself 'that looks like Mario Lopez... but theres no way.' Then I hear someone say "Mario!" I like to think that I could keep my cool if I ever meet a celebrity. I've met a couple musicians before and I was able to talk to them like they were normal human beings. For some reason though, just the sight of Mario made me get all shaky. It took all my effort to hold my hand still to take the picture. 

He was filming for the TV show Extra. I probably made an appearance in the background, no big deal ;) After that crazy moment it was time to head to Ellen.

When we arrived they checked our tickets and made us wait until two in a parking garage. At 2 it was basically a free for all. We had to all form a line and numbers were given out based on where you stood. My group was the high 20's. After we were assigned our numbers, we probably waited at least another hour. Then they started calling groups of numbers. My group was the last of the first section of people. 

We then proceeded to walk across the street to the studio. Once in side, security checked our bags. Then we walked to the stage. Seating appeared to be random. One person would look at the size of our group and point to seats. I am so happy with our seats, they were so good and I got to sit by the aisle.

While we waited for Ellen to come, there was a guy who would make the audience dance. He then offered free T-shirts and a chance to dance on stage for the craziest dancer. I was not going to pass up the opportunity. I busted out my moves and I was the first one chosen. He announced my name to the group and then before you know it I was making a fool of myself in front of 200 people, but hey I got a free t-shirt. 

Then it was show time. The guests were Pharrell Williams, Chadwick Boseman, and Zooey Deschannel. I got quite a bit of air time. My whole group did actually! It was a lot of fun. The atmosphere was great. We had to dance every commercial break which kept you from getting bored. The only downside was that Ellen wasn't as engaged as I expected her to be. Overall it was a great experience! 

Here's a link to the video that has my biggest close up hehe. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5hwxaBAVZQ

Braden Hickey

IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY! Happy birthday my best friend. I wish I was able to celebrate with you. When I arrive in Spain, I'll buy you a drink, since it will be legal for me.

It's crazy to think that this is really only the second birthday I've celebrated with you. I am very very happy that I get to have you in my life. You have impacted me more than you know.

Awhile ago someone asked me if I could look back on my life and see what God was doing in order to prepare me for where I am right now. One major thing that stuck out was you. God has used you to help shape and guide me into who He wants me to be.

You give me tough love when I need it. You're not afraid to call me out on something. You know me so well, none of my tricks work on you. You have made me realize that everything is a choice, and it's important to stop and think things through. I'm not afraid to tell you my hopes and dreams because you have always backed me. You believe in me.

Trips to Chicago are almost routine with us (crazies always included). I love the fact that we can be in Canada, look at each other, and decide it's time to drive 12 hours home at 6pm.  Crowd surfing? Who was right by my side... I love adventuring with you.

I KNOW I'm not the only one who loves you and is impacted by you. In fact, there's proof below...


Darien
I love Braden, because she is one of the funniest people I have ever met. I also love her for taking me under her wing during my freshman year of high school, and for introducing me to Los Potrillos!;) thanks for being a great friend Bray!:) love you and hope your trip has been awesome!:)

Chloe
okay: Braden, I love you  because you are awesome in so many ways. First, you are hilarious and never cease to crack me up. Second, you are kind. Third,  you are really wise and love Jesus. Fourth, you and I have experienced some pretty great moments together #tammygetsamilkshake #imisscrystal … I love you a lot and you have so many great qualities.  I hope you have a great birthday!!! live it UP

Alisha
I love Braden because of so many things.. She is hilariously awkward (which is a good thing, I promise) and always makes a boring situation better. She has the hook-up at starplex for popcorn (what's not to love about that?!) and she enjoys the same guilty pleasures as I do (Moe's queso & One Tree Hill). She volunteers to take pictures for me even when I wake her up and knock down her curtains because I'm climbing out her window. Overall, she is just one of the best people to experience life's little pleasures and funny moments with because she makes them 10x more enjoyable. I feel like the fact that she was a kind of an unwanted roommate at the beginning has made us even closer  She loves Jesus and always knows how to encourage her friends, which is so inspiring. I cannot believe that we have only been friends for under a year.. She's one of those friends that I feel like I've known forever. And as another part of your birthday gift - I promise to experience EPG at it's fullest not because I feel like I have to, but because I want to.  I LOVE YOU BRA!

