2017 Year in Review and Looking Ahead

It's the first week of January and I'm already breaking my posting routine by blogging on Wednesday and not Tuesday. But, when I saw that one of my favorite bloggers, Helene in Between, was hosting a year in review and 2018 goals for January 3 link up, I had to join in on the fun. I was already planning a blog post on this topic anyway, so why not. Right? 

Right.

Click on the photo below to go to Helene's blog and find others who are linking up too!

2017 in Review

Life

At first, I didn't think 2017 had much going on, and for so many people 2017 was a terrible terrible year with politics, hurricanes, Nazis... just to name a few things. But, when I thought about it, there were a few big moments at least for myself and my family!

My sister and her husband had their first baby! All year my family and I were preparing, organizing the baby shower, and general excitement for the new arrival! She was born in November and we couldn't be happier!

I got a new job at another hotel. The same position at the front desk and same company as the hotel where I was previously, but this one is much closer to home. At my old job, I was driving an hour each way and when I looked at the cost of the commute, it just wasn't worth it. I'm really enjoying my new hotel which is also smaller than the previous one, and makes for a much more relaxing work environment. 

My parents and I moved to a new condo. It's smaller than our old place, but we really like it! It's cozy and perfect for us and the animals. 

I was in a friends wedding in Orlando, and while I was there I decided to spend a couple extra days to visit Disney World and Universal Studios. It was a blast! The best part was meeting Snow White (along with Elsa, Anna, Aurora, Mickey Mouse, Mary Poppins, Alice, Ariel...). Which, I know that makes a total dork! But I love Disney, and Snow White has been my favorite character ever since I was a toddler. I've gone to Disney World a few times, but never got to meet her before now, so it was definitely exciting for me.

Me at the wedding in July. The venue had an awesome library!

Blog

I finally bit the bullet and got my new blog started up! My old blog, Love Woke Me Up This Morning, had it's domain expire and I couldn't get it back up again. I took it as a sign to officially close that one down and get this one set up. I'm loving Square Space, and I'm really proud of the design and layout, and my blog posts and topics are much more intentional than they used to be.

Meeting Snow White in Epcot!

Reading

I read 113 books in 2017! In 2016 I had read 124, and I wanted to read less so I had more life/reading balance. Technically, I did read less. So... mission accomplished? Although, I'm not sure if I've nailed the life/reading balance yet - haha. 

Here's the genres I read (many books overlap into several genres and categories):

• 56 adult 
• 49 young adult
• 25 contemporary
• 59 fantasy
• 19 historical
• 2 graphic novels
• 6 sci-fi
• 3 classics
• 5 non-fiction
• 1 action
• 3 horror/thriller
• 32 romance
• 18 own voices
• 51 books which featured main characters from marginalized groups

I'll be posting about my top 17 books of 2017 next week, and if you want to see a full list and more stats, click here. 

One of the pretty trees at our new condo!

Writing

2017 was the year I finally began querying my urban fantasy novel to literary agents! It was terrifying.

After sending out 47 queries, I had exactly one agent request more pages, and all 47 ultimately said no. Sometimes through an email back, sometimes by not responding at all. Which, was a bummer. But, this was a big and important step for me in my writing career. 

Sending out queries helped me learn how to handle rejection. I learned what agents are looking for in a good query and opening pages. I learned how to get over the fear of putting myself and my work out there. Now that I've overcome the hurdle of starting the querying process, I know I can continue to do it.

I got started on a new project, which I've nicknamed "Vampire Snow White." It's exactly as it sounds. What if Snow White was a vampire? I'm obsessed with this project and these characters. It's been so much fun!

I joined the summer writing contest through The Write Practice, which was my first venture into short fiction and writing contests. I learned that I'm not very good at short fiction, but it's something I want to continue to work on. Thus, I created Flash Fiction Fridays here on my blog. It's a series I'm already loving, even though there's only been four stories so far. I hope you all have been loving them too!

Finally, I gained more writer friends and critique partners. There's a trio of myself and two friends from college where we've made our own little writing group and it's been a blast reading their pages and getting their feedback on mine too. Even beyond the writing elements, I'm living for our ongoing Facebook chat. 

Me and my niece, Elsie, the day after she was born! Isn't she the cutest?

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2018 Goals

I know that in all reality, the start of a new year is just another day. We don't need to count down to midnight and turn the page in our calendar to get started on our goals and what we want to accomplish. But, I love the symbolism behind it, and I like having that set time to start fresh. It doesn't erase or change anything from the year before, but it has the feeling of something fresh and new. 

Here are a few of the things I'd like to happen in 2018.

Life

It sounds a little sad, but I had a hard time thinking of goals for myself that are simply for myself and not the blog, reading, or writing. I'm not one to say "This year I'll go to the gym every day!" or "I'm going to eat healthier!" 

We all know that neither of these things will ever happen. 

But, I did think of a couple things in life I know I need to work on.

