2018 Hit and Misses + 2019 Missions

Hello Friends!! 

Wheeeewwwww child, it has been quite some time since I last posted. BANANAS! There were so many times throughout the years that I wanted to blog again. Also, so many times that I referred back to my old posts and measured how far I have come. I don't really know why I didn't post. I guess I kind of felt like I didn't have anything worthy of writing about but I realize that is NOT TRUE! So much has happened in the last few years and so many life lessons. So let's jump into my top hits and misses for 2018.

2018 Hits:

1. I went to California for the first time! It was a spontaneous trip and I loved every minute of it. I definitely plan to go again. 
2. I went to the Okeechobee Music Festival for the 2nd time. I was more prepared this year and had a lot of fun. I wish I "turned up" more but its all good.
3. I went on a girls cruise to the Bahamas. it was really fun to be with my girls. I plan to have another girls trip to Las Vegas next year :)
4. I bought a new car!!! It was the first car I actually got to pick out and put only in my name. Very exhausting and stressful process but now I have a car that I LOVE!!
5. I lost 20 pounds baby! (with not much effort to be honest)
6. I took real ass steps to manage my depression and anxiety. So far I'm seeing great results. 

2018 Misses:

1. I didn't get to spend as much time with my whole family as I would like to.
2. I was a little more careless with money, yet again. 
3. I got into a badddd car accident (hence why I had to get a new car). 
4. I let being nice and my fear of confrontation get me into some shitty situations. 

2019 Missions 

I don't want to keep making "resolutions" because "resolutions" are passive. I'm taking a page out of one of my favorite youtube's book (Nurberxo) and calling my goals/resolutions MISSIONS.  Meaning, something I plan to invest a lot of energy into instead of saying "I'll start that next week/ next month." Her advice is to treat yourself like the CEO of a company and also like the staff. Show up and produce results just like you do at your job regardless of if you want to or not. 

My missions for 2019 are:

1. Diversify my income and make $5-10K extra this year. 
2. Be debt free (aside from the new car)
3. Get more in tune with my emotions and act in my best interest instead of playing it cool/nice. 
4. Invest time into my interests. 

8 Weeks to Veganism??

I've been contemplating this choice for a year or so now. I feel like I'm constantly battling myself when it comes to my health and eating habits. I have found that the only diets that actually produce results are highly restrictive ones, but the problem is, I can't maintain them. I'll stay on the diet for a few weeks before I get really bored and binge eat on ALLLLL the junk food. I feel like a TOTAL lifestyle change WITH a healthy restriction may work for me.

Soo..... I'm going to try to transition into a vegetarian then a vegan diet in 8 weeks!! I'm not going to beat myself up if I'm not a perfect little vegan at the end of the 8 weeks, but I'm hoping this will be the push I need to get my health and eating problems on track. Each week I will shoot for a new goal and at the end of the 2 months, I will evaluate and adjust anything that became an issue on my journey.

Week 1: Eat remaining meat products in my home while NOT buying any new meat, dairy, or egg products. 
Week 2: Cut out direct milk and cheese. 
Week 3: Eat 1/2 plate of vegetables at every meal.
Week 4: Cut out all meat.
Week 5: Cut out hidden dairy and egg in processed/packaged food. 
Week 6: Create a go-to cookbook with vegetarian/vegan meals, snacks, and desserts.
Week 7: Swap out beauty and household items with natural alternatives. 
Week 8: Evaluate progress and success. Fix any problem areas. 

*Can "cheat" for holidays only
*Must drink at least 3 bottles of water daily
*Walk at least 1 mile a day

I will update you guys with my progress on December 1st which will be the halfway mark. Let's hope things go well and this is something I can actually stick too. CROSSING MY FINGERS!!

Advice: Prioritize Your Life!!

Ok, as crazy as Brittany Renner's Snapchat is, she made a really good point today. Long story short, she said that women place men too high on their priority list in life when they really shouldn't be that high. Yeaaahhhh I know most women's' goal is to get married, have children, and live a cookie cutter life. But let's be REALLY REAL here... these days that's not always how it goes. No longer are the times where women get married fresh out of high school/college, have kids a year or two later, get a house,  and are perfectly settled by 30. Some are lucky enough to find that but it's not today's true reality.

