Autumn Leaves

   After my Top Ten music edition it shouldn't come as surprise that I would use an Ed Sheeran song as the title for my post.  With my school year coming so soon, and all of my packing still needing to be done, I thought it would be nice to talk about on of my favorite thing. Autumn.  Basically every thing about this season makes me happy, the colors, clothes, food, coffee, hot chocolate, carving pumpkins, the corn.  I don't think I need to go on anymore.
   I think that the chill of the air excites me.  Knowing that the leaves are going to change into the beautiful shades of yellow, red, and purple.  It makes me happy to be able to wear my sweaters and my tall socks, in the colors to match the trees.  Seeing my breath when I go outside, reminds me that winter is soon coming but that I must enjoy the season that surrounds me.  I love sitting on the bricks at my school and watching kids play four square while geese fly over our heads.  I'm perfectly content sitting with a book in one hand, a cup of coffee in the other, while leaves gather around where I sit.
    When I was younger, fall meant my allergies acting up.  It meant seeing my brother leaving for school.  It meant that there was yard work to be done.  But as I grew up fall's meaning changed for me. Now it means the orange of the pumpkin pie that my mom makes.  Now I get excited because after I come home from school for the break, I get to see my brother come home too.
     Now, the fall brings exciting times with my friends when we take walks in the woods and carve pumpkins together.  Autumn reminds me that it's football season and that hockey it close behind.  There's excitement in seeing the high school team play, no matter how bad they are.
    So basically, bring me a beanie and a sweater because I can't wait for autumn to start.

When You're Feeling Low

     This isn't the easiest thing to do.  I try to be an open book and answer any questions that anyone asks me.  But there are somethings that I just don't feel comfortable with.  This is one of them. For the past couple of years I've been dealing with anxiety and depression.  And because of it I've done thing to myself that I'm not proud of.  I'm not going to try and skirt around it or sugar coat it, yes I have self-harmed.  If you're reading this now and thinking "Wow I bet she just wanted the attention" then either rethink things or leave, right now.  In no way was it done because of that.  In fact I did everything I could to not have people see it.  I'm not writing this for pity or for attention, I'm writing it because I want people to know what really happens and that there are things you can do, if you're struggling, to make it easier.
    I don't think there's something that's going to work for everyone.  I'm just going to tell you what helped me.  There are days when I don't want to get out of bed or talk to anyone.  I feel pretty much like crap.  Sometimes when I'm having on of those days all I do is cry. There are some days I feel great.  I don't really know when either is going to happen.  What really matter though, is what I do, and what you can do, when you're having one of the bad days.  First of all, just try and get ready.  When I stay in my PJs or in sweats, I end up feeling worse.  But when I put on some cute clothes and make my hair look as nice as it possibly can, I feel more confident.  With that confidence, I start feeling better.  Put on your favorite music, and make sure it's loud.  Productivity, is another thing that usually makes me feel better.  Today for example, I wasn't feeling so hot, but I put on my overalls and did my makeup.  Now I've had some coffee and am enjoying the AC in a nice internet cafe.  I know it won't work for everyone and it won't always work for me, but trying is the main thing.
    You can do all that, but it won't make a difference unless you have someone to go to and talk.  I'm very fortunate to have a mother that believes in me more than I do myself.  She's gotten me through so much, and I'll never be able to repay her.  She's truly and amazing person.  Another person that I couldn't live without is my second oldest brother.  Literally, he's told me to call him whenever.  He's helped me in so many ways, I can't even explain.  Without them, I don't know where I'd be, or even if I'd be here.  They mean the world to me. So if you're going through something, please, please find someone, anyone that you can trust and talk to.  They can save you.  I wish that I could help every single person that is going through a rough time.  And I hope maybe if one person reads this and gets something out of it, then I've done what I wanted to do.
   I want to end this post with a link to a YouTube video that has helped me and made me feel a bit better.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-iNOFD27G4
  She also has some other videos that go along with what I've said so I'll link them here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TusEk5KUTA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG-WbtoAf2k

