Dear 18 Year Old Stacy

The last couple of weeks have been full of graduations here in the Bay Area. I'm proud to say that not only did my cousin graduate from high school, but so did one of my Farm Drive girls. As I attended one of the graduations, I was reminded of the joy, hope, and excitement that comes with finishing high school. A new chapter is about to unfold and being able to look back on that is exciting. As I watched all of the graduates interact with their friends and family, I realized that they have so much change coming their way. They'll grow closer to some friends, lose track of others, but identify who matters most.

This retrospection got me thinking, what would I tell my 18 year old self, if I could? Would I be super vague or would I give away all the details? Would I instruct myself to do things differently or would I let things play out the way they have. If I'm completely honest, there are definitely some surprises that I would want to warn my past self about. I have some regrets and have made some mistakes that I would like to take back. Otherwise, I like to think I would be vague in order for myself to grow through my experiences. Here is what I've decided on...

• Be a better friend and visit Julie down in SLO at least once a semester.
• Marry Robbie, it's the right choice.
• Don't compare yourself, your life, your marriage, or your decisions to anyone else. 
• Finish school, you won't regret it*.
• Don't take the first option that comes your way, either make sure it's something you'll love or see what else is available.

What would you tell your former self? Would you drop any major bombs or let history repeat itself?
(Photos taken at my high school graduation in 2005)

*I did graduate with a BA, but I seriously considered leaving school in 2008.

School is Out!

As you may have noticed, my posts this week have been short, but hopefully sweet. This is because I have been wrapping up my final twenty-page paper. I feel so relieved to have turned everything in, and I feel proud to have accomplished something I would not have imagined at the start of the semester. It has been a challenge, but extremely rewarding at the same time.

Have you completed something you wouldn't have imaged at the start? What is your experience pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone?
(Photo: via Pinterest)

Wanderlust - Four Seasons, Thailand

This week has been kicking my butt. It is the last week of the semester and I have some major assignments due (assignments I should have been working on before this week). After I submit my work, my schedule will be much lighter and I'll be able to fully settle into the holiday spirit.

In the meantime, as I'm faced with mounds of writing I can't help but daydream about a relaxing vacation. Wouldn't it be wonderful to feed elephants off of your porch, or get a massage at the edge of a tropical jungle? Oh goodness, that sounds lovely...

Are you daydreaming about any particular vacation destinations? How do you relax after a stressful week?
(Photos: Four Seasons)

Have a Rockin' Weekend

This weekend looks to be a busy one. We will be hanging with friends, enjoying a pre-Thanksgiving feast, and I'll be finishing up some school work. I'm looking forward to everything we have planned (except for maybe my homework), but I am most excited for this evening.

Robbie's band, Troubadour, is playing a show at The Crepe Place in Santa Cruz tonight. Robbie has a strong passion for music and I love being able to watch him take part in that passion. He is the lead singer, while also playing guitar, and I have to admit that I really love being married to the lead singer. He looks so cute up there! Troubadour will be playing with our good friends, Hurricane Roses, so I'm looking forward to a night of great music. If you'd like to check it out, the show starts right at 8pm, so try not to be late.

What are your plans this weekend? Will you be preparing for Thanksgiving?
(Photo: Taken by Jon Renfro)

Big Decisions

Have you ever thought reaching a milestone would somehow make life less complicated? I know it sounds a bit foolish, but I really thought getting my Bachelors Degree would somehow make life less complicated. As you might have guessed, this has not been the case. I don't want to act as though my life is overly-complicated, but there are still big decisions to be made. My life is full of fun things, but I worry that I am getting to the point where I may need to scale back one or two of them.

I started a Graduate Program in August and I have been struggling with whether or not it is a path I want to continue to pursue. Logically, it makes sense. It will only benefit me in the future, it is only three years when compared to the entirety of my life, and I really enjoy my in-class discussions. However, I have been struggling with the balance of my school work, work work, and creative outlets. I definitely cannot stop working, I like my job, and it's great experience. I can't imagine giving up my creative outlets (i.e. Content magazine and my blog) because they are what make me excited and they help me stay sane. This leaves me questioning the only commitment left: Grad school.

So, how do you come to a resolution on big decisions? Do you have a go-to process in place? I'd love to hear your insights.

The Weekend is Here! (for some)

Usually, I'm a person who counts down the days until Friday.  As I've mentioned before, they are one of my favorite days of the week. However, today does not hold that same excitement for me as I'll be cooped up all weekend working on homework. The good news? My heavy loaded class ends Monday, so I'll be looking forward to next Friday!

What are your plans this weekend? Any concerts, movies, or friends to see? I'd love to hear!


(Photo courtesy of QuietLikeHorses)

Feelings of Flight

Hello friends!  The last couple of days have left me feeling as though I want to run away from my responsibilities.  I'm not sure if it's the first round of major grad school deadlines, or facing the harsh realities of adulthood, but I want to buy a one-way ticket and figure out the details after I land.

Yes, I have been known to get a serious case of wanderlust or two, but this bout has been creating severe writer's block in my studies.  All I can think about is dedicating my time and energy into my creative outlets.  Don't get me wrong, I very much enjoy being in a classroom, participating in discussion, and keeping my mind flexible.  However, I've been having a difficult time locating the motivation to get everything going.

I'm sure these feelings will pass, but in the meantime, it has left me pondering my decisions and the direction these decisions will take me.

How do you face feelings of flight?  Do you have a process for dealing with a resistance to responsibility?  Any insights are greatly appreciated...


(Photo courtesy of National Geographic)

Back to School

Today is my first day of graduate school and I have mixed emotions for going back into the classroom. I'm excited for the conversations I'll have with my classmates, but I'm nervous as to how it is going to effect my personal life. Balancing work, school, and life is going to be difficult and I worry that I won't have enough energy for creative outlets.

In preparation for my first day, I have been assigned to read Discourse on Method by Descartes. It is a dry, dry read that has cramped my end of summer fun. I can appreciate the foundation it lays, but I can't say that I've enjoyed it.

Have you balanced work, school, and life? Do you have any recommendations? Help!