A Long Time Coming.....

Hey there everyone! It's been awhile since my last blog post. For the past couple months I've dabbled in potentially deleting this blog and putting it aside for several reasons.

For those of you who follow me on various other platforms of social media, you probably know that Josh and I broke up. For a while I struggled with talking about it on this platform. I rationalized that maybe not spilling the tea would not make things really over. My second justification for procrastinating was that I should grow up and not publicize my life as much. However, since I've taken charge of my own life and destiny, I've realized that this blog is a positive outlet. Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift have their albums, and I have a public collection of my thoughts, ideas and feelings. My third and final reason for choosing not to write was that I was too lazy. I love to take pictures. WARNING: This blog contains LOTS of pictures from my adventures for the past several months. This single blog post will dominate my life for the next several hours (If I don't get distracted).

This year, I have spent alot of time travelling and investigating my newfound love of travel. It all started when Josh and I spent a long weekend in New York. This trip helped me realize alot of things. One being that I really, really, REALLY dislike the cold. I'm never going to New York in the winter again. I'm thankful for the time I spent there and the opportunity but the cold really took away from alot of the fun. 

I had the opportunity to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway! It was just as magical as the first time I saw it live. Just this time, I had pictures to prove it ;) 

My last adventure with Josh was a trip to Roanoke, Virginia (after the break-up) to visit St. Albans Sanitarium and a concert. It was a ton of fun except the sanitarium wasn't quite as I expected. Before I visit these places, I do a ton of research to make sure that it would be worth the trek. The research provided no help for catching paranormal activity. And, all of the Halloween decorations were just left sitting around. As fun as running into a bloodied skeleton in a cage in the middle of a dark sanatorium sounds, it wasn't. It takes away from the historical appeal. 

Anyways, I'm still thankful for the opportunity. I researched St. Albans for months before the visit. When it was my birthday, I struggled between choosing Trans Alleghany or St. Albans. It was wonderful to finally visit. And, at the end of the day, there was a cool little antique store that we ran across. I found a couple clowns to add to my collection :)

Before I continue, I want to clear the air in regards to my relationship with Joshua. We are broken up and I have moved on romantically (can't let all the cats out of the bag, you'll get all the juicy details in the next blog post ;)) but the love that I had towards him as an individual doesn't just go away. We are friends. I still care and I am happy to say that I will always care and I will always cheer him on. Plus, I have to find an excuse to see my buddy Archer ;) 

In May, I ventured up to New York and New Jersey again! I went by myself and to visit my friend Kim and her family. It was such a wonderful trip! I am thinking about going again sometime soon :)

On part of my trip, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Amud Aish Museum in Brooklyn, which focuses on Jews who kept their religious beliefs throughout and after the Holocaust. It was private tour that I had to call and interview for ahead of time. It was a wonderful time! I talked among a group of intelligent women who understood my passion and the power behind studying the Holocaust. 

First time having Pho! 

I ventured out in my first bikini. In all honesty, it was a little scary. I've always felt self-conscious about my stomach so baring it all took a little bit.

Kim and I went to a bath house. You pay a small fee in order to explore the various saunas and baths. It was a fun to have some girl time. 

We also tried some rolled ice cream. It was pretty delicious :)

Kim and I tried to see Kinky Boots. There was a technical difficulty so things fell through but I had the time of life dressing up and exploring the largest city in the world with one of my best and oldest friends :) 

For Labor Day I went to Norfolk and Virginia Beach. It was a blast to just feel the sand between my toes after 2 years away from the beach. 

Recently, I've found myself surrounded by wonderful friends. I spent a weekend visiting with my good friends, The Marinis. I've also had some spontaneous and fun adventures with my best friend Autumn. 

The Marinis met at my old house (I've moved since then) and we spent an awesome day walking around Carytown. It was just fun to soak in parts of Richmond that I had not explored yet and with friends who mean the world to me. 

For the second part of the weekend, I went back to Staunton. I didn't think the little town would mean so much to me until I moved away. I definitely left alot behind. 

Autumn and I met when we became co-workers at my second job. I thought she was really awesome so we became friends quickly. What I love most about Autumn is she find happiness in the little things. Like, last Sunday all we did was go to a side of the road Nursery that ended up being beautiful and a much needed breath of fresh air. Then, we went to Home Depot to pick up some paint and it was fun to be weird together in public. Lastly, we went back to her house to paint her new office and it was therapeutic and fulfilling to help her paint her new office. Beautiful, spontaneous and fun. Just the way I like it :)

Another positive change is my job. I recently left my job at Rainbow Station Wyndham and switched to another preschool. I'm the second in command at a in-home center. So far, I AM LOVING IT! Shorter hours (I was working a 4/10 shift), better pay and just an overall better environment. What more can you ask for?!? 

One of my favorite topics to teach is (surprise, surprise) diversity and tolerance! For Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I taught my children to accept differences. This year, I hope to expand on it a little more. 

This was from a conference I attended. Much needed!

Superhero Day. 

4th of July hat. 

Some of my favorite animals from the zoo show at Rainbow. 

 I also picked up a part-time gig at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church. It's a wonderful working environment. I always feel appreciated. 

Some other things I have been trying to focus on are things that make me happy. Recently, I've loved getting back into exploring nature. Since last Summer, I haven't really spent any time exploring the beautiful world we live in. 

Totally stalked this fish for half an hour, just to get the perfect picture. 

The above pictures were from the Ashwood Nursery in Ashland. Isn't it breathtaking?!

Cemetery in Fredricksburg. 

Some cool insects I found this Summer. 

First time having Blaze in like 3 years. Loved it just as much as I did in SoCal. 

I'm coming out. I'm a major foodie. Especially for anything with cheese. This grilled cheese WAS. TO. DIE. FOR. 

Found the cutest little used bookstore. AND they have a specified Holocaust Studies section :)

This was a proud moment. I had just found a vintage copy of a Primo Levi work. I had this book in my Ammazon cart for about 4 years.

Some books I found and treated myself to for my birthday. 

Something else I've found joy in is organizing and decorating! It's so much fun! 

Geocaching and Urban Exploration are also things I have been enjoying. 

I've also found some really neat stores in Richmond. Some of my favorites are Rest In Pieces (an oddity shop) and Diversity Thrift. Rest in Pieces has alot of creepy, haunted and eclectic items. Diversity Thrift is a reasonably priced thrift store that benefits the LGBTQ community. 

One of the most recent accomplishments is finally purchasing my very own piano. Some of you know that I learned how to play the piano in my freshman year of high school. Due to circumstances, I had to stop taking lessons but now I'm excited for the potential to begin again. 

This year definitely started off rocky but I'm happy of where I currently am and where things seem to be headed. I hope everyone has a great week!