I'm not saying, go out and be a complete savage in your dating life, but stop planning your life around finding Prince Charming. Sometimes taking a step back to think about what you TRULY want in life is the best way to go. I'm doing this right now as I type. What does Dianna really want in life? This can be right now or in the long run but it's easier to think about things in the present and near future tense. I've been so caught up in thinking that having a guy by my side will set everything in motion and my life will be perfect. Unfortunately, I've dated a few different guys (which all failed) and the fact that remains is: I STILL HAVE TO GET MY OWN SHIT TOGETHER!!! I still have to accomplish my own goals and I still have to look out for my own best interest. I say all this because, a guy may come, stay, or go in your life but at the end of the day the things you want in life should not change. You should NEVER compromise the things you want for yourself because of other people.

Becoming a Minimalist

stuff stuff stuff stuff STUFFFFFFF!!! 

I feel like we live with too much stuff. Feel the need to keep buying this stuff then somehow convince ourselves that we paid for it, therefore, we need to keep this stuff. My goal for 2016 is to become a Minimalist. 

I am by no means an expert on Minimalism and do not plan to completely throw everything I have away and live off the lands or some shit lol. But I do want to declutter and downsize my living.

About a month ago I realized I buy a lot of stuff with the intent of using it but without fail, it ends up either left in the bag for weeks or used once and forgotten. Given I'm a broke college student, I can't afford to keep wasting money on impulse buys. Also, practicing minimalism will help me really see which things I use regularly and which things I don't. 

After doing my research, I realized there are different degrees of Minimalism. You can become a minimalist mentally, physically, and artistically. I want to become a physical and mental minimalist but not to the complete extreme if that makes sense. I watched many videos from minimalist Rachel Aust and a few others and their #1 tip is that "you do NOT have to own nothing, you just have to own less."  

Once I declutter and organize my room and kitchen I will make an updated post on my tips for letting go and starting fresh. I know this will be hard for me because I am sort of a hoarder lol. But it's only the first week of January so why not start off the new year with a clean slate and new mindset!! 

2016 New Year's Resolutions

Once again I feel like this year flew by. I truly don't know what happened but oh well... I welcome a new year. Last year was cool and was just the kick I needed to get out of my comfort zone. I tried new things, started a new school, moved out, etc. I'm hoping that with this new year I become even more adventurous and start living life instead of just existing. I have the cliche resolutions of losing X pounds and being healthy, but I don't want to include that here. Life doesn't start when you lose weight or fit a certain size. It happens regardless, so here are my REAL goals for 2016 and I plan to check EVERY SINGLE ONE off by December!!  

Travel to at least 1 new place

Plan and go on a mini road trip with friends

Maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA

Graduate in December

Double my savings account

Obtain a full-time job after my internship

Say YES to risks/new opportunities

Be nicer to people

Happy New Year everyone!! I Hope you reach all of your goals and have a blessed year! 

2015 Reflections: Hits & Misses

Every year I like to reflect on the past 365 days and identify my highs and lows. This year has been a rollercoaster for sure!! Even with the bad, I still think this year was amazing and soooooo much better than 2014! Below are a few of my hits and misses for 2015! 

~Hits~

• I transferred to University of South Florida
• Completed the first semester of my BSW with all A's
• Moved out of my family home into an apartment
• Quit the job I hated
• Started dating an amazing guy
• Wore a 2-piece on Summer vacation
• Switched up my look and experimented with different styles
• Stayed pretty organized and kept my room clean

~Misses~

• Did not participate in as many school events as I wanted to 
• Gained back some of the weight I lost
• Didn't manage my money that well
• I didn't try that many new things

Comment below with a few of your hits and misses of 2015! 

Living Life & Feeling Good!

Confidence and control are two powerful forces that can greatly influence your life. 

I feel like I have progressed so much in both areas of my life. It's been forever since the last time I blogged so here's a little update...

1. I finished my first semester of university and got into/started my Bachelors program
2. I moved out of my parent's house and into an apartment with a roommate
3. I quit the job I hated and started working with my Grandmother
4. I celebrated my 23rd birthday and it was AWESOME!!
5. I started dating this guy I met on my birthday and so far it's going well. 

