Category: Everyday Happenings

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Day 18: What is the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

Posted on by momentswithmisty

You know, I generally don’t have a hard time getting over things. I think I get this from my mom. She seems to be this way too. One minute she’s mad, but the next she’s over it, or acts like she is. I guess that’s kind of how I am too. I’m not totally over things instantly, I might let them stew a little bit, but in the end I generally just tend to pretend it didn’t happen. Which isn’t exactly the same thing as forgiveness initially, but it usually leads to that.

I will forgive easily, because I’m know that everyone makes mistakes, but at the same time, I will always remember what happened, or what was said, and because I’m a strategically mean person, I’ll probably bring it up again during something totally unrelated. I’m working on that, but I am self-aware enough to know that’s what I do.

So, forgiveness isn’t really a rough thing for me. Except for when it comes to myself. I’m not very forgiving with myself. I have a hard time giving myself a break for the stupid things I’ve said or done, or the things I haven’t said or done when I should’ve.

I’m not going to go into detail because I don’t feel like the internet is an appropriate place discuss this stuff and I think this is a really dumb question. It just makes you rehash things that, by your own admission, you’ve put in the past. It also encourages you to call out other people, which isn’t the kindest thing in the world. Bad question, question creator.

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Day 17: Dance magic dance (what is the thing you most wish you were great at)

Posted on by momentswithmisty

I wish I could dance. I love every kind of dancing, waltzes, hip-hop, tango, ballet, “freestyle,” salsa, all of them. Dance movies (and movies where there is lots of dancing) are the bomb. HSM (all three of them). Save the Last Dance. Dirty Dancing. Step Up. Honey. Hair Spray. Stop the Yard. Footloose. I turn green watching dancers. Unfortunately, I have absolutely no dance skills. Like, none at all. I can’t even really sway very well. It’s because I have no rhythm. But, I love to dance, so the fact that I can’t is tragic (but highly humorous for anyone who has ever seen me bust a move). I’ve tried to learn, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I will probably never learn. It’s impossible. If I’m ever famous, semi-famous, or have enough money, I will beg and cry, and possibly bribe the big time ABC executives to put me on “Dancing with the Stars” (and then hope they partner me with Derek Hough or Mark Ballas).

I just want to dance.

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Day 14: I’m stronger than yesterday, now it’s nothing but my way (describe 5 strengths you have)

Posted on by momentswithmisty

“Hi, where are you from? What’s your major? What are your top 5 strengths?”

STRENGTHS QUEST! Okay, you’ll only get that if you went to Evangel. Every person who goes to Evangel takes this test called Strengths Quest. You answer a series of random questions and then it tells you what your top five strengths are. And then you are defined by those strengths for your entire four years. Don’t think I’m joking. They even make shirts for it. Yes, I’m making fun of it, but in reality I kind of loved it. I used to try to guess what everyone’s strengths were before I asked. It’s important to know what your strengths are.

In case you were wondering, my top 5 strengths according to Strengths Quest were/are:

1. Empathy

2. Strategy

3. Individualization

4. Futuristic

5. Input

I’ve always had some doubts about them. I mean, empathy? Really? My number one strength? I don’t even like people, why would I empathize with them? Maybe it’s some kind of weird, latent thing. And what is individualization anyway? It sounds like a word that was made up. But, the other three I will agree with. I am pretty strategic. And futuristic just means that I’m always thinking about the future, in real words it means I’m a dreamer, which we all already knew. And input means that I like to know random knowledge, and that I like to know everything about things, and that is definitely true.

So those are my “tested” strengths. These are what I like to think my strengths are.

1. I’m a good friend (or at least I like to think that I am). If my career could be “friend,” that would be ideal. I think that may be what I am best at in the entire world  (or maybe I’m not actually a good friend and this is all an in my imagination). I am extremely concious of their feelings and I’d like to think that I’m always there for them when they need to talk, or when they want some kind of advice. I am extremely loyal to my friends. And I would do anything for them. One day when I’m famous (or sort of famous, or married to someone famous), they will all be hooked up with cool jobs, concert tickets, football/basketball/hockey/baseball tickets, advanced screenings and whatever other swag they might want, I’ll make sure of that.