• Spend time with friends. Now that I have a semi-normal work schedule, I don't have an excuse to not see them anymore. I get off work around 3pm nearly every day, which means I have plenty of time in the afternoons to hang out and have a social life. I'm always happier when I'm out and about, but I let some anxiety get in the way.
• Go on actual dates. A friend and I were talking about this the other night and how we moan and groan about being "forever single." Then we turn around, talk to a guy for a bit, then ignore him, and never go out. It doesn't make sense. (We also joked about making a podcast about our crazy online dating stories just for comedy's sake because wow - we have some funny ones.) 
• Make a plan to go on a vacation. I've been doing better about this the last couple of years. I love to travel and see new places and experience new things, but I have a hard time making it a reality. My mom and I were discussing this not long ago and how we need to pick a place to go that we've always wanted to see, and figure out how we'll get there. 

Blog

I'm pretty proud of myself as it is with being able to keep up with blogging as much as I have been already. But there is always room for improvement and growth!

• Build up my email list. From what I've read for aspiring authors, I always hear how the email list is super important. Already I have it set up so people receive an email with each blog post, and a monthly newsletter. I'd love to have a freebie to include though when people sign up like an exclusive short story you can only get as an email subscriber. Keep an eye out!
• Post more often. So far, I've been posting once a week. Twice when I have a Flash Fiction Friday or a special occasion. I'd love it though if I could bump it up to twice a week.
• Include guest bloggers. Yes! I want guest bloggers! My email list was already informed, so they have first dibs. But I would love to include other writers, readers, and friends on this blog with guest posts and interviews. If you would like to write a guest post or be interviewed, send me an email! (eehornburg [at] gmail [dot] com)

Blog posts about planning for the new year means showing off your new planner, right? Right.

Reading

Usually, I try to go easy on the reading goals. Reading is a fun escape for me, and I hate it when I feel as though I "have" to read a certain book, vs. wanting to read it. But, I did notice that I wasn't reading as intentionally this past year, and there are a few things I'd like to accomplish.

• Read less. It sounds weird, and this was a goal last year (I read 124 in 2016 and 113 in 2017), and it's one I want to keep up. I love reading a ton of books every year. But, I know I need to be better at life/reading balance. I don't want to wake up one morning realizing I missed a ton of life opportunities and experiences because I had my nose stuck in a book.
• Read more own voices. I definitely have been reading own voices books, and reading books where the main characters are from marginalized groups. But, when I look at the numbers, I can do way better. Especially with own voices and books for adults. Not that I don't want to read YA own voices - I absolutely do! But, I'm familiar with that market and know where to find them. I want to work on finding authors for adults who are also own voices. All books need to be diverse and have representation from everyone in them. But, we need to be sure the own voices are being raised up. 
• Read books I already own. This is a big one. Of the physical books I already, I have roughly 35 I haven't read. Which isn't a bad number. But of my ebooks... that's a whole other story. I have a severe ebook downloading problem. They come so inexpensive, I feel like a fool NOT downloading them! Then here I am... with over 130 unread books sitting on my Kindle app. When I think about it too much, I get ridiculously overwhelmed.

Writing

My writing goals at this point in my life are some of my most important. Mainly because I'm impatient and I just want to have an agent and a book deal RIGHT NOW. 

I know this is not realistic, and even after an author signs with an agent, there's a ton more waiting and work to be done. But, my impatience helps to keep me motivated.

• Have a full rough draft done for Vampire Snow White and ready to send to my critique partners by the end of February. I got a big chunk of it done during NaNoWriMo, took a much  needed break in December, and now I'm ready to get back to it. This means writing about another 50,000 words. Considering I wrote 50k in one month, I can totally get another 50k done in two.
• Work on revisions and rewrites for my urban fantasy, Guardians of the City. This one is much more tentative, because I do think I need to take a step back from it for a bit. But, I'd like to think at some point this year, I'll be ready to tackle it again.
• Get back to work on fairy-tale mash-up. This is a project I was in the very beginning stages of before VSW took over my life. I didn't intend to cast it to the side, because I think it has a lot of potential. But, I'm so excited for VSW that I knew I needed to put all of my focus on that. I think while I'm waiting for readers to send me feedback on VSW I'll play around with this one a bit. Get some brainstorming and outlining done. I'd love it to be my 2018 NaNoWriMo project!

Apparently, I need to use pencil when I use my planner because I'm always crossing things out and rewriting it!

How's that for a list of goals and resolutions for 2018? I feel like such an overachiever when I look over these lists. But, I also know in reality, I most likely won't be able to accomplish all of them, and I'm okay with that. Which doesn't make me such an overachiever after all. 

How was 2017 for you? Any favorite memories for the year? Do you have any New Years Resolutions, Goals, or Plans?

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Merry Christmas!

Considering yesterday was Christmas, I don't have much of a post for today. You can't expect me to think about blogging when there's presents to give and receive, food to eat, and cheesy movies to watch! (All the while, getting baby snuggles from my niece who is now just over a month old.) 

I do hope that you are having a wonderful holiday season and it is filled with peace, love, and happiness! 