For almost a year I seriously dreaded waking up in the morning and having to go about my day like everything was fine. I battled with confidence 24/7 and felt I had no control over the things going on. It took sooooo much for me to snap out of that phase of my life and now I feel so amazing. I can't say I don't struggle with insecurities or anxiety here and there. And I can't say that I'm productive every single day.. but I can say that I'm finally in a place that feels just plain ol GOOD! 

I don't know for sure what truly helped get me out of that vicious cycle but I do believe moving out and taking control of my life is a big part of it. Living with my family wasn't a big issue but I didn't feel like I was making any progress in my life by staying there. Moving out was probably the best decision because now I'm not depending on my parents and finally feel like an adult. I can come and go as I please, only have to worry about one other person, relax without being bothered, and completely control my environment. I FREAKING LOVE IT!! 

As far as confidence goes, I believe that doing the things I really wanted to do like move out and quit the job I hated boosted my confidence so much. I now feel more confident in the decisions I make to better my life. Being on top of my shit helps so much as well. When I have productive days I feel on top of the world. That sense of accomplishment can do so much for your confidence because you KNOW you got your shit done. 

I hope I can continue to gain more confidence and control and hopefully it spills over into other areas of my life too. My advice to anyone feeling like their confidence and sense of control is not up to par is to stop over analyzing everything and just act! Cross off your to-do list before you go to sleep, make those important decisions, and have faith that you're making the right decision! 

College Files: University Life

I posted in my 2014 Hits & Misses that I finally completed my AA at my local Community College and have now started going to an University!!

I started last week and to be honest my thoughts about transferring were bitter sweet. At first I was overly excited about finally being able to go to an university (I was kind of bummed out when I didn't go as a freshman). But, I was also hella nervous and still am to be honest. Transferring from a school of a few thousand people to about 40,000 people is drastic for a shy gal such as myself. Being on a huge campus is like being in a new city.

On the first day I got lost 3 times lol. Note to self: NEVER try to "find your way back" to anything. You WILL get lost. I got lost going to my first and 2nd class. Then on my way back to my car I walked almost 3 miles out of the way because of these 2 identical parking garages smh. I rounded the corner thinking, "oh my car is just on the other side!" Boy was I wrong!! My 2nd class was so freaking cramped and hottttt. I almost dropped the class. Why the hell are we paying thousands of dollars in tuition to be in a small ass classroom with no AC?? What is my money going to? Someone please tell me! Unfortunately I couldn't find another class to replace it so I kept it. I don't regret it so much now because my prof is pretty chill/funny and the class is actually interesting... go figure!

One thing I have noticed about university is the workload is reeeettaarrrddeeedddd. Like damn can I at least find my way around before I'm swamped with work?? Apparently not because by day 2 I was suppose to have read the first chapter of all of my textbooks and taken notes. I know, I know, I'm an adult and should be on top of this shit. Plus this is college in general. Nobody is there to hold your hand so I have to get with it. Blehhhh we shall see how this all plays out because I'm terrible with time management when it comes to certain things. However, in less than 2 years I will finally be graduating with my Bachelor's degree and home free!!

Rant: Bitter Love

So yesterday I was in my feelings BIG TIME. I honestly don't even know what brought it on but somehow I'm sitting in my car and this wave of sadness washes over me. Why was I sad you ask? Because I'm still single. :(

I don't want to hear the perpetual "Put yourself out there more" or "You're not alone, a lot of people are single" or the worst one, "It will happen one day." SCREW ALL THAT CRAP! I know I'm being a little melodramatic but whatever.

MOST people that are in relationships, or easily acquire relationships, look at dating like a job. They act like you can just send your dating resume out there complete with a cover letter and references and BAM you're attracting dates like moths to a flame. But in reality it doesn't work that way and because it doesn't work that way you start questioning yourself.  Am I not smart enough? Am I not pretty enough? Am I indeed too shy? What's wrong with me??

