Radical Independence, and Business Ventures

I grew up with parents who allowed me to think radical thoughts, and to question the very basis of life. I was allowed to read what I wanted to read and believe what I wanted to believe. No topic was off limits, and I tended to stray to some very liberal and hot topics like:

·         I believe that everyone deserves love. Gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, you name it.

·         I believe that women should have the right to choose what to do with their body including abortion, piercings, tattoos and plastic surgery.

·         Everyone is equal, no matter the race, religion or gender. We are all people.

·         Everyone has a right to decide their own religion and beliefs.

·         Sex is not dirty. It’s the most natural thing in the world, and should be talked about openly.

·         No one has the right to judge another person because of what they think or how they feel.

·         Everyone deserves to voice their opinion.

I would like to say thank you now to my parents for giving me the option to choose. An option that I say thanks for every day.

I’ve always been very independent, really disliking being told what to do and how to do something. I like to stand up for somethin that I believe in, and that I think has a great message like TWLOHA aka To Write Love On Her Arms, which helps to educate people on self harm and to give a support community for those suffering from despression and self harming. I've always been able to speak my mind in a diplomatic, yet blunt way, and I never sugar coat something if I can help it.

 I like thinking strategically, and trying to decide the best thing for me at the time, even if it isn’t the best thing in the end. I’ve always thought that someone should be able to make their own mistakes, because how can you learn until you live through it?

As you can imagine, being that liberal and “out there” made for some hard challenges, especially trying to decide what I wanted to do with my life. I knew that I never wanted to be stuck under someone else for my whole life. I’ve always wanted to be my own boss because I truly dislike dependant on anyone for anything, but I’ve never been a huge student and I can never narrow down my field of interest. I’m not going to say that I wasn’t a scholar, because I love to learn, but I hate learning when I have a huge deadline, and I love to learn everything (which can be a problem).

Now I am all about nature, and relaxing and taking what life gives you. I mean I am considered the “tree hugger” of my family (and probably Josh’s too). I truly believe in Karma and have been trying to really change my outlook on life and the things that I view as “negative.” I love to be open-minded about awkward situations and topics. I love to have intellectual conversations about religions, and history, and I love to read up on any subject I can find.

Lately however, I’ve been very money and business oriented and I’ve been thinking about how much fun it would be to own my own bookstore. Yes it would be hard, but how bad can it be to wake up to doing something that you love every day? I’m very strategic and that will only help my business. I know what people like, and I know what people don’t like. I’m good at math, and I’m good at thoroughly planning. I think having my own business is the best decision for me, and a bookstore just makes sense.

So I decided that I wanted to combine my two loves… in a metaphysical/ New Age bookstore.

*Note: Metaphysics and Alternative/ New Age beliefs are not Satanic. In fact most of the New Age religions don’t even believe in Satan or Hell.*

Why? Just because it’s something that interests me, I’d learn something new every day, and I would have the opportunity to do interact with some of the most open minded people out there, and that’s what I love to do. I want something that I will enjoy doing, in a place that I won’t be surrounded by close minded, bigoted people.

I can’t wait to start researching not only business plans, but the metaphysical community for input on how to start the store, what to carry, how long it will start etc. It’s just one more thing for me to work towards, and I am so excited. I hate not having something to do, and not having a direction in life.

Here’s my final thought: What is the one thing you wish you could achieve, but would never admit to anyone else?

Some food for thought,

Kristen

Christmas, Zombies, Chinese, and Sand Witches

Happy Holidays everyone!

I hope that everyone had an amazing holiday (of whatever you celebrate). If you got presents I hope that you really appreciate what you got, and who took the time out to pick it out and buy it for you. I want to say that I appreciate all of my family so much.

Sunday: Christmas was amazing, and my second Christmas was even better! The four of us (my parents, Josh and I) drove down to Hubbard to spend the day at my grandparent’s house for Christmas and it was amazing! I got the new Bobbi Brown makeup book, and a Sephora gift card (and a ton of other things), and Josh was so surprised when he got presents too : )

We played games, ate a ton of food, and tried to get the smell of BOD out of our mouthes... It was a fantastic day overall, and I am so glad that Josh was able to come with us and meet the rest of the family. Everyone took to him really well, and he just fit in.

The stockings : )

Chase and Josh just chilling out, racing cars.

Santa's Key- That's how he gets into your houses!

The Sun Room Tree

We made SO much food

The Stockings

This is the tree in the bathroom 

Gran's Main tree

My cousin Chase, the tall Leprechaun

So fly like a cheese stick...

When we finally got home we went back to Josh’s house to shoot some Nazi Zombies with Audrey, Brittany, Katie, Joe (at the end) and Karen (for a little bit). I am terrible at shooting games there’s just too much to do at once and my brain just can’t handle it, but I enjoyed watching everyone else play while I cuddled with sweet Rougar. Eventually even he disappeared, and when we did find him he was asleep on the bathroom floor. So Josh decided to join him…

Yup, thery're just sitting on the toilet.