Top Ten MUSIC EDITION

   Hey all. It's time for another top ten.  I know I've been doing them a lot and believe me, I have other posts planned so don't worry.  But this one is pretty fun.  Music is something that everyone enjoys because there are just so many different kinds of it.  There's something for everyone, but actually.  If you want to listen to a certain type of music, it's definitely out there just waiting for you to come and find it.  I just think that it's very interesting to look at a person and then see what kind of music they like to listen to.  Now that I've blabbed enough, here's my list of my current Top Ten favorite music artists (in no order there's no way that could possibly happen).

10) The Ramones: I had to go with a classic that basically has defined my life.  There is so much to say about them that I don't want to say too much.  That made absolutely no sense but I just feel as though there is no need to try and have people understand why I love them so much.

9) Theory 59: They don't have a huge huge following, but they're amazing.  If you have a Spotify account go listen to their songs because you'll find yourself loving all of them. Seriously though, I'm not kidding, they have so much talent.

8) Lewis Watson: This kid is amazing, I say kid but he is older than me.  This Brit has a gift for writing songs that mesmerize me.  These are the songs that you listen to when you need to calm down, or that you listen to when you're having a bad day.  You feel what he feels when singing.  I love all of his songs.  Of course I have favorites though.

7) The Neighbourhood: Although I only recently learned about them, I can say this.  Their album is flawless.  Every track on it is amazing and I love the lyrics.  They can be a bit odd.  But what's good music without a bit of oddness to it?  If it was all so straight forward I don't think I would find it as amusing.

6)Ed Sheeran:  I can hear the fan girls now thanking me or telling me how much I suck.  Either way, I don't really care that much.  Maybe I'll sound like I have describing every other artist on here, but here are my thoughts.  He sings about almost everything, he writes some kick ass lyrics, his story is pretty cool, and lets face it his voice is pretty awesome.  He's another artist that I listen to when I need to focus  or calm down.

5) MGK (a.k.a. Machine Gun Kelly): Basically a huge change from the other artists I've mentioned, but hey I love his music. He's someone else who has an amazing story and channels that into his music very well.  I love blasting his music when I drive because it pumps me up, is that too weird?

4) T. Mills: Another one that may come as a surprise, but hey, I like his music.  It's raucous and makes me rap really badly along with him.  I love doing that, I'm sure you all have music that you do that to.  I mean I;m pretty sure every does.  I hope.

3) Panic! At The Disco: Every song on their first and third album is spectacular.  The second album was hit and miss for me, but hey it happens.  I also happen to love their music videos.  They make me so happy and I can't really explain it.  But their music is amazing and they're so incredibly talented.

2) The Vamps: I found them on YouTube.  They only have one single out; for now.  Their first album is coming soon and I couldn't be more excited for it.  This group of boys have some spectacular covers up.  They made a Justin Beiber song sound good.  That's how good they are.  Do I really need to explain it much more.

1) Lana Del Rey: She has a voice of gold and her songs are so good.  All of them.  She's just so fabulous, stylish, and so sweet to her fans.  Her music is amazing and so are her music videos.  I could probably just go on and on about how much I love her so I'll stop now.

    So those are my top ten favorite music artists.  Some runners up were: Johhny Cash, Bastille,  The 1975, and The Paper Kites.  Who are some of your favorite musical artists?

Slight Detour

   I went on a family vacation last month.  While my family sometimes goes on trips we haven't really had a vacation with all of us there in a long time.  So we rented a minivan (never again I hated every second of that car) and took the 12 hour journey to Maine.  We were there for a week and did some pretty cool stuff.  We also ate a lot.  Not that i'm surprised seeing as me and my brothers could basically eat for a living.  Maine is a beautiful place and I think my favorite part was just seeing the nature that was everywhere.  The smell of salt-water wasn't that bad either.  So I thought I would share some pictures of the trip.