This is exactly where I'm at now. Logically I know there's nothing truly wrong with me that would make dating and my nonexistent love life such a hassle but dating isn't something you can always look at logically. The truth is some people have certain qualities about them that make dating a breeze and some don't. If you are in the "don't" category then you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Some people radiate this natural confidence, charm, and good vibes while other have to work on those qualities. 

Ok, in all honesty, I'm writing this because I feel stuck. I can blame it on Mother Nature that I wasn't born with magnetic charm or whatever but I know that's just silly. I understand that sometimes love just happens. You're in the right place at the right time with the right person and things just happen. I also understand that sometimes you meet someone and work at it until you fall in love with them. But none of that can be seen with 20/20 vision when you've been single for over a year and can't fathom the end being anytime soon. For a great portion of 2014 I tried really hard to improve my love life. In the beginning of 2014 I was kind of still dating this guy I'd been seeing for almost 2 years. However, that eventually fell off. I attempted an old flame... HUGE MISTAKE. I chilled on dating for awhile then tried to get back out there again. I went on a few dates which were ok but that's it. They were just "ok". It's a new year and I'm going to TRY to be optimistic and open to whatever comes my way but there's still a huge part of me that thinks I will be single for a vedddyy long time. 

Anyway... that's enough of that rant. :-/

2015 New Year's Resolutions!!!

First I'd like to say.... HAPPY NEW YEARRRR!!! I wish nothing but happiness, love, peace, and prosperity to everyone!!

OMG this year flew by! I can't even tell you where it went. Last week I looked at my 2014 Resolutions and was surprised to see that I completed all of them except 2. Woot woot!! I seriously think that's a first lol. Of course I have to make a new list for 2015 but I'm going to try not to be cliche. I have a few that have carried over from previous years but I really want 2015 to be my "Grown Woman" year if that makes sense. This year I plan to do EVERYTHING I've been too scared and/or lazy to do baby! LET'S GET IT!

~My 2015 Resolutions~

Start a Hobby That Profits

This year I really want to start/maintain a hobby that I can profit from. I think people should always have more than one source of income especially if you are in that area in your life where you are trying to become more independent. Plus I think it will be fun to be occupied with something else other than work or school. 

Be Healthier & Stick to a Workout Schedule

I'm officially down 12 pounds. Not much but it is progress. I noticed I only lost that weight when I combined working out and eating healthier. I have the eating part down pretty well so far (I do cave sometimes though lol) but I'm terrible about keeping up with a workout schedule. I made too many excuses in 2014 and plan to change that in the new year. 

Be More Organized & Stop Procrastinating

Smh 2014 was a huge unorganized mess. If I wasn't losing some important paperwork I was looking through a pile of clothes on my floor for my favorite jeans. I'm sure everyone knows the struggle but enough is enough for me. I have already started organizing things and hope to continue/maintain an organized life which goes hand-in-hand with not allowing myself to procrastinate. If I tackle my procrastinating I won't have much to constantly organize lol. 

Save Money & Move Out

This is one of the two goals that I failed on in 2014. I did maintain a constant amount in my account which I'm proud of but I didn't save enough to move out. This year I promise myself I'm going to save save save and move move move. It's time to be a GROWN WOMAN!

Maintain Good Grades in School

Pretty self-explanatory but still really important. I'm transferring to a university in less than 2 week. I already know the workload is going to be wayyyyy more than I'm use to but I'm up for the challenge and plan to maintain a 3.0 or higher. 

Get a Dramatic Makeover

Along with getting healthier and fitter, I'd like to change up my look. I haven't decided yet what that change will be but oh baby it's coming! 

Be On Top of My Schedule

I don't know any other way to word it but basically I want to be more consistent with my healthcare if that makes sense. The only doctor I saw this year was my dentist and that was to get my wisdom teeth pulled. I completely failed to do my regular checkups. 2015 I plan to schedule my appointments in advance and stick to the suggested schedule of when I should get followups. If I'm going to be serious about being healthier I might as well go full force!

That wraps up my 2015 New Year's Resolutions. I am crossing my fingers that I continue to make progress in all areas of my life and cross this list off with the quickness. :)

What are a few of your 2015 Resolutions??