Once he wiggled out of Josh’s arms we were playing around when Rougar jumped at me and moving backward I cracked my head on their open cabinet door. Hence my night ending early... I now have a huge bruise on the back of my noggin that really hurts, but at least I got to have fun with Josh’s family (thank you Audrey and Brittany for driving me home).

Oh no! Dog Attack

Puppy

Katie and Brittany

Watching Total Eclipse of the Heart... Literal Version

Josh and the Puppy

Rougar's Corner

Monday: So yesterday was so much fun. I got to go to the bank (which was boring), but when I got home we picked up Josh and went to the Dancing Dragon for Chinese with my other family. All six of us (David, Marilyn and Heather Costa, Stephanie, and Josh and I) all smushed into a corner booth and ordered a ton of food (equal parts chicken and beef) and proceeded to catch each other up on life. Lots of things were discussed and congratulations were given, and a plan was made to meet each other at Freddies for some quick shopping.

Little Brother David

Heather 

Mom

Stephanie

 Low and behold we saw one of the people I’ve mentioned in an earlier post (who totally ignored me FYI), while we were on our way to wrestle Josh out of the music section, but not before he decided to buy Owl City (Which we did not need, but are very happy about)

Then we dropped him off, and Mom went home, and my siblings and I went to get some coffee at Ava’s. : ) and after a nonverbal conversation we decided to drive all the way to Newberg for the barista’s special drink. *Even though I dislike coffee I truly enjoy that drink, and will totally drink it again*

We made it an early night, and ended up going home around ten, but I had the best time with my family, and I can’t wait to see everyone again in probably June.

On a final note I would like to say something that really makes me want to throw something (good for you if you get this reference)…. When people don’t do what they say they will, and lie to get out of it. If you make a commitment you should honor it, otherwise you’re just going to end up being labeled the flake.

A. “Oh let’s invite so-and-so to come over!”

B.“We can’t they’ll just flake on us.”

A. “Let’s give them one more chance!”

2 hours after the flake’s ETA….

B. “I told you they’d flake”

People don’t let this be you! If you have a prior engagement don’t bitch out of it, just go and do what you said you were going to do otherwise you’ll lose trust, and what friends you do have.

On a funny end note, I though everyone would appreciate this conversation Josh and I just had as I was typing this blog. It truly cracks me up… for reference he is getting subway and asked if I wanted a sandwich (this is over text)

Me: No thanks. Have fun though!

Josh: With my sandwitch? Haha

Me: Babe I’m for reals buying  you a dictionary :) I love you.

Josh: What did I do? Haha : )

Me: Sandwich. There is no t involved haha it is not a Sand Witch

Josh: How do you know?! She might be the wiked witch of the wheat and all she wants to do is take my sandwitch! Haha : )

Me: Haha. Btw is wicked. Haha

Josh: …That’s what I said in my mind haha

Me: I’m putting that in the blog.

Josh: But she will know where I am!

HAHAHA You are my hero Josh.

Word to the wise, beware the Sand Witch,

-Kristen

Christmas Thoughts, and New Year's Prayers

First off, I played dominoes last night with my parents, and I made a domino robot man, that really entertains me :)

I love Christmas, I love all the aspects of it, especially the spending time with the people you love, however my Christmas started in the oddest way… I was startled awake at 7am this morning by a nightmare involving sharks, and humans who could breathe underwater. What a crazy way to start your Christmas right?

Anyways, after grabbing a few more zzzz’s I headed downstairs for lots of food (breakfast was yummy Mom), and TV fun time. When we got around to opening presents, and I realized that the thrill of the present opening was gone. Don’t get me wrong I love and appreciate my gifts, but I love and appreciate my family more, and I love watching their faces light up when they get something they really love the most, and even though I like presents just as much as everyone else does, it isn’t the most important thing to me.

So I’m vowing this pledge here where anyone can see: throughout this upcoming year I will slowly but surely buy my family and friends the presents that they deserve. Everyone will get a present they’ll like, and appreciate, even if it means I make everyone some truly awesome Christmas baskets. I love everyone so much, and I really want next Christmas to be one for the record books : )

 He was trying to unwrap it, but just couldn't.

I spent the day with my parents, cooking for tomorrow’s family Christmas at my Grandparents with Josh, having steak fajitas with mom, baking random cookies, and of course ending my day with a visit to the Christie’s. I have to say that every time I walk into that house I feel so calm and at ease that it’s like walking into my own home.

The first thing to greet me (other than Jason) was of course Rougar their new puppy, who is absolutely adorable, and so sweet.

Then there’s my awesome boyfriend who just lights up my day.

This picture cracks me up...

Then there’s his mom, Karen, and his dad, Jason, who always make me feel like I belong.

We watched Pride and Prejudice, and talked with his siblings before I had to head home for the night, but being there just made my Christmas that much better.