An extra blog post will be up on Thursday with my December reading round-up to make up for the lack of one today, and if you're wanting something fun and sweet and fast to read to get you into the holiday spirit, check out my Flash Fiction Friday from December 22. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

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Like what you read? Consider buying me a coffee. This simply helps me to continue creating content and I really appreciate your support!

12 Days of Love Letters

Who doesn't love getting a letter in the mail? Not just an email. But a real letter in your mailbox. It's one of the things I like about the holiday season. For once, I'm not just getting random bills and advertisements. Here and there I'll get a nice card or a letter from a friend. Yes, I see their life updates on Facebook and everything. But getting that card or letter in the mail is extra special. 

I saw a friend tweet about 12 Days of Love Letters a few weeks ago, and it intrigued me so I clicked on the link. 

The World Needs More Love Letters gets requests for letters to be sent in bundles all year around, but in December they do a big campaign for 12 days of sending letters to people who need it. How awesome is that? It reminded me of the days of LoveBomb and LoveDrop that I used to participate in a few years ago. (Not familiar with those? Ask me or seek out @NateStPierre sometime.) Naturally, I signed up. 

Also, I love having an excuse to use my stationary. I don't get to use it enough.

It started this year on December 4 and is going through the 15th. I looked at my blogging calendar, picked a day, and today is the day!

Today, we're rallying around Emma. Here's her story:

Tuesday, December 12

A friend of Emma’s requested a bundle for her + shared with us some of her story. She wrote:

“Emma is struggling a lot. She is currently recovering from an eating disorder, but struggles immensely with it. She also struggles with suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and has had to be hospitalized for several weeks. She has a hard time believing in herself and her abilities, and she tells herself constantly that no one cares about her and that she's not worth anything. I've tried so much to help her and to remind her of her potential and how much I love her, but she won't listen to anyone who knows her because she feels that they're lying to her. I really feel like she needs some reminders from people and some encouragement. Messages of hope, encouragement, and love from strangers might be all she needs to find herself again. She is only thirteen years old and has her whole life ahead of her. Her family is trying so hard to keep her alive, and would appreciate help from others. I miss her happy, sweet self and would love to see her like that again.”

My heart breaks for this girl and her loved ones. I've had a lot of friends and family who've struggled with depression, anxiety, body image, self-harm, etc. When you see someone you care about struggling and pieces of themselves disappearing, you feel so helpless no matter what you do. You try to help and encourage them, but it never feels like it's enough.

Then I think about Emma herself, and how hard this time must be for her. I get overwhelmed thinking about what must have happened or the mindset someone must be in at such a young age to have these thoughts and feelings. She needs that love and encouragement to show her that things get better and there is so much more out there in the world. 

When I sat down to write the letter, I almost was at a loss for what to say. I wished I knew more about her and what she liked. Her favorite colors, her fandoms, the music she listens to, etc. But, once I got going, the words came easily. 

Grab your pens and join us as we write some love letters to Emma!

PLEASE MAIL ALL LOVE LETTERS BY DECEMBER 20 TO:

Emma’s bundle

℅ Natalie S.

5033 N Kilt Ave

Meridian, ID 83646

USA

Here's more information about We Need More Love Letters and the 12 day campaign:

Homepage:  www.moreloveletters.com

12 Days Landing Page  http://www.moreloveletters.com/12days (where action will take place!)

Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.moreloveletters.com/diary/2017/11/29/frequently-asked-questions

I'm An Aunt!

Well, my friends, I'm sure you've seen this all over my Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and everywhere else, but I'm just going to continue to gush because it's all I can think about and focus on and... sometimes you just need an easy blog post.

I'm an aunt!

Okay... technically I've been an aunt my entire life. But that's another story for another blog post.

My sister had her first baby on Thursday, November 9 at 9:38pm. Her name is Elsie and is by far the cutest baby I've ever seen.

Not that I'm partial or anything.

(YES, I'M SURE YOUR BABY IS THE CUTEST TOO.)

Originally, she was scheduled to have her c-section on Friday morning. So, you can imagine my surprise when I was at work Thursday evening and got a text saying that her BP was high and was going in at 9:30pm that night. 

Naturally, I started to freak out. Did I need to find someone to cover my shift? Was my sister okay? Did they need anything? Was this an emergency?

Thankfully, some friends who know far more about these things than I do, talked me down and I realized by the time all was said and done I probably wouldn't even be considered allowed to visit until at least midnight and my sister was going to be just fine. (They even had to explain to me that BP = blood pressure. Duh. You'd think I would have been able to figure that one out on my own.) So, my mom and I went over to the hospital right at noon the next day when they would let us in.

Elsie is adorable, happy, sweet, and sleeps a lot. My sister and brother-in-law are doing great, and everyone is ridiculously happy. 

So, if anyone asks me what's new in my life they'll be shown a bazillion photos of the baby that all look exactly like the other but I SWEAR THEY'RE DIFFERENT BECAUSE SHE'S CLEARLY MAKING A DIFFERENT FACIAL EXPRESSION IN EACH ONE. 

Yup. I'm that aunt and I don't care. 