2014 Reflection: 5 Hits & Misses

2014 is coming to a close and I think now is an excellent time to reflect on the good, the bad, and the ugly of the past 365 days. Lately, I've been reading my old diaries and realized this year was kind of a roller coaster for me. If you'd like to check out my 2013 hits and misses click [Here]. Without further ado, let's jump right into my 2014 hits & misses!! 

My 5 Hits

1. I finished my AA and start working on my BA in January!!!! :)
2. I was more adventurous (going on cruise, trying the painting class, archery)
3. I made a huge effort to be healthier yay!
4. Maintained a decent amount in my savings account
5. I was open to dating different types of guys 

My 5 Misses

1. I didn't move out like I had planned
2. I went through a 2 month long deep depression :(
3. Of course there were a few boy mistakes smh 
4. I didn't stick to a workout schedule at allllll 
5. I fell off with blogging towards the end of the year 

This year was def kinda crazy for me and I learned A LOTTTT about myself. I'm really going to use this reflection when I'm making my 2015 resolutions. Comment below with some of your 2014 hits and misses!! Love yaaaa :)

Shy Girl Dating Tips

To some women dating is a breeze but to others dating might be a battlefield you feel like you're just not prepared for. Guess what? Being a shy gal, I definitely relate to the latter of the two. I recently started dating again a few months ago after going through some malarkey with an ex. I recently met a really cool guy and in my opinion our first date was a FAIL. He was perfect but my shyness definitely got the best of me. I was so willing to throw in the towel and call a spade a spade. The date wasn't the greatest and I didn't blame him for losing interest. Buttt.....  PLOT TWIST - my friend convinced me to save face by being straight up with him and tell him sorry if I seemed shy and that my nerves got the best of me. He totally understood and is looking forward to our next date.

With all that being said, I wanted to share a few dating tips from one shy girl to another. Some of these are my own tips and some are tips I found from other sources. I hope these tips come in handy for your next date!

Suggest an active date instead of the clique dinner & movie 

Going bowling, to a painting class, or game center allows for you to get to know him without the interview-ish vibe. You'll actually have something to talk about other random questions back and forth. Plus it will let him know you're fun and can go with the flow. Both of you will be more relaxed and hopefully have a kick-ass time :)

Do your research before the date

I'm not saying be a stalker and check out every social media he has signed up for, but a quick glance at his Facebook likes won't hurt. Knowing a little bit about him before your date will help with conversation starters and allow for the conversation to keep flowing. Plus you'll already know what you have in common with him and possibly get extra brownie points for suggesting other things he might like. NOTE: just make sure you don't expose your creepin' ways! lol 

Two and done!

You might feel like a drink will relax your nerves. It probably will honestly. Just make sure you have no more than 2 drinks and I'm not talking about cup fulls of hard liquor either. You don't want to give off that alcoholic vibe when really you're just shy and want to loosen up. If you feel like you need a little bit of liquid courage order a glass of wine or margarita. You'll appear coooool but won't be a tipsy fool halfway into your date. 

Eat like a normal person!!

OMG ladies, I know none of us want anyone to see our true eating habits lol. I'm talking about both elbows on the table, sauce dripping down your chin madness but ordering a salad when you really want the pasta is just stoopidd! If you really want to eat it don't feel embarrassed. Odds are he will probably think you're ore weird for ordering lettuce with a side of air than just ordering what you want to eat. However, be cautious of sloppy foods. Chili cheese dogs and BBQ ribs might not be the best choice for the first few dates. Lastly, don't get a doggy bag afterwards. Carrying around a box of food for the remainder of the date = looking and feeling awkward. 

Be yourself!!

I tried to come off as someone I wasn't and ended up almost ruining the date. Just be yourself. If you are naturally quirky then be that! Nothing will kill the date more than not being yourself and feeling self conscious the entire time. If he really likes you he'll keep talking to you. If he doesn't then there are plenty of fish in the sea baby that would love to get to know the real you. 