Moli
I love Braden because I can't think of one high school memory that doesn't involve her. she's the smartest & funniest person I've ever met. she's spontaneous & adventurous. There is never a dull moment when she's around. she's the best.

Mattie
There are many reasons to love Braden, but I especially love her because she is her. Which is hilarious, caring, genuine, thoughtful, spontaneous, and just a fun person to be around.

Hayley
What makes Braden one of the most valuable friends I have? There are many reasons. 1. Her dedication to our friendship. 2. Her ability to make me die laughing by just one look. 3. Her knowledge 4. Her boldness in her faith! 5. Her hospitality 6. The fact that she will discover the cure for cancer!! (Just to name a few) I think, most of all, I admire how Braden has no rules or requirement for one to be her friend. She accepts us for who we are and encourages and sometimes shoves us to be more like Jesus. She is one of my many inspirations to keep enduring through trials and reminds me to drop the world and sprint to The Lord. Thanks for being a part of my life, Bray! Here's to 21 years of the life of Braden!! Cheers!

Jenna
Hey bray!!! I hope you're having an awesome time! I can't wait to be reunited again and watch Harry potter, LOTR, the office, play just dance, go to Los po, get coke Slushies, and all of the other random but great things that we do! I wish that I could be with you on your birthday and take you to Los po so you would have to awkwardly wear that hat and having primivero sing to you! But since that can not happen I just want to wish you an incredible birthday and I want you to know that I love you and I'm praying for you and I can't wait to see you! Love ya bray!

Lindsey
Hey Braden!

Happy Birthday to you! I hope your day is a great one! Wanted to let you know that you are one fantastic person. Your awkward humor always brightened my day at 119  You've impacted my life in many ways... I now make whole wheat tortillas a lot.... I recycle.... I'm more conscious of my appendix rupturing.. All good things!  I love your heart for God and your heart for others. God will use you in big ways! So excited to see where He takes you. Thanks for being my friend! Love you bunches!

Faith
I like/love Braden because:
B. She's Brainy and hates that everyone reminds her that she is, which shows how humble she is & how she realizes that it's a just gift from the Lord.
R. She's Radical for Jesus. Seriously. She makes the truth simple and isn't swayed because she's standing on the Rock! [i.e. Jehovah's witnesses and high school girls that want to get married]
A. She's Adventurous. I don't want to be cliche, but let's be real. She goes on spur-of-the-moment trips to Canada, moves in with 4 girls she doesn't know, and rides camels in Africa.
D. She's Daffy. Alright, i goggled adjectives for D, because i could only think of boring ones. But, it's worth it because i found this gem. Defintion: silly and mildly eccentric. Umm, yes. She seems all nice and quiet, but move in with her and BAM! Out comes hiding the bunny and going vegan for a week and making us all recycle and having one tree hill marathons. What a glorious bam.
E. She's Earthy. Like healthy and nature-y and smile-y, but most of all, down to earth. I loved going back to B & N and seeing how everyone had instantly loved her because she was just herself. She was interested in people, cared about them, and listened to them even if she thought they were nuts-o.
N. She's Not boring. I know that's cheating, but i really wanted to say that she's not boring because she buys me pink BANANAAAAA shirts and makes me laugh, because she sends snapchats from halfway across the world that say things like, "i hear someone  hit a turkey"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  #119love

Heidi 
BRADEN HICKEY!!!