2. Hugs. What can I say, I give good hugs. There’s no contesting that. If being a professional friend doesn’t work out, I’d like to be a professional hugger.

3. Sarcasm. I am very good at this. Practice makes perfect, right? And boy do I have a lot of practice in this. Anyone who has ever had a conversation with me can attest to this. Sometimes I’m concerned that people I don’t know will think I’m serious when I say things, which to me, means that I’m doing it right. If they can’t tell you’re joking then you’re mastered this skill. I’m pretty quick-witted, it’s a gift.

4. Capturing moments. This is my forte as a photographer. I can’t pose people or shoot good portraits to save my life. Any kind of portrait I try to take always has that awkward-we-are-uncomfortable-and-being-posed feel to it. But, I am good at capturing moments. Action photography is what I’m someday hoping to get into. Sports, concerts, anything where there is dynamic movement. I’m not going to say it’s harder than portraits, because that’s not the case, portraits photography is hard, but it takes a different kind of talent and creative mind. It’s composing on the fly, and having to anticipate movements. So much fun.

5. I have a strong sense of who I am. I’m pretty headstrong and I’m a nonconformist. I like what I like no matter what people think about it. I am way too lame to every be a hipster. Yes, I’m 22-years-old (almost 23!), and I like boybands and Disney. I wear what I want, despite what might be popular or trendy. Yes, I live in LA, and I sometimes dress like I live in Nashville. It’s just not in my character to to base my thoughts, beliefs, opinions, likes, dislikes, or actions on what is popular or cool. I am me, and I’m proud to be me. Judge me if you want, totally not my problem.

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Day 12: Eight days a week (describe a typical day in your current life)

Posted on by momentswithmisty

There is no such thing as a typical day in my current life. I don’t really have a set schedule. If I have to work in the morning I get up at 8am and go to work, but if I end up with a closing shift it is very likely that I will sleep until like 11:30 and go to work at 2. And if I have the say off, it’s likely that I will sleep until 11:30.

I usually work. That’s suuuper fun. At least I enjoy the company of the people that I work with, but I’m not entirely sure that selling cupcakes is my calling in life. If I’m opening the shoppe, I get up and go in at 9am. I work until usually 5, and then I come home and eat. (This process is exactly the same if I’m closing only it starts much later in the day, like roughly 11:30-ish). Up until today I would come home and turn the Olympics on, now I will come home and watch Supernatural (until I finish the series, which will probably be in September, which means it will be time for Friday Night Lights). Unfortunately I don’t sleep that well at night (even when I have gotten up early in the morning), so I’m up until roughly 2am either a.) watching tv b.) looking at things on pinterest c.) looking at things on craigslist d.) stalking people, or any combination of the before mentioned.

A lot of my time is also devoted to trying to find a way to get the job I actually want. So I’m trying to track down contact info for tour managers and other important people. So far, I’ve tracked down a lot of info, but haven’t really had much real luck after that.

If I have the day off, I spend it at the mall (because there is air-conditioning there), or occasionally at the beach (it’s such a hassle to get to though, and there are so many children, so that doesn’t happen often), sometimes I go hang out with George and/or Amber, but usually I just spend it at home in my pajamas (I know what you’re thinking, man, she is fun!).

Pepper in some phone calls with my mom and other family/friends and you’ve got my typical day: work, food, TV on dvd/internet, sleep. Repeat.

*Disclaimer*My life would be more exciting if I had some wingmen here, or possibly if I wasn’t poor and a teeny bit lazy, and my being anti-social doesn’t really help either. It would also be more exciting if I was on the road with a band.

