(most photos from google)

You know that feeling you get when something really special is about to happen? When you can just feel it, everything gets sort of quiet and your brain snaps into focus. This is why I love movies- this feeling. Obviously it doesn't come with every film you see, but when it does, when you get lucky and watch a truly great movie- it's magic.

One of my favorite things to do to fill a lazy day is go on Netflix and find movies I've never heard of and try them out. You may recognize some, but here are a few pretty great ones I've seen...

First, a story.
Hopefully this will help you to better realize who you're dealing with here.
I know (or assume) everyone faces entering college as they face the new year. With all sorts of ideas on how they're going to improve, to be their best self, so that they can have the killingest time ever, am I right? I am absolutely no exception, in fact I might be the poster child. Who knew.
Unfortunately, one of my favorite things to do is think about how I can improve. Not that I'm bashing self-improvement, don't get me wrong. But when everyday is "today I'm going to do it! I'm gonna do all the things I've been wanting to do!" and then I go to bed being like, "Aw cute, I accomplished nothing." Not the most winning spirit to take on on a daily basis.

Anyways, back to the story.
I looked at college like my big break. It was finally time. I could morph into the confident, BA, socialite I'd been imagining myself becoming for years. Shy around new people? Not this kid. Avoiding new situations? Never. I was going to be a lean mean socializing machine and I wasn't going to care who saw me do it.

And then I came to college.

Looking back, I sort of want to laugh at myself. For a whole five minutes. In the face, with lots of pointing and sneering involved, for believing this would happen. No dummy, people don't transform overnight. That is not how it works. Not even a little. And if you are someone who did exactly what I am saying is impossible please leave because you're already cooler than I am.

For so much of my life I've had these lists- lists upon lists of how I could change, improve, be better, more likeable or friendlier or funnier. And I'm not going to lie, I still want those things. Everyday I want those things. But what I want more is to be happy with me; the me I already am and was created specifically to be.

So this is not me saying I've mastered anything, but I just wanted to share that I have finally realized I need to stop trying to fix everything about myself and start appreciating who God made me to be. It's almost like I need to get to know myself, and it's kind of awesome and exciting.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes that have helped me. Enjoy.

"I don't wanna be, be in your posse girl, I don't wanna be caught in your social machine. I don't wanna be, be in your posse girl, it's not my scene, I don't need your company." -Posse

I was lucky enough to see Kimbra in concert this past Tuesday at the Varsity Theater in Dinkytown. Let me just say, beyond amazing. Kimbra's vocals are even better live, if you can believe that. The thing I love about live shows is that no matter how many times you listen to a song, nothing compares to seeing it performed by the artist. It's more personal, and it's something you will have forever.
I've always had a deep love for music. My first real concert was Nick Jonas & The Administration, (yes I am appropriately embarrassed by this) and even though I sometimes hesitate to tell people I paid to see him, I have to admit that I remember the night like it was yesterday. This is simply because it launched my love of seeing performers live. There is nothing like the feeling you get when you're standing mere feet from the stage with the speakers blaring so loud you can feel the beat down to your very core.
In the four years since then I've never gone more than a few months between concerts, and they never lose that magic, trust me.

All to say, Kimbra was probably my favorite thus far. Her energy, dress, vocal tricks and that charming New Zealand accent combined into the perfect night of entertainment.

• After everyone has gone to bed, I go down in the basement and watch Jimmy Fallon with a dog on each side, cuddling and scratching for about two-three episodes where I shamelessly laugh alone. 
• Doing exactly what I'm doing as I write this post, and as I did for many Saturdays the past 7 years we have lived in this house: sprawling out on the living room couch with a cozy blanket, my computer, and some soft music. 
• Help my Dad work. My father, an artist beyond measure at building and designing, always has a project going. Right now he is completely renovating the master bedroom, closet, and bathroom. It's coming along beautifully with dark hardwood floors, white archways, and antique barn wood covering one of the walls.