Brush your shoulders off

As I mentioned above, there are wayyyy more guys out there that are willing to cherish you and give you the love you deserve. You might have to go through a few bad dates to get to them but just remember the problem is NOT you. Sometimes 2 people look great on paper but end up not having that much chemistry in person and that is OK! Just brush your shoulders off and get back out there. Being shy, it might seem easier to turn into yourself and give up but guess what honey? That ain't gonna solve your problems! You might just have to reevaluate how you're meeting your dates and maybe start going places you really love and chatting up the cutie doing the same :)

I really hope my tips can be of some help. I'm a shy girl trying to navigate this dating scene and it truly helps to have a few tricks up your sleeves. If any of you have dating tips/advice feel free to post them in the comments!!

20 Random Facts About Me

1. My favorite color is Purple
2. I read the book "TTYL" 3 times lol (don't ask me why)
3. My favorite dessert is CHEEESSEEECCAAKKEEEE!! 
4. I played volleyball for 5 years
5. I have 2 sisters and 2 brothers
6. I write poetry in my spare time 
7. Alligators are my favorite animal
8. I've never broken any bones, only tore a ligament 
9. I had braces in middle school :(
10. I'm obsessed with decorating thanggss lol
11. I'm 5'8 
12. I can probably quote Mean Girls word from word
13. I can watch any cheesy sci-fi movie and be in heaven!
14. Romantic comedies and/or girl transformation movies are my weakness
15. My room is lime green 
16. I've never gotten a speeding/traffic ticket (knock on wood)
17. Anastasia is my favorite cartoon princess 
18. I was obsessed with Mariah Carey & Alicia Keys until the 6th grade
19. I hate reading analog clocks
20. I have grey hairs lol 

Girl Talk: Advice to My Younger Self

Do you ever reflect on your life and say, "I wish I knew this and that when I was younger?" Sometimes I do. There are sooooo many things I wish I knew during my preteen and teenage years that would have saved me a lot of time and effort. Here is some of the advice I would tell my younger self if I had the chance ranging from boys to personal hygiene. Even though I can't go back in time to tell myself the things I've learned, I can only hope that this post helps any young ladies out there that do need a little advice to go by while battling those crazy teen years!

1. Life Goes On

When you're younger it's hard to see the end of things. You tend to feel like whatever you're dealing with is soooooo bad and soooo crazy that it couldn't possibly get better. That's why my first bit of advice to my younger self is life goes on and it WILL get better. The problems you're having today won't even matter a year from now. You failed a math test or your crush is dating someone else? Grab some ice cream, a chick flick, tissues, and cry it out. Then use those tissues to dry your eyes and move on because there are bigger and BETTER things to come.

2. Don't Rush Relationships 

I know, I know, I know... It seems like everyone is coupled up right now and you're the odd one out. But don't fret my little lambs your time will come. Some middle/high school relationships last a year, most only last a few weeks or months. Trust me you're not missing out on anything spectacular. Odds are your dates will be him AND HIS MOM picking you up in her minivan and dropping you off at the movies or the mall. Then you'll either be obsessing over him all day or feeling pressured to do things you think you're ready for but really not. Just relax and enjoy the freedom and drama-free life.

3. Don't Be Afraid To Experiment

Dye your hair funky colors, try new styles, join different clubs! Your teen years are the best years to find yourself and experiment with your different likes, dislikes, and interests. Trust me, once you get older you can't rock that nose ring or orangeish blueish pinkish hair without getting fired from your job or talked about. So enjoy it now and be free. However, PLEASEEEE do not experiment with things you do not feel comfortable with. Never feel like you have to do or try anything you don't want to.

4. Always Be Prepared

I definitely had my fair share of accident in middle school where simply being prepared would have helped me out sooo much! There are too many emergencies and surprises that love to pop up for us young ladies. Always carry around with you a mini deodorant, perfume, mints/gum, pads/tampons, tissues, pain killers, and lotion. You'll always be prepared for life's little gifts of joy (ughh) and you'll always have your friend's back if they aren't prepared.

5. Take Care of Yourself

Take care of yourself mentally and physically. Don't be afraid to talk to someone about your problems if they are really bringing you down. Some things are just to heavy for a person, especially at that age, to carry on their own. Make sure you're doing things that make you happy. Being in school sucks and can definitely get depressing or stressful at times but if you use your free time to do things you love it won't feel so cray cray. Also, make sure you take care of your body. Treat your body like a car that is getting you through life. Enjoy that high metabolism and energy while you can! 