Now I’m sitting here watching the last minutes of Christmas (and Miranda Patton’s birthday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!) tick by, and even though I can’t believe that it’s over, I wouldn’t change a thing. Now I’m ending my day wrapped up in my comforter wearing the two best presents a girl could get from the person she loves… A Halestorm T-shirt, and a Soldier’s Dog Tags : )

I'll put a picture with the dog tags up later.

 Even though it was Christmas today, I was thinking a lot of what my New Year's resolution would be, and I think I've decided. I want to put good karma into the air. I want to do something for someone else, and I want to do a Random Act of Kindness for a stranger (holler to all my Brown Peeps who get this). That's my New Year's Resolution... What's yours? Think about it.

Until tomorrow, Merry Christmas Everyone!

-Kristen

Christmas Blues, and Christmas Greens

Christmas is my favorite time of the year, but this year has just had so much drama involved and it’s affecting my Christmas spirit, which has never happened before. I love it so much, and I can’t believe people have to pick fights right now.

First is a situation that is finally over! Thank goodness too. No I won’t go into detail because it has been seriously publicized before (not my fault) and I’m just done with it. However, I am really pleased that Josh made the decision to end it for good, and to really make it clear. He’s changed so much since BCT and I’m so proud of how strong he’s become, and how seriously he’s taking his new start.

Next is just some friends really upsetting us (yes Josh and I both). First we get blown off when we’re only here for a little over a week. Come on now people when you’re “best friend” is here for 10 days you do whatever you can to see them, right? That’s what I thought. We waited for you, and then you lied! I don’t like liars and I don’t hang out with them. Remember that for future reference. Then I was told that someone didn’t like me or Josh’s relationship with me. Alright people let’s get this straight… It’s not your relationship, and your opinion doesn’t matter. Yes you’re a friend, and your honesty is great, but you do not have the right to tell us that what we want to do is wrong. I don’t sit here and tell your boyfriend that you two together aren’t right and that you shouldn’t be doing what you’re doing. I could, but I respect him too much for that, and since you make him happy I shut my mouth, maybe you should follow my lead.

Also, don’t say that we’re not good together. You haven’t seen him in 6 months and you haven’t seen us together since before he left in July! So you know what, go suck an elf and leave us alone. Oh! And don’t lie and say that you never said any of that. I’ve seen the texts, just because you told him not to tell me doesn’t mean that he won’t. That’s his choice, and it’s about time you respected it. Apparently I’m the only one who understands that even though I don’t like someone’s decision I’m going to respect and support it.

Now that my rant is done, and yes that made me feel better, I have pictures of my parent’s house which I decorated as well as the tree which Josh helped me do : )

Our tree matches our presents, which are shown below

No christmas lights this year, so we lit up the windows

Mom's outdoor light tree. It's so cute!

The crystal angel, and her mask friend

Our tree is all lit up!

I told you it matches

So pretty. Thank you baby for helping me with it

It's the Christmas Knook!

Even the banister is in the Christmas Spirit

It's Christmas tomorrow with my parents, then Christmas at my Grandparent's house on Sunday with Josh, then Family dinner with my extended family Monday! I love my family.

Have a great holiday, and always remember that the holidays are for family, friends, and the people you love, the presents are just an added bonus ; )

- Kristen

Coffe Time, and Christmas Cookies

With the holidays coming up I wanted to make this first post family/ friend realted.

I recently came home for the holidays, and I have been looking forward to spending time with friends, family and of course Josh, beacuse all of the aforementioned mean a ton to me. I’ve been out late nearly every night (after spending the evenings with my parents), and I’ve been making a lot of effort to spend time with everyone while I'm hear.

Well lately the easiest way to do that has been coffee breaks with friends at night. I personally don’t drink coffee, but my friends do , so it's a no brainer where we go... the 24 hour coffee joint Ava’s Roasteria (Shown below from flickr), known by its frequent buyers as Ava’s. I first went to Ava’s with my best friends Stephanie and Heather, and as we got closer it became “our place” to go for late night chat sessions, and I hadn't imagined bringing anyone else there. 

Last night I was asked to go get coffee at Ava’s with Josh and another couple of friends (which ended up being too tired to go after 30 minutes of waiting which really annoyed me to be honest- sorry if this upsets you two, but it’s the truth). To be completely honest I did want to see the couple, so I of course said yes. After finding out it was cancelled, I was thinking back on how I would have felt if I had gone, and I don’t think I would’ve felt right without my besties.

But, even though it would've felt weird, I really did want to go if I'm being honest with myself, so I was super bummed that we didn't go.

Meanwhile, I have a question to ye who readeth this blog: Do you and your friends have a place that you view as “yours”? If so, do you take other friends there? Let me know below.  

*On another note, I spent the day with the Christie family and I wanted to say that I had a ball with them, and that I love spending time with them. Thank you guys so much for inviting me to decorate cookies with you, and Josh even though you hate them, I hope you eat the clown cookie I made you. : )*

Happy Holidays Everyone!

-Kristen