Also, since we can nick-name her "Elle" you know I'll be buying her a stuffed chihuahua named Bruiser and a pink Harvard Law shirt because... obviously. 

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Stuff

I feel like October has been one big blur. Which, most months kind of go by like that for me, but this month especially. 

It all started the last week of September when I was at work and my mom texted me that she found a condo not too far from us with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, first floor, and pet friendly. (No, this wasn't super random. We've known we'd be moving for some time now, but weren't sure when.) I texted her back that it was great and she should give them a call to check it out. A few hours later she tells me that she already wrote them a check and we could move in October 1.

That was in exactly one week.

Yeah. ONE WEEK.

Thankfully, we were able to keep the old place for another couple of weeks so we could clean out and move things over or put them in storage. After living in the same place for nine years, your stuff starts to pile up. 

Photo by Nastco/iStock / Getty Images

All month, our lives have been consumed with moving. Packing, unpacking, throwing things away, deciding what was worth keeping and what wasn't. Apparently in the process we accidentally forgot to bring with us the kitchen pan covers and our kitchen towels. Whoops. 

Moving is not only time consuming, but it's hard too. Particularly when you need to get rid of things. We've been trying to prepare ourselves for this and clearing out unwanted or unneeded items for awhile. But, when it comes down to the wire, you need to make some tough choices. 

A friend of mine, Sarah, has been going minimalist and has launched a great blog about it. I've been going to her for advice on purging our closets and basement, but even with all of her wonderful guidance we still had so much stuff. 

Things from the funeral home and my dad's office. Old childhood things. Items handed down from previous generations. I'll admit, a lot of it was junk and things we don't need. But a lot of it wasn't. How do you decide to get rid of a lamp your grandmother made? Or plates you don't necessarily like, but have been in the family for years?

And we had a lot of random stuff too which I'm sure other households don't. Things like ashes from the funeral home family members never picked up years ago. Or all of the x-ray files from all of the broken bones and surgeries I've had. And a printed out copy of the first full-length novel I wrote in high school. (I still haven't dared to read it because I'm sure it's awful.) Stuff piles up.

You'd think that purging would be easy. If you haven't used it or doesn't bring you joy, get rid of it. But for some reason, it's harder than it sounds. As I've been telling my family, "it's just stuff." But I'm also convincing myself of it. I know we can't take it with us, and these things don't last. Yet, it's still difficult. Things are complicated. 

We made it though, Most of the boxes in the condo are unpacked and everything else is in the garage. It was nice to see that a majority of our neighbors also used their garages for storage and parked their cars outside. 

Looks like we all have stuff. 

My Workspace

I am a firm believer in that if you want to write or get something done, you'll find a way to make it happen. When people tell me "I can't write unless I have..." I tend to struggle to not roll my eyes. A couple of weeks ago, I saw Lin-Manuel Miranda tweet that he wrote large chunks of the second act of Hamilton while in his mother's laundry room. Particularly with the technology we have today, or just plain old pen and paper, you can write anywhere.

Granted, depending on your art form, this isn't always possible. If you're a sculptor, you can't take your supplies with you in your backpack everywhere and work on your project while standing in line at Starbucks. I get that. But, for a lot of us, if we're willing to be flexible, we can work anywhere.

That being said, I do understand the idea of having the ideal work space. Somewhere you can go if you want to sit down and have an intense creative session. A place where everything is organized and set to your liking. Because I'll also admit, that while I love the fact that I have my writing sync'd to my phone and I can jot down lines for my novel anywhere I go, if I want to have a deep writing session, some places are more suited than others. 

Also, I love desk and office supplies. Any excuse to go and shop for them is good in my book.

Over the past year, I made it a goal to create my ideal writing space. The place where I can let my imagination wander as well as be productive. It's now become one of my favorite spaces in my room.

The Desk

As I looked around for desks, I was tempted by vintage writing desks. You know, the old roll -top ones, or those which had grand hutches and intricate woodwork. I could paint it a funky color and make it all pretty and fancy. But, as I was thinking about it, I don't do well when a desk has too many drawers and nooks and crannies. Ideally, they'd help me with organization because I'd have a place to put everything. 

In reality- I'd just fill it all with junk and never clean anything out ever and it'd look like a disaster.

So, as I looked around on Pinterest for ideas, I fell in love wit hthe idea of the Parsons desk. It's the most simple of a desk as you can get. No drawers, no hutch, just a plain flat desk. Yet, it still looks classy in it's simplicity and perfect for small spaces. 

I found mine at Staples for $60, put it on hold online, and picked it up within the hour. I was even able to put it together on my own, which is always a plus.

The Chair

For me, picking out a chair was one of the most difficult parts. I'd heard horror stories about writers having back problems because the chair they sat in the most as they worked wasn't good. I have enough back and medical problems as it is - I don't need my writing to add to the list!

Being so short, it's difficult to find furniture that fits me perfectly. Especially chairs. The seat can be too deep where my knees don't hit the edge correctly, the way the backrest hits doesn't always support where I need it to, etc. Then, since I have such a small space to work with, I couldn't have a huge executive chair. On top of it all, I also needed a chair to stay in my budget. Yes, I could find comfortable and workable chairs, but they'd be several hundred dollars. Not realistic for me.