I really liked it when the weather was kinda gloomy.  It gave the whole place a mysterious glow.  

                  These pictures are from a botanical garden we went to.  It was acres and acres of just wonderful plants.  They were all native to the region so it really added to the whole experience.

     Now for a little embarrassment on my part.  My family bet me to fit five triple-double oreos in my mouth for $60.  My brother thought it would be great to photograph it and I couldn't not share the pictures with you.

The Sunsets were simply gorgeous and I loved how they reflected off the water.

Where have you guys been going this summer?

Travel Top Ten Pt. 2

   Last time I had brought up this subject I told you guys all about 5 of the places that I hope to travel to one day.  Well the title does say top ten and not top five so here are the another 5 places that I hope to be able to travel to one day.

     6) Germany:  As one of the places that I get my fabulous good looks (hahahahaha) from, I've always had a curiosity about Germany.  One of my best friends is from Germany and she makes it sound like such a beautiful place and I want to see it for myself.  Ya know, to compare the notes and see what it's really like.

   7)Cuba: Call me crazy, but I'm not backing down on this one.  I know it may seem very weird, but stay with me.  I know that the countries haven't had the best relationship but I don't think that it should be the reason that keeps people from going there and exploring.  I also think it would be a great opportunity to do service.  What could be better than going somewhere that we weren't even allowed in for many years?  They also still drive old cars which I think is pretty cool.

   8) South Africa: A place full of very intense history and natural beauty.  I sound like a travel brochure but I don't see those as bad reasons for wanting to go somewhere.  What's stopping besides money.  I also may have the opportunity to go there next year with my school, which would be incredible.  I just think it would be so cool.  Besides they have cool accents.

Now these last two are my top two and while some people might group them together I wanted to have them as two separate entities.

    9) Ireland: Yes, that's right, you've caught me.  I have this thing, where I would love to go there.  I think that the country is so beautiful and while I would definitely visit the cities I think I would prefer to stay in the countryside.  Somewhere that I could just take pictures to my hearts content and see everything I've always wanted to.  Also, since when I would go I would be of legal age there I wouldn't mind a good pint or two, just to add to the experience.  I just think it's a fascinating place.

10) England: Now do you see why the made the last two different?  I know some might just call it the UK and end it there, but in my mind they aren't.  Now very much unlike with Ireland I would probably spend most of my time in the city and then spend shorter periods out in the countryside.  No doubt both are amazing in their own way.  However, if I were to go I just think that's how my time there would pan out.  This is one of the more plausible trips for me.  My Mom has basically agreed that if I can make enough money this summer and throughout the next school year then I can go after I graduate for the summer.  This would be an amazing opportunity for me and if it were to happen I might just cry. Hope that wasn't too much.

      Well now that you know where I would like to go, what are some places that you would like to go to?

All Grown Up

     Not me.  Goodness no, I'm nowhere close to being grown-up and frankly it scares me too.  My second oldest brother however, is getting close to it.  he recently graduated from college.  So the family packed up and drove for 7 hours to sit in the sun for 3 hours.  This makes it seem horrific, but really it wasn't.  I loved it.  I went early with my oldest brother to save good seats, which yes was slight borey because we had to sit on opposite ends of the row texting each other because we couldn't actually speak to each-other, however, it was well worth it because we did get good seats.  I know I put up a post not too long ago about my high school's graduation so bear with me as a basically repeat everything I said then.  I'm so extremely proud of him.  He's worked so hard and has accomplished so much, and seeing him graduation (again) was amazing.  I can't really say how much it made me happy to be there with the rest of my family seeing this amazing moment in his life.  I told you this was going to be bad.  But without anymore blaber from me, because yes that does happen a lot, here are some pictures.

People say we look similar but we don't get it.

The most priceless face I've ever seen.

My brother's girlfriend.