6. Make Quality Friends

Great friends are the bommmmbbbb!! I know when you're young quantity seems more important than quality. You're trying to be friends with the in crowd but honestly, forget all that. As the years pass you will see people dropping like flies and your true friends will be the only ones standing. Take the time to build strong and genuine friendships with people because they are going to be the ones that get you through the tough times and enhance your crazy fun times!! 

7. Be Happy & Be YOU!

Clean It Up!!

It's that time of year again!! It's half way through the year and I'm starting to realize I'm slacking in my 2014 goals for being more clean and organized. I see that I'm not putting away my clothes after I wash them and I'm making up more and more excuses for why I can't clean this or that today. I was on Youtube not too long ago and saw a video about making a cleaning/organization schedule. The chick in the video advised breaking up your cleaning/organizational tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly categories. Recently I sat down and thought of all the things I feel I should do when it comes to cleaning and organizing. I organized the list into  the proper categories and got this:

I think a cleaning chart like this will be really helpful. I can definitely see myself posting this on my wall and checking off everything as I do them. Hopefully, I will stick to this chart and get my cleaning and organization back on tracks before the Summer ends. Feel free to use my chart as a guide for your own cleaning schedule if you see you're having problems keeping up in that area :(

I'll make a post at the end of July & let everyone know how it's going. Wish me luck :)) 

Travels, Trials, & Tribulations

Travels 

I WENT ON MY FIRST CRUISE!!!! It was sooo much fun and I'd definitely do it again. My friend and I did the 5 day cruise to the Western Caribbean for under $250!! The price also includes all you can eat 24/7 food access, room service, and entertainment. The trick to the low price is to plan for it in advance but book the ticket the week before. Our cruise-line sailed to Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. OMG it was so gorgeous at both places! In the Grand Cayman we picked the Turtle Snorkeling excursion. The little turtles were so cute! I'll admit I did hyperventilate a little when I realized how deep the swimming area was smh but I sucked it up and got to take some cool underwater pics. Our tour guide was flirting with us which made it a little bit more fun too. Mexico was a little bit crazier. We missed our excursion due to the Captain not making his announcement on time, we rented a moped which I crashed into a fence, we drove around for like 2 hours trying to find the public beach and never could, we lost each other for about 30 mins, and I had to pay $160 to get the moped fixed smh!!!! I swear that was one of the most trying days OF MY LIFE!! 

Being on the cruise itself was fun but also boring. We slept in most of the days which lead to us not doing much while at sea. But to be honest, once you've explored the boat there's not much to do. The club, however, was FUN!! I got verrrryyy tipsy errry night and just had a blast. I danced with more guys those few days than ever in my life! All in all the trip got a B+.

I really wish I had planned for it better but I think I did pretty well. My advice for my future cruise-going self is to pack more club clothes and day dresses, pay for excursions in advance, do at least 3 things from the daily itinerary each day, don't waste money on the frozen drinks (just get the shots), be more social, only do a 2-4 day cruise, and get my own room. 

Trials & Tribulations 

As you can tell from above that my cruise wasn't all sugar, spice, and everything nice. Paying an additional $160 was not the business for a few scratches on a damn moped. That day in general was just a huge lesson to think things through and not do things too much on a whim. Also, I think next time if I go with friends it'd have to be more than one and I would definitely have to get my own room. Being attached to the hip with someone for 5 days gets really tiresome and annoying. You get an up close look at their true personality and it's not always pretty. Also, not being confident held me back a lot during the trip. I didn't want to parade around in my swim suit even though women and men twice my size were doing it without a second thought. Next time I will definitely wave my confidence flag high and proud! :)

Don't forget you only have 4 MORE DAYS to enter my May Giveaway!! 

Currently...

I stole this post idea from my main biatch Miya (miyaloves.blogspot.com) so here goesssss lol :)

Thinking | About my next blog post about my cruise and how I want to word everything.
Also, I want to change my header image. 

Listening To | Studio by Schoolboy Q :)

Wanting | Some food all up in my belllaayyyy and a few $tacks lol 

Loving | Being back in my own house... ahhh explanation coming in next post lol 

Needing | To eat and go to bed because I work eaarrrrlly tomorrow morning :( 

Dreading | Work tomorrow lol 

What is everyone currently up to?? 