Finally, I found this one at Office Depot. It was in budget, small enough for my space, but still comfortable. 

Organization

Now, with my desk being this simple, I did need a small space to place essentials like pens, paper, stationary, mail, etc. For this, I picked up a white desk organizer. It has four slots where I can put those basic essentials I need for day-to-day. 

Because of the simplicity of the organizer and the desk, I've decided to add more fun and punch to these essential items. Lately, if I find I need more pens or pencils, I find ones I think are fun or pretty. It sounds simple and silly, but quite frankly, I'm more excited to get to work when I can use that really pretty new pen I just bought.

Yes, I realize how ridiculous I am.

Then, below my desk, I placed a white basket where I put all of my other extra papers and notebooks. When it gets too full, I know it's time to clean it out. I've also added a plastic file organizer where I can fit bills, taxes, and other important documents. It also doubles as a footrest!

The Planner

Last year, I attempted to jump on the bullet journal train. I loved how customize-able it was, and I also have always really loved journaling. 

I soon learned it wasn't for me. I was always jealous of the people who could draw well and put pretty doodles in their journals and try as I might - that's just not the art form I've been gifted in. I missed having everything laid out for me. 

So, I went for a traditional planner for 2017 and it's been awesome. It has all of the calendars and essentials I need to stay organized. Then, with extra note paper, I can make the other lists I'd want to use in a bullet journal. Add some cute stickers and washi-tape, and I can make it look super cute!

The mug is empty because I already drank all of the coffee. Obviously.

The Decor

Yes! I consider the decor essential too. Sometimes, you just need something pretty or fun to look at while you try to think of your next idea. 

Again, I went with something somewhat simple. If it's too busy, it can be distracting. Thankfully, all of the items on the wall were gifts or something I had received in a monthly subscription box. On my desk, I have a couple of seasonal items. 

I will be adding another larger simple piece of art to fill that blank space, but considering I just moved things are still being unpacked.

The only thing I've kept "busy" is my bulletin board which is to the side of my desk. This is where I pin up all invitations, greeting cards, photos, ticket stubs, programs, etc. I've collected over the year. Then, at the end of the year, I take them all down and place them in a shoebox labeled with the year. 

There you have it. My workspace for when I want to sit down at home and get some intense work done. What's your ideal work area?

Mid-Month Update September 2017

All week I've been trying to think of what I wanted to blog about. I miss the "old days" of blogging where it was all about tags, rambling about life, and sharing random pictures. I think some of the other bloggers I used to follow then feel the same way. Then, something changed. Everyone had to write posts that were "The Top Ten Ways..." or "Let Me Give You Advice About..." or "Listen To Me Talk About This Important Topic." All of those are great. But, I think I kind of got burnt out on it. 

Yet, when I brainstorm what blog posts I want to write, I can't get my mindset out of the "make your post on brand!" Which then leads me to "What is my brand?" and "What is a brand anyway?" I think about how no one wants to hear about my boring life.

But then, I look at my favorite bloggers. The people I've followed for years, the ones who maybe left for awhile then came back, or the ones I stopped reading and have come back to. You want to know what my favorite posts a lot of times are? When they're just about life! 

I saw one of these bloggers, Brittany from Palms and Palmettos, did a "Mid-Month Update" just about things in her life going on at the moment. So, I'm stealing that idea! I have to break this bloggers writers block somehow. 

• My sister had her baby shower this past weekend! My family came in on Saturday and we all went to a White Sox game. (They actually won, which was a happy surprise!) Then on Sunday was the shower. We were running late the entire weekend, but it all turned out well. My sister got SO MUCH STUFF and all of it was adorable. Particularly all of the nerdy onesies I bought. But I might be partial. It's becoming more and more real that she's having a baby and we're all ridiculously excited. Only two more months!

And even more stuff piled up after I took this picture. It was awesome!

• I am beyond ready for fall. I'm not the biggest fan of summer. It's too hot and muggy to want to be outside, but the air conditioning inside is so cold I'm walking around with warm socks and a blanket. Granted, we had a decent summer this year. But when I saw that later this week we might be getting up to the 80s - I was not happy. I've been loving it being in the 50s-mid 70s the last couple of weeks and I want it to stay that way! I haven't even been able to bust out a scarf yet! But, I'm drinking my Pumpkin Spice Lattes like no one's business. At least there's that.

• I've decided that I have far too many friends who live in hurricane areas. This past week has been stressful because NONE of them evacuated and I was freaking out. Which, I fully understand that my stress is NOTHING compared to what people who were living down there actually experienced. But, I vote that everyone I know who lives in hurricane areas come and move up here. Yes, Chicago has terrible winters and gangs galore. But we don't have hurricanes which cover our entire state. So... I say it's a win.