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Day 11: Describe 10 pet peeves you have

Posted on by momentswithmisty

This is pretty rough. My friend, Phoebe, shared this word with me today: misanthrope. It’s a noun that means: one who hates all other humans. There should be a picture of me next to this definition in the dictionary. I pretty much hate everyone in the world and everything that they do, how can I pick just 10 pet peeves? I’ll do my best though, just be aware that this list could possibly go on forever.

1. Children. Children are my biggest pet peeve. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adore the children in my life, but that’s it. I hate all other kids. They are whiney, slobbery, obnoxious, sticky, loud, selfish and often times smelly. And parents these days don’t seem to want to teach their children how to behave in public. When did we stop teaching manners? C’mon, your child should not feel like it’s okay to scream and cry and throw a fit while in public. Well-behaved kids are rarer than diamonds.

2. Pirating music. Sooo, let me get this straight, you loooooove Drake and Justin Bieber, but instead of buying their albums, you’re going to download them illegally? That makes a WHOLE lot of sense. If you really loved that artist you would support their livelihood by actually purchasing their albums. How do you expect the industry to survive if people keep stealing from it?? Studio time is not free. I know that they are billionaires, but that doesn’t make it okay to steal from them. You don’t walk into Target and stick the cd in your bag do you? Stealing is stealing. If I hear about anyone pirating music, I will go off on them (whether I know them or not).

3. Rudeness. I hate it when people are rude. I know that this is not something that anyone likes, but it really just gets to me. That is the first thing I notice about people, no matter what your “dominant trait” is, I will instantly notice whether you are rude or polite. And there is no redeeming trait for being rude. I don’t care how funny you are, that won’t make up for it. How hard is it to be polite people?? I bet the entire world would run smoother if people weren’t so rude.

4. One-uppers. You know those people in the world that always have to out-do you? I hate them. You broke your foot? Oh, I broke all the bones in my leg. You’re going on vacation to Hawaii? Oh, I’m going to stay on a private island in the Bahamas. I just can’t stand those people who either have to have it worse than you, or they have things better than you. Once I discover that you are this kind of person, I will likely start making things up for you to compete with.

5. Couples who sit on the same side of the booth in restaurants. I just feel like it’s so awkward. Like, why do you need to sit next to each other? Isn’t the point of going to dinner together to talk to each other? Wouldn’t that be easier if you were across from each other? Wouldn’t that make it easier to look at each other? This should just extend to all those obnoxiously affection couples. I do not want to see you kissing all the time. Get a room. Clearly you’re together because you’re holding hands, you don’t need to be all over each other.

6. Bad drivers. People who don’t turn right on red. People who don’t use their blinkers. People who drive 10 below the speed limit. People who don’t know how to use a four-way stop. People who can’t stay in their lane. People who speed through parking lots. People who don’t turn their lights on in the rain, or at night. People who honk at you to go BEFORE the light turns green, or while you’re waiting to turn because their are people in the road. People who don’t let pedestrians cross the road without fear for their lives. People who drive down a lane that is closing and expect you to let them in at the last minute. People who exit across five lanes of traffic. People who zig zag across lanes in traffic.

7. People who think they are a bigger deal than they are. Self-explanatory. Listen, nobody cares what you do, eat or say. Get over yourself.

8. Texting type. “U r prolly goin 2 h8 me b4 my list is ovr.” Seriously people. Learn how to spell. Those extra two letter in ‘you’ are not going to kill you to type. Drives me insane. I hate having to try and decipher this crap. It’s like one giant game of MadGab. This upcoming generation isn’t even going to know that there is a ‘y’ and an ‘o’ in the word ‘you.’ Numbers do not belong in words and vowels are your friend. Also, PeOpLe WhO tYpE LiKe ThIs, are annoying.

9. Fast food places who ask “how are you?” It makes things weird. I never know when you order. It’s awkward small talk. We both know you don’t care about how I’m doing. I just want some food, and I want it fast. No chit-chatting.