Life Changes

I think life just served me up a bigggg ol bowl of "I told you so" by making me realize not to put all my eggs in one basket. I just got my rejection letter from this program I applied to. It suuuccckkkkkssss but what makes me feel worse than not getting in is not being sure of what's next. If you knew me you'd know I LIVEEEE for planning things. I plan, plan, and plan some more even if I don't actually act on it. It just brings me comfort to have my thoughts and options written out. Well, I guess I was so sure I'd get into the program that I only created a half-ass backup plan. So now I'm about to finish my last semester of my AA and have to face the reality of going to university and being in all that craziness. Don't get me wrong, part of me is elated that I get to experience university since I didn't go fresh out of high school. But....then there is that scared part of me that wonders if I will even do well in university, will i find the right major, will things be as easy as they have been???? Ahhhh... I have until January to get it together I guess.. I'll keep y'all updated on all that jazz. 

Be the BOSS!!

I think there are very few things better than being the boss of your own life. Sometimes it's hard to do that when you feel like you're constantly running around pleasing others and doing things for "the man." Every year I tell myself I'm doing to do this and that for myself but never do. Enough is enough. I'm taking control of my life because I want to ooze confidence and demand respect when I walk into a room. Plus it just feels good to know that you're doing something because you actually WANT to do it. Below I made up some helpful tips on how to take back your life and be daaaa BOSS! 

Stay In Control

• Treat your time as money - don't procrastinate when you have important things to do
• Keep your emotions in check - stay calm, cool, and think clearly in sticky situations
• Know/define your business and personal relationships - don't be the winy girlfriend or the annoying employee

Respect Yourself

• Be a good person - nobody likes a bossy asshole
• Say what you mean and mean what you say - stick to your guns to be taken seriously
• Cut out all the toxic people in your life - constant drama/negativity is not healthy

Get Organized

• Get your finances in order - can't be in control if you're stressing about money
• Clean up your living/work space - how you live is a reflection of how you think
• Make personal and business schedules - always know what is going on in your life

Maintain Yourself

• Make healthy choices - you won't be confident on the outside if you feel sloppy on the inside
• Take pride in your appearance - wear what gives you the most confidence & ROCK IT!!
• BE HAPPY - do what you love and remember to treat yourself when you need a pick-me-up

"The thing women have yet to learn is that nobody gives you power. You just take it."

~Roseanne Barr

Lost Thoughts: Friendships, Moving, & DIY Projects

• F-R-I-E-N-D-S... I really don't use the term "friend" lightly. I think so many people call people they know or party buddy friends when really they're just associates. The people I call friends are the people that I KNOW will have my back any day, any time. I also call people my friend if I KNOW I'd do the same for them. When it comes to friends it has to be a two way street. I think as you get older you truly realize who your true friends are. People drop like flies as the years pass and you get to see who is really a ride or die. I think true friendships are relationships you don't have to force. You don't need to see each other everyday or talk every hour but know that they are always there for you. On the other hand, you don't have to hunt them down to chill either. I think a lot of great friendships fail because they are never let to air out, meaning you spend so much time together that you eventually get sick of each other and start drifting apart. But aye.. that's just my opinion. 

• So I officially decided I'm moving out this Summer!!!!! I'm so excited. Right now I'm trying to decide on who I want my roommate to be. I think I'm pretty sure who I'm going to choose but it's always a good idea to have a backup plan. You just never know how things will go. I think I'm just ready to not be under my parents & family and kind of come into my own. I'm definitely scared because being a college student and working, it's not like I'm making fat stacks so that's always scary. But in life you either sink or swim, hopefully I swim. But, I just keep looking at the bright side which is.... I GET TO DECORATEEEEE! I love decorating omg so this is like heaven for me! :)

• Speaking of decorating, I've been going to town with researching DIY projects I can do. I pretty much have my whole room planned out and the best part is most of the projects are CHEEAAAPPPP!! Looking fabu & saving money, whaatttt?!! I'm thinking about selling some of my DIY project since I love making them. After all I can use the extra cash since I'm moving! lol :)