• At the start of the month Sarah J Maas, one of my favorite authors, released the next book in the Throne of Glass series. I'm complete trash for SJM. She definitely has problematic elements in her books, but I love her stories and have connected with her characters and I can't stop reading. And I binge her books like crazy. They can be over 700 pages long and I'll still finish it in a day or two. I have a problem. But anyway, I LOVED her newest book and it dealt with a character who had become parlayed and I was so happy with how she handled it. I thought it showed how much SJM is trying to listen to people's criticisms and she wants to be respectful and thoughtful. AHHHH it makes me happy. I'm so stinking proud of her. So, I posted a full review about it on Goodreads, which is rare for me. The response I've gotten is crazy! It has far more likes than any of my other reviews and I've been getting multiple friend requests each day since I posted it. It's been exciting for me. You can read the review here (and yes, it does have spoilers. Sorry!): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2114999039?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

• I haven't had the chance to sit and write my novel for awhile. Well... that's not entirely true. I have time after work where I can sit and write. But, I'm so tired when I get home my brain can't function anymore. All I do is lay on my bed, watch Netflix, and read. Besides, my desk chair is covered with laundry at the moment and I don't feel like putting my clothes away. How do you all deal with fatigue? Cause it's really putting a cramp in my writing routine.

• Have you noticed how all of these amazing female artists are coming out with new songs lately? Kesha, Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, even Aly and AJ! I've been loving all of them. But do you know who I've been LOVING? Demi Lovato. I've never disliked her, but I've never been over enthusiastic about her music. I'll listen to a song, enjoy it, then move on. But OH GOODNESS her new ones I have on repeat and I can't get enough!

So, that's my life at the moment. Nothing outrageously exciting outside of my sister's baby shower. My mom's birthday is coming up though, so my sister and I have to make plans for her now! What's going on in your life? 

Books I Read to Educate Myself

Lately, I've been saving my book discussions, recommendations, and reviews, for YouTube. However, in light of which has been happening in the world, I keep on wanting to shove books into people's faces. I want to say "You don't get why people feel this way? READ THIS." From what I can tell, for the most part the people who read my blog aren't necessarily the ones who watch my YouTube channel and may not have heard me talk about these books yet. 

I know, I have a lot to learn. I'm a privileged white, straight, cis, Christian, woman. While I've had my own trials and struggles, I know there are groups of people who I know nothing about and will never know what it is like to walk in their shoes. Which is why reading books and seeking out stories about people who aren't like me, is important. I want to educate myself, because I have a long way to go.

These are some of my favorites which I've read. Please note, this is not a complete/definitive/perfect list. These are simply ones I have learned from, but also genuinely enjoyed. (Don't think that just because you're learning, it's not a fun/entertaining book!) I know there are other people who probably have better lists, and I highly encourage you to seek them out!

Also, yes, a lot of these book are Young Adult. Maybe it's because I do tend to be in touch with the YA more than other genres, but I truly have found that YA has stepped up their game in releasing books dealing with tough issues and diversity more than adult books have. PLEASE do not count out a book, just because it is young adult. We grown ups can learn a lot from them too!

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

• Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
• Themes: Black Lives Matter, Family, First Love, Identity, Friendship

If you only read one book on this list - READ THIS ONE. It is Thomas' debut novel, it already has a movie deal, and has been on the NYT Bestseller list basically since it was released earlier this year. 

It follows Star who lives in the "ghetto" but goes to school in a wealthier neighborhood and is one of the few black students there. One day, she is at a party with her friends and on her way home, one of them is shot by a police officer. (Not a spoiler, it's on the book description and it happens in the first couple of chapters.) It is essentially racism and Black Lives Matter 101. Beyond that, it also has all of the dynamics you would love if you enjoy other contemporary novels. I'm in love with Star's family, the dynamics with her friends, and her sweet love story. 

Learn more about The Hate U Give here

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

• Genre: Adult Historical/Literary Fiction
• Themes: Family, Slavery, History, Racism

This is another debut, and it was released last year. It was wonderful! I'm not usually one for literary fiction, but I truly enjoyed this book. It starts with two half sisters from 18th century Ghana and follows their family lines through 300 years. One sister is sold into slavery, the other marries an Englishman. What truly stood out to me was seeing how much the past influences the future. There are so many time we say "But that was back then, things are different now." Which... yes, some things may be different now. But that doesn't mean what happened several centuries ago doesn't stiff effect up today. 

 

Learn more about Homegoing here

The Diary of Anne Frank

• Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Diary
• Themes: WWII, Haulocaust

You know... I never would have thought I'd have to say this, but people need an education on "NAZIS ARE BAD." Let's give this book a refresher, shall we?

Learn more about Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl here

All We Have Left by Wendy Mills

• Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
• Themes: 9-11, Acceptance, Hate, Dealing with Anger, Grief, Islam

This book too me by surprise last year. It follows the timelines of two sixteen year old girls. One, being a white girl in the present day whose brother died during the 9-11 attacks. The second going back to 2001 and following a Muslim girl who was in the towers on 9-11. This book brought out feelings about 9-11 I didn't even know I had! 