10. People who think their opinion is the only one that matters. People who are self-righteous. People who think that it’s a good idea to fight hate with hate.

Honorable mentions: Skinny jeans/Leggings as pants. Selfish people. Vulgar people who thank God during award ceremonies (I’m looking at you Chris Brown). People who go into business’ minutes before they close. People who don’t know the difference between you’re/your, their/there/they’re, two/to/too. Needy people. Busy work. People who don’t clean up after themselves. Music being too loud in stores. People who talk too much. When banks charge you multiple over-draft fees. Bosses who assume your work is your life. Unsolicited advice. Pop-up ads. Ads on Youtube. Songs with police sirens in them. Attention-seekers. Couples who are instantly in love with each other. Teenagers. Know-it-alls. Mornings.

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Day 10: Because I knew you, I have been changed for good (list 10 people who have influenced you and how.

Posted on by momentswithmisty

So, I switched days 9 and 10, but no harm done.

This list in not in any order at all. In fact I switched it up intentionally so that it wouldn’t be in any kind of order. All of these people have had an influence on my life. They’ve all somehow managed to leave a lasting impression on my life, and changed me for good.

1. My Mom. I feel like this is an obvious answer. My mom taught me how to be me. Pieces of her are identifiable in every part of me. My humor, my disposition and strength all comes from her (among other things).

2. My Dad. Again, an obvious answer. My dad gave me the other half of my personality. Most of my likes come from him. He’s the reason I love music and history. My stubborn and introverted spirit also come from my dad.

3. Chad Mayne. Outside of my family, he has been the biggest influence on my life up to this point. I can guarantee you that I would not be the person I am today if it wasn’t for Chad.

4. My Friends. (I don’t dare try to name them all in fear of accidentally leaving someone off the list). Birds of a feather flock together. The old saying is true, you have you surround yourself with good people. Luckily for me, I’ve been blessed with some wonderful people. Peer pressure is real, so it’s nice to have good peers.

5. Harry Potter. Seriously. Stop looking at me like that. HP (how I affectionately refer to him) was growing up as I was growing up. The story of Harry Potter (totally ignoring the magic part aspect) is about a boy who has to grow up and be brave, he has to be bigger than himself. The story is about courage and friendship, and love and right and wrong. And Harry Potter always makes the right choice. There is a strong possibility that I’ll never be more influenced by a fictional character in my life.

6. and 7. Jason and Kendra Mauck. Two of my favorite people in the world. They were also there during my high school years, teaching me about my worth and identity in Christ. They are still some of my dearest friends. One day (assuming I find someone brave enough to marry me) Jason will preside over my wedding.

8. Taylor Swift. Don’t look at me like that. We are all influenced by celebrities, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. She’s true to herself, she’s kind, and she’s classy. She started out as nobody and followed her dreams to make a name for herself. She’s who I want to be.

9. Julia Bartgis. My other mother! The best person to go to for advice, and one of the best people to model your life after. She’s always there for me when I need her and she’s always full of wisdom. She’s lovely and so giving. I’d be lucky to tun out like her.

10. My family. I know I already singled out my parents, but my whole family has had a huge influence on me. My siblings (all 4 of them!), my grandparents, my aunts and uncles and cousins, they’ve all helped build me. Whether it was them giving me advice, my learning from their mistakes, or just watching them deal with life in general, they’ve all been my examples and guiding influence.

*Honorable mentions: My community. The Bolivar class of 2008.

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Day 9: Describe your most embarrassing moment

Posted on by momentswithmisty

My life is just a series of embarrassing moments. Every. single. day. I could not even begin to pick any one that is on top of the list. Seriously. If you know me at all, you are well aware that I awkward in human form. I trip all the time. I run into things. I make dumb assumptions. I don’t always think before I speak, so I sometimes say stupid things. One time I asked Joe Jonas if I could hug him…and that was pretty embarrassing (at least he said yes, otherwise I would have been mortified).

