Knysna (nyzz-nah)

I know that I am officially a crazy dog person now because I am dedicating this whole post to my dog, but I don't care because I love her so much! Knysna (one of our favorite places in South Africa) is the nicest dog you will meet. She loves everyone of all ages, race, and gender-unless she thinks someone is threatening you. No matter where you are in the house she will come lay down next to you, and be your shadow. Because she is a Saint Bernard she has a lazy streak a mile long. Every morning when I say it's time for her walk she lays back down and fake snores. I could go on forever about my perfect beautiful dog, but I will stop now and just let you enjoy the pictures of her growing up!

You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive

I have some bad news that might be a secret to most... If you have ever driven with me, you know you have to hold on tight. It's not that I'm really a bad driver, it's just that I like to get to places quickly. Someone once told me I drive like I'm in Africa all the time-weaving in and out of traffic, not using full stops, you know... My mom even told me that driving with me is like riding on a ride at Disney Land. But here's the secret, when I am driving with others I use my best driving behavior. What you might say!? Yes it's true I'm actually a worse driver when I'm driving solo.
1. I have been pulled over 3 times, but I have never gotten a ticket!
2. The day I got my license I backed in to someone, but didn't really do any damage.
3. I have hit probably 50 garbage cans.
4. Ran into a fence.
5. Knocked my side mirror off when I drove into a hedge.
6. Nearly flipped the car (with the whole family in it) while trying to text and drive.
I'm pretty sure I could go on, but I will stop here, because I still want people to drive with me, because I'm really not that bad of a driver. I promise.

The sad thing is, I think I might be capable of something like this...

Love yourself, for if you don't, how can you expect anybody else to love you?

I realize I might step on a few toes with this blog, but this is a place for me to express myself, so here I go. You know how sometimes when you’re stressed you eat A LOT? Well I do the opposite. When I am under stress, I physically cannot eat a thing. I had a very stressful morning that wiped me out for the entire day - never felt hungry at all, just nauseous. When I finally forced myself to eat, it didn't agree with me and I got sick and lost it all anyway. I realize it’s not the healthiest thing to do, but I honestly can’t help it.
The thing I get most bothered about is if someone is under stress and gains a little bit of weight nobody cares, but if they lose weight no one understands it. In my opinion it is just as bad to be called too skinny as over weight. It’s basically saying that whoever you are isn’t right.
So, stop asking my mom if I’m okay or if I’ve lost weight-I’m just fine! I’ve just had a stressful year. Luckily with this parasite I have developed a bloated tummy so it has gotten a few people off my case. I love eating healthy, and exercising, and I try to love my body no matter what shape it is in!

When I grow up I want to be...

After years of being asked what I want to be when I grow up, I can finally answer that question! If you know me, you know I have a wide variety of interests, so I couldn't just settle on one degree; I'm going for 3.

#1 Interior Designer. This is what I started college majoring in; the only difference is that I'm going to get my associates now instead of bachelors. Reasoning: I love designing, and being creative but not so much the technical side of it, which is what a lot of the bachelor's degree focused on. I really didn't see a point in taking a bunch of classes in things I would NEVER actually use in my career. This will be a good profession when I have a family because I can just work from home and take on as many clients as I feel comfortable doing!

#2 Global Studies, with a minor in Travel and Tourism. This is an obvious choice for me-someone who has lived their whole life traveling. I love learning about the world, and traveling is probably my number one passion in life. With the minor in T&T it will also give me some great job opportunities.
#3 I want to get my Masters in Country Development. Ever since volunteering in Rwanda it has opened my eyes so much to how badly other countries need our help. This masters program is offered mostly outside the US, which is great because I would love to move someone outside the country for an extended period of time. This also fits perfectly with what Laurent wants to do, Anthropology, (just like my father, funny?!) with an emphasis on archeology. I don't like planning too far in advance, but I could see him out in the field digging/doing research while I work for a NGO like World Vision.
Anyway, I feel good about finally reaching a decision! I know it'll be a long road with lots of hard work, but I'm ready!

Concrete Jungle

I recently returned from one of the best trips of my life! I was lucky enough to go to New York City with Laurent! His sister and nephew live there, and his parents were coming over from France to visit, so it was the perfect opportunity to meet the family! I was really nervous, but that quickly faded, because he has the most wonderful family in the world. We had such a good time, it was Laurent's first time in NYC so we got to go see all the fun sights. The best part though was being able to spend 10 WHOLE days with my best friend!

A few highlights!




Love him!

The Crypt Keeper

I am obsessed with the popular show called 16 and Pregnant, and then following that, Teen Mom. It mainly fascinates me, and admittedly makes me cry all the time. I think it is a great show that in no way encourages teen pregnancy or glorifies it. I feel it does quite the opposite. Also I cannot dismiss that I learned a lot from it when it comes to delivering babies which came in helpful in Rwanda. Anyway, when I was watching Teen Mom online a little bit ago I was reading some of the comments on the video and someone said that Farra's mom looked like the Crypt Keeper. Curious, I looked it up and fell off my chair laughing because there is an undeniable similarity.

Well at least the "Crypt keeper" produced a beautiful child, and passed on further DNA to make a beautiful granddaughter (Sophia).

Current Obsessions

1. Jewelry making. I basically taught myself how to make necklaces, and am thrilled with my new skill!
2. Hula-hoop work outs. Don't laugh! They really give you a good workout!
3. Pocket pigs. They stay tiny their whole lives, and get trained to use a litter box! Laurent said we can get one!
4. Harem pants. My sisters from Norway introduced them to me, and I LOVED borrowing them! But I am now having a hard time tracking some down in the US. HELP!