Learn more about All We Have Left here

If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

• Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
• Themes: LTGBQ+, School, Friendship, First Love, Family, Identity

If The Hate U Give is racism/Black Lives Matter 101, If I Was Your Girl is transgender 101. It follows the story of a girl entering her senior year of high school who has transitioned from male to female. Due to experiences with bullying, she decides to move in with her dad and transfer to a new high school. Yes, a big part of the book is about being transgender. But, a majority of it is also dealing with everyday high school issues. Making friends, going to the school dance, first love, and navigating family relationships.

Learn more about If I Was Your Girl here

Lock In by John Scalzi

• Genre: Adult Sci-Fi/Action/Thriller/Near-Future
• Themes: Disability, Illness, Gender, Race

To be perfectly honest, I can't remember a single thing about the actual plot of this book other than it's a crime/mystery book. What stood out to me though, is the commentary and thoughts on disability. The premise is that it is the "near future" and a strange illness has swept the world leaving people "locked-in" their own brain. They are fully conscious and have brain activity, but cannot use their bodies. Medical technology has created a type of robot or avatar where people who have been effected by the illness can use to upload their consciousness into. I found the way he was able to build the world and address views on the illness was fascinating. I also mention gender and race into the themes because the main character, Chris, we are not told if they are a male/female or their race until late into the book. (I know for sure we learn their race later on, I can't recall about gender.) If I remember correctly, it is meant as a way to reflect on how people automatically assume certain things about characters unless we are told otherwise. 

Learn more about Lock In here

Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

• Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
• Themes: LGTBQ+, Family, Friends, First Love, Bullying, Identity

It's no secret this was one of my favorite books of last year. I might have read it four times, and I've met the author. Simon is not openly gay yet, but has made a friend online from his school who is also gay ("Blue"). Neither of them knows who the other is. One day, a classmate reads Simon's emails him and blackmails him about keeping the secret. Chaos and romance ensue. It sounds like this would be an intense book, but it's not. It's wonderful, happy, and delightful. Yes, there are moments you get the "feels," but this is an overall happy book. I love how relateable it is, no matter your age, or sexuality. And it's going to be a movie!

Learn more about Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda here

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sanenz

• Genre: Young Adult Historical
• Themes: LGTBQ+, Identity, Second Generation Immigrants, Friendship, Family, First Love, Communication

First, I want to say, if you are a Hamilton fan, you might want to pick up the audio book for this one because Lin-Manuel Miranda narrates it. You're welcome.

I feel odd saying this book is historical, but it does take place in the 1980s so... technically it is history. It's about two teenage Mexican-American boys, Aristotle and Dante, growing up in Texas. I love these two characters an obscene amount. It's beautiful, and heartbreaking while also being heartwarming. Please go read it! It deserves all of the awards you see on the cover!

Learn more about Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe here

Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit by Jaye Robin Brown

• Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
• Themes: LGTBQ+, Christianity, Family, First Love, Identity

I'll be perfectly honest, but I haven't read many books focusing on F/F romances, but I wanted to be sure I got one in here! What really stands out about this book, is how it discusses Christianity and LGTBQ+ issues without demonizing Christians. It's about a girl who's dad is a preacher, but she's a lesbian. It's completely wonderful and the love story is super cute. 

Learn more about Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit here

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

• Genre: Adult Graphic Novel/Memoir/Non-Fiction
• Themes: Extreme Islam, Middle-East, Family, Identity

Usually, graphic novels aren't my thing, and as far as personal enjoyment goes, this book is a little further down on my list. But, I can definitely say I'm glad I read it and learned A LOT from Marjane's story. 

Learn more about Persepolis here

Kindred by Octavia E Butler

• Genre: Adult Sci-Fi/Fantasy
• Themes: Slavery, Interracial Relationships, Time Travel

This is one of my favorite books I've read this year. It was published in 1979, Butler is the first black woman to publish a sci-fi/fantasy, and it is still relevant today. It is about an interracial couple in the 1970s who are thrown back in time to her ancestors in Maryland. They go back periodically without prior knowledge and never know if they'll be there for a couple of hours, or several months. I loved the dynamics with the married couple, the struggle they have with slavery and life on the plantation, and their life in "present" time. 

Learn more about Kindred here

Again, this is not a complete or definitive list. I know there are A LOT more books out there, and some which are probably even better! However, these are the ones I personally have enjoyed and learned the most from!

What I Wish I Knew Going to College

I have an incredible, and probably unhealthy, fondness for my college years. Even now, part of me misses the dorm rooms and the close sense of community. Although, not so much the cafeteria food. It was four years of making friends, jumping from social events to extra activities, and getting far too little sleep. 

It's the time of year where college students are getting ready to move into their dorms, are planning out their schedules, and making those last minute plans for the semester. I have to admit,  when I see college students running around Target looking for those last minute items they need, I have many flashbacks to my days on the Welcome Team.

Yes, I was on the welcome team. Stop judging me, we were awesome.

Yet, as I look at my life now and my life then, so much has changed, and I can't tell you how many conversations my old roommate and I have of "if me back then knew what I was doing now..."