I love and cherish our friendship so much! You always know how to make me smile and how to tell a funny story. You were part of the reason why I would even go to 119:)...and even want to move in there:). I love hearing about your crazy, exuberant adventures...usually with Al..(the awkward guy on the bus is my favorite!) and getting to know you better this past semester. Which I feel like we have known each other for years:). I admire your heart for JESUS and I love your fervent Spirit that you SHINE in Spain or at the Starbucks at Barnes and Noble serving samples in the States. oh and I can't forget to mention how you are more than courageous especially as you do an excellent driving and braving 3000 inch snow on the way "Chicago." I hope you have a spectacular Birthday full of JESUS, celebration, and everything beautiful! You deserve the best! LOVE YOU SO MUCH and I absolutely cant wait to see you around on this American terf:)

Lauren
Braden,
Wow. I can’t even begin to tell you how ridiculously thankful I am to Jesus that I met you. Not only did I meet you and make awkward small talk with you when I saw you the first few times, but I wedged my way into becoming your friend, because you’re just so freakin awesome. I love so many things about you.
1. The moment I decided I wanted to be your friend was when we were in your old apartment and you told me the story about the banana filled muffin. I laughed so hard for whatever reason, and I knew you were a pretty cool chick who I wanted to be my friend.
2. You made me run 3 miles when I’d never done that in my life. You got this fatty up and at it, and now I’m in a trail running class. Never would have thought I’d do that.
3. IMAGINE FREAKIN DRAGONS! When Alison first asked me to go with you two, I was nervous that you wouldn’t want me to come, but you were so welcoming to me from the beginning. I’ve never once been jealous of you and Alison’s friendship, because you’re just SO FREAKING HILARIOUS and I get to call you MY friend, too. (I’m listening to Imagine Dragons while I write this.)
4. You have a heart for traveling. I love your adventurous spirit and willingness to just drop everything and go to Canada for a week and a half. EL OH EL.
5. You love it when I call myself Daddy and attack you in the middle of the night. Okay, maybe I’M the one who loves that, but you easily could have ripped my throat out, and I’m pretty sure you just gave me a threatening lunge.
6. You keep Alison under control. We’re both pretty aware that she is a little crazy, and your tender side keeps her from doing bizarre and most likely socially unacceptable things.
7. You were a part of seeing the crazy man hiding in the dumpster, a good five minutes of screaming, calling the cops, then screaming about how stupid the cop was. Ugh. What a night. Still, easily one of the best nights of my life.
8. Backtracking to earlier that day when we were in the mall, and that little girl came up and hugged you. Meanwhile, that scary man with about a fourth of his teeth telling me I looked familiar, like a star (not Katy Perry, because he didn’t know a Katy Perry), but it was probably just my eyes.
9. You’re so caring and take care of people so well even if you don’t want to. When I first met you, Alison told me that you weren’t a touchy person, so I had to force you to hug me. Last time I was at your apartment, I laid on your lap and you kept patting my back. Maybe you were giving me the “okay, we’re done here” pat, but either way, it was endearing.
10. It is so evident that you love Jesus so much. I have always said that Jesus has given me the most amazing friends in every place I’ve lived. You are one of top friends, Braden. I love you so much. I’m so glad you have trusted God to take you to Spain, and I know He is using you in incredible ways. I hope you have the best birthday EVER, and I can’t wait to see you in 46 DAYS!!!!!!


-Daddy

Braden Hickey we love you. Enjoy your special day. 

Desert

It's been awhile since I have blogged. I think it's becoming harder to blog because to me, this is just life now. Enough time has passed that it doesn't feel like a long trip. I am actually living in Santee California.

Last weekend, I went to Imperial City to hang out with some of my cousins. It's probably 1.5 or 2 hours away from Santee. I rode with my other cousins, Tom and Bonnie, we were going to see their kids and grandkids. On the way there we stopped at the "Golden Acorn," a casino.

Tom and I went in. He did a little gambling, and I did too (one dollar worth of gambling.)

Honestly, when I was in the casino, I felt sick to my stomach. There were so many people in there just wasting their money. If they wanted to give away money, I could think of so many other things they could do with it. The same could be said for me when I buy things I don't need, though. I won't go on a rant but it was a good realization. 

After the casino, we continued our journey. It was mainly through the mountains. My mind was being blown because these mountains were mountains made of ROCKS. I just couldn't my mind around it.

