New Tumblr →

I started the 365 Day Challenge 245 days ago and although I didn’t make it an entire year, this is where the Challenge ends for me. I learned and improved in the time I kept up with it, but I think the Challenge, although a wonderful learning experience, is taking some of the fun out of photography for me. So I’m starting fresh, keeping this Tumblr active, merely as a way to look back on the majority of the past year of my life and will using my new one to post whatever pictures, music, videos, and text blogs I’d like to from now on. If you want to continue seeing my posts on Tumblr, follow me there, cause I’m sayin’ goodnight to this bad boy. It’s been fun.

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Day 244:

This morning, woke up at 6, because Ayala performed in semi-finals at 9:30 Indiana time, which was 6:30 California time. Some of the same people came over and we all watched their show in our sweats and pajamas while drinking coffee haha. I was so proud of my brother. They showed a close up of him and a few of the other snare players after their run and of course, I cried, because I’m the embarrassing big sister, but at least he wasn’t here to see it. I thought it was their greatest show yet. Even more people came over later to watch awards, but unfortunately, Ayala didn’t make finals. We were pretty heartbroken because we (although biased..) thought they deserved it. But my brother was staying positive the times that I talked to him, saying that he thought percussion did really well, and he’s ready to get the indoor drumline season started. I love Nonie. Time for him to come home. After everyone left, Devin and I washed, clayed, waxed, and detailed our cars. Picked up Woodranch Mac & Cheese for dinner, and now I’m laying by the fireplace, ready to zonk out. I’m exhausted. 

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Day 243:

Went out for lunch with Talia this afternoon. I trust Talia’s advice more than most people because she’s always brutally honest with me about what she thinks. So even if I don’t agree with her, I know what she’s telling me isn’t some sugar-coated BS, you know? We went back to my house just in time to watch Ayala perform in prelims for Grand Nationals on the live feed from Indiana. My mom bought it this year, so we just had different people come over to watch the band and support from California. Lots of pumpkin treats were included, so I was happy. Plus, Ayala made semi-finals. So we were all really excited for them.

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Day 242:

I met Diane a few years ago at one of the Amaro’s holiday events and we finally hung out today, just the two of us. Started with sushi, then thrifting, then a long conversation in my car where we realized how much in common we really have, haha. :) Later that night, Weston and I went to eat with Diane and Trenton at the Back Abbey in Claremont. We definitely all need to hang out more often. 

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Day 241:

Speech day. The drive to school has become the most stressful thing of my life because the last 3 times I’ve driven there, an accident has taken place right in front of me. It’s made me such a paranoid driver. Arrived at school and threw up. Gave my speech. Left class and threw up again. It was terrible. Went home right after my speech class and spent the rest of the day cuddling with Toby, laying by the fire, watching movies. 

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Day 240:

Spent the entirety of my day working on a persuasive speech about the problem with allowing different churches, people, and organizations to advertise a ‘cure’ for gayness. The research was interesting, but heartbreaking. I’m glad I finally had a chance to speak about something I really care about. This is going to be the speech I use for the competition. I figure if I have to take part in the contest, I might as well try and raise awareness about something important while doing it.

“I read your blog. Here’s what you need to do. Win the speech competition. Get the $200. Buy something really cool for your class. Something they’ll be really excited about. Then, destroy it in front of them. It’s the only way.” 

Hilarity and brilliance, all in one short text message.

O HAI Flickr! - Makes me so happy. Every time.

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Day 239:

Today in Class:

Professor informs us that we need to nominate 2 students to represent our class in this speech competition taking place in December. Annoying, smart(ish) girl stands up to let everyone know “if we vote for her she won’t let us down.” Annoying, smart(ish) girl gets nominated. Four others get nominated, but decline. Professor does not write their names on the board. Annoying, smart(ish) girl points at me and says “I don’t know her name, but I nominate her.” I try to decline. Professor writes my name on the board. I restate my hesitance and ask if we really need 2 people to represent us. She says yes. I ask the class if they’re sure nobody else wants to do it. They laugh. Professor says the least I can do is smile. I tell her that I almost throw up speaking in front of our class and that the thought of throwing up in front of more than 30 people does not make me want to smile. Professor informs us that we can practice with her for the next few weeks. Annoying, smart(ish) girl gets very excited and tells me “it will be fun!” Professor reminds us that the winner gets $200 and suggests that if I win, I buy donuts for the class. I inform her that I’m only doing this because nobody else will and that if I win, the last way I’m going to spend my cash is on donuts for the people that are making me do it. 

Why is my life not a sitcom yet?

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Day 238:

Saw this cute little dog today. It reminded me of when Toby was a puppy. He looked just like this.

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Day 237:

Tonight, I went to see Ayala’s show in Mission Viejo before they go off to Grand Nationals in Indianapolis. Raul tagged along, and we spent an hour watching the drumline warm up before watching the shows. The best part of the night though, would have to be this amazing funnel cake. 

I’m getting really bad at this 365 challenge. I’m so close to quitting but I know I’ll regret it if I do. It’s just hard taking my big camera anywhere, my phone camera is crappy, and my little camera is broken! I know, wah wah wah, but really. Don’t be surprised if I give up one of these days. Haha.

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Day 236:

Went to the football game tonight to watch my baby brother perform with the band and they were awesome, as usual. :) Afterwards, went to hang out at Eric’s house for his birthday. Lots of Mario Kart. Lots of yelling at Princess Peach. That slut.

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Day 235:

Lauren, Jake, Marcus and I drove out to LA this afternoon to watch a taping of Chelsea Lately. We didn’t get in today, but we got priority tickets for next Tuesday’s show. We ended up just hanging out at the Grove, eating lunch and walking around. Lauren and Jake commented that Marcus and I are great double date partners.. even though he and I aren’t dating. Hahaha. It was a fun day.

One of the trending topics on twitter right now is #tweetyour16yearoldself. I was going to do it there, but I realized I had a lot to say to my 16 year old self, so here goes:

- Stop talking about your future like it’s definite. You are going to change your mind completely.

- The girl who bullies you now, gets fat later. So don’t even trip. She will also never be your friend again. Don’t waste your energy trying to change that.

- All those songs you write are being wasted on yourself. When you share your music, at least one person will like it and you’ll feel great. And that’s all you need.

- Boyfriends in high school are pointless. You really don’t need one like you think you do.

- You should try picking up a camera one of these days.

- Your skin will get better but your boobs are done growing. Sorry, I did my best.

- Just remember to be who you want to be and do what you want to do. Your opinions are yours. They don’t have to be mirror images of anyone elses.