"It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do." -Jane Austen Sense and Sensibility
I've debated for an extremely long time over whether or not to start a blog [and by debate, I mean, it has occasionally crossed my mind ever since blogs first made their big entrance into the world] and whether I have thoughts clever or creative enough to present to the Internet community [or rather, the few that would stumble across my blog, and then quickly try to stumble their way back out of it]. There was a time, last August, when I seriously considered creating this to document my adventures of living in the Caribbean. Then I got to the Caribbean and promptly decided I enjoyed being a lazy islander far too much to spend somewhat productive time writing a blog. Though, in hindsight, my life was far more interesting in St. Thomas than it is in Salt Lake, so it would've been a lovely beginning. But it is what it is and for what it is worth, here are the many ramblings and daydreams and goings-on of my sporadic mind.
I'm big-time over thinking this. All truth be told, I'm a faster typer than writer, and I hold my pen goofy when I write, so my hand cramps really easily; thus, all too often, my journal has been neglected. Now, I find myself working 16-hour shifts at a computer with loads of downtime. What better way to pass hours in an ICU than to write about my awkwardly beautiful life? [Or should it be 'beautifully awkward'? Both are fitting.] But where does one start when they start a blog? With what shall I begin my tales? I guess I'll begin with a little bit about me. In bullet points, for your convenience.
- I love to read. There are few things more beautiful to me than a brand-new book, with it's fresh-off-the-press smell, and the anticipation of turning those crisp pages to discover the adventure within. Similarly, there is also nothing quite so beloved as a favorite old book with its broken and bent spine, and the crinkled pages from reading it in the bathtub one too many times. Books absorb me. Some of my favorite days have been spent deeply immersed in a book, and I have never regretted the amount of time I've spent reading. The quote, "She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain." (Louisa May Alcott) could almost perfectly describe me. I get into books to the point of feeling as though I am the character. My real life slips away when I read and I am able to become a new person.
“It is not true that 'we have only one life to live'; if we can read, we can live as many more lives and as many kinds of lives as we wish.”
If a character in the book I am currently reading is beyond blissfully happy, then I feel as giddy as Christmas morning. When the hero declares his love for the heroine, you can find me blushing and sighing right along with her. If a character makes a fool out of themselves, I'm probably squirming and feeling super uncomfortable for them. I'm a little ashamed to admit this, but when I read New Moon [I liked it before it got big!!] and Edward breaks up with Bella, there's the part where she just goes into a depression and a couple of blank pages go by in the book, saying only the months that are passing by, and you can just feel the sadness eeeping out of those pages. I seriously had to put the book down at that point and call a couple of friends just to chat and joke around with so that I could get out of the book-induced depression. The love of my life might as well have broken up with me for how heavy I felt! OK. Enough about books. I think you get my point.
- I am awkward as all get-out. And you may not believe me at first. New friends usually dispute this claim of mine vehemently. [That's an intense word. But I know some pretty intense people.] It's only once you get to really know me that you're able to catch on to [and subsequently enjoy] just how awkward I can be. It's good awkward, though. I think people need to have awkward moments in their lives so that they can truly learn to see the humor in things. It gives them personality. I just happen to have slightly more awkward moments than the average person. I'd go on, but the examples will be far too lengthy and I'm sure the stories will come out over time. There's at least a couple a day. Until then, here are some memes that perfectly describe my life.
And photos of some of my awkward moments..
Some of my awkward friends. [Note the spaces between everyone]
Awkward attempt at surfing.
My siblings and I pretending that we're affectionate people that always kiss on the cheek [awkwardly]
[Have I convinced you yet?]
- I love to be outside! I will do just about any outdoor activity there is and I'm always willing to try a new one.
Corona Arch, Moab, Utah
- I recently caught the travel bug. For years, I've been dying to go to Europe and start seeing the world, but I haven't been able to make it happen. When I graduated college last May, I felt the need to just get away. From Utah. From an unhealthy relationship. From being an adult. From my job. I tried to get a trip to Europe going, but that fell through. Then I seriously contemplated just picking up my life and moving to England, possibly finding a nursing school there. That [clearly] fell through. I was super restless and frustrated with how my life was going. Then I stumbled across an internship program in the U.S. Virgin Islands and everything just fell into place. I knew I was supposed to go there. I spent August of 2013 to December 2013 living on the island of St. Thomas. I was able to island hop a lot and went [officially] out of the country for the first time.
Old Town, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Christopher Columbus' Fortress, Puerto Rico
Maho Bay, St. John
Secret Harbour, St. Thomas
Or, at least that's the plan. But life never does go according to plan.
That's definitely a long enough post. I guess this will be my good books/travel/awkward life stories blog. Welcome :)
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