The good thing though is that now I am basically immune to getting embarrassed. Things happen to me so often that I’m desensitized to it.

I’m sorry to disappoint, but I honestly can not think of one that would be entertaining enough to write about. But if you can think of any embarrassing moments for me that you happened to witness, please feel free to share them.

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Day 8: “If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.” – Benjamin Franklin (what are 5 passions that you have)

Posted on by momentswithmisty

I feel like this is a little bit confusing. I have a lot of passions. I’m passionate about a lot of things, but the question makes me want to list hobbies type things that I’m passionate about, so I’m not real sure how to handle this. I guess I’ll randomly pick some stuff.

1. My beliefs. I’m pretty passionate about everything I believe in. Whether that be God, freedom, dreams, or what I believe to be right and wrong (and my opinions). If I believe in something, I am passionate about it. I don’t do any of this halfway crap. Unless you’re very close to me, I might not share with you all the things that I’m passionate about, but rest assured, those passionate beliefs are there.

2. Photos. I just love pictures. I can’t even do everyday things without at some point imagining how to frame the picture. It’s pretty crazy. That’s apparently how I’ve trained my brain to work. I would spend every day taking pictures if I could.

3. Relationships. My family is the most important thing to me. It makes me sad everyday that I’m not with them. I hate missing things in the lives of my nieces and nephews, nothing makes me more sad in the world than the thought that they might forget me. My friends are usually as close to me that they might as well be family. I am fiercely loyal, so once you’re in, you’re in forever (assuming you don’t do anything really, really REALLY stupid). I am a firm believer in quality over quantity, and I have some of the highest quality friends.

4. Sleep. I’m pretty passionate about napping.

5. Sports and music. These two tie. They are both things that I love and am passionate about, but am not good at. I guess that’s not totally true, I am sort of athletic. But I’m not sure I’m motivated or competitive enough to be really good at sports. I like to play, and I tend to do okay, but I’m by no means anywhere close to being fantastic at them. But, I do absolutely love to watch sports. Football, soccer, hockey, basketball, you name it, and I probably watch it (and needless to say I love the Olympics). And music; I love music. I love the radio (okay, not really, I like itunes, radio stations kill songs and play too many commercials), I love live music, and I love musicians. But, if there was ever a job or hobby in the world that I should avoid, it would (sadly) be music. I have zero rhythm, and nobody would ever pay to hear me sing.

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Day 7: Workin’ for the Weekend (what is your dream job, and why)

Posted on by momentswithmisty

My dream job is working on a concert tour as the photographer. That is why I am in LA, to hopefully figure out how to make this dream a reality (possibly making some headway on that, so keep me in your thoughts!). I obviously have certain bands that I’d rather work with/for (NSYNC reunion!), but I’d be open to pretty much anyone. Ideally my job would consist of me taking pictures of the band while they are on tour, not only during shows, but also just in everyday things, and then blogging about it.

Why is this my dream job? Because it combines basically all of my favorite things. Taking pictures, live music and traveling. And, I think I’d be perfect for it.

My heart was meant to be on the road. I’m just a wanderer. I love road trips, and that is basically what a tour is. It is a summer (or fall) road trip. And sometimes, if the band is popular enough, the road trip extends to planes and you get to go across the world. And that would be perfect.

For anyone that knows me I’m sure it is no surprise at all that my dream job has something to do with taking pictures. That’s all I really want to do with my life. I can not see any other career in which I will be happy. All I want to do it take pictures. It’s what I’m good at and it’s what I love.

And concerts are my favorite thing. I’ve expressed multiple times that I am a concert junkie. I just love them so much. So getting to see one every night (even if it was the same band) would be a dream come true.

*Honorable mention: photographer for Sport Illustrated. For obvious reasons, getting to take pictures and getting to go to sporting events everyday.