There are so many things I wish I could go back and tell my former self about college and the years after. (Like how to be sure I don't look like a total slob at all times. I swear, I didn't figure out how to dress myself until I was 25. It's a shame really. So many years of potential hotness wasted!) So, here's the next best thing. A few words of wisdom for those of you either starting off college or getting back into the swing of things for the start of a new semester.

Organization and Time Management

College is one of the first times where how you spend your time is COMPLETELY up to you. Yes, you have classes, but you can choose whether you go or not. It's a lot of freedom to get used to and can be overwhelming.

• Use a planner and keep it with you. I don't know about you, but I remember things better when I write them down and have them in a calendar I wrote out myself. I still use a planner and I love it. They even have super cute ones with a ton of stickers now! But, they can be hard to keep up with. Which is why I say keep it with you in your bag. If it's always on you (especially as you're going to classes), there isn't much of an excuse to not use them.
• One thing you all have that I didn't when I was in college (cause I'm SO OLD), is this handy thing called a smart phone. There are a ton of apps out there for calendars, reminders, tasks, etc. and you can set alarms for yourself. My schedule was always all over the place in college, and it would have been so handy to have my phone with me so I could jot down assignments, meetings, etc. right away. 
• Post-It Notes. I used to swear by these, especially when it came to midterm/finals week. I was that over-achiever who constantly had a million classes, projects, jobs, extra activities, and social events I was paranoid I was going to forget something. In order to not forget, I'd write each task I needed to accomplish for that week on a post-it, then stick it up on my desk. It was in my direct line of vision every single day. And let me tell you - pulling that post-it note off and throwing it away always felt so good. 
• Plan ahead. I know, I know. You're in college and you want to be spontaneous. I get it. But, it's good to have a game plan going in. At the start of each semester, I'd map out my weekly schedule and color code it. (As I said, I was an overachiever.) It gave me a good idea of when I'd have free time so I knew when I could study and see friends. 
• Eat. This one seems so obvious, but it has to be said. Especially by the last year or two, I can't tell you how many days would go by and it'd be 2 pm and I'd realize that literally the only thing I'd consumed that day was coffee. DON'T FORGET TO EAT. 

The Dorm

• Plan out when you're going to clean. I was, and still am, the worst at cleaning. I'm amazed that my roommates didn't yell at me more for not helping to clean the bathroom as often as I should have. It was bad. So, when you're mapping out your schedule, find places where you can clean the dorm. Whether it's one big chunk of time during the week, or one tiny thing per day. Trust me when I say, when your space is clean and clutter free - you'll feel much better and less stressed.
• Learn when to close your door. I don't know about other schools, but a big part of the culture of the one I went to was having your dorm room door open and/or unlocked. In fact, I had a couple of friends who kept duct tape over the lock of their door so we could come in and out as we pleased. I love the open community concept. But, sometimes, you need your space. Whether it's to study, sleep, or just get some alone time. 

Planning for Your Next Steps and Your Time Now

• Enjoy the time you have right now. For a lot of my friends and I, we wasted so much time just anticipating our next phase of life. Of not having to take classes anymore and to just get going on what we REALLY wanted to do. Now, I look back and wish I had taken more advantage of what I had back in those days.
• Take advantage of opportunities. And I don't just mean the ones for your potential future career. I was so focused on my major, I never even entertained the idea of studying abroad or doing a Disney internship or anything like that. Or even just going somewhere new and different with my friends on spring break or over the summer. Now, I wish I had because who knows when I'll be able to do those things. Contrary to popular belief, college doesn't have to be JUST about getting a good job at the end. (But don't ignore that aspect either, obviously.) It's education in general. In class, yes. But in life too. Most of what I learned in college took place OUTSIDE of the classroom.
• Remember that things change, and you might not know exactly what you want next. Some people know their chosen career and are driven and have a one track mind. I was one of those. But guess what? Awhile down the road, I realized I didn't actually want it. (Cue existential crisis.) What your passion is now, might not be your passion in a few years. If you don't have a passion now, it doesn't mean you won't find one. 

A Couple Things NOT To Do

• If you skip class - be smart about it. I won't judge if you do because Lord knows there were some classes (especially in my final semester) my profs were lucky to see my face. But, also know when you CAN skip, and when you CAN'T. A bad time? When your World Religions class is teaching on Islam but the guy you like wants to hang out. You might not want to miss class that week.
• Not sleep. I barely slept at all when I was in college, and it probably wasn't a good choice. Yes, I was 20 years old and had a ton of energy. But I probably would have done better in everything if I made sure I had enough sleep.
• Say yes to everything. I was the crazy overachiever who would take 21 credits in a semester, volunteer for ALL OF THE THINGS, and then go out and eat with my friends at 1 am before hitting up the 24-hour computer lab to finish a paper. I loved all of the things I was doing, but eventually, I burned out and had to say no to things later than I should have. Prevent burn out before it happens.

There you go college students. A few things I learned and I hope you don't make the mistakes I did. And have fun!

What would you tell your former college self?