Overall it was a pretty laid back weekend. We relaxed at the house, watched movies, and played games. Saturday we did go to their fair. Imperial is one of the first fairs of the season. The city is in the desert, so it gets hot, thus why they have their fair early.

Imperial City is in the desert... I know people say what the desert is like, but you don't fully understand it until you go there. It was hot. Way hotter than Santee. There's a lot of dust. Everything on my body was dry. The inside of my nose, lips, hands, and mouth. Honestly, the desert is not the place for me. 

One cool thing is, I could see Mexico from Imperial. I was that close to the border. I also went to the second largest grossing Wal-Mart. Apparently everyone from Mexico crosses the border to shop there. Overall, it was a really low key weekend, but it was nice to get to experience the desert for myself. 

Events

So, this past Wednesday, I rode the trolley with my new friend Taylor to San Diego State. She is currently getting her masters there, and she teaches a class. We ate lunch at the campus and she gave me a tour. It was a really pretty campus, I can see why a lot of people would want to attend school there.

After that we jumped back on the trolley and got off in Seaport village. It's this cute little place by the sea. We walked up and down the boardwalk and looked at all the little shops.

It was a nice relaxing day. I really enjoyed getting to know Taylor better.

The very next day, I had my orientation at Old Navy! Woot woot. It went well, and next week I work four shifts. All very crazy hours. I'll post about my experience at the end of next week.

Prayers! 

Imagine Dragons

This past Saturday I went to an Imagine Dragons concert. Round 4. My friend Tiffany and I got there around 1pm and there was already a line forming. There were probably about 30 to 40 people in front o us.

Around 5:45 chaos began. All of a sudden people from the back of line started cutting everyone in the front. The girls at the front of the line yelled at them and told them to get back in line. The group of people didn't listen, so then the girls in front started running. Then everyone else started running, so I looked at Tiffany and took off. The organized line turned into a chaotic mob. 

Once inside of the building, everyone was told to walk but of course everyone was running to the general admission section. Once we established our spot, which was like 3rd or 4th row, the security made everyone sit down.

Without warning the lights shut off and the first opening act came on. It was a madhouse with everyone trying to stand up really fast. The first band was called Nico Vega. The lead singer is married to Dan, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons.

After Nico Vega, the second act was The Naked and Famous. Super good. Sounded just like they do on their album.

 During their performance there was a little disturbance. This man pictured above decided to cut in front of everyone. He was drunk. People were ticked. Eventually everyone around got the security guard to kick him out. It was great.

After they were done, it was time for IMAGINE DRAGONS. I was super excited and ready for even more chaos. In the beginning people were pushing and shoving more than ever. As ID began playing more, everyone forgot about their spot and were transported by the  music. They are such great performers. 

Ben was so far away that I didn't get any pictures of him. You can see him the back of this picture though. 

Wayne! 

At this point, Dan jumped off the stage. I thought I was going to be trampled. 

Ryan Walker catching some air. 

For the finale, the guitarist from the Killers joined ID on stage. 

I wrote a letter to give to ID. So after the concert, I tried to figure out how to make sure they would get it. I asked the security guard, and he said he couldn't do it, but he also said "You didn't hear this from me.. but go to the right side of the stage." There were bathrooms and a little hallway. There was a curtain at the end of the hall. I saw Ryan Walker behind it. I then went up to the security guard who was by the curtain and asked if he would give them the letter. He said no. As I was waiting for my friend to use the bathroom, a family went up to the security guard and I could tell they were going back to meet the band. I was about to ask them to give ID the letter when the security guard motioned me over. He said that he can't give the band the letter but I could ask this family. The family gladly took it. The mom kept looking at me like I was the cutest thing in the world. It was weird. Then I overheard a conversation they were having with the security guard.. It sounded like they were family. Then I saw them go behind the curtain, hug Ben, and hand him the letter. I met the bass players family. Pretty sweet. I love Imagine Dragons and their